Destinations
4 Island destinations to visit in 2017
Many of us have immediately taken to scouring vacations for that perfect paradise escape. And what could be dreamier than a remote island getaway? Blue skies, sea and white sand are beckoning you; a far cry from the humdrum of the office.
Many of us have immediately taken to scouring vacations for that perfect paradise escape. And what could be dreamier than a remote island getaway? Blue skies, sea and white sand are beckoning you; a far cry from the humdrum of the office.
To give you some island-spiration, our friends at Booking.com have uncovered top must visit destinations for an experience of true island paradise. From majestic Japanese volcanoes to charming Cornish archipelagos, these are the best island destinations to visit in 2017.
Pantelleria, Sicily

One of the very few Mediterranean islands to remain untouched by mass market tourism, Pantelleria is a rarity. Its ability to fly below the radar is no doubt due to the fact that it has no sandy beaches; its entire coastline is dominated by dark, volcanic rock. But don’t let that put you off. What the island lacks in sand, it more than makes up for in seclusion and serenity. Lazing in aquamarine rock pools and diving off boulders straight into the sea with not another soul in sight isn’t so bad. What’s more, inland you’ll find Specchio di Venere (Venus’ mirror), a stunning lake in a volcanic crater that’s fed by hot springs and rainwater. The mud is mineral-rich so lather it on and rinse off with a swim to the centre for silky soft skin.
Kolocep, Croatia

Covered in pine and carob trees and surrounded by crystalline sea, Kolocep is the smallest of the three main Elafiti islands and the most tranquil. It has only 163 residents, is car-free and has two irresistibly pretty villages sitting on little bays. Lull yourself into the island’s gentle way of life with meandering walks past olive groves and pre-Romanesque churches.
Isles of Scilly, UK

The allure of the Isles of Scilly lies largely in their nostalgic feel. Visiting this cluster of quaint islands off the Cornish coast is like visiting a bygone era. Its tiny population has created an impressive sense of community, its buildings and landscape have a quintessentially British appeal and the Isle of Tresco has even become a haven for the red squirrel after it became extinct on the mainland. The isles have ample pretty coves and beaches but the star attraction is the magnificent Tresco Abbey Garden. The island’s mild climate means sub-tropical plants thrive here, so the garden is a transfixing combination of colours. Exotic plants and vines clamber over crumbling archways and palm trees tower over terraces that run down to the sea.
Rishiri Island, Japan

A tiny island on the northern tip of Japan, Rishiri is a remote and lesser-known destination but one that has numerous strings to its bow. The island is formed by the conical Mount Rishiri, an extinct, snow-capped volcano rising out of verdant forest and endless greenery. Even though it’s only a two-hour flight from Tokyo, Rishiri definitely feels further afield. Enjoy the unblotted landscape and captivating quiet on a hike that takes in the island’s many natural sightseeing spots. Or gaze at a sunset over the ocean and the reflection of the volcano in one of the island’s lakes.
Destinations
Going Chinese in Pulilan, Bulacan
Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan, and we’re on the fence here (yes if no choice, no if you can go elsewhere).
We happened to be in Pulilan in Bulacan, and I had pancit craving. As if on cue, we passed by Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan, which – after we Google-checked – is supposedly one of the more frequently-visited Chinese restos in these parts of the province, so… of course we checked.
@outragemag Craving for #chinesefood in #Bulacan? We tried the offerings of Lee Foo Panciteria #Pulilan ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine
Una, this place is really, REALLY easy to find. Located along the Pulilan Regional Road in Barangay Cut-cot in Pulilan, this is right in the middle of the municipality.
Ikalawa, the resto is actually divided into three parts: one side is for those with reservations, another part is for walk-in diners, and another part is for events. If/when the resto isn’t full, only the main part (middle one) is kept open.
No, this isn’t some fancy resto. More like an airconditioned karinderya, complete with wooden tables and plastic chairs. Look-wise, it wasn’t dirty naman when we were there, so that’s a plus.
Ikatlo, the workers were friendly naman… and they moved fast – e.g. while waiting for our orders, we were given must-check peanuts, and since we finished what we got fast, our waitress was more than happy to accommodate us.
Ika-apat, now… how was the food?
The house specialty, the Lee Foo Chicken (₱265 for half, ₱495 for whole), looked like fried chicken with ketchup. Okay… the breading was okay since it didn’t overpower the meat. The chicken, too, was properly cooked, and it wasn’t dry. But it was tasteless overall; so the ketchup taste is what stays with you.
The Pancit Canton Bihon (₱255) had thin pancit noodles, almost as thin as the bihon. It didn’t have lots of sahog; instead, you’d notice the extenders (like kikiam, and so on). I like good pancit, I swear… but this isn’t one of them, sorry.
The weirdly-wrapped Hakaw (₱155) was small, so it was bitin.
And then there’s the Siomai Steam (₱155), which was, in a word, weird. The size was good, similar to those ₱10 siomais. But the way this was prepared was weird for us – e.g. like the meat was overwatered, and having a hard time staying solid, so that it was smudgy, and disintegrated in the mouth even without chewing. I suppose that, at least, it wasn’t disgusting taste-wise.
Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is, we believe, popular. Like President in Chinatown, or a branch of David’s in some mall. To each his or her own nga naman. But for us, we’re off to look for other Chinese restos na muna as we head out in search of more lafangan venues.
Lee Foo Panciteria Pulilan is located at 159 Barangay Cut-cot, Pulilan, 3005 Bulacan Province. For more information, contact 0925 800 0168, or email leefoopanciteria@yahoo.com.
Travel
Treacherous beauty: Hiking at South Stack Lighthouse in Wales
#Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales.
Yes, tech has made many lighthouses redundant. Not that they’re no longer relevant. But navigation-wise, we know we have more advanced solutions. Which, perhaps not surprisingly, led to the reconfiguration of many of them.
In Holyhead, Anglesey in Wales, introducing the South Stack Lighthouse.
@outragemag #Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine
Una, you’d need a ride to be there. Some use private cars, as we did; others join tours; and others cycle to the place.
Ikalawa, what’s there?
The lighthouse itself is located on a small, rocky island off Holyhead. From afar, it looks like someone’s grand home; mansion-like. Accessible siya after you descend down 400 steep steps.
What will you see while there?
- the former lighthouse engine room
- the top of the lighthouse
- South Stack is also home to breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins
Here’s an FYI: seasonal lang siya bukas.
This is a must-check for lighthouse lovers, of course. Historic, it was built in 1809 by Trinity House from the design of Daniel Alexander. 91-foot tall, it used to allow safe passage for ships on the Dublin–Holyhead–Liverpool sea route.
Another FYI: It is allegedly haunted, and has been visited by a team from “Most Haunted”.
The area housing the lighthouse is, itself, worth checking. There are trails for hikers or joggers or cyclists; though the same could be enjoyed by those who are there only to look for good shots.
Check when you’re in the area… even if you just pass by. Nice siya, promise.
But off we go for more LGBTQIA+ rampa…
Travel
Enjoying nature via trail hiking in Wales
Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales.
When in Bangor, you’d be told often that among the best things to do is to hike. And among the must-check is the Snowdonia Slate Trail, which links the old slate-quarrying communities of Eryri/Snowdonia.
So… ayan na nga, even without the right outfit for hiking, but ayaw ma-miss ang chance to check the area, off we went.
@outragemag Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine
Una, the circular route starts near Bangor/Porth Penrhyn. And you need a car or whatever to get to the starting point.
Ikalawa, the trail isn’t just for hiking. It’s also for biking or walking dogs. So you’d be sharing the 133-kilometer long trail with others.
Ikatlo, what’s there?
Mountains built by remnants from quarry sites, to start.
So… Gwynedd used to be known for slate quarrying, and among the biggest players is Penrhyn Quarry which is near Gwynedd, part of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Now… with slate quarrying, around 75% of extracted material are inferior in quality, called overburden, and so becoming mineral waste. Here, they’re now mountains.
But the trail also shows views typically associated with Wales – e.g. rolling hills that go on forever, rock fences, sheep farms, canals with flowing water… and more.
Usually, sa matatag, people hike the Snowdonia Slate Trail for up to seven days, passing through Bethesda, Llanberis, and so on. But for others… it’s but an opportunity to commune with nature, in a way, while taking those must-have shots.
But we’re off for more LGBTQIA+ discoveries…
-
Product Showcase3 weeks agoSuperbod Movement goes beyond the stage
-
NewsMakers3 weeks agoLoneliness strongly linked to poorer mental health and wellbeing, study finds
-
NewsMakers3 weeks agoPoor-quality sleep involves different parts of the brain, depending on age
-
NewsMakers3 weeks agoWeight loss drugs could help with binge eating disorder
-
Product Showcase3 weeks agoNew IKEA PS Collection brings playful functionality into your home
-
Product Showcase3 weeks agoFullerton Health celebrates two years of advancing preventive healthcare in PH
-
Product Showcase3 weeks agoCentury Tuna Superbods 2026 announces ‘Superbod Era’ finalists
-
NewsMakers5 days agoFilipinos prioritize independence as legacy for longer lives

