InFlight Traveller, issue 30

Make Yourself at Home

Experience

LUXURY IS A PERFECT BEACH AT THE BELLEVUE RESORT

Giant clams, bottlenose dolphins, and a powdery sand-fringed private beach are just a stroll away from this sun-soaked resort

DESTINATION FEATURES

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief: Giselle Dalton

Art Director: Jocas A. See

Contributing Writers

Christian L. Sangoyo, Monica de Leon, and Jackson Grove, Cristian Maban

Contributing Photographers

ReyRey Ochavez, Christian L. Sangoyo, Sara Schifferer, and Jasper Iturriaga

COMMERCIAL

Sales and Marketing Director: Bing Rodriguez

Senior Account Manager: Kim Tutanes

Administration and Ad Sales Traffic Officer: Amor Caz

BOARD OF ADVISERS

Chairman: Iren Dornier

Publishing: Nikos Gitsis

Editorial: Giselle Dalton

Legal: Atty. Loreto Dapon, Jr.

INQUIRIES

For press releases, editorial inquiries, email: editors@dorniermedia.com

For advertising inquiries, email: archipelago@dorniermedia.com

Sunlight Air CEO

RYNA BRITO GARCIA

talks airline business and some of the best dive spots in the country

How does it feel like being the only woman CEO in Philippine aviation, and a young one at that? It certainly presents its unique challenges. When we started Sunlight Air in 2019, I worried that my age or gender might hinder the acceptance of the company’s vision. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the warm reception and support I’ve received from industry peers, our local market, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

What strength do you bring to the job? My openness to learn and improve. As CEO, I don’t assume I know everything.I believe this mindset has played a pivotal role in Sunlight Air’s growth, even amid the financial and operational challenges of the past global pandemic.

In a country that had seen two women Presidents, why is it that the travel market where 85% of decisions are made by women, still find very few women at the helm? The tourism industry as a whole has made strides in gender representation. The Philippines’ Department of Tourism is led by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco for one. However, the aviation sector is still male-dominated, with professions such as pilots and engineers mostly occupied by men. Nevertheless, I’m optimistic about progress. At Sunlight Air, we try to be inclusive and diverse, with female pilots and engineers on our staff, and women occupying key positions in our management committee.

What is your vision for Sunlight Air? Your plans for the next 5–10 years? In the next 5–10 years, Sunlight Air aims to expand its network to include more destinations across the Philippines, particularly underserved areas. Since April 1, we moved most of our flights from Manila to Clark, mainly because of the congestion at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, flight delays and cancellations due to shortage of runway slots. Moving our base to Clark will not only avoid all these problems, but also allow us to tap the North Luzon and Central Luzon market.

We’ve now been operating daily flights from Clark to Siargao in Surigao del Norte, twice weekly flights from Clark to Boracay, and seasonal flights from Clark to

San Vicente in Palawan. On April 3, we launched daily flights from Cebu to Siargao and Coron in Palawan. In May, we’ll start flights from Cebu to Caticlan in Aklan and in June, flights from Cebu to destinations in Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro.

We plan to invest in fleet and manpower expansion, ensuring we have the necessary resources to meet the growing demand for air travel.

How did Sunlight Air start? I was managing Sunlight Resort Hotel in Coron at a time when the supply of hotels in the area was a lot more than the number of tourists entering Coron. There was only one flight a day, so our resort’s owning company decided to start an airline to serve our resorts. We also have properties in Puerto Princesa and Culion — Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort in Culion and Sunlight Hotel Puerto Princesa. So we started the airline from there. I was the oldest among my siblings and was instructed to start the airline company from scratch.

What about work-life balance? How do you manage your time, now that you’re married? I studied and worked in Sydney for three years and know how important worklife balance is. Since I got married, I make sure to make it home for dinner and I occasionally enjoy cooking. My husband and I often go out to explore new restaurants and usually use this time to catch up on our days. When I have a weekend freed up, I make time to go to Coron or Anilao to scuba dive.

Where is your hometown? Any tips for the best way to explore it? My hometown is really Manila, born and raised. I find that Manila’s charm lies not in traditional sightseeing, but in its vibrant atmosphere, although we do have some landmarks tourists can visit like Intramuros (Facebook) and a handful of museums and libraries. While exploring Manila’s food and beverage scene is enjoyable, Manila to most tourists, serves more as a gateway or hub to the Philippines’ many island destinations like Palawan, Boracay, Siargao, Siquijor,

Coron

“For two days, we did not have any mobile signal, so for the entire time we just went diving, explored the marine life, spotted a pod of dolphins, saw so many shades of blue, read a book in between diving, took a nap under the sun, ate island food. That will always be one of my favourite trips ever”

and beyond. Similarly, Cebu is also a good hub for island explorations.

Your most memorable recent trip. Our three-day liveaboard trip to Apo Reef last year onboard Sunlight Hotel’s Sea Dragon. Apo Reef is the largest coral reef in the Philippines. For two days, we did not have any mobile signal, so for the entire time we just went diving, explored the marine life, spotted a pod of dolphins, saw so many shades of blue, read a book in between diving, took a nap under the sun, and ate island food. That will always be one of my favourite trips ever, and will always make me smile when remembering it.

To book your liveaboard holiday, Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort (www.sunlighthotelsandresorts.com).

Top 3 favorite destinations in the Philippines and why. Coron is one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, with crystal clear, blue waters and magical limestone formations. I also enjoy diving in Coron because of the numerous shipwrecks in the ocean. Another favourite is Siargao for the relaxed lifestyle and the restaurant scene. Of course it’s also known for world-class surfing and beautiful beaches. For really good food, check out Roots (on Facebook), CEV (on Facebook), and L’Osteria Ristorante (on Facebook). Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro is another favourite. It is the largest reef in the country and houses an abundance of marine species and corals. On our trip, we spotted a one-meter fat tuna and reef sharks at Shark Airport . You have to time your dive at 6am to see the sharks. Another dive spot to check out is Manta Point Going for a dive there even just once is a magical and memorable experience.

A place in the Philippines you think more people should see. Coron. Beautiful island, really.

Where do you go for resort wear? Charina Sarte (www. charinasarte.com), a Filipino designer, for summer dresses and beach cover ups. Deiji Studios (www. deijistudios.com), a brand from Byron Bay, Australia, for its laidback, relaxed style, and use of sustainable bamboo fabric for its designs. Deiji is also on Net-A-Porter (www.net-a-porter.com) and Matches Fashion (www. matchesfashion.com). And I wear a few dresses from Fleur the Label, a brand I founded during the pandemic.

Your priorities in choosing a hotel? I place a premium on quality of service and experience. I don’t always go for traditional hotels during my travels. I sometimes choose boutique B&Bs or smaller establishments that offer a more personalized experience such as INARA (www. inara.com.ph) in Siargao, where I stayed recently.

Top 3 hotels in the Philippines that should be on people’s bucket list and why. Definitely Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort in Coron, an 18-hectare property with wonderful cottages over the water, set in a lush landscape. It’s an ultimate escape, with its diverse and healthy marine life and variety of bird species. Another favourite is Amorita in Bohol (www.amoritaresort.com) Personally, I loved the service of all the staff at Amorita as well as its accessibility to Alona Beach. And Inara in Siargao for its personalised service. You get your personal concierge helping you book restaurants, tours and other activities so you can experience Siargao like a local.

Favorite restaurants. Linamnam (on Instagram), Modan (www.modanmnl.ph), and Joeun Gogi Premium Beef Grill (on Facebook).

Where to next? Siquijor. I’ve been wanting to go and actually bought tickets before the pandemic. I haven’t since rebooked my flights.

IN MABINI, BATANGAS, about 2.5 hours’ drive from Manila, lies Tatsulok Cabins, which features houses on top of a hill, offering majestic views of Balayan Bay.The A-frame houses are designed in modern Filipino architecture, and they are gorgeous.

There are two houses, and each one is beautiful in its own right. They’re bright and airy inside, fully equipped so you can do things like cook meals for your intimate group. The Family Cabin has two bedrooms and a loft that can house up to eight guests, while the Loft Villa is a one-bedroom loft for smaller groups of up to four guests. Each one has a Bali plunge pool and comfy bedrooms. Aside from the scenic views, natural light pouring in is another pleasant experience you get in your stay.

Aside from whiling away, the home rental also serves as a good basecamp for exploring Mabini’s array of attractions — island hopping (of Sombrero and Tingloy Islands), scuba and free diving of Isla Verde, and mountain trekking of Mt. Gulugod Baboy.

Rates are Php8,000 (about US$140) for the Loft Villa, and Php12,000 for the Family Cabin.

Tatsulok Cabins

Family Cabin: www. airbnb.com/h/ tatsulokfamilycabin; Loft Villa (Airbnb); Whole Property (Airbnb). Visit them on Facebook and on Instagram

Coco grove, Siquijor

Lanson Place Mall of Asia

Opens a whole new world of luxury stays

FACING THE CITY’S iconic Manila Bay, the Lanson Place Mall of Asia which opened its doors in April this year, is a luxury bolthole offering the comforts of home with the service standard of a five-star luxe hotel. It has 247 hotel rooms and 142 serviced residences, perhaps one of the biggest such collection of serviced residences in a hotel, which is great news for those wanting a city break or an extended city stay.

Why go for a self-catering home rental if you can have a hotel-chain managed serviced apartment with all the perks — room service, housekeeping and laundry service all just a phone press away.

PLUS MORE. They’ll book you a personal trainer for free, organise activities for you from wellness classes, painting sessions, aqua Zumba to sunrise yoga. Tired of your stunning Manila Bay view? Walk down to the residents’ lounge or mix with digital nomads at the hotel’s “co-working space” with high speed internet. A heavenly gym, infinity pool, and five restaurants complete the package.

Lanson Place CEO Michael Hobson says the brand promise is “Make yourself at home, surpassing guest expectations.”

THE VIBE. This brand spanking new hotel masterfully blends modern and sleek with a nod to Filipino heritage in the form of art pieces curated by no less

A typical 77sqm two-bedroom serviced residence with a balcony facing Manila Bay, and, bottom left, a living and dining area

than the former president and artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Nestor Jardin. One such art piece is a massive ocean wave hanging sculpture at the hotel ground floor lobby by Filipino visual artist Leeroy New. The sculpture depicts blue ocean waves lit by bioluminescent marine organisms, an amazing spectacle in nature.

Design-centric Lanson Place welcomes guests to a big expanse of a reception, lit by tube chandeliers, pretty much like Star Wars’ light sabers high up on the ceiling. Your feet sink in luxurious carpeting, with other floor areas so wonderfully polished you feel like you’d catch sight of your reflection.

ROOMS OR RESIDENCES. Choose where to lay your head, be it the luxe hotel rooms or the serviced residences at Lanson’s Place Bay Wing. The serviced residences range from a studio with kitchenette to one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, with stunning views of Manila Bay. Floor area are rather generous at 36-43sqm for a studio, and up to 77 sqm for a two-bedroom residence. Both

one and two-bedrooms have a balcony from where you could dine and enjoy the sunset over Manila Bay.

WHERE TO EAT. The hotel has five restaurants. Cyan Modern Kitchen serves Filipino dishes, from crispy, succulent cochinillo or young roast pig to fresh hotoff-the-grill seafood and meat. Also on the menu are HK inspired noodle soup made with local ingredients to Indian and Spanish-influenced dishes. Floor to ceiling windows provide front row seats to the Manila Bay sunset.

Madeleine High Tea serves tiered high-tea menus, featuring tea from Agusan del Norte, while the BLK12 Café Bar serves brewed coffee from premium beans sourced from local and international growers. Bytes grab-and-go counter, serves freshly prepared meals, from sandwiches to bite-sized snacks you can munch on while working at your computer.

WHAT’S ON YOUR DOORSTEP. The bay area has some of Metro Manila’s prime historical and cultural sites, from

the Walled City of Intramuros, the Manila Cathedral dating back to 1571, Cultural Center of the Philippines to the National Museum. For shopping, the SM Mall of Asia which has shops, restaurants, and a cinema is just a 12-minute walk (www.smsupermalls.com). For high end duty free shopping from Hermes, Chanel to Givenchy, head to nearby Luxe Duty Free, just a five-minute walk from the hotel. (www.luxedutyfree.com).

ESSENTIALS

Lanson Place Mall of Asia is part of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation. It is located at Block 12, Palm Coast Avenue corner Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, 1300 Philippines, tel +632 7777 0000, email reservations.lpmn@lansonplace.com. Visit www.lansonplace.com

Clockwise from top, Cyan main dining room, Blk12 Café Bar, and porchetta (foreground) and salmon coulibiac

TOP THINGS TO DO

INSIDER TIPS AND PHOTOS BY JACKSON GROVES

Sugba Lagoon

he monsoon season starts sometime in June, bringing rain to most parts of the Philippines except Siargao. Sun worshippers can still pretty much enjoy Siargao’s powder white beaches and rock pools and explore mangroves, swamps and inland forests, waterfalls, and nearby islands, without rain dampening the day. For surfers, the best time to go is between September to November for the perfect Cloud 9 peak, the surf spot that put Siargao on the world map. The Siargao International Surfing Cup (on Facebook), which attracts competitors from all over the world is tentatively scheduled this year for October 25 to November 3. For the first time it will hold the World Surf League Qualifying Series 5000, attracting more professional surfers. (Visit www.worldsurfleague.com or @officialUPSA on FB).

TOUCHDOWN. There are several direct flights from Manila and Cebu to Sayak Airport in Siargao. Visit www.kayak.com.ph for competitive prices. From the airport, it’s a 45-minute drive to General Luna where majority of the tourist areas are. Outside the airport there are vans, shared with other passengers, that could take you to General Luna for about Php300 (US$5) to Php500. If you’d like privacy, multi-cabs are available at the airport for rental. It takes about an hour to get to most resorts in General Luna from Sayak.

GET YOUR BEARINGS. The island of Siargao is about 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte. The only airport in the area is in Sayak in Del Carmen. From the airport, you’d probably head to General Luna and the east coast where most resorts and beaches are located.

The island’s east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet, Port Pilar, with a coastline marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white sandy beaches. There are neighboring islands and islets with similar landforms.

The island’s Pacific-facing reefs are on the edge of the Philippine Trench, and deep offshore waters result in swells of significant power. This gives Siargao excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore.

The best way to get around the island is by renting a motorcycle, which costs about Php350–Php1,000 a day. There are also tricycles and the habal-habal, Siargao’s version of a taxi, in this case a motorbike custom-fit to accommodate usually up to two passengers comfortably or up to three or four at a push (hence the name habalhabal which is a Visayan term for bodies close together).

HOW TO BEST ENJOY SIARGAO. Our insider guide, blogger and photographer Jackson Groves, spent a month in Siargao exploring the island and its attractions. “While the island is known as a surfing hotspot,” Groves said, “there are so many things to do in Siargao that don’t involve the waves.”

ENJOY THE BEST SIARGAO SURF SPOTS. This list of things to do in Siargao has to begin with the surf, it is after all the surfing capital of the Philippines. Siargao boasts waves almost all year-round, similar to surfing hotspots like Oahu, Hawaii. The Cloud 9 boardwalk and viewing area has become one of the most popular Siargao tourist spots. The beauty of surfing in Siargao is that there is a surf break for all levels. Personally, I suck at surfing so I hit up the beginner waves at Jacking Horse. I did enjoy watching the seasoned surfers tearing up the bigger waves out at Cloud 9. Its waves can barrel the whole way and is not only one of the best waves in the Philippines but is ranked in the top ten waves of the world.

If the waves aren’t rolling in nicely at the beach breaks you can pay Php300–Php500 to ride a boat out to an island break less than an hour from Siargao and surf the afternoon away in the middle of the ocean.

CLOUD 9 PIER. One of my favorite things to do in Siargao was to wake up for sunrise and chill out on the end of the Cloud 9 pier. Sometimes surfers were tearing it up and watching that was awesome. Other times, I watched the sun slowly rise in the distance. Hardly anyone wakes up to head out there except for a few others, quietly enjoying the start of the day at Cloud 9. It could be something to consider when you are thinking about where to stay in Siargao. Somewhere near Cloud 9 pier means you will have your sunrise spot sorted. If you head out here for sunset, you will find yourself sharing the hut at the end of the pier with quite the crowd. It doesn’t get the perfect sunrise or sunset due to its location but it’s one of your best bets if you are in General Luna.

Siargao’s famous Cloud 9 waves

SANTA MONICA PIER. In the town of Santa Monica, north of the island, is a huge pier, the perfect spot for watching the sunset. Siargao isn’t the best island for sunsets as the main Siargao tourist spots don’t really face west to the sun. However, this is one spot where you can watch the sun drop down over the horizon on the ocean.

The drive back to General Luna in the dark isn’t too fun but we stopped halfway in the dark, turned off our moped lights. It was then that we were blown away by the epic blanket of stars. It was the best starscape I have seen in my entire life. Fireflies buzzed around us and we couldn’t have been more grateful to be in Siargao in those moments.

TAYANGBAN CAVE POOL was one of the highlights of my many adventures throughout Siargao Island. It was one of the best caving experiences I have had in Asia. For 15 minutes, you swim and float

in darkness, only aided by torches. Bats fly around you until you finally emerge to the open cave pool where you can cliff jump from seven meters.

Immediately after descending through the opening, we were chest-deep in water. We swam through the dark caves, guided by a solitary torch. From time to time bats swooped down on us and eerie noises shot out from the distance. The water was mostly chest height so you could walk through in most sections if you prefer, rather than swimming.

The cave opened up after fifteen minutes with a huge archway that helped to breach the darkness and welcome us back to the sunlight. It was then just a short swim to the open pool, which is the end of the tour. Many people finish here but there is a cliff jump spot into the 18-feet deep water. That was a big bonus for us and made it one of our favorite places to visit in Siargao.

COCONUT PALM FOREST AT THE ”TOP OF THE ROAD.” This is a spot you will likely drive to without even planning on it. On the way to destinations like Pacifico, Tayangban Cave Pool or Mapgpupungko Rock Pool you will pass through an area we called ‘top of the road’. I’m not sure if this is a local/official name or something we came up with but by the end of our month on Siargao Island, we all knew it by this name.

It’s halfway to Magpupungko Rock Pool and you will know when you have arrived. You will veer around a sharp corner after about 30 minutes of driving from General Luna, and all of a sudden, you will be looking out over thousands of coconut trees. I think we pulled the mopeds over to the side of the road almost every time we came here to check it out.

One morning we even came for sunrise. Even though it is not a spot to see the sun come over the horizon, the colors were so beautiful as the light slowly broke out over the palms. The Siargao region is just covered in palms; it has to be the most palm trees per square meter in the Philippines.

MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK POOLS is easily my favorite tourist spot in Siargao. Just a 45-minute moped drive from the main tourist area of General Luna, the rock pools are exposed at low tide and are an awesome spot for hours of exploring and cliff jumping.

This is an epic little area, with coves, caves, and cliff jumping spots aplenty. There are multiple spots to get your backflip on if you are into a bit of a jump. I advise wearing water shoes or just regular shoes like me as the rocks are very jagged and sharp to climb. Make sure you check the tides in advance (they change daily), so that you don’t arrive during high tide. When you get the tides right, this is a truly magical spot and one of my favorite places to visit on Siargao Island.

Santa Monica Pier

Taking the plunge at Magpupungko

Rock Pool

BEAUTIFUL ISLAND-STOPS

GUYAM ISLAND is a tiny island covered in palms. You can walk from one side to the other in about 50 steps. It’s a beautiful little oasis.

DAKU ISLAND is the biggest island of the tour and a great place for a swim and lunch. Small huts line the beach, perfect for chilling in the shade and enjoying a seafood banquet.

NAKED ISLAND is a small sandbar, about 60 feet long, with nothing on it, just a glorious stretch of sand, and a few blades of grass. And yet it’s still a popular stop for taking a dip in the water and enjoying the sun.

Guyam Island

TAK TAK WATERFALL. Heading up to TakTak waterfall in Santa Monica is a full-day adventure to the north part of the island. From General Luna, the waterfall is a 1.5-hour drive but is well worth the effort. We had the waterfall all to ourselves. Cliff jumping, tree jumping, and exploration to the top of the falls were the highlights of the adventure. It’s one of the less touristy things to do in Siargao but definitely worthy of making it into my Siargao travel guide. It’s the only waterfall you will find in Siargao but a pretty damn cool one.

SUGBA LAGOON is one of the most popular things to do in Siargao. It’s a short day trip from General Luna to a spectacular lagoon surrounded by epic mountains. The day trip costs around Php1,500 per person or more if you book it in the tourist area of General Luna.

Sugba Lagoon is about an hour boat ride from Del Carmen or an hour and a half boat ride from General Luna. It is a 4,000-hectare sanctuary, which you will enjoy on the drive in as well as while you hang out in the main lagoon. Activities at Sugba Lagoon include renting a big wood raft, SUP boards, diving board, swimming and relaxing in the café.

SIARGAO NIGHTLIFE — HIT ONE OF THE NIGHTLY PARTIES. We didn’t party too hard on the island but we ventured out for some Siargao nightlife four or five times in the month. One of the most popular things to do in Siargao is to surf during the day and party at night then repeat that every day for the entire trip.

SIARGAO ISLAND HOPPING — GUYAM, DAKU AND NAKED ISLAND. There are so many awesome things to do in Siargao Island but one of the most popular activities is to get off the island and go island hopping from Siargao. There are three beautiful islands only a short long-tail boat trip away from General Luna, which is the tourist part of Siargao. Guyam Island, Daku Island, and Naked Island are the three stops along the tour, which includes pick-up, dropoff, and a seafood lunch. The whole Mindanao region is covered with beautiful islands.

WAVE HELLO Siargao’s popular surf breaks

CLOUD 9. This is the most famous surf break in Siargao and has some nice barrels. We spent many mornings watching the experts carve it up from the three-story hut that sits out over the water. This wave has single handedly made Siargao the surfing capital of the Philippines.

JACKING HORSE. The most accessible beginner wave on the island. A great spot for learning how to catch a wave but often crowded with surf lessons and it has a strong tide. Lots of paddling if you aren’t a gun. Some of the local longboarders tear it up here. Stimpys: A consistent left-hander, which is a great place for short-boarders to have a little fun.

PACIFICO. Although it’s a long drive (up to an hour) from General Luna, at Pacifico, you will find some of the biggest surf in Siargao.

ROCK ISLAND. Take the boat out for a fast-moving right-hander. Best for experienced surfers.

GUYAM (SECRET BEACH): Head on past the trespassing signs and enjoy small rolling waves, great for beginners. It’s about 30 minutes from General Luna.

For Jackson Groves’ complete bucket list, visit www. journeyera.com. Follow him on Instagram

Our insider Jackson Groves with Guyam Island in the distance

Surfing Temple

Experience real island living in a dreamy detached villa surrounded by tall palm trees

In a nutshell: Island living in a detached, airy, and spacious villa surrounded by tall palm trees, tropical vegetation, complete with a glorious, nature wrapped swimming pool. What’s more, you’re only a minute away from the beach and one of the best surfing spots in the world, Cloud 9. General Luna, where all the trendy spots are located, from restaurants, bars, to shops, is only three minutes away. So get out of your stiff work wear, and slip into your floaty summer dress and Havaianas, don your hat and shades, and get ready to enjoy sun, sea, and tequila (or whatever you fancy).

Rooms

The hotel has five modern detached villas, with a wood panelled ceiling and wall, glass sliding door leading to the private terrace. No matter which one you book, expect your accommodation to be beautifully designed and equipped with a beautiful semi-outdoor bathroom, aircon, mini bar. Surfing Temple also has an infinity pool, restaurant specialising in Spanish-inspired dishes, and a shop highlighting local brands.

Not to miss on the menu

Everything is homemade even the bread – all using locally-sourced ingredients that support local farmers and producers. Must-try dishes are the pulpo frito, delicious fried octopus, for your starter, followed by the Wagyu steak tartare or the slow cooked pancetta, and for dessert, the Hottie Cookie. A three-course meal will set you back Php700-900.

How much?

Book a room from Php8,500 per night, breakfast included.

The glorious pool surrounded by greenery

Below, from left: Tropical vibes in all the rooms; for breakfast, try the spinach baked eggs; and L'entrecôte

Surfing Temple, Barangay Catangnan, Siargao Island, tel +63

LUNaRES CaFé

The best Italian coffee and pastries in all of Siargao

SETTING. Located along Tourism Road, the center of nightlifeon the island with its restaurants, bars, and shops, is Lunares Café, a modern, open-space café that serves great coffee and delicious pastries.

Food a N d d ri N k. Stop by for the best flat white, espresso, macchiato or cappuccino, and delicious, freshly baked croissant, served plain, with jam or Nutella, or ham and cheese. For lunch or a snack, order a focaccia with toppings of pesto e Gamberetti with shrimps, tomatoes and mayo or try it with parma ham, mozzarella, tomatoes and lettuce. Cakes and fresh juices are also on the menu. Prices range from Php100 (US$1.75) to Php500.

SERVICE. Warm, friendly, island-style.

VER d ICT. Fantastic location, delicious food and coffee, and an awesome vibe. Plus, it’s just a two-minute walk from the beach.

with jam

Lunares Café is located along Tourism Road, Poblacion 5, General Luna, Siargao Island. For inquiries, you may reach them at +63 936 979 2384, email cafelunares@gmail.com, message them on Facebook and on Instagram

Tagpuan Siargao

Your quiet abode in an action-packed island

TAGPUAN SIARGAO, a gorgeous resort you can rent all to yourself, is near yet so far. Near because it’s close to Siargao’s action and leisure spots; far because the exclusivity makes you feel you’re away from the crowds.

Tagpuan is idyllic. You have a cozy pool enveloped in greens, giving you a sense of being one with nature. The main attraction is the two-storey thatched hut with an all open layout, and a second floor with a balcony. The design is eclectic — part native, part industrial, minimalist. The surfboard chandelier hung by the al fresco dining area — next to the kitchen — is adorable.

The rooms are a tropical abode dream come true. It’s sparsely furnished, bright and airy, with wooden or cement floors. There’s an aircon, mirror, laundry basket, a woven or wooden table and clean bathroom. Rustic blankets draping the all-white bed is a nice touch.

The resort staff — they’re attentive and friendly — can arrange for a hassle-free enjoyment of Siargao Island and transfers (fleet of vehicles include motorbikes). Rate is about Php12,000 (US$210).

Tagpuan Siargao, Tourism Road, Poblacion 3, General Luna, Siargao Island. For inquiries, call +63 945 104 2807, message them on Facebook and on Instagram

Lunares Café's comfy coffee nook

Clockwise from top: Lunares Café owners

Gabriele Di Luna and Sheila Mae Tabares, Italian coffee, al fresco dining area, and croissant

Opening soon: Alon Residences by Tagpuan

Inset, second from left, Tagpuan’s main villa, typical room for a couple, and family rooms

Kalinaw RESORT Siargao

Luxury meets Exclusivity

NESTLED ON SIARGAO

Island, just a short stroll from General Luna's lively scene, Kalinaw Resort is the ultimate in island luxury.

Privacy and exclusivity are top priorities at Kalinaw. Each villa is designed to give you your own space, away from the crowds and other guests. Plus, every villa has a stunning ocean view and a private pool — perfect for a dip whenever you fancy it.

Personalized service elevates your experience to unparalleled heights at Kalinaw, where dedicated butlers anticipate your every need, ensuring a seamless and indulgent escape. Immerse yourself in a world where relaxation knows no bounds, and every whim is effortlessly catered to.

Tranquility permeates every corner of the resort, where meticulously landscaped gardens offer serene sanctuaries for basking in the warmth of the sun, losing yourself in the pages of a good book, or simply savoring a refreshing beverage in blissful seclusion. Its private pocket beach is the perfect place whether you’re in the mood for a cocktail, sun bathing all day long or enjoy the free use of Paddle boards and Kayak.

The resort's modern tropical design seamlessly melds elegance with functionality, with every detail meticulously curated to perfection. From the harmonious interplay of colors and textures to the strategic placement of furnishings, each element exudes sophistication and style, creating an ambiance of timeless allure.

Whether you're seeking a romantic escape or a memorable family retreat, Kalinaw promises an unforgettable experience.

Since it opened in 2007, it's been a favorite for families and honeymooners looking for a private and luxurious experience on Siargao Island.

As for the rooms, there are three types of villas— Pool Deluxe, Pool Suite, and Pavilion Pool — with six villas in total. Prices start at Php24,900 (about US$437) per night.

The Pool Deluxe villa, for example, offers plenty of space with its 92 square meters, super high ceiling and glass doors, a private infinity pool, a balcony with a view, and a comfy bedroom with its own bathroom with both bathtub and shower.

Your stay includes an ‘a la carte’ breakfast, airport transfers, and a welcome drink to help you unwind after your journey.While the resort encourages a retreat from the digital world, complimentary WiFi internet access is available for those wishing to stay connected.

The resort offers a range of amenities, from homemade meals in the private kitchen to special beachside dinners set up and a multitude of spa treatments available directly in your Villa.

No holiday is complete without exploring the iconic landmarks of the region, and Kalinaw is your gateway

to unforgettable experiences. Allow the resort to curate bespoke tours, guiding you to the pristine wonders of Sohoton Cove, the idyllic trio of Siargao islands — Naked, Dako, and Guyam — Sugba Lagoon, and the mesmerizing Magpupungko Rock Pools. You can also embark on an adventure with motorbike rentals for exploring the wonders of Siargao.

For the adventurous at heart, embark on a freediving expedition led by a licensed instructor, immersing yourself in the vibrant underwater world of Siargao's coastal wonders.

To note. And if you're looking for something extra special, keep an eye out for the new in-house spa coming soon.

Treat yourself to a luxurious escape at Kalinaw Resort and discover the true meaning of island paradise.

Kalinaw Siargao, Tourism Road, General Luna, Siargao, Philippines, mobile +63 968 536 5153 Find them on Instagram or visit www.kalinawresort.com

Escape

Rate starts at PHP2,800 with standard inclusions:

Generator on standby

#KEEPSPREADING

Traveling feeds the soul and we quickly learned that life shared with more like-minded individuals from all over the world — makes everything so much better. We first came to life through our food in 2015. What started as a passion project amongst childhood friends has quickly bloomed today into multiple concepts in three major tourist destinations in the Philippines — El Nido, Palawan, Siargao Island, and Boracay Island. From boutique hostels, boutique resorts and villas, curated tours and travel agency, events, parties, shops, restaurant, bars, surf retreats and 360 wellness spaces from yoga to ice bath facilities — all with the aim to redefine hospitality for a community of mindful and modern day traveler by providing high quality accommodation for every budget, creating meaningful connections, cultural immersion and unforgettable experiences to last a lifetime.

EL NIDO, PALAWAN • SIARGAO ISLAND • BORACAY

The resort’s 540-meter beach, facing a marine sanctuary

LUXURY IS A PERFECT BEACH

Giant clams, bottlenose dolphins, and a powdery sand-fringed private beach, are a barefoot stroll away from your room at The Bellevue Resort in Bohol

The Bellevue Resort has one of the finest whitesand beaches on the island

THE DRAW

The 155-room luxury The Bellevue Resort in Bohol faces on its own private beach, looking out to turquoise clear waters of the Cebu Strait, and on its left, the Bohol Sea, fringed by powdery cream sand. From the shore, you could walk several yards before finding the perfect water depth to plunge in for a gentle swim or to just luxuriate in the waters, or if you’re feeling up to it, a snorkel or dive. The area is a temple for free divers. Right on its doorstep is Bohol’s Panglao Reef, and the resort’s marine sanctuary, home to giant clams and a variety of marine life. You also have a fairly good chance of spotting bottle nose dolphins in the resort’s waters. The shallow waters close to shore and smooth sand are great for young families with kids in tow. The shoreline is about 540 meters and the waters are generally calm, protected by surrounding islands. To the east, you have Cebu Island. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Kanlaon in Negros. And you have Siquijor Island to the south.

Kayaking near the resort

LOCATION

The Bellevue Resort is in Barangay Doljo in Panglao Island, just 10 minutes from Bohol’s international airport. Alona Beach with its row of hotels and restaurants is 15 minutes from the resort. It’s near enough for a visit, but far enough so the hotel, cloistered in its ample grounds, feels private and peaceful.

ROOMS

The best room in the house, according to the resort’s managing director, Dustin Chan, is the junior suite at the end of the hotel, because from here you get sea views from the front and side of the room.

Most of the rooms at The Bellevue Resort have enviable sea views.

WHAT NOT TO MISS ON THE MENU

The hotel just opened its Lamian Restaurant, serving modern Filipino food, a fusion of Western and Filipino cuisine. Popular on the menu are the sinigang risotto with beef tadyang (ribs). Sinigang is a Filipino pork or tuna stew, using tamarind as one of the main souring

agents. If you’re a big group, order the traditional lechon, or roast pig, flavoured with herbs and roasted to perfection to produce the crispiest skin. It’s reputed to be the best in Bohol. Other recommended dishes include a takla, 2-inch long black coloured crayfish, a local delicacy, and adobo humba. The adobo norte and humba are sweeter than your usual Filipino adobo — cooked with vinegar, garlic, and soy — and served with salsa.

There are two other outlets in the hotel, the Marea Bar, and Marea Al Fresco Dining.

WHAT’S ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Some 12 minutes from The Bellevue Resort is the Napaling Reef, site of the famous sardine run. Best time to go is during Bohol’s summer, from March to July, to see this amazing wall of fish. For sea turtles, go to Balicasag Island . The resort can organise both sea tours and countryside tours.

Countryside tours cover Bohol’s old churches, a visit to see tarsiers (a cross between lemurs and monkeys, growing from 3.4-6 inches), and

Crystal kayak rowing is a perfect way to spot marine life right in front of the resort

Some of the best diving in the country could be had a few meters from the resort’s beach as well as Napaling Reef, just 12 minutes away

the Chocolate Hills, the centre of the UNESCO Global Geopark , among others. The smooth, conical Chocolate Hills are magnificent to behold, the result of thousands of years of erosion of the limestone on what was once layers of coral reefs traced back 2-5 million years ago.

Bohol was recently added to the list of six UNESCO geoparks in the world. Part of the Geopark, Bohol’s Danajon Double Barrier Reef along the province’s northern coast is one of just six double barrier reefs on earth, offering visitors the chance of seeing 6,000 years of coral growth.

ESSENTIALS

Visit The Bellevue Resort, Barangay Doljo, Panglao Island, Bohol, 6340 Philippines, tel +63 38 422 2222, mobile +63 927 877 4952, email info@thebellevuebohol.com

Visit www.thebellevuebohol.com, on Facebook and on Instagram

Lamian Restaurant

WHAT’S ON AT THE BELLEVUE

The Bellevue Resort’s managing director and owner DUSTIN CHAN on what’s new in Bohol and where the group is headed

Tell us about The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts group

We have four hotels. The Bellevue Manila in Alabang which opened in 2002 was our first deluxe class hotel. From there, we opened The B Hotel Alabang , a three-star boutique businessman’s hotel, followed by our first five-star resort in Bohol, The Bellevue Resort, which

opened in 2012. The B Hotel Quezon City is our newest. We are looking at expanding further in the future to Palawan and Cagayan de Oro.

What’s new at The Bellevue Resort in Bohol?

We’ve just opened Lamian Restaurant and we’ve started to renovate our rooms. Then we’ll work on our restaurants, and the next phase would be to add more guest rooms and more pools to cater to groups as well as individual travellers. We have a kids’ club area, with lots of videos and activities to entertain kids and baby sitting services are also available.

Our Azurea Spa offers traditional Filipino hilot (massage) or shiatsu which you can have at the spa or in your room, just before bedtime so you feel truly relaxed. Our gym is fully equipped and is near the beach.

Back in 2012, we were one of the first big hotels in the area. We started as a family business. We try to be the bench mark, the preferred hotel in the market.

As a group, we might expand into phase 2, looking at developing lifestyle malls. We have started construction of phase 1 of the Heritage Malls in Alona.

Tell us about your farm projects in Bohol.

At The Bellevue Resort, we do our own recycling and are committed to sustainable tourism practices. We own vegetable and fruit farms, growing mostly organic produce, to serve the food needs of the resort. One farm is located just across from the resort and the other one is about seven kilometres away. We also have a pig farm and recently we acquired a new property in the middle of Bohol, an 8-hectare cacao farm. It’s forecast that there will be a growing demand for cacao and Bohol yields the best quality cacao. We are also helping our community with the opening of a pre-school, the Bellevue Mission School, ran by missionaries to teach children in the area to read and write.

How is tourism in Bohol right now?

Lately we are getting more European visitors. There are still a lot of Koreans visiting Bohol, but they tend to stay in dive hotels, the budget end.

The international market is now gaining momentum. There are still a lot of local tourists as more people are finding out that Bohol is value for money, convenient to get to and explore, and that there are plenty of things to do here. More hotels and tourism establishments are opening up to accommodate tourism growth.

Best time to visit Bohol?

There is really no bad time to book. You have the luxury of sunshine year round. I’d say avoid the rainy season which is usually December to January, but this year, we experienced few rains. When it’s rainy in Manila, it’s nice and sunny in Bohol. The rainy season in Manila is from June to August, which is the best time to be in Bohol.

Dustin Chan

RIO VERDE

FLOATING RESTAURANT

A whole-of-Bohol dining experience

HE DINING TABLE. Rio Verde Floating Restaurant provides a whole-of-Bohol dining experience—a must-tick-off in every tourist’s bucket list. What the restaurant offers is a unique dining experience onboard a custom barge, designed to treat the senses — the palate for Boholano specialties, and the eyes for magnificent views of Loay River, surrounded by nipa forests and thriving in marine life. The subtle sound of animals like birds as you cruise and dine are music to the ears.

Onboard, it’s a cohesive all-native look and feel, from dining table to décor. Woven chandeliers, the buffet table setup using weave pot containers, greens and more weaves as accent are what you’ll see. The floating restaurant is wood everywhere, with hardwood floors giving the barge a sense of a proper dining hall. Before boarding, there is an eye candy of a welcome arc — very Instagrammable.

Rio Verde has been a Bohol mainstay for quite some time now. It opened in October 2005, and has since been a tourist attraction in itself. Rio Verde, which translates to Green River (Loay’s greenish color, which reflects the surrounding greenery, inspired the restaurant’s name), is the owners’ response to the growing interest in eco-tourism and cultural immersion among travelers visiting Bohol.

If one day you come and dine, expect to have a good meal while basking in a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

THE MENU. Fresh seafood and local cuisine are the central theme of Rio Verde’s menu given its proximity to bodies of water and sheer dedication to offer the best Bohol cuisine. Ingredients are locally sourced from farmers and fishing folks, while some are imported to make way for global-inspired creations.

Must tries are the tinolang manok bisaya, a soup dish of native chicken cooked with green papaya, malunggay leaves and aromatics; ginataang lambay, mud crabs cooked in coconut milk and spices; pork humba, a sweet and savory pork dish that originated in Bohol; and native rice cakes.

TO NOTE. Rio Verde is strategically located, close to tourist spots. It’s also big on environmental sustainability practices (use of renewable energy sources, minimizing waste, recycling and supporting local environmental initiatives, contributing to a more sustainable food system).

Rio Verde Floating Restaurant, Poblacion Ubos, Loay, Bohol, Philippines,

The best way to see Bohol is on a river cruise, along Loay River, enjoying views of nipa forests and the sound of bird calls. Lunch is mainly seafood and local cuisine. Think mud crabs and the best chicken stew. Inset, Loay River in all its beauty

Donatela Resort and Sanctuary

Luxurious villas in their own private gardens make for a perfect tropical getaway near Panglao island's beautiful Alona Beach

DONATELA RESORT & Sanctuary, on the beautiful beach paradise island of Panglao, was built with nature in mind. The 12 luxurious villas were created to blend into almost eight hectares of stunning botanical garden, giving every guest plenty of private space without sacrificing taste and comfort.

The resort is an easy 10-minute ride from the new Tagbilaran airport and five minutes from Panglao’s Dumaluan Beach to the east. The Donatela team can easily arrange tours land and water tours, including tours to Virgin Island and Balicasag for turtle spotting, diving, and snorkelling. The hotel can also help you arrange PADI-certified scuba diving with approved outside providers.

Donatela is perfectly positioned for all of this... and more. The resort’s 12 beautiful villas — all with WiFi, TV, and bluetooth music system — are open-plan and have dramatic beamed ceilings, as well as a private garden from 300 to 500 sq m.

The Garden Villas (prices start from around Php15,000 a night for two) are 56 sq m and have a private terrace. The 100 sq m Family Villas have two connected bedrooms and room for four people. For that very special occasion, Donatela has a Honeymoon Villa which offers the ultimate romantic experience. There are also three impressive Pool Villas, each 120 sq m, set in private gardens near Paprika, the resort’s contemporary, cliffside fine dining restaurant. It has panoramic views across the Bohol Sea and

Clockwise from top left: Horseback riding, Donatela’s pool bar; overlooking the expansive pool and elaborate gardens. Tropika is the contemporary outdoor lounge area by the pool site that lets you enjoy luxury service at the very heart of nature. Enjoy wide selection of international and local cuisine in the middle of botanic garden whilst relaxing by the poolside haven

The Pool Villas are set alongside Tropika and hidden within their own impressive surroundings of waterfalls and native orchards.

The distinctive canopy roof and mahogany louvres set these 3 Villas apart, and remain unparalleled in the Island

a menu that offers a taste of the world.

If it’s serious pampering you’re after look no further than Donatela’s The Spa Village, which has four charming spa bungalows nestled around a central lounge area set in a botanical water garden.

And Donatela offers the perfect setting for weddings, corporate events, birthday celebrations, anniversaries and family events. All events are completely tailormade by Donatela’s expert staff. For inquiries, contact Donatela Resort & Sanctuary and start making memories that will last a lifetime.

For in-house activities and pampering, try Donatela’s massage, dining at Paprika Restaurant, and riding lessons at the hotel’s equestrian centre.

EXCLUSIVE PACKAGES

Enjoy 10-15% off when you book directly on the hotel website. Take advantage of the Amore by the Sea package rate for two, including an intimate lunch or sunset dinner at Paprika Restaurant or at The Cove. For more information, visit www.donatelaresort.com

La Vara

Pizzas and more from scratch in a camp-inspired setting

A VARA, OR “In Summer” in Romanian, melds the exciting concept of the great outdoors into its restaurant. Tucked in a quieter part of Panglao in Bohol, not far from the island’s beaches, what you get dining in this unique place are enjoyable flavors from around the world with a twist, served to you on your teepee covered table, and drinks whipped from a bus-cumbar. A picturesque pond makes the “culinary campsite” even more breathtaking.

The food is as exciting as the setting. The chefs create dishes with a twist, and from scratch, so expect to taste delicious pizzas, burgers and rice dishes unique to La Vara. Imagine the pasta noodles and pizza dough being made from the barest of ingredients.

Must tries are the new items on the menu: Crispy Ham Knuckle with Apple Vinegar Dressing, which infuses the flavors of ham hock into crispy pork knuckle; and the Smoked Whole Boneless Chicken, which is packed with creamy potato puree served on top of garlic mac and cheese. La Vara's dishes ranges from Php280 (about US$5) to Php2,700.

Find

TThai Lang

A taste of Thailand in Bohol

HAI LANG, SMACK in the heart of Panglao, Bohol, close to Alona Beach, is a cheery restaurant that takes you straight to Thailand. It’s minimalist, bright and airy, with well-placed plants, lighting fixtures, and minor touches reminiscent of the land of the free.

At Thai Lang, expect a culinary treat, particularly Thai food with a twist, and fresh and innovative Filipino approach to classic recipes. The restaurant has a tall order on ingredients, sourcing the finest produce from local suppliers, and flying in spices from where they come best.

The menu is a treasure trove of culinary delights, from rich and creamy coconut curries, tangy and spicy salads, to fragrant stir-fries. Among the items not to miss is the Pad Thai, a delightful symphony of sweet, savory and tangy notes, each bite a harmonious blend of tender noodles, succulent shrimp or chicken, crisp veggies and crushed peanuts. The sampler platter is a mishmash of everything good in one basket: fried spring rolls, green papaya salad, crispy pork belly and satay. Thai Lang dishes ranges from Php149 (about US$3) to Php1,299.

Thai Lang is along Alona Beach Road, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines, mobile: +63 929 563 9417. Visit them on Facebook

La Vara is located at Purok1, Doljo, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines, mobile: +63 967 624 0419

them on Facebook

Clockwise from top left: Barbacoa latina; La Vara exterior; crispy ham knuckle with apple vinegar dip; chicken and chorizo paella; and Tex-Mex nacho bake

Yellow pork curry

Thai fried rice Green papaya salad

Shrimp pad thai Fresh spring rolls

Thai Lang's minimalist, bright and airy interior

TOP THINGS TO DO IN

BOHOL

Get ready for the thrill of your life, from dolphin and whale watching to kayaking with thousands of fireflies along a river

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY

CHRISTIAN L. SANGOYO

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH BY THE INFLIGHT TEAM

MAP ILLUSTRATIONS BY

JOCAS A. SEE

Chocolate Hills

Enjoy a lunch buffet on a Loboc River Cruise 01

CRUISE ALONG LOBOC River while enjoying a lunch buffet, serenaded by a local band. Lunch usually consists of Filipino dishes such as roast pork belly, chop suey, pancit noodle dish, and adobong pusit (squid). There’s cultural entertainment, too as the raft stops by the part of the river where locals perform traditional dances on floating platforms. If you’re game enough, you can join in the dance. Next stop is Busay Falls, before turning back to where the raft departed.

Bohol Island Tour offers Bohol countryside tours, which include the Loboc River Cruise. Tour rates start at Php3,000 (about US$52), plus an additional cruise and buffet fee of Php850.00. Visit them on Facebook

Loboc River LOBOC

See Bohol’s endangered Tarsiers 02

THERE ARE ONLY four countries in the world where you can find tarsiers and the Philippines is one of them. Locally known as mawumag , Bohol’s tarsiers are one of the smallest primates in the world. They grow to about three to six inches, are characterised by their huge eyes, and can usually be found clinging to a tree.

Visit tarsiers at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary (on Facebook) in Corella, Bohol. This is the official sanctuary supported by the Philippine government so you are assured tarsiers are kept in ideal conditions

03 Go kayaking to watch fireflies light up the mangrove forest

AS TWILIGHT DESCENDS, kayak along Abatan River, north of Bohol’s capital, Tagbilaran City, for a chance to see thousands of fireflies lighting up the mangrove forest. Boat tours on traditional bandong or motorised outrigger boats are also available. Just before the cruise, passengers are encouraged to walk through white smoke coming from a clay pot, a local palina ritual, similar to smudging, to protect against malevolent spirits. After the cruise, enjoy dinner by the river.

Bohol Island Tour offers evening firefly tours along Abatan River. Rates are from Php2,500. Kayak rentals are from Php800. Visit them on Facebook

04 Explore Bohol’s churches from the 1500s

THE SPANIARDS ARRIVED in Bohol during the 1500s, building massive stone churches to spread Christianity. There are at least 15 Spanish colonial era churches throughout the province — 10 declared National Cultural Treasures by the National Museum — and eight churches built in the Baroque tradition. These churches are characterized by rough, thick, and unpainted coral stone walls quarried from the nearby reefs. One in particular, the Alburquerque Church, even has massive tree trunks as columns.

Bohol Car Van Rentals & Tour offers vans for hire for getting around Bohol. Rates start at Php3,000, not including petrol. Visit them on Facebook

Tarsiers, one of the smallest primates in the world PHOTO:

Explore mystical Lamanok Island 05

THE MYSTICAL ISLAND of Lamanok (also Lamanoc) in Anda, east of Tagbilaran City, not only gives visitors a glimpse into the old folks’ belief in ancient spirit worship, it is also the seat of Bohol’s civilisation as it holds artefacts and burial sites of ancient settlers preserved in its caves. Part of the Bohol Island UNESCO Geopark, Lamanok Island lies on limestone deposits formed hundreds of thousands of years ago. Some of the paintings on the island’s cave walls were made with bare hands by ancient settlers and date back thousands of years ago. Large fossils such as shells are evident on the cave walls. There are five caves on the island, bearing burial coffins, old broken earthenware jars, cave paintings, and giant clams, also believed to be vessels used by old Boholano baylans or shamans for ritual offerings to ensure bountiful harvest. Old folks’ tale talk of a witch setting up residence in one of the caves.

Lamanoc Information Center holds guided Lamanok Island tours which lasts for three hours. Rates start at Php300, visit www. boholtourismph.com. Anda White Beach also offers combined tours to Lamanoc Island, Quinale Beach, and Cabagnow Cave pool. Rates start at Php1,500 for two

Lumanoc Island

ANDA

Go beach hopping 06

BOHOL IS BLESSED with with a number of white sandy beaches, the most popular of which are located on the southwestern island of Panglao, about 30 minutes from Tagbilaran, the province’s city center. There are at least 13 beaches in the area, from secluded getaways like Doljo Beach to the popular Alona Beach with its rows of resorts, bars and restaurants. Bohol’s Bolod Beach, Doljo, and Bagobo Beach have powdery white sand to rival the famous white sand beach of Boracay in Aklan province.

Bohol Island Tour offers van tours around Panglao Island. Tours to various beaches can be arranged. Rates start at Php2,500. Visit them on Facebook

Secluded Doljo

Beach

07

Island hop and go dolphin watching

GO ISLAND-HOPPING in Panglao, stopping by Pontod Island and Balicasag which usually takes about half a day by outrigger boat or banca. Depending on the tides, Pontod Island, more popularly known as Virgin Island, is usually the first on most tours. It’s a tadpoleshaped islet with two sandbars extending out from both ends. The island is quite bare, except for a copse of trees where they have erected a religious shrine. Next stop is Balicasag Island marine sanctuary, off the tip of Panglao Reef, a paradise for divers and snorkelers. It is home to 50-meter submarine cliffs covered by vibrantly colored corals and serves as a vital habitat for various fishes, turtles, and dolphins. In December or January, there’s a chance of spotting hammerhead and whale sharks and the blue whale. Balicasag is surrounded by pristine white sandy beaches. On the way to these two islets, you might spot a dolphin or two tailing your outrigger boat. The area is excellent for spotting bottlenose dolphins. If you have the time, arrange to head to Pamilacan Island, south of Bohol Island, one of the best places for dolphin and whale watching in Bohol. Best time to see them is at dawn or dusk.

Bohol Island Tour offers half-day island hopping tours around Panglao Island, starting early morning. Rates are from Php2,800

Freediving and a sardine run

NAPALING REEF, with its 25-meter coral wall, is famous for its sardine run and as a freediving haven for all skill levels. The reef is about eight meters from shore, giving easy access to beginners. The depth can plunge to about 130 meters, only a hundred or so meters from the shore, making the area popular for freediving courses and tours. To witness the sardine run, start out early in the morning to see sardine shoals, spotted almost year-round. The coral wall is home to several species of fish and corals. Those spotted include jackfish, barracudas, tunas, green sea turtles, and sometimes eagle rays and manta rays. Whale Sharks have also been spotted. The western portion of Panglao Island and the eastern portion of mainland Bohol, including Anda and Guindulman are home to several dive spots. Another interesting town to visit is Lila for whale shark tours.

For dive tours, contact The Bellevue Bohol (See cover story) Bohol Divers Club arranges dive tours from Php1,500. Visit them on Facebook

Pontod Island or Virgin Island

Go swimming in the waters of Hinagdanan Cave 09

HINAGDANAN CAVE on Panglao Island is one of the most magnificent caves in Bohol. It has a crystal-clear freshwater lagoon and hanging from its ceiling, hundreds of stalactites like sparkling chandeliers. Zenithal openings adds to the cave’s visual display, allowing natural light to stream in. Take a quick dip in the lagoon and float as you enjoy the spectacle above and around you. The lagoon’s water reaches depths of 10-12 meters.

Bohol Island Tour arranges Panglao Island tours, which include a visit to Hinagdanan Cave. Rates start from Php2,500

See Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, just because… 10

YOU HAVEN’T SEEN Bohol until you’ve seen its iconic Chocolate Hills, over 1,000 conical hills resembling mounds of chocolate, a landscape truly unique to the province. The hills are made up of limestone, which have eroded over thousands of years. These karstic hills, at the centre of the Bohol Island UNESCO Geopark, are spread across three towns of Bohol — Batuan, Carmen, and Sagbayan. You can view them from Carmen View Deck and the Sagbayan Peak. Or you could head to the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP) to ride bike ziplines and see the hills from a good height. All terrain vehicles can be rented out for a guided tour around the hills.

Bohol Island Tour offers Bohol Countryside Tours which include a stop at the Carmen View Deck. Tour rates start from Php3,000. Chocolate Hills Adventure Park fees start at Php80.00. Visit www. chocolatehillsadventurepark.com

Bohol’s conicalshaped hills

Hinagdanan Cave

Quinale Beach

Bohol’s finest white-sand beach

UINALE BEACH IS often hailed as Bohol’s finest white-sand beach. Its four-kilometre shoreline is fringed by milk powder sand, and dotted by coconut trees, its waters gin clear. There are resorts on the western end of the beach, but on the whole it’s not yet overrun by tourists.

Best Time To Go: Since Quinale Beach faces southwest, visit during the early part of the year —from January to May — to avoid the rains and for calmer waters.

Where to Stay: There are resorts that front Quinale Beach, from simple resorts (Rose Apartments) with a price range of less than a thousand pesos to four-star resorts (Amun Ini Beach Resort & Spa).

How to Get There: There are buses and vans that ply the Tagbilaran-Anda route. These can be found at the

Dao Integrated Bus Terminal near Island City Mall. Fare is about Php100.00 to Php130.00 and travel time is about two to three hours.

Quinale Beach

ANDA

Pretty Quinale Beach

Where to Eat IN BOHOL

Guiseppe Pizzeria & Sicilian Roast Bohol

Why go? Visiting — or revisiting — one of the longest-standing pasta and pizza places in Bohol is reason alone. And as the saying goes: go where the locals go.

Order this: The wood-fired pizzas! And the “bold-flavored” spaghetti Bolognese, the Ravioli Spinaci e Ricotta, and gelato or cult favorite Tortino di Cioccolato for dessert. There’s a selection of fine wines you can choose from and pair with your meal.

Visit them on Facebook, +63 917 625 5582

Labing Maayo Resto Panglao

Why go? For delicious Filipino and international fair served beachfront, right by Alona Beach.

Order this: The pastas are a favorite. Some hot items on the menu include the smokey pork belly served with a dipping sauce, beef with pepper sauce, and chicken wings with chilli and sweet chilli pineapple sauces.

Visit them on Facebook, +63 966 155 9566

La Vara

Why go? For its unique outdoor seating. You get to eat in your own private tent, furnished with a low table and seat cushions, Japanese style. Drinks are served from a bus turned bar.

Order this: Try the crispy ham knuckle with apple vinegar dressing, crispy pork knuckle that tastes like ham hock; smoked whole boneless chicken packed with creamy potato puree served with garlic mac and cheese; and spaghetti with meatballs, which you can pair with taro smoothie or taro milk tea.

Visit them on Facebook, +63 967 624 0419

Rio Verde Floating Restaurant

Why Go? For a total feast of the senses. You get to enjoy scrumptious Boholano delicacies as you cruise Bohol’s Loay River. The restaurant is on a barge.

Order this: Fresh seafood like ginataang lambay, mud crabs cooked in coconut milk and spices; authentic local dishes such as tinolang manok bisaya, a soup dish of native chicken cooked with green papaya, malunggay leaves and aromatics, and native rice cakes are a must try.

Visit them on Facebook, +63 966 165 1162

Sisa Bistro

Why Go? Because the restaurant’s claim that it’s place for “crazy good Filipino food” is not an overstatement. Sisa Bistro is also a beautiful and fun place.

Order this: Plenty of good mainstays like the Corazon or banana heart cooked in coconut milk, pork adobo and tinolang tahong (mussel soup), and the newest item on the menu, Tomas, deboned chicken thigh cooked in classic Filipino lechon sauce and spices. Beat the heat with the refreshing Purita, a salad made of fresh seaweed, cucumber and mangoes topped with dried squid, and tossed in coconut vinegar.

Visit them on Facebook, +63 920 486 9817

Sun’s Café

Why go? This café is all things charming, from its location near the sea, to its array of comfort food — salads, pasta, burgers and rice bowls.

Order this: Patrons always come back for the tacos chicken, Caesar salad, juicy beef burgers, chicken breast rice bowls, and spicy shrimp pasta. They’re also big on breakfast.

Thai Lang

Why go? For Thai food with a twist. Plus, you’ll be transported to Thailand, when really you’re in a serene garden restaurant close to world-renowned Alona Beach in Panglao.

Order this: Creamy coconut curries, tangy and spicy salads, and stirfries. Don’t miss the Pad Thai and the sample platter — fried spring rolls, green papaya salad, crispy pork belly and satay in one good-forsharing serving.

Visit them on Facebook, +63 956 199 6921

La Vara’’s paella

Lambing Maayo’s kare kareng bagnet

Thai Lang’s shrimp pad thai

Sun’s Café’s crispy fish burger

A bird’s-eye-view of Coron’s famous Twin Lagoon limestone cliffs. This is where warm sea water from the open sea and the cooler waters from the subterranean river meet

TAKE ME TO... TWIN LAGOON, CORON

World-famous Twin Lagoon, with its crystal clear waters and limestone cliffs, is every traveler’s dream

BY CRISTIAN MABAN PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER HASENAUER

CORON, LOCATED ON the northern tip of Palawan, is the jump-off point for the world-famous Twin Lagoon. This pair of dazzling turquoise lagoons set against a backdrop of vertical karst walls is every traveler’s dream. The ‘dry’ summer months, around February to March, are the best time to visit to enjoy sunny days and clear, blue waters. Make sure to include Coron on your island itinerary.

HOW TO GET THERE

Local carriers like Philippine Airlines (www.philippineairlines.com) fly from Manila to Busuanga, where you book a van to take you to Coron town, the jump off point to the various islands of Bacuit Bay archipelago. The town itself has hotels and resorts, and restaurants and is the hub for arranging tours. From Clark in Pampanga, Sunlight Air (www.sunlightair. ph) has flights to Busuanga.

GETTING AROUND

Depending on which part of Coron you’re staying, it’s relatively easy to get around town by tricycle or van. Island hopping tours are also available daily, weather permitting. Boat tours take you to Coron’s

many beautiful islands, beaches, and spots like Twin Lagoon.

For tours, visit JY Travel and Tours on Facebook

WHAT TO DO

Swim, kayak or if you’re game to do it — guides usually offer to help with this — float under the outriggers of your boat or banca, gliding along the waters as you lie on your back.

At the lagoons, the water temperature at the top is warm and cool below, the result of the water from the sea meeting the cooler water from the subterranean river. And when the motorboat’s engines are off, you get this hauntingly beautiful moment when all you can hear is the lagoon’s incredible acoustics.

For a complete guide on “Top Things to Do in Coron,” visit our digital full screen version at issuu.com, InFlight Traveller Issue 27.

Christopher Hasenauer is a traveler, hiker, and photography enthusiast. For more of his photos, follow him on Instagram

A tropical nest for easy travel

The resort. Tropicasa Coron is the answer to those seeking ease of travel. It’s conveniently located, smack in the city center of Coron Poblacion V Palawan, close to the action — it’s a few minutes’ ride to the port — and essential stops such as restaurants, shops and the town public market. It’s no wonder the resort attracts the young and adventurous crowd from the Asia Pacific region and Europe.

Aptly named Tropicasa, a play on words “tropical” and “casa,” the resort evokes that cheerful topical homey vibe. Creams and taupes dominate the interior; the furniture are made of wood and are comprised of woven pieces; and the natural light seeping in is more than adequate. Plus the resort is practically brand new with its fairly recent opening in September 2023.

The room. The first thing you’ll notice when you open the door to your Tropicasa room is that the look and feel do not deviate from the main areas’ color palette. The room is also in muted pastel, mainly in creams and nudes. This is the same to all of Tropicasa’s 35 rooms, which range from twin deluxe to family loft.

The rooms are straightforward and come with all that you’ll need for a restful stay after immersing in an active day out. There’s airconditioning, hot and cold running water, free toiletries, a dining table and a locker. The bed, draped in all white, is a delight, and so are the windows with a view. There’s a smart tv and free WiFi access in every room. Some rooms have a balcony too.

Breakfast for two is part of your stay except for the family loft where complementary breakfast is for up to four people.

Amenities. The pool is a cozy beauty and you need to practice self-restraint because it can lure you to drop your planned activities and stay put. Other than the pool, you can call in for an in-room or poolside massage. Scrumptious meals are served at the resort’s very own restaurant at the roofdeck, where there are spectacular views of Coron’s famous Mt. Tapyas and the ocean. If all that you need is a cup of coffee or tea, there’s the in house cafe to go to.

Since ease is the name of the game at Tropicasa, tour packages with packed lunches are offered at the resort. On the activities menu are island hopping, diving and ATV rides. Motorcycle rental and resort pick up and drop off may also be arranged.

To note. Tropicasa is pet friendly; it has a lift for elders needing one; housekeeping and laundry services are offered. Room rates are from Php4,500 (about US$79).

Tropicasa Coron is located at 227 National Highway, Brgy. Poblacion, Coron, Palawan, Philippines, mobile +63 917 305 2338, email tropicasacoron@gmail.com. Visit www.tropicasaph.com

ANDOY’S

The Filipino restaurant in Coron with a jeepney

THE DINING TABLE. Andoy’s is a restaurant in Coron, Palawan that walks the talk Filipino. What can be more Filipino than the iconic jeepney repurposed to be incorporated in the main dining area?

On top of the delightful jeepney dining area, the restaurant also has an al fresco dining space.

The restaurant is a new kid on the block, opening its doors only in December 2023. It attracts both local and foreign tourists eager for some downright good Filipino food served in a space that reflects the Filipino aesthetic. At full house, it can accommodate up to 40 people.

Aside from catering to walk-ins, Andoy’s is able to accommodate exclusive events for up to 50 people. Then, guests can have the place all to themselves for a maximum of four hours.

Top, from left, chicken insasal or grilled chicken marinated in lemongrass, local lime and achuete oil; boodle fight, or simply tons of rice topped by local dishes and fruit for sharing across a long table; and sizzling pork sisig with rice

THE MENU. While Filipino specialties make up Andoy’s menu, the restaurant will soon offer live and fresh, cook-as-you-order seafood, a perennial request coming from its foreign customers.

The stellar favorites at Andoy’s are bulalo (boiled beef shank), sizzling dishes, inasal (grills), silog items (fried dishes that come with fried rice and egg), and halo-halo, a Filipino dessert made of crushed ice, fruits, nuts, milk and sweetener. Gambas and squid, mixed seafood and boodle fight (communal feasting on specialties served on banana leaf) are also offered.

Drinks are to try are black gulaman (a drink made of sugar syrup and jello) and seasonal fruit shake.

THE TAB AND STORE HOURS. Dishes range from Php130 (about US$2) to Php1,150. Open from 1pm to 10pm.

Felicidad St., Brgy 1, Coron, Palawan, Philippines, mobile:

AMIRA’S BUCO TART

HAUS CORON

A little place on the island for exceptionally delicious pies and tarts

THE SETTING. A small coffee shop and pasalubong (gift) store in one, well known for its buco tart (coconut tart) and local delicacies. The coffee bar, Café Ynani, uses a manual espresso brewer, and serves good coffee.

WHAT TO BUY. Amira Coron’s buco pie (Php280 per box); egg pie (Php320 per box); buco tart (Php180 for a box of 6), a bestseller at Amira’s Tagaytay branch, is freshly made from tender, young coconut meat; and mango cheese tart. Other recommended buys are the blueberry and strawberry tarts; cheese cake in a small tart version; mantecado; and cashew brittle, caramelised cashew nuts. Other good buys are salabat by Delfa’s, a ginger turmeric drink and the Als Kurap Vinegar from Laguna.

For espresso-based drinks, try the Café Ynani, black and white coffee, caramel latté, Spanish latté, and honey cinnamon oat.

Amira’s Buco Tart Haus Coron, Felicidad Street, Barangay 1 Poblacion, Coron, Palawan, tel +63 977 014 2341. Find them on Facebook

Clockwise from top left: Café Ynani’s coffee nook; mango cheese tart; get all your delicious pasalubong here; Amira’s staff and owners with our InFlight Traveller team; Amira’s buco tart

Unforgettable views, a beautiful terrace, swimming pool, great food, scuba diving and massage… enjoy a natural high at this stunning hilltop hotel!

JY TRAVEL & TOURS

ORON IS A GEM for travelers who seek adventure, more specifically, underwater rock formations, lakes with thermocline zone, shipwrecks, long white sand beaches, lagoons, hotspring, and a lot more. Coron offers a diverse and non-exhaustive list of fun and adventure. Once you are there, you wouldn’t want to leave. JY Travel and Tours is a pioneer local tour operator in Coron, Palawan. It started operating more than a decade ago, when coron was still a hidden paradise.

The owners, Emily Yong and Sonny Yap Yong, saw the potential and were one of the few who spearheaded the promotion of Coron to local and foreign tourists. Since then, it has acquired assets that enabled it to be at the top of its game. As of now, it is one of the biggest tour operators in Coron with 3 accommodations, 15 boats, 5 vans, 1 coasters, and over a hundred work force. Subsequently, it has expanded its offers of local excursions to further promote the Philippines. JY Travel and Tours sets itself apart from its competitors through

Fun in Coron:

Clockwise from top left, Mt. Tapyas in the distance, kayaking amidst limestone cliffs, at Kayangan Lake, buffet lunch, at Kayangan, and feeding the giraffes at Calauit Safari Park

a low-cost yet quality all-in land arrangement. The package comes with all the neccessities of a traveler for a hassle-free vacation: from the roundtrip airport transfers, to tours with buffet lunch, accommodations with breakfast, guide fees and entrance fees. No hidden fees at all. Apart from that, its tour guides are DOT-accredited with years of experience, ensuring a safe, fun, and educational tour. Travel with us for a smooth-sailing trip of a lifetime.

Biryani Kitchen

Best for authentic, homestyle Indian cuisine on the island

RUN BY ITS Mumbai-born chef/owner

Vaibhav Deshpande, Biryani Kitchen serves only authentic homestyle Indian cuisine. This open-space restaurant has a casual and relaxed ambiance that gives you an island vibe. It is located at the heart of El Nido town proper.

FOOD. Must-try dishes include their signature biryanis, a classic dish of aromatic Basmati rice with slow-cooked meat or vegetable, gravy, and spices. They have four flavors to choose from: mutton, shrimp, chicken, and vegetables. You may also try their special thali — a traditional and complete meal that includes a variety of dishes served on a single platter.

Other crowd-favorites are the flavorful chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, chicken korma, mutton masala, prawns curry, and for vegetarian

From top left, thali or meal platter and chicken biryani

Bottom, from left: chicken tikka masala, mixed vegetables masala, butter chicken, chana masala, dal fry, and lassi

and healthy eaters, there are palak paneer, paneer tikka masala, mixed vegetable masala, and cashew curry. To finish your meal, make sure to order the hot chai masala, a creamy black tea that is a delicious balance of spicy and sweet, or lassi, a traditional yogurtbased beverage drink. A dish here costs from Php400 to Php600.

SERVICE. Efficient, with good old island-style hospitality.

VERDICT. Biryani Kitchen offers a unique taste to your island experience. Next time you're in El Nido, make sure to go off the beaten path (beachfront that is) and explore the gem of a restaurant. Delicious, authentic food paired with good service all the way, you'll surely want to come back for more.

Kitchen El Nido is located at Abdulla Street, Barangay Masagana, El

krizobel.deshpande@gmail.com

Find

Biryani

Nido, Palawan, tel

OPPA Korean Kitchen & Dryft Fish

Best for Korean fusion cuisine in the heart of El Nido Town

Best for: All things Korean. OPPA Korean Kitchen & Dryft Fish, a Korean-fusion bistro, often packed with locals and tourists, is right on the corner of El Nido’s busy Calle Hama.

Order this: Whether you love your Korean noodles, rice bowl, kimchi, and that moreish sweet and spicy tofu, this is the place for delicious Korean food. Must try dishes include dumplings, OPPA’s kimchi loaded nachos, and the Spam kimchi fried rice, and the bestselling beef bulgogi cheesesteak . For cocktails, try the kimchi bloody Mary OPPA serves breakfast starting from 8am and try their new breakfast items.

OPPA Korean Kitchen & Dryft Fish

G. Del Pilar corner C. Hama Sts., Masagana, El Nido, Palawan, 5313 Philippines, tel +63 950 829 8672 Find them on Facebook and on Instagram

Clockwise from top left: Sweet and spicy squid rice bowl, kimchi cream cheese toast, breakfast sausage sandwich, bulgogi cheesesteak, and tuna steak taco

Walang Problema indulge

The island lifestyle brand

WALANG PROBLEMA — translated as no problem — epitomises the Filipinos’ happy and laidback spirit. True to its name, Walang Problema, a lifestyle clothing and accessories brand, located in Calle Hama Street and Town Square in El Nido, Palawan, encapsulates the fun, and happy vibe of the island and its people. Stop by to browse its array of casual and vibrant island wear, from cotton t-shirts, skirts, shorts, pants, jewelry, caps, bags, caps and hats to home gadgets and toys.

“We try to make, or at least, customize all our products in the Philippines. We work with local tailors and printers, and all the jewelry are handmade by ourselves or by some talented local artists such as Kaingud Crafts, Noriel Skinny Payat, Baja Traditions, among others” said owner Laura Botella.

Best of all, the shop offers personalized customization. If you want a regular-sized t-shirt shortened into a tank top or a cropped top, the shop can do it on site. They can alter any clothing to suit your size and style. Colors of bracelets and necklaces can be modified.

Walang Problema just opened a new shop at Town Square, Sitio Caalan, El Nido. Opening hours for both the Hama and Caalan shops are from 8am to midnight.

Clockwise from top: Walang Problema encapsulates the fun and happy island vibe; local tailor Annie Costales; fun under the sun with vibrant island wear, toys, and accessories; Walang Problema’s happy vibe shop; and local printer Anthony Serrano

ESSENTIALS

Walang Problema is at Calle Hama, Brgy. Buena Suerte and Town Square, Sitio Caalan, El Nido, Palawan. Visit www.walangproblema.com, tel +63 920 625 6169. Find them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

your ultimate island spa oasis Danaru Spa Boracay

THE SPA. Step into Danaru Spa Boracay and you can be assured of a complete tropical island spa experience. A holistic spa all focused on total relaxation is Danaru Spa’s pride, after all. The spa is sprawling at 3,000sqm, set in a zen garden with a lagoon. Expect to be welcomed at the newly renovated lobby, and as you walk the spa grounds, a sense of tranquility will immediately envelop you. A visit to Boracay is not complete without spending some time in the island’s relaxation haven.

While the hidden oasis is nestled in the quieter part of Boracay in Bolabog Beach, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Bali or Japan as soon as you enter any of its 13 thatched cottages. Each one has a private shower, immaculate bed wrapped in ultra comfortable bedlinen, and a wide range of essential oils to choose from.

THE MENU. You can go for a 60-minute or a 90-minute massage, or go all out on your spa holiday at two hours. On the menu is Tighaw, a full body aromatherapy massage that uses virgin coconut oil and a combination of lavender, sweet orange, peppermint and lemon grass essential oils. The treatment is an instant ticket to massage heaven. The Kalinga Hot Stone Massage relieves strained muscles and soft tissues, a balm if you’re all sore and tired. For this treatment only jojoba oil, which helps moisturize and soften the skin, is used.

Danaru Spa is all about quality and uses only premium jojoba oil in its massages Jojoba is considered the best in the range of massage oils

Above, entrance to the spa. Clockwise from top left, the spa’s lobby, lagoon, signature honey kalamansi juice for guests, and its beautiful zen garden

because of its organic qualities tha leave the skin refreshed, replenished and conditioned sans the oily feeling.

THE SERVICE. Exceptional, hands down. Danarus’ therapists are experienced, well-trained, and have that Filipino flair when it comes to making you feel at ease. If you are no spa newbie, you can tell that each therapist is good at what she does and will be immensely pleased all throughout your spa break.

Danaru Spa Boracay is located at Danaru B/D., Zone 5, Bolabog, Boracay Island, Philippines.

Events+News

Shaking things up in El Nido

InFlight Traveller in partnership with Lagun Resort holds El Nido’s Great Big Cocktail Competition

IT WAS AN EXCITING NIGHT of drinks, music, and flair bartending as El Nido’s top bartenders and mixologists gathered to show off their skills at InFlight Traveller’s El Nido Cocktail Festival late last year. Maremegmeg Resort’s Alvin de los Santos came away with the champion’s trophy. Seda Hotel Lio’s Ruel Lascano was first runner-up and Funny Lion’s Ronnel Zamora was second runner-up. Participants in the competition included Lagun Resort’s Alvert Iglesia.

Counterclockwise, from top: El Nido Cocktail Competition champion Alvin de los Santos of Maremegmeg Resort; from left, competition judges

Anthony White of Sava Bar and Aryana Del Mar, Alvin de los Santos, InFlight Traveller’s sales director Bing Rodriguez, Joy Mendoza, and Flaridel Dizon; competing bartenders; competition judges; from left, Lagun Resort owner Richmond Bicol with Joy Mendoza, Bing Rodriguez, and Anthony White; from left, Maremegmeg Beach Club’s managing director Diego Alvarez with Alvin de los Santos, and Chef Jason Cabanutuan; and InFlight Traveller’s Bing Rodriguez with Aryana Del Mar

A uniquely designed hotel, with some of

the best amenities on the island Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Designed by New York-based architects CAZA Architects, Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay makes a bold statement with its unique paisleyshaped design structure. Most of the resort’s 127 rooms opens out onto a corridor facing the hotel’s swimming pool on the ground floor. It’s pretty much how a riad in Morocco is designed, facing inward towards a central and open, interior courtyard. The center of the hotel is open, allowing natural light to stream in. The hotel’s ground floor is IG-worthy, with lots of places to lounge in and fun activities to choose from. Aside from the pool, there’s the Turf Lounge with its colorful bean bags, a giant chess board, and foosball table; and Station X Food Hall, the hotel’s take on an elevated food court offering multi-cultural dishes.

ROOMS. Take your pick from a deluxe, suite or family room; each one spacious and beautifully-designed, offering international-standard amenities such as a 40inch LED TV, safety deposit box, hairdryer, vanity kit, and complimentary toiletries. What’s more, guests get

Clockwise from top left: Deluxe room, The Suite room, Spectrum Suite, the many dining areas and fun activities you can enjoy in Station X, and. La-ud Restaurant

to enjoy stunning views of the pool below through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

AMENITIES. Just a few steps from the famous White Beach, Hue’s ideal location between Station 2 and 3 puts you at the center of the island’s hub of activities. The resort’s layout is open plan, making it convenient to explore what the resort has to offer. At the heart of the hotel is its picturesque swimming pool. Laze beneath the skies in one of the lounge beds, get a drink from Pool Bar, or dive in the water to cool off. The hotel also has a fitness center and a Hair Salon and Nail Spa. Hue’s LA-UD Restaurant serves delicious Filipino and international dishes.

GOOD TO KNOW. The resort’s Station X brings together a mix of restaurants, bars, and curated boutiques and other retail outlets, highlighting all the best that Boracay has to offer. It’s definitely a must-visit when on the island.

HOW MUCH? An overnight stay starts from Php10,000. Get in touch with Hue Boracay directly to get the best deals and latest promos.