Tawi-Tawi Sunrise at the Capitol
2008 has been blessed with so many travels. I actually had a very very hard time deciding the best-of-the best on all the destinations visited on 2008. While each destination offers something unique on its own, each decision is based on my deep experience which characteristics resonates most on the place. So this ‘best-of’ is based on my personal opinion but feel free to share what you think. So here goes….
Ati-atihan Festival in Boracay Island
Best Fun/Party Destination – Boracay Island, Aklan
While I may not fully agree with the overblown development happening on the island of Boracay I can’t deny that Boracay is an ideal place if you are looking more into parties or fun with barkada (friends) on a beautiful white beach setting. There’s a bunch of activities here to keep you occupied and the wide array of food choices for the voracious eater. While you can visit Boracay anytime of the year It’s best to go during the first quarter of the year where there’s a lof of happening on the island.
Camiguin’s White island
Best Beach – White Island, Camiguin
If you want an unadulterated beach, pure white beach, free of vegetation and annoying establishments, this is the perfect place. An island sandbar, wide and desolate. One of a kind island in the Philippines.
A place to take a rest at Nagarao Island
Best Beach Island Resort – Nagarao Island, Guimaras
This island really placed an enchantment on me. It’s a wonderful little island off the south coast of Guimaras. What charmed me most here is the vegetation, landscaping and the quaint accommodations they have. The beach have a variety of ruggedness and fine ones too. This windswept island is perfect place if you want to just have a quiet getaway closer to nature and away from the crowd.
Camiguin’s Tuasan Falls
Best Waterfalls – Tuasan Falls, Camiguin
I realized I have visited only a few waterfalls this year but the best one I have seen is deep inside the Volcano Island of Camiguin which is the Tuasan Falls. It’s almost an hour hike through the forest, boulders and some river crossings but seeing this layered falls sure is worth it. It doesn’t have the height of the nearby Katibawasan but its layers of pools is much more majestic.
Arching clouds at the peak of Bud Bongao
Best Mountain Climbs – Bud Bongao, Tawi-Tawi and Emeishan, China
I only had very little climbs in 2008 but the ones I like locally and internationally are both sacred mountains. in China I was able to climb one of the Four Sacred Buddhist mountains – Emeishan. This 3,099m mountain boast stunning above the cloud views, temples and of course a bit of snow. In the Philippines the petite mountain of Bud Bongao in Tawi-tawi was another uniquely fond experience. Bud Bongao stands only about 390m and is a very sacred Muslim Mountain. The experience of climbing with numerous Macaque monkey companions along the trail and leaving knots of wishes was really memorable. Muslims in Tawi-tawi said that you haven’t been to Tawi-tawi if you haven’t climbed Bud Bongao.
Halong Bay Karsts and Junks
Best Natural Wonders – Coron, Palawan and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Two countries and two destinations that have a big similarity came into this one. The thousands of karst wonders of Ha Long bay Vietnam is a truly wondrous sight. But not left behind despite its smaller numbers, the Karst wonders of Coron Palawan and its crystal clear lakes is more scenic than the former.
Leshan Giant Buddha Profile
Best Architectural Wonder – Leshan Giant Buddha and Miagao Church
Two religious structures from two countries were my favorite architectural wonders. The Giant Buddha of Lehsan which is the tallest Buddha structure in the world shows how belief and fate can change the currents of flow of a river. While the beautiful fortress church of Miagao displays how religious inspiration produced the elegant base reliefs on its church facade.
On the road to Chavayan, Batanes
Best Scenic Destination – Batanes
This northern province never sieze to amaze. No doubt one of the most scenic places in our country. Landscape photographers will find this as heaven. Romantics and poets will find this a paradise. Not to mention the honest and kind people of Batanes makes this place almost a utopia. I was fortunate to visit this place last 2008 but am planning to get back here for a longer stay to re-visit and explore the distant island of Itbayat.
Heaven’s gate at Tianmenshan
Best Adventure Travel – China South West and Central
With more than 2000 miles within China, 5 provinces, 4 UNESCO sites, 11 days and a budget of less than Php 30,000 which includes all airfares from Manila, transfers within China, park fees, food and accommodations this was my most ambitious trip last year. It was quite an experience that I’m hoping to top this year.
Panda Fun Snack in Chengdu, Sichuan
Best International Destination – Sichuan, China
Going deep into Mainland China in Sichuan province is another unforgettable travel in 2008. Climbing the sacred mountain of Emei, looking up from the foot of a Giant Buddha, getting up close to the gentle Pandas, tasting the fiery dishes and experiencing its culture will surely make its mark in memory for quite some time. While the province suffered a major earthquake, it is fast in picking up the pieces.
Bongao Tawi-tawi Morning Mist
Best Philippines Travel Destination – Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
Of all the travels within the Philippines, Tawi-tawi is the destination that suprised me most. So many myths and misconception (mostly brought about by Bad Media Coverage) about this place has been broken when I visited here. It’s a melting pot of culture and the most ideal co-existence of religions I’ve seen in a place. More that I really miss is the warm and kind people we met, and the cultural experience here that go along with the place. It’s a destination I’m definitely sure to come back to.
A Glimpse of 2009
In terms of the blog post, expect to see entries more on Camiguin and Tawi-Tawi. For travel I already have another 2 weeks major travel this first quarter and am just finalizing logistics and more local destinations. If you have any ideas in mind or suggested destinations drop a comment here. You might get yourself some goodies.
Thank you very much for the great 2008. It’s YOU readers who keep me inspired sharing more travel adventures and photography in this blog. More blessings and travels this 2009!
Wow, Ferdz, you must me the most traveled Filipino for 2008! These places are amazing. How could you afford to travel the whole year? Were all excited for Ironwulf Travel Destinations of 2009!
Really appreciate the comment Oman. I don’t know about the best but thank you very much. More travels to you as well in 2009.
Sure Joel!
Thanks for dropping by Redge! Just a matter or timing things and being lucky I guess. Happy new year!
I have always enjoyed your blog Ferdz; especially your travelogues and the images captured!
wow….your adventures had brought you so much experiences enough to share for us…that experiences would somehow ignite our senses to travel that far…..God Bless Ferdz
you’ve made traveling even more exciting for us last year ferdz. you’ve even convinced me that china is beautiful in many perspective. it lead me to buying a book lonely planet on china.
from your trips last year, i like your china trip the most. maybe because it was something very different from the things that we can see here in the philippines. i also liked your vietnam trip with oggie. i’ll never forget sapa rice terraces. your detailed feature of the island of sabtang will always be on my travel box as i will need it when i get there.
plus all the achievements you’ve received this year. 2008 was indeed a great year for you. this is indeed the best travel blog in the philippines.
wow grabe ang sarap ang dami mong napuntahan!!! gusto ko mapuntahan yung Leshan Giant Buddha, parang ang astig, sa mga palabas ko lang to napapanood.. waaaaaaaa!
Wonderful photos Fedz. Couldn’t agree with you more on your excellent choices
Keep churning up great pics for 2009 
Hi Ferdz
Hi again! Naputol!
You’re one of the most well-travelled pinoy photobloggers i have come across in the blogosphere! My hats off to you!
I would recommend BALUT ISLAND Municipality in Davao del Sur, the ancestral homes and white sand beaches of the municipality of Glan in Sarangani and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato as additions to your travel plans this year.
You will be amazed!
Happy travelling!
wow umabot po kayo sa tawi tawi sir?!
I like the way you do travel photography. thanks for sharing
ang layo ng narating mo…hanggang wishlist na muna sila due to monetary and time constraints
wow!!! *nakanganga at tulala*
please tell me when you retire. i want to borrow your cam and that majestic concept of aiming…
standing ovation for the great pics.
Hi Ferdz!
Your blogsite is amazing… with your shots of the places/events you’ve visited/witnessed. I really adore you. You might not know it but I frequent your site every now and then. Actually, I’ve been wanting to create my own site sometime ago and you’re one of my inspirations. Finally, I’ve started na.
Galing mo! Keep it up.
The best….
Jen
That was 2008. For 2009, consider Japan. Travel there is made easier with Cebu Pacific and a visa application via designated travel agency. Every spot is a photographer’s delight.
hi! great places u’v been.. like you, i’ve been going places around philippines! been to camiguin too, and that island is really.. really.. beautiful! grabeh! gusto ko nga magstay ng 1 week run! hahahaha.. i suggest you go also to cagayan de oro for a lot of adventure! also to sagada.. one of the best place i’ve been before camiguin! whew! that’s all.. love the way you took your pix!
nice pictures, impressive
Congratulations. I am new here but i learned you are Ferdz, so hi Ferdz. You are a great photographer, laglag ang mga mata ko, hehe. I traveled some few countries as well, but the recollections in my mind cannot be translated in photos. When i looked at your photos, nanghinayang ako sa mga travels ko kasi wala akong remembrances na ganyan. I’ve been travelling around the country, except for Batanes, El Nido, Tawi-tawi and Camiguin, but i have also glimpses of the best, the difference is i dont have wonderful photos! Inggit talaga ako sayo!
I encourage you to visit Guilin and cruise the Li River. I can already visualize your wonderful pictures of the horizon. I will be in Turkey in April and i haven’t been so guilty of not studying photography earnestly earlier, whenever i see your photos. They really are super inspiring!
P.S. I forgot to recommend the Tinago Falls in Marawi, actually between Marawi and Cagayan de Oro City. It is far from the road and you have to go down 365 circuitous steps, but it is worth it. I know you will like it too. Be sure to have a guide from the local people. Kadugtong sya ng Maria Cristina Falls, but Tinago is better, ‘yan ang sabi ng mga tao dun sa Marawi kaya dun kami dinala.
Hi, I just found your site through the net while surfing. I was so amazed on your travels and adventures. I also love traveling and I’m sort of making them come true through my own means, ways and of course luck. Your site is so great and it inspires me to travel more and to give in to my urges to visit other places. By the way, do you travel alone? May you have more travel years to come and more people to inspire. Thanks! I’m looking forward to your future posts. c”,)
Cool!! I hope our page will be as great as yours one day.