From the island to the city: A holiday in the Philippines

The Star

07-06-2025

Two plane rides, a boat ride and a car ride were what we had to endure to get to our destination in the Philippines from Kuala Lumpur. But in all honesty, the journey to Boracay Island via Caticlan wasn't all that tiring considering how beautiful the place was.
This recent assignment included an island and city experience curated by the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines. Our flight from KL with Philippine Airlines landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila first thing in the morning, and we were greeted with the familiar South-East Asian heat and traffic.
Manila was just a short stopover for us that day; we had a domestic flight to catch a few hours later so to kill time, we went to Newport Mall, said to be a popular shopping centre for tourists.
Any jet lag and tiredness we felt from our early morning flight disappeared the moment we stepped into the calming halls of Merlin Spa at the mall. A spa session had been arranged for us, which included a massage, a dip in the cooling pool and some downtime in a resting lounge.
Rejuvenated, we headed to the airport for our short Philippine Airlines flight to Caticlan. A breezy boat transfer later, we arrived in Boracay. City structures and bustling traffic were now replaced with a clear blue ocean view and sailboats gliding across the horizon.
Nestled on the island's famous White Beach, Henann Regency Resort was our temporary tropical home. We had easy access to the beach, and the water seemed very inviting indeed.
As the sun sank low over the horizon in the evening, we found ourselves gliding along the water on a traditional paraw – think sailboat with a hammock-like net which holds six passengers, three on each side.
With the sails full and the sea glittering in the cinematic sunset, we soaked in the quiet joy, as the water gently splashed at our feet that hung over the rails.
There was no engine noise, just the gentle slap of the waves and the cool breeze on our faces.
Crystal Cove Island is full of places for your Instagram photo dump. — M. IRSYAD/The Star
Sun and sea
The following day, we set out early for an island-hopping adventure. Boracay's surrounding islets are postcard-perfect, and each has its own character. At Coral Garden, we snorkelled above bright reefs teeming with fishes and other sea creatures.
We visited Puka Beach (also known as Puka Shell Beach), which had coarse white sand, and saw locals gathering seashells to turn into souvenirs.
What surprised us was how serious sandcastle building was on these islands, as complex designs welcomed travellers with creative greetings.
One of the most memorable stops that day was Crystal Cove Island, where we trekked over rocky trails and squeezed our way into small sea caves. The views from the top of the hill were spectacular, a 360° sweep of aquamarine water with sailboats and paraws dotting the area.
It felt like we had stumbled upon our own private adventure story, and every crevice of the island could be the backdrop of an Instagram post.
Certain spots also had access to the underpass, where, if you time it right, you can snap dramatic pictures of the water crashing into the cove.
Lunch was a 'boodle fight' on Tabon Beach. A boodle fight is a communal style of eating in the Philippines, where all the dishes, including rice, are piled on to large banana leaves and everyone eats from the same pile with their hands.
At Villa Escudero, visitors can check out this pink museum that was once a church.— M. IRSYAD/The Star
In this case, our food comprised grilled squid and crab, fried fish, a mango salad and more. It was a pretty festive way of eating.
Our local guide, Bobby Casimero, grew up on the island. He gave us some practical insights that visitors may find handy. 'Generally, the island is safe and tourist-friendly,' he said. 'The rate or prices of accommodation range from PHP2,000 per room, per night (around RM150).
'A transfer from the airport to the island costs PHP1,000 to PHP1,500, (RM76 to RM114). I suggest booking with legit travel agents for a more easy and convenient transfer,' he shared for those worried about getting around.
We also learned more about the island's development.
'Boracay has changed a lot in the last 20 years,' Casimero said. 'It went from being a simple and undeveloped island into one of the Philippines' top tourist destinations today.
'A majority of the residents have been able to benefit from the booming tourism industry. Most people are earning well now, and they can afford to buy what they want, as well as send their children to a reputable school on the mainland,' he shared.
Casimero also gave us a clearer view of what to expect in Boracay in terms of the weather.
Local boatmen walking around a paraw on small poles, while tourists sit cautiously on the net. — YASMIN ZULRAEZ
'There are two seasons on the island, the dry and rainy seasons. The dry season normally starts from the last week of October to the middle of June, although you can expect scattered rains between November and January. The remaining months of the year make up the rainy season.
'July to September is the southwest monsoon, which is also typhoon season. Normally, tours will still take place during the rainy seasons,' Casimero explained.
Our little leisure time allowed us to explore on our own the pretty beaches, which were especially peaceful in the early mornings. The area is also surprisingly pet-friendly, with several locals and visitors bringing their dogs for walks and playtime along the shore.
Vibrant cultures
After a final breakfast overlooking the ocean, we left the island behind and flew back to Manila for the second leg of the trip. The pace shifted from laid-back to lively in an instant once we got to the city.
Our first visit in the capital was the Venice Grand Canal Mall, a surreal blend of Filipino hospitality and Italian aesthetics. Gondolas drifted along man-made canals as visitors snapped selfies under pastel-painted balconies. Carnival-themed characters were found scattered around the large mall too.
Of course, you can't go to Manila without visiting the Mall Of Asia, the largest mall in the Philippines and once the largest in the world too. Here, we hunted for souvenirs and local snacks.
The Philippines is very famous for its mango and we couldn't help but try a variety of mango- based snacks.
The Venice Grand Canal Mall has a carnival theme. — M. IRSYAD/The Star
Later, we headed south of the city to San Pablo, which is about a four-hour drive. The place is surrounded by coconut farms and mountain ranges, giving it a bit of a cosy kampung feel.
At Casa San Pablo, we joined a coconut-themed cooking demonstration, trying out 11 ways to use the fruit. This included distilling the water, as well as fermenting and shredding the flesh.
Our next stop was the famous Villa Escudero, a family-run plantation that doubles as a heritage resort. A massive area to explore, we had the pleasure of getting around via carabao cart (a cart pulled by a water buffalo named Sexy), who took us slowly through tree-lined paths to a restaurant built at the base of a waterfall. There, we ate lunch with our feet soaking in cool, flowing water.
Afterwards, some in our group went bamboo rafting while others watched a cultural show which the resort organises daily, performed by staff members. We got the chance to explore the resort's museum which was charmingly pink in colour.
The museum contained a collection of colonial relics, religious statues, and antique oddities.
Back in the big city, our guide Ada helped us make sense of Metro Manila's complexity, walking us through the ins and outs of getting around the place, which to the untrained eye can look like pure chaos.
'If you're just trying to get around nearby places, you can hop on a jeepney or a tricycle. It's cheap and easy once you get the hang of it,' she said. Jeepney rides cost about PHP13 (RM1) for the first few kilometres, while tricycles or etrikes charge anywhere between PHP20 and PHP50 (RM1.50 and RM3.80) depending on how far you go.
'For longer trips, the bus system along EDSA offers another affordable option, and for those who prefer air conditioning and predictability, apps like Grab or InDrive are your best friend. It's really the safest way to get around Metro Manila, especially if you're new to the city,' she added.
Ada also pointed out the kalesa, a horse-drawn carriage you can still ride within Intramuros, the oldest neighbourhood in Manila. 'It's touristy for sure, but it's a beautiful way to see the old city,' she said. One ride lasts about an hour, costs PHP1,000 and fits four people comfortably.
What struck us most as we explored historical sites like Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and Casa Manila, was how well these spaces had been preserved. 'The local governments, the Intramuros Administration, historians, even small businesses ... everyone plays a role in preserving these places.
'It was designed to help modern visitors step into the Philippines' past,' Ada explained.
Meanwhile, Casa Manila, or Manila House, is a museum that features the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family during the late Spanish colonial period. The facade of Casa Manila was patterned after a house that once stood on Jaboneros Street in the Chinese district of San Nicolas in the 1850s.
As we walked through the interior, the decor of the house followed the taste of the turn of the late 19th century, where furniture and furnishings were sourced from Europe and China. Painted walls, crystal chandeliers, carved traceries, Chinese ceramics, and gilded furniture show the elegance and luxury of a 19th-century Manila house.
On our final day, we got to see Quiapo Church, home of the revered Black Nazarene statue. The church itself was a constant hive of activity, but Ada reminded us that Friday in most of the Philippines is a special day.
At Villa Escudero, enjoy lunch with your feet submerged in water near a waterfall. — M. IRSYAD/The Star
'That's when Catholics come to pray and give thanks,' she explained. 'Sometimes they line up barefoot, carrying replicas of the Nazarene, asking for healing or miracles,' she shared.
We ended the day with lunch at The Singing Cook & Waiters, where the staff belted out power ballads between courses and happily took song requests from diners. The Filipinos, after all, are known for their singing prowess and love for music.
With a few of us even dancing along, it was a lively and fitting finale to a packed itinerary, one that kept our spirits high right through to the journey home.
Travel Notes
How to get there: Philippine Airlines operates three daily flights from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA Terminal 1) to Manila. To get to Boracay, take a domestic flight with Philippine Airlines to Caticlan. The airline is currently having an 'Independence Seat Sale' promotion which runs till June 15.
Visa requirements: International visitors must complete the eTravel registration (https://etravel.gov.ph/signin) to generate a QR code, which is required for entry into the Philippines.
Where to stay: From beachside resorts to budget-friendly hostels and simple shacks, accommodation options suit every traveller, whether you're after luxury or just a place to store your bags while island hopping.
Getting around: In both Manila and Boracay, common transport options include shuttle buses, jeepneys, and etrikes.
Tip: Some shops accept Touch'nGo ewallet payments.
One of the many activities to do in Villa Escudero is going around a beautiful lake in a traditional raft.