Philippines River Ports

[John]

Bohol - Philippines

Bohol is a member of the Visayan group of islands in the south of the central Philippines. Volcanic in origin and with an area of 1500 sq miles, its main town is Carmen. The spectacular "chocolate hills" or "haycock hills" are so named because of their brown appearance and conical shapes and are unique to only two or three other places in the world.

 

[John]

Cebu - Philippines

Cebu city is on Cebu Island in the Philippines. A vast amount of rattan furniture is made here. The city has a 16th-century cathedral and several universities, including the University of San Carlos (1595). One of the oldest settlements in the Philippines, Cebu was first visited by a European in 1521, when the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan landed here. Spanish conquerors made it their capital from 1565 to 1571.

Cebu Island is about 135 miles long and about 20 miles across at its greatest width. The terrain is mountainous, with several mountains greater than 2,300 ft and a highest peak of 3,323 ft.

 

[John]

Corregidor Island - Philippines

The strategic location of Corregidor Island, at the entrance to Manila Bay, made it an important site in the 1898 American war against Spain and later in World War 2. In 1941 the Malinta Tunnel was built, and the island served as headquarters for General MacArthur during an effort to return and liberate the Philippines from the Japanese. Many Filipinos and Americans died in battle, and General MacArthur eventually fled the island. U.S troops then were able to rebound and recaptured the lands from the Japanese. The original walls and some military remains can be seen on the island today.

 

[John]

Davao - Philippines

Davao is on the island of Mindanao in the south Philippines. It started life as a Japanese colony, then was destroyed during World War II, but rebuilt again in a blend of Spanish, American, and Moorish influences. Largely rural outside the city centre, Davao City is one of the world's largest cities in land area, a sprawling 850 square miles among coconut groves and ricelands.
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[John]

Hundred Islands - Philippines

Hundreds of tiny rock islands are dotted over Lingayen Gulf near Lucap. From a distance they appear as a single land mass but a closer view shows them to be islands. Ranging in area from a few square meters to three hectares, some thirty of the islands are bordered by white, sandy beaches and surrounded by coral. The crystal clear waters are suited for swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers. However, several coral reefs there have already been destroyed by dynamite fishing.

 

[John]

Ivahos and Sabtang Islands - Philippines

Sabtang Island
Has an extensive coral reef on the eastern coast of Ivahos. Also one of the biggest islands in Batanes. Ideal for island hiking.

Ivahos
Villages and hills that offer a good view of the entire area and the idjangs-pre-Spanish fortresses used as defenses from the enemies.

 

[John]

Romblon Island - Philippines

Romblon Province, south of Marindugue in the Philippines, consists of three main islands, Romblon, Tablas and Sibuyan together with about 15 smaller islands. The little town of Romblon is its undisputed center, officially called Romblon on Romblon in Romblon. Romblon island is the country's main source of marble.

 

[John]

Manila - Philippines

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines. It is a major seaport and has an excellent deep, sheltered harbour with a built-up modern waterfront. On the south bank of the Pasig river is the original city, Intramuros, founded in 1571 by the Spanish, and containing striking examples of 17th-century Spanish architecture, together with an encircling wall begun in 1590. Most of the old city was destroyed during World War II. Whilst in Manila it is worth visiting the Malacanang Palace, Pagsanjan Falls and Taal volcano.

The Philippine capital of Manila was founded by King Philip II of Spain. In the years that followed, the Spanish successfully prevented the Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese from settling in the Philippines. However, during the Seven Years' War the British occupied Manila, but agreed to return it to Spain under the 1763 Treaty of Paris. During the Second World War, the Japanese took control of Manila during a 1942 invasion, and eventually the U.S. recaptured the islands and returned them to the Philippines. In 1946, the country was granted full independence and the first president, Manuel Roxas, was elected. In more recent history was the exile of former leader Ferdinand Marcos and the new Democratic leadership.