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Baguio, Benguet, Philippines

Baguio, a highly populated city in the Philippine province of Benguet, is referred to as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines" because of its temperate mountain climate in contrast to the rest of the nation.

History and Culture:

•Baguio was built as a hill station in 1900, at the start of the American Colonial Period

•The city has a colorful culture and diverse cuisine

Tourist Spots:

•Burnham Park: This park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can enjoy boating, biking, and other outdoor activities.

•La Trinidad Strawberry Farm: This farm is located just outside of Baguio and is a popular destination for strawberry picking.

•Mines View Park: This park offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can also shop for souvenirs and try local snacks.

•BenCab Museum: This museum showcases the works of Filipino artist Benedicto Cabrera, as well as other contemporary artists.

•The Mansion and Botanical Garden: The Mansion is the official summer residence of the Philippine President, while the Botanical Garden is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.

•The Bell House: This historic house was built in the early 1900s and features a collection of antique bells.

•Old Diplomat Hotel: a historic hotel located in Baguio City, Philippines. It was originally built as a rest house for Dominican friars in the early 20th century. In the 1940s, it was turned into a hotel but was later abandoned and became known for its haunted reputation. The hotel is a popular destination for ghost hunters and urban explorers due to its eerie history and appearance.

Food:

•Baguio has a diverse cuisine, and visitors can try local specialties such as strawberry taho, ube jam, and peanut brittle.

•Some of the best-known restaurants in Baguio include Café by the Ruins, Central Park Restaurant, and Good Taste Café and Restaurant.

Accomodations:

•Baguio has a wide range of accommodations available, including hotels, inns, and homestays.

•Some recommended places to stay include El Retiro, which is a luxury vacation home with easy access to the best tourist spots in the city, and hotels near Burnham Park or Session Road.

Baguio is a top destination in the Philippines for all sorts of travelers, and there is something for everyone to do and enjoy. Visitors can explore the city's rich history and culture, enjoy the cool weather, and try local food specialties.

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Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

The capital of the province of Ilocos Sur, Vigan is situated in the northern region of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. Founded in the sixteenth century, it is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, China, Europe, and Mexico to create a unique culture and townscape without parallels anywhere in East and Southeast Asia. It is a popular tourist destination that attracts more than a million visitors every year.

What to do in Vigan City:

•Visit Calle Crisologo: This is a bustling street lined with ancestral Spanish-era homes and dining establishments. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist spots in Vigan City.

•Explore heritage homes: Vigan is home to several well-preserved heritage homes, such as Arce Mansion, Syquia Mansion, and Crisologo Museum. Each ancestral house offers a glimpse into the lives of the upper class or educated Filipinos during the Spanish colony.

•Try local cuisine: Vigan is known for its famous Ilocano cuisine, including empanadas, longganisa, and bagnet. There are plenty of restaurants and food markets where you can sample these dishes.

Where to stay in Vigan City:

•Paradores de Vigan: This is a historic hotel that offers 26 exquisitely designed rooms. It is located in the heart of Vigan City and is a great place to stay if you want to experience the city's rich cultural heritage.

•Hotel Luna: This is another historic hotel that offers luxurious accommodations. It is located near Calle Crisologo and is a great base for exploring the city

How to get to Vigan City:

•By bus: Vigan is 8-10 hours away from Manila by bus. Several bus companies offer daily trips to Vigan City.

•By private vehicle: You can also drive to Vigan City from Manila. The journey takes around 8-10 hours

Best time to visit Vigan City:

•The best time to visit Vigan City is from November to February when the weather is cool and dry.

A unique and fascinating destination, Vigan City provides a window into the rich cultural legacy of the Philippines. The city's historical sites can be explored, local cuisine can be sampled, and historic hotels can be booked. A sample itinerary can help visitors make the most of their trip, and November to February is the best time to visit.

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El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

El Nido is a popular tourist destination located in the province of Palawan in the Philippines. It is known for its stunning limestone cliffs, clear waters, and beautiful beaches. El Nido is situated in the northern part of Palawan, approximately 420 kilometers southwest of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

Things to do:

•Island hopping excursions: El Nido is well-known for its island hopping trips, which transport visitors to several nearby islands and beaches. There are now five tours available, referred to A, B, C, D, and E. The cost per person ranges from 1200 to 1400 pesos on average.

•The Nagkalit Kalit waterfall is accessible from El Nido with a 30- to 45-minute walk. It is advised to get going early in the morning and visit the beach in the afternoon.

•Two of the best beaches in El Nido are Corong Corong Beach and NacPan Beach, both of which are worthy of a visit.

•Local food market: Visit the market there and have some tocino (sweet cured pork) and garlic rice for breakfast.

Where to stay:

•El Nido Mahogany Resort & Spa: This is a great option for those looking for a luxurious stay in El Nido

•Hostels: There are many hostels available in El Nido for budget travelers

Where to eat:

•Republica Sunset Bar: This is a great place to watch the sunset while enjoying a cold beer. Try the sashimi, it's a fairly large portion for the price

•Art Cafe: This is a great place to eat with a clean kitchen. They have two branches, one on the street and one on the beach. It is recommended to go to the latter

Getting around:

•Tricycle: This is a common mode of transportation in El Nido and is a great way to get around the town

•Boat tours: These are a great way to explore the islands around El Nido. Prices for day trips average around 1200-1400 Pesos per person

El Nido is definitely worth visiting and is one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. It is recommended to spend at least 3-4 days in El Nido to fully experience the area.

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Tagaytay City, Philippines

Philippines' Tagaytay city is located in the Cavite province on the island of Luzon. Because of its closeness to Taal Lake and Volcano, it is well-known for its stunning scenery, cool climate, and popularity as a tourist destination. Popular for weekend trips, Tagaytay is close to Metro Manila and is renowned for its delectable food, exciting parks, and natural surroundings.

Things to do:

•Enjoy the view of Taal Lake and Volcano, one of the most popular tourist spots in Tagaytay

•Explore Tagaytay Picnic Grove, a recreational area with open-air cottages, zipline, cable ride, horseback riding, and eco trail

•Visit some of Tagaytay's churches, chapels, and seminary houses for a spiritual journey

Places to stay:

•Containers by Eco Hotel and Cabins by Eco Hotels, budget-friendly hotels that combine reclaimed materials, sustainable building practices, and exceptional design

•The Loft, a stylish Airbnb rental with a full kitchen, a sprawling backyard with a bonfire, and plush beddings

•Twin Lakes Hotel, a hotel with awe-inspiring views and European-style architecture

•There are a wide array of accommodations in Tagaytay, from luxury villas to budget hotels

Travel Tips:

•The best time to visit Tagaytay is from November to May, when the temperature is colder than Manila

•Tagalog is used by most, but English is widely understood and spoken

•Philippine peso (PHP, ₱) is the currency used

•Tagaytay gets crowded during weekends and holidays, so it's best to travel during weekdays to avoid the crowd

•Signal is not a problem in the place

Additionally, did you know that Tagaytay and the surrounding areas experienced the eruption of Taal Volcano in January 2020. This volcanic eruption led to evacuations, ashfall, and disruptions in the region. It had significant impacts on the local communities and tourism in the area. Overall, Tagaytay is a great destination for a quick getaway from Manila, with plenty of things to do and places to stay for all types of travelers.