Hundred Islands is not palm fringed dream islands, but coral formations of varying sizes with scrub and occasionally small, white beaches. They're of limited value for snorkeling as the water is not always crystal clear, often obscuring the reputedly colorful underwater world.

Take adequate food supplies with you if you want to spend a night or several days on an island. The cheapest place for food is the market at Alaminos and you should be able to get a can of water from the hotel at Lucap. The fee for putting up your tent is P10.00, or about .25 cent US dollar.

SAN FERNANDO (LA UNION) is called the city of the seven hills, it is the capital of LaUnion Provinces. There is a good view over the South China Sea from Freedom Park. Also know as Heroes Hill. The Museo de La Union next to the Provincial Capitol Building, provides a better view from its terrace, as well as giving cultural overview of the province. It's closed on weekends. The little Fil-Chinise Pagoda on Gapuz, and the big Ma-Cho Temple on Quezon Avenue, bears witness to the Chinese influence in San Fernando. From the 12th to 16th of September, the Chinese-Filipino religious community holds an annual celebration of the Virgin of Caysasay at the Ma-Cho Temple.

BAGUIO (pronounced Bag-ee-o) is the summer capital of the Philippines. The City of Pines, Flowers, or City of Lovers, as it is also known, is certainly one of the most popular place for Filipinos to travel. Specially in the hot summer months, Filipinos who can afford move to this cool mountain town. They have a altitude of 1500m. Easter is the busiest time to see their displays for the flair of a typical holiday resort. Its also know for the massive earthquake that shook the north of Luzon on the 16th July 1990.

BURNHAM PARK This park is a green belt with a small artificial lake in the middle of town. It is named after Daniel Burnham, the town planner of Baguio. There are boats for hire, a child's playground, horseback riding, and other attractions.

This small museum at Club John Hay gives a vivid picture of the life of the cultural minorities in the Central Cordillera Mountains. Artifacts like baskets, Jewelry and pottery are on display here. Open on Tuesday to Sunday 9 am till 5.pm. Admission P$10.00 or $0.25 U.S.

Is in the southeast suburbs of town, was formerly called camp John Hay and was a recreation base of the US Army. It has been run by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, as a Resort & Recreation Area since it was given back to the Philippines in July 1991. The Americans also left behind the unique Cemetery of Negativism, where bad habits are buried under humorous gravestones. This glimpse into homespun American philosophy is well worth seeing.

If you are a climber and are curious to see the caves, you would be well advised to get one of the locals to guide you through them. The Safada Environmental Guide Association will arrange guides for $P250 ( $6.00 ) for six people since the Matangkib and Sumaging Caves do not contain any coffins. You will need kerosene lamps since flashlights won't provide enough light. Good footwear is also important for a visit to the caves.

There is also an interesting two-hour hike to see ECHO VALLEY. Starting off St. Mary's School behind the church, take the trail up to the cemetery then go through the cemetery and take the path down into the valley. You can catch your first view down into the valley from the hill next to the cemetery, which has a cross on it. A visit to Bokong Waterfall with its natural swimming pool is worthwhile and very refreshing after touring the caves. It’s a little bit hard to find, so you may have to ask for direction. It takes about 30 minutes to get there on foot from the caves.

About 1 1/2 km east of the center of Sagada, a bumpy trail turns off the road to Bontoc and leads up to Kiltepan Peak which is 1636m high. It has a transmitting tower on the top and the view down on the rice terraces at Kilong and Tetap-an is magnificent.

About another two hours on the other side of Banga'an is an impressive waterfall, the Bomod-ok ("big waterfall"). There is only enough light for sunbathing from morning until noon, so make sure you don't leave Sagada too late. Turn off right after the school in Banga'an and carry on to the village of Fedilsan. For a few Pesos or about 50 cents U.S., one of the children in the filigree will take you to the waterfall.

A hike to the top of Mt Ampacao (1889m) is more than worth the effort (2 hours). The view of Sagada and its surrounding area from up there is magnificent. You can avoid going back down the same route by taking the path to the little lake Danum (2 1/2 hours) and hiking from their back to Sagada (one hour)

The beautiful hike to Mt Polis (1829m) south of Sagada takes a bit longer. You need about three to four hours if you take the old Spanish Trail that begins just outside of Ambasing and leads to Bagnen and Mt Polis. Steps that have been hewn into the hillside lead up to the summit.

This peninsula which twists its way south from Manila has an impressive, volcano-studded landscape including the giant Mayon Volcano. Its symmetrical cones said to be the most perfect in the world. It's one of the symbols of the Philippines and the most imposing feature of South Luzon. North of Mayon, the slopes of Mt Isarog, near Naga, and Mt Iriga, near Iriga are home to several Negrito tribes. Between Sorsogon and Matmog, Mt Bulusan with its long spurs, has helped earn the area the name "Switzerland of the Orient". Is also a convenient departure point for traveler to the islands of the Visayas.