THE PHILIPPINES Dreamy beaches. Majestic mountains. Pulsating cities. Thriving on variety, the Philippines offers a plethora of wonders for every willing wanderer. In case one island doesn’t quite fit the bill, there are over 7,000 more yours to explore. Your journey starts in Manila, the capital city and your gateway to the rest of the country. Showcasing history while embracing modernity, it’s a wonderland of contrasts where you walk on cobblestone streets one minute and be on top of a skyscraper the next. The metropolis bursts with life, providing a proper prelude to the decadent experiences in many undisturbed towns of the tropical archipelago. White, black or pink? Take your pick from beaches in varying shades of splendour - and the sights only get more vibrant underneath the surf. In between cerulean seas, hills, volcanoes, sand dunes and urban jungles provide idyllic settings for more action or relaxation. Like the kaleidoscopic attractions, Philippine culture is just as colourful, having Spanish, Japanese and American influences. Add to that the warmth and effervescence of Filipinos and you’re in for an unforgettable trip from mabuhay (welcome) to goodbye.
1
CHEAT SHEET Capital Manila Climate Rainy Season June to November Dry Season December to May Average Temperature 25°C to 32°C Currency Philippine Peso Exchange Rate PHP43 = USD1 Country Code +63 Languages Filipino, English Population 98 million
INTERNAL IMAGES Page 4 Shark’s Point, Amanpulo-Photo courtesy of Amanresorts. Balesin BeachfrontPhoto courtesy of Bubuy Balangue. Page 5 Punta Bunga Beach, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa. Malipano Beach, The Pearl Farm. Pages 6-7 Tubbataha Reef-Photo courtesy of Adrian Dan. Page 8 Sandbar Dinner, El Nido-Photo courtesy of El Nido Resorts. Page 9 Batanes Landscape-Photo courtesy of Noli Gabilo. Page 10 Hilot Trilogy, Mandala Spa. Outdoor Treatments, The Farm at San Benito. Page 11 Paraw Sailing, Boracay. Sunset Bar, Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Page 12 Ancient Walls, Intramuros. Colonial Street, Vigan. Page 13 Sinulog Festival, Masskara Festival-Photos courtesy of Fritz Charles Efenio. Page 14 Siargao Surfing, Dedon Island. Page 15 Molokini Kayak, Two Seasons Coron. Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club-Photo courtesy of Greg Aguilar. Page 16 Puerto Princesa Underground River.
©Published by Travelite Magazine Company Limited for the Department of Tourism Philippines. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any forms without permission. Travelite Magazine believes that the information herein was obtained from reliable sources, but it does not guarantee its accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and contributors and not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for entries supplied by individuals or companies including but not limited to typographical errors and copyright of all supplied materials.
TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
SUNBATHING SPOTS Deserted beaches in over 7,000 islands. A perfect tropical climate. In the Philippines, you’ll find plenty or lose count of the ways to bask for hours under the sun, feet up and cold drink in hand. Located in one of Palawan’s coral reef-laced isles, Amanpulo’s 5.5 kilometres of white-sand beach has
lured
privacy-seeking
sun-worshippers,
including a handful of Hollywood stars. Sitting on a 500-hectare island in Quezon province, Balesin Island has seven themed resort villages framed by white sands, crystal clear waters and lush rainforests.
4
TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Unwind by day, party by night routines are the norm in Boracay. Away from the island’s merrymaking is Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa’s private beachfront - a haunt for some secluded sun soaking in the same fabled powder-white sands. Samal Island, with its wealth of undisturbed beaches and rich marine life is The Pearl Farm’s sublime location. The nearby Malipano Island is also at hand, with finer beach sands and more tranquil shores.
5
TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Underwater Explorations Whales. Sharks. Whale sharks. Meet all of them, along with hundreds of species of other marine wildlife, when venturing into Philippine oceans. Being an archipelago, the country offers many excellent dive sites. The UNESCO-recognised Tubbataha Reefs National Park promises the ultimate dive with an area of 239,800 acres. It’s a 10-hour boat ride away from the nearest city, so spare a few days to take up residence in the middle of the Sulu Sea.
6
Apo Reef, off the coast of Occidental Mindoro, is another hotspot for dive safaris. It is the second-largest contiguous coral reef system in the world and the largest in the country. Featuring three islands, the area is a sight to behold whether under or above the water. Anilao, Batangas, is also a favourite diving destination with over 40 sites for novices and experts alike. Besides having an exuberant underwater sanctuary, it is only about two hours away from Manila - perfect for a quick weekend trip.
7
STARRY–EYED DINNER If your idea of romance involves a table for two on an isolated sandbar, then El Nido Resort’s private dinner arrangements won’t disappoint. Speedboat transfers, flickering candle lights and all the works included. Add to that a scrumptious selection of the chef’s specialties meant to be shared with your beloved under a bed of stars, and you’ll have a night neither of you will forget.
8
TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
hillside sighTseeing At the northern tip of the Philippines lies a territory that’s nothing short of awe-inspiring. Batanes’ landscape of sloping grasslands, intercepting views of azure waters and clear skies, is what postcards are made of. The best way to go around is by renting a car or a bicycle, dropping by hilltops and lighthouses while meeting friendly Ivatans (locals) along the way. Visit any of the five islands hemmed by stone beaches and jagged cliffs for an afternoon of beachcombing minus the crowd.
9
TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Pampering Fix Beyond relaxation, the Philippine hilot is an art of healing based on a traditional therapeutic ritual. Its modern massage counterpart combines long, deep strokes to soothe and pamper. The serene ambience at The Farm at San Benito completes its Hilot Haplos treatment using freshly made, warm coconut milk, and coconut cream and cocoa scrub. Mandala Spa heals mind, body and spirit with its Hilot Trilogy done in a lush garden setting, only a stone’s throw away from Boracay’s famed white beach.
10
sunset sessions Philippine sunsets have to be seen to be believed. A rather impressive display of colours splashes the skies at each day’s end. It’s all about finding a good spot and letting the day’s worries slip with the sinking of the sun. Watching the colourful sky aboard a traditional paraw sailboat should not be missed when in Boracay. On land, the Manila Bay sunset is best viewed from Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Sunset Bar, cocktails and canapés included.
7
TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Nostalgic Trips While the Philippines is certainly advancing into the future, there are still some parts that seem to have gloriously frozen in time. One of its most well-preserved spots is Vigan, a city of Spanish colonial-style houses and cobblestone streets. Stroll along Calle Crisologo and get lost in its rustic beauty. Old world charm also flourishes within the heart of Manila in Intramuros. Trace back history to the times of conquistadors by visiting Fort Santiago, Casa Manila and San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country.
12
Street Parties Philippine culture thrives on colour. Striking jeepneys (public transportation) and vibrant fiestas (festivals) prove that Filipinos’ lives are just as colourful, believing there’s always a reason to celebrate. Fiestas? There’s one in every town and everyone is invited. Lively dance parades of the Sinulog Festival shake up the streets of Cebu every January as a tribute to the Filipinos’ pagan origins. The Ati-Atihan Festival celebrates the feast of Child Jesus with a mardi gras-like festivity every start of the year in Kalibo, Aklan. Bacolod City comes alive every October with its annual masquerade, the Masskara Festival, honoured with a month’s worth of joyous events.
TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
recreational activities Some travellers like to savour the joy of doing nothing. If you’re the opposite, you’ll be spoiled for choice with engaging attractions. In Siargao, the breaks beckon. Grab a board and join surfers from around the world in negotiating the thick, hollow waves at the now sought-after Cloud 9.
14
If you prefer calmer sea conditions, head to Coron where enchanting limestone formations amid teal lagoons will leave you breathless. Hop from one island to another aboard Two Seasons Coron’s Molokini transparent kayaks to marvel at two worlds at a time. On dry land, tee off at the 18-hole Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club. This exclusive club features a cable car system that takes you to some of the holes and the clubhouse while offering views of Taal Lake, Laguna de Bay and Manila.
15
TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Subterranean Tour There’s something chilling about grazing through a calm river as you enter a large, dark cavern, not knowing what’s ahead or underneath the water. This unique thrill is the exact appeal of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. A tour that takes you through the winding channels, passing through limestone chambers, is a brief voyage to the unknown as there are portions that are yet to be explored.
16
A Travelite Magazine project for It’s More Fun in the Philippines