Essential Safety Supplies To Pack On Your Backpacking Trip

BY  Sibashree Jun 28, 2025

A group of researchers from the University of Santo Tomas has prepared a full-fledged report on how sustainable tourism can be the future of Siquijor. The study, “Conservation of Sustainable Ecotourism on the Island of Siquijor through Sustainable Alternative Livelihoods, Training and Development,” has also factored in the needs of the inhabitants to promote sustainable tourism on the island. Siquijor remains a hidden gem while Bohol and Cebu, its neighbors, get more attention. However, Siquijor has the serene vibe, mystical charm, and natural beauty to be a tourism hotspot. Additionally, it enables you to be part of cultural discovery, adventure, and relaxation. So, you can be an adrenaline junkie or someone who enjoys the company of nature. Siquijor has everything for different types of travelers. Do you also feel like unwinding in Siquijor? Let’s talk about the things to do in Siquijor in this Tour and Travel Guide. However, before that, I want to discuss how to travel to Siquijor. How Do I Travel To Siquijor? Enjoy A Beautiful Ferry Ride Siquijor does not have an airport. You have to reach this island in the heart of the Philippines by ferry. You can take a ferry from Cebu or Dumaguete. Dumaguete is the closest neighbor of Siquijor, and the ferry ride will take around 1 hour. From Cebu, a ferry ride to Siquijor will take 4-5 hours. Are you traveling from Manila? Take a flight to Dumaguete or Cebu and then a ferry ride to Siquijor. Unique Things To Do In Siquijor: What Is Siquijor Famous For? March to May, or the dry season, is the best time to visit Siquijor. The sea remains calm during the dry season. So, water activities, including boat rides, become the most enjoyable in these months. Now, many people project Siquijor as a year-round attraction. However, it experiences heavy rainfall from October to June. Also, the sea becomes tumultuous during these months. However, irrespective of the time of your visit, you will love the following things to do in Siquijor. 1. Plan A Visit To The Cambugahay Falls A beautiful three-tiered waterfall in Lazi! Cambugahay Falls looks stunning with the backdrop and surroundings of lush greenery. Further, it has crystal clear water, gleaming in the Sun. The things to do here are: Swimming Relaxing Soaking in the natural beauty of the island Dipping into the natural pools And? You can live your Instagram dream by swinging from the vine rope hanging above the water. You have to take a short trek through the jungle path to reach the waterfall. 2. Visiting The Old Enchanted Balete Tree: The Spirits Are Waiting When the BBC called Siquijor “A paradise island with a reputation for witchcraft,” we all took note.   But how did it get its name? Let’s decode. Also known as the “Mystical Island,” Siquijor is also home to the Balete Tree. This ancient tree located in Enrique Villanueva town is 400 years old. In local folklore, various spirits and supernatural beings live in this tree. The tree is gigantic in size, and it is surrounded by cool and clear spring water. 3. Enjoying The Turquoise Water And White Sand Beach At Salagdoong Beach Do you want to relax at the beach? Salagdoong Beach will be your go-to destination. White powdery sand and turquoise water make it stand out. Located in Maria, this beach also offers an adventurous experience as you dive from the dramatic cliffs, with heights ranging from 8 to 15 meters. The Sun goes down, and after a day full of adventure, you need to relax. You can take the small local cottages for rent and spend the night watching the Moonlight dancing in the water. 4. Scuba Diving At Siquijor’s Best Dive Spots: Things To Do In Siquijor Siquijor has Paliton Beach, where divers can explore coral reefs, underwater caves, and vibrant marine species such as sea turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish. Another popular dive spot is Mae’s Rock, where divers can see an abundance of underwater creatures, such as: Nudibranchs Lionfish Macro Critters Are you a beginner? Don’t worry, as the island has many diving schools that will help you start your scuba diving journey. 5. Visiting The Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary: Things To Do In Siquijor Do you want to learn about the life cycle of butterflies, their role in the ecosystem, and conservation efforts in the region? Visit the Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary in Lazi. It is also a beautiful place to take photos for your socials and stroll through the peaceful gardens. 6. Exploring The Old Churches And Historical Sites: Being Familiar With The Essence Of Siquijor St. Francis of Assisi Church in the town of Lazi is one of the most prominent historical landmarks of Siquijor. This stunning Spanish-era church was built in 1857, and its coral stone construction still evokes a sense of awe! San Isidro Labrador Church is another attraction here, and it is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, dating back to the 16th century. 7. Trekking To Mt. Bandilaan National Park: Nature And Mysticism At Its Best Hike to the Bandilaan and enjoy the most thrilling panoramic view of the island and the surrounding ocean. Also, the national park has a natural spring and a sacred grotto. Thus, trekking through this national park feels like a spiritual experience. 8. Be A Part Of The Healing Festival And Know The Island’s Spiritual Heritage In the month of May, Siquijor hosts the Healing Festival. Spiritual guides, herbalists, and local healers gather to share their knowledge in the following sectors: Energy healing Natural remedies Traditional medicine It is your chance to be a part of healing treatments and workshops on ancient practices of the island. 9. A Nighttime Firefly Tour: You Will Not Find This Experience Anywhere Else Picture a scene! You are lying on the beach, and suddenly, fireflies eradicate the darkness and light up the night sky! This is what you will see on a firefly tour in Siquijor. Quiet rivers and mangrove forests on the island are the ideal location. You can take a ride in the banca boat or kayak to spot the fireflies in the trees, around you, and everywhere! 10. Have The Most Amazing Seafood And Beach Experience When in Siquijor, don’t miss: Grilled fish Shellfish Crabs Sinigang na baboy Kinilaw You must also try the local desserts and bring some fresh produce as cherished souvenirs.

BY  Sibashree Aug 9, 2024

Wrangell-St. Elias, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an icy wonderland. It is a place where active volcanoes and the largest glaciers, like Malaspina, coexist, making it “A Song of Ice and Fire.”  It also has some of the greatest mountain ranges in the world and mighty rivers. Further, unique geological features and weather conditions have made the national park a land of biodiversity and wilderness with a lot of mammals, birds, fish, and plants.  Let me take you on a tour of the Wrangell-St. Elias glaciers and everything the national park has to offer.   What Are The Notable Glaciers In Wrangell-St. Elias?  Nabesna Glacier, Malaspina Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier are the most notable ones in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.   Along with these glaciers, you can also see glacier features like glacier caves, Jökulhlaups, and ice falls. Let’s briefly discuss the major glaciers and glacier features.   Malaspina Glacier Did you know that Malaspina Glacier is the “largest Piedmont glacier in the world?” Designated as a National Natural Landscape in 1968, it spans across 1,075,409 acres.   Further, its glacial mechanisms and fluctuations have made it a favorite of explorers. The glacier is also a favorite of space travelers as it looks vibrant from space.   In an article published by NASA Earth Observatory on 27th October 2023, we can find,  “The dark blueish-purple lines on the ice are moraines—areas where soil, rock, and other debris have been scraped up by the glacier and deposited along its edges. The zigzag pattern of the debris is caused by changes in the ice’s velocity. Glaciers in this area of Alaska periodically “surge” or lurch forward for one to several years. As a result of this irregular flow, the moraines can fold, compress, and shear to form the characteristic textures seen on Malaspina.”  Hubbard Glacier  Hubbard, “the sleeping giant,” is the largest when it comes to the tidewater glaciers in North America (75 miles long). The glacier gets its name from Gardiner Hubbard, National Geographic Society’s first president.   Also called the “Galloping Glacier,” it comes with tranquil blue ice. You can explore Hubbard Glacier through a cruise trip.   Visiting the Hubbard Glacier becomes more exciting as you meet the sea otters, whales, sea lions, and bears along the route.   Nabesna Glacier  With a length of 53 miles, Nabesna Glacier is the “longest interior valley glacier” in the world. However, there are concerns regarding the loss of ice mass in the glacier. A 2007 report says,  “Nabesna, the largest glacier in this region (˜1056 km2), lost mass four times faster during 2000–07 than during 1957–2000. Although accelerated, the mass change over this region is slower than in other glacierized regions of Alaska, particularly those with tidewater glaciers.”  Glacier Features In Wrangell-St. Elias  You will come across many fascinating glacier caves in Wrangell-St. Elias, especially near the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.   Further, ice falls, or the fountains of the glacier, move very fast, and it’s fascinating to see how they form seracs or blocks.   Also, there are Jökulhlaups, or flooded glacier outbursts, adding to the various glacier features of the national park.    Amazing Glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Facts  Mount  St. Elias, the largest peak of the national park, is the second-highest in the world.  Mount Wrangell, the only active volcano here, is one of the largest active volcanoes in North America.  It has Nabesna Glacier, Malaspina Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier, three of the largest in the world.   It is a part of the “world's largest international protected wilderness.”  Mid-May to mid-September is the best time to visit this park.   Wrangell-St. Elias: A UNESCO World Heritage Site  Home to countless glaciers and many high mountains, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park enjoys the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Kluane, Glacier Bay, and Tatshenshini-Alsek.   Also, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a part of the “largest non-polar icefield in the world.” You will find Dall's sheep, grizzly bears, caribou, and many other animals roaming in this part of the world.   Further, certain geographical and biological factors and “protection and management requirements” make this national park a place of outstanding universal value. Let’s discuss them in detail.   Rich In Biodiversity  The scenic beauty and geological diversity in the park are outstanding. It has sea mammals and other aquatic animals. Further, you can see many land mammals, birds, and different types of trees in this park.   The table below mentions some of the most popular birds, trees, and animals you can see here.   Land Mammals Brown Bears Polar Bears Black Bears Mountain Goats Dall Sheep Bison Coyotes Wolverine Porcupine Sea Mammals and Other Marine Creatures Whales Sea Lions Porpoises Harbor Seals Sea Otters Plants (936 Vascular Plant Species) Sedge Family Grass Family Sunflower Family Trees Willows Various Introduced Species Birds Bald Eagles Canada Geese Trumpeter Swans Wilson's Warblers American Robins  Home to boreal forest, Wrangell-St. Elias has one of the largest ecosystems in the world. Diverse geological features and unique weather conditions support this sprawling ecosystem or biodiversity.   Comes With Topographical Diversity   This national park is one of the most diverse in its topographical features. It has glaciers, rivers, river canyons, volcanoes, snow-capped mountains and whatnot!   Geomorphological features like hanging valleys, moraines, craters, and calderas also make this national park unique.   A Hub Of Active Tectonic, Volcanic, Glacial, And Fluvial Natural Processes   Like the entire Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias is also in an area where tectonic, volcanic, glacial, and fluvial natural processes are common.   So, it has active and inactive volcanoes, the largest glaciers, and some prominent fluvial landforms. It has the mighty Copper River, Rivers of Life, and braided rivers formed of glacier water.   Final Words   Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has the highest glacier coverage among all national parks in America. It also has the active Mount Wrangell volcano, rivers, and wetlands, making it a place of geological interest.   Exploring the glacier caves and the ice falls here is a one-of-a-kind experience, and it’s wonderful to see how the richest biodiversity with mammals, birds, aquatic animals, and trees thrives here.   So, come and experience the brilliance of nature as you explore the largest glaciers of the world’s largest glaciers, such as Malaspina and Hubbard.   Or have you already been to this land of volcanoes and glaciers? Don’t forget to share your experience of the glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park tours.    Wrangell-St. Elias National Park FAQs   How Many Glaciers Are In Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?  Like the entire Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias is filled with glaciers. According to the latest count of the National Park Service (NPS), the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has 3,121 glaciers. Further, these glaciers cover a whopping “6,757 square miles of land.”  So, Wrangell-St. Elias has glaciers that cover 60% of all the glacier coverage in American National Parks. Glacier Bay in Alaska is the distant second to Wrangell-St. Elias. The glacier coverage at Glacier Bay is just 1/5th of Wrangell-St. Elias.  In addition, Malaspina, Hubbard, and the Bering glaciers, located along the park’s southern margin, are three of the largest glaciers in the world.   Having said that, glacier coverage in Alaska is shrinking, and  Wrangell-St. Elias is not an exception. From 1985 to 2020, it has already experienced a 5% reduction in its glacier coverage.   How many People Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Each Year?  The National Park Service has a record of visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park since 1982. Since then, this park has been enjoying thousands of footfalls every year.  2023 was one of the topmost years in terms of number of people visiting  Wrangell-St. Elias. It had 78,305 visitors in 2023.  In 2020 (the Covid-19 era), the park had 16,655 visitors. From 2021, the number of visitors has increased consistently. (Source)  What Is Unique About Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?  With the largest glaciers and volcanoes in the world, Wrangell-St. Elias is unique because of its geographical features. It is also one of the most prominent hubs of biodiversity. Thanks to its extensive glacier and volcanic coverage and rich wildlife, it has earned the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Among glaciers, Hubbard (one of the largest in the world and the largest tidewater glacier in North America) and Malaspina Glacier demand a special mention.   The Mount Wrangell volcano in this park is still active, and some other volcanoes here are Mount Drum, Capital Mountain, Skookum Creek Volcano, etc.  Further, it has an endangered sea mammal, Steller Sea Lion, and other marine animals. Bears, mountain goats, and sheep are common land mammals roaming here.   Also, you will find birds like the American robins, Wilson's warblers, and dark-eyed junco in this national park.   What Is The Highest Peak In Wrangell-St. Elias?  Mount St. Elias is the highest peak in Wrangell-St. Elias. With a height of 18,008 feet, it is also the second-highest peak in North America.   Having said that, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park celebrates the presence of four major mountain ranges in the world. It has the eastern part of the Alaskan Range, St. Elias, Chugach, and Wrangell.   Why Is Wrangell-St. Elias Protected?  Wrangell-St. Elias is protected to “preserve and protect ecological integrity and heritage resources of a vast ecosystem in south-central Alaska, while providing for public use in a wilderness setting.”  So, it is protected to preserve the local geology and diversity of the landscape with glaciers, volcanoes, and wetlands. It is also a measure to preserve wildlife and its inhabitants. Also read Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Paris Transforming Historical Sites Into Olympic Venues. Whales And Sea Lions! Exploring Wildlife At Kenai Fjords National Park.

BY  sagnika May 6, 2024

Are you a water person? Do you need to open your shoes and dip your feet in the water soon? Is your favourite destination always related to beaches? Well, then you must check out these nine beaches, some of the best in Australia. When you visit these beaches, you see pure white sand, crystal clear waters, and majestic boulders—it feels like a perfect postcard scene. It is high time that beaches were given their right value, with beautiful scenery and a peaceful environment. Also, you will find my ideas on some things to do in Australia when it comes to these beaches! Keep reading to know more. 9 Best Beaches In Australia That Will Make It The Trip Of Your Life! There are several beautiful beaches in Australia, including Whitehaven Beach, Bondi Beach, Noosa Beach, and others. I will discuss with you the significance of the white sands on these beaches and the crystal-clear waters; at times, the turquoise colour is apparent. Water passes through the sand, making it so fine! Along with the water, the impurities wash away, creating clean and soft sand. Let us delve deeper into how to have some of the best trips of your life when you plan on visiting these beaches. 1. Noosa Main Beach The Sunshine Coast of Queensland offers some beautiful beaches, including Noosa Main Beach! It is one of the most popular beaches in the area, especially because the view is postcard perfect. When you visit Noosa, you will know what I am talking about, especially when you witness the swaying palms, turquoise waters, and golden shore. Lifeguards patrol the area daily, and there are ample facilities. Hence, you will not only enjoy yourself on this beach, but you will also be safe. Furthermore, if you are visiting with families, it is a perfect place because the beach is right beside Hasting Street, where you can shop. The restaurant precinct is also there, so you can easily grab some food. Because the beach is north-facing and sheltered, the surf and climate are gentle all year round. 2. Bondi Beach Bondi Beach is always packed with tourists and is one of the most crowded beaches in Sydney and Australia! It is an iconic beach because, across the stretch of silky sand, you will experience spectacular scenery with the warm Aussie sunshine on your face. This is one of the coolest beaches in Sydney!  Standing in front of perfect waves will take your breath away! If you want to enjoy this view, you should visit mid-week because the rush is a little relaxed. Check out Bondi Surf Seafoods, where you must try the fish and chips doused in lemon and wrapped in butcher's paper. Once you swim, get yourself fish and chips, sit on the beach, and eat it! Without this experience, your visit to Bondi Beach would be incomplete. Furthermore, you can also visit Bondi Icebergs to cool your body with a sunset drink. 3. Cottesloe Beach In Western Australia, Cottesloe Beach is perfect if you are into beachside dining! You can drive down from Perth to visit this aesthetically beautiful beach. Apart from visitors and tourists, it is also one of the locals' favorite spots. You can check out art exhibitions, which are sometimes organized on the beach! Apart from surfing and cycling trails, you can attend the annual Sculpture by the Sea. Several eateries provide a perfect environment for you and your fellow travelers when you are hungry. Restaurants such as Jade Court, which has been open for 35 years in Cottesloe, offer an unforgettable Chinese experience. Another significant eatery that people swear by is Indigo Oscar. It is known for its tropical-meets-Latin American dishes and vibe. You should try this place. 4. Cable Beach Located on Western Australia's northern border, Broome has this iconic beach: Cable Beach! Offering picture-perfect sunsets, you must walk across the soft white sand to enjoy the complete feel of it. The calm blue water creates a beautiful visual. You can soak up the golden glow of the place while enjoying a camel ride! There are camel rides available, which you can take to watch the beautiful sunset at the beach. Furthermore, you must read about some of these restaurants in Australia which will help you taste deliciousness! If you want to have a romantic experience with your partner after the beautiful sunset, you can go to Tuga Supper Club. The place has amazing food items, such as the lamb and mac and cheese rack and the dessert platter! The music adds to the relaxed ambiance. 5. Wineglass Bay The place is what we call a wild beauty, as Tasmania has to offer natural beauty in all its raw glory. Wineglass Bay is quite a notable beach in Tasmania, located in Freycinet National Park. The beach is a perfect curve covered with white sand, and the clear blue water borders it. You can take a stroll on the beach with your partner or enjoy yourself on the soft sand. A cozy cafe, Geographe Restaurant Espresso, will cater to your needs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a beautiful view. If you are a seafood lover, I have just the place called Freycinet Marie Farm. You can either stop there and plan on eating right there, or you can buy all the ingredients and take them back home to cook. If you want to enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine, Richardsons Bistro offers everything from lunch to dinner and snacks! 6. Burleigh Heads The Gold Coast is popular for its beaches; that is where we have the Burleigh Heads! It will take over an hour for you to drive to Burleigh, a blending beauty of sunshine and surfing; there is a collaboration of culture and vibe. If you are into the sun and surfing, this is it for you! Furthermore, the place is a mix of chic city life and bohemian vibes. There are several dining and eatery joints with oceanfront views and towering pine trees. The Little Plate is one such restaurant where you can have delicious seafood such as Hiramasa Kingfish and Scallops. You cannot miss starters like Crispy Fried Prawn Dumplings and Peranakan Nonya Chicken. You will also have an amazing shopping experience because many shops surround the beach. 7. Lucky Bay One of the cutest places to hang out, Lucky Bay has kangaroos laid back chilling around the dazzling white sand! If you love wildlife, this place will be heaven for you. Located in the southwest corner of Western Australia, the beach is a combination of white sand in a crescent shape and turquoise water! In Cape Le Grand National Park, the view is to die for! When you travel there, you see kangaroos sunbathing in the white sand and the completely calm of the people around the beach. You can also check out beautiful views of the Recherche Archipelago. One place you must go to for food is The Deck Bar & Cafe! You will experience a blend of good wine, good company, and good food when you go there. If you are going towards Moonta and the Port Hughes, you might as well go here. You will see that the price of the food is standard and quite affordable. Several food options include schnitzels, fish and chips, salt and pepper squid, and burgers! Another beautiful place is the Coffee Barn Gelateria, which is always packed with people! 8. Mindil Beach This place is much more than just a beach because there are several beach festivities that make the overall experience perfect. It is in Darwin's Northern Territory of Australia, where you will get the complete local experience. This is also one of the best places to live in Australia!  There is always something happening at this beach, be it runs and marathons, festivals, or markets. The Beach Sunset Market has several food stalls offering sizzling food. You can have delicious food while watching the beautiful sunsets at the beach. All kinds of food stalls are available, including fruit and juice, seafood, Thai, Chinese, ice cream and sorbet, Sri Lankan, Bangladesh, Mexican, Indian, Turkish, and several others. Even the names of the food stalls are fun, such as Cheeky Cheeky Churros, Magic Cauldron, Petra's Raw Cakes, Sunset Slushie, Fat Kebabs, FireBowls, Frozen Penguins, and several others. 9. Whitehaven Beach If you love marine life, you must visit Whitehaven Beach, as it offers spectacular views. The stunning Whitsunday Islands are quite close to this beach, and you can enjoy the view with the turquoise water swirling together! You can take a variety of cruises when you are on this beach! For accommodation, you can stay on Hamilton Island, which is about 30 minutes by boat. Finishing Off... To sum up, it is quite interesting to see that these beaches in Australia can offer some of the best experiences of life. You can make memories by clicking beautiful pictures, selfies, and portraits to remember these times. You can also visit new places for eating and shopping, thus creating the perfect experience of a lifetime. In my opinion, it is an important way to relax or perform water activities while on the beach with your partners, family, or friends. Comment on which beach is best in Australia according to you and why. Learn More About: 6 Tips For A Luxurious Trip To Australia Do You Know The Best Time To Visit Australia? Read All About It! Top 10 Best Beaches In Florida: Should Know When You Are Planning To Florida