I. Warm Up
Where is Philippines?
The Republic of Philippines, an island nation located in the Malay archipelago in Southeast Asia, comprising of 7,107 islands, collectively known as Philippine Archipelago, has a total area of nearly 300,000 square kilometres to it's credit.
Manila is now the capital of Philippines, and it takes about two hours from Taipei to Manila by airplane.
Question
1.How many islands are there in Philippines?
2.How big is Philippines?
Where is Boracay?
Boracay is a tropical island about an hour's flight from Manila in Philippines. Its long white sand beaches rival the best beaches of more popular destinations such as the Caribbean, the South Pacific as well as neighbouring Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Facilities are available to suit different levels of activity. For those wanting to just lounge around and take in some rays, beach-front hotels usually have lounge chairs set up just a few steps away from the hotel entrances. Facilities for the usual water sports activities such as sailing, wind surfing, snorkelling, diving and jet skiing are also widely available for those in search of more active pursuits.
What can you do in Boracay?
|
|
|
Sailing |
Wind surfing |
Snorkelling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diving |
Massage |
Jet Skiing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fire dance |
Parasailing |
Island hopping |
How do you get there?
1.Take a flight from Manila to Caticlan. (about 45 minutes)
2.Take a tricycle from Caticlan Airport to Jetty Port. (about 50 pesos)
3.Take a Bangka boat from Jetty Port to Boracay. (about 20 pesos per person)
Must see Attractions in Boracay Island
Mount Luho
This is the most impressive viewpoint and the highest elevation (100 meters above the sea) on Boracay Island. it's not an easy climb but the view above Mount Luho is worth it. The best way going there is to hike or take your mountain bike up and steep road going north from Barangay Bulabog, on the Eastern side of Boracay Island. Leaving Bulabog Village, you will reach a much quieter world with only the chirps of birds and occasional distant banca. Continuing north, a sign on the road will tell you where to pay a small entrance fee and begin your climb to the panoramic view of Boracay Island. |
|
Boracay Rock
This is a fascinating natural formation and It is located just off the east coast beach. The small island is completely undercut by the sea and the top overhangs the recessed base. Between Boracay Rock and Little Boracay Rocks, shells, corals and starfish abound, making it favorite fossicking spot for the local resident.
|
|
White Beach
This is the most well known beach in Boracay. It is 4 kilometers long and up to 100 meters wide. This famous stretch of white sand is the premier beauty and tourist attraction of boracay. The major attractions here are sunbathing on the sparkling white sand or relaxing under the cool shelter of the bordering palm trees.Wading and snorkeling are also popular here, as the gentle slope of the sand produces shallows a long way out from the shore. Skimboarding, banana boat ride, glass bottom boat, and Sailing are also popular here. There are also some masseurs who ply the beach offering thier service.
|
|
Puka Shell Beach
The second longest in the island, covers half of the northern tip of the island. The mild surf is typical of an island surrounded by fringing reefs. The beach is 800 meters long and has an abundance of small shells and tiny, white coral amulets, which are suitable for necklace pendants. Puka beach is named after the Puka shell, regarded by experts as the finest in the world. To fully appreciate the ecenery, motorized banca trips are recommended. The beach ends abruptly at the Lapuz-Lapuz cliffs, on the extreme Northern point of the island. This is the most primitive and rugged part of boracay
|
|
|
Diniwid Beach
This peaceful beach is only 200 meters long and a short walk from the north end of White Beach along the Fairways and Blue Water road. Those who undertake the trek are rewarded with one of the best views of the island from a platform rock. Built on a steep, high seacliff at the end of Diniwid Beach, is an exclusive resort home area.
|
|
Cagban Beach
Cagban Boracay Beach is a good place also for treasure hunting: Cagban means 'cave' or 'chest' and it’s said that several treasure chests are still lying buried in the sand or in surrounding caves. This Boracay Beach also offers quietness and relaxation, away from the bustling action on the White Beach.
|
|
Balinghai Beach
Tiny Balinghai Beach, enclosed by craggy walls of rock, is a romantic hideaway for those who prefer quiet place and solitute. Cottages of the Baling-Hai Resort are scattered on the rock cliff as well as at the top of the cliff above the beach. The resort offers drinks and food delivered to the beach in an unusual way - try it! Baling-Hai among Boracay Beaches is perfect for snorkeling, with a coral garden not too far from shore.
|
|
Bulabog Beach
Bulabog Beach comes alive during the early months of each year when windsurfers skim through its waters. Amateurs and professionals take advantage of the strong winds as they race from one end to the other., truly a windsurfer's paradise. In addition to windsurfers, kiteboarders also now enjoy the strong wind until the month of June and July, when the southwest monsoon begins. Bulabog Beach is often deserted, allowing you to feel the "Other side" of boracay during a walk there.
|
|
Live Coral Beds –
On the southern end of White Beach, past the beach rocks, is a large coral shelf taht has the countless varieties of living coral in a myriad of shapes and sizes, including many examples of colorful branin coral. The shelf is exposed above the water at low tide. The coral and the rocky coast line combine to make a perfect location for photographers. |
|
Caves
There are number of caves on Boracay Island. The Kalikugan Cave is located between Baling-Hai and Punta Bunga Beaches. You will find the Crystal Cave, Cave of Buslugan and the Bat Cave on the rocky coasteast of Yapak. The Bat Cave is home to many cave bats with wingspans up to four feet. Flying foxes hang in nearby trees during the day. For small amount, local guide can lead you to the Bat Caves, Buslugan Caves and other caves on the island.
|
Currency in Philippines
1 peso = 0.7 (change from time to time) NTD
II. How to book a flight
Search Flights
- Origin
Taiwan
Taipei
- Destination
Philippines
Boracay (Caticlan)
- Departure Date (When are you leaving FROM Taiwan?)
- Return Date (When are you returning TO Taiwan?)
- # of adults (How many tickets are you booking?)
- SEARCH (to see if the dates you want are available)
Guest Details
Address:
You can find your address in English at: http://www.post.gov.tw/post/index.jsp
Zip code:
You can find your zip code at: http://www.post.gov.tw/post/index.jsp
Payment Options
- Enter your card information, including name on the card, billing address (home address) and phone
III. Useful vocabulary at the airport
boarding |
gate |
bottle |
pass |
mobile |
tags |
wallet |
delayed |
money |
lost |
flight |
bags |
page |
|
|
|
At the Check-In counter
- Attendant: Can I see your ticket and your passport, please?
You: Sure. Here's my passport. And here's my ________________.
a) paper b) e-ticket c) online purchase
-
Attendant: Thank you. Would you like a window seat?
You: No, I'd like an ________________ seat please.
a) aisle b) isolated c) open passage
- Atttendant: OK, and is all this luggage yours?
You: These ________________ are mine.
a) two luggages b) two bags c) two baggages
- Attendant: All right. One of your bags is overweight... I'm going to have to charge you for the excess weight.
You: I see. How much ________________ do I have to pay? And can I pay by credit card?
a) cash b) over c) extra
|