Have you ever wonder why this country has been coveted by some powerful nations? What is it in these islands that captured the interest of foreign countries? You must read this article to find out.

Location and Area

The islands of the Philippines are situated in the Southeast part of the Asian archipelago; these beautiful islands are surrounded by three bodies of water: on the east you’ll find the Pacific Ocean, the China Sea on the west and northern part, and on the southern part is the Celebes Sea. Islands that are near the Philippines are Taiwan on the northern part and Borneo which is on the southwest part. You can also find the island of Palau on the east, past the Philippine Sea and on the south are the islands of Sulawesi and Moluccas. The considered national hero of the country gave the title “Pearl of the Orient Seas” to the Philippines. From this you can imagine the beauty of the Philippine Islands if it was likened to a pearl.

Geography

The Philippines is composed of 7,107 islands and islets and because of this, the Philippine Islands was considered the largest archipelago of the world. This is divided into three larger sections – the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. There were eleven main islands and these are, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Luzon, Masbate, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Panay and Samar. And to have a clearer view of the area there are fifteen (15) regions, which are further, divided into provinces, municipalities and barangays.

Topography

Mountains and lots of them can be found in the islands, and most of the high mountains in the area are volcanic in origin and are covered by a tropical rainforest. The Philippines is said to be lying on the volatile Pacific “Ring of Fire.” There are two hundred twenty-one (221) volcanoes but only 21 active volcanoes can be found in the Philippine islands. Some of the well known active volcanoes of the Philippines are Mayon Volcano, which is one of the beautiful volcanoes in the Philippines with its perfect cone shape; Mt. Pinatubo, which draw attention when it erupted and left thousands of people homeless and the Taal Volcano which is bounded by water. Even though these three active volcanoes bring worry to the people, it also generates a lot of awe from tourists who take pleasure to view it. Mt. Apo is the highest mountain which is located in Mindanao. This is perfect for mountain climbing enthusiasts.

Coral reefs can also be seen in the many islands in the Philippines, these vivid creations of nature attract tourist from all over the globe. You can find in some of the larger islands, the three major mountain ranges: the Caraballo, Cordillera and Sierra Madre ranges. The Agusan valley, Cagayan Vvlley, Cotabato River valley and the central plain of Luzon is what comprised the four major lowlands of the country.

You can find varied flora and fauna in the rainforests which can be found in the many islands of the Philippines. A large number of bird species can only be found in this country. The flora of the islands is quite similar to those of Borneo and Sumatra but there are some distinct differences that made it uniquely owned. Tourist can feast their eyes to the wonderful and colorful scenery in these islands.

The longest river in the Philippines is the Cagayan River and can be found in the northern part of Luzon. Some of the important bays are Laguna de Bay, Manila Bay, Subic Bay, Davao Gulf and Moro Gulf.

Aside from the grandiose structures in the different islands, there are still other things that can be done while visiting these various islands. Several of the main islands are tourist spots and will offer you the rest and relaxation that you truly needed. Beach resorts, peculiar places, caves, sceneries, historic places, and sports are available. You can also try island hopping in nearby islets and experience the fun and excitement in camping in an island.

The Islands of the Philippines are not only providing tourists places to visit and stay but also to experience the hospitality that only a Filipino (native of the Philippines) can absolutely give. This is a must-see and must-visit destination.

The City of Cebu Philippines is the oldest and one of the most developed provinces in the country, the educational and commercial center of the Visayas area. The official language of Cebu is Cebuano, though its natives are also proficient in English, Tagalog and other Visayan languages. Roman Catholic is predominant, followed by several religious minorities such as Protestant churches, Taoists, Latter-Day Saints, Muslims, etc.

Cebu lies on the east of Negros Island. It also has Bohol in the southeast and Leyte in the east. It is enveloped by the straits of Cebu and Tanon and is located between 9deg25′N and 11deg15′N latitude and between 123deg13′E and 124deg05′E longitude in the center of the archipelago, approximately 365 miles south of Manila. Through air travel, it can be reached by about an hour.

This long narrow island of Cebu stretches 225 km or 140 miles from north to south. It is surrounded by 167 smaller islands like Mactan island, Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Malapascua, Olango and the Camotes Islands. For the most part, Cebu has rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges traversing the northern and southern lengths of the island.

The native people of Cebu are called Cebuanos. Most descended from Austronesians and some have Spanish and Chinese ancestry. Cebuano culture has preserved strong Hispanic traditions in its native culture. Contemporary music, movies, fastfoods and the wide use of English are dominant influences from Americans. Cebu takes pride in being the country’s oldest colonial city. In April 14, 1521, Magellan planted a large wooden cross that commemorates the archipelgo’s first encounter with the west. From mainland Cebu, Magellan crossed the channel to the island of Mactan in an effort to spread Christianity. The chieftain of Mactan, Lapu-lapu, together with his warriors, resisted the attempt and killed Magellan as he reached the shore. A monument now marks the historical site.

Cebu has, in recent years, become a model for independent industrial development. It is a busy capital, next to Manila, in comercial activity and cosmopolitanism. Shipping is a chief industry in Cebu. Manufacturing of processed foods, textiles, and chemicals are among other industries in the city. When it comes to rattan furniture Cebu is considered a world center for production. It is well known as the guitar producing capital of the Philippines. The guitar-making industry is centered in Maribago and Abuno on Mactan island, where a day’s production includes at least a hundred assorted instruments including mandolins, banjos and string basses.

Cebu Philippines is well known for its sun-drenched, white sand beaches and year-round tropical climate. In terms of accommodation, a good range of beach resorts from mid-priced to luxury is concentrated on Mactan Island. Mactan upholds the still unblemished allure of the quite uncongested countryside.

Off the northwestern tip of Cebu Island is Bantayan Island, now becoming popular among venturesome beach fanciers with a taste for excellent soft shell crabs. One the southwest coast, Moalboal, about three hours overland from cebu, has been a haven for scuba-diving enthusiasts as well as budget trallers, earning a reputation among some as “the Philippines’ best-kept secret.”

When visiting Cebu, a visit to the Cebu beach is must do activity. Cebu is famous for its cool beach waters and white sand beaches. When visiting Cebu city you may want to indulge a day or two to enjoy the pristine waters. Where to stay is an important consideration before packing your bags to go to visit the beaches of Cebu.

Where to Stay

Cebu beaches provide visiting tourists a closer bond with nature. Beach resorts are always numerous for you to choose from. Your selection of accommodation will always depend on your budget and preference~Your selection of accommodation will always depend on what you like and your budget}. Here are some of the suggested beach resorts in Cebu that is famous for their services and facilities.

Alegre Beach resort

Alegre Beach resort is a five star resort in Cebu near the town of Sogod along Cebu’s north east coast. Its cottages are nestled in a lush garden with an excellent panoramic view of the ocean and its private tropical garden. Alegre pride itself with its three private beach coves and a coconut grove. Perched along a virgin beach in the Island, you can always enjoy a relaxed vacation in a tropical beach ambience. You can jump to swim on their swimming pool or indulge in the warm beach waters.

The Savedra Beach Resort

The Savedra Beach Resort is a famous beach resort for divers. Situated in Moalboal in Cebu, it offers excellent dive spots. The site of the beach resort typically avoids mass tourism due to the beach is not endow with magnificent white sands but it is at all times rich in diving spots that attract many divers to visit the beach resort.

The Badian Island beach resort

The Badian Island beach resort provides large, luxurious rooms that meet international standards with first class facilities and services. They provide culinary delightful meals to their guests from exotic to traditional dishes. The Cebu beach resort usually arranges sightseeing trips to the Kawasan Falls and Orchid Garden Farm.

You get to enjoy the lush sceneries, tropical forest, and cascading waters from the clear mountain springs at the Kawasan Falls. You can enjoy the breathtaking sceneries of exotic landscapes on your way to the Orchid Garden Farm.

Tambuli Beach Resort

Tambuli Beach Club promises a unique beach experience with calm turquoise waves, sparkling white sands, and superior resort facilities. It provides a better get away from the bustling activities of the city with numerous outdoor activities to engage in from sunset till dawn.

Its location in the private area in Mactan Island provides better serenity to its guests. Lush tropical green sceneries with towering coconut trees line the east wing of the beach resort. The marine blue waters can bring relaxing relief for the visitors. Its room accommodation offers frequent modern amenities designed to provide the best consoles of their visitors.

The White Sand Beach Resort

The White Sand Beach Resort perfectly described by its resort name. You can enjoy the white sand beaches on a tropical island life full of enjoyable beach water activities on the pearly white sands of the beach. It has a 500 square meters lagoon shaped swimming pool with modern facilities in their rooms. It has a Jacuzzi where you can privately enjoy a relaxing bath or you can enjoy a relaxing massage.

Pick the Best Choice for Your Comfort

Each Cebu beach resort has its own unique promises of a relaxed and luxurious beach vacation. The choice is yours to make on which you find best respite and comfort for a Cebu beach vacation to enjoy.