A Tourist's Compact Guide to Palawan's Top Attractions

We're taking you on a trip down Puerto Princesa, so by the time you set foot on a Palawan beach resort, the locale's nooks won't be as strange to you. If you want to know more about the city's top tourist attractions, then keep on reading. After all, you can't go wrong with trying to know more about a place that possesses so much character. 1. Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center This wildlife facility features a crocodile farm and a mini-zoo that features various species endemic to Palawan. 2. Plaza Cuartel This historical site gives travelers a glimpse of the second World War. A bronze marker that contains the name of eleven prisoners of war who managed to survive a massacre is found in the plaza. 3. Immaculate Conception Cathedral Just across Plaza Cuartel stands this magnificent edifice that was built during the Spanish era. Unlike the old churches in some parts of the country that is made of limestone, this cathedral is predominantly made of cement. 4. Mitra's Ranch Set in the hill of Sta. Monica Heights, this place is famous for the triangular-shaped mansion built in the middle of a spacious picnic grounds. The ranch commands a panoramic view of Honda Bay. 5. Honda Bay A 45-minute drive from the city proper will bring you to the port of Honda Bay. This is home to various virgin islands like Pandan Island, Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, and Luli Island. 6. Dos Palmas Island Resort Philippines This all-inclusive Palawan resort offers day tours for tourists. In here, you can engage in water sports, commune with nature, or simply partake in scrumptious food. 7. Ugong Rock Those who love thrilling adventures will surely enjoy a trip to this place that offers activities like ziplining, spelunking, and trekking. 8. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this world-renowned attraction features an amazing limestone or karst landscape with the most complex cave system. Whether you've been to Puerto Princesa several times, or it's your first time to explore it, the city is truly a remarkable place to discover. So, while booked in a Palawan beach resort, keep this guide in mind for a vacation that is truly unforgettable.

Bohol in 3 Ways: Different Attractions You May Visit in Bohol, Philippines

A getaway in a beachfront resort in Bohol presents a great opportunity to discover a set of must-visit attractions in the province. With the various interesting spots you will find around the locale, you will be up for a multifaceted holiday. Truly, among the many reasons the province is one of the favorite destinations in the country, is that a new type of experience is available at every turn. Beaches Bohol's prime tourist attraction is a set of havens for beach bums. The town of Panglao alone is home to 4 irresistable beaches. 1. Alona Beach is probably the most developed beach in Panglao. It is about one and a half kilometers long, lines with a slew of restaurants, bars, and various types of accommodation in Bohol. 2. Lying under the shallow waters of Bagobo Beach is the finest white sand you’ll ever see and touch. It’s so fine you’ll start wondering whether the beach is made entirely of cornstarch. 3. Like Alona, Dumaluan Beach is a white-sand strip running one and a half kilometers along. If you’re still undecided about where to stay in Bohol, this is the go-to place. Here, you'll find some of the most luxurious beachfront resorts in Panglao. 4. Doljo Beach takes pride in its crystal clear water. It is also within proximity to Doljo Point and Doljo House Reef, which are spectacular diving sites just off the coast of Panglao. Diving Spots Those who love underwater adventures will surely be thrilled to discover these diving spots in Bohol. 1. Found in the west of Danao Beach, Balicasag Sanctuary is a deep coral wall starting at 3-meter depth and going down to up to 60 meters. The wall offers a good chance to find various nudibranch, eels, frogfish, scorpion fish, and leaf fish. 2. A 15-minute boat ride from Danao Beach will bring you to Arco Point, also known as the Hole in the Wall. It is a shallow dive spot with maximum 25-meter depth. It is common to see giant frogfish, nudibranch, slugs, moray eel, and snake eels in this spot. 3. About 5 minutes to the west of Danao Beach, an old outrigger dive boat named Habagat was sunk on purpose. Habagat Wreck is a dive spot for experienced divers since the wreck is at 35 to 38-meter depth. 4. A 30-minute boat ride from Danao Beach will bring you to Napaling, steep wall dive with big gorgonians and black corals. Schools of barracuda and jackfish can also be seen here from time to time. Historical Sites Bohol is also a cradle of rich history and heritage. 1. Located at Barangay Bool in Tagbilaran City, the Blood Compact Site marks the location where Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain, forged a blood compact with Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, representing the King of Spain. 2. The Dagohoy Historical Marker in the town of Danao was installed by the Philippine Historical Comission to honor the heroic deeds of Francisco Dagohoy. He led the longest revolt in the country against the Spaniards which lasted for 84 years. 3. Atop the Mt. Carmel Hill is a historical tower of adobe and limestone. It was built to serve as a belfry of a church which was burned down during the Philippine revolution. 4. Punta Cruz is an ancient stone watchtower built by the townspeople as a lookout for incoming pirates. The tower commands a breathtaking view of the sea facing Cebu, Siquijor, and Mindanao. Make the most of your vacation in a beachfront resort in Bohol by exploring these tourist attractions that are surely for the books.

Prepare For These Common Travel Scams Before Your Trip

They say people have an innate inclination to avoid trouble — we call this instinct or gut feeling. And when your instincts tell you to avoid that shady person looking at you on the bus, you do it, right? This is what we’ve always done when we’re commuting to work, and this is certainly invaluable when we’re out travelling the world. Even seasoned globetrotters can fall victim to scammers and ‘no good doers.’ Getting scammed happens to the best of us, so it is extremely important that we are vigilant while we’re out experiencing the world.

Here’s a rundown of common travel scams to help you prepare for them before you go on your trip.

Sketchy deals
You might’ve already come across really cheap tour packages that cover hotel accommodation and tickets to museums and amusement parks in places like Penang or Kuala Lumpur. While there are a lot of packages that are genuinely affordable, there are a lot of sketchy deals making the rounds online. So if travel packages look too good to be true, do some research first before booking a deal. Note that even online scammers spend money on social media ads, too.

When making reservations, booking directly on hotel websites is still the best and safest option. For instance, if you’re planning a Penang trip, visit the Vouk Hotel Suites website to get exclusive discount deals on your accommodation. For tours, you can contact the hotel for partner tour guide companies and ask for recommendations.

Getting lost
Tourists are a magnet for ill-intentioned gangs. Their most common modus is to give lost tourists the wrong directions so that they can corner them and rob them. One of the best ways to thwart this is to avoid getting too much attention. You might think this is difficult to do especially if you look nothing like the locals, but there are ways not make people do a double-take. For instance, if you must consult a large map, always step to the side or get inside a secured shop. Avoid talking loudly about getting lost. And if your map isn’t doing you any favours, ask tourist stalls, shop owners, or the police for directions.

Malfunctioning taxi metres
The Broken Taxi Metre trick is the oldest modus in the playbook because it’s still very effective. When a passenger gets in a cab, the driver will tell them that the metre is broken. Other people will ask the driver to stop so they can get out and look for another cab, but there are those who will let it slide. Then after the passenger has been dropped off, they will be charged a ridiculous price. Of course, not all cabs with broken metres are out to scam tourists, but it’s to best to just be careful and find another cab.

Bump-and-Grab robbers
You probably already know what this is since this is also a commuter’s reality. This is when a person ‘accidentally’ bumps into you, only to realise too late that your wallet or watch has been stolen. However, this trick has evolved into accidental drink spills, strangers who say there’s a mysterious gunk on your back, and so on. If you experience this, the first thing you do is to secure your belongings. It’s easy if you’re travelling with a companion, you can just ask them to look after your things. However, if you’re travelling alone, make sure everything is in your pocket or in your bag.

You might want to consider keeping all your stuff in a backpack and not in your pockets, then padlock them. If a stranger offers to wipe that mystery gunk or that accidental spill, politely turn them down and do it by yourself in the nearest restroom.

Dubious good Samaritans
Yes, it’s rude to assume that every kind person you’ll meet during your trip is suspicious good Samaritans, but you should still remain alert all the time. Observe how strangers are acting while they are helping you. If they are too touchy, that’s a red flag. But if they ask if you need help and give you space to move around, that means they’re well-intentioned.

Make sure to keep these common travel scams in mind during your trip, especially if it’s a city like Penang or Kuala Lumpur. Always be alert and take extra precautions so you can enjoy your travels, worry-free.

Henann Crystal Sands Resort: Bliss At Every Turn

When one looks for bliss in the popular Boracay Island in the Philippines, there’s only one place to find it: Henann Crystal Sands Resort. Coming over and stepping inside its premises, you’ll discover heavenly pleasure at every turn.

The first thing you’ll love about Henann Crystal Sands Resort is its location, just along the shores of the popular Station 2. And this means easy access to the lovely powdery white sands and the crystalline waters of Boracay’s White Beach. When you’re billeted at this resort, you can savor the sights, sounds, and feel of the tropics whenever you want.

For times you want to swim without getting the sand on your feet, you can take a dip at the resort’s swimming pools. There are three within the property: two located at the ground floor with the view of the resort’s façade and grounds, and the Sky pool at the second floor that offers a beautiful vista of the Boracay sunset.

A host of other facilities guarantee a splendid time at this resort inBoracay, Philippines. There’s Sapphire, the gorgeous main restaurant that serves modern international cuisine from breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s also the gym and fitness center featuring state-of-the-art equipment, where you can exercise and stretch out your muscles. The property also offers business services and amenities, including meeting rooms and a business center, for times you need to take care of urgent work matters while on vacation.

Of course the highlight of Henann Crystal Sands Resort is its accommodations: 188 rooms, all wonderfully designed and well-appointed. The interiors feature wood elements and neutral tones, complementing the blue hues of the sea outside, invoking a sense of calm and relaxation. Each room has superb amenities for guests’ comfort like LCD cable TV, signature toiletries, and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Some rooms also offer pool/beach views and even direct pool access.

A stay here is indeed a delightful experience — and even more pleasurable when you book the Henann Crystal Sands Bliss Package. This 3-day/2-night deal lets you enjoy complimentary daily buffet breakfast and dinner, plus round-trip land and sea transfers via Caticlan.

For those who want to up the ante and experience the loveliest Boracay holiday, you only need to take advantage of Henann Crystal Sands Bliss Package via the resort’s website. You’ll only need to complete a short booking process and then be on your way to the most amazing vacation in one of the world’s best island destinations.

Henann Crystal Sands Resort is located at the Beachfront of Station 2, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines 5608. Learn more at http://henann.com/henanncrystalsands.