Distant Shores.Ph: Places to Go

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The busy streets of Manila now is in stark contrast with the laid back swagger of Old and New Manila. Around 1898 when the Americans arrived and experienced the Philippines firsthand, Manila carried a centuries-old charm, renowned for its impeccable beauty as the “Pearl of the Orient” and the “Venice of Asia”.

As 1904 rolled around, the old walled city of Intramuros was an astonishingly-preserved medieval city, impressing Daniel Burnham (sent by President Taft to overtake the city’s planning). Snazzy Meralco street cars were also soon installed after.

There were beautiful old churches, and elegant, sloping Filipino Bahay-na-Bato style houses. Ground floor walls were made entirely out of stone, and overhanging second floors were crafted out of wood. Sliding capiz shell windows filtered the sunlight, with wrought iron grill creations. And by 1912, Manila Hotel just completed its construction following the Army and Navy Club.

If you're feeling nostalgic from the heavy traffic, here are a few scenes from around Manila ca. 1900-'20s, which includes these postcards from Jonathan Best's Book, Philippine Picture Postcards 1900-1920.

North Pasig, Union Landing and Customs House Wharf
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Manila Hotel, with a view of "New Luneta" and the Bay.

The mouth of River Pasig and Anda Monument

Plaza de Goiti and the Santa Cruz Church

Escolta, Clark's famous ice cream parlor and cafe

Cascos in the Binondo Canal

Escolta, and MERALCO's new street cars, 1904

The Santo Tomas Church courtyard, Intramuros, destroyed in WWII

Rotonda Circle and fountain

A casco used to deliver veggies up the Pasig

Sentry watchtower, Bastion de San Andres

Binondo Church and Insular Cage Building

Malacanang Palace, 1909

What did you think of old and new Manila circa 1900-'20s?

Relieve stress and feast your eyes on the clearest blue waters in Southeast Asia. No overbearing crowd here! Check out the pristine waters and white sand beaches of some of the best tropical island getaways, from swanky to not-so pricey. Make any of these close-to-home paradises your very own happy place, and start planning your next travel destination.

1. Caramoan Islands, Philippines

Cut off from the rest of the mainland, this hidden gem remains unexploited by tourism. Immaculate beaches, a row of primeval caves, and spectacular dive spots make up the Caramoan Peninsula in the Bicol Region of the peninsula. It’s been also as the shooting location for adventure TV series, such as Survivor’s French edition, Koh-Lanta.

2. Gili Islands, Indonesia

Imagine three tiny deserted islands fringed by powdery white sand beaches, sprawling palm trees, and the clearest, most vibrant turquoise waters. Green is the way to go for these islanders, with not many concrete monstrosities. Expect tranquility with no motorbikes roaring past nearby or dogs howling and barking into the night.

3. Kata Beach, Thailand

Escape the hustle in Kata Beach with its charming white sand, clear blue waters, and palm-lined beaches. They provide delectable food and a dynamic, but not so seedy nightlife. Head there from May to October to surf the waves and from November to April to seek the sun.

4. Koh Tachai Island Beach, Thailand

This still fairly deserted island, also known as the Maldives of Thailand, has one of the whitest beaches anywhere with sugary white sand. Unpopulated by speed boats, go snorkeling in the beautiful ocean, and enjoy the peace with other wildlife on this superb island.

5. Amanpulo, Philippines

Visit Amanpulo through a private plane ride from Manila. The posh resort on this remote island in Palawan has exquisite scenery, private bungalows, dive spots, and unparalleled service.

6. Suluban Beach, Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

Take in jaw-dropping scenery at Suluban Beach. The mecca for surf junkies searching for world-class breaks, this secluded paradise joins the Uluwatu beach and is situated not too far from the Uluwata temple.

7. Bacuit Bay, Philippines

Bacuit Bay is made up of more than 45 islets. It’s a geological wonder for its limestone rockformations and sheer cliffs. Get your adrenaline fix from this region, a great place for kayaking, snorkeling, trekking, diving, or cliff-climbing.

8. Puka Beach, Philippines

The second-longest beach in Boracay is a little more secluded and serene than White Beach’s Station 1,2, and 3. You’ll find rare Puka shells along this stretch of pure white sand, just a quick tricycle ride away from the mainland to this side of the island.

9. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Explore Phu Quoc Island’s beaches which are still largely empty. Rent a motorbike, snorkel, scuba dive, wind sail, jet ski, or fish for squid. Yes, squid fishing. Visit the early-morning Duong Dong market for a real firsthand experience of the local Vietnam culture.

10. Gaya Island, Borneo, Malaysia

The Gayana Eco Resort in Gaya Island is hard to resist, even if you’re not an environmental warrior. With a resort built on stilts above the water, it has a 130-million-year-old prehistoric rain forest in the vicinity. When you want a break from the warm waters, exotic fish, and corals, go jungle-trekking, and you might get lucky and spot a Megapode, a local bird that appears similar to a chicken and meows like a cat!

PARANAS, Samar – Five years have gone by since the area was proclaimed and developed as an eco-tourism destination by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to combat illegal logging, and locals are already reaping the benefits. A surge in tourism has shifted their livelihood, from cutting down trees illegally to professionally guiding thrill-seeking tourists on the river tour.

They have been receiving an average of 500 tourists per month during the summer, while monsoon season rakes in about 200 visitors a month. Thirty-six year old leader of river guides and boatmen in Tenani village, Eugene Igdalino, says that they receive P5,000 to P7,000 a month showing tourists around. The drive displayed by locals to engage in eco-tourism has also motivated National Government agencies to offer villagers assistance by building tourism support facilities, trainings, as well as provision of gears.

Karina Rosa Tiopes, regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) says that the site faces many challenges since its launch fifty years ago, including damaged safety gears, frequent flooding, strong typhoons, and old boats. Tiopes promises to offer more assistance to local tourism, including more opportunities for local food sellers, concrete roads to the jump-off point, trails for senior citizens, multicabs for catering, and a hanging bridge.

How You Can Experience the Torpedo Ride

Enjoy a white-water rapid ride, also known as The Ulot River Torpedo Extreme Boat Ride, on a motorized canoe deep into the Samar Island National Park (SINP) in the south central area of Samar Island. The Ulot Watershed Model Forest t is a 10.5 km or one-hour ride downstream from the jump-off point. Going upstream, on the other hand, needs about an hour and 15 minutes or a total of 21 km.

The famous river can be reached both by land and air. If you’re coming from Manila, it’ll only take a little more than an hour to Calbayog City and Tacloban City. From there, you’ll be able to find jeepneys, buses, and vans that offer regular trips to the area.

Tour packages include community development fee, motorized banca rental, tour guide’s fee, kayak rental, and use of safety gears and personal floating devices.

The torpedo ride is just a component of the Ulot Watershed Ecotourism Loop, which handles other recreation sites, including Can-maanghit Falls, Lusungan Falls, Taft Philippine Eagle Sanctuary, Pangpang Falls, Yabon Falls, Nasarang Spring, Silay Cave, Catingcoy Cave, Liaw Cave, Duloy Spring, Sulfan Spring, and Pugtak Spring.

We’ve covered some bucket list places to see (before they disappear). Now, we’re featuring some real-world places that seem like they’ve been taken straight out of Grimm’s fairytales, a Harry Potter movie, or your wildest, most magical dreams.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Back in 1886, King Ludwig II built the magical Neuschwanstein Castle as a private retreat. Today it’s open to the public. Travel to Bavaria to witness the extravagant structure serving as inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

2. Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

The Glowworm Caves are inhabited by Arachnocampa Luminosa, a small enchanting creature producing a spellbinding effect all on its own. You’ll find this specific location with minuscule, star-like speckles in the Waitomo Caves.

3. Wisteria Tunnel, Japan

Enjoy a colorful walk down the fairytale-like Wisteria Tunnel. Pick a date from April to May (depending on the weather) as the best time to experience the sensational colors of the Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Japan.

4. Paro Taktsang, Bhutan

Also called the Tiger’s Nest, Paro Taktsang is one of Bhutan’s most sacred Himalayan Buddhist sites. This location is both striking and captivating, with a monastery hugging the side of a rocky cliff.

5. Cave of the Crystals, Mexico

Catch a rare glimpse of this giant cave of crystals first discovered in 2000. It houses the largest natural crystals on Earth growing to over 10m long, with plenty left still unexplored. Nothing really prepares you for the sheer beauty of this site. You’ll need proper equipment and protection, though.

6. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The City of Temples or Angkor Wat in modern-day Cambodia is the 7^th wonder of the world. Explore centuries of ancient Hindu temples and history hidden under overgrown plant life. Surrounded by a moat, this location is ripe for adventure with a tower and secret paintings.

7. Pamukkale, Turkey

Find peace and tranquility at Pamukkale or Cotton Castle, which has been made perpetually famous by the glassy terraces of carbonate minerals. Calcium laden mineral waters flow over the cliffs of this natural site with hot springs and travertines in Southwestern Turkey.

8. Sea of Stars on Vaadhoo Island, Maldives

Catch the world blanketed by stars, and meet a glowing blue tide on Vaadhoo Island. You’ll have a certain type of plankton to thank for lighting up under stress, and resulting in the most stress-relieving sight ever.

9. Dark Hedges, Ireland

Walk down this mystifying road of birch trees in Ireland, curving in crazy cool ways. Planted by the Stuart family in the 1800s to dress up the road on the way to their manor, this location may seem familiar from scenes in the Game of Thrones series.

10. Skagit Valley Tulip Fields, United States

Come to these sensational fields, between April 1-30 on a weekday morning or evening, to avoid traffic as well as photograph and take in the gorgeous flowers in bloom. Don’t forget to bring your boots.

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One day soon, these fairytale-like destinations will cease to exist, becoming a thing of the past, gathering dust in a faraway bookshelf beside tales of Atlantis. Presently, booking tickets to the 10 travel bucket list places below remains a real-world possibility. Before they totally disappear off the map, learn how much time you have left to traverse the smallest, lowest, greatest, most historical, grizzliest, iciest, greenest, and saltiest places on Earth.

Under threat 1: The Galapagos Islands

This isolated island is under threat as the state of its ecosystem is on the decline. Main threats include governance issues, illegal fishing, and the introduction of new species like rats. Nearly 9,000 diverse wildlife call the island and surrounding sparkling waters home. (The Galapagos Marine Reserve is abundant with life, from corals to sharks, penguins, and other marine mammals.) A huge chunk of the reptiles, including giant tortoises and land iguanas, exist only in these young oceanic islands. Threat: Tourism. Time remaining: Unknown.

Under threat 2: The Maldives

The smallest Asian country, with the bluest waters, is also the world’s lowest nation. At no more than 1m above sea level, the Maldives could become uninhabitable within a hundred years! The president has officially announced that the government intends to buy land in other countries, like India, for displaced citizens. Threat: Sinking. Time remaining: Less than a hundred years.

Under threat 3: Great Barrier Reef

This living organism is larger than The Great Wall of China and is the only thing on Earth visible from space. The reef is a vast 200 km stretch of colorful corals along the Queensland seaboard, creating one of the most stunning diving landscapes imaginable. With rising ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, water pollution, and cyclones, the Great Barrier reef is under threat of being destroyed by mass coral bleaching. Threat: Mass coral bleaching. Time remaining: Less than a hundred years.

Under threat 4: Venice

The setting of the latest Dan Brown novel Inferno and Assassins Creed 2, is a historic city of artistic triumphs, glorious venetian architecture, and marble palaces built on a lagoon. Enjoy secret passages, the world-famous Carnevale, or a Venetian meal with seafood you won’t find elsewhere. (Pair it with canal side views at a bistro and a toast of Venetto’s signature bubbly, prosecco.) Venice has long been sinking, but quickly rising sea levels has expedited the process. Tourism is another factor with visitors almost 40 times the size of its population. Threat: Sinking and tourism. Time remaining: Less than 70 years.

Under threat 5: The Dead Sea

The world’s saltiest sea is shrinking, and it has already shrunken by a third in the last forty years. The main and only source of the salty lake is the Jordan River, and with the increasing use of its waters by surrounding countries, less water reaches The Dead Sea every year. Its natural beauty is breathtaking, drenched in history with filtered sunrays, modern minerals and oils that pamper every inch of your body. Threat: Shrinking. Time remaining: Less than 50 years.

Under threat 6: The Alps

Alpine glaciers in Europe have already lost 20% of their size since the ‘80s. Before the ice is completely lost, make sure to explore the colossal peaks set against the cobalt-blue skies, graceful glaciers, crystal rivers, sapphire lakes, and mountain passes either on foot, by bicycle, kayak or car. See Threat: Global warming. Time remaining: 40 years.

Under threat 7: Madagascar

The world’s 4^th largest island has a forest ecosystem inhabited by unique creatures such as lemurs and baobabs, with 80% of flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. It’s the dream destination for outdoor folk and nature lovers with a myriad of activities and things to do: Rainforest, beaches, trekking, and diving. Half the fun is getting there. However, logging, poaching, and burning for subsistence farms are threatening the ecosystem. Threat: Deforestation. Time remaining: Less than 35 years.

Under threat 8: The Congo Basin

Track the last wild gorillas of the Congo in the world’s 2^nd largest rainforest after the Amazon. Ten million acres of its natural habitat are degraded yearly by illegal logging, guerilla warfare, ranching, farming, and mining. The UN claims that two-thirds of its forest and unique inhabitants will be lost by 2040. Threat: Loss of the tropical forest. Time remaining: Less than 25 years.

Under threat 9: Glacier National Park

Situated in the US state of Montana is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders where grizzly bears still roam in abundance. The park’s management keeps it both accessible and authentically wild. Choose your moment for splendid isolation, trail runs or walks, and it is yours for the taking down the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Few of the world’s national parks are as magnificent and immaculate as Glacier. Threat: Ice loss. Time remaining: Less than 20 years.

Under threat 10: Taj Mahal

Emperor Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal built as a memorial and embodiment of his love for his third wife. He was so enamored by its beauty that he once said; it made the “sun and moon shed tears from their eyes.” Get a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of this “teardrop on the cheek of eternity” before tourism officials decide to close the 17^th century landmark to the crowd. Air pollution and the public continue to contribute to the degradation of the white stone façade. In five years, you might have to enjoy the immaculate domed symmetry from afar. Threat: Closing to the public. Expected time remaining: 5 years.