Visayas

The islands of the Visayas region are rich in history and blessed with natural beauty. The pace of life is calm compared to the more hectic one in the north, resorts line the coast and range from plush five-stars to simple huts to suit varied tastes and budgets.

Bohol

The island of Bohol lies between Cebu and Leyte. The Chocolate Hills are Bohol's mayor attraction. About an hour and 45 minutes ride from Tagbilaran away, this area consists of over a thousand hills that look like giant scoops of chocolate dropped in the center of the island. These hills are covered with Cogon grass and low bushes which at the end of the dry period turn to a brown color. The exact reason for the uniform shape of these hills is not clarified, scientist are of different opinions and so far there are no proofs for any thesis.

There are several beaches around the city like Kaingit, Laya, Duero, Lintuan and Doljo Beach. Over a dozen of interesting dive sites can be found. White Beach, in particular, has been ranked among the best in the world. Secluded coves providing privacy can be found around the 7 km long island.

A river safari from Busay Falls or a swim at the underground poll of Hinagdanan Cave are other attractions one can try out.

There are exciting dive sites and dive shops offer lessons and certification exams on scuba diving. Bancas can be hired for private trips around Boracay or to other islands. About 90 hotels and cottages provide accommodation on Boracay, ranging from triple-A resorts with plush air-condition rooms to simple thatched huts cooled by electric fans.

Cebu

Cebu is the educational and training center as well as the transport and transshipment hub for the Visayas and Mindanao. Cebu Province, made up of 167 island and has 48 municipalities. The provincial capital is Cebu City, located on Cebu island's eastern coast.

Cebu was the first island the Spanish colonized and christianized. From here they further developed their colony up to Manila and over the almost entire archipelago. Centuries prior to the Spanish colonization there were active trade relations with China, Siam and Arabia. Cebu is know for it's high quality manufacturing of Rattan furniture, music instruments, designer jewelry using primarily seashells. However the predominant resource of income is in the mining industry with it's production of copper, coal, silver and gold. In agriculture corn and maize aside of fish dominate.

Many of the beach resorts are on Mactan island, opposite Cebu City. Among this is the Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort. The northern and southern coast of Cebu are also developed as tourist spots and there are now first-class resorts in these area like in the north in Sogod or the south in Argao and Talisay, or across the island in Moalboal or Badian.

Leyte

In the seaside town of Palo, about 6.5 km. from the capital Tacloban City, is Red Beach. This is where Allied forces led by General Douglas MacArthur landed during World War II. A memorial showing figures of the American general and former Philippine President Sergio Osmena and General Carlos P. Romulo was build on the beach.

Negros

Negros is an island of dramatic contrast: It has the cooler mountain plateau of Tablas in the south and is dominated in the north by the massive volcanoes Mount Silay (1,534 m) Mount Mandalagan (1,880 m) - both inactive and the active Mount Kanlaon (2,465 m). Volcanic activities in the past created the fertile land in the north and northwest for today's sugar plantations, which were established back in 1850's and still accounts to the growth of Negros Occidental.

Camp Lookout is an area above the city of Valencia at the sloops of the inactive volcano Cuernos de Negro (1,904 m). From here one has a very good view to the surrounding islands Sumilona and Siquijor as well as the opposite Island of Cebu. The Twin Lakes (Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao) are two deep crater lakes surrounded by lush jungle vegetation, a scenic spot to visit.

Sumilon is a small island with natural preservation status. The Siliman Univeristy has it's research center here concentrating on Marine studies. Scuba Diving is allowed, however one has to observe the special status of this island and the set regulations.

Apo Island is site of the Negros Oriental Marine Conservation Park. Beautiful coral gardens and exciting marine life earn this dive site a world-class rating.

The province of Negros Occidental is located on the western part of Negros Island It's capital is Bacolod City.

Like other parts of the Visayas, Negros Occidental has beautiful beaches with white sands and offshore coral formations. Nearby island like Llacaon (Lakwon) Island or Inampulugan Island can be best explored by riding a banca, the traditional outrigger boat of the locals.

One should not leave Bacolod without trying the local cuisine. Inasal (barbecue chicken), Batchoy (noodle soup ) or the many seafood dishes with Diwal (shellfish) Alimusan (eel) or Bulgan (fish) are local delicatessen.

Panay

On the southeastern part of the island of Panay is the province of Iloilo, which in the 19th century was already an important trade center. The capital is Iloilo City. Interesting islands and dive sites are: Guimaras Island, Sicogon Island, Isla Naburot and Tatlong Pulo.

The province of Capiz is situated on the northeast part of Panay. It is rich in natural resources and is considered among the richest fishing grounds in the country. Favorite vacation spots are Baybay and Olotayan Beaches as well as the capital Roxas City, Virgin Beach in Ivisan, Casanayan Beach in Pilar and Gugma Beach in Sapian.

For those more adventurous, the exploration of the many caves like Quipot Cave, which is actually a system of 30 caves, the Suhot Cave in Dumalag, one of the longest in the country, may be an interesting alternative to water sports. However it is highly recommended to hire an experienced tour guide.