Tourist Spot in Bhutan

TEN BEST DESTINATIONS IN BHUTAN

Bhutan reminds us of the green valleys, snow capped peaks, cold climate and attractive heritage and culture. This splendid country is flanked by the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh in the East, Nepal in the West, and Tibet in the north. You will never be in want of activities in Bhutan. The valleys and temples, Handicraft emporiums, memorial, Chukha Hydel Project and monasteries are some of the major ones among the tourist places in Bhutan.

PHUENTSHOLING

The frontier town, it is a thriving commercial centre, situated directly at the base of Himalayan foothills. It is a fascinating place where different ethnic groups mingle prominently Indian, Bhutanese and Nepalese. Being the border town, Phuentsholing serves as the convenient entry/exit point for Bhutan and also the important link to visit the Indian state of West Bengal, Sikkim and Assam.

Most tourists entering Bhutan over land enter at the border town of Phuentsholing, from the nearby Indian town of Jaigaon. The change in the degree of purity and organization as you cross the border is unbelievably visible. Places you can see are Kharbandi Gompa, built in 1967 by the Royal Grandmother; the monastery contains paintings on the life of Buddha and statues of Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpochey.

THIMPU VALLEY

Thimphu is the capital, administration, religion and commercial city of Bhutan situated at a height of over 7,600 ft on a hillside in a fertile valley on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu River. The town of Thimphu is nothing like what a capital city is imagined to be. One interesting fact about this city is that it is the only world capital without any traffic lights. The wooden houses stand side by side with concrete buildings, all painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese styles. For most part of its history, Bhutan has tried consciously to save its culture from the blunt influences of the western world. It is not that modernity has not reached this region, but they are being introduced in a phased and balanced manner that is unheard of at any place in the world. All these make Thimphu and other parts of the country a unique destination. Thimphu valley has many interesting places for visitors including the Trashichho Dzong, Simtokha Dzong, Memorial Chorten, The Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, Handicraft Emporiums, Weekend Market, Changangkha Lhakhang, Painting School and other excursion places around Thimphu.

PARO VALLEY

The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country’s only airport. Mount Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. Beside that, the Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tiger's Nest) is the most famous and popular location which is situated at the north of Paro Valley. This monastery was built at the edge of a 1,200 m cliff, creating an unique and impressive sight, and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan.

HAA VALLEY

Haa was the ancient centre of trade with Yatung in the Chumbi valley in Tibet. In 2002 the valley was opened to tourism, its tourist resources remain largely undeveloped compared with Paro, Thimphu, and Bumthang. The main attractions are the journey up and over the pass and the picturesque valley itself and famous monasteries, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to be almost identical to that of the Jowo temple in Lhasa. Legend has it that local deities assisted in the construction of Lhakhang Karpo.

PUNAKHA VALLEY

Located at an altitude of 4,430 ft above sea level, Punakha had once served as the winter capital of Bhutan. A three-hour winding mountain drive from Thimphu will land you in Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. The route climbs past the forestry research station at Yusupang, then through apple orchards and forests of blue pine. A temperate climate and natural drainage from the Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers, the fertile Punakha Valley produces abundant crops and fruit. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1907. The Punakha Dzong and the two rivers add exclusively to the scenic beauty of Punakha valley.

PHOBJIKHA VALLEY

Phobjikha is a wide and beautiful glacial valley with a central stream meandering through the open grassland and thickets of dwarf bamboo. Farmlands occupy the peripheral slopes where potatoes and turnips are grown. The forests beyond the farms are mostly coniferous. The general vegetation is composed of mainly blue pine, birch, maple and several species of rhododendrons. The Central Valley inhabited by the Cranes in winter has mostly dwarf bamboo. The repeated grazing of the bamboos by the local cattle and houses in summer prepares the ground for the wintering Crane. The magnificent Black-necked Cranes heighten the breathtaking scenery of Phobjikha Valley in winter respiratory.

BUMTHANG VALLEY

The Bumthang, one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan consists of four valleys - Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura - ranges from 8,528 to 13,120 ft in altitude, and has an impressive concentration of dzongs and temples to visit. In the same style as Kyichu Lhakhang, in the region of Paro, Jambey Lhakhang is one of the first temples built in Bhutan by the Tibetan king Songtsän Gampo, in the 7th-century. The site of Kuje in the same region is considered particularly sacred, as Guru Rimpoche left the impression of his body there after meditating in one of its caves. Sculptures depicting the life of this holy figure can be admired in one of the temples built after his visit. In the valley of Choekhor, the monastery of Tamshing Gonpa, which dates from the beginning of the 16th Century, has some extraordinary paintings, among the oldest in the country.

TRONGSA VALLEY

Ancestral home of Bhutan's ruling dynasty and site of Bhutan's most impressive fortress, Trongsa is a strategically located town on the east-west route.  Sloping down the contour of a ridge stands the many-levelled Trongsa Dzong, built In 1648. The Dzong acts as a defensive fortress, stepping down into the valley and its bright golden yellow roof occupies most of the view from Trongsa. The Crown Prince of Bhutan traditionally becomes Penlop or Governor of Trongsa before being crowned King.

TRASHIGANG

In the far east of Bhutan, on the bank of Gamri Chhu river lies Trashigang, the country’s largest district. Trashigang, once the centre of a busy trade route with Tibet, is today the junction of east-west highway with road connecting to Samdrup Jongkhar and then to the Indian States of Assam. This town is also used as the market place for the semi nomadic people from Merak and Sakteng whose costumes are unique in Bhutan.

TRASHIYANGTSE VALLEY

Previously Trashiyangtse Valley was a drungkhag (Sub district) of Trashigang. Trashiyangtse became fully fledged Dzongkhag (District) in 1993. It borders the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The old trade route between east and west Bhutan used to go through Trashiyangtse, over the mountains to Lhuentse and then over Rodang La (4,200 m) to Bumthang. The Trashiyangtse Dzongkhag lies at the headwaters of the Kulong Chhu. Trashiyangtse is also a centre of paper making. They use the Tsasho technique with a bamboo frame, which produce a distinctive on the paper. The town is known for the excellent wooden cups and bowls made here using water driven and treadle lathes. You can find them on sale in a small shops and local restaurant.  

Tourist Attractions in Bangladesh

Famous Attractions in Bangladesh

Bangladesh as a holiday making land exposes to many flamboyant facets. Its tourist attractions are many folded, which include archaeological sites, historical mosques and monuments, resorts, beaches, picnic spots, forests and tribal people, wildlife of various species. Bangladesh offers ample opportunities to tourists for angling, water skiing, river cruising, hiking, rowing, yachting, sea bathing as well as bringing one in close touch with pristine nature.

1.   DHAKA

Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh; it has attracted traveler from distant and closer throughout in all the ages. It has a history dating back to earliest time. But the correct date of its foundation is not known. However, according to recorded history it was founded in 1608 A.D. as the seat of the imperial Mughal Viceroy of Bengal. Dhaka as the capital of Bangladesh has grown into a busy city of about seven million citizens with an area of about 815 sq. km. Having a happy amalgamation of old and new architectural trends, Dhaka has been developing fast as a modern city and is throbbing with activities in all spheres of life. It is the centre of industrial commercial, cultural, educational and political activities for Bangladesh. At Tongi, Tejgaon, Demra, Pagla, kanchpur, the industrial establishments turn - out daily necessities. Motijheel is the main commercial area of the city. Dhaka's major waterfront Sadarghat is on the bank of the river Buriganga and is crowded with all kinds of river craft, batches, country boats, motor launches, paddle-steamers, fishermen's boats all bustling with activity.

2.   CHITTAGONG - GATEWAY TO THE BAY OF BENGAL

With a picturesque neighborhood of large hill forests and lakes. Chittagong is a good vacation spot. It is the second largest city of Bangladeshand a busy of Bangladesh and a busy international sea port. Its green hills and forests, broad sabulous beaches and fine cool climate all the time attract holiday makers. It combines the hump of an unquiet seaport with the pleasure of a charming hill town with its undulating topography. Chittagong is the country's chief port and is the main site for the organization of heavy, medium and light industries. Bangladesh's only steel mill and oil factory are also located here. Chittagong is joined with Dhaka by rail, road, air and water. It is also linked with Cox's Bazaar and Calcutta by Air.

3.   RANGAMATI - THE HEART OF THE LAKE DISTRICT

Road amid green fields and zigzag hills will take you to Rangamati, the headquarters of Rangamati Hill District which is a wonderful depository of scenic splendours with flora and fauna of different descriptions. The township is located on the western bank of the Kaptai Lake. Rangamati is a favorite holiday resort because of its attractive landscape, scenic beauty, lake, colourful tribes (Chakma, Marma etc.) its flora and fauna, tribal museum, hanging bridge, homespun textile products, ivory jewellery and the tribal men and women who fashion them. For tourists the attraction of Rangamati are many, tribal life, fishing, speed boat cruising, water skiing, hiking, bathing or just enjoying nature as it is. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation provides suitable hotel and cottage lodging, catering, speed boat and other facilities at Rangamati.

4.   KAPTAI

A pleasant and picturesque drive of 64 km. from Chitagong brings you to tremendous vastness of emerald and blue water ringed with hot forest. It is the famous man prepared Kaptai lake (680 sq. km) formed by damming the Kamaphuli river. Only 3 km. from Kaptai along Chittagong Road, lies the ancient Chit Morong Buddist temple having attractive Buddist statues. Other places of interest in the Hill Tract districts include Chandraghone, Khagrachari and Bandarban all in picturesque surrounding.

5.   SYLHET - LAND OF TWO LEAVES AND A BUD

Nestled in the picturesque Surma valley amidst beautiful tea plantations and lush green tropical forest, it is a prime attraction for all tourists. Its terraced tea gardens, eye catching orange groves and pineapple plantations and hills covered with hot forests form an attractive landscape. The Sylhet vale has a good number of haors which are big natural wetlands. During winter these haors are vast stretches of green land, but in the rainy season they turn into a turbulent sea. These haors provide sanctum to the million of migratory birds who fly from Siberia across the Himalayas to avoid the severe cold. Srimangal in Sylhet, known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, is the main tea centre of the area. For miles and miles around, the visitor can see the tea grounds spread like green rug over the plain land or on the sloping hills. A visit to the tea agricultural estate in Sythet is a memorable experience Sylhet the tea granary of Bangladesh , not only has over 150 tea gardens but also proudly possesses the tree largest tea gardens in the world both in area and manufacture. Sylhet is also known as the ground of the famous Muslim saint Hazrat Shah Halal the great torch bearer of Islam to the region.

6.   SUNDARBANS - HOME OF THE ROYAL BENGAL TIGER & MANGROVE FOREST

Placed near Khulna about 320 Km. west of Dhaka. Here in the south, diffuse over an area of about 6000 sq. km. of deltaic swamps along the coastal belt of Khulna is the biggest mangrove forest, Sundarbans (attractive forest)- the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Its compact rain forests are criss crossed by a network of rivers and creeks. One finds here tides flowing in two directions in the same creek and often tigers swimming across a river or huge crocodiles basking in the sun. Other wildlife in this region is cheetahs, spotted dears, moneys, pythons, wild bears and hyenas. The forest is reachable by river from Khulna and Mongla. There are relaxing houses for the guests to stay and enjoy the pure nature with all its charm and majesty.

7.   KUAKATA

A rare scenic attractiveness places on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in the district of Patuakhali. It has a large sabulous beach from where one can get the unique opportunity of seeing both the sunup and sun setting. It is situated at a distance of 70 km, from the district headquarters of Patuakhali. Access to the area is difficult. Guided Tours in Kuakata TRAVEL BANGLADESH (TRAVELBD) arranges guided package tours for groups of 2 to 8 and above from Dhaka to Kuakata.

8.   MAINAMATI - SEAT OF LOST DYNASTIES

On the slopes of these hills lie scattered a treasure of information about the early Buddhist cMlization (7th-12th Centure A.D.). At Salban in the center of the point, excavations laid bare a big Buddhist Vihara (monastery) and imposing central sharine. It has revealed valuable information about the rule of the Chandra and Deva dynasties which flourished here from the 7th to 12th century. The whole range of hillocks run for about 18 km. and is studded with more than 50 sites. A site museum houses the archaeological finds which include terra cotta plaques, bronze statues and casket, coins, jewellery, utensils, pottery and votive stupas embossed with Buddhist inscriptions. Museum is open Sunday-Friday and closed on Saturday. Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) recognized nearby in 1959 is known for its pioneering role in co-operative movement.

9.   MAHASTHANGARH - THE OLDEST ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

Situated at a space of 18 km north of Bogra town. Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh on the western bank of river Karatoa. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the area having a fortified long enclosure. Beyond the fortified area, other ancient ruins fan out within a semicircle of about 8 km radius. Several isolated mounds, the local names of which are Govinda Bhita Temple, Khodia Pathar Mound, Mankalir Kunda, Parasuramer Bedi, Jiyat Kunda etc. surround the fortified city. This 3rd century B.C. archaeological site is still held to be of great sanctity by the Hindus. Every year (mid - April) and once in every 12 years (December) thousands of Hindu devotees join the bathing ceremony on the bank of river Karatoa. A visit to the Mahasthangarh site museum will open up for one a wide variety of antiquities, ranging form terra-cotta objects to gold ornaments and coins recovered from the site. Also noteworthy are the shrine of Shah Sultan Bulki Mahisawary and Gokul Moth in the neighbourhood of Mahasthangarh.

10. RAJSHAHI - A NATURAL SILK PRODUCING CENTRE

Rajshahi has been the most glorious periods of Bengal's Pala dynasty. It is famous for pure silk, mangoes and lichis. Beautiful silk products are cheaper. A visit to Varendra Research Museum at the heart of the city of rich archaeological finds would be most rewarding. There are also a number of ancient mosques, shrines and temples in and around Rajshahi. Linked with Dhaka by road, rail, river and air, Rajshahi is situated on the bank of the Padma River. Bangladesh Parjathan Corporation offers comfortable lodging and restaurant services at Rajshahi.

11.  NATORE-PLACE OF DIGHPATIYA RAJBARI

DIGHPATIYA RAJBARI is located 40km. from Rajshahi by road is Natore, an old seat of Maharajas with a attractive palace, now serving as the Uttara Ganabhaban (President's Official residence of the northern region). It was residence of the Dighapatiya Raj. It is placed amid well kept ground surrounded by a fine moat. The buildings are new. They include a well prepared guest house, an imposing gateway and a fine garden decorated with statues of white marble.

12. PAHARPUR - THE LARGEST BUDDHIST SEAT OF LEARNING

Paharpur is a small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj in the better Rajshahi district where the remains of the most main and the biggest known monastery south of the Himalayas has been excavated. The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular cout, measuring more than 900 ft. and from 12 ft. to 15th. In height. With elaborate gateway complex on the north there are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The structural design of the pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced by those of South - East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java. It had taken its name from a high heap, which looked like pahar or hillock. A site museum built recently houses the representative collection of things recovered from the area. The excavated findings have also been preserved at the Varendra Research Museum at Rajshahi. The antiquities of the museum include terra-cotta plaques, images of different goods and goddesses, potteries, coin inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects.

13.  DINAJPUR - OLD ORNAMENTAL TEMPLE TOWN

The northern most district of the country, offers a number of beautiful places to the visitors. The Ransagar (great sea) lake with relax houses is a good picnic places having facilities for fishing and rowing in a serene and silence green countryside environment. Kantanager temple, the most ornate among the late medieval temples of Bangladesh is placed near Dinajpur town. It was build by Maharaja Pran Nath in 1752 A.D. Every inch of the temple surface is wonderfully embellished with exquisite terra-cotta plaques, representing flora, fauna, geometric motifis, mythological scenes and an astonishing array to contemporary social scenes and favorite pastimes. The Maharaja's palace with relics of the past centuries and local museum are worth a visit. 

Top Tourist Spot in Bahrain

TOURISM IN BAHRAIN

Bahrain, comprises a group of thirty three islands, located within an area of 707 Sq.Kms., and is situated at the Arabian Gulf, away from the east coast of Saudi Arabia.

The state is named after its largest island Bahrain, which covers 586.5 Sq. Mts., and is linked by walkways to the Sitra (Industrial area and tank-farm) and Muharraq (international airport). There are many other small islands, though uninhabited, and are best known for their migrating birds, that pass through the autumn and spring.

Bahrain is the fashionable area of the Arab world, comprising most modern restaurants, nightlife and modern restaurants in its capital city, Manama. Though most tourists visit the country by air, the island is also linked to the mainland by King Fahad Causeway, a bridge that is 15.5 miles long.

Bahrain houses most ancient castles and fortifications that are worth visiting. Also there are mind-boggling array of historical artifacts at the Bahrain National Museum.

TOURIST SPOTS

The Soukh: Visit to Bahrain would remain incomplete without making a trip to the Soukh, which is full of sounds, aromas and colors. Everything from cloth of colors and textures to jewelry and gold and a traditional array of spices and local produce is available. The place provides modern trade facilities, and is worth visiting if not for anything else, to enjoy brightly colored fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, spices and nuts. The Gold Souq consists of contemporary European jewelry and the traditional Bedouin designs and other variety of styles. The Cloth Souq contains materials of all colors and textures ranging from silk to cotton and wool.

Siyadi House: Built by Ahmed Bin Qassem Siyadi, a pearl merchant, it has fine features to look out for, including stained glass windows, ornate ceilings, carved screens and a large safe set into the wall of an upper reception room.

Museum of Pearl Diving: Is considered as the most important historic buildings in Bahrain. It derives importance as being the first official center for Bahrain Courts. The building was inaugurated by Late H.H. Sh. Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the past Governor of Bahrain, during Calendar year 18th October, 1937. At that time the building comprised of four Supreme Courts, apart from three Directorates. Later on, during 1984 the building was transformed into a Traditional Heritage Center. Currently, the Museum of Pear Diving is under the control of Directorate of Archaeology and Heritage, one of the major Directorates of Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Information. The Museum of Pearl Diving, is considered as a source of pride to Bahrain, its governors and people from past to present.

Shaikh Isa's House: The Shaikh Isa’s house located at the old down of Muharraq, was the home of great grandfather of Amir, Shaikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa. It represents a fine example of local architecture, with a wind tower, wall carving and lattice work, indicating a traditional nineteenth century life.

Tree of Life: Standing alone in the desert about two kilometers from Jebel Dukhan, this mystic tree is a welcome shade from the day's heat, though the source of water for the tree still remains a mystery.

Oil Museum: Oil Museum is situated near the "Oil Well No.1" and was inaugurated on 2nd June 1992 to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of discovery of oil in Bahrain, which was also the first country in the Middle East to do so. The museum comprises fascinating drilling equipments, old photographs, document and the working model of an oil rig.

King Fahad Causeway: Opened during 1986, this engineering link that connects Saudi Arabia with Bahrain, is also one of the most expensive bridges in the world. The bridge traverses Umm Nasan Island, a sanctuary for wildlife, and at the halfway point there is a facility area, that comprises a restaurant, which could be visited even if one does not travel all the way to Saudi Arabia.

Riffa Golf Club: The Riffa Golf Club was designed by a leading golf designer, Karl Litton. The club covers a length of 24 hectares, and comprises landscaped shrubbery and palms to give a tropical feeling of desert terrain. The course has been created so as to match international caliber.

Top Tourist Spot in Afghanistan

MASJET-E-JAM

Also known as the Friday Mosque, the Masjet-e-Jam in Herat is one of the finest and most popular Islamic sites in the world. Inside the mosque, tourists can see a big bronze cauldron as well as a Sherbet receptacle. Moreover, the place features Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din’s tomb.

The mosque is located in the city of Herat in the province of the same name. This is in northeastern Afghanistan.The mosque facade has undergone many changes through the years. The current form of the mosque dates from the 15th century. What makes the mosque so beautiful is the attention paid to detail. The mosaic and tiles are particularly striking.

The structure also serves as an outstanding example of Ghorid sophistication. There are also several artworks in the Masjet e Jam in Herat. These are among the most attractive features of the mosque.

GARDENS OF BABUR

The Gardens of Babur in Kabul features several plant species. The tourist destination is also the place where the remains Moghul Emperor Babur were buried. In the gardens, people can find a small but attractive mosque.

BOT-E-BAMIYAN

The Bot-e-Bamiyan features popular Buddha statues from the 3rd century and the 5th century. The heights of the statues are 36 meters and 53 meters. This place is considered as one of the major archaeological places in Afghanistan.

THE MAUSOLEUM OF AHMED SHAH DURRANI

Considered one of the most significant landmarks in all of Afghanistan. This mausoleum is the final resting place of the man who founded modern-day Afghanistan.Located in Kandahar. You can take any public transport and they will take you to the mausoleum. The mausoleum is very near the Mosque of the Cloak of the Prophet Mohammed. They are right in the middle of the city.

The mausoleum is one of the most elaborate in the country. It is shaped in an octagonal manner beautifully decorated. The gilded dome is a beautiful gold in color. Apart from the tomb of Ahmed, there are a dozen tombs there as well. The exquisite decoration has lured visitors to the site.

The Mausoleum of Ahmed Shah Durrani is not just for history buffs; it is also where people go to see the best of Afghanistan architecture. The Maratha tried to attack him several times, but he always emerged victorious. He defeated them eight times.

SULTAN MASOOD PALACE 

The Sultan Masood Palace in Ghazni was constructed in 112 A.D. Inside the palace, people can find antique furnishings. The palace has soldiers’ quarters, government offices and a throne room. It also features several small but beautiful gardens.

THE MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART 

The Museum of Islamic Art in Ghazni became open to the public in 1966. This tourist spot displays the Timurid architecture. Numerous collections of artifacts and antique items are stored and featured at the site such as bronzes and ceramic tiles. The remains of Sultan Abdul Razaq were buried in the museum.

The museum is located in the small village of Rauza. This town is located within the boundaries of the province of Ghazni, which is situated in the central-eastern regions of Afghanistan. To get to the museum, visitors will have to take the road from Kabul to Kandahar. This road passes right through Ghazni along the way from Kabul. The trip from Kabul to Ghazni will take around a couple of hours.

THE SHRINE OF BABA WALI 

Located in Heart, the Shrine of Baba Wali provides a relaxing view of the Arghandab River. Near the shrine, tourists can find other attractive tourist spots including the Elephant Mountain. The site is open to public seven days a week.

SHAHR-E-GHOLGOLA

Also called as the Town of Noise, Shahr-e-Gholgola in Bamiyan features the ruins of a wealthy city that existed in the 5th century and 7th century. One of the nice attractions at the town is the historic citadel where the massacre of the residents in the place led by Genghis Khan started.

MOUSALLAH COMPLEX 

The Mousallah Complex in Herat features the ruins of the ancient madrassa. At the site, people can find 12 minarets. In addition, this tourist destination is also the place where Gaur Shad’s mausoleum were constructed.

KABUL BALA HISSAR  The Kabul Bala Hissar is a historic town that has a very strong and complex defensive system. One of the interesting places in the town is the fortress, which was used as a military college since 1939. Within the premises of the town, people can find the residences of popular emperors and Afghan rulers.

Top 10 Tourist Spot in the Philippines

Banaue Rice Terraces -- Lone District, Ifugao, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Luzon, Philippines

The Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao are considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. The terraces are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Approximately during the ministry of Jesus Christ on earth (over 2000 years ago), the native people of Ifugao began carving the terraces of the mountains using merely their bare hands and sticks from the trees in the forests. The terraces were carved mainly to provide an area of land suitable for planting rice which is the staple food of most Filipinos whether breakfast, lunch or dinner, rice is always served and eaten with the main dish. The rainforests above the mountains act as a natural irrigation system used to water the rice plants. The terraces are 7 hours of travel by car (50 miles) from Baguio city, the summer capital of the Philippines. Travelling from Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, it would take a total of 12 hours to reach the terraces, a distance of about 205 miles.

Tubbataha Reefs -- Sulu Sea, southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Province

The Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park is a sanctuary (government-protected conservation area) consisting of over 1000 species of marine creatures and birds. The Reef is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the most popular Philippine diving site for tourists. The Tubbataha Reef has two coral reef atolls, the North and South Atoll. The Park can be reached via boat travel of 10 to 12 hours which is about 112 miles from Puerto Princesa city, the capital of Palawan province.

Subterranean River National Park -- Puerto Princesa, Palawan

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is one of the world's longest underground river and the previous record holder of the longest underground river in the whole world. The Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to diverse species of plants and animals (flora and fauna). The park has over 800 plant species and over 300 animal species. Being 30 miles north of the city of Puerto Princesa (Palawan province), it is about 3 to 4 hours of travel by boat.

Apo Reef National Park -- Occidental Mindoro

The Apo Reef Natural Park is the second largest coral reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef system in Queensland, Australia. The park is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Various marine species live in the reef area including corals, fishes, seaweeds, algae and mangrove trees. The park can be reached by means of boat in about 2 hours from the island of Mindoro, a distance of 20 miles.

Paradise Island -- Samal Island, Davao

Paradise Island and Beach Resort is definitely one of the most famous and best tourist attractions in the Philippines. It has a gorgeous white sand beach and clear waters making it a perfect place for beach-walking, lying down the sand, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. It has also a zoo of lively animals and a garden of beautiful flowers and exotic plants. The beach resort is very close to Davao city, a 7-minute ride via ferry boat.

Chocolate Hills -- Bohol

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are a spectacular natural wonder in the Philippines. It consists of nearly 1800 small cute little hills that are spread over an area of 20 square miles. The hills are located in 3 towns of Bohol namely Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan. A viewing station is available in the government resort Chocolate Hills Complex in the town of Carmen, Bohol which is a distance of about 34 miles from Tagbilaran City. Sagbayan Peak Mountain Resort offers an alternative viewing station of the world-renowned and popular Chocalate Hills in the town of Sagbayan, a distance of 47 miles from Tagbilaran City. 

Mayon Volcano -- North of Legazpi city, Albay, Bicol

Mayon Volcano has a worldwide reputation as the most perfectly formed volcano in the world because of its near-perfect conical shape and form. Mayon Volcano is the champion among the best competitors for the world's most perfectly coned volcanoes like Osorno Volcano of Chile, Mount Fuji of Japan, Mount Taranaki of New Zealand, Mount Cotopaxi of Ecuador,  Volcan Arenal of Costa Rica and Shishaldin Volcano of Alaska, USA. Because of its natural elegance and beauty, it is listed on the World's Top 10 Wonders of Nature. Visitors traveling to Mayon Volcano from Manila would take an hour by plane getting to Legazpi City then 10 miles north of Legazpi city is the magnificent Mayon Volcano, the most popular landmark of the province of Albay, Philippines.  

La Union Botanical Garden -- La Union, Luzon

La Union Botanical Garden is a unique botanical garden of its kind in that it is a 20-hectare "Garden of gardens" in a tropical rainforest mountain located in Barangay Cadaclan, San Fernando City, Luzon Island, Philippines. It has plants which grow on tropical, sub-tropical, wet, arid and desert climates. Among the gardens are the Shade Garden, Sunken Garden, Fragrance Garden, Evergreen Garden, Medicinal Garden, Philippine Native Plant Garden, Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Palm Garden, Arid Paradise Garden, Orchid Garden and many more. What makes it more remarkable is that there exists a harmonious relationship between the various species of plants in the garden and the animal species around the garden and hill forest vicinity. Traveling to the Garden is an easy 5-mile distance from San Fernando City. 

Boracay Island -- Kalibo, Aklan

Without a shadow of a doubt, this tropical island paradise has one of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world. Boracay Island has been nominated several times as the NUMBER ONE Tropical Beach in the world. It has two major tourism beaches namely White Beach and Bulabog Beach. Regarded as a world-class tourist spot and among the Top 10 tourist attractions, travel destinations, vacation hotspots and most visited places in the Philippines, Boracay's two main beaches are venues to a host of leisure activities such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, beach-side nature walking, sunbathing, beach volleyball, golf, and other recreational sports. Although Boracay Island is 200 miles south of Manila, there are two airports serving Boracay Island traveling by air and the option to travel by sea with ferries. Don't take my word for it, just go and experience the fun and the breath-taking scenery of this tourist-favorite place. Enjoy your trip!

Fort Santiago -- Intramuros, Manila, Philippines 

Fort Santiago is a famous historic Spanish fortress in which once stood the palace of the Muslim chieftain, Rajah Suleiman before the Spaniards ever set foot on Philippine soil. This fort is a very significant site in the history of the Philippine independence from Spain. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines was imprisoned here and spent his last night before being executed in 1896. The fort has a museum containing Spanish artifacts, wares, documents and other historic articles. Within the fort is Rizal Shrine which houses the utensils, garments, shoes, housewares, kitchen wares, books, manuscripts, drawings, artworks, artifacts and other objects used and worn throughout the life of the genius and multi-talented Philippine national hero.