Where am I – the Philippines.
Destination – Manila, Cebu, Bohol, El Nido & Boracay
Duration – It was a quick visit for us (8 nights) but still felt like a decent break. Given the number of places we squeezed in, for most of our clients I’d probably suggest adding more time or taking out an island or two.
Suitable for – Couples, friends and families. And incidentally very LGBTIQA+ welcoming which was lovely.
Highlights(s) – Far and away our time spent at El Nido. Situated on the north of Palawan island, the whole region is utterly magnificent; home to stunning beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs and perfect calm blue seas. Spent three nights here but could easily have stayed longer and would revisit again in a heartbeat.
Island hopping tours are the absolute best way to explore, and are fantastic value for a full day out visiting hidden lagoons and snorkelling. There are 4 (tour A,B,C & D) which visit different locations and include different activities - the 2 most popular are A & C and we did both. A includes the Big Lagoon which provided some unforgettable kayaking, and C includes a visit to Secret Beach which has to be one of the most stunning spots I’ve ever laid eyes on!
**Would recommend packing (or hiring) reef shoes - pretty much essential.
We stayed at the Buko Beach Resort which is a humble little 3* eco (adults only) beachfront property. Gorgeous pool and friendly staff, and the most amazing view out across the sheltered bay toward the surrounding islands. From our base here we could easily walk to a variety of bars and restaurants, and charming pedestrianised El Nido Old Town was a quick 10min tuktuk ride away. Thoroughly recommend a visit to True Wine Bar by Rockinnest, The Treehouse and AP KALA Beach Bar. And Tales Of The Islands Cafe where we had a really lovely evening meal.
For the best sunset I’d head in the opposite direction to Vanilla Beach and pull up a chair at Maremegmeg Beach Club for the afternoon.
The best service (friendly but super attentive and personalised) was at Raffles Manila - definitely the only place to stay in the capital. There are only 30 or so rooms, and a butler on call 24/7. Perfect! Our brief overnight visit started off with complimentary afternoon tea on arrival - followed by complimentary cocktails in the Writers Bar! They also have a really great rooftop bar called Mistral which was buzzing with guests and locals enjoying Friday night drinks. You almost need not leave the sublime hotel, but the surrounding Makati neighbourhood is very walkable and safe.
We spent a few nights on Cebu and visited from here the nearby island of Bohol by ferry. I think with time again, I’d include a stay on Bohol itself, but we dashed around with a lovely driver / guide for the day and did get to see all the highlights; including the famous “Chocolate Hills” for which the area is so famous, and the unique Tarsier - sweet little nocturnal primates. We also spent a few hours careering around on an ATV in the rain, which was very muddy mucky fun, but I’m glad I wasn’t responsible for the driving!
The island of Boracay was our final stop; very similar bustling vibe to Kuta, Legian or Seminyak in Bali (but the beach was pristine and white, and the water unpolluted and swimmable!) Certainly suggest the Shangri-La Boracay here as the place to be - on it’s own private beach, about 15mins from the main beach.
All the decent hotels (Shangri-La, Henann, the Coast and the Lind) provide a handy shuttle / speedboat / shuttle service to get you from the airport to the resort without the need to fuss around with the public ferry service which by all accounts is chaotic and a hassle.
We had the best time listening to live music and watching the world go by along the beachfront promenade at Nigi Nigi Nu Noos. An excellent fish taco for lunch at Mayas Filipino & Mexican, and the best spot for a local beer would have to be the Mai Tai Beach Bar.
A short walk from main beach (around the rocky peninsula) will take you to tranquil Diniwid Beach; book a table for sunset at Dinibeach Bar and Restaurant - an undiscovered gem.
Flights were convenient and direct with Philippine Airlines, around 8hrs each way MEL-MNL-MEL. And to get around the country we used domestic flights with Air Swift and Philippines Airlines, super easy and manageable. Though with time again…I wouldn’t have spent any extra time whiling away hours at Manila Airport before the journey home, perhaps the least inspiring airport terminal I’ve ever encountered!
