Paradise Escape Palawan & Cordilleras
Taal Volcano is one of nature’s greatest wonders nearest to Manila. An hour drive to Tagaytay will showcase the remarkably gorgeous view of this jewel situated in the middle of Taal Lake. Arguably the country’s 2nd most popular volcano next to Mt. Mayon of Legaspi, this little stunner’s beauty, however, is not about to settle for 2nd best. While many would content themselves merely seeing this stunner from afar, we thought of witnessing it up close delighting ourselves with a little adventure by hiking to Taal Volcano’s crater.
Hemmed in on all sides by dramatic rice terraces, Banaue is directly accessible from Manila and can sometimes get overwhelmed by visitors. It's hard to blame them: the local mud-walled rice terraces are
pleasingly different from the stone-walled terraces in most of the Cordillera. World Heritage listed, they're impressive not only for their chiselled beauty but because they were introduced around 2000 years ago by the Chinese. Banaue is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ifugao rice terraces of Northern Luzon. The Banaue environs are visually beautiful, high in the mountains, sometimes shrouded in mist and cool rain. The rice terraces are a fabulous testament to the inspired agricultural engineering of the Ifugao people. Some of these terraces were constructed 2000 plus years ago, and all are still in use today.
Palawan is known all over the world as the Philippine’s last ecological frontier. Home of lofty mountains, unspoilt rainforests and the world’s longest underground river, Palawan is situated between Mindoro Island and North Borneo. It harbours a vast expanse of tropical rainforests and marine wilderness; Sloping mountain ranges run the length of the mainland, with thick trees providing sanctuary to many rare fauna species. Equally astounding are the rich marine life and coral reefs which are strictly protected from exploitation. Palawan is known for its strict adherence to wildlife preservation and protection, having more protected areas than any other province in the country. It is also home to the world renowned Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, an underwater sanctuary and the country’s first national marine park. It is also a World Heritage Site. Another world recognized Palawan destination is Puerto Princesa Underground River which was declared in January of 2012 as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is Palawan’s pride. It is the country’s pride and it is a living testimony of Palawan’s successful discipline and determined efforts for the preservation of everything that belongs to Mother Nature.