Tailor Made Holidays in The Philippines: Highlights

Take a ride in a Jeepney

Possibly the ultimate Philippine icon is the Jeepney which were originally fashioned out of American World War II jeeps and other vehicles welded together to provide public transport. Certainly no visit to the Philippines would be complete without a ride in one. All are an assault on the senses but are nonetheless works of art with bright paint jobs, fairy lights, chrome trinkets and almost any other item that can be imagined to decorate the vehicle. Often cramped and uncomfortable, they stop for anyone that hails them down, therefore progress can be a bit slow but they are a fun way to get around and a good place to get chatting to the locals.

 
Climb Taal Volcano

Taal volcano is reputed to be the smallest active volcano in the world but has not erupted since 1965 and is found right in the middle of Taal lake on Luzon. The volcano can be climbed, reaching the hardened black lava slopes by boat. Trekking to the rim will offer a glimpse of the apple green lake inside the crater which interestingly also contains a small island itself.

Read more about: Southern Luzon
 
Explore dramatic El Nido and the Bacuit Archipelago

Found on the northwest coast of the exotic and rugged island of Palawan is the little town of El Nido, the place to head for in order to explore the jagged limestone coastline and stunning islands of the Bacuit archipelago. Nestled amongst these islands are some fantastic places to stay, offering the perfect base for exploration. Crystal clear lagoons, pristine beach coves and stunning limestone karsts rising high above your head are all part of the allure of this place. It goes without saying that the diving and snorkelling are fantastic and an island-hopping trip in search of an isolated cove is unforgettable.

Read more about: Palawan
 
Experience incredible diving

The Philippines is regarded as one of the best diving destinations in Asia offering excellent coral gardens, deeper coral walls and some of the best wreck diving in the world. As you can imagine across the 7000 or so islands there are too many great sites to mention in detail. However it should be noted that good reports frequently come back from El Nido and the Bacuit archipelago, Bohol, Panglao and surrounding islands as well as Mindoro.

Read more about: Bohol and Panglao Island
 
Relax on the tropical island of Boracay

Most people who know a little bit about the Philippines will almost certainly have heard of Boracay, and it is well known for a reason: It is an absolutely picture perfect tropical island. Only 7km long and 1km wide at its narrowest point, it draws many visitorsevery year looking to relax or party on one of its powder-white sand beaches. Most of the island's activities centre around White Beach which offers watersports, a cosmopolitan range of restaurants and plenty of bars and nightlife. Outdoor massages on the beach are very popular and just help to enhance the relaxation enjoyed by visitors.

Read more about: Boracay
 
Stay on Panglao Island

Joined by two bridges to the island of Bohol, the island of Panglao is a quieter and less busy beach destination than the likes of Boracay. With some great places to stay including a couple of excellent boutique properties, Panglao is a wonderful place to relax. Alona beach in the southwest attracts most visitors and offers a perfect base for people keen to dive around the reef off the west coast or around the other islands nearby. Another great aspect of the island is the fact that Bohol is so accessible, offering the Chocolate Hills and plenty of opportunity to learn about the island’s fascinating colonial history.

Read more about: Bohol and Panglao Island
 
Admire the Chocolate Hills of Bohol

Found inland on the island of Bohol are the strange and equally fascinating Chocolate Hills. These 1,000 or so hillocks stretch almost as far as the eye can see and are made all the more surreal as they are all nearly identical. Local legends and scientific explanation for their existence differ of course, but it is agreed that they are a magnificent sight. As for their name, it relates to the lush green vegetation covering the hills turning to a dry chocolate brown as the dry season progresses from December to May.

Read more about: Bohol and Panglao Island
 
See the Hanging Coffins of Sagada

Nestled in the cordilleras in the north of Luzon is the sleepy and charming mountain town of Sagada. With a cooler climate and a landscape of pine trees and rice terraces, it is a laid-back place with good opportunities for walking and exploring the surrounding countryside. However, Sagada is best known for its many limestone caves that have been used for centuries as burial chambers by the local tribal people, who also wedge or pin coffins high up on cliff faces and rock shelves, known as hanging coffins. Even the oldest of coffins are still intact having been made out of incredibly hard local wood.

Read more about: Banaue and Northern Luzon
 
Admire the rice terraces at Banaue

Found about 300 km north of Manila is the town of Banaue, and just getting there is spectacular in itself as the mountains of the Cordillera rise from the plains of southern Luzon. This journey is worth every minute as the 2,000 year old rice terraces of Banaue are unforgettable. The rice terraces around the town itself are vast and pyramid shaped, and it is also well worth taking the opportunity to explore surrounding villages in order to wander amongst the terraces themselves. Furthermore, the appearance of the terraces constantly changes throughout the year from reflective mirrors of water before the planting through lush green to a beautiful gold when ready for harvesting.

Read more about: Banaue and Northern Luzon
 
Lose yourself in vibrant Manila

Manila is a city of great character and visitors who persevere with its size and road traffic are well rewarded. The old Spanish capital, Intramuros, offers a real sense of some of the city's colonial history. Nearby is the San Agustin Church which boasts a stunning Baroque interior and Rizal Park offers some respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Binondo is the city’s Chinatown where there is a vast Chinese cemetery and the Malate district is where to look for lively nightlife. Another highlight is watching the almost unreal sunsets across the Manila Bay.

Read more about: Manila
 
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