Upon reaching the Butuan City Sports Complex, we turned right on a paved road leading to Barangay Bonbon. We were having a smooth travel then until we reached the gravelled road, majority portion of which were turned into wallowing mud courtesy of ten-wheeler trucks plying the area en route to and from the gravel quarry site. After an approximately 4-kilometer bumpy ride, we finally reached this area . . .

The Delta Discovery Park Reception Center

The reception staff then showed us the menu of the adventures available at the Delta Discovery Park with the staff acknowledging that such menu needs updating as the 1.3-kilometer single zipline for a fee of PhP 650.00 was not yet included . . .

The Delta Discovery Park Adventure Menu . . .

As I and my wife had already gone ziplining at Dahilayan Adventure Park, we just let our daughter Aliyah and son Ranjick to try the 400-meter dual zipline. After paying the fee of PhP 400.00 per head, we proceeded to the stairway leading to the zipline launch and holding area . . .

The stairway to the Zipline Launch and Holding Area. . .

Taking a break in the midst of the uphill stairway climb . . .

After hurdling the uphill stairway climb, you will be engulfed with the feeling of fulfillment as you could witness a panoramic mountain view with both the 400-meter dual zipline launch and holding area, on the left side portion, as well as the 1.3-kilometer dual zipline holding area on the right side portion conveniently sitting at the hilltop summit at the heart of the Delta Discovery Park . . .

The Delta Discovery Park Zipline Launch and Holding Area

Affixing your name, signature and ride preference (super man, sitting and others) at the registration booth is a must for zipline riders . . .

Aliyah and Ranjick doing the mandatory rounds at the Zipline Registration Booth . . .

After wearing the proper gears, you will then be subjected to in-depth ziplining orientation. . .

Aliyah and Ranjick listening intently to the zipline staff briefing . . .

After which, you will be ushered by expert staff for the zipline launch . . .

Get set . . . Fly . . .

Nothing beats the feeling of being on top of the world as you fly by wire. . .

Ranjick and Aliyah enjoying how the birds feel

For Aliyah and Ranjick, flying by wire is really fun . . .

A victory jump was then held at the foot of the stairway to celebrate the wire flying triumph of our two children . . .

Aliyah, Ranjick and Vanjie on their best wacky jump . . .

As we were heading back to the Reception Center, my son told me that he saw a tiny falls and a swimming pool on the ground while flying by wire. Instantly, the waterfalls fanaticism in me had came out as I hurriedly inquired from the reception staff where the area being referred to by my son was located and we were told to head this way . . .

This way towards the Delta Park Swimming Pool . . .

After a few minutes ride, we reached a place so close to my heart: a pond teeming with colorful fishes with a cerenderia and private cottages lining on its side. A few steps walk and my eyes were glued to this very serene spot . . .

The alluring Delta Discovery Park Swimming Pool . . .

We never lost time to pose  for souvenir shots . . .

A poolside pose for posterity . . .

A pose at another poolside angle . . .

After which I took one of the most beautiful photographs I have had taken in my entire life . . .

The panoramic view of the Delta Discovery Park Swimming Pool . . .

Delta Discovery Park – Final Thoughts

Delta Discovery Park is still relatively unknown, the fact that their longest single zip line in Asia, having a length of 1.3 kilometers, was just opened in September 18, 2011 while their 400-meter dual zip line was launched in May 2011. But it was not only the zipline that endeared the park to first time visitors like me but its hidden secret: the dainty swimming pool, whose serenity is only disturbed by the gentle splash of waters oozing out of a mad-made tree branch. Candidly, the beauty of the pool and the tranquility of its vicinity had stimulated my senses and rejuvenated my soul. The Delta Discovery Park is on its sure way to become the primary thrill seekers and adventure lovers destination in Caraga Region.

Reportedly this is Oprah’s estate in Antigua

As you can see in the picture above, with that type of natural beauty, it’s obvious why the rich and famous come to this beautiful island nestled in the eastern Caribbean. But the good news is that you don’t have to be a millionaire to visit – it’s a perfect destination for everyone.

The island is 281 sq. km (108 sq mi) and has a population of around 88,000. The great explorer Christopher Columbus himself is who named the island on his second voyage in 1492 – “Antigua” means “ancient” in Spanish.

Map of Antigua

Part One: Getting there (and getting around once you arrive)

In the city of St. John’s is V.C. Bird International Airport, which is the only public airport on the island and where you will be flying into. The major airlines that have flights to/from Antigua are: Delta, American Airlines, US Airways, United, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways.

Once your plane arrives, there are around a dozen places to rent a car. But as someone who has visited the island, my recommendation would probably be to get around by taxi and tour buses instead. Why? Because the roads are rough, the drivers aren’t the best, and you don’t want to pay for damage to a rental car. But make sure you have cash on hand, because the taxis probably won’t accept credit cards.

Part Two: Choosing a hotel or resort

So which hotel is best? Well, the answer depends on what you’re looking for. There are dozens of places to stay, ranging from affordable to high-end luxury hotels. As examples, here are two places that Fodor’s recommends:

• Siboney Beach Club – On the corner of Dickenson Bay, this is a lower cost option. There are no TVs in the aging rooms – but then again – with a beautiful beach why would you want to watch TV?
• Curtain Bluff – For a luxury hotel (with a high-price) then you may wish to consider this resort, which is also ranked 5 stars by Trip Advisor. There are tons of activities on the property, ranging from tennis courts to scuba diving.

Curtain Bluff

In addition to pricing, you also will want to take into account what amenities are nearby your hotel.

Part Three: Things To Do

1. The Beaches

First and foremost, the beaches are where you should be spending the majority of your time. Their motto is “365 beaches, 1 for every day of the year” so there are plenty of them for you to visit!

It’s hard to pick out the “best” because they’re all so stunning, but if you read reviews online you will see that the Galley Bay Beach is perhaps the most famous. It’s on the western side of the island. Sea turtles are often known to lay their eggs there and many say this beach has the best surfing waves on the island.

Galley Bay Beach

Another noteworthy beach that should be on your list is Stingray City, where you can swim with real stingrays!

2. Historical Sites

The island has a rich history – you can view buildings and other historical sites spanning several centuries.

Among the top spots on your list should be Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, which offers some of the most stunning views in all of Antigua.

Nelson’s Dockyard

Betty’s Hope in St. John’s is a sugar plantation, founded in 1674, that was operated by slaves. It has been setup as an historical site and is definitely worth checking out. While you’re in St. Johns, Fort Barrington is another must-see attraction, as it was built by the British in 1779 for protection against the French. So you can understand the history better, before you see any of the historical sites it might be wise to visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda (also in St. Johns) so you can learn all about the island.

3. Shopping

If you’re up for some shopping, there are plenty of places to go. According to the island’s official website, “the best deals are to be found at Heritage and Redcliffe Quays.”

The local currency is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD). To give you an idea of the currency conversion, about 1 XCD = 2.7 USD. Credit card acceptance will be limited to Visa and MasterCard (sometimes American Express) at the larger retailers and restaurants. If you plan on paying with a plastic, a no foreign transaction fee credit card might be a good idea to avoid the costs of currency conversion.

However at the smaller and independent merchants, credit cards won’t be accepted and you will need to have paper currency available. Many will accept US dollars too, so don’t feel the need to convert all of your money to the local currency.

4. Natural Landmarks

The beaches aren’t the only natural landmarks to see!

Devil’s Bridge is the name given to natural limestone arches which were formed through erosion from the saltwater. Although it may look beautiful, it has a dark history as it is rumored to be the location of mass suicides by slaves centuries ago.

Mount Obama (which was named after President Obama in 2009) is the highest peak on the island. It is located on the southwest side and will require an hour hike or so to reach the highest location.

Mount Obama

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Mike reviews the best hotel credit card offers on his website, CreditCardForum.com. Even though he specializes in hotel credit cards, you will also find see him analyzing travel and airline cards, too. He’s been to Antigua once and is looking forward to another visit in the future. ]]> http://www.islandvacations.me/blogs/guest-post/traveling-to-antigua/feed/ 2 http://www.islandvacations.me/blogs/guest-post/caribbean-bachelor-holida/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=caribbean-bachelor-holida http://www.islandvacations.me/blogs/guest-post/caribbean-bachelor-holida/#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:25:14 +0000 islandvacations http://www.islandvacations.me/?p=3421 The Caribbean may not be everybody’s first choice as a destination for a bachelor holiday, but when you weigh up all the reasons for going there, you will see that it makes perfect sense. If you have the time and finances to spare, then any of the fabulous countries in this region would make fora stag break that you will remember forever.

A Caribbean Island resort ideal for bachelor holidays.

Taking Time Out

Clearly, a trip to the Caribbean isn’t typical for stag nights, but in many ways that is why it is such a big attraction. There is still a vast amount of fun and entertainment to be found here, but without the huge crowds and identikit stag parties that you might find in other locations.

You won’t necessarily be able to get there and back in a weekend either, but the islands are closer than you think. If you can spare a longer period of time, this is the place to be.

A secluded part in one of the Caribbean Islands

The Main Attractions

One of the biggest problems faced by any stag party can often be the lack of anything entertaining to do during the day. However, that certainly isn’tthe case on any of the islands in the Caribbean. Inactivity and inertia just leads to boredom and that is one thing that nobody is allowed to endure here.

As you might expect, there are some fabulous costal-based activities and in particular there is some excellent scuba diving to be found. Fishing, water skiing, windsurfing or just a speed-boat trip can also be enjoyed during your stay. Although the islands haven’t quite embraced stag-night activities as they have in some parts of the world, it is still possible to find what are becoming traditional pastimes for stag parties, such as quad biking and off-road driving.

Alternatively, the golf in the Caribbean is also excellent and spectator sports such as football and cricket are well worth catching up with if you possibly can.

Of course, if you just want to relax during the day, there is no better backdrop than the Caribbean, with its glorious beaches and near-perfect weather.

What to See

On most stag nights there is little time for sightseeing, but if you do get the chance there is plenty to see across the Caribbean.

Architecture in some of the towns and cities is fascinating, with many colonial buildings well-preserved and still fully functioning. Elsewhere, thenatural landscape can also be breath taking, with many beautiful mountains and beaches to explore.

Night Time

This is when any Caribbean island comes alive and, for many, any of the islands can claim to be the party capital of the world. Any form of entertainment you want can be found here, with lively bars and quality restaurants to begin your evening, followed by a choice of some of the bestnight clubs.

Floating clubs are popular too, with many organised boat trips setting sail with music and partying galore. Alternatively, you can join in with one ofthe many night-time beach parties that are organised across the region.

Overall, there are many reasons why any part of the Caribbean would make a perfect location for a truly memorable bachelor holiday. Everything you could possibly want is here, with exciting day-time activities and an incredible night life to provide all your entertainment. It’s simply impossible not to enjoy yourself.

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The above article is edited and composed by Roxanne Peterson.

The beautiful historic town of Hvar

The ‘Land of a Thousand Islands’ has become a mainstream summer holiday destination in recent years. Ten million tourists annually enjoy the winning formula of reliable weather, low prices and accessibility. Croatia’s appeal is well and truly proven. Wandering the ancient towns winding streets as the sun sets and the music starts, you get a glimpse at the beginning of a very long night. The Roman ruins come to life with the pulse of nocturnal twenty-something year olds. Ancient towns such as Hvar are popular for bars and clubs right on the harbour, followed by after parties on the beach.

Hvar town is set around the large public St Stephen’s Square, which is open to the harbour; perfect for mooring up and a relaxing evening in the historical town. Those looking for party spots should check out Veneranda, one of Europe’s largest open-air venues set in an old fortress. Set on a hillside, the rooftop views down towards the moonlit beach are beautiful.

Beautiful views over Hvar harbour

Old stone buildings cling to the hillside

Further up the Dalmatian coast is the party island of Pag. Last summer Pag island hosted the first ever Hideout Festival, an electronic music festival set around Zrce beach. Hideout 2011 proved so popular that the festival is returning this summer on a bigger scale. Chase & Status, Sub Focus, Toddla T, Annie Mac, and DJ Fresh are amongst the extensive line-up for 2012. The chilled-out atmosphere and fun-filled open-air clubs are likely to reconfirm Pag as a firm favourite amongst party-goers fed up with the astronomical prices of Ibiza.

Sunset over islands in the Dalmatian Coast

The clear turquoise waters of the Dalmatian Coast

Once all the bars, beach parties, and clubs have been explored, fear not! On the Dalmatian coast alone there is still a huge amount left to discover. Summer holidays are a great chance to explore this sunny coastline. Taking the local ferries to island hop is a fantastic way to visit the seaside towns sprinkled around this area, and appreciate the stunning scenery. The olive groves, vineyards, and pine forests make for a typically Mediterranean backdrop to the culture rich towns of Split and Dubrovnik. Fruit orchards and lavender fields are also found along this stretch of coastline, and make for wonderful walks and photo opportunities. For the active-minded, cycling is a good way to see this coastline, and bikes are allowed on the ferries. Trekking around the national parks in the mountains is a popular activity, as is the multitude of water sports available at the shoreline. Snorkelling, diving, and windsurfing, are all accessible, alongside the more obscure water sports.

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Travel guru Tess is an eager explorer, and loves
Croatia Holidays. Follow her on Twitter @TravelistaTess

A Holiday Village ideal for family holidays

The Benefits of a Holiday Village

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This is a guest post by Britney Danila

Thus, after the conclusion of our 6^th day study tour at  ANECOOP and COARVAL, two of the largest secondary cooperatives not only in Spain but in Europe as well, our tour guide gave us the green light to roam aroud the city with instruction for us to divide the delegation into smaller groups to make the sightseeing trip as manageable as possible. It is worthy to mention that prior to that instruction, I and my fellow Caraga Region delegates Almar Autida of Surigao del Sur and Nielo Tingzon of Agusan del Norte had already formed an informal alliance dubbed CONTRATA in view of our standing agreement to exchange cameras amonng ourselves during photo opportunity sessions.

The Contrata Group composed of from left: Me, Almar Autida and Nielo Tingson posing for posterity at Toledo City, Spain.

Hence, in response to the tour guide’s instruction, the three of us had allied ourselves quick like metals clinging into the magnet. Our first and only stop was the Centro Historico (Historic Center) located at the heart of Valencia City, which is encircled by the Jardin del Turia to the north and by the ring roads of Guillem de Castro, Carrer Xativa and Carrer Colon. The spot is famous for narrow, cobbled streets and medieval stone houses like this . . .

A walk through the pinched streets within the vicinity of the Historical Center.

Among the popular Spain attractions found in the Historic Center is the Arch of Triumph . . .

Almar having pose with the Arch of Triumph at the background

The people of Valencia City are noted for paying tribute to men and women who bring honor not only to the city but the entire country as well as exemplified by this sculpture made of marble with the inscription Al Pintor Pinazo Valencia dedicated to Ignacio Pinazo Camarlench considered as one of the greatest painters Valencia has ever produced.

A souvenir photo in front of the sculpture dedicated to the great painter Ignacio Pinazo .

Eager to buy souvenir items for our families, close friends and relatives back home, we decided to go on shopping at the popular mall chain in Spain, the El Corte Ingles. . .

The facade of the El Corte Ingless mall chain

The sprawling 17,000-capacity Bullring, a Coliseum-styled Neoclassic building made between 1850 and 1860, would surely fill the emotions of first time visitors like you with awe and inspiration. Truly, the building stands as proof that the controversial, but regularly thrilling, gladiatorial activity between a human and a ferocious bull, which is considered as one of the most popular among Spain attractions, is very much alive in the city of Valencia.

The imposing Valencia Bullring

We had the chance to squeeze our study tour time the following day and visited some tourist attractions within the vicinity of the historical center, among them, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento where you can find the City Hall that is open for tourists like you who want to view the magnificent architecture this building is proud of. Another must visit in the square is the main Post Office building where unique stamps abound that could really satisfy the appetite of avid stamp collectors like you. But most importantly, the fountain at the center of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which is bordered by beds consisting of every type, shape, color , size and fragrance of flower that you can imagine, makes your visit to the main square of Valencia City memorable and enjoyable as it makes the surrounding sprawling buildings more picturesque than they already are.

The attractive fountain at the center of Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Valencia City, Spain.

I really considered myself fortunate enough to have witnessed one of the unique Spain attractions comprising of a fountain which represents the Turia River, considered the most important body of water in the Autonomous Community of Valencia, in human form surrounded by its tributaries. Dubbed as the Turia Fountain, it sits outside the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados in the Plaza de la Virgen.

A pose for posterity at the unique Turia Fountain at Plaza de la Virgen in Valencia, Spain

The lack of material time had hampered my desire to visit one of the most popular man-made Spain attractions in Valencia dubbed as the City of Arts and Sciences. However, the chance for us to pass by the area en route to another study tour destination was already a manna from heaven like me as I struggled hard to take the best shot from the chartered bus window as possible . . .

One of the magnificent buildings comprising the City of Arts and Sciences as seen from our tourist bus window.

As our bus was cruising the expressway, I really felt sorry for not setting foot and marvel at one of the most impressive examples of modern architecture I have had ever seen in my lifetime. Designed by the great Valentian architect Santiago Calatrava, it is an ensemble of five areas in the dry river bed of the now diverted River Turia made up of an Opera House and Performing Arts Centre; Imax Cinema, Planetarium and Laserium; Walkway and Garden; Science Museum and; Open-Air Oceanographic Park surrounded by attractive streams and pools thereby making it a perfect to learn and unwind by day or night.

But nothing beats my excitement as I was able to grasp myself the popular Valencia Orange which abound in the city proper of Valencia like this one being grown abundantly inside the compound of the GRUPOUTECO or Territorial Union of Cooperatives in Valencia . . .

Getting hold of the popular Valencia Orange . . .

Spain Attractions In Valencia – Final Thoughts

There is nothing more enjoyable after seeing some of Spain attractions in Valencia City. From sitting back and relaxing to the sounds of the unique Turia Fountain and the picturesque fountain with occasional bells that chime on the hour from the Town Hall to seeing impressive sculptures, neo-classical buildings and bustling modern shopping centers, those were once-in-a-lifetime experiences especially for a person of lesser wealth and stature like me. Candidly, my sightseeing experiences in the third largest city in Spain made me realize how blessed I am to be among the few Filipinos being given the chance to savor the popular Spain attractions which other persons like you are surely dreaming to see for themselves.

It was exactly 6:00 o’clock in the morning when I reached the Taft Avenue side of the most popular park of the country . . .

The Rizal Park signage . . .

It was my original intention to just make a quick stroll at the place and proceed to the Lopez Museum in Pasig City. Nevertheless, I decided to extend my visit that I failed to notice that it took me 4 hours to roam every nook and corner of the promenade. As a consequence, I decided to write my Rizal Park sojourn in series to give justice to the readers like you who want to know the details of the 58-hectare (143-acre) Rizal Park considered as one of the largest parks in Southeast Asia.

Entering through the Taft Avenue entrance of Rizal Park, the raised Philippine Relief Map considered the largest of its kind in the country with Horizontal Scale of 1:18,300 (1 meter on the relief map represents 18.4 kilometers) and Vertical Scale of 1:4,600 (1 meter on the relief map represents 18.4 kilometers) would surely capture your attention. On the opposite entrance to the raised structure, you can find this marker . . .

The Philippine Relief Map Marker . . .

Like in my case, if you happened to visit Rizal Park before June 19, 2011, which was the launching date of the Philippine Relief Map Refurbishing Project in time for the 150th birth anniversary of the Dr. Jose P. Rizal, you would surely be surprised with the presence of a concrete walkway strategically passing over the map lengthwise thereby affording the revelers like this mother and child tandem, to have a closer appreciation of the Philippine archipelago . . .

The spruced up Philippine Relief Map

With the new structure, you can surely have a vantage point to take a look at the biggest Philippine island of . . .

Luzon . . .

The biggest island group of . . .

The Visayas . . . .

The second largest island of . . .

Mindanao . . .

Looking at the northeastern-most tip of Mindanao, you can find the island of my birth . . .

Bucas Grande Island with its popular neighboring island of Siargao. . .

Not to be outdone in form, is the most popular island in the Philippines . . .

Palawan Island . . .

Rizal Park – Visiting The New Relief Map

My fascination with history always haunts me like a shadow wherever I go. Hence, visiting the Rizal Park while in Manila was the best decision I made if only to show to you the spruced up appearance of the Philippine Relief Map that you and I can surely be proud of and enjoy watching over and over.

Two Butterflies On Their Finest Moments

The Photo of the Day is about a butterfly picture on a male and a female butterfly in their finest moments and position. I took the picture during my visit to the Butterfly House being one of the attractions, aside from the saltwater crocodile, of the Davao Crocodile Park in Maa, Davao City, Philippines.

It is customary on my part to take a picture at the point of my entry in a place like this . . .

The facade of the Puerto Princesa Airport in the capital city of Palawan Province

Tarpauline pictures of 2 prominent Palawan Officials welcoming visitors

A 5-minute ride in finely-paved thoroughfares made green by tall and robust trees on each side brought me to Rizal Avenue where a popular backpackers hostel is located . . .

The One Rover's Place

It was only upon checking-in at the hotel that I learned that I was booked for a 1-day tour to selected Palawan attractions the following day yet. Since it was still 1:00 PM in my watch, I felt that spending the rest of the day sleeping in my room while in the island so popular both in the local and international tourism arena would be one of the biggest time squandering act that I would ever commit.

Hence, I squeezed information from the front desk teller on what possible attraction not included in the next day tour itinerary that I can visit in just a half-day. Honda Bay is the best possible option according to the lady staff. However, when I flagged down a tricycle bound to the port for boats leading to Honda Bay, the kind driver told me that my travel there would be just a waste of time and money as I could no longer catch up the last trip for the Honda Bay tour. Candidly, the information I got had sent extreme weakness down my spine as I sit on the chair in frustration.

Fortunately, a male hotel staff arrived and, sensing my extraordinary want for a sightseeing trip at that very moment, he told me that I still have the chance to visit a worthy attraction in Palawan if only I have the guts and resources to do it. Such words were enough to spring myself up from the seat as I was told that Estrella Falls is the best possible option but I have to take a fast-moving motorcycle as it is located more than 80 kilometers from the city proper. Without batting an eyelash, I agreed on the XLR Honda motorcycle plus driver hire though it was a bit pricey.

To be gutsy is indeed a requirement for such a trip as we traveled at an average speed of 50 kph, thanks for the extremely nice pavement constructed by the Hanjin Group spanning 69 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa to the town of Aborlan. Though the road from Aborlan was not that good, but we managed to drive our way until we stopped at this junction in Barangay Malatgao in the town of Narra exactly 83.5 kilometers and 2.0 hours travel away from Puerto Princesa City . . .

The Estrella Falls roadside signage . . .

The 6-km graveled road leading to Estrella Falls

A few more minutes of travel and we reached the Estrella Falls visitors receiving area. Being a lover of poetry, this lovely poem written in the local dialect praising the Estrella Falls had really captured my attention . . .

The well-written poem on Estrella Falls

These words of welcome written in poetic lines as well as the park rules had boosted up some more my interest to see the Estrella Falls . . .

The Estrella Falls welcome signage . . .

The Estrella Falls Park Rules and Regulations

The Estrella Falls is just a few steps walk passing through this tiny attractive structure . . .

The Estrella Falls Visitors' Assistance Center

Into this concrete walkway amidst towering trees. . .

The walkway leading to the Estrella Falls

Passing by the resort facilities, among them cottages, rest rooms and grilling area, provided by the Muncipal Government of Narra . . .

The Estrella Falls resort facilities

My heart had started beating faster as I heard the mild thundering waterfalls sound until I saw the Estrella Falls from afar . . .

The Estrella Falls viewed from a distance

My feet were really planted firm on the ground while my eyes were feasting on the beauty of the Estrella Falls as it cascades into the not-so-wide plunge pool . . .

The Estrella Falls with its plunge pool

It was at that very moment that I realized the veracity of the words of the One Rover’s Place staff that Estrella Falls is really nature at its best . . .

The alluring view of the Estrella Falls

Estrella Falls – Final Thought

The waters cascading from Victoria Peak that had been split into two upon reaching a rock resembling a human face right at the base of the plunge pool makes Estrella Falls so unique among the waterfalls that I have had visited in the Philippines. The waters flowing into 3 sets of natural pools of varying depths, with the first suitable for professional swimmers, the second fit for non-swimmer adults and the third ideal for children, makes the spot a perfect venue for family gatherings. Most importantly, the exceptionally clean and refreshingly cool waters, which gives credence to its championship award in the search for the cleanest and greenest inland bodies of water in the Philippines, qualifies Estrella Falls as a must visit for waterfalls and nature lovers like you.

Think of a South Pacific vacation and odds are that Tahiti or Fiji comes to mind. Although those destinations are indeed stunning and beautiful, there are hundreds of additional places in the South Pacific that are equally impressive. If you are considering an upcoming holiday in the South Pacific, get off the beaten track and explore some unique destinations. Islands which are still pristine, natural and let the visitor understand the culture. At the same time, tourists can relax in unparalleled scenery, taste exotic cuisine and swim in crystal clear waters. Not to mention, you can still find excellent travel deals to many of these destinations. For three unusual South Pacific vacations, consider the islands of Palau, Samoa and Yap.

The breath-taking view of Palau Islands

Palau: The group of islands known as Palau is not officially associated with Micronesia, but is in that region of the Pacific Ocean. Little is known about the history and the culture of the people who traditionally have called Palau home prior to the 18th century. Since then, travelers from around the world have been enamored by the stunning tropical islands and friendly local people. Most visitors plan to enjoy water sports while in the islands. The area is known for world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as kayaking and fishing. The food is a unique blend from all cultures, with an emphasis on local ingredients and Asian preparation techniques.

The alluring sunset in Samoa- a sight that surely stimulates your senses and rejuvenates your soul.

Samoa: Roughly halfway between the nation of New Zealand and the Hawaiian Islands is another island chain known as Samoa. While it is believed that the islands were inhabited for over three thousand years, it was not until 1830 that Europeans discovered Samoa. Today, tourists from around the world frequent the stunning islands, specifically the two larger ones called Upolu and Savaii. Many of the most popular attractions are natural scenery like the many waterfalls, national parks, blowholes in the volcanic rock and traditional villages found in the dense vegetation. As it is now a popular tourism destination, there are also upscale accommodations, international dining, golf and shopping opportunities on the island.

One of the fine thoroughfares leading to Yap attractions

Yap: This island chain is part of the Federated States of Micronesia, and is known for being of the best scuba diving sites in the South Pacific. The major city of Colonia boasts interesting architecture that combines local Micronesian style with European traditions. Along with diving, the most common pastimes include relaxing on the beach, enjoying hiking or walking around the villages and meeting the local population. The island is famously known for their stone money which is nearly impossible to use. However, credit cards and US dollars are readily accepted around most of the island.

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Matt specializes in finding flights to destinations around the world, and loves to stay at cheap hotels in exotic destinations.