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Butuan Tourist Places to Visit in Butuan, Philippines, Asia

Butuan Tourist Places to Visit in Butuan, Philippines, Asia

Butuan is a developed city in Caraga in Philippines, about 1150 kms southeast of Manila. Butuan is one of the educational hubs of Philippines houses two top universities namely the Father Saturnino Urios University and Caraga State University and the prominent colleges include Agusan College, Butuan Doctors’ College and St. Joseph Institute of Technology.

Geography of Butuan:

Butuan is placed at the northeastern part of Agusan Valley between 8°56′57″ N latitude and 125°32′37″ E longitude. It spans over an area of 817.28 sq. km.

Butuan shares its borders with Agusan Del Norte in the north, west and south, Agusan Del Sur in the east and Butuan Bay in the northwest.

Etymology and history of Butuan:

It is believed that, the name Butuan is derived from the sour fruit, batuan. Other theory states that, Butuan name originated from the earlier ruler of Butuan ‘Datu Buntuan’.

Butuan was formed as a town in the year 1902 and as a city on August 2, 1950. Until 2000, Butuan was the capital of Agusan Del Norte province.

Connectivity to Butuan:

Butuan is served by Bancasi Airport Terminal situated at a distance of 7 kms.

Tourists can reach Butuan by boats from Nasipit port in Agusan Del Norte.

Butuan is also reachable by bus, hired van, or private vehicle. From Davao City, Cagayan de Oro Cit and Surigao City are three best ways to reach Butuan. Bachelor Express and Surigao Liner are the local bus operators.

Taxis, multi cabs and motorized tricycles are good for local travel and to reach tourists spots.

Things to do in Butuan:

Tourists can enjoy mountain hiking and visit historical sites and museums and shopping malls.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Butuan:

Kahimunan Festival is organized every third Sunday of January and Abayan Festival is celebrated on every last Sunday of July.

Adlaw Hong Butuan charter day includes motorcade, palagsing festival and thanksgiving mass. Balangay Festival is other grandly celebrated festival on May month and Butuan also arranges summer league basketball championship games.

The shopping centres in Butuan are:

Robinsons Place Butuan
Asialink Central Mall
Gaisano Butuan
SM Savemore Market
Samping Avenue
SM City Butuan

RIBBS is the major food centre in Butuan.

Places to see in Butuan:

Balangay Shrine Museum:

Balangay Shrine Museum is located 5 kms away from Butuan. 1688 years old graveyard is the major watchable site at Balangay Shrine Museum.

Butuan Regional Museum:

Butuan Regional Museum is a historical museum contains materials and artifacts of history and culture. Archaeological Hall and Ethnological Hall are two exhibit galleries which display stone crafts, woodcrafts, potteries, goldsmith, metal crafts and burial coffins.

Bood Promontory 1st Easter Mass Eco Park:

Bood Promontory 1st Easter Mass Eco Park contains colonial nursery and Tree Park, archaeological treasures and fishponds.

Banza Church Ruins:

Banza Church was constructed by the Recollect Friars in the year 1625. Presently the ruins of the church, bell tower and banyan tress are visible.

Other tourist attractions near Butuan include:

Mount Mayapay
Agusan River
Nipa Wine Distillery
Magellan’s Landing Site
National Museum Branch
Delta Discovery Park

Best time to visit Butuan:

January is the ideal month to visit Butuan when Kahimunan Festival is organized in Butuan annually.

Accommodation Options in Butuan:

Air-conditioning system, cold shower, cable television, refrigerator, private toilet with hot and mini bar, electric kettle, dining utensils, and dining table and Free Wi-Fi are very common facilities available in the star hotels of Butuan. The best hotels in Butuan are:

Caraga Hotel
Almont Inland Hotel
Gloreto Guest House
Wayfarer Pension House & Dormitory
Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center
Dotties Place
1 Windsoar Hotel
Karaga Hotel
Goat 2 Geder Hotel
VCDU Prince Hotel & Convention Center
Royal Plaza
Embassy Hotel
HCCB Hotel

Places to Visit in Batangas, Philippines, Asia

Places to Visit in Batangas, Philippines, Asia

Batangas is the capital city of Batangas province in CALABARZON region of Philippines, about 100 kms south of national capital Manila. It is considered as one of the fastest developing cities in Philippines and referred as the “Industrial Port City of CALABARZON”.

Batangas is rapidly developing in the sectors like trade, finance, education and medical services and houses one of the biggest oil refineries in Philippines ‘Pilipinas Shell’. Batangas is well known for its 3 top universities include Batangas State University, Lyceum of the Philippines University and University of Batangas. Also Batangas is home to the 2^nd largest international seaport of Philippines.

Geography of Batangas:

Batangas is located at the coordinates of 13°45′ N 121°03′ E and an elevation of 10 meters. It is spread over an area of 282.96 sq. km.

Batangas province is bounded by Cavite and Laguna provinces in the north, Quezon on the east, Oriental Mindoro province in the south and South China Sea towards west.

History of Batangas:

Batangas was earlier called by different names like Kumintang, Patay and Kuming. The name of Batangas derives from the greater presence of huge logs (batang).

Batangas was founded on December 8, 1581 and formed as a city on July 23, 1969.

How to reach Batangas?

The nearest airport to Batangas is Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila located at a distance of 100 kms.

There are plenty of general and air conditioned buses plying between Manila and Batangas operated by the ALPS The Bus Inc, BLTB and JAM transit at regular intervals.

Rented jeepneys and tricycles are very useful to go to different places of Batangas province. Php 7.00 is fare for jeepneys.

Jam Bus Station and Supreme Bus Terminal are the two most important bus terminals in Batangas city.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Batangas:

Tagalog is the most commonly spoken language in Batangas and other languages include English, Spanish and Visayan. Batangas is the home town of many renowned poets and singers. The museums that located in the city of Batangas embarrass the historical objects of Batangas.

The buyable products at Batangas include The Barong Tagalog, Balisong knife, Peanut Brittle, Macapuno, Saplot Batangenyo and Batangas novelty shirts.

Tapang Taal, Tawilis, Adobo sa Dilaw and Maliputo are the special dishes in Batangas and the food corners include Taal Bayview Bistro and A & M Restaurant.

Places to see near Batangas:

Batangas Port:

Batangas Port is one of the major landmark and tourists favor spot in Batangas. It is visited by thousands of both local and foreign tourists annually.

San Juan Nepomuceno Church:

San Juan Nepomuceno Church is located in San Juan of Batangas.

Apolinario Mabini Shrine:

Apolinario Mabini Shrine is worship centre as well a major landmark in Tanauan.

Miguel Malvar Hospital:

Miguel Malvar Hospital is an ancient hospital in St. Tomas of Batangas.

The Provincial Capitol Hall of Batangas:

The Provincial Capitol Hall of Batangas is looks amazing from outside.

Other tourist attractions near Batangas include:

Taal Volcano
Museo ng Katipunan
Museo ng Batangas
Basilica de San Martin in Taal

Best time to visit Batangas:

December and January are the best months to visit Batangas.

Accommodation Options near Batangas:

Restaurant, bar, coffee shop, VIP room, business center, swimming pool, poolside bar, Wi-Fi internet, and laundry are the major facilities available in the luxury hotels of Batangas. The best hotels in Batangas city are as follows:

Days Hotel
Ponte Fino
Microtel Inn Batangas
La Virginia Hotel & Resort
SM Travelodge
Batangas Plaza Hotel & Convention Centre
Green Coral Resort
Emperors Inn
Monte Victoire Inn
Lima Park Hotel
Canyon Resort
Lago De Oro Park and Resort
Anilao Outrigger Resort
Chateau Golf Resort
Matabungkay Beach Resort

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Baguio, Philippines, Asia

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Baguio, Philippines, Asia

Baguio is a well developed city in Benguet Province in the Northern Luzon Island of Philippines, situated about 250 kms north of national capital Manila. Baguio is the political capital of Cordillera Administrative Region and the major educational and commercial hub in Northern Luzon.

The economy of Baguio is heavily based on tourism and educational sectors and also few small and in addition medium scale industries helping the economy of Baguio. Baguio is packed with full of shopping malls, super markets, first-class cinema halls, hotels and restaurants.

Geography of Baguio:

Baguio is the summer capital of Philippines located between 16°25′ N latitude and 120°36′ E longitude at an altitude of 1,610 meters. It covers an area of 57.5 sq. km. Baguio experiences a subtropical highland climate.

Etymology and History of Baguio:

It is said that, Baguio is derived its name from the word ‘Bagiw’ in Ibaloi and its meaning is ‘moss’.

Basically Baguio was founded by the Americans in the year 1900 at the place of an Ibaloi village called as Kafagway and formed as a chartered city on September 1, 1909 by the Philippine Assembly. Ibalois were the first settlers of Baguio.

How to reach Baguio?

Baguio is served by Baguio-Loakan Airport located 8 kms away from the city and another major airport of the country ‘San Fernando Airport’ located about 60 kms from the heart of Baguio.

Baguio is well connected with national capital Manila and other major cities of the country through bus and operators include Victory Liner, Dagupan Bus, Philippine Rabbit and Partas Bus.

Tourists may use car, jeepney or taxi for local travel.

Things to do in Baguio:

Horseback riding
Rent a tricycle
Hike on Camp John Hay
Spa de belles fleurs
North Haven Spa

Culture, Food and Shopping in Baguio:

Roman Catholics people forms the higher majority of Baguio population and spiritual centers include Jesus Is Lord Church, Presbyterian Churches and Iglesia ni Cristo.

Panagbenga Festival (Flower Festival) and Chinese New Year are the major festivals in Baguio and both the festivals are celebrated in the month of February every year. Kankana-ey, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Ilocano, Kapampangan and Pangasinan are commonly spoken languages in Baguio.

Good Shepherd is one of the best shops in Baguio and tourists can buy different woven articles and wood carvings at any handicraft shops of Baguio. The best food corners in Baguio include:

Star Cafe & Restaurant
Flying Gecko Restaurant and Cafe
Forest House Bistro & Cafe
PSD foods
Barrio Fiesta

Places to see in Baguio:

Mines View Park:

Mines View Park is a beautiful park and a viewpoint located in Baguio.

John Hay:

John Hay is a country club known for 18-hole golf course, horseback riding and camping.

Burnham Park:

Burnham Park is park with stunning lake. The entrance fee is ₱100 per hour.

Other tourist attractions near Baguio are:

Philippine Military Academy
Strawberry Fields
Session Road
University of Baguio
Baguio Cathedral
Saint Louis University
University of the Philippines Baguio

Best time to visit Baguio:

From October to May during dry season is the ideal time to visit Baguio.

Accommodation Options in Baguio:

The facilities available in hotels of Baguio include cable TV, telephone, private toilet & bath with 24 hour hot shower, room service and many more. The list of best hotels in Baguio is as follows:

Atenara House
Baguio Village Inn
Azalea Residences
Chalet Tepeyac
Burnham Hotel Baguio
City Travel Hotel Baguio
Ferionnil Pension House and Dormitory
El Cielito Inn Hotel
Hotel Veniz
Hotel Elizabeth
Paladin Hotel Baguio
Microtel Inns and Suites Baguio
Lyn’s Baguio Transient Homes
Ridgewood Residence
Baguio Holiday Villas

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in North Korea, Asia

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in North Korea, Asia

North Korea is officially known as Democratic People’ Republic of Korea (DPRK) located to the East of Asian Continent around 42^o North Latitude and around 126^o East Longitude. North Korea gained its independence in 1945 from Chinese, Russian and the Japanese control and is divided into North Korea and South Korea, the Republic of Korea. The 38^th parallel running from East West in the Korean Peninsula, a demilitarized zone demarcates the boundaries between the two warring states to gain total control of the whole Korean Peninsula. North Korea was under the influence of Russia and South Korea was the base for the American during the cold war of mid 20^th century between the two world super powers.

North Korea with its total area of around 120,500 Sq. Km is bounded by the vast territory of China to the North and to the North East a small territory of the Russian country. The Korean gulf to its West separates the Chinese territory and the Sea of Japan to its East separates the county of Japan. To the South is the Republic of Korea or the South Korea.

Pyongyang is the capital and the largest city of North Korea located to the South West. North Korea though politically a three party state, the workers Party of Korea holds the total upper-hand of ruling the country as a single party following the Juche of the Kim II-Sung, a total authority wrested on a single person who is the supreme ruler. North Korea is the Militarized country empowering the Military in ruling the country and stands fourth in the world for having the largest Military contingent and is a nuclear powered country.

History of North Korea:

North Korea has the history dating back to over 2300 BC being credited to the divine king Dangun Wanggeom, for having founded the first Korean Kingdom or Gojoseon. Since than Korea was under the control of feudal kings who were in constant war with Chinese dynasties and was under the control of the Mongolian empire in mid 13^th century before the Joseon Dynasty regained the control of Korea, and were always engaged in quelling the invasion from the Manchu’s in the North and from the Japanese in the Eastern coast. Korea was under the control of Japan for nearly 50 years before the surrender of the Japanese in 1945 after the bombing of the two cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the World ward II by the allied forces.

Food and Culture in North Korea:

The common North Korean food consists of non spicy cold noodles, tofu, rice-porridge, corn, bean and pea dishes, sea food, staples, meat and poultry products etc. The winter foods include the kimchi and vegetables in brine, stored in Jars.

North Korea though under the control of Japanese influence from 1895 to 1945 had resisted strongly in imposing the Japanese culture on the Korean people. After the independence in 1945, North Korea has revived its culture by shunning the communistic ideology and the Juche was imposed on the people of North Korea. The people of North Korea are classified as per the directives of the songbun, into three main classifications and sub-classification numbering to fifty.

Shopping and Things to do in North Korea:

North Korea is not mainly a shopping center for tourists as there is an International Tourist Service Souvenir Shop in the capital city of Pyongyang selling books, post cards, stamps and trinkets and metal badges depicting the picture of the Korean leaders.

North Korea is not a tourist friendly country as there is strict restriction for the tourist movements and only few selected areas are allowed to be visited and those moving out of the capital city of Pyongyang have to move with travel permits.

Tourist Attractions in North Korea:

North Korea though it is having tourist potential sites that is restricted to foreign travelers, due to the countries internal policies and its isolation by the international communities. The Chinese tourists are more preferred than the other foreign travelers and are allowed into the country without many restrictions. The Korean International company conducts the guided tours.

Jouche Tower: Tower erected as a symbol of Korean tradition and self reliance and nationalism on the banks of river Taedong.

Mount Kumgang: On the East Coast of North Korea with a resort built by the Hyundai Company and connected by the Ship route.

Baekdu Mountain: On the Chinese border is highest volcanic mountain also the Haven Lake in North Korea.

Kuryong Pool

Singye Temple
Rajin-Sonbong Free Trade Zone: Place close to the borders of China and Russia and North Korea.

Connectivity to North Korea:

North Korea is not approachable from South Korea and through the Chinese border is the only land route to reach North Korea and by the sea where the Chinese ships are allowed to berth. The tourists have the option or reaching North Korea by the International train service from the capital of china to the capital of North Korea Pyongyang. The airport is in the capital city of Pyongyang for the international tourists to reach North Korea.

Hotel Accommodation in North Korea: