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Lechon: National Dish Of The Philippines

March 30, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Lechon, Spanish word meaning suckling pig is the national dish of the Philippines

Lechon: National Dish Of Philippines

Lechon is a famous pork dish that begins with a suckling pig that is roasted over charcoal. Lechon is originated in Spain and spread throughout all the areas where she had former colonial powers. The word lechon comes from the spanish word, lechón, which means suckling pig. Lechon is a favorite food in the Philippines, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Hawaii (where it is called a Kalua pig), and Spanish Latin American countries. It is the national dish of The Philippines and Puerto Rico. Cebu is considered to have the best Lechon on the Islands of The Philippines. It is delicious! It is unique! It is Lechon!

Throughout these areas, Lechon is prepared during the year for special occasions where they roast a suckling pig over a bed of charcoal in a ditch that is covered by sticks , banana leaves ( can also use Ti leaves) and then earth. In Hawaii, the people roasts a Lechon whenever there is a Luau. In rural Hawaii a Lechon is roasted if you have a new baby, get married, graduate from school, get a new job, have an anniversary, etc. Any happy occasion is time for a Luau. A luau begins with lechon. In other areas this is called a fiesta or party. Anytime is fiesta time! Let’s celebrate!

The first thing you do is to prepare the Imu or the underground pit oven that is used in most of the Spanish World and Hawaii. The first thing to do is to build a large fire in the pit using about 1/8 cord of Hardwood to roast a Lechon. Next you build the imu where the lechon goes. The secret of the imu is in the rocks. Good volcanic rocks makes a good oven. Try to use the best volcanic and porous rocks that you can find. They do not explode and stay hot for hours. You separate the Imu from the fire pit with the rocks and then line the Imu with rocks and then with the banana leaves. The pig is then placed inside a cage that is usually made of chicken wire. It is then completely covered with the banana leaves and then banana sticks. then the earth is replaced to cover the pit completely. Now the wait begins!

Your Imu (Oven) is now ready to be fired up! 2 hours are needed to preheat the imu
plus 8-10 hours cooking time, total of 10-12 hours. Usually it is done the night before and served the next afternoon. After 10-12 hours your Lechon should be done. It is served with the crispy skin and the blood pudding. You can also get up very early and get your suckling pig ready for a late afternoon fiesta or Luau. This is fiesta time!

Where ever you may travel, Cebu is famous for the best Lechon in the Philippines. While in Cebu, be sure and try Lechon, the National Dish of The Philippines.

http://travelfoodanddrink.com/philippines-national-dish/philippinelechonontable/

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Seediq 賽德克族 Taiwan’s Aboriginal Tribesmen

March 29, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Seediq: Taiwanese Austronesian People

Seediq People, a tribe from the Puli mountain area, was officially recognized as Taiwan’s 14th indigenous tribal group on April 23, 2008. Seediq people are made up of three recognized sub-groups: the Tgdaya , the Toda , and the Truku. The Seediq traditionally have called the border area home that lies between the counties of Nantou and Hualien. This is a fantastic area to explore. Until their recognition in 2008, they were considered a branch of the Atayal Tribe. Because of what some believed to be major linguistic and lifestyle differences, they were given complete Tribal recognition in 2008.

The Seediq males are famous for their hunting skills and the Seediq women are famous for their fantastic weaving skills. Since the men were skilled as headhunters, these sills were applied to other types of hunting skills. Today, we find that the men are avid hunters. They are very adept in keeping food on the table.

The weaving skills of the women produce some of the best aboriginal crafts in Taiwan. These ancient weaving skills are being kept alive today. The older women of the tribe are skilled weavers. They are handing down the skills to younger women. Their work is magnificent! When in the area look for their work. Though a small tribe, they are world renown for their weaving! Many gift stores carry hand woven garments made by these skilled women. Don’t forget to look for their handiwork to give as gifts , or to take home. It is fantastic!

Currently, there are 14 recognized tribes and 11 unrecognized tribes in Taiwan. Most of indigenous population live in the mountainous and coastal area of the main island. The Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan make up approximately 2% of the total population of Taiwan. It is believed by many scholars that Indigenous Peoples inhabited the island approximately 8,000 years ago. This was long before the Han Chinese migration from China which began in the 17th century. The Indigenous People have been gaining skills in tourism and this is a fun area to explore. Take time to join a tribe for dinner! It will be a delightful experience.

The Atayal Tribe is the second largest indigenous Tribe in Taiwan. The Amis Tribe is the largest of the Aboriginal Tribes in Taiwan. The Amis make up 37% of the indigenous population. The Seediq Tribe, though smaller, are a well known tribe worldwide. This in part, is due to the movie, “Warriors of the Rainbow.”

The Seediq Tribe only became well-known with the production of the movie, “Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale”, a sensational drama adapted from the historical events of 1930.The movie was adapted from the famous Wushe Incident. The Seediq tribal people in the area of Taroko attacked the Japanese in response to their long-term oppression. The Wushe Incident caused 130 Japanese deaths. Over 1,000 Seediq people died in the crackdown of the Japanese.” Warriors of the Rainbow Seediq Bale” brought the Seediq people much attention and recognition. There are many disagreements of the accuracy of the historical drama. It is considered to be on the same level as “The Last of the Mohicans” a 1992 film.”Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale” is the most expensive movie to be produced in Taiwan. The drama premiered at the 68th Venice International Film Festival. It was Taiwan’s entry into the Oscars. It received two awards at 84th Academy Awards. It won the 48th Golden Horse Award and the 2012 Asia-Pacific Screen Award. Though it is not a light movie to watch, it is worth watching for the overview of the history of the area. Grab the popcorn and enjoy.

“Warriors of the Rainbow:Seediq Bale” can be viewed at:

http://vios.us/hd/play.php?movie=2007993 (Run Time is 4 Hours 36 Minutes) There is major violence in the drama and viewer discretion is advised. It is not appropriate for young children.

On your next vacation to Taiwan, take time to learn about the Indigenous Peoples. For those who desire to prepare for your trip, the following government website has a lot of the history of the Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan. You will also find many tour suggestions on our website. Make this the year that your discover the The Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan! This is adventure waiting to happen!

ttp://en.nmp.gov.tw/per04-1.html

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Tropical Rainforests Of The Philippines

March 25, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Tropical Rainforests: The Lungs Of The Earth

Tropical Rainforests make up only about 2% of the world’s resources but they give us the air we breath. They take in large amounts of Carbon Monoxide and clean it up through photosynthesis and return it to us as breathable air. We need our tropical rainforests for life, as we know it. Destroy the rainforest and you destroy life as you currently live. The tropical rainforests are one of the greatest gifts on earth we have!

Tropical rainforests the world wide are a vast source of medicines. We have yet to test more than 1% of the plants that are endemic of the rainforest for medical properties. For generations the indigenous people have used the vastness of the plants found here to provide for their health. Health without modern medicine and all the many side effects that come with it have been the norm. The indigenous peoples world wide have remained healthy, living to a ripe old age. Not until they started eating Western diets did they cease to live long and healthy lives. Nearly 70% of all the plants that have been identified to contain anti-cancer properties come from the rainforest. Modern medicine has yet to even consider over 90% of these plants. Out of the plants of the rainforest came cures and treatments for leukemia, breast cancer, high blood pressure, and asthma. What a gift to mankind we have in the rainforest. Make it your time to discover this vast resource!

Those of us who have studied nutrition know that fruits and vegetables should be the number one staple in our diet. Foods that we use today which originated in the rainforests world-wide include many herbal teas, coffee, cocoa, many fruits and nuts, spices, and rice. Out of the rainforest comes over 1,650 new edible plants for our consideration. These are foods that we have yet to try. Yet so often we limit ourselves to those we know. Just as coffee and tea were once foreign and are now staples, so could be others. Out of the rainforest comes the call to broaden our horizons beyond what we currently have experienced. On your next trip to The Philippines take time to eat and discover the many known plants of the rainforests. They are endless and the so are their benefits. Rainforests offer a bounty of foods! Is it not time to expand our vision?

Many of the things we use in our modern homes have their humble beginnings in the tropical rainforests. Products such as rubber, gums, resins, dyes, tannins and cane all had their beginnings in the tropical rainforest. What would our cars look like without tires? Tires that are made from rubber. How many resins and dyes are used in our homes? So much of what is “modern” came from the indigenous peoples living in the jungles of Asia, Africa, and South America.

Listen to the call of the tropical rainforest! Expand you horizons to include something new. There are yet 75,000 new edible plants to consider in nature world-wide. Agriculture has discovered a mere 150 of these and only a few make it to the consumer. Make this the year that you change those statistics for you and your family. Come on over to The Philippines and dare to try the many edible plants and flowers that make up the indigenous diet. Who knows, you may change your life.

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Sogod Bay Southern Leyte, Philippines

March 24, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Treasuring the moment as evening sets at Sogod Bay in the Philippines

Sogod Bay As The Evening Sets

Sogod Bay, as the evening sets, is so beautiful. When you look across the bay, the water is so blue that it blends into the sky. Can you picture watching the sunset across the bay? What majestic beauty! The perfect end, to a delightful day.

Watching the natural beauty of the bay is a fantastic experience, but it does not end there. As beautiful as the bay is, there is more! Sogod Bay is an underwater paradise teaming with soft and hard corals. These waters are home to an endless variety of beautiful marine life – all waiting to be explored. With extraordinary reefs, divers delight in beds of coral with amazing and steep drop-offs. For the more experience diver, there are shelves and walls to delight you. On the floor of the bay there is black sand teeming with life. This is the other side of Sogod Bay!

What might you see on the underwater side of the bay? First you will notice an awesome cover of soft coral with beds of hard coral. As you move through the coral beds you may see the shrimp fish, the pipe fish, the frog fish, and the bat fish. There are so many amazing creatures for us to see. You might see Sea turtles and lion fish. There is a Charismatic Signal gobie fish that lives on the sandy seabeds. They mimic the eye spots and claws of a crab. This is their built in way to fight off predators. It is amazing what you can see and this is just the beginning. If you have a trained eye, you may spot the frog fish and the scorpion fish waiting to ambush an unsuspecting predator. The blue-spotted Ribbon Tail Rays are extraordinary. Large families of snapper run through the reefs and are awesome to watch. If you watch you may see the odd looking Dogtooth Tuna or a Great Barracuda.

Not only is Sogod Bay a divers paradise, but it is a snorkelers dream. Because of the massive numbers of plankton in these waters, the Whale Shark also calls this their home between November and April as they drift through the bay on their migratory route. There are many snorkeling trips that seek out opportunities for snorkelers to swim with the Whale Shark. These huge sharks move with a smooth continuous motion, making very little noise. Those who have had the privaledge to swim with these magnificant creatures of the sea, know that it will take all your best swimming skills to keep up.

Not only is Sogod awesome for the tourist looking for peaceful sunsets and an awesome beach, it is a delight to the photographer. Underwater photographers often return multiple times to the same spot or shelf to get as many of the different shots available. Sogod is an underwater photographers dream, with an unlimited number of wide angle shots.

What are you waiting for? Make this the year you discover Sogod Bay Southern Leyte, Philippines. Grab your passport and pack your bags.

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Sogod Southern Leyte, Philippines

March 24, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Waterfalls of Sogod Southern Leyte

Sogod, a beautiful mountainous municipality of the province of Southern Leyte, is just 76 miles south of Tacloban City, Philippines. Sogod is a mountainous area with flat fertile plains in the center and to the South. There are many river systems that feed the area with a rich and fertile soil. This fantastic soil is able to sustain high productions of rice, corn, copra, tobacco, abaca, and many root crops. Sogod is also blessed with an endless supply of waterfalls. Some are small and others very large. They are extremely beautiful and several are just breathtaking. Come along as we discover some of the favorite waterfalls in the area.

Malnuto Falls is one of the most amazing of the smaller falls. The river system is rather shallow and the rain-forest is thick and green. The many rocks and boulders provide a perfect bed for this cascading falls. The pool at the bottom of the falls is about waist deep at it’s deepest point. This is amazing beauty. The colors are so deep and intense. Where can you find a deeper green ? This is Sogod at it’s best.

Luman Falls is another of the smaller falls in Magsuhot Park, Sogod, Southern Leyte Providence, Philippines. Luman falls is a perfect day trip and is one of the lesser known falls in the area. It is a favorite spot for locals who like the cool cascading water in the midst of the tropical rain-forest. If you like natural beauty, then Luman Falls is waiting to be discovered.

Magsuhot National Park is home to four beautiful waterfalls that fall into a common basin. This is raw beauty. Malnuto Falls and Luman Falls are only two of the falls that fall into this basin. Mahayhay Falls is another of the falls in the park. If you like waterfalls, Magsuhot National Park has four of the best.

Mahayhay Falls is a beautiful waterfall also in Magsuhot Park, Sogod, Southern Leyte providence, Philippines. Mahayhay Falls is absolutely stunning. There is also a huge rock with stairs going up to the top. From there you can see forever! The views of the falls and the dense rain-forest are magnificent. What adventure is waiting in Sogod!

Gunhuban Falls is found deep in the rain-forest. This is a majestic two-tiered waterfall located in the town of Bato, Leyte. This is a well-developed area and is a major tourist destination in the Sogod Municipality. This is quickly being developed and there is an entrance fee to the park. Even though this is a developed site, it is one you will not want to miss. This is yet another amazing waterfall in the Sogod Municipality. Sogod seems to have an endless supply of waterfalls.

Located in beautiful St. Bernard, Hindag-an Falls is one of the most beautiful falls in the Philippines. This is beauty that you will not want to miss. Hindag-an Falls is about an hours drive out of Sogod. It is overwhelming beauty. For sure, it is definitely worth the effort to get there! This is another Falls that has been developed and there is an entrance fee. There is also a bus that runs several times a day from Sogod.

One of the newest adventures in Sogod is Canting Cave and Falls. This cave was recently discovered by visitors to the area. It has been completely undisturbed by humans since the beginning of the island. There is a beautiful cascading waterfall at the cave. Neither the cave or the area of the waterfall has been fully explored to date. It is also the meeting point of three rivers. There is a beautiful natural pool below the cascading water. Canting Cave is another of the fascinating sites in the lush Sogod Rainforest.

If you like natural beauty, then a trip to Sogod, Southern Leyte Providence, Philippines is a must on your next Philippine vacation. Adventure awaits in the Sogod Rainforest!

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Fishing in the Philippines

March 23, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Watch your step on the old bamboo boat docks in the southwestern Islands of Leyte Philippines

Fishing On The High Seas

Fishing, a constant game of cat and mouse, is a way of life in the Philippines. On any hot and muggy afternoon, fisherman prepare their boats for the night a head. Sleepy villages come alive as blocks of ice are hauled aboard these small wooden fishing boats. Sometimes it is made even more difficult, as the boats may be bobbing at the end of a very old rickety bamboo dock. These docks are still in use and these skilled fisherman maneuver them with care. Not much room for error! Fishing is a way of life here and the docks are just a minor inconvenience. By night fall these wooden boats will be out to sea…. heading toward one of the many coveted fishing grounds.

Bangka boats have bamboo outriggers to give them stabilization in the rough waters of the sea. Bangka fishing boats usually are no more than 30 feet long. These small fishing boats work the reefs during the sultry nights. These fisherman are bound for the rich reefs in the China Sea. Here they hope to encounter blue marlin, red grouper, yellow-fin tuna and lobster to name a few. Many are the species of fish that call these reefs home. Fishing the reefs is the life of a Philippine fisherman. These reefs are a haven for those who make their livelihood from the sea.

In a time where often there are International disputes and international poaching in the reefs, these fisherman are on the front lines. Many days they return to their ports with fewer and fewer fish. Fishing is a way of life and fish is the main source of protein eaten in The Philippines. So generation after generation of fisherman make their way out to sea each night. Their hopes……. to haul in as many fish as they can.

Fishing is the main source of income for many of these tiny villages. Rice farming is also a major resource and a close second. They have no other industries to fall back on. You are either a farmer or a fisherman. If you are the son of a fisherman……you fish. If your father was a farmer….you farm. So down at the sea shore a community waits each morning, to see the fishing boats return to port. They have fished all night and hopefully they will bring back many mackerel or octopus.

Down on the docks in the small fishing village are wives who have waited all night and now look for their men to come home. These may be sleepy villages, but they are wide awake when the call goes out ……the fishing boats are coming! The fishing families are a unit, as the women wait to mend the nets that were damaged in the night. The boats will once again dock at these small bamboo docks, the fish are hauled in and sold. Restaurants and markets are eager to get their share, of the catch of the day. Fish is eaten by most of the local population. Good fresh fish is a must, if you want to stay in business.

The sons clean the boats for the next night and the fisherman go home to sleep. All too soon it will be time to do it all over again. This is the life of a fishing village in The Philippines.

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Published on [email protected] March 25,2017 at:

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Jeepney Tour Adventure In The Philippines

March 18, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Philippines Jeepney Tour Adventure — All Aboard a Jeepney travel adventure in the Philippines

Jeepney Tours Are Fun In The Philippines

Jeepney tours are the only way to go when touring the city. What better way to see all there is to see? When in Rome, do as the Romans. When in the Philippines, join the locals and grab a Jeepney. Tour the city Philippine style. Hop on, hop off! This is Manila style. Discover the rich heritage of Manila! As you travel through the city, do you see something you want to take a picture of? No problem, hop off and catch the next Jeepney when it comes along. This is the only way to see what you want to see in this magnificent city. Jeepney is sure to become an icon in Manila. So join in the fun, explore the major attractions of Manila Jeepney style! Hop on, hop off!

So what do you think? Is this a low-class or frumpy tour bus? NOT ON YOUR LIFE! The Jeepney has it all! It is air conditioned for your comfort, as the tropics can be hot for tourists. It has TV to entertain your children when there is nothing they want to see. They even have the magic of a sing along on-board. What fun this trip is! This is adventure in the Philippines.

Go to London, Barcelona, New York, and India and you will see those awesome Double Decker buses to tour the area in style. Now Manila is adding its name to the famous tour buses in the cities of the world. The Jeepney has just emerged as the bright yellow tour bus of Manila. How awesome it is to see the Jeepney run between Makati and Manila bringing tourists to premier historical and cultural centers. It stops at major shopping centers and restaurants throughout Makati and Manila. Jeepney is a major link between hotels, hostels, restaurants, and tourist events. If you want to really see Manila and Makati, Jeepney is the way to go. Just hop on, and hop off!

Karaoke is a major love in The Philippines. On the Jeepney, you will sing to your heart’s content with the Wow Magic Sing. There are no dull moments on the Jeepney. The tour guides are dressed in Philipinina costumes. They offer tid bits of information as you reach different pit stops or places of interest. What fun it is to join in a grass-roots program that is all Filipino.

So what are some of the places you will see on the Jeepney? A few of the more famous stops are the Coconut Palace, Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Museum, Orchaderiam, and Ritzal Park. Other places of interest you will see are Port Santiago, Manila Cathedral, Ilustrado, and Silahis Arts. There are many restaurants on the route including the Barbara’s Restaurants. There are stops at the Hotel Intercontinental, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Diamond Motel, and Heritage Motel. For those who like to shop, hop off ….hop on at the SM Mall of Asia.

So what are you waiting for? Make this the year you travel The Philippines. Hop on, hop off…….see Makati and Manila in style, Jeepney style! Discover the Historic District of Intramuros in Manila, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rich district. Immerse yourself in Filipino culture! Be sure to savor the Pinoy treats of The Philippines, they are a culinary delight! So grab your passport and pack your bag. The time to visit The Philippines is now!

http://jeepneytours.com/

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Published on [email protected] on March 19, 2017.

Jungle Retreat In The Philippines

March 18, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The perfect view hidden away in the warm Philippine jungle

Hidden Safely Away In The Warm Philippine Jungle

Jungle life in The Philippines is about as mysterious and remote as you want it to be. Some are a mere speck on the map, several days to get home. What can possibly be so intriguing and satisfying that you will take four planes and a ferry and still not have reached home? Living in the remote jungle in the Southern Philippines is about quality of life and relationships. This is an existence that is not based on possessions, but rather, people. Here in the jungle, a persons true wealth is based on how they love each other. There is great pride on how they can care for their family. When your hidden away in the jungle, it is all about family and your neighbor. Welcome to the jungles of The Southern Philippines.

This is the real thing! There are no coroner stores to run to. Life takes planning in the jungle. There are many edible plants and of course you can have a small jungle garden. The Philippines is tropical, so many fruits and vegetables are easy to grow year around. Maybe your human neighbors are not close but there is plenty of life in the jungle. There are vines, where monkeys squawk and hang by their tails. There are beautiful squawking birds of every color. Some of the world’s favorite pet shop birds, actually live in the jungle. How awesome it is to watch them as they breed and care for their family. And not to be left out, are all the scurrying critters that live on the forest floor.

Life in the Rain-forests of The Philippines is rich and on the move. More than half of all the animals and plants in the world live in these tropical jungles. This also means that it is easy to have a plant based diet of wild greens, nuts, and seeds. Add a few tropical fruit trees and a garden and you are well provided for. So what is there to do in the jungle? There is time to invest in people! To know your neighbor and to genuinely care about him. That is a skill that the people of the rural Philippines have learned well. Many come back saying that they are some of the happiest people. That is because they may have little in possessions, but they have a mountain of love for each other.

If life in the city is getting to be a burden, maybe you should consider the jungle. Here you can have time for whatever you desire. If you are comfortable with yourself, then you can live anywhere. Many writers and painters seek out quiet sleepy places to live. There they have little interruptions unless they desire to take a walk and mingle with the village. It is easy to be inspired in the midst of great beauty. But for the rest, maybe just a quick vacation to discover the Philippine jungle is all you need. Take an eco tour or go on a back packing trip in the Southern jungles of The Philippines. There is no better time to discover rural Philippines than today. Grab your passport and pack your bag. The Philippines has adventure waiting!

http://explore1.wpengine.com/agas-agas-leyte-jungle-trekking/

Tours:

http://www.tourradar.com/d/philippines

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Malapascua Island In The Visayan Sea

March 17, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Malapascua Island’s Rich Coral Reefs Of The Philippines

Malapascua means ‘unfortunate Christmas’. There is nothing unfortunate about Malapascua Island in the Philippines. Like so much of the Philippines, the water is a deep aqua blue and the white powdery sand feels awesome between your toes. No need for flip flops as you walk the sandy beaches of Malapascua in the Philippines. Malapascua Island is blessed with some of the most amazing coral reefs off its coast. What a rich island paradise this is! It is a haven for the diver. Malapascua Island is only one of the 7,107 islands that make up the Philippines. It is perhaps one of the smallest, but it is for sure, one of the richest. Welcome to diver heaven! Welcome to Malapascua Island In The Visayan Sea Of The Philippines!

Malapascua Island was not discovered until in the early 1990’s. How did they miss something that rich for that long? In the last 25 years it has become center stage for the international diving community. This Island boasts of some of the most fabulous coral gardens in the world. It is a major diving site for local divers and those of international dive experience. It is one of the most interesting and spectacular diving sites in the world. It ranks in the same class as Gato Island, Monad Shoal, and Kemod Shoal. What a discovery Malapascua Island turned out to be.

Malapascua Island has been blessed with a huge variety of dive sites for such a tiny island. There are dives for the more experienced diver and the beginner diver alike. Here you can see a vast variety of marine life. There are amazing wreck sites just off shore, areas for coral dives, muck dives and yes, the famous wall dives. Malapascua Island has been rated as one of the top world diving sites. The unique variance of the area is simply amazing. If you are a diver, this is the place to be. It is fascinating! It is a divers paradise!

Malapascua Island is most often acclaimed as perhaps the only place in the world where you will most often see the Thresher Shark. The Thresher Shark is mysterious and extremely elusive. Malapascua Island is off the Northern coast of Cebu in the Philippines. It is perhaps only 30 minutes from the famous Gato Island. Malapascua Island has a country charm. It is not especially developed. It only received reliable 24 hour electricity in mid 2010. Here you will find the delights of discovering something that is off the beaten track. There are no 5 Star resorts or luxury hotels. What you will find is a sleepy and unspoiled island with a wealth of natural resources. You will find friendly islanders anxious to help you enjoy their island. There are plenty of small family run guest houses. These guest houses are clean, charming and romantic. What more do you need? Malapasca Island welcomes you to come and discover all that makes her a world class diving site. Come walk her pristine beaches….leave your flip flops in your room! Feel the soft sand in your toes! Dine on the white sand, overlooking the beautiful aqua blue water! Relax from a wall dive under the shade of an umbrella. Whatever you desire, you will find it on Malapascua Island. Grab your passport, and pack your bag. Make this the year you discover Malapascua Island, Philippines!

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Published on [email protected] on March 18, 2017

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary: Philippines

March 16, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary wetlands in the Philippines

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary: Philippines

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located on Olango Island in The Philippines. How amazing this sanctuary is! What a fun place to visit! Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary has been of International importance since 1994. It was included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of international Importance on July 1, 1994. It is the first wetland to make International importance in the Philippines. This makes it a major destination for Birders. It truly is a haven for migratory birds. These birds are making their amazing journeys back from their nesting grounds. Migration begins from their breeding home in the far North. Many come from places like Siberia, Northern China, and Japan. When they begin to anticipate the lack of food and the onset of severe weather, they begin their yearly journey. It has become a major re-fueling stop for many on their way to Australia and New Zealand. The flight home is a long flight and they use Olango Island as a welcome stop, to renew strength for the miles yet remaining. It is Bird Heaven! It is a paradise for Migratory Birds.

Olango Island is also the winter home to species who live in colder regions of the world. Their greatest need is a place to call home during this time of severe weather and scarcity of food. Not all the birds continue their migration, as some prefer to winter in the beautiful and tropical Olango Island. It is their home, away from home.

There are two times during the year that you can see these beautiful migratory birds on Olango Island. The first being from July till November when they make the Southward Migration. Again, in late February until May, they can be seen as they make the Northward Migration. It is then, that these beautiful birds return home to their breeding grounds. This, is an awesome time to book a birding tour.

So which birds are you most likely to see? You can never tell what you will see, but among the most regular of guests are the Chinese Egrets, Asiatic Dowitcherrs, and Eurasian Curlews. Not to be forgotten are the Plovers, The Sandpipers, Black-tailed Godwit, and the beautiful Red Knot. These are large and beautiful birds. What a delight to watch them in their home, away from home!

The Chinese Egret breeds on small islands off the coasts of far Eastern Russia, North Korea, South Korea and Mainland China. It is a tall species with long legs and beautiful white feathers. During the long severe winters of the North, The Chinese Egret winters in The Philippines and other Asian areas. It is believed that over 50% of these beautiful Migratory Birds winter on Olango Island. How amazing it is to watch them! They are also extremely friendly and usually not afraid of humans. What is there not to love about the Chinese Egret?

Among the regulars is the beautiful Sandpipers. Snipes, Eurasian Curlews and the Asiatic Dowitcherrs . These migratory birds are becoming threatened and make their winter home on Olango Island. These beautiful regulars on the island are certain to delight you. Most of this group are in the brown color range and have stripes with a little white. Feel free to check out this website for beautiful photo’s of many of the Migratory Birds that winter throughout Asia, especially in the Philippines. The photography is amazing!

http://www.manilaoldtimer.net/philippinebirds/IOC06Snipes.html

There are several companies that offer Birding Tours. Here are three major Tour Companies that I know of, who are well-known. For your convenience they are listed below. This is not a recommendation of services. They are simply listed in most major Birding Journals. If you love birds, then I recommend that this be the year that you visit the Philippines. Birding is fun! Birding is exciting. The Philippines is a birders paradise. What are you waiting for? Book your tour today! See you on Olango Island.

http://www.birdingphilippines.com/

http://www.birdguidingphilippines.com/

http://www.rockjumperbirding.com/tours/destinations/the-philippines?crumb=Asia

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