Travelite Magazine Guide to the Philippines

THE PHILIPPINESDreamy 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.

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INTERNAL IMAGES

CHEAT SHEETCapital 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

Shark’s Point, Amanpulo-Photo courtesy of Amanresorts. Balesin Beachfront-

Photo 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.

TEN BEST EXPERIENCES

IN THE PHILIPPINES

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.

SUNBATHING SPOTS

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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.

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TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES

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.

UNdErwATEr ExPLOrATIONS


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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.

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.

STArrY–EYEd dINNEr

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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.

HILLSIdE SIGHTSEEING

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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.

PAmPErING FIx

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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.

SUNSET SESSIONS


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.

NOSTALGIc TrIPS

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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.

STrEET PArTIES

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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.

rEcrEATIONAL AcTIvITIES

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.

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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.

SUBTErrANEAN TOUr

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A Travelite Magazine project for It’s More Fun in the Philippines

Travelite Magazine Guide to the Philippines

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