Top 10 Must See Destinations in China

 

China has a large number of wonderful tour destinations including delicate water towns, imposing imperial palaces, splendid national cultural heritage and colorful folk custom. Listed here the top 10 must see destinations in China. 


1.Beijing
Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is unarguably the heart of the nation's politics, culture and international intercourse. It is a fast changing and modern city full of vigor. Beijing is one of the six ancient capital cities in Chinese history. The other five ancient cities are Xian, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Nanjing and Hangzhou. It once used as the capital for the dynasties such as Jin (1115 AD - 1234 AD), Yuan (1279 AD -1368 AD), Ming (1368 AD -1644 A D) and Qin ( 1644 AD - 1911 AD).

Important sites in Beijing:
Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, the Great Wall, Ming Tomb, Tiananmen Square, Hutong, Lama Temple, Beihai Park, Beijing Capital Museum, Yashow Market.

2. Xian
Xian, also named Changan, is the biggest city in north-west China. It once served as the nation's capital for thirteen dynasties such as Western Zhou (11th century BC - 771 BC), Qin (221 BC - 206 BC), Western Han (206 BC - 24 AD) and Tang (618 - 907) for over 1000 years. It is well noted for historical value.

Important sites in Xian:
Terra-cotta Army, Banpo Museum,Shaanxi Provincial Museum, Xian Great Mosque, Huaqing Hotspring, City Wall, Big Goose Pagoda, Forest of Stone Steles Museum.

3. Shanghai
Being the largest metropolitan area in China, Shanghai is situated in central-eastern China, facing the East China Sea.

Shanghai is divided into two sections: Pudong and Puxi. Pudong is the new development zone on the east of Huangpu River while Puxi is the old area lying on the west of Huangpu River. Shanghai possesses two airports - Shanghai Pudong International Airport ( PVG ) and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport ( domestic ). Shanghai Pudong International Airport is for international passengers while Hongqiao for domestic travellers.

Important sites in Shanghai:
Shanghai Bund, Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Xin Tian Di, Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Huangpu River.

4. Guilin
Lying by the banks of the Li River, Guilin has become famous both at home and abroad for its intriguing natural views: green hills, featuring rockeries, clean water, unique caves,stones of many shapes. The many ethnic minorities inhabit here . ThemainminoritiesaretheZhuang, Yao, Hui, Miao, Mulao, Maonan and Dong. They add a lot of colour to the cultural life of the city.
Important sites in Guilin:

The Li River, The Reed Flute Cave, Seven Star Park, Guilin Folded Brocade Hil, Fubo Hill, Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, Solitary Beauty Hill, Longji Terraced Field in Longsheng, Fengyu Cave in Lipu County Guiline.

5. Yangtze River
Yangtze River cruises is a must for those who look for romantic travel. Yangtze River is coming through the mountains and the cities from the west to the east, finally blending into the East China Sea near Shanghai with a total length of more than 6300 km, ranking the third largest river in the world, only after the Nile and Amazon.

Important places and sites along Yangtze River:
Chongqing City, Fengdu, Baoshizha, Wanxian, Shennong Streem, Lesser Three Gorges, Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam and Yichang City, Wuhan City.

6. Lhasa Tibet
Lhasa Tibet well known as " the Roof of the World ", has turned into an exciting land both for normal tourists, climbers and adventurers coming from all over the world. Travelers are looking for the unique things of snow mountains, mysterious religions, exotic customs etc. Lhasa is the political and cultural center of Tibet. Lhasa in Tibetan means "The land of gods". In the time of information, people can easily reach the mysterious destination by jet aircraft, now even trains.

Important places and sites in Lhasa Tibet:
Potala Palace, Nobulingka, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery and Jokhang Temple, Shigatse.

7. Jiuzhaigou Sichuan
Nestled in the valley of the mountains in the area of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in the northwestern Sichuan Province, Jiuzhaigou is a fairyland named after the nine Tibetan villages in the valley. The valley is about 50 kilometers long. In 1992, It was listed as the world natural heritage of UNESCO.

Important places and sites in Jiuzhaigou Sichuan:
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Qingchengshan & Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Emei Mountain and Giant Buddha of Leshan, Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, Huanglong.

8. Lijiang Yunnan
Listed as UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage, Lijiang is located in Yunnan Province of south

China. It is an ancient town with the history of more than 1,300 years. Lijiang is inhabited by Naxi people, local people for a long history. It lies on a plateau at 2,600 meters above sea level. Lijiang is well noted for its natural scenery, fresh air and green vegetation. Its Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the nearest snow mountains close to the living place in the world. The old town mixes naturally with the natural scenery. The local Naxi people have developed a culture called "Dong Ba Culture". Classical Naxi music is regarded as the "living musical fossil" due to its long history.

Important places and sites in Lijiang Yunnan:
Ancient Town Lijiang, Yulong Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge.

9. Zhangjiajie Hunan
Zhangjiajie City is situated on the west mountains area of Hunan Province. UnderZhangjiajie City, there is an administrative district called Wulingyuan District where the world famous Wulingyuan Scenic Area is. The Wulingyuan Scenic Area is divided into three sections: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park; Tianzi Mountain and Suoxi Valley. Most of the travellers prefer staying at the Wulingyuan area instead of the city center of Zhangjiajie City. In December of 1992, Wulingyuan was listed in the World Heritage of UNESCO.

Important places and sites in Zhangjiajie Hunan:
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve.

10. Silk Road in China
The ancient Silk Road has a history of over 2,000 years. The old silk road started from Chang'an ( now called Xian, Shaanxi Province ) in the east and extended to Rome, Italy in the west. The old silk road passed through Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai provinces, Ningxia Hui and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regions in China and further stretched over the Pamirs, then extending to Central and West Asia. And finally the silk road connected the east bank of the Mediterranean Sea and Eastern Europe. The Silk Road had the total length of over 2,485 miles and over half of which is within Chinese territory.

Important places and sites along the Silk Road in China:
Lanzhou, Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiayuguan Pass, Dunhuang, Hami, Turpan, Urumqi, Loulan, Korla, Kuqa (Kucha), Aksu, Kashgar (Kashi), Hotan.

Top 10 Hong Kong Attractions

What to See in Hong Kong

This busiest metropolis is one side of Hong Kong; it is also referred to the Oriental Pearl, a kind of beautiful modern city. Filling with its mixed rich historical background, you could have a great time to visit many well-preserved scenic spots. 

Here we offer some well-collected information about most worth going attraction.

 

1. The Skyscraper Skyline
It’s what the tourists come for and it rarely disappoints – smog allowing. Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers of any city in the world and most of them are crammed onto the north shore of Hong Kong Island. The result is photography gold. This breathtaking gang of high rises is best viewed from the Avenue of Star in Tsim Sha Tsui, at night, when you can see the buildings at their dazzling best.

2. Dai Pai Dongs
Dai Pai Dongs are street side food stalls – plus a couple of benches. Featuring basic, but delicious noodle and rice dishes, usually a great line in seafood and if you’re lucky, ice cold beers they’re the perfect place to fill up on a quick and tasty dinner. The government has clamped down on Dai Pai Dongs in recent years because it doesn’t chime in with their effort to make Hong Kong a squeaky clean city but their scarcity has only added to the attraction.

3. Happy Valley Racecourse
You don’t need to a bookie to have fun at Happy Valley. This grand race course, bounded by a wall of skyscrapers in the heart of the city - makes for an electric setting when lit up for the night time races. The horses are cheered on by a vocal crowd of thousands fueled by cheap San Miguel and bad hot dogs.

4. Ocean Park
Hong Kong’s premium theme park – which is quite some boast when your rival is Hong Kong Disneyland – Ocean Park has been offering thrills and spills to the people of Hong Kong for nearly forty years and quite honestly it has never been better. From the Pandas and incredible Jellyfish spectacular to the 4g inverted loops of the Hair Raiser rollercoaster, Ocean Park’s mix of animals and action packed rides is a winning combination.

5. LegCo Building
The Hong Kong government is dedicated to knocking down just about anything that’s more than 20 years old. LegCo has survived because it’s where the government sat for much of the last hundred years and is now the Court of Final Appeal. The building is in grand British colonial style with sturdy granite columns and gilded verandas; a powerful statement by the men in mustaches that once ran the city.

6. Ngong Ping Cable Car
Hong Kong sometimes feels like the home of the jaw dropping view, so it’s a confirmation of just how impressive the views are from the Ngong Ping Cable Car that it regularly makes top 10 lists such as this. Running between the town on Tung Chung and the themed village of Ngong Ping halfway up a Lantau mountain it affords wonderful views over the South China Sea and onto the lush greenery of Lantau Island.

7. 10,000 Buddha's Temple
It’s hard to pick a single Hong Kong temple so many of them are impressive for their own individual reasons, but the 9 storey pagoda and nearly 12,000 miniature Buddha statues make the 10,000 Buddha’s temple in the New Territories worth the trip.

8. Ping Shan Heritage Trail
Few people venture outside of Hong Kong’s urban jungle, yet Hong Kong’s green lungs – the New Territories – are one of the few places you can find some local history. Home to Hong Kong’s walled villages, these fenced in settlements were founded by migrating family clans and many still celebrate their traditional heritage, both in their buildings and clothing and in lifestyle. Along the Ping Shan heritage trail – which winds through a number of centuries old villages – you’ll find examples of traditional Chinese architecture in the ancestral halls, temples and pagodas.

9. Mongkok Markets
While the Temple Street night market is probably Hong Kong’s best individual market, the combination of several markets all packed into one area makes Mongkok the place for bargain hunters. The flagship show is the Ladies Market, which mostly focuses on ladies clothes, souvenirs and knock offs from across the border in Shenzhen – Gucco handbag anyone? Better is the Goldfish Market – effectively a street side zoo – and best of all is the Bird Market – where you can watch owners parade their birds around in gilded cages.

10. Macau
Yes, technically speaking it's not in Hong Kong, but at just an hour away by ferry and with visa free for most tourists, anyone in Hong Kong for more than a few days should spend the time to see the Portuguese heritage and spinning roulette wheels of Macau.

Festival in Philippines

This page provides the list of Major Philippines Festivals/Town Fiestas and Schedule Event Calendar. Please be guided accordingly.

January Month Festivals

January 9 – Feast of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church, Metro Manila Philippines)
January 9 – Biniray (Romblon, Philippines)
January 9 – Lingayen Gulf Landing (Lingayen, Pangasinan Philippines)
Every 3rd Week of January – Ati-Atihan (Kalibo, Aklan Philippines)
Every 3rd Week of January – Daro Sinulog (Dumaguete, Negros Island)
Every 3rd Sunday of January – Sinulog (Cebu City, Cebu)
Every Last Sunday of January – Caracol sa Makati (Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines)
4th Week of January – Vigan Town Fiesta (Vigan Town Fiesta)
January 4th Week – Apribada (Donsol, Sorsogon)
4th Weekend of January – Dinagyang (Iloilo City)

February Month Festivals

Early February – Hot Air Balloon (Clark, Pampanga Philippines)
February 2 – Feast of Our Lady of Candles (Jaro, Iloilo)
February 1-28 – Festival of Hearts (Tanjay City, Negros Island)
February 7-10 – Pamulinawen (Laoag City)
February 11 – Tinagba (Bicol)
February 3rd week – International Bamboo Organ (Las Pinas)
February 17 – Tawo – Tawo (Bayawan City)
February 26 – Dia De Zamboanga (Zamboanga City, Philippines)
February 4th Week – Panagbenga (Baguio City)
February 1-28 – Santiago City Arts Month (Santiago City)
February 1-28 – Sambalilo (Paranaque City and Metro Manila)
February 3rd Week – Suman Festival (Town of Baler In Aurora Province)
February 4th Week – Kalilangan (General Santos City)
Last Sunday of February – Itik-Itik (Pasig City)
February 17-26 – Sibug – Sibug Festival (Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Philippines)

March Month Festivals

March 3 – 7 – Kaamulan (Malaybalay, Bukidnon Philippines)
March 7-10 – Arya Abra (Abra Province)
Within the month of March (Movable) – Sandugo (Tagbilaran City, Bohol Philippines)
March 10-16 – Araw Ng Dabaw (Davao City, Philippines)
March 14-16 – Pintados De Pasi (Passi, Iloilo Philippines)
March 16 – Homonhon Landing (Southeastern Samar, Philippines)
March 16-17 – Mt. Manunggal (Central Cebu)
March 19 – Sinigayan (Sagas, Negros Occidental)
March 31 – First Mass in the Philippines (Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte Philippines)
Easter Sunday – Moriones (Marinduque)
Black Saturday – Lenten Festival of Herbal Preparation (San Antonio, Siquijor Philippines)
Holy Week – Semana Santa (Iguig, Cagayan Philippines)
Holy Week – Agoo Semana Santa (Agoo, La Union Philippines)
Easter Sunday – Salubong (Angono, Rizal Manila Philippines)

April Month Festivals

April 16-18 – Cutud Lenten Rites (San Fernando City, Pampanga Philippines)
April 10-1 5 – Kalilang (Marawi City)
April 27 – Kadaugan Sa Mactan (Lapu-lapu City, Cebu Philippines)
4th Sunday – Tanduyong (San Jose City)
April 1-5 – Conquer Mt. Apo (Kapatagan, Davao Del Sur Philippines)
April 2 – Bankarera (Penablanca, Cagayan)
Last Week of April – Cassava (Camotes Island, Cebu Philippines)
Late April – Binirayan (San Jose, Antique Philippines)

May Month Festivals

1st Sunday – Pasalamat La Carlota (La Carlota City)
Month-Long – Tapusan (Alitagtag, Batangas City Philippines)
May 1 – Pista’y Dayat (Lingayen, Pangasinan Philippines)
May 1 – Alinsangan Boa-Boahan (Nabla, Camarines Sur Philippines)
May 3 – Carabao Carroza Race (Pavia, Iloilo Philippines)
May 6-9 – Rodeo Pilipino (Masbate City)
May 15 – Pahiyas (Lucban, Laguna)
May 1-31 – Magayon (Mt. Mayon Volcano in Albay, Bicol Region Philippines)
May 1-31 – Pineapple (Daet, Camarines Norte)
Whole month of May – Flores De Mayo / Santacruzan (Nationwide)
May 11-12 – Hundred Islands (Lucap, Pangasinan Philippines)
May 15-22 – Manggahan sa Guimaras (Guimaras, Philippines)
May 23-24 – Bolibong Kingking (Loboc, Bohol Philippines)
May 19-24 – Panagyaman (Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya Philippines)
Month Long of May – Antipolo Pilgrimage (Antipolo)
Last Sunday of May – Bangkero (Pagsanjan)
11-15 May – Pahiyas/Mayon/Agawan (Quezon City)

June Month Festivals

June 1-6 – Buklog (Dipolog City, Mindanao Philippines)
June 17-23 – Baragatan (Puerto Princesa City)
June 20-29 – Pili (Sorsogon)
June 24 – Taong-Putik (Aliaga)
June 24 – Araw Ng Maynila (Manila)
24 June – Mudpack Festival (Murcia, Negros Occidental Philippines)
15-24 June – Pinyahan sa Daet (Daet, Camarines Norte Philippines)
24 June – Parada ng Lechon (Balayan, Batangas City Philippines)
June 26 – Sublian Sa Batangas (Batangas City)
29 June – Tacloban Pintados Festival (Tacloban City)

July Month Festivals

1-2 July – Sandugo Festival (Tagbilaran City)
25 July – Kinabayo Festival (Dapitan City)
July 1-2 – Feast of Our Lady of Piat (Cagayan)
July 3-4 Sagayan (Tubod, Lanao Del Norte)
First Sunday of July – Pagoda (Pasig River, Metro Manila Philippines)
July 15 – Cordillera Day (Cordillera Administrative Region)
July 1 – Pinta Flores (San Carlos City, Negros Occidental Philippines)
July 13-18 – Tinalak (Koronadal, Cotabato Province)
July 4th Week – Simbalay (Nabunturan)

August Month Festivals

20-24 August – Kadayawan Sa Dabaw (Davao City)
August 2 – Adlaw Hong Butuan (Butuan City Philippines)
August 4-5 – Palo-Palo (Northern Province, Batanes Province Philippines)
August 11 – Kaadlawan Han Samar (Catbalogan, Samar Philippines)
August 14 – Kalibongan (Kidapawan City)
2nd Week of August – Kidapawan Fruit (Kidapawan City)
August 15 – Lubi-Lubi (Calubian, Leyte Philippines)
August 19 – Buyogan (Abuyog, Leyte)

September Month Festivals

9 September – Bonok-Bonok Festival & Silop Cave Adventure (Surigao City)
16 September (3rd Saturday of September) – Peñafrancia Viva La Virgen (Naga City)
September 3-5 – Tuna Sa Gensan (General Santos City)
September 1-8 – Sarakiki (Calbayog City, Samar Philippines)
September 8-10 – Panagdadapun (Cabarroquis, Quirino Philippines)
Third Week of September – T’boli Tribal (South Cotabato)
Third Week of September – Araw Ng Siquijor (Siquijor)

October Month Festivals

1-12 October – Zamboanga Hermosa Festival (Zamboanga City)
14-21 October – Masskara Festival (Bacolod City, Negros Philippines)
October 3rd Week – Lanzones Festival (Camiguin)
1st Week of October (Movable) – Siargao Surfing Cup (Siargao)
October 6-12 – Ibalong (Legazpi City, Bicol Philippines)
2nd Sunday – La Naval (Quezon City and Angeles City)
October 22-24 – Catandungan (Virac)
October 25 – A Battle of Surigao Strait (Surigao)
Last Week of October – Fiestang Kuliat (Tigtigan, Terakan Keng Dalan) (Balibago, City of Angeles, Pampanga Philippines)
October 16-19 – Sagingan (Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines)
October 20 – Leyte Gulf Landing (Palo, Leyte Philippines)

November Month Festivals

1-2 November – Kalag Kalag (Nationwide)
3-5 November – Pinta Flores Festival (San Carlos City)
23 November – Feast of San Clemente / Higantes (Angono, Rizal Manila Philippines)
November 5-13 – Kansilay (Negros Occidental, Philippines)
2nd Week of November – Helubong (Lake Sebu, South Cotabato)
November 11-15 – Sanduguan (Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines)
November 22 – Guinakit of Maguindanao (Rio Grande De Mindanao)
November 30 – Mt. Pinatubo Trek (Capas Tarlac)
Third Week of November – P’yagsawitan (Maragusan, Compostela Valley)
November 29 to December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Puerto Princesa City, Palawan Philippines)

December Month Festivals

December 2 – Grand Marian Procession (Intramuros, Metro Manila Philippines)
15-19 December – Shariff Kabunsuan Festival (Cotabato City)
3 December – Giant Lantern Festival (San Fernando, Pampanga City, Philippines)
December 8 – Feast of Our Lady of The Immaculate Concepcion (Roxas City, Panay Island and Malabon City, Manila Philippines)
December 30 – Olongapo Festival (Olongapo City)
Whole month of December – Christmas Symbols (Tangub, Misamis Occidental)
December 29 – Tultugan (Maasin)

Interesting facts about Philippines

Listed are the 50 most interesting facts about the Philippines (THE LARGEST, SMALLEST, BIGGEST, HEAVIEST and many others…

1. The world’s longest snake and longest reptile which can be found in the Philippines and nearby areas is the Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus). Adults grow to a maximum of over 28 feet or 8.7 meters in length.

2. The extremely venomous Faint-banded Sea Snake is the most toxic snake in the world. It can be found in the waters of Visayas and Panay areas in the Philippines, New Guinea, Australia, Solomon Islands, Gulf of Thailand and Timor Sea.

3. The Philippine Mouse Deer (Tragalus nigricans) of Balabac Island in Palawan is the world’s smallest hoofed animal. It is locally known as Pilandok and stands only about 40 centimeters at the shoulder level.

4. A shell called Glory of the Sea (Connus gloriamaris) that is found in the Philippines is considered as one of the most expensive shells in the world.

5.The largest eagle in the world is the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi). It is formerly known as Monkey-eating Eagle.

6. The Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) is considered as the world’s smallest primate. It measures only about twelve centimeters in length. Its two big eyes cannot move and do not have a tapetum – the upper protective tissue.

7. The Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), which can be found in the Philippines and nearby countries, is considered as the world’s largest reptile.

8. The Dwarf Goby (Pandaka pygmaea) is the world’s second smallest freshwater fish. It measures 1.2 centimeters or less than half of an inch, the 2nd tiniest known vertebrate.

9. The Philippines has the most numerous species of birds and butterflies in the world.

10. Fish species found in Philippine waters is the most diverse in the world.

11. The world’s smallest commercial fish is “Sinarapan” (Mistichthys luzonensis). It can only be found in Lakes Bato and Buhi in Camarines Sur. It grows to an average length of 1.25 centimeters, only slightly longer than the Dwarf Goby.

12. The largest bat in the world is the Giant Golden-crowned Flying-fox (Acerodon jubatus). It is a rare and endangered fruit bat that can be found only in the Philippines. It has a wing span of at least 1.5 m (5 ft) and weighs approximately 1.2 kg (3 lbs) and is also known as the Golden-capped Fruit Bat.

13. The world’s tiniest shell and can be found under Philippine waters is the Pisidum. It measures less than 1 millimeter long.

14. The Giant Clam (Tridacna gigas) found off the shores of the Philippines is the largest living bivalve mollusk and can weigh more than 200 kilograms (440 pounds), measure as much as 1.2 meters (4 feet) across and have an average lifespan in the wild of 100 years or more.

15. An endangered flower, locally named as “Uruy”, (Rafflesia sp.) has no stem and leaves is one of the largest flowers in the world. It measures about 22 inches in diameter. It can be found in Sibalom National Park in Antique province and other places in Southeast Asia.

16. The Philippines is the world’s number one producer of coconut. Likewise, the Philippines is one of the largest exporter of tropical fruits.

17. The sweetest mango can be found in the Philippines.

18. The largest Pineapple was harvested in one of the largest plantation in southern Philippines.

19. The Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia.

20. The third largest English-speaking country in the world is the Philippines.

21. Mount Pinatubo’s eruption in the Philippines on June 15, 1991 created one of the world’s largest mushroom clouds. The effects of the eruption were felt worldwide. It ejected roughly 10 billion metric tons of magma, and 20 million tons of SO2, bringing vast quantities of minerals and metals to the surface environment. It injected large amounts of aerosols into the stratosphere -more than any eruption since that of Krakatoa in 1883.

22. The largest province in the Philippines is Palawan followed by Isabela. Palawan is considered as the largest province in the country. It has a total land area of 14,896.3 square kilometers distributed in 1,769 islands. The next largest province is Isabela, with a land area of 10,664 square kilometers.

23. The smallest province is Batanes, the northernmost part of the Philippine archipelago with only a total land area of 209 square kilometers.

24. The town of Kalayaan, a group of small islands in South China Sea west of Palawan province, had the smallest population among municipalities at 223.

25. The world’s longest navigable underground river is Puerto Princesa Subterranean River found in Palawan. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea.

26. At 115, 739 sq. mi, the Philippines is larger than Laos and Cambodia but slightly smaller than Japan and Spain.

27. The largest falls in the Philippines is Maria Cristina Falls in Lanao Del Norte located in the southern part of the country.

28. The largest lake in the Philippines which measures 900 sq km is Laguna de Bay. It is located between the provinces of Rizal and Laguna.

29. Three of the world’s most famous and finest beaches in the world located in the Philippines include Boracay, Dakak and Siargao.

30. Taal Volcano, located in Taal Lake, is a volcano in a volcano. It is considered by many as the world’s most active volcano.

31. Three of the worlds’ top ten largest malls are located in the Philippines; SM City North EDSA in Quezon City with an area of 460,000 m² (4.74 million sq ft), SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City with an area of 410,000 m² (4.67 million sq ft) and SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City with an area of 348,000 m² (3.75 million sq ft). SM City North Edsa is the world’s 2nd largest mall.

32. The Largest pearl ever found is named “Pearl of Allah” or “Pearl of Lao-Tzu”. This was found by Filipino diver in a giant Tridacna in the Palawan Sea in 1934. The Pearl weighs 40 pounds and worth approximately $ 40 USA.

33. “The Harvest” by miniaturist Norris Castillo created what is perhaps the smallest piece of painting in the country. This oil-on-canvas painting measures 1/4 inches in width and 3/8 inches in length. It is now exhibited at the National Museum.

34. The northernmost island of the Philippines is Y’ami (Mavudis) Island, which is 190 km away from Taiwan.

35. Its southernmost island is Saluag Island, which is 43.3 kilometers east of Borneo.

The westernmost part of the Philippines is Palawan and the easternmost is Davao Oriental.

36. The Philippines and Taiwan is separated by the Bashi Channel in the north and separated with Borneo by the Celebes Sea in the south.

37. The Philippines has the world’s longest discontinuous coastline (34,600 km.).

38. The Philippines has 7,107 islands but only approximately 1,000 of its islands are populated.

39. Cagayan River or Magat River is the longest river in the Philippines.

40. Mt Apo in Mindanao at 2,954 meters or 9,691 ft is the highest point in the Philippines.

41. On the opposite, the lowest point in the Philippines is the Philippine Trench. Its deepest point, the Galathea Depth, has a depth of 10,540 meters (5,763 fathoms or 34,580 feet).

42. Davao City, with an area of 2,212 sq km, in southern Philippines is regarded as one of the world’s largest cities. Most of these areas, however, are distributed as forests, coconut groves and rice fields. In comparison, New York, the largest city in the United States, has an area of only 787 square kilometers while the whole of Metro Manila covers only 636 square kilometers.

43. The world’s largest pair of shoes, each measuring 5.5 meters long, 2.25 meters wide and 1.83 meters high can be found in Marikina City. The heel alone measures 41 centimeters or 16 inches. The P2-million shoes can reportedly fit to a 37.5-meter or 125-foot giant. Around 30 people could put their feet into the colossal shoes simultaneously.

44. San Fernando City in Pampanga province created in 2002 the world’s largest Christmas lantern – a P5-million structure with 26.8 meters in diameter.

45. The world’s largest Catholic university located in one campus in terms of student population is the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila. It is an academic institution founded by the Dominicans. It is 25 years older than the oldest university n the US – the Harvard University.

46. The bamboo organ at St. Joseph Church in Las Pinas City is arguably the world’s largest bamboo organ. The centuries-old musical instrument was constructed between 1792 and 1819. It has 174 bamboo pipes, 122 horizontal reeds of soft metal, a five-octave keyboard, and 22 stops arranged in vertical rows.

47. The world’s largest high school in terms of student population is Rizal High School in Caniogan, Pasig City. The school has more than 20,000 students. Graduation rites are conducted 5 times and that means the class valedictorian has to deliver his/her valedictory address 5 times also.

48. The Philippines’ oldest city is Cebu City – the queen city of the south.

49. The residents of Baguio City took pride in having tossed what was believed to be the world’s largest salad – a three-ton mix of assorted vegetables.

50. The longest bridge in the Philippines is San Juanico Bridge located in San Juanico Strait. This bridge connects the islands of Samar and Leyte in the Visayas.

national bodies in travel and tourism industry. These affiliations give Vista Travel and Tours the credibility of being a serious player in travel business and help it get greater access to the resource and knowledge base of these professional bodies.

Singapore top tourist attractions

Singapore is a Southeast Asian city-state that lies 137 km north of the Equator. This country consists of 63 islands, out of which almost half of the land is covered with greenery. This highly urbanized country is pushing for land development through land reclamation. The population of Singapore is about 5.2 million, of which 3.3 million are Singaporean citizens and the rest are permanent Singaporean residents. Due to a low birth rate, Singapore has to rely heavily on immigrants to increase its man power.

The following is the top tourist attractions in Singapore :

Universal Studios Singapore is located in the Resort World Sentosa, which includes the Integrated Resort has just opened officially in April of 2010. Each set foot in the various zones, you will experience a different feel. Universal Studios Singapore is divided into 7 zones, Madagascar, the Palace of Far Far Away from the world of Shrek was the first in the world, The Lost World where you can find a world of dinosaurs and Waterworld, Ancient Egypt - a world full of ancient Egyptian mummies, Sci-fi - a futuristic city and the last two zones of the theme of a famous city in America that is Hollywood and New York. Universal Studio Singapore become the top tourist attractions of Singapore.

Singapore Zoo is one of the major tourist attractions in Singapore. Supplemented by thousands of rare animals make kids would love to see the uniqueness of each animal that they had never seen their lifetime. At the time the sun began to set, you can enjoy a different atmosphere at the Night Safari. Singapore Zoo also provides a vehicle for children's play Rainforest Kidzworld. Wave of lively children waiting in the water play area, with themes such as wildlife parks wet dream! For the game more exciting, young and old can ride to the animal-themed carousel.

Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens sits on 183 acres of land, and is the only botanic garden in the world that opens from 5 am to 12 am every day of the year without charging admission. However, the National Orchid Garden located within the Botanic Gardens does charge a minimal admission fee and opens from 8:30 am to 7 pm.
The National Orchid Garden is the main attraction of the Botanic Gardens. It houses a collection of more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids, and is a must-see for its floral varieties and vibrant colors.
If you’re up before the Orchid Gardens opens, you can still go to the Botanic Gardens and wander around while taking in the scene of joggers, walkers, and tai-chi practitioners enjoying the green space within Singapore.
You can enjoy a stroll through the small tropical rainforest within the Botanic Gardens, learn something new at the Evolution Garden, check out the waterfall in Ginger Garden, learn some more at the Botany Centre, have a picnic near one of the three lakes, or take your kids to the Children’s Garden so they can play.

Marina Bay Sands
If all that nature in the heat and humidity of Singapore has got you done with the outdoors for the day, then head over to the Marina Bay Sands Resort.
Marina Bay Sands features three skyscraper hotel towers, connected by an expansive sky terrace on the roof, named Sands SkyPark.
At the SkyPark, you can swim in the world’s longest elevated swimming pool, dine at rooftop restaurants, dance in its nightclubs, admire its gardens, and sip a glass of wine at the observatory deck while looking out at the panoramic views of the skyline.
Step down from the SkyPark into the Sands, and you can watch a show at the Grand Theatre, go to a conference at the Convention and Exhibition Facilities Block, or enjoy some light gambling at the Casino Block.
You can also get some culture at the ArtScience Museum, watch a laser show at night, view the light and water show Wonder Full, shop at over 300 stores, get a sampan ride, dine at a Celebrity Chef Restaurant, and go ice-skating at the Marina Bay Sands.

Esplanade

It lies in front of the beautiful bay and is an icon on the Singapore skyline. It houses theatres and concert halls where world renowned artists perform to showcase their talents. The adjacent Esplanade Mall offers rooftop bars and luxuriant restaurants with stunning panoramic views of the river.

Clarke Quay is where party people meet their ultimate destination. This area was once a busy commercial hot spot and now is a heaven for those who don’t sleep until the sun comes up. A large number of bars, clubs, restaurants and shopping areas call out to for attention. Equally popular with locals and tourists, the venue is full of active nightlife and offers unique multiculturalism like Scottish bars, Indian restaurants, Australian pubs and many others.

Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are filled with restaurants, pubs and clubs, so the atmosphere here was crowded and mixed up, loud music to light jazz mixed into one. This place was visited by the builders clubbing, young executives who just got home from work, couples who want to enjoy a romantic dinner, and also many foreign tourists. 

  

Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest observational wheel and stands tall at 165 meters, equivalent to the height of a 40 storey building. It was a costly venture of almost $240 million, so you should be prepared to shed serious bucks on it. The moment you reach on the top, the awe-inspiring view of the city enchants magnificently to match the price you paid. The wheel will turn to show off amazing bird-eye views of the Singapore River, Raffles Palace, Marina Bay, Empress Palace and the Padang.

St. John Power Station
A real functioning power station which used to provide electricity is now a nightlife attraction with lots of twists and turns. Every venue inside the power station provides a different experience to its visitors of which Dragonfly, peppermint Park, Movida and Bellini Room are a few examples. With a mixture of live music by locals and foreign DJs, it is like a dream come true for a hard core party lover.

The-Singapore-Merlion

Singapore has created lots of attractions and nightlife zones for tourists in its urban setting. With a stunning skyline and a harbor to support the reflections, lots of tourists are attracted to the warmth of Singapore. Food and shopping are the two ultimate favorites for the visitors, as huge shopping malls have shaped up in the multicultural city. This is where East meets West in literal terms. All sorts of savories from different countries await for tourists in multicultural Singapore.