I haven’t traveled to Catanduanes Island yet…if you have been there and would like to share your experience with everyone on this site,  you are most welcome to leave a comment!

I haven’t traveled to Cebu yet…if you have been there and would like to share your experience with everyone on this site,  you are most welcome to leave a comment!

I haven’t traveled to Palawan yet…if you have been there and would like to share your experience with everyone on this site,  you are most welcome to leave a comment!

I haven’t traveled to Puerto Galera yet…if you have been there and would like to share your experience with everyone on this site,  you are most welcome to leave a comment!

Aisa’s rating of destinations - Goa

Beaches | Culture & Sightseeing | Nightlife | Shopping | SPA & Massage | Wildlife & Nature
Diving & Snorkeling | Surfing

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Goa is a state in India near Arbian Sea. It’s on the west coast of India and south of Mumbai. It’s a tropical destination renowned for the beaches, temples and world heritage architecture with Portuguese influence. It’s great place to enjoy the beach and experience the mosaic Indo-Portuguese culture!

There is a long and smooth coastline of 125 km and over 40 beaches in Goa. The famous Beaches in the north are Candolim Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Baga Beach, Bambolim Beach, Arambol Beach and Vagator Beach. In the South there are Benaulim Beach, Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Mobor & Cavelossim Beaches.

Palolem Beach is also known as Paradise Beach. It’s a idyllic beach with golden sand, warm turquoise water and bushy palm trees. It’s a fishing beach popular for dolphin cruise and fishing trips. It’s the most famour beach in Goa but can be overcrowded and commercialized. Arambol Beach is known for its rocky and sandy terrain. It’s also the place for wild parties.

Agonda Beach is more serene. Watching the dolphin swimming in the sea is a daily ritual in Agonda. There is also a Turtle Protection Center in Agonda, and If you are around during the hatching season from October to March, don’t miss it. There can be dozens of turtles nesting on the beach, and each can have 100-150 turtle eggs. It’s a wonderful experience watching a tiny turtle hatching, and seeing hundred of baby turtles, just hatched, making their way towards the sea.

Goa is studded with temples, churches and forts, which gives Goa its culture depth and make Goa a superb place for sightseeing.  Read more about Goa at Culture & Sightseeing

The Marine life in the Goa is abundant. The best diving season Goa is from October to May, when water is calm and skies are cloudless. The visibility ranges from five meters to ten meters. There are Spanish and Portuguese shipwrecks in Goa underwater world. Goa is not often associated with surfing. There are waves at Patnem beach and sometimes Palolem Beach, but they are small, mellow, and not very consistent. The surfing seasons are from September to February.

Goa has a fun nightlife, despite being a conservative religious society (Catholic and traditional Hindu). Nightlife in Goa is influenced by Portuguese culture and tradition. The atmosphere is very relaxed.  Goa Trance is a type of electronic music, developed by local music bands. A popular bar & restaurant on the Beach is called Tilos. Lidos and the Beachotheque are popular discos. There are also a few casinos in Goa.  There are rave parties during high season with dance and live band performing, e.g.,  big rave parties at Anjuna and Pernem starting on Christmas afternoon and ended two days later.

Alcohol is notably cheap in Goa due to very low exercise duty on alcohol. There are also a few casinos in Goa. However, the law is strict against drink driving, nudity and drugs.

The popular fairs and festivals of Goa include Feast of Three Kings, Christmas Carnivals, Goa Carnival, and Bonderam Festival.

Read more about Goa Seafood at Seafood

Goa has great shopping. Read more about Goa Seafood at Shopping

Read more about Ayurvedic massage at SPA & Massage

Goa is a biodiversity hotspot with rich flora and fauna. Goa has many famous national parks & Sanctuaries. Read more about Goa at Wildlife & Nature

Did you know Goa was a Portuguese colony since early 16th century till 1962. The Portuguese colony existed for about 450 years, and it’s one of longest held colonial possessions in the world.

Seasons the monsoon season starts from early June and ends by late September. In winter, there are more overseas tourists, especially Europeans. In summer, there are more Indian tourists.

Beware of overcharging, and be careful with traffic, food safety and hygiene. Besides, It may take you some time to get used to the local food and water, especially if you have a weak stomach. Even for Aisa, a curry lover, some Indian food can be too spicy.

Official Website http://www.goatourism.org/

Text partly derived from Wikipedia and Wikitravel

A Small Island with Pearly White Sand Beaches

Aisa’s rating of destinations - Boracay

Beaches
Nightlife
Wildlife & Nature

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Aisa votes Boracay one of Top 10 Tropical Paradises in Asia because of its picturesque and stunning white sand beaches, azure sky and clear turquoise water, casual & laid-back lifestyle!

Boracay is an island in Philippines. It’s located approximately 315 km (200 miles) south of Manila, the capital city of Philippines. It’s the most popular tourist destination in Philippines.

Two famous beaches are White beach and Bulabog beach. White beach gets its name from the powdery white sand beach. It’s a lovely 4 kilometer stretch of white sand beaches. Puka beach is at the island’s northern end, where there are lots of puka shells. It’s 30 minutes away from White Beach by boat. Puka beach is less crowded and quieter.

Other than diving, Boracay is a great place for sailing. You can take a sailing tour with the Red Pirates at southern end of white beach to experience a spectacular sunset in Asia.

There is a Butterfly Garden you don’t want to miss. It’s quite an experience walking in a tropical garden with rare and beautiful butterflies surrounded.

Nightlife in Boracay is lively and vibrant. There are many nightspots you can choose from, nightclubs, resto bars, hotels and restaurants…Some bars and discos have cover charges.

Most bars and pubs have their own band. The band performs local music with their native drums and string instrument. Some of the bars are designed in bamboo walls and thatched roofs to give it a tropical look. The popular bars include Cocomangas, Pier One and Summer Place. They are right on beach with loungers! Besides, you can watch a stunning sunset on the beach!

Dragon Boat Fesival are held annually on Boracay with teams coming from around the Philippines and from other Asian nations to compete. The races usually take place sometime in April or May. In 2008, it took place in May 1-3. Paddlers from all over Asia are gathered in Boracay during the dragon boat race.

Seasons There can be frequent heavy rainfall during wet season from May to October.

Tourist peak seasons are Christmas, New Year, Easter/Holy Week, and Chinese New Year periods.

Official Website http://www.boracayisland.org

Text partly derived from Wikipedia and Wikitravel