Tag Archives: Mountains

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Mountains with Great Scenic Views in the Philippines

Mt Batulao, Philippines

With over 7000 mountainous islands within the Philippine archipelago, the actual number of mountains in the country can only be vaguely guessed at. Nevertheless, for those who want to experience some of the most stunning views in the Philippines, these are the mountains that you need to climb.

Mt. Batulao
Located just an hour from Manila, Mt. Batulao rises 811 meters above sea level, and is a great mountain for beginner climbers to tackle. As you start your climb, you will be able to see the coastal towns of Nasugbu and Tagaytay, with the perspective changing as you ascend. It takes between two to three hours to reach the summit, and, once you do, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Balayan Bay, as well as its twelve surrounding peaks.

Mt. Mariveles
In addition to being the battlefield site at which American and Filipino soldiers fought Japanese invaders in the 1940’s, Mt. Mariveles also boasts incredibly scenic views from its summit. This is quite a challenging climb, and takes between two to three hours, but the effort is most definitely worth it, and there is a river halfway up where you can cool off. Once you reach the summit, you will be able to see everything from the South China Sea to the Corregidor Islands and Mt. Pico de Loro to the beaches of Bataan, but be sure to wrap up warm as it can be quite windy up here.

Mt. Tibig
Mt. Tibig only rises 563 meters above sea level, and is actually a sub-mountain of Mt. Banoi. Nevertheless, this is still quite a challenging climb, but the two hour hike to the summit is more than worth it, for its views of the Verde Island Passage, Batangas, and the green mountains that surround the region. For those who want to spend the night at the summit and watch the views transform with the changing light of day, there is a campsite at the top which is large enough for ten tents.

Mt. Pico de Loro
Mt. Pico de Loro was named the Parrot’s Beak by Spanish colonizers in the 1500’s, due to its fascinating rock formations. While it takes five hours to reach the summit, which is 664 meters above sea level, the climb itself is not too challenging, and is one that is suitable for beginners to attempt. There is a monolith situated at the top of the mountain, which you can climb with ropes, and, once you reach the top of this, you will be able to enjoy a diverse bird’s eye view that features everything from forests and volcanoes to beaches and lakes.

The Philippines is home to so much natural beauty, and one of the best ways to take this in is by hiking to the top of some of the country’s most gorgeous mountains. From the coastal views of Mt. Batulao to the mountainous surroundings of Mt. Tibig, the scenery that you will see from these mountains will be some of the most inspiring that you have ever seen.

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OROGOLD’s Timeless Destinations: Bavaria, Germany

The historic monastery in Amorbach.

With its unique history, rural traditions and independent streak, the Free State of Bavaria, the largest German state, epitomizes authentic German icons that have been made famous worldwide. From men dressed in lederhosen enjoying beer and pretzels in front of an Alpine backdrop, to fairy-tale castles in dark forests to half-timber geranium-covered houses in quaint little towns, the region of Bavaria is one of the most timeless in Germany.

Regensburg, Bavaria.

Regensburg
Regensburg is one of the few German towns that managed to come out of the second world war with no major damage, making it the most well-preserved medieval city in Germany. The Porta Praetoria, a gateway built by the Romans remains in the Old Town, as do plenty of other Roman settlement remains, just one of the many historical aspects of Bavaria that OROGOLD believes makes it timeless. With over 1500 listed buildings, 984 of them being on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the architecture around the city is one of Regensburg’s treasures. Although a city with deep roots in its heritage, it is a lively and vibrant place, with plenty of entertainment and dining options tucked away in narrow lanes.

Rothenburg, Germany

Rothenburg
Rothenburg is the main tourist destination along Germany’s Romantic Road, and with its cobbled lanes and towering walls that have held on to their charm throughout the years, it is easy to see why Walt Disney chose this medieval town as the inspiration for the village in the 1940 Pinocchio film. Rothenburg has the strictest preservation orders in the whole of Germany, often making the town feel like a medieval theme park, but OROGOLD recommends staying overnight, because once dusk sets in and all of the day-trippers have returned to their home towns, the floodlit cobbled streets are all yours for the evening.

Berchtesgaden, Germany

Berchtesgaden
Nestled into Austria and framed by 6 towering mountains, the Berchtesgadener Land is a stunningly beautiful corner of Bavaria, said to have been formed when angels distributing the wonders of the planet were startled and dropped them all here. In Berchtesgaden you will find the Watzmann, the second highest mountain in Germany, and the serene waters of the Konigssee, one of the most photographed bodies of water in the country. In the past, salt was the main income source for the region, and is still important to all the wellness centers today, leading it to be declared a ‘health resort region’ and placed on UNESCO’s biosphere list. One of the main attractions in the area is Eagle’s Nest, a lodge that was built for Hitler up in the mountains. There is also a popular dark-tourism destination, the Dokumentation Obersalzberg, a museum that documents Berchtesgaden’s sinister Nazi past.

A region steeped in history, tradition and natural beauty, Bavaria’s cheerful villages and romantic landscapes have earned it a place on the list of OROGOLD’s favorite timeless destinations around the world. Any season is good to visit the region, as the winter months offer skiing and winter sport opportunities, while the summer months are perfect for idly wandering around the Bavarian towns and soaking up the vibrantly authentic atmosphere.

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Location Spotlight: Germany – OROGOLD Reviews

Germany, located at the heart of Europe, shares its borders with nine other countries. With the biggest economy on the continent, more inhabitants than any other European country, and a cosmopolitan culture intermingled with a rich history, it is no surprise that more and more people are choosing to visit and explore this fascinating country. Divided into 16 states, each region of Germany has their own unique traditions and local customs, making it an excitingly diverse destination to visit.

The Bode Museum on Spree River in Berlin, Germany

Berlin
Berlin is said to be the creative hub of the country, which came about due to its multicultural population and buzzing underground scene. If nightlife is what you are after, then Berlin is the city to visit, as it is one of the most liberal cities in Europe, with a hedonistic nightclub scene. With strong roots in music and the arts, Berlin has a vibrant culture, but is still relatively inexpensive when compared to other European cities. The Berlin Wall, which divided the city for almost 30 years, has sections that are still standing today. To learn more about German history, there are plenty of world-class museums that document what life was like under the rule of the Nazis and the Soviets.

Scenic landscape in the Bavarian Alps, Germany

Bavaria
Located in southern Germany, Bavaria is known for its unspoiled natural surroundings, laid-back attitude and welcoming hospitality. Visitors can spend days exploring the numerous medieval castles, baroque churches and grand palaces, and if you time your trip well, you can also take part in some of the traditional Bavarian festivals. In total, Bavaria has over 100,000 architectural monuments and over 1200 museums, as well as 40 exceptional theater and opera venues, making it ideal for a cultural break. Bavaria is also home to the Bavarian Alps, the most spectacular mountain range in Germany, and the gorgeous landscapes are comparable to those you would find in Switzerland and Austria.

The Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany

Cologne
Cologne, located on both sides of the Rhine river in west Germany, is most famous for their impressive Gothic cathedral, the Kolner Dom, which used to be the tallest building in the world. It is so breathtaking that it is no surprise that it holds the title of Germany’s most-visited monument. Visitors to the cathedral also have the option of climbing the 509 stairs to the top, which may seem tiring but the view makes it completely worthwhile. A great way to explore Cologne is by a river cruise, which will take you through towns and mountains along the Rhine. Be sure to stop off at one of the many traditional brewpubs along the way, where local beer is served. Foodies will love Cologne’s cuisine, with many rediscovered traditional dishes being served by fantastic restaurants.

Berlin, Bavaria and Cologne are only 3 of the many amazing destinations within Germany. When visiting this magnificently diverse country, it would be best to explore as many cities and towns that you can within your time frame, so that you can truly appreciate all that Germany has to offer.