It was on a bright sunny day when we arrived in El Nido Town proper – our jump off point to the resort. We crossed the Taytay Bay to reach the coastal town then we had an almost two hour van ride to El Nido followed by  a short stopover in the El Nido airport. After having our baggage checked, we finally had another boat ride to reach Lagen Island Resort.

Foot Bridge connecting to our boat 

In less than an hour, we finally landed in Lagen Island – an El Nido Resorts island property located in the northern part of Palawan. I was totally thrilled when I reached the island which has a green forest further enhanced with the presence of a shallow lagoon surrounded by a limestone cliffs and a rain forest.

El Nido Airport

At the entrance itself, I had a warm welcome from the staffs of the resort. The guide told me that there are mainly four types of rooms that are available to choose from. They are water cottages, beachfront cottages, Forest rooms as well as Forest suites. By the name itself, I was more eager to know about the over-the-water cottages that was assigned to me.

Forest Cottages

Unlike the water cottages in Apulit Island Resort, my room in Lagen Island was a little bit bigger and the restroom has a huge space too. Aside from the breathtaking view from my private veranda, I was totally impressed with the huge Queen Bed that was provided in the room.

Free Snacks at El Nido Airport

There were many activities that are available as per the needs of the visitors. Each guest can have a good natural spa in the traditional Filipino hilot massage style or you can enjoy scheduled trips like Scuba diving as well as marine sports and each activity only means fun fun and more fun.

Welcome Drink

We had lunch right after the orientation and just like in Apulit Island Resort, Lunch means Fiesta!

Garden Fresh Salad

International as well as local cuisines are available in the buffet table but I opted for the local cuisine to have a good taste of the traditional Filipino style of preparing meals.

Garlic Crabs

After lunch, our room keys were distributed and we went straight to our rooms to freshen up and prepare for our Sunset Cruise. Like the room I had in Apulit, I really like staying in the over-the-water cottage.

Fresh Fruits

Looking at the waters underneath my Cottage gave me an ultimate relaxation. Hearing the silent waves while looking at the the limestone cliffs in the other side of the cove was an awesome experience.

My huge Bed

I was surprised when I learned that we were just four joining the Sunset Cruise that day. We were transported by a small boat to a bigger Yacht that brought us to the middle of the bay to wait for the spectacular sunset.

Over the water Cottages

The sun was to shy to show up but at least we had a fantastic sunset cruise. Having a huge boat for just the four of us made us feel like we were so special. The long trip to the resort is really really worth the time. After our Sunset Cruise, we had a fantastic dinner then we took some rest to prepare for our next days activity.

Room Key Card

We first visited Miniloc Island Resort to have a breakfast. I’ve been craving for Tocino for couple of days already even before we landed in Palawan and I was so happy to see Tocino in the buffet table.

Lagen Island Resort Infinity Pool

After having breakfast, we had a short tour in the resort then we left the island resort for our island hopping activities.

Wall Climbing in Entalula Beach

One of the major attractions that impressed me the most was our visit to the small as well as big lagoon along with the resort guide.

View from my Bed

I was happy that I got an opportunity to step out of the boat and get in to water and even though I didn’t swim, having my feet wet while enjoying the fantastic view was already an amazing experience.

View from my Veranda

We headed to Entalula Beach for our lunch. I pretty much enjoyed all the activities in the island except for the wall climbing which I didn’t tried out.

Entalula Beach

Our lunch was not as huge like what we are having in the resort’s buffet table but it was equally delicious. Imagine fresh fruits and freshly grilled seafoods in a secluded beach with a calm atmosphere. It was heaven!

Evening at the Poolside

After our lunch, Our guide also took us to Vigan Island which is popularly known as snake island – one of the major attractions in El Nido.

A short trek in Vigan Island

We had a short trek in the islands highest peak to see the white sand bar and the other island including Pangalusian Island Resort which will be launched before the end of the year.

Sunset Cruise

Our tour guide also took us to the Cudugnon cave which is just near Vigan Island. It just consists of a small opening through which one person can hardly get inside.

Cudugnon Cave

The guide said that the cave was formed naturally from millions of years of erosion. It was such a natural architecture that is truly worth visiting.

Afternoon Cruise

Nothing spells happiness than spending a day in one of the most beautiful resort in the world. Just imagine a day with no worries, just perfect relaxation and just simply being one with nature.

The experience was truly unlike any other. This is Life!

Lagen Island El Nido
Phone No: +63 2 902 5980
General Inquiry:+63 (2) 813 0000 (Mondays thru Fridays, 8:30AM to 5:30PM Manila Time)
General Email:holiday[at]elnidoresorts.com
Japanese Specialist:sales[at]el-paradise.com
Address: Ten Knots Development Corporation
18/F BA Lepanto Building
8747 Paseo de Roxas Street, Salcedo Village
1226 Makati City, Philippines

Travel Blog Search Terms:

• lagen island (6)
• pangalusian resort (6)
• blogs about el nido lagen miniloc apulit (4)
• forest room in lagen island (3)
• entalula beach (3)
• hundred island cottages (2)
• out of town blog el nido (2)
• pangalusian island room rates (2)
• miniloc island resort el nido 2012 blogs (1)
• miniloc island blogs (1)

Boracay Island in Philippines has been named as the best beach in Asia for 2012 by TripAdvisor. The island is just 4.5 miles in length. But one of the major attractions is that travellers will find awesome beaches with in short distance. And that is what makes this place unique from others.

Boracay Best Beach in Asia

There are mainly four beaches in the Boracay Island in Philippines. They are Balinghai beach, Diniwid Beach, Yapak Beach and also Bulabog beach. Balanghai beach in Boracay Island is so beautiful that travelers will feel like they are in the midst of a native island away from civilization. The travellers will have a never before experience since even the meals will be served in a basket as well as rope and pulley system.

All the users have to do is just to ring a bell and the meals will be delivered for them in quite a unique fashion. The beach with the sound of the waves as well as crystalline waters will impress the travellers for whom privacy and availability combined with a fun-filled peaceful environment is the subject of prime importance.

Travelers will also find bungalow type cottages that will provide the travellers with the maximum comfort. A unique experience is guaranteed in this wonderful looking beach side.

Diniwid Beach of Boracay Island is also one of the major attractions. The beach is less populated compared to other beaches of Boracay Island. It is best suited for all those travellers who are looking out for complete privacy. And it is also just a few minutes walk for all those travellers who want to enjoy and get in to the center of attractions in the Boracay Island.

The beach is mainly of a 200 meter long stretch of white sand that will impress all those travellers who makes a visit to this beach.

Yapak Beach of Boracay Islands is known for the presence of Puka shells all over the beach. It is one of the largest islands in Boracay Island. The beach will give the travellers more of a romantic and scenic experience than any of the other Boracay beaches. Another major attraction is the Sunset in Yapak beach which is absolutely stunning with the sunrays getting reflected on the crystal clear beach waters. The sands are also a major attraction of this beach.

Bulabog beach is mainly located on the backside of the Boracay Island. The beach is commonly known as Sport Beach by locals. It is always advised to wear wet suits while in Bulabog Beach. It is considered to be one of the best beaches in the Boracay Island. It is the ideal pace for the travellers to have partying together with windsurfing as well as kite surfing experience.

The travelers will be happier to see jelly fishes as well as sea urchins in the water mainly across the rocky areas of the Bulabog beach. The beach also comprises of beach resorts that provides the travellers as well as visitors with utmost comfort and entertainment.

Travel Blog Search Terms:

• boracay 2012 (15)
• major attractions in the philippines (9)
• the best beach resorts in asia (3)
• philippines boracay (3)
• best hidden beaches boracay (3)
• boracay beach philippines (3)
• forums or blogas about 2012 newest hotels in boracay? (2)
• Diniwid Boracay Island (2)
• best resorts on the beach in the world (2)
• boracay pictures 2012 (2)

The Philippines has always been known for its picture-perfect coastlines and warm, clear, blue waters.  With all these beaches to choose from, how can one discover something different for a summer retreat?

Apulit Island Resort in Taytay Palawan

Well, all it takes is a chartered plane and boat ride to take you to a secluded spot cradled between limestone cliffs intricately carved by the forces of the earth and water. It’s where the mountains meet the sea and where the shore is just as stunning as the hidden lagoons.

Apulit Island Resort – View of the Bay from the Water Cottage Verandah

The place is El Nido Resorts in Palawan—a three-island destination that takes you to an eco-touristic sojourn within one of the country’s most beautiful and unspoiled natural wonders.  Apulit, Miniloc and Lagen all bear the Philippine’s tropical trademark, but each has its own distinctive features that stand out from the commonplace.

El Nido Resorts Activities – Kayaking at the Big Lagoon

Apulit Island

Featuring 50 over-the-water cottages, Apulit Island Resort is the choice getaway for both intrepid and novice adventurers. Set within a pristine cove with panoramic views of Palawan’s horizon, Apulit Island is far from the glossy nightlife that most beachcombers inevitably end up in. Instead, you are taken to a resort with an endless stretch of a white-sand beach lined with coconut trees. Here, you can go diving, swim with blue-spotted sting-rays, sail across one of the island’s widest coves, or simply enjoy languid days on the beachfront.

Lagen Island Resort Swimming Pool

Miniloc Island

On the northern tip of Palawan is Miniloc Island, El Nido’s eco-adventure playground. The island, tucked within a beautiful backdrop of mountains, limestone cliffs, caves, and lagoons is centrally located to access the numerous eco-adventure sites. From island-hopping and sight-seeing to spelunking and kayaking through the most picturesque lagoons, Miniloc Island takes you through a definitive tropical adventure unmatched anywhere in the country.

Miniloc Island Resort – Boardwalk

Lagen Island

Nestled between a lush four-hectare forest and a calm lagoon, Lagen is a tranquil, private island that offers an experience of pampering and relaxation with its luxurious accommodations, private gourmet dinner offerings, and its signature hilot massage. Set against a backdrop of the most dramatic El Nido sunsets, the surrounding forest and breathtaking limestone cliffs are natural attractions that serve as sanctuary for a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is a place where guests would be able to intimately observe these endemic creatures in their natural habitat.

Miniloc Island Resort – Cove

Whether it’s sailing across the island’s most beautiful cove, conquering Palawan’s caves, or exploring the most beautiful lagoons, you get to enjoy it all in the midst of the most picturesque tropical settings.

For inquiries, call (+63 2) 894 5644, email holiday@elnidoresorts.com, or visit our website at http://www.elnidoresorts.com.

ABOUT EL NIDO RESORTS

Lagen Island Resort and Miniloc Island Resort, collectively known as El Nido Resorts, are located in the northern part of Palawan, Philippines. Apulit Island Resort is the newest eco-resort in Taytay, Palawan under the El Nido Resorts group.

Each resort has its own charm and offers a distinct quality of personalized service that is attuned and responsive to the unique needs of each guest. El Nido Resorts believes in respecting the natural environment through responsible tourism.

It strives to operate with minimal negative impact to nature. Having been operating since 1981, El Nido Resorts have gained extensive knowledge of the area. From these knowledge and experiences evolved a distinct quality of service that allows guests to have an enriching holiday.

Travel Blog Search Terms:

• best island cottage in water (5)
• landmarks in taytay palawan (4)
• palawan summer pics (3)
• lagoon 500 (2)
• lagen resort palawan (2)
• resort cottages on water philippines (2)
• stunning nature photos of the philippines (2)
• most beautiful island resorts (2)
• tropical cottage in water (2)
• Apulit island resort island hopping (2)

Guest Post by John McIntyre

When you hear the phrase “tropical paradise”, what images come to mind?

Do you immediately imagine long, white sandy beaches and pristine blue water? How about tall coconut trees swaying in the breeze and traditional bamboo huts? Or perhaps you think about succulent tropical fruits, delightful seafood and relaxing in a hammock while looking at an amazing sunset?

Muelle Bay

When I think of tropical paradise, I think of all these things, so when I went to Puerto Galera in the Philippines, I was blown away.

Puerto Galera is strikingly similar to my vision of tropical paradise. If tropical paradise reminds you of similar things, you’ll appreciate this marvelous place too.

First, I had to catch a banca boat to the island of Oriental Mindoro. The weather was fantastic on the day I made my crossing. The sky was bright blue and I couldn’t see a cloud in any direction. The ocean was flat, so no one got sea sick on the way over.

The banca boat brought me to Muelle Pier, the main tourist pier in Puerto Galera. This is also the inlet of Puerto Galera bay, known as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Beach Front

At Muelle Pier, I met my guide from Badladz, the Puerto Galera resort where I was staying. A short, 5-minute ride in their shuttle-bus brought me to the Badladz Beach Resort. I’d seen a few pictures from their website, but I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived.

The resort is located a short distance from the center of Puerto Galera. It is tucked away in a quiet area and is surrounded on three sides by houses, not resorts and hotels. In fact, I found out that it is the only resort in the area. On the fourth side is Small Tabinay Beach, a half-mile stretch of soft sand and beautiful blue water.

I was fairly impressed with the rooms. They had everything I needed. My only complaint was that they were a little small. As I didn’t spend much time in my room, this wasn’t really a problem, but I can imagine it may be for some people. Each room had air-conditioning, fan, cable TV and a temperamental hot water shower (sometimes it was hot, sometimes it was cold).

This was my home for the next three days while I explored the area. So far so good!

Since I arrived early, I had breakfast after dropping my bags in the room.

Badladz Resort in Puerto Galera

Over the next few days, I went exploring around Puerto Galera and did a bunch of different activities. The town itself is nothing to get excited about. It is a typical provincial Filipino town. There are a few supermarkets, an immigration office and an assortment of bars (both local and western owned bars).

I walked the road to Sabang, a 7 kilometer journey that winds through the jungle. I really enjoyed this walk as there were numerous great vantage points along the road where you could see all around the area.

Puerto Galera is known as one of the best scuba diving locations in the world. With that, I knew that I had to go scuba diving. I signed up at a local dive shop and they took me to a few of the dive sites around the area. This experience is highly recommended if you are ever in the area!

During the evenings, I would read a book or visit the local nightlife scene.

Sabang, one of the main nightlife areas was a little too crazy for my tastes. I ended up spending more time in the relaxed bars in White Beach, the other main nightlife area.

When my stay at Badladz came to an end, I was sad to go! I really enjoyed Puerto Galera and I plan to go back soon. In particular, I want to explore more of the scuba diving.

About the Author

John McIntyre is an Australian but currently lives in the Philippines.

He has fallen in love with the natural beauty of the country and spends his time exploring and taking photos.

Travel Blog Search Terms:

• puerto galera 2012 blogs (3)
• puerto galera front beach (3)
• blog puerto galera (3)
• purto galera blog (2)
• puerto galera pinoy travel blogs (2)
• puerto galera guides blog (2)
• 2012 blog trip in puerto galera (2)
• food trip in puerto galera (2)
• batangas port to puerto galera april 6 2012 (2)
• affordable travel guide trip to puerto galera blogs 2012 (2)

Arriving in Amorita Resort in Panglao Island was a total relief after a busy week in Manila. I’m not really a huge fan of of Alona Beach in Panglao Island in Bohol but after seeing the white sand stretch while having a welcome drink in Amorita Resort… It suddenly became one of my favorite beaches in the Philippines.

Overlooking Alona Beach in Bohol

Compare to Boracay, Alona Beach, on the south-west of Panglao island, is only about one and a half kilometer stretch of white sand. The beach is surrounded by beautiful best in class resorts which includes my favorite Amorita Resort.

Have you been to this place already? Care to share your experience?

Travel Blog Search Terms:

• beaches of bohol (17)
• laguna beach resorts philippines (9)
• panglao white beach philippines (5)
• great white beach in bohol (5)
• alona beach resort bohol (5)
• alona beach bohol island (4)
• bohol food trip (3)
• bohol beach resorts (3)
• best resorts in panglao bohol (2)
• panglao island beach bohol (2)

The largest of the three major islands in Philippines, the Luzon Island is one of the most amazing tourist destinations in the World. Luzon is where Manila can be found, the capital city of Philippines and is part of the 17th largest island in the World spanning over 104,688 square kilometers.

Gota Beach in Caramoan Peninsula

The Sandy beaches, lakes, volcanoes, and the northern mountains make Luzon Island a wonderful gift from nature to humans. The following are the most popular tourist spots in the island of Luzon.

Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano : This is also known as the World’s most perfect cone. Though it is an active volcano, it is a spectacular sight to see and thousands of tourists are visiting Bicolandia just to see this volcano. The volcanic activity is regularly monitored by the local authority.

Calle Crisologo in Vigan

Caramoan Peninsula : The rocky terrains and the deep gorges make this hilly peninsula in Bicol, unique. The National Park with caves, sandy beaches and limestone formations is one other major attraction of this spot. It’s also easy to reach via public transportation from Caramoan town.

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Puerto princesa Underground River : The spectacular landscape and the underground river are what make Puerto Princesa famous. Recently listed in the world’s New 7 Wonders of the world. The boat ride into the underground river is totally a rewarding experience.

Camp John Hay in Baguio City

Baguio City : The lush greenery, bright and clear skies and the cool climate in Baguio city is a very good tourist spot if you need some peace and quiet from a hectic life. There are nice manmade tourist spots, good food, religious sites and so many more in Baguio.

Church in Vigan Ilocos Sur

Bangui Windmills : Located at Bangui, Ilocos Norte, the Bangui wind farm uses 20 wind turbines each 70 meter high and is wonderful to watch. The view itself would blow your minds, rather than the wind.

Taal Volcano View from Tagaytay City

Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna : An amazing ride in canoes to the exotic Pagsanjan Falls is something no one will ever forget. The rocky cliffs, the wild orchids, vines and ferns are all but a little of what is there at Pagsanjan Falls. There will be a few mini falls on the way and the journey will be most memorable for adventurers.

Lapu Lapu Monument in Rizal Park

Luneta Park, Manila : Luneta Park, also known as Rizal Park (named after Dr.Jose Rizal – a national hero), is a picturesque urban park with historical significance. The Orchidarium, the grassy lawns, bronze statues, the National Park and the Chinese & Japanese gardens are the main attractions in Rizal Park.

Banaue Rice Terraces

Taal Volcano, Tagaytay : The smallest active volcano in the world and one of the most visited spots in the region, not to mention extremely beautiful, Taal Volcano with its scenic viewpoints would make your jaws drop. You can easily reach Tagaytay by Bus in Baclaran Pasay City.

Road to Sagada

Banaue Rice Terraces : The 2000 year old rice terraces in the mountains of Ifugao are a marvel, probably God’s masterpiece and is considered as the Eighth wonder of the world. The people here are very friendly and the hospitality is admirable. The various hiking trails in the area is definitely one of the attractions for hikers.

Hundred Islands, Pangasinan : Spanning about 250 kms, the Hundred Islands in Alaminos Pangasinan is popular for the National Park which spans over 1884 hectares. This is the best spot for camping, picnics and island explorations.

Vigan Crisologo Street : Known for the unique architectural brilliance in the buildings and the cobblestone streets, Vigan is a small but wonderful City. The empanada (bread with meat and longanisa fillings) and a long walk along the streets watching everything around are quite refreshing.

Sagada : A peaceful village in the Northern Mountains, Sagada is famous for its peace loving and friendly people, fresh food, cold weather not to mention lush foliage and Waterfalls. Sagada is also famous for the hanging coffins located near the town center.

**Some Photos courtesy of the Philippine Department of Tourism

Travel Blog Search Terms:

• tourist spots in luzon (26)
• luzon tourist spots (25)
• banaue rice terraces (14)
• tourist spot in luzon (12)
• vigan tourist spots (12)
• tourist spot in cebu city (9)
• luzon tourism (8)
• best tourist cheap vacation in luzon (7)
• tourist destination in luzon (7)
• Tourists Spots of Region 5 of the Philippines (7)

Making weddings more auspicious than they really are is no easy task. Finding a perfect wedding destination in the Philippines is a task that requires a lot of planning and good organization. Even organizing a wedding reception isn’t easy. You may choose to have your wedding in the Philippines or in some great destinations in other tropical countries, just to make the event memorable.

Best Wedding Destinations in the Philippines

There are a lot of places which offer exotic locations apt for a wedding or a reception. One such place which is famous for its hospitality as well as for the best availability of wedding destinations is Philippines. Philippines is one of the best places you can go if you like your wedding to be a beach wedding. Exotic beaches are abundant in the Philippines and you can easily have the best beach wedding with the help of some local wedding planners.

In the Philippines, there are numerous beautiful, scenic islands and beaches which would make it a bit hard for you to come up with the best choice for a beach wedding. We will give you a brief description about a few most popular wedding locations in the Philippines. Maybe after going through the description, it might get easier for you to make a choice.

Popular wedding destinations in Philippines include :

• White Beach, Boracay Island
• Malapascua Island, Cebu
• Muelle Bay, Puerto Galera, Mindoro Island
• Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol.
• Puraran Beach, Catanduanes Island
• Dumaguete City
• Bantayan Island, Cebu
• Honda Bay, Palawan

White Beach, Boracay Island: Belongs to the Western Visayas Island Group, Boracay Island has the White Beach which faces westward and is about 4 kilometers long. White Beach houses numerous resorts, hotels, restaurants and lodging houses. The two kilometer Beachfront path separates the beach from the various establishments. The serene beach is perfect for weddings and receptions. With a cool west breeze and little rainfall, the best time for the wedding should be between September to May.

Best Island Wedding

Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa Palawan: This beach is on the eastern side of the Palawan Island. This part of the island is apt for recreational activities and snorkeling. Puerto Princesa is Palawan’s business and tourism center and is now awarded as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines.

Malapascua Island, Cebu: Located at the Northernmost tip of Cebu Island. The wide Bounty beach with the white sand, the scenic beauty of calm sea and greenery all around is what makes this place very attractive.

Bantayan Island, Cebu: On the Northwest side of the Cebu Island is the Bantayan Island. There are a number of smaller islands here, of which you would at least like three islands for a wedding to take place.

Muelle Bay, Puerto Galera, Mindoro Island: With superb accommodation facilities, many bars and restaurants, and spectacular views of the sea, Muelle Bay is a very good beach although White Beach is comparatively more preferred.

Puraran Beach : Not far from Manila, this beach is pretty well known for the affordable accommodation facilities, transportation modes and of course the scenic beauty.

Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol: Near to Cebu, this beach attracts a lot of tourists and thrill lovers. The island is also near to some heritage sites and majestic landscapes like the chocolate hills. All the hotels here provide best in class service.

Dumaguete: Largest city of Negros Oriental Province, Dumaguete is pretty urban although it houses one of the best dive sites in the World. One of the most peaceful City in the Visayas.

Beach wedding planners would help you take care of all the other stuff, while you research enough to find a great wedding destination in Philippines.

Travel Blog Search Terms:

• wedding in the philippines (25)
• weddings in the philippines (8)
• palawan wedding venues (8)
• best places in the philippines (8)
• places in the philippines (8)
• best place in the philippines (7)
• beach wedding philippines (7)
• wedding philippines (6)
• bantayan island wedding (6)
• famous destinations in the philippines (6)

Once again Boracay Island has been ranked number one in the list of the top ten Best Beaches in Asia by the popular travel website ‘TripAdvisor’. The travel website that provides helpful user generated travel tips, restaurant reviews, hotel ratings have listed Boracay as the best beach in Asia over Maldives which came in second and Koh Phangan in Thailand which came in third.

Boracay is the Best Beach in Asia

“Boracay was chosen for its powdery white sand, affordable accommodations and courteous and hospitable people,” a statement in Tripadvisor read. “At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don’t let its small size fool you – you’ll have several excellent beaches to choose from.

Yapak Beach is known for beautiful white shells; White Beach has picture-perfect sunsets; and Balinghai Beach is a secluded spot, perfect for honeymooners,” the TripAdvisor wrote.

Aside from Boracay, the famous surfing destination in Mindanao named Siargao was also voted as the 8th top surfing beach out of 50 across the globe.

It’s More fun in the Philippines isn’t it?

Travel Blog Search Terms:

• best beach in asia (8)
• boracay best beach in asia (6)
• boracay as best beach in asia (6)
• Best beaches in asia (4)
• list of hotel in boracay (3)
• boracay news 2012 (3)
• boracay news (3)
• boracay best beach (3)
• best beach in asia 2011 (3)
• boracay beach with people (2)

Most people associate surfing in Hawaii with Oahu: Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and the Banzai Pipeline, Waikiki and Makaha are all famous surf spots. Oahu’s less visited neighbor, Kauai, also has great surf breaks and several are perfect for beginners. Below are the 5 best beginner surf breaks on Kauai.

Lawai Beach

Understanding Hawaii’s ocean will help you pick a home base for a surfing vacation. In the winter months, Hawaii’s northern coasts experience big surf, the result of far away storms in the north Atlantic. In the summer months, the situation reverses. Since the southern hemisphere experiences winter those storms send waves thousands of miles across the pacific until they reach Hawaii’s southern coasts.

Beautiful Hanalei Bay

1. Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is a two mile long beach on Kauai’s north shore and one of the best surfing locations in Hawaii. The bay contains many different breaks including a few reef breaks for advanced surfers. Depending on swell direction and size there are several beach breaks that are ideal for beginner surfers. A favorite location during the winter months is around Hanalei Pier. The location is protected as big waves have lost their energy by the time they reach the pier.

Kalapaki Bay

During the summer months, lake-like conditions return the Hanalei and surfing lessons move to the south shore. There is still the occasional day when 1-2 ft surf rolls in, particularly in June and July, so keeping an eye on the surf report is important.

2. Kalapaki Bay

Kalapaki Bay is a beach that’s situated beside Nawilili harbor and hence protected from large waves. Beach boys have been giving surf lessons here for decades. Kalapaki Bay doesn’t have as many good wave days as Hanalei Bay, and the waves break in deep water, but this is one of the cleanest breaks for beginners because there tends to be less turbulence in the water compared to other locations. For people vacationing near Lihue this would be the first location to check.

Rock Quary Beach

3. Kiahuna Beach

For kids getting into surfing, Kiahuna beach is the preferred south shore location for lessons. The break is usually only about 1 foot high, but instructors stand in the waist high water and help students by pushing their boards. Although Kiahuna beach is mostly sand, there are rocks in the water and reef shoes are recommended. The break is only 20-30 yards from shore.

Kiahuna Beach

4. Rock Quarry Beach

Rock Quarry Beach, also known as Kahili beach, is situated on Kauai’s north shore. Surfing schools will sometimes take students here when Hanalei Bay is flat. This is not a clean break as the area experiences mostly wind waves, but for beginners with the right equipment (big boards), it’s still fun and instructive to catch the white water. It’s also often the only north shore option in the quieter summer months.

5. Lawai Beach

At Lawai beach directly in front of the Kuhio Shores Condominiums is a popular reef break. Although not suitable for beginners, novice surfers will want to investigate this location when the rest of the south shore is flat. As with any reef break, checking the surf forecast and tides is important, and this location should only be surfed during high tide. Surf instructors may take more experienced surfers here for advanced lessons.

There are many surf schools and instructors on Kauai. If you’re not a confident swimmer it’s important to chose a semi-private lesson as opposed to a group lesson so that the instructor can assist you at all times.

Travel Blog Search Terms:

• BAGUIO TOURIST SPOT (23)
• hanalei bay (9)
• surfing beginner hawaii (4)
• lawai beach (3)
• Surf Spots In Kauai (2)
• beginners surfing kaui (2)
• kalapaki bay (2)
• hanalei bay surf (2)
• surfing in kauai for beginners (1)
• lawai beach surfing (1)

As a travel blogger, one of the things you dream about is discovering a new destination that is off the beaten track and either hasn’t been written about or has been written about so little that you just might get credited with the ‘discovery’. Like the ancient explorers, we want to be the first- but there is of course a downside. Telling the world about a destination can change or even destroy it.

Arrival in Hambongan Island

When you find a place that is beautiful – whether you are the first or any that come after, you have a responsibility to help preserve and protect it so that you are not the last to see it. Nothing could be so sad as to see the last of a species, the last sight of a beautiful place or the end of a beautiful ecosystem.

Elementary Students in Hambongan Island

It’s for this reason that the RARE Conservation Fellows (CF) have become so important to the protection and preservation of both flora and fauna in delicate ecological areas. The mission of CF’s are to adapt and replicate demonstrated solutions by effectively implementing a community based solution.

Inabanga Mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy

What this boils down to is teaching communities to be more sustainable through the use of new tools, effective training, economic incentives, and to promote a change in the way people look at the world around them. RARE wants people to see the value of what is all around them.

An afternoon in Hambongan Island

It was with these ideas in my head that I sat on the two hour bus ride to the town of Inabanga on the beautiful island of Bohol. Inabanga is a small town but one that takes pride in it’s beauty and uniqueness through the help of its effective local government and civic organizations. With this in mind, I was not surprised when we were welcomed to Inabanga with a parade and a celebration consisting of students, government officials and local residents.

RARE CEO Brett Jenks

The parade wasn’t so much to celebrate us as it was a response to a call everyone had put out to preserve and protect the incredible natural beauty and resources of nearby Hambongan Island with a marine conservation program. The entire town came out in support of the program and it’s energetic champion, Mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy – who is the youngest mayor in the Philippine history. Of course, that’s not surprising in the town that was the birthplace to Francisco Dagohoy – the man who led the longest revolt in Philippine history from 1744-1829 – rightly called the Dagohoy Rebellion.

Hambongan Island in Bohol

I was there with a team of Conservation Fellows and with the Mayor, we all headed down to the port to see some of the program and what was being done to protect Hambongan Island. We were met by volunteers and elementary school students who welcomed us with seashell leis and huge amounts of enthusiasm. With speeches and a delicious lunch, the launch of the program got under way.

Ruins in Inabanga Bohol

First we had a tour of the island itself. A big part of the conservation program is to understand the amount of destruction that practices such as dynamite fishing cause – from the destruction of coral reefs to actually cracking the school buildings on the island!

Sari-Sari Store

The program has aimed at teaching local fisherman about the long term destruction caused by things like dynamite fishing and cyanide fishing.

Kid’s Pastime in the Island

The Philippines is home to 488 of the 500 known coral species and as pointed out by RARE Senior Vice President from UK, Paul Butler – many of these are becoming endangered or have already gone extinct.

Over the past few years, locals have come to realize that destruction of the reefs means destruction of their livelihood, their way of life and their home.

Philippine Marine Protected Areas

RARE members from around the globe were in attendance on the island and the locals welcomed them with indigenous dance, hearty applause for the speeches and more than a little bit of excitement as RARE CEO Brett Jenks and RARE Philippines Director Stuart “Estong” Green awarded a plaque to the community leaders for their fantastic efforts for the “Saving Meloy – Hambongan Islands RARE Pride Campaign.

Continuation – Saving Meloy – Hambongan Islands RARE Pride Campaign

Travel Blog Search Terms:

• hambongan island bohol (15)
• yang miranda tam apartments baguio (4)
• inabanga island (2)
• ruins of inabanga (1)
• mayor jumamoy - biography (1)
• mayor jono inabanga (1)
• little miss la laguna festival 2012 (1)
• island inabanga (1)
• how the ways of life in bohol change because of the explorers (1)
• hambongan inabanga bohol (1)