1000 Islands Museums

Top Philippine Destination and Paradise Spots

Explore Paradise Philippines. Take a peek at Filipino’s culture and history as mirrored in century-old churches, ancient forts and modern museums. Paradise Philippines have the top of nature’s paradise pictured thru white-sand beaches and three-layered virgin forests.

Paradise Philippines is blessed with an extensive coastline, ringed with unspoiled beaches and first-class resort facilities. Paradise Philippines’ deep-blue, crystal-clear waters offers about 40,000 square kilometers of coastal reefs teeming with a variety of marine life.
Top Philippine Destination and Paradise Spots

Paradise Philippines is endowed amid a tropical climate offering perfect paradise treat to enjoy the sunlight. Lying in Southeast Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Paradise Philippines boasts of unsullied beaches, spectacular sunsets, luxuriant pastoral lands, cool mountain weather, brilliant man-made paradise resorts, and dazzling 7,000+ islands.

Paradise Philippines boasts of one or two of the best beaches and scuba diving waters in the world. Witness the vast expanse of nature’s paradise Philippines’ splendor underneath the spell of cool paradise Philippines mountain breeze.

Here are some featured destinations and paradise regions that is living proof of Paradise Philippines reputation of being referred to as Paradise Philippines.

Alona Beach, Paradise Philippines

Panglao Island, Bohol (May 6, 2007) – The Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano has inaugurated the first age of a P600-million upscale resort complex that is riding on the tourism boom in this province. Durano said, referring to the 16-hectare Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa, which is making 70 luxurious villas catering to the rich Filipino tourists and visitors from Europe, the United States, Australia, Japan and Korea.

Donsol, Whale Shark Capital, Paradise Philippines

Once a sleepy coastal village located at the northwestern tip of Sorsogon province, this town now eyes to be a first-class municipality, thanks to giant sea creatures that are now attracting hordes of foreign and local tourists who infuse millions of pesos to the local economy.

Boracay Paradise, Paradise Philippines

Widely known as one of the best swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal simple waters are best for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. Boracay in addition boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches. Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea.

Captivating Guimaras, Paradise Philippines

Nueva Valencia, Guimaras – An Italian couple on a two-month holiday in the Philippines chose to include the present paradise in this itinerary and stayed at the Raymen Beach Resort in December 2006, unperturbed by to know about the oil spill that brought the island province to world attention in August of the same year. “We are just here to see good beaches,” said the Boldo couple, who are just among the hundreds of intercontinental guests who kept coming to Guimaras even in the aftermath of the infamous oil spill.

Wonderful Palawan, Paradise Philippines

The exotic beauty of Palawan remains undefiled. Branded as the country’s survive frontier, Palawan is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of exotic flora and fauna which are found nowhere else. With more as opposed to a thousand islands and islets, Palawan boasts of white-sand beaches, scenic rock formations, underwater rivers and magnificent caves. Palawan is additionally structure to Tubbataha Reef, the only nationwide marine park that made it to the World Heritage List and whose grandeur is comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Banaue Rice Terraces, Paradise Philippines

Traversing the rugged terrains of Cordillera highlands in a duration of one week is an adventure in itself and could be an immense learning experience for someone who has the guts to be on the look down to the depths of mountain cliffs to get a good view of the rice terraces. With tall rice terraces at the backdrop and cool breeze shuttling between mountain peaks, a journey across the Cordillera heap ranges exposes one to an atmosphere strangely different from the daily offering of Manila and its suburbs.

Amazing Coron, Paradise Philippines

Coron, a town in the Busuanga Island in Northern Palawan, can charm much the most insensitive amongst men. Its natural beauty can only be described as seductive, giving first-time visitors and repeaters alike a sense of wonder so is hard to shake off.

Cebu City, Paradise Philippines

Cebu City drew 403,326 worldwide visitors in 2005, making the “queen city of the south” the top provincial destination of worldwide travelers. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) also showed such a Cebu City attracted 1,813 distant Filipinos and 712,938 domestic travelers.

Pagudpud, Paradise Philippines

If Aklan has Boracay, Ilocos has Pagudpud, its northernmost town bordering the South China Sea. The coastal town of Pagudpud is the perfect setting for panoramic movies and photoshoot for travel magazines cover. The town’s main attractions are Saud Beach, famous for its fine white sand stretching for hundreds of meters and Maira-Ira Point, which hides a secluded beach called Blue Lagoon. Other breathtaking landscapes in Pagudpud include Bantay Abot-abot, a natural sculpture carved by the wind and sea, the Mabogabog Falls and the Patapat viaduct that treats motorists to a scenic view of red lushes and green waters of South China Sea.

Bohol, Paradise Philippines

Bohol is one of the loveliest islands in southern Philippines. It is situated at the heart of Visayas and with coastline skimmed by gentle coves and white-sand beaches. Many highways snake along sparkling beaches or leafy rivers where one can stop at any point and jump in. With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, the province of Bohol is a picturesque province replete amidst ancestral structures and centuries-old churches.

Top 5 Summer Rental Areas Of Nj

The coastline of New Jersey is no stranger to tourists and does not require an introduction since it is notoriously famous for its beautiful seaside and cool breeze. Nor is it threatened by the sandy beaches of Florida and California since it stands out quite remarkably on its own.

Summer rentals are all the rage during the summer season. Hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals flock to the coasts to enjoy the high waves and open skies. There are numerous cities along the New Jersey coastline that are great for outdoor fun and summer rentals. This article will focus on five such locations in order to better inform the readers and potential visitors about the beaches of New Jersey.

1. Loveladies, NJ – Home of the LBI Foundation of Arts and Science:

The city of Loveladies is famous for two things namely its unique name and for being flagship home of the Long Beach Island Foundation of Arts and Sciences. Founded in 1948, this establishment provides numerous recreation programs for local residents as well as visitors. This neighborhood is located between Barnegat Light and Harvey Cedars and is famous for its large-scale elegant homes often rented by celebrities from time to time.

2. Barnegat Light, NJ – Home of the “Old Barney”:

The city Barnegat Light is famous for historical reasons. It is home to the Barnegat Lighthouse also known as “Old Barney” created back in 1859. It is located at the northern tip of Long Beach Island at what is now the Barnegat Light State Park. It also borders the Atlantic Ocean and has a population of about a thousand residents.

3. Beach Haven, NJ – Hot Summer Resort:

Beach Haven prides itself as being ranked ninth in the 2008 Top 10 Beaches Contest.  Located in Ocean Country, on the southern part of Long Beach Island, this borough has a population of a little over one thousand people. The city is also famous for its great attractions some of which are:

Surf light Theatre
Bay Village Shopping Center
Long Beach Island Museum
4. The Dunes, NJ – Fertile Real Estate:

The Dunes has it all when it comes to beach front rentals and shore property widely regarded as the finest on the Long Beach Island. It is an excellent place to both buy and rent.

Situated between Haven Beach and Beach Haven Terrace, The Dunes was founded by James and Elizabeth Brogdon and is one of the Island’s small communities under the control of Long Beach Township.

5. Brant Beach, NJ – More than A century Old:

Established in 1909, the town of Brant Beach lies between Ship Bottom and Beach Haven Crest. It is home to the Long Beach Township head quarters also known as James J. Mancini Municipal Building. Its main park known as Bay View Park is located alongside the ocean. During the summer months, lifeguards patrol all of the township’s beaches and Bay View Park. It is regarded as one of the most popular spots to launch windsurfers and kit-boards.

The above mentioned locations are some of the best the Garden State has to offer. Anyone planning a summer vacation should definitely take up New Jersey and witness nature at its best.

Holiday on the Enchanting Relaxing Island of Isla Mujeres Across the Bay From Cancun

Just across the Bay from the hustle and bustle of Cancun lies the small serene island of Isla Mujeres, nestling on the Mayan Riviera. Here white sand beaches border the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, under the blue skies, as colourful fishing boats dot on the horizon. Isla Mujeres is a very popular destination for those seeking a more relaxed, tranquil, Mexican holiday experience. The Mayan Riviera world famous Coral Reefs create paradise waters for Snorkeling and Scuba Diving. Isla Mujeres white sand beaches, and quaint Mexican street scene takes on back to a bygone era.

There is great holiday accommodation offered which is varied, affordable and comfortable, from where to explore, and enjoy, the pleasures of Isla Mujeres.

Nature is certainly bountiful on Isla Mujeres. There are many vantage points on Isla from which you can see stunning sunsets and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Cosy hotels and restaurants located downtown, a Marine Park with world class facilities a haven for snorkellers with an incredible underwater world teeming with tropical fish, with their bright colours, nurturing the senses.

Dolphin Discovery

Swimming and playing with dolphins is a unique and therapeutic experience. Because these mammals have a friendly and sociable nature, it is for people to interact with them safely, and you do not need to be an expert swimmer to do so.

At Dolphin Discovery you can touch a dolphin, shake its fin, go diving with them and even receive a kiss. Visitors have the chance to interact with these amazing creators as well as with other marine species such as sharks, sting rays, spider monkeys, toucans and macaws. Dolphin Discovery definitely is one of Isla’s most fantastic attractions

Garrafon Marine Park

The name Garrafon means ‘decanter’, an excellent name for this natural aquarium where the waters are clear, calm and reefs are so abundant with life that it gives you a feeling of being inside a decanter. You can safely swim and snorkel due to the soft ocean current being almost imperceptible.

The reef in this area is part of the second longest barrier reef in the world and is home to an enormous variety of species, including some which are considered endangered.

Punta Sur

Located on the southern most tip of Isla Mujeres, where the sun rises, in the Park of Sculptures. Due to its unique geographic location, it has been designated as a permanent open air museum in 2001 and displays 23 original pieces by local and foreign artists. Among the most famous pieces are those by the world famous sculptors Sebastian and Jose Luis Cuevas, from Mexico.

It is a splendid site, enhanced by the incredible backdrop of majestic cliffs, enhanced by the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

Turtle Farm

For thousands of years the beaches on Isla Mujeres have been nesting grounds for marine turtles that return to the same beach every year. Between the months of May and September they lay hundreds of eggs and then return to the sea, leaving their babies to fend for themselves.

The Turtle Farm is on of Isla’s main attractions and a source of pride for the local community and without the important work of Tortugranja (Turtle Farm) only a small number of the hatchlings would survive, as many of the local natural predators and also poachers.

The hatchlings are protected until they are strong enough to live in the sea. At which point the local Island schools are invited to set them free on the shore. This provides a fantastic opportunity for the children to understand about conservation techniques and to learn how to help the survival of this wonderful species.

Templo Maya

Historically speaking, Templo Maya, is one of the most important attractions on Isla Mujeres. In Punta Sur, there is an ancient temple, erected to worship the Mayan Goddess of the moon and fertility, Ixchel. Built on higher ground, archaeologists say it was also used as a lighthouse to guide the trade boats coming ashore from Cozumel, Tulum and Xaman-ha, now known as Playa del Carmen.

Mundaca Hacienda

An interesting attraction, is the remains of an old estate belonging to the famous Caribbean pirate Femin Antonto de Mundaca y Marechega, who is also renowned architect, poet, slaver trader and of course dreaded buccaneer. The Hacienda has many legends to tell, especially famous is one about Mundaca’s heart was broken, leading him to despair and a terribly sad end.

The estate is open to the public and is home to a small zoo, where visitors can see endemic animals species and walk through the lush tropical gardens.

Whale Sharks

Isla Mujeres and her visitors are blessed as once a year, with arguably the world’s most amazing opportunity, to experience Whale Sharks in their natural habitat. During the summer months (June – September) hundreds of Whale Sharks gather just north of Isla Mujeres in a seven mile radius to take advantage of the plankton rich waters created by the joining of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

A quick, but breathtakingly beautiful, one hour boat ride from the docks of Isla Mujeres will place you right within the territory, where a trained guide will search out the Whale Sharks. This will be an experience you will never forget.

The Shark Whale is normally solitary creates, but off Isla Mujeres they socialise in groups of up to 20. This phenomenon gives nearly a 100% success rate of seeing multiple Whale Sharks on a one day tour, not to be missed.

To find out more about the enchanting Island of Isla Mujeres go to www.islamujeres.co.uk

Ancient Greece Art – Cycladic Sculptures in the Greek Islands

Cycladic sculptures are thousands of years old and yet look eerily modern. A face with no facial features, except the nose, is not exactly how we think of ancient Greek art. Cycladic art came to prominence during the twentieth century. Unfortunately that started a period of looting, which destroyed the possibility of putting the sculptures in any kind of location or archeological context. To this day we know very little about Cycladic art. A measure of its growing importance is the existence of the Cycladic Museum located in the heart of Athens, Greece.

The Greek islands of the Cyclades are located to the South East of Greece and to the North of Crete in the Aegean Sea. There are more than two hundred islands approximating a circle around the most significant island Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, Greek God of music and light from Greek mythology and of Artemis, the huntress. The Greek name for the Cyclades is Kyklades, an obvious reference to a circle.

During the period between 3200 and 2000 B.C. the small Cycladic islands in the Aegean became home to a flourishing culture. The most prominent craft in Cycladic culture was stone-cutting, especially marble sculpture. The abundance of high quality white marble on the islands encouraged its use for the creation of a wide range of artifacts. Among these, Cycladic Figurines are the most distinctive Cycladic creation because of the style, the great numbers in which they are found, and the significance they held for their owners. The majority of Cycladic Figurines show women, nude with the arms folded over the belly and the long feet, soles sloping downwards. We do not know whether they were meant to show mortals or deities, but probably symbolized the worship of the ‘Mother Goddess’. In this case, the figurines may have been conceived as representations of the Goddess, or companions to her. Many figurines have been discovered in relation to burials as the Cycladic civilization flourished and burials became more elaborate to reflect status.

There have been recent discoveries (in the last five years) of piles of buried and broken statues and pottery, as if the breaking of the statues was a feature of some unknown ancient ceremony. This ritualistic behavior appears to be centered on the island of Keros in the Cyclades.  Also, hidden deposits of broken pottery and figurines have been found on islands around Keros, many fragments brought there from other locations. Why would the Cycladians do that? To what end? The mystery surrounding Keros, the Cycladians and their art deepens as archeologists sift through clues of human history and behavior. To this day Keros and surrounding islands are home mainly to archeologists attempting to explain one of those mysteries of human behavior and human art that drive us with a â??need to knowâ??. Art, in all forms, leaves behind a legacy of a civilizations history, behavior, values and intrigue. Fortunately for us it also provides beauty that only human civilizations can produce.

Cycladic Sculptures

The Spellbinding Island Of Sicily

In visiting Sicily you will be in the company of such renowned commentators as the Roman philosopher Cicero, who described Syracuse as the greatest and most beautiful city of all Ancient Greece.  And although one 19th century commentator described the island as being â??Seared and riven by lava and sun, like a hell on Earth, inhabited by people more devil-like than humanâ?, other visitors have had much more favorable things to say.  Among these visitors have been the countless members of the European gentry to make Sicily a stop on their Grand Tour of Europe, a tradition popular from the 17th to 19th centuries.  One of the more well-known of these travelers was the famous intellect Wolfgang Goethe, who wrote about the island of Sicily in his Italienische Reise,  or Italian Journey. 
Travelers have appreciated the natural beauty of Sicily since the time of Odysseus, who sailed along its coast witnessing its magnificent sunsets.  The coast is not the only place from which to view this spectacle, however; the ruins of Megara Hyblea and the Greek theatre at Taormina have also been noted for their spectacular natural views.  Those who visit the island in search of adventure may find it by climbing Mount Etna, the highest peak in Italy outside of the Alpines as well as the largest active volcano in Europe, or by swimming in the sea at Camarina, where countless ancient ships lie hidden beneath the waves and the sand.
The many Sicilian architectural remains, considered to be some of the finest from all antiquity, date back as far as the 13th to the 17th centuries BCE, which is the period from which the ancient and enchanting Necropolis at Pantalica originates.  This â??City of the Deadâ? contains over 5000 tombs from ancient times, yet has been described as â??a charming place to liveâ?.  Other architectural elements date from the 8th century BCE, when the island was colonized by the first Greek settlers, imprinting Sicily with the lasting marks of the Hellenic civilization that they brought with them.  At one time an independent Greek city-state, Sicily is still home to one of the greatest examples of Greek art and architecture in the world, the Valle dei Templi, or Valley of the Temples, which is not only one of the islandâ??s central attractions but also an Italian national monument.  Sicily was once even the center of an extensive kingdom, the Kingdom of Sicily, which it ruled for seven centuries, beginning in the Middle Ages.  Its other attractions for culture seekers include its many archaeological parks such as the ones at Selinunte and Piazza Armerina.
The culture of Sicily is singularly unique, shaped as it is by a wide variety of influences.  From its art and architecture to its cuisine, language, and religion, the culture of Sicily is not to be surpassed anywhere in the world.  Beginning in ancient times, Sicily has been infused with a mix of varied cultural traditions, thanks to its positioning as a key fixture of multiple Mediterranean trade routes.  Thus today Sicily reflects influences from Angevin, Aragonese, Byzantine, Catalan, Greek, Muslim, Norman, and Roman contributors, which combine in a colorful pastiche to make modern Sicily into a one of a kind, open air museum.
The island of Sicily has been inspiring visitors for thousands of years with its exhilarating combination of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.  Visitors from antiquity through modern times have been drawn to the Mediterraneanâ??s largest island and impressed by everything it has to offer.