The Backpack Adventures

Our adventure today takes us to one of the most famous volcanoes in the Philippines . Taal Volcano is one of the most active and destructive volcanoes in the country, not to mention the smallest in the world.  Dubbed as a lake within a lake, the volcano's location in the middle of Taal Lake made it one of the most picturesque places in the country. Taal Volcano Taal Volcano Details: Height:  311 m Major trailhead:  Talisay, Batangas Climb time:  40- 50 minutes Adventurers, locals, and tourists alike, most likely have with them the two greatest misconceptions about Taal Volcano . Taal Volcano - Batangas The first misconception where 6 out of 10 people would fall for is the location of Taal Volcano . When asked where you could find Taal Volcano , most people would answer Tagaytay City in the province of Cavite. Yes, the best view of the volcano is through Tagaytay Ridge but in reality, Taal Volcano is located in Talisay and San Nicolas in the province of Batangas.  Some

Located in Quirino Boulevard, Tamag, in Vigan City is the 80-hectare property of governor Chavit Singson, aptly named Baluarte after the Spanish word meaning, fortress or territory. Baluarte Baluarte details Baluarte was once a rest house, where Mr. Singson invites his close friends and relatives. However, having been elected as a political leader, people often visit him. Baluarte - Vigan City, Ilocos Sur Chavit's rest house Since his rest house cannot accommodate all those people, he decided to construct Baluarte . Due to his love for nature, Governor Singson added a zoo filled with domestic and wild animals. Most of these animals roam free during the day and some perform for the visitors. Animal performances and interactions are the main attractions of Baluarte. Ride around Baluarte on one of these mini-carriages.  See free-roaming ostriches, camels, and other animals Check out the animal show. That's a civet cat by the way. Mine's

Located in Barangay Dicklum, Manolo Fortich in the province of Bukidnon, Kampo Juan is one of the recommended destinations for thrill seekers and adventurers alike. Kampo Juan - A must try One of the newest eco-adventure destination in Bukidnon, Kampo Juan offers a variety of adrenaline pumping facilities.  Kampo Juan is known for the Anicycle , the first and only one of its kind in the country. So what's an Anicycle ? Imagine yourself riding a bike on a straight forward path. Easy right?  Now, imagine yourself riding a bike across a deep ravine on a hanging cable that stretches for more than a hundred feet long. Now can you handle that? The Anicycle is just one of the many other facilities that you could try in Kampo Juan. Try out the Anicycle You could also avail one of their packages, wherein you could experience the Anicycle and several other activities Kampo Juan has to offer. During my trip to Bukidnon, my wife an I never missed the chance to try out

Located at Sta. Lucia St. in the southern tip of the walled city of Intramuros in Manila. Baluarte de San Diego is part of the old Spanish Fort Nuestra Se ñora de Guia. Baluarte de San Diego Baluarte de San Diego details For those who don't know the history of Intramuros , allow me to give you a little bit of a history lesson. (Since I'm a history teacher and that's my job.)  Baluarte de San Diego - Intramuros, Manila Outside the gate of Baluarte de San  It all began when the Chinese pirates led by Limahong raided the then wooden Spanish fort of Intramuros in 1574. The need for stronger defense became an urgent priority for the Spanish. According to Governor-General Santiago de Vera , a stone fort with a watchtower would best serve the purpose. He assigned a Jesuit friar named Antonio Sede ño to oversee the project because of his knowledge of military architecture. The gardens and Baluarte de San Diego The stone fort was to be three tiers of circular