Philippines

An archipelago of 7, 107 islands stretching from southern China down to the northern tip of Borneo, comprising over a hundred ethnic groups and a mix of foreign influences all of which have created today's Filipino culture.

Essentially an Indo-Malay Chinese community the Philippines became a Spanish colony in the 16th century.  After the Spanish came the Americans, until independence in 1946 after the second world war.   It is the third largest English speaking country in the world, and is divided into three geographical areas; Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  Climate: The typhoon season is usually during the summer months.

The capital of the Philippines is Manilla, the centre of government and commerce, and the northern gateway.  Apart from business travellers, if you choose to stay in Manilla then we recommend the colonial Manilla Hotel.

To the north of Manilla is Luzon, where there are mountain ranges, rapids, volcanoes, rice terraces and the summer capital city of Baguio.  We can arrange a tour of this area.  To the south of Manilla is Visayas where amongst the strings of islands are to be found some of the best beaches in the world and some of the Philippines most romantic hotels.

Palawan has some of the Philippines best natural attractions and here you will find beautiful isolated hotels such as Club Noah-Isabelle, El Nido Miniloc and Pangalusian Resort.  Boracay is a resort in itself with open air bars, pubs and food stalls.  Here there is a selection of places to stay from Paradise Garden, the Lorenzo Resorts, to Friday's Resort.

Cebu is the southern gateway to the Philippines from where it it is possible to travel to nearby Mactan Island, Bohol and the southern area of Mindanao.  On Mactan Island amongst the most recent developments are the Whitesands Beach Resort, Shangri La's Mactan, or the sprawling Plantation Bay.   Off the southwest corner of Cebu Island is the isolated but idyllic resort on Badian Island.  On the northeast coast of Cebu Island is the superb Alegre Beach Resort.  On adjacent Bohol Island is the simply but very hospitable Bohol Beach Club.

Down in the deep south of the Philippines is the island of Mindanao where you will find two of the Philippines most charming hotels.  Around the headland from Dapitan Bay is the secluded Dakak Park & Beach Resort, having beautiful rooms in bamboo cottages.  Not far from Davao City on Samal Island is the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, comprising Samal style houses built on stilts along the shoreline.

We have several highlights tours to cover the Northern or Southern Philippines or for those prepared for a spectacular experience we can arrange an eight day Air Safari around the islands.  Those who prefer to experience the romance of truly remote places should join the Lagoon Explorer for a four or eight day Discovery Cruise.  For the more adventurous there are some Wilderness or Trekking tours.

Being close to Hong Kong and Taiwan the Philippines is an excellent complement, and with flights from Cebu to Singapore and Malaysia can also be part of a multi-centre itinerary.

Northern Highlights Itinerary

Day 01: Early morning depart Manila for Banaue, 360 kms from Manila. Travel north on the Expressway and the Cagayan Valley Road until the town of Bagabag in Nueva Vizcaya where you start to climb to Banaue 1,300 metres above sea level. Late afternoon check in to the Banaue Hotel for dinner and overnight. Witness the Ifugao tribal dances.

Day 02: After breakfast board local Jeepneys for a short ride to a native village reached after a short hike from the main road. Proceed to a local vantage point to view the Banaue Rice terraces, which if placed end to end might reach half way around the world. A visit to a local rmarket is included to view the vast array of handicrafts. Return to the Banaue Hotel.

Day 03: Following breakfast drive inalnd along a winding mountain trail into the hinterland of Bontoc where you will visit the Museum founded by Belgian Sisters. Weather permitting also visit the lfugao Burial Caves in Sagada. Continue along the picturesque winding road to Mount Data for overnight at Mt Data Lodge.

Day 04: After breakfast, subject to weather and road conditions, visit the mummies of the Igorot Tribe on the slopes of Mt Timbak in the town of Kabay-an. Afterwards proceed to the summer capital of Bagulo City for overnight.

Day 05: A morning tour of this lovely city. Afterwards drive down Naguilian Road to the coast for lunch and a swim at La Union. Retum to Manila by the North Expressway.

To complement our Northern Highlights Itinerary we have a Southern Islands Highlights Itinerary, and a lfilgao Trekking & Mangyan Wilderness Experience. Our Discovery Cruise aboard the mJv Lagoon Explorer commences from Busuanga and cruises for 3 nights around the Calamian Islands. Extensions are possible at Club Paradise.

Home | Back