Activities in Philippines
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Sanctuario
Sanctuario is an upscale spa set in an elegant old house, with lap- and whirl-pools out back in the garden. Treatments span the gamut from simple massages (for 90 minutes) to much more esoteric treatments like a honey-and-tangerine facelift. A cafe serves organic refreshments.
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Enca Farm
Fulfil your farming fantasies as a volunteer on the Cosalan family’s organic Enca Farm in Acop, Benguet, an hour north of La Trinidad on the Halsema Hwy. In 2005 the farm became the first in the Philippines to be certified by Willing Workers on Organic Farms.
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Sergio's Tours
From Sergio's rooms behind his sister Tina's guesthouse, Sergio's Tours offers day trips including food and transport to places such as Tamaraw Falls. We're not sure what he's alluding to, but Sergio's card promises 'Only the right and true information', which is a big relief.
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Hinagdanan Cave
Snorkellers can experience the refreshingly cold waters of Hinagdanan Cave at Bingag, on the island’s northern coast, with its mixture of fresh and salt water. Sadly, the entrance is entirely obscured by a small village of souvenir stalls.
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Tao Philippines
Tao Philippines operates Coron to El Nido expeditions from June to September. Island-hopping trips involve overnight camping on islands east of Culion. Trips however aren’t inexpensive; a two day–one night package costs P12,000.
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Steady Eddie
Steady Eddie is the only dive centre in town. You can call a few days ahead and try to join one of the weekend dive expeditions to sites such as Pasacao, on the Ragay Gulf, and Catanduanes. Costs run from US$80 for three dives.
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Balatoc Mines
At this abandoned mine, you can don helmet and headlamp, board an underground train and pretend you’re a miner. To get there take an Acupan–Balatoc jeepney (P28, 40 minutes) from Harrison Rd near the Burnham Hotel.
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Makinit Hot Springs
An activity that is often included in a bangka day trip is a soak in the soothing-to-scalding Makinit Hot Springs, 5km east of town and not far from Siete Pecados; it’s also accessible by tricycle (one way P200).
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Geldasa
This motorcycle rental stall is located on the corner of Santa Rosa and Perdices Sts, near OK Pensionne House. Bikes go from as little as P300 per day, or P1400 per week. It pays to check brakes and headlights.
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Star City
Star City is a decent amusement park right in the heart of the CCP Complex, although it also tends to get crowded. It has a good number of kiddie rides, a playground and other diversions like ice sculptures.
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Sipalay Tourist Information Centre
Boats for exploring the marine idylls of nearby Maricalum Bay and Tinagong Dagat can be hired through the Sipalay Tourist Information Centre, just back from Poblacion Beach.
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Siete Pecados
Snorkelling at Siete Pecados, a small protected sanctuary not far offshore from Makinit Hot Springs, is a reminder of what has been destroyed elsewhere – the coral here is a wonderland of colours and shapes.
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Pasyar Developmental Tourism
Dedicated to conservation and community-based tourism, this organisation is able to tailor a trip for just about any itinerary. Especially recommended for overnight trips, or if you want to go south, or for dolphin watching.
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Mistral Funboard Center
For inquiries about windsurfing, stop by Green Yard Funboard & Neil Pryde Test Centre or Mistral Funboard Center. Equipment rental rates start at US$12/US$40 per hour/day, with instruction and packages also available.
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Mateo Hot & Cold Springs Resort
Mateo Hot & Cold Springs Resort, outside Irosin at the foot of Mt Bulusan, has – as you’d expect from the name – hot and cold pools. It often gets crowded and noisy (and, on weekends, a bit grubby).
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Mandala Spa
Tucked away into lush inland forest, this first class operation offers indulgent packages for men and women. Treatments cost from P2600 for a facial to around P10,000 for the ‘Princess Treatment’ or ‘Emperors World’.
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Club Intramuros Golf Course
You can golf by day or by night under the lights at the quirky 18-hole, par-66 Club Intramuros Golf Course. You can obtain the shady services of an ‘umbrella girl’ for P200 as well as rent clubs.
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Diver’s Network
Diver’s Network offers a range of day trips and long excursions. It’s an excellent and knowledgeable centre; equipment rentals and lessons are available (PADI open-water certification P12,500).
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Ting Ting
This motorcycle rental stall is loctaed on the corner of Santa Rosa and Perdices Sts, near OK Pensionne House. Bikes go from as little as P300 per day, or P1400 per week. It pays to check brakes and headlights.
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Vin’s
This motorcycle rental stall is located on the corner of Santa Rosa and Perdices Sts, near OK Pensionne House.Bikes go from as little as P300 per day, or P1400 per week. It pays to check brakes and headlights.
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Easy Dive
The only professional dive operation in Port Barton is Easy Dive, located in a ramshackle house at the southern end of the beach. There are several wreck and reef dives in the area.
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Napoleon Sea Sports
Napoleon Sea Sports offers parasail, jet-ski, waterski, wakeboard and speed boat rental. Also has mobile stalls changing location along the White Beach path and at Bulabog Beach.
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Bukid Outdoor Shop
You’ll find a group of outdoor enthusiasts with information and local contacts for activities, including kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and climbing at Bukid Outdoor Shop.
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Puerto Galera Yacht Club
In the sporting department, Puerto Galera Yacht Club welcomes visitors to its Wednesday afternoon fun races, and will team you with an experienced sailor. Start time is 1pm.
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Malbog Hot Springs
A couple of kilometres inland from the town are the Malbog Hot Springs, where a series of bathing pools have been constructed to tap the water; development here is ongoing.
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