Introduction to Catchquests
The Most Important thing about Catchquest
Rock formation on the way to Sunshine beach resort in Batangas
Random Facts about the Philippines
Sunset in Cebu
View from Batanes Island
About Batanes, Northern Philippines
YouTube videos about the beauty and wonder of the Philippines
About Siargao: Surfing Capital of the Philippines
Choose from the UNESCO's Recommended Travel Destinations
A list of useful sites when booking and visiting the Philippines
About Boracay Beach:Party Central south of the Philippines
Vote now on what is the beast beach in the Philippines!
Philippine Travel Books
Weather in the Philippines
Squidoo Lenses I like
Our Newest Shoutout!
Show Us Some Love!

BE AMAZED: TRAVELING IN THE PHILIPPINES

Who doesn't want to explore the group of islands between the South China Sea and the Pacific?

With over 7,000 tropical islands, fascinating geographic features and natural wonders, and a diverse culture that showcases several customs, traditions and global influences, the Philippines is one of the most unique and captivating travel destinations in the world.

Catchquests provides information on several destinations in the Philippines, from the famous party island of Boracay to the reclusive island group of Batanes in the northernmost part of the country.

There are also a string of activities to do in the Philippines: hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, swimming, snorkeling, cave exploring, swimming with the whale sharks, and surfing, among others.

The Philippines is also home to one of the most fascinating coral reefs and wreck diving sites in the world, in addition to fine white sand beaches and clear blue waters. Island hopping throughout different island groups is also one adventure not to miss.

With thousands of islands to choose from and several things to do, the secret to traveling in the Philippines is knowing where to go, what to do and how to maximize your time enjoying your chosen sights.

BE INFORMED: OUR TRAVEL GUIDE PAGES

Getting sufficient information for your itinerary is only a few clicks away.

In addition to the usual travel information on transportation, places to stay, things to do and rates, we also make sure that the information on our travel guide pages are regularly updated. This way, travelers can take advantage of any upcoming promotions and other important events that should not be missed.

BE ADVENTUROUS: BLOGS AND ARTICLES

Want to know what to do when you get lost in Batan in Batanes, the island with only one jeepney route and main highway? How about getting caught walking along a long cliffside as the Pacific high-tide inches in? Have you thought of making your way to see the Subterranean River in Palawan on a 3-hour, on-the-roof-of-a-jeepney-ride?

The joy of traveling is not without a series of misadventures. Our blogs and articles relate tales and tips, giving you an insight how to survive such circumstances and at the same time, how to make the most out of the joy in getting caught in such surprises.

BE SUFFICIENT: CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRAVEL

Don't have the time to look up for information and to book your own trip? Are you a true venturesome who does not buy the typical package tours?? Catchquests can also help you to design your itinerary according to your needs and preferences.

By customizing your itinerary, you'll have an idea how to maximize your adventure just so you'll have time for more.

Coming this March 2008, you can experience our quests!!

Meanwhile, if interested on hiring us to plan your summer vacation in the Philippines, you can email us at catchquests@hotmail.com

BATANES
- composed of 10 tiny islands and islets, this province found in the northernmost part of the Philippines is the smallest, both in area and population. Batanes is often referred to as "home of the winds" and is likened to New Zealand, Ireland and the Scottish Highlands. Due to its location (it's closer to Taiwan than in Luzon); Batanes still remains "undiscovered" by the world.

FAST FACTS:

Capital - Basco
Population (as of year 2002) - 16,467
Languages/Dialect - Ivatan, Ichbayaten, Isamurongen
Geography - land area of 230 square kilometres, bordered by Bashi Channel (North), Pacific Ocean (East), South China Sea (West) and Balintan Channel (South)
Municipalities - Ivana, Uyugan, Mahatao, Basco, Sabtang and Itbayat.
Proximity - By Air: 1 hour and 30 minutes from Manila
Religion - Christian
Dialling Code - 63 + 78

HOW TO GET AROUND

There are several jeepneys plying around the municipalities of Batanes. Tricycles are also available around town. Vans, cars and motorcycles for hire are also accessible at the ECT office. To get to Sabtang or Itbayat, you need to take a motorized boat called faluwa.

WHERE TO GO

* House of Dakay - built in 1887, it is one of the only 5 structures that survived the powerful earthquake of Sept. 13, 1918 and is a UNESCO heritage building. The interiors of this ancient house have never been remodelled though its roof is being changed every 30 years.

* Lighthouses of Batanes

* St. Dominic De Guzman Parish Cathedral

* Mt. Iraya - Iraya meaning "Northerly", this 1800 meter mountain is located on Batan Island. Mt. Iraya is a dormant volcano that last erupted in 1454.

* Mahatao View Deck - this almost 200 stair steps peak has a great view of the capital Basco.

* Burial Caves - remains of the dead are placed in clay jars and left in these burial caves located in Itbayat.

* Sumhao Wind Power Plant - the first commercially operated wind-diesel power generation project in Batanes

* Nakaboang Beach, Ark and Cave - located in Barangay Malakdang (meaning northwest), Sabtang Island. Nakaboang literally means "pick up".

* Songsong Ruins - this town on the island of Batan was hit by a tsunami in 1953. With the townsfolk belongings swept to sea and the houses destroyed, the people abandoned this seaside community, thus earning the nickname "ghost town".

* Chapdipan Beach - one of the beaches in Batanes which is ideal for swimming, Chadpidan means "West".

* White Beach - located in Vatang, Hapnit and Mavatuy point in Mahatao.

* Payaman - commonly called "Marlboro Country" because of it's resemblance to the Marlboro commercial's scenic view of rolling hills and pastureland.

* Batan Island - Batanes' capital Basco is found on this island. Known mainly for Mt. Iraya.

* Sabtang Island - was chosen as one of the 12 best destinations in the Philippines by the Department of tourism in 1994.

MAJOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS:

* Feast of the Three Kings - celebrated on the first Sunday of January, is a commemoration of the day when the Three Kings worship and bring three gifts to the infant Jesus. It is also known as "The Epiphany".

* Batanes Day - held every 26th of June is celebrated in commemoration of the annexation of Batanes to the Spanish empire.

* Palu-Palo Festival - cultural presentation showing the life and times of the Ivatans.

Now that you know where to go and what are the lovely things to do, we would love to tell you how to get there and where to stay!! watch out for it at CATCHQUEST.COM

Brief Facts
Surigao del Norte is a group of islands at the rim of the Asian continental shelf. It is one of the four provinces of the newly created Caraga Region 13.

The province is blessed with long stretches of white sand beaches, enchanting rock formations, mysterious caves, and vast mangrove forests. The strong waves in Siargao Island has made the province the Surfing Capital of the Philippines.

Once a quiet and pristine place, Surigao del Norte's rural charm now caught the fancy of local and foreign tourists who frequent the province's numerous islands. Over the years, Surigao del Norte has indeed become a shangri-la for visitors from all over the world, especially for surfers and body boarders.

Language/Dialect
Surigaonon, Cebuano, Boholano, Tagalog, and English are the major dialects and languages spoken in the province.

Climate
The province falls under the type II climate characterized by no pronounced dry season but with a very pronounced maximum period from November to January. It has a total annual rainfall of 3,949.43 mm. Temperature ranges from a low of 21.1ºC to a high of 35ºC in June

we would love to tell you how to get there and where to stay!! watch out for it at http://www.catchquest.com/

BORACAY
- Famous for its white sand beaches, Boracay has been hailed as one of the best beaches in the world. Considered as the top destination in the Philippines, Boracay offers its tourists an array of activities from sun up until the wee hours of the night. It is also the party central south of the Philippines.

FAST FACTS:

Population (as of year 2000) - 12,003
Languages/Dialect - Filipino, English and Aklanon
Geography - total land area of 10.32 square kilometres, bordered by Mindoro (northwest) and Romblon (north).
Barangays - Manoc-Manoc, Yapak and Balabag
Proximity - 315 kilometres south of Manila and 2 kilometres off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas.
Religion - Catholic
Dialling Code - 63+36

HOW TO GET AROUND:

Once you get to the island, you can either explore it on foot, by riding a tricycle or renting a mountain bike and motorcycle. When going from one island to the other, outrigger boats or bancas can easily be hired.

WHERE TO GO:

*Mount Luho - the highest point in Boracay also offers a great view of the island. Climbers have a choice of going on foot or on a mountain bike.

*Bat Caves - located in Yapak.

*The Dead Forest - easily reachable on foot near the Bulabog beach, the dead forest came about when the dam separating the beach from the forest collapsed. Locals believed that supernatural occurrences happen here especially during a full moon.

*Kar-tir Shell Museum - situated in Ilig-iligan Kar-tir, the museum displays a collection of sea shells, wood carvings, pottery, hand-woven articles and traditional costumes from all over the Philippines.

*Puka Beach - Puka beach is quite the opposite of the Main White Beach mostly because of its quiet seclusion at the northern tip of the island. You still get the blue green waters of the ocean but the sand is a little coarse due mainly to the puka shells scattered about the beach.

*Baling Hai Beach - perfect for snorkelling.

*Boracay Butterfly Garden - located in Bolabog Beach.

*Kingfisher Farm - a fish farm located in Lugotan.

MAJOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS:

*Ati-Atihan - held every third Sunday of January, this celebration, in honour of the Feast of the Santo Nino, is filled with dancing and street revelry.

*Paraw Regatta - an international sailboat race that makes use of the native outrigger.

*International Funboard Cup - held in Bulabog Beach every January.

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Boracay Tourist Centre
*Between boat stations 2 and 3

Department Of Tourism Office
*D'Mall
*Telephone/Fax Number: +63 36 288 3689

we would love to tell you how to get there and where to stay!! watch out for it at www.catchquest.com