BENGUET - Discover the Highland Gem of the Philippines!

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to Finding Utopia, your go-to newsletter for discovering how to travel the Philippines and beyond.

Here is what we have for you today.

• BENGUET - Discover the Highland Gem of the Philippines

• Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Siargao

• MANTALONGON MOUNTAIN - The High Peak of Cebu!

• The Pulse: Carnival Cruise Line's First-Ever Visit to the Philippines

BENGUET - Discover the Highland Gem of the Philippines

Welcome to this week’s edition of Finding Utopia! With our latest blog post published on October 22, which takes you on an unforgettable journey to the beautiful province of Benguet. Known for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and rich agricultural traditions, Benguet offers visitors a chance to experience the tranquil beauty of nature and immerse in local culture.

Beauty and Rich Culture of Benguet

Benguet, located in the northern part of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region, is often referred to as the “Salad Bowl of the Philippines” due to its vast production of fresh vegetables. This picturesque province is famous for its lush mountains, vibrant farms, and cool climate—perfect for a relaxing escape.

Highlights of Benguet

• Mount Pulag: As the third-highest mountain in the Philippines, Mount Pulag is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Its sea of clouds and spectacular sunrise views make it one of the most sought-after hiking destinations in the country.

• La Trinidad Strawberry Farm: A visit to Benguet is incomplete without stopping by La Trinidad, where visitors can experience strawberry picking. The farm is a delight for families and friends, offering fresh strawberries and various strawberry-based products.

• Atok's Blooming Gardens: Known for its cool breeze and flower fields, Atok has become a popular destination for flower enthusiasts. Its famous Northern Blossom Flower Farm showcases vast gardens filled with colorful blooms such as roses, sunflowers, and cabbage roses.

Cultural Heritage and Traditions

Benguet’s rich culture is deeply rooted in its indigenous communities. The Ibaloi and Kankanaey tribes, which have long inhabited the area, still practice their traditional customs, from farming techniques to craftsmanship. Benguet’s culture is a beautiful blend of old and new, where modernity coexists with ancient traditions.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Benguet is perfect for visiting year-round, but the cooler months from November to February provide the best weather for outdoor activities.

• How to Get There: Benguet is easily accessible from Manila via a six-hour drive or bus ride. The scenic routes offer stunning views of mountain landscapes along the way.

We invite you to explore more about Benguet and its captivating destinations by reading our full blog post here. 

Whether you're an adventure seeker or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Benguet offers a variety of experiences that will leave you in awe.

Thank you for being a part of Finding Utopia. Stay tuned for more exciting travel stories in our upcoming newsletters!

Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Siargao -Ride the Waves, Explore the Paradise, Embrace the Island Life!

Siargao - With our blog post published on October 21, which uncovers the Top 10 Things You Must Do in Siargao, the Philippines' premier surfing paradise. Siargao has rapidly become a bucket-list destination for travelers seeking sun, sea, and adventure. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or someone looking to unwind, Siargao offers a unique blend of experiences for every type of traveler.

Your Ultimate Siargao Experience

Siargao, also known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, is much more than its world-renowned waves. It’s an island brimming with natural wonders, from enchanting lagoons and coconut-filled landscapes to hidden caves and waterfalls.

Highlights from the Blog

• Surfing at Cloud 9: No visit to Siargao is complete without riding the legendary waves of Cloud 9. Known for its perfect barreling waves, it’s a dream come true for surfers of all levels.

• Island Hopping Adventure: Siargao’s neighboring islands, such as Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island, offer pristine beaches and turquoise waters perfect for island hopping and snorkeling.

• Sugba Lagoon: This hidden gem is an oasis of tranquility. Whether you’re paddleboarding or swimming in the crystal-clear waters, Sugba Lagoon promises a serene escape from the bustling surf spots.

• Magpupungko Rock Pools: These stunning natural pools are best visited during low tide when they reveal their full beauty. Relax, swim, or cliff dive into the refreshing waters surrounded by rugged rock formations.

• Sohoton Cove National Park: Explore this breathtaking cove filled with mystical caves, underwater wonders, and stingless jellyfish. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Why Siargao Should Be on Your Travel List

Siargao is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that engages all your senses. From its vibrant local culture and friendly locals to its untouched natural beauty, the island offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and fun.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to experience Siargao is between March and October, when the weather is perfect for surfing and other outdoor activities.

• How to Get There: Siargao is accessible by direct flights from Cebu or Manila, with the airport located a short drive from General Luna, the island’s main tourist hub.

We invite you to read the full blog post here and start planning your ultimate Siargao getaway. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking to catch waves or simply want to relax in paradise, Siargao is the place to be.

Thank you for being a part of Finding Utopia! Stay tuned for more exciting travel inspiration in our next newsletter.

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MANTALONGON MOUNTAIN - The High Peak of Cebu!

Mantalongon Mountain - With our blog post published on October 19, which takes you on a journey to Mantalongon Mountain, often referred to as the "Vegetable Basket of Cebu." Known for its cool weather, beautiful landscapes, and lush agricultural surroundings, this destination is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Mantalongon Mountain: Discover the Beauty

Nestled in Dalaguete, Cebu, Mantalongon Mountain boasts an elevation of 1,000 meters above sea level, offering picturesque views and a perfect escape from the heat of the lowlands. Whether you're looking to hike, explore local agriculture, or simply breathe in the fresh mountain air, Mantalongon Mountain is a must-visit.

Highlights of Mantalongon Mountain

• Hiking Trails: Known for its trekking routes, Mantalongon Mountain offers a range of scenic trails that cater to both beginners and seasoned hikers. The peak rewards hikers with breathtaking views of surrounding farmlands and distant mountain ranges.

• Cool Weather: Often compared to Baguio due to its cool climate, Mantalongon enjoys lower temperatures year-round, making it a refreshing retreat from the tropical heat.

• Agricultural Paradise: Famous for its vast vegetable farms, this area is dubbed the “Vegetable Basket of Cebu.” Visitors can explore local farms and witness how fresh produce like carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes are cultivated in this fertile mountain range.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Mantalongon Mountain is during the dry season, from November to May, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.

• How to Get There: Mantalongon Mountain is easily accessible via bus from Cebu City to Dalaguete, followed by a short trip to the base of the mountain.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Mantalongon Mountain offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Read our full blog post here to explore everything this scenic destination has to offer!

Thank you for being part of the Finding Utopia community. Stay tuned for more travel inspiration in our next newsletter!

The Pulse: Carnival Cruise Line's First-Ever Visit to the Philippines

Manila - Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) made history with its first-ever visit to the Philippines as Carnival Panorama docked at Manila’s South Harbor on Friday, marking a significant moment for Filipino crew members and travelers alike.

A Historic First for Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Panorama, one of Carnival Cruise Line’s premier ships, arrived in the Philippines as part of her 25-day Transpacific journey from Singapore to Long Beach, California. This magnificent vessel, measuring over 1,000 feet long and hosting up to 4,000 guests and 1,450 crew members, is an impressive sight and a true reflection of the Carnival experience.

The Manila stop was a memorable occasion, allowing Filipino crew members to reunite with their families, and providing guests a quick glimpse into the rich culture and history of the city. Carnival’s shipboard leadership team, including Captain Luca Lazzarino and Chief Engineer Stefano Gazzolo, commemorated the event, along with representatives from CCL’s local offices and agencies.

A Special Celebration for Filipino Seafarers

With Filipino seafarers making up one of the largest nationalities on the CCL fleet, this visit was truly special. The crew members were able to invite their families aboard for a tour of the ship, giving them a glimpse of life on board. CCL even prepared a special onboard lunch as a gesture of gratitude for the warm welcome received from Manila.

Captain Lazzarino expressed how meaningful this visit was to the Filipino team members and emphasized how vital their contributions are to the Carnival Cruise Line family.

Continuing the Journey

After departing Manila, Carnival Panorama resumed her voyage, making stops in Guam and Hawaii before returning to her homeport in Long Beach, California. This marks a unique chapter in the journey of Carnival Panorama as part of the Carnival Journeys series, offering longer sailings and distinctive travel experiences for its passengers.

Read more about this historic visit on this article and discover how Carnival Cruise Line is making waves across the globe.Carnival Cruise Line makes first-ever visit to PH | Philippine News Agency

Thank you for being part of the Finding Utopia community. Stay tuned for more travel inspiration in our next newsletter!

Top 7 Verified Reasons to Bring Cash for International Travel

I traveled for 14 days in Europe visiting Poland, France, Portugal, and Spain. These are the top verified reasons to bring cash while traveling internationally:

1. Restaurant Tips: We paid by card for most meals. However, in the countries we visited, the card terminal never (99%) gave us the option to leave a tip. The only way to tip is with cash.

2. Attractions / Experiences: Castle and museum exhibitions with onsite ticket offices only took cash payments.

3. Street Vendors / Café: There are plenty of delicious snacks offered by street vendors all around the world. The cost can be cheap, but the vendors usually only accept cash.

4. Shopping: Many vintage shops in Portugal had a cash-only sign, while in Poland, the shop manager was willing to negotiate the price of some keepsakes when paying in cash.

5. Public Restrooms: In many places in Europe, public restrooms charge a small fee, typically payable only in cash.

6. Taxi Ride: Taxi and buses may only accept cash. Make sure you have enough cash for fares, especially where rideshare apps aren't available.

7. Prepare for Emergencies: Card terminals can fail, and credit cards can get fraud-blocked. Having cash ensures you can handle emergencies and make essential purchases without stress or worry.

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