The Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills are simply a mystery. Legend says that the hills were made when two giants threw stones and sand at each other in a fight. When they were finally through fighting, they became friends and left the island, but left behind the mess they made. Others believe that the hills are exposed coral formations weathered from thousands of years. Whatever the history, the 1,200 hills in Bohol are magnificent to see—completely uniform in size and shape. They stand about 30-50 meters high, covered in grass, but at the end of the dry season, turn chocolate color. You can climb 214 steps to an observation hill near the complex to view the immensity in the number of hills.

To get there--Plenty of tours go to the Chocolate Hills. If you want to go there on your own, get to Tagbilaran, then take a bus terminal in Dao and catch a bus to Carmen. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Chocolate Hills complex, you will then take a 2.5 or so mile walk to the complex. If you are coming from Tubigon,

a few buses will go to Carmen daily.

There are very few places to stay in the Chocolate Hills, so you should make this a day trip.

Viewing the hills is free.

More Information
 www.bohol.ph

Casa Manila

Address	General Luna St. Intramuros Manila
Hours	Open Daily: 9-6

As you will probably be shopping in the barrio of San Luis, make sure to stop at the Casa Manila for a fantastic make-believe flashback. This house is a re-creation of a 19th-century Spanish patrician’s three-story domicile. It stops short of nothing to make you feel as if you were living t here during this period of time. Enjoy the beautiful carriage entrance, the landscaped inner courtyard, and the spacious, grand stairway seen only in movies. As you make your way upstairs, you will view the incredible spread of well-kept furniture and accessories from the 1800s. Experience this complete treasure in the city of Manila, a city of industry and fast-pace. One of the main tourist attractions in Manila, the tourists love it because of its Asian inspired look and old-time feel. Open daily, make this a stop along your shopping route for a step back into the past.

Coconut Palace

Address	Roxas Blvd. in Cultural Center Complex Manila
Phone	(632) 633-87-42 to 45
Website	www.manosa.com

For a mere $10 million dollars, the Coconut Palace is a project built for Pope John Paul’s visit in 1981 thought up by former first lady Imelda Marcos. This house is 70% constructed from parts of the coconut tree. This structure is a phenomenon and unbelievable in size. Located in the Cultural Center, it faces beautiful Manila bay. It contains seven suites (after the lucky number 7) and is named and decorated after a different region in the country. The Pangasinan Room, features pineapple fiber bedcovers and pearl table sets. When celebrities visit Manila, many will often stay in one of the grandiose suites. You must make reservations to enter, so be sure to call ahead. If you do not want to enter the Coconut Palace, you can walk through the Cultural Center and view it from the outside. It is a remarkable architectural feat.

Paco Park

Address	General Luna Sts. Paco Manila
Hours	Open Daily: 8-5

If you want a break from all your shopping, visiting, sight-seeing, head over to Paco Park for a relaxing afternoon. Bring a book or wander around to view all of the visual wonders this park has to offer. The park is circular, covered in moss and stone with a beautiful, small chapel right in the middle. Originally a cemetery for the Spanish aristocrats, it was converted to a park in 1966. No one has been buried here si nce 1912. If you are visiting on a Friday, attend the free concerts held in Paco at 6pm. What a peaceful way to spend the start of a Friday night! Listen to locals sing and dance in a tranquil setting. The park is open daily from 8-5, so bring over your lunch and sit and just people watch.

Cebu Philippines

The oldest city in the country, Cebu is noth ing short of paradise. Enjoy the first rate, five-star hotels right on the ocean and listen to the waves crash against the shore. The many casinos will delight the gambler in you; the numerous shopping malls will delight the shopper in you. The malls offer the biggest bargains you will find—shoes, baskets, crafts, shirts, you name it. You can even visit Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica Minore del Santo Nina, the country’s oldest religious relic. A must is a stop at Colon Street located in the downtown area of Cebu. This street was originally built by the Spaniards, but now boasts malls, movie houses, restaurants, and businesses.

Also, you will definitely enjoy the white sandy beaches that are the perfect temperature year round. Work on that tan in this tropical paradise.

With all the coral and tropical fish surrounding the island, Cebu is one of the best diving spots in the country. If diving is not your thing, try snorkeling. Plenty of underwater life awaits.

More Information:
 www.itravelphilippines.com

Philippines Travel Guides
 Frommer's Philippines
 Lonely Planet Philippines
 Let's Go Philippines
 Fodors Philippines