april-2012

PHILIPPINES
TAGBILARAN
AREA CODE (38)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.20)
TOUCHDOWN The airport is within the city, and
there are plenty of tricycles at PHP6 a ride. For
trips to nearby towns, there are vans and taxis
for hire. It only takes about 20 minutes to get to
Panglao Island as traffi c jams are rare.
BY DAY For an adventure bundle on a budget, try
the Canopy Walk, Monkey Bridge and zip line for
PHP700 at D.A.T.E Park, Catigbian. See the entire
city by going on a four-hour Panglao tour. Be sure
to include a visit to the Hinagdanan Cave.
BY NIGHT There are a few charming night
activities to choose from. There’s the night cruise
at Loboc River with harana (serenade) and a
cultural presentation by the locals, and fi refl y
watching at Abatan River.
SLEEP Sun Avenue Inn and Café is conveniently
located near not one, but fi ve good restaurants. It
is also within walking distance of the Tagbilaran
City Tourist Port. www.sunavenuepen.com
Doris
Dinorog
Obena
tour guide
BEST SOUVENIRS The Raffi a bag
at the Buzz Café in Island City Mall will
delight your friends.
BEST BUYS Salted oysters in tetra
pack at The Fair Trade Shop in Upper
San Jose St.
BEST FESTIVALS The Sandugo
Festival in July is one of the highlights
of the year. Expect a beauty pageant
and a street dancing competition.
trip journal
PHILIPPINES
ZAMBOANGA
AREA CODE (62)
CURRENCY Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, take a jeepney
(PHP7) or tricycle (PHP20–25) to the pueblo (city)
as there are only a few taxis. Plissap Rent-A-Car
charges a minimum of PHP150, and may be the
best way to go.
BY DAY Go to off-the-beaten-track eco-tourism
sites like the majestic Merloquett Falls for an
exhilarating free hydro massage. Try mountain
climbing or biking at Muruk, where your efforts
will be rewarded with a majestic view of the city.
BY NIGHT Be at R.T. Boulevard BayWalk to
witness the dramatic sunset. Grab some eats at
Paseo del Mar or Plaza del Pilar, then head off for
a nightcap at Lobby Bar or Vamos Coffee Shop at
Garden Orchid Hotel.
SLEEP Get a restful sleep at Zamboanga’s fi nest,
the Garden Orchid Hotel along Gov. Camins Ave.
It’s got its own outdoor pool and spa for guests.
www.gardenorchidhotel.com
Dr. Anton
Mari H. Lim,
DVM
implementor,
Philippine Funds
for Little Kids
BEST SOUVENIRS Yellow
miniature vintas at the Garden Orchid
Hotel Boutique Shop.
MUST-TRY A vinta ride at Paseo
del Mar, and the yellow boat mangrove
experience at Layag Layag.
INSIDER TIP If the tricycle is
your means of transport, make sure to
negotiate for your fare before you take
the ride.
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