THE VISAYAS
THE
VISAYAS are emerald and sapphire jewels dotting the
land of seascape between Luzon and Mindanao. Centrally
located this cluster of islands entice the adventurous,
the daring and the lover of nature and beauty to frolic
in the sun, sea and sand.
At the very center is the island-province
of Cebu, itself ringed by 166 smaller islands. Mactan,
one of these islands, has some of the best diving
spots in the country and Bantayan, another isle, is
famed for its breathtaking coral formations.
Two hours away from Cebu by Super Cat
ferry is bohol, more rustic but just as exciting for
the adventurous and daring. The most popular diving
destinations are the islands of Panglao, Balicasag
and Pamalican, from where one can also go whale-watching.
Its top tourist attraction are the Chocolate Hills,
thousands of cone-shaped mounds scattered over 50
square kilometers. Bohol is also home to the tarsier,
the oldest insect-eating mammal and smallest primate
on the planet.
The Samar-Leyte region in the Eastern
Visayas offers a quieter but equally picturesque life
of rural Philippines.
The Panay and Negraos islands offer
a glimpse of the country's Spanish roots. Iloilo boasts
centuries-old churches, period houses and fine handloomed
fabrics. Negros Occidental was once the nations sugar
bowl and bastion of the old rich landed gentry. Negros
Oriental is ideal for land and water adventure sports
like trekking, scuba-diving and kayaking.
Off the province of Aklan is Boracay,
touted as the Best Beach in the World, with four kilometers
of dazzling powder-fine white sand and warm, crystalline
waters.
Photo Courtesy of travelsmart.net
