BUCKET LISTS

Dive into the “center of the center” of the world’s biodiversity. Catch a sunrise atop a sacred mountain. Surf a wave called Cloud 9. Bucket lists are all about asking yourself, when was the last time you did something for the first time?

Best Spots for Diving 188

Best Spots for Surfing 192

Best Spots for Trekking 194

Best Spots for Golfing 196

Best Spots for Voluntourism 198

Siargao, the ’ surfing capital, is one of the world’s top 10 surf spots according to CNN. Photo by Tommy Schultz

186 bucket lists 187 Best Spots for Diving

When God created marine life, he was especially generous with the Philippines. Within the country’s waters you’ll find the “center of the center” of the world’s biodiversity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the curious presence of a shark airport and schools of dancing sardines.

Tubbataha Marine Park Verde Isl and Secret Bay Pal awan Batanga s Anil ao, Batanga s Best time to go: March to May Best time to go: When weather conditions of Best time to go: Diving is all-year round Best to dive with: Advanced Open Water and nearby and Mindoro are good Best to dive with: Advanced Open Water and Within Secret Bay is one of the country’s best Nitrox muck dive sites. is for those who They didn’t name this place a UNESCO World enjoy scouring through muddy sediment, dead Heritage Site for nothing. Here, a “shark airport” Dubbed as the “center of the center” of the coral skeletons, and rocks to spot rare and has sharks parked side by side underneath a world’s biodiversity, Verde Island hosts the earth’s unique critters. It’s a plus if you’re into macro huge table coral. Sea turtles are just but common greatest number of shorefish species—many still photography so you can zoom in to find mega and divers can fit themselves within huge basket just waiting to be discovered. Everywhere you minute creatures like frog fishes and tiger shrimps corals. Best of all, the presence of manta rays look, there seems to be swarms of gathering fish as small as 2mm in diameter. This site also has maintain a good and healthy ecosystem. coupled with huge fan and basket corals. It’s like various octopuses, which can change its color being in a candy factory with an unending display in a split second to camouflage itself. Hiring an of life and colors. experienced dive guide is recommended.

What is Nitrox? Daryl L aut kontiki Reef and Pesc ador Isl and Tingloy, Batanga s Nitrox aids divers in staying underwater Best time to go: Diving is all-year round Best time to go: Diving is all-year round twice as long as the regular air tank. It is a gas mixture containing higher levels of , For beginners who want to experience a shipwreck Remember that scene from Finding Nemo when which then decreases the possibility of dive without the presence of currents, visit the they meet a big ball of sardines? Moving as one, sickness or the “bends.” Daryl Laut. It was once a floating casino back in dividing, regrouping, then exploding again—this the 1970s but sank when hit by lightning in 1980. spectacular dance can be witnessed in two sites in Today it lies on a slope of a shoreline accessible at Cebu—Kontiki Reef in Mactan and Pescador Island 30–120 feet. At 40–60 feet, the metal beams are in Moalbaol. Kontiki also has chance sightings of generously covered with healthy corals and there whale sharks and gray reef sharks; while Pescador are resident schools of batfish and squirrel fish. Island has a history of thresher sharks, sea turtles, and whale sharks.

188 (Clockwise from top left) Verde Island's expansive corals; 's resident sea turtles. Photos by Wowie Wong; Dwarfed by sardines at Pescador Island. Photo bybucket Jun Lao; Up lists close 189 with a tiger shrimp in Secret Bay. Photo by Wowie Wong Six species of seabirds, including the brown TUBBATAHA: BEHIND THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE booby and the great crested tern, breed on Tubbataha’s north and south atoll According to seasoned diver and writer Alya Honasan, “you may never dive Tubbataha, but chances are, the fish you are having for dinner was spawned and grew in its waters.” More than a paradise, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a significant spawning ground for fish that feeds households across the entire Philippines. Here is an idea how Tubbataha’s At least 12 species of dolphins and fish go from reef to dinner table: whales, such as the long-snouted spinner dolphins and sperm whales can be spotted near the surface Giant manta rays, which can grow up to 23 feet and up to 262 feet wide, are commonly spotted at 33 to 66 feet

Through their presence, they sieve oceans of planktonic debris and keep seas free from algal blooms which may blot out out the most important element for coral reefs—sunlight

Ocean currents sweep fish larvae to Fish larvae grow in the coastlines of Luzon, Visayas, and Tubbataha’s marine sanctuary. Mindanao. This provides constant supply of fish stock. Fish larvae grow to Migrating whale sharks from full, commercial size. outside Tubbataha’s Sulu Sea are Guitarfish at attracted by the abundant plankton around 50 feet of this thriving marine park. They can be found near the surface and up to 2,296 feet

At least 360 species of corals Two of the world’s seven species between 10 and 160 feet of marine turtles, the endangered Fishermen catch fully grown green sea turtle and hawksbill fish that provide livelihood turtle, can be found by shallow sea to coastal communities. grass and coral beds

Fish is bought by households and provides low cholesterol, nutritious meals to families. Over 600 species of pelagic and reef-dwelling fish between 3 and 1,640 feet

Fish is delivered Similar to a runway, the “Shark Airport” has resting and sold at public NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC COME TO LIFE sharks parked like aircrafts under a table reef. markets and provides Different species of sharks like the white-tipped livelihood to vendors. reef shark and the ferocious tiger shark dwell here. The term “‘center of the center’ of the world’s biodiversity” is used to The airport is at 98 feet at its deepest describe Tubbataha Reef which is located in the heart of the Coral Triangle. This area is home to 75 percent of the world’s coral species and at least 40 percent of the world’s fish species. Opposite( page) Tubbataha’s resident species and the corresponding depths they inhabit. Illustration by Hazel Tan

190 bucket lists 191 Magic Lef t Pundaquit, San Antonio, Z ambales Surfing Season: June–October (moderate to strong waves), November–May (calm waves) Reef Break

Around three to four hours away from Manila, Zambales’ long coastline delivers a range of tasty swells breaking on protected coves such as Magic Left. This wave is a gentle ride for beginner to intermediate level surfers. Further north from Magic Left, there are other surf spots in the neighboring towns of San Narciso and San Felipe, which has a lively local scene of music, art, and skateboarding

Ma jestics Pur ar an, bar a s, C atanduanes Surfing Season: March–May (calm waves), August–October (strong waves) Reef break

Majestics will surely stoke the beejesus out of any seasoned surfer. Considered one of the country’s heaviest and most perfect barreling waves, its swells come from the deep Pacific Ocean and work best when there’s a typhoon approaching. You can look forward to less crowds in the area and some offshore. From one of the world’s best surf spots, the fun doesn’t stop there. Offshore Siargao’s Cloud 9, surfers paddle to another surf spot, Rock Island. Photo by Tommy Schultz Monaliz a Point San Juan, L a Union best spots for surfing Surfing Season: October–February (strong waves), March–September (calm to moderate waves) From secluded coastlines, white sand beaches, and one of the SURF LINGO Reef and beach break world’s best surfing spots—find out where Filipinos go to get stoked. A reef break means a wave will Easy road accessibility from Manila and its beginner to intermediate friendly (Above) Scoping the surf conditions at Calicoan Island. Photo by Jon Unson. (Below) Just like break over a or rocky a treadmill. you can catch wave after wave of surf in wave pools like that of Boracay’s Crown waves make San Juan one of the country’s most frequented surf spots. Cloud 9 Cobr a Reef seabed—generating bigger waves Regency Resort. Photo by Erwin Lim Monaliza Point is a fun wave that’s great for longboarding and shortboarding Siargao Isl and, Gener al Luna , Baler, Auror a but harsher wipe outs. The more alike. Loads of surf resorts and small bars are scattered on its beach, giving it Surigao Del Norte Surfing Season: September–February (strong waves), beginner-friendly beach breaks have a lot of life day or night. Surfing Season: Year-round, August–November for March–August (calm waves) a sandy seabed and generally break stronger waves Reef break near the shore. ABCD Be ach Reef Break C alicoan Isl and, Guiuan, E a stern Samar Cobra Reef’s A-frame shape resembles a cobra that’s WAVE POOLS Surfing Season: Year-round, September–October for stronger waves Siargao’s fast and hollow Cloud 9 wave has made just about to strike. This wave is great for intermediate- Reef break it known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. In level surfers, but when it’s pumping, it’s definitely one for A fast, safe, and easy way to practice 2013, Siargao was named one of the “destinations advanced big wave chargers. Around 30 minutes away surfing is via wave-generating Located along the secluded coastline of Calicoan Island, ABCD Beach is to watch” by Condé Nast Traveler and Cloud 9 was is Sabang Beach for more beginner-friendly waves and pools. The Philippines has two one of the country’s most consistent surf spots. When you tire of the surf, ranked 9th best surf spot in the world by CNN, resorts. Baler’s other attractions include hiking, snorkeling of them—Club Manila East Resort the west coast of the island is good for swimming on white sand beaches. beating California’s Orange County and Hawaii’s and swimming at a white sand beach. (CME) in Manila and the Crown In nearby town of Basey, you can also visit the 840-hectare Sohoton Natural Maui. Around the corner from Cloud 9, you’ll find Regency Resort in Boracay. Bridge National Park to see huge caves, underground rivers, and interesting the tropical chic Dedon Resort which was featured geological formations. on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2013 Hot List.

192 bucket lists 193 Vast, rolling and dream-like, a grass-carpeted field glistens with morning dew atop Mount Pulag’s summit. Photo by Rommel Bundalian Treks yield different rewards at the end of the day. At the San Antonio massif, it’s the call of a refreshing beach. Photo by Wing Larase

Best Spots for Trekking Mount PUL AG Mount APO Mount GUITING - GUITING NORTHERN SIErr a MADRE SAN ANTONIO MA SSIF K abayan or Bokod, Benguet Davao del Sur or Cotabato Sibuyan Isl and, Romblon natur al PARK (NSMP) San Antonio, Z ambales Take off for higher grounds and fresh (depending on the tr ail used) (depending on the tr ail used) Guiting-Guiting’s features alone induce a wary Pal anan, Isabel a Move amongst dramatic stretches of cogon field mountain air, catch a sunrise among Mount Pulag is the highest mountain in the Luzon Hiking in the Philippines will not be complete gulp—Knife Edge, Kiss the Wall, and the Peak of Known as the Philippines’ “Last Great Forest,” and seek refuge from the scorching sun under a region at 9,586 feet high. Its cool climate yields without summiting its highest point—Mount Apo. Decision. Considered one of the country’s most this natural park has recorded sightings of few scattered trees on this massif. Upon blazing the clouds, watch out for the soaring pine trees, mossy forests, cogon grass, and the It is a stratovolcano, built up of alternate layers challenging treks for its toothed summit profile, it the endangered Philippine eagle and golden this portion of the trek, you’ll arrive on the island Philippine eagle, and if you need more endangered Philippine deer. The mountain is of lava and ash. Dense vegetation, sulfur vents, is also a center of plant and animal diversity in Asia crowned flying fox. Here you’ll face jungle trails cove of either Annawangen or Nagsasa, where beach time, end your trek with a beach also considered sacred ground. It is where some and very steep assaults make this a very textured and the Pacific. The site’s volatile weather at times with land leeches and a dozen river-crossings in pine-like Agoho trees provide a cool contrast to beside pine trees. of its indigenous people live and are buried and hike. On a clear day, almost the entirety of the heightens its difficulty level but at the summit, a waist-deep water, but don’t be discouraged—an the sparkling sea. All there is to do is jump in and believed to be the dwelling place of their gods Mindanao region, the world’s 19th largest island, fantastic view of the neighboring peaks awaits. insanely wide array of plant and animal life make swim or get tipsy on Philippine rum together with and ancestors. can be seen from the summit. this trek worth it. the village fisherfolk.

194 bucket lists 195 Best spots For Golfing

You will be spoiled when you play golf in the Philippines. All caddies speak English, are knowledgeable, and their fees are very affordable—around US$10 only. The best courses are designed by golf legends like Jack Nicklaus. And of course, the fun part—every five holes usually has a snack hut.

Choose your course by the sea or the clouds (above). The Fairways and Bluewater course by one of the world’s best beaches, Boracay. Photo by Bien Bautista. Camp John Hay Club at Baguio’s nippy mountain location . Photo by Dakila Angeles.

In Metro Manil a In Metro Manil a Outside Metro Manil a The public courses The private , championship courses Another Jack Nicklaus-designed course is Sherwood in Dasmarinas, Cavite. island of Boracay. Designed by Graham Marsh, golfers have to contend The popular ones are those located inside military The Wack-Wack golf course designed by Jim Black in Mandaluyong is a favorite venue of the Its beautiful natural contours earned it inclusion to Golf Digest’s list of top with strong sea winds and being distracted by the picturesque sea views. camps. The courses of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon Philippine Open. Its championship-level east course requires long, accurate drives off the tees to 100 courses outside the United States. A touch of the famous Pebble Beach Up north in Baguio, golf is played among the clouds in its two mountainous City and at the Naval Station in Fort Bonifacio are carry its water obstacles. On the outskirts of Metro Manila, the Masters course of Southwoods in can be found at the Puerto Azul course in Ternate, Cavite. Designed by Gary courses at the Baguio Country Club designed by Luis Golem Silverio and short, narrow, and tricky while the one at the Villamor Carmona, Cavite, is a classic “risk and reward” Jack Nicklaus design that punishes reckless shots with Player and Ron Kirby, this seaside course demands long accurate shots to the Camp John Hay Club designed by Jack Nicklaus. Both courses—although Air Base in Pasay City is longer and more forgiving of ravines, creeks, and artificial lakes. Nearby is the Santa Elena course designed by Robert Trent Jones, avoid landing at the sea or at the thick tropical jungle that borders the course. short—are hilly with tight fairways bordered with pine trees, elevated greens errant shots. For novelty, night golf can be played at Jr. in Santa Rosa, Laguna, that will test the skill of long hitters. It is rated by Golf Digest magazine as Another seaside course is Fairways and Bluewater at the award-winning that require precision, and occasional wisps of fog. Intramuros, the old walled city of Manila. the No.1 course in the Philippines and it has made it to the “Top 100 Courses Outside the U.S..”

196 bucket lists 197 MEET A MA JES TIC E AGLE GIVE BACK TO ONE OF THE WORLD’S OBSERVE HUMPBACK WHALES Contribute to the conservation of one of the BES T BE ACHES Join the research team of Balyena (the Filipino largest, rarest, and most powerful birds in the Hands On Manila offers assistance to Boracay’s term for whale) in the Babuyan Islands, the world—the Philippine eagle. Davao City is home first settlers, the Ati community depending on Philippines’ only known breeding ground of to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, which each volunteer’s time and skills—from sharing humpback whales. The data gathered will help conserves this critically endangered species knowledge on handicraft production to teaching guide the community on sustainable fishing in a tropical rain forest environment. You can in a nursery,. You can also join occasional beach practices and responsible whale watching contribute to tracking eagles and nests, data clean ups organized in partnership with Boracay tourism. Another plus is the chance to gathering, to helping indigenous people Yuppies. At the end of the day, a cold beer and secluded reefs and go island hopping. Volunteer restore their forests. refreshing swim beckons by the four-kilometer duration takes place every March. long White Beach.

Ifugao houses are uniquely constructed to fit like a puzzle without the use of nails and bolts. Volunteers of Route 63 work to restore these homes. Photo by Geofrey Nawe

Banaue locals pose by the Cordillera rice terraces, an engineering marvel made by indigenous people who carved rice fields and irrigation systems out of whole mountains. Photo by Rommel Bundalian

BEST SPOTS FOR PRESERVE A WORLD HERITAGE SITE TREK TO DELIVER SCHOOL SUPPLIES VOLUNTOURISM Route 63 partners with local efforts to Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS) helps public preserve the Cordillera rice terraces, a school students in remote mountain areas of Voluntourism is all about enjoying the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aid can range the country by sponsoring and delivering a experience of travel while giving back to from cleaning, planting, or repairing the stone year’s worth of school supplies. Trekkers can walls of the rice terraces or roofing, flooring, help deliver items like school bags, notebooks, a destination. So rebuild a rice terrace, and fencing the indigenous Ifugao’s houses. pens, and also participate in teaching. If you discover the other side of a party island, Afterwards, immerse yourself in the local can’t spare the time to join the trek, donations or hear a humpback whale sing. As Henry culture of weaving, spearmaking, rice wine and for a year’s worth of school supplies for the Miller once said, “one’s destination is never coffee, and music and dance. amount of Php300 (US$7) can be given. a place, but a new way of seeing things.”

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