Latest news with #ElNido
Condé Nast Traveler
18-07-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Beaches in the Philippines for Surfing, Seclusion, and Powder-Soft Sands
For 2025, Entalula cinched the top spot for the best beach in Asia. It was also named the second best beach in the world by World's 50 Best. Mlenny/Getty Entalula Beach, El Nido, Palawan Entalula was named the best beach in Asia for 2025—and the second best beach in the world—by World's 50 Best, so you know it's gotta be good. Apart from white sand and turquoise waters, the beach is also surrounded by lush greenery and towering limestone cliffs. Snorkelers and divers can also delight in the underwater wonders on the west bay of Entalula Island, where a colorful coral garden sits, teeming with vibrant, tropical marine life. But one of the main draws to the beach is its location—secluded on a remote island accessible by a 30-minute to hour-long boat ride from the town of El Nido. While part of the beach is open to the public, most of it is exclusive to guests of El Nido Resorts, so it's a good idea too book a stay. Live out your White Lotus fantasies on Amanpulo, Pamalican Island's pristine white sand beach. Steve Turvey/Amanpulo Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Palawan For a luxurious, five-star, The White Lotus-esque beach retreat, it doesn't get much better than the exclusive resort Amanpulo on Pamalican Island. White sand, thriving reefs, and calm waters encircle the private island paradise, which is perfect for swimming, diving, and other water sports. Pamalican is also a nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles, so hotel guests can witness the magical moonlit experience of hatchlings emerging on the beach. With its lavish modern amenities, and the fact that it's reachable only via chartered plane from Manila, a stay at the resort certainly costs a pretty penny. However, it's all worth it for that view. The nightlife and 24/7 social scene of White Beach make it the place to be for oceanside revelery. danilovi/Getty White Beach, Boracay This beach is a 2.5-mile stretch of pristine, powdery-soft, white sand. But while the seaside landscape and views are certainly a big draw at White Beach, so is the seaside social, dining, and nightlife scene. Boracay has long been deemed a party destination because of its lively bar, lounge, and club culture, with people dancing to live music and DJs while sipping on cocktails by the beachfront. There's a wealth of options, depending on your budget: The beach is divided into 'stations,' with Station 3 being the most affordable and Station 1 being the most luxurious. However, you'll find that most food and shop options are in Station 2. There's also the exclusive Station 0—the northernmost tip of the island, which is a lot more upscale. For an easy journey at end-to-end, the staff at The Lind Boracay will handle all transfers from airport to resort for maximum relaxation. Find absolute, uninterrupted serenity on Puka Shell Beach's quiet shores. Mary Grace Varela/Getty Puka Shell Beach, Boracay Puka Shell Beach is a more serene, relatively-secluded, and low-key alternative to White Beach. It's named after the small, white shells that are abundant along its white sand shore, which locals use to make jewelry. Visitors can feel free to comb through the shore to see these tiny natural wonders, but they need to be sure to put it right back to maintain the safety of the local ecosystem. Removed from crowds, Puka might offer a more romantic and intimate scene for couples. It also has a family-friendly atmosphere, as kids can enjoy a swim in the calm, clear, shallow waters without having to worry about strong currents. As for where to stay, you'll find Shangri-La Boracay nearby, with polished suites and villas, and even a private jetty for excursions on the water. The best spot to catch some waves in the 'Surfing Capital of the Philippines' is the aptly named Cloud 9 beach. ValentinAyupov/Getty Cloud 9, Siargao Siargao is considered the 'Surfing Capital of the Philippines,' and Cloud 9 beach is the spot to catch a wave. Cloud 9 is a world-renowned surfing destination where the prestigious World Surf League hosts the annual Siargao International Surfing Cup. What makes this beach perfect are its powerful, barreling, fast-breaking waves, which provide a fun challenge for experienced surfers. But there are also areas designated for beginner surfers where the waves are calmer and smaller, and they can learn with guidance of instructors. But if you'd rather leave the surfing to the pros, you can watch them from the iconic (and very photogenic) Cloud 9 boardwalk, where you can also catch a beautiful sunset. And just a 20-minute car ride away is the gorgeous Nay Palad Hideaway, the most luxurious resort on the island—and its all-inclusive concept means there's no fussing about signing bills after lunch or scanning the activities list for prices, which sets the tone for a proper toes-in-the-sand break on one of the country's prettiest islands. There's a sense of untouched, wild nature in Pacifico Beach's surroundings. Kristian Kimmel/Getty Pacifico Beach, Siargao For a quiet, laid-back, and off-the-beaten-path beach experience on Siargao, head to Pacifico Beach. This area in the northeastern part of the island feels more untouched, with less commercial activity and development, and more eco-friendly accommodations, lush palm trees, and a rugged coastline that nature-lovers will appreciate. Visitors can just chill out on the beach and read a book, swim, or explore coves and beautiful rock formations. Pacifico is also a surfer's haven for pros looking to break away from the crowds, or beginners trying to find a more relaxed environment to learn. Just up the road from Pacifico is Trogon's Perch, an eight-room hideaway with a fabulous restaurant and killer views from its infinity pool. Alona Beach is home to calm, cool waters that even non-swimmers enjoy. fazon1/Getty Alona Beach, Panglao Island Alona Beach has incredibly fine, white sand—ideal for long walks and building sandcastles—and clear, calm, shallow waters close to shore that even non-swimmers can enjoy dipping their toes into. The coastline is also a great commercial hub, with family-friendly resorts, luxury villas, bustling restaurants and shops, as well as bars and lounges that come alive at night. For those looking to explore more of Bohol's marine wonders, island hopping tours leave all the time from Alona. And with the well-known diving site Balicasag Island not too far from the beach, numerous diving shops also offer tours and diving lessons. Overlooking the Bohol Sea, Amorita Bohol's villas are the perfect perch for a stay on Panglao.
Forbes
29-06-2025
- Forbes
Top Retirement Havens In The Philippines From Just $1,000 A Month
Hidden beach in Matinloc Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines getty With its low-key lifestyle, exotic culture, and natural beauty, it's easy to see why the Philippines is a popular retirement destination for many. Retirees on a budget also benefit from the low cost of living you can enjoy there. In fact, a couple could live comfortably in the Philippines from as little as $1,000 a month. For $2,300 per month, you could enjoy a lux lifestyle. Plus, if you don't want the hassle of learning a new language, the Philippines truly is a great option–English is widely spoken making daily life easy to navigate. The Filipino culture is social and family oriented. If you're looking to be well-received among a community that is warm, welcoming, and respectful, the Philippines meets the bill. In terms of residency, the Philippines offers specific, easy to attain programs to incentivize expats to move. One such option is the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV), a non-immigrant visa that allows multiple-entry and indefinite stay in the Philippines. The SRRV offers other special benefits, which allows you to work, study, or invest in the country, and also grants you discounts from the Philippine Retirement Authority partners. The government has also introduced a new digital nomad visa for non-immigrant foreigners who want to stay in the country for a temporary maximum period of one year, and holders may renew the visa for an additional year. The Philippines offers a wide variety of lifestyle options, too, from laid back coastal towns to buzzing city centers. Here are three of the best places to retire to in the country. Manila Eleveted, night view of Makati, the business district of Metro Manila. getty The capital of the Philippines, Manila is located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on the island of Luzon. You can travel to Manila from the United States on direct flights from major hubs like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. Retirees choose it because it provides easy access to top hospitals, embassies, shopping malls, and international restaurants. For leisure, Manila offers a mix of cultural, historical, and gastronomic experiences that are highly appealing to retirees. Intramuros, the walled city of Manila, is the oldest district in the city. Here you can explore Fort Santiago and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Agustin Church. There's also the National Museum Complex, home to the museums of Fine Arts, Anthropology, and Natural History. In the Cultural Center of the Philippines, you'll enjoy regular performances of ballet, classical concerts, and traditional Filipino shows. If you're looking to connect with other expats, the American Association of the Philippines and other social clubs host events, talks, and mixers throughout the city. In terms of health care, Manila has some fantastic options. You'll find English-speaking doctors, many who have trained in the U.S. Out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits and procedures can be much lower than in North America and Europe, with specialist consultations priced at about $20 to $50. The St. Luke's Medical Center is considered a world-class hospital and has international accreditation. Overall monthly expenses for a couple are from $1,400 to $2,300—that's for a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle. Cebu Kawasan Falls in Cebu Island, Philippines getty About 350 miles southeast of Manila, the city of Cebu is located in central Philippines, on the eastern coast of Cebu Island. There's an international airport, and although no direct flights are available from the U.S., you can easily get here from a stop in any major Asian or Middle Eastern hub. Retirees are drawn to Cebu for its coastal lifestyle, strong expat community, good health care, urban conveniences, and beach escapes. This city is more laid back than Manila but remains vibrant, with surrounding areas offering plenty of natural beauty. For cultural and historical attractions, explore the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the oldest Catholic church in the country or the Casa Gorordo Museum, located in a well-preserved colonial mansion. In expat and retirement communities, senior-friendly yoga and tai chi classes are commonly available. From Cebu you can island hop to nearby Pandanon or Nalusuan, and also take easy nature trips and day tours. Health care access in Cebu is great for retirees. It's not as extensive as in Manila, but this city has several high-quality hospitals, modern clinics, and English-speaking health professionals. The Chong Hua Hospital is one of the top private hospitals in the area with modern equipment and international standards. Out-of-pocket fees for consultations usually range between $15 and $30. A couple can live a comfortable lifestyle in Cebu City for about $1,300 to $2,200 per month. Dumaguete Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete, Philippines getty Dumaguete is on Negros Island, south of Cebu Island, which you can see across the water. It has its own airport, and you can get here through a connection from Manila or Cebu City. This area is known as a retirement haven because of its affordability, walkability, laid back environment, and a growing expat population. Retirees seeking a low-stress life will thrive in Dumaguete. If you're looking for a slower pace, friendly locals, and low costs without choosing a completely rural location, this could be your idyll. It's a perfect blend of seaside living and small-town charm with plenty of access to nature. Rizal Boulevard is a popular spot for walks. It's a seaside boardwalk with views of Siquijor Island and the best place to watch Dumaguete's sunsets. It's lined with cafés, bakeries, and plenty of benches to enjoy the view. Silliman University has an anthropology museum and historic building for those looking to learn about the area, and it also offers cultural events, exhibits, and classes. For those seeking outdoor peaceful adventures, you can find lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs to spend the day in. Island hopping is also fun, easy and affordable. The expat community of Dumaguete has weekly meetups and clubs for activities like chess, reading, and volunteering, making it easier to make new connections. You can start talking with your new community even before arriving by joining online groups like the Foreigners And Expat Families Living In Dumaguete Facebook group. Because the Philippines has designated Dumaguete as one of the top five areas in the country that are retirement hubs, medical care here is excellent. Silliman Medical Center is considered one of the most modern in the country and offers emergency services and modern diagnostic units. A consultation here costs only about $9. Various private clinics in the fields of surgery, dentistry, cardiology, and geriatrics are available, as well as senior-friendly services. A couple can live comfortably in Dumaguete for about $1,000 to $1,800 a month. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Everything To Know About Retiring In Italy By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes Retiring In The Philippines? Here's What You Need To Know By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes Escape The Crowds: The Best Portuguese Beaches Only The Locals Know By Kathleen Peddicord
GMA Network
26-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Masa Bakehouse to close BGC branch on June 30
Masa Bakehouse's branch in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, its remaining branch in Metro Manila, will be closing on June 30. The La Union-born bakery made the announcement on Wednesday via social media. "Last few days in Manila. We hope to see you friends at Masa BGC Taguig until June 30 (Monday)! Come hang with us one last time in Manila, tapos kitakits sa LU or El Nido," it said. Earlier in May, Masa Bakehouse announced the closure of all its Manila branches; its Taft and BF Homes locations fully closed in March and early June, respectively. For those who want to visit Masa Bakehouse in BGC one last time, it is located at The Montane, 8th Avenue corner 35th Street, open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Monday. Meanwhile, Masa Bakehouse's branches in La Union and El Nido will remain operational. Its La Union branch is located on Costales Street, Sitio Dappat, San Juan, and is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m to 5 p.m. The El Nido branch is located next to Jurias LBC/Caltex, open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-entalula-beach-palawan-philippines-BSTASIABEACH0525-e7f5b03261dc4b54a6d0e7eab1d7c270.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
13-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Beach Was Named No. 1 in Asia—and It Has Powdery White Sand, Crystal-clear Waters, and Majestic Rock Formations
The Philippines is made up of 7,641 islands, and this stunning archipelago is famous for its natural beauty and diverse coral reefs. This island nation is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the world. In fact, World's 50 Best Beaches just named Entalula Beach in Palawan, a province in the Philippines, the best beach in Asia—and the second best beach in the world. Entalula Beach is part of the El Nido region of Palawan. Its sandy white shores are surrounded by clear, turquoise water. This tropical paradise is surrounded by looming limestone cliffs and dotted with lush vegetation. Visitors can snorkel through vibrant coral reefs that are just a short swim from the shore, or they can search for hidden coves by paddle board or kayak. After a long day in the water, the palm trees and powdery sand provide the perfect spot to enjoy a good book or suntan session. Entalula Beach is largely beloved thanks to its seclusion. Visitors can only access the beach by boat, which takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The surrounding islands ensure that the journey will be just as beautiful as the destination. This also makes the beach far less busy than others in the El Nido region, and the peace and quiet allow travelers the chance to fully immerse themselves in nature. The beach is just as beautiful below the water as it is above it. Scuba divers enjoy exploring the west bay of Entalula Island, which has a beautiful coral garden and El Nido's famous limestone wall diving site. Divers commonly spot sharks, whales, dolphins, and turtles off the coast of the island. There are many tours that take travelers from El Nido to Entalula Beach. These also often include visits to the Secret Lagoon, Cudugnon Cave, and other islands in the area. For the most serene experience, travelers are advised to opt for the early morning tours that avoid the crowds. In addition to its gorgeous beaches, the Philippines is also known for its bustling cities, delightful cuisine, and warm hospitality. This is a country where each island opens the door to a new adventure–whether it is swimming with dugongs in Calauit Island or hiking Bohol's Chocolate Hills.
Telegraph
12-06-2025
- Telegraph
The perfect two-week holiday in the Philippines
The Philippines, an archipelago of 7,641 islands on Asia's eastern edge, may still be off the radar for many travellers (it receives a fraction of the British visitors that neighbouring Thailand does, and fewer than both Cambodia and Vietnam), but its profile is on the rise – meaning now is the time to go. It is, of course, a long way to travel (there are no direct flights, so it'll take you somewhere in the region of 18 hours), so it makes sense to allow two weeks of island-hopping to truly absorb its ever-changing diversity. An ideal trip should include stops in Cebu and Vigan, for a taste of the country's Spanish colonial legacy, as well as a visit to the islands around El Nido, for world-class beaches and coral reefs; to Bohol, to meet tiny bug-eyed tarsiers; and Banaue, to see its amphitheatre of rice-terraces. A perfect trip should also incorporate plenty of opportunities to sample the country's meaty, soy-and-vinegar infused cuisine – unlike any other in Asia – especially in Manila, where the restaurant scene explodes with contemporary options. But the real highlight? The Filipinos themselves – the friendliest, most upbeat people in Asia. The level of English is extremely high throughout the country, so cheerful conservation comes easily, and despite having been through a great deal of hardship – colonialism, Japanese occupation, Marcos's political dictatorship – they've nevertheless come out smiling… and singing a lot of karaoke. Days 1 & 2 Cebu City Conquistadors and Catholics Aim for a flight which gets you into the Philippines' second city – located on the eastern coast of Cebu Island – by early evening (Cathay Pacific 's overnight flight from London, for example, connects via Hong Kong and arrives at 6pm). The airport is set on tiny Mactan Island, so check in to nearby Crimson Resort and Spa (B&B doubles from £151) and spend the evening relaxing after your long journey. The following morning, it's time to head into the hurley-burly of Cebu City – the country's most historic city – roughly an hour's drive from the resort. A taxi will cost you between 100-300 Philippine pesos (£1.30-4), and the drive will take you across the spectacular Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway, which meanders over the sea for 5.5 miles. Start at Plaza Sugbu, where you'll find a replica of Magellan's Cross, erected in 1515 to signal Spain's arrival, outside a cavernous 16 th -century basilica that's home to a sacred doll-like relic called Santo Niño. The Spanish got serious here in 1565 and built Fort San Pedro, though its 8ft-thick coral-stone walls now enclose a frangipani tree courtyard. For lunch, migrate to The Barracks inside Carbon Market, where hawker food stalls cook-up fresh sizzling butter crab and Cebu favourite, tuslob buwa (pork liver and brains). Each dish will cost you roughly £2-4. Walk off lunch by visiting the historic houses which survived America's 1945 bombardment (intended to drive out the Japanese) – a particularly excellent example is period-furnished Casa Gorordo, which dates from 1863, where you'll find polished mahogany floors and coral glass window (plus Bo's Coffee café downstairs, where you can pick up a reviving iced latte). Next, make time for a spot of shopping at Anthill Fabric Gallery, an emporium which showcases fine Cebuano weaving, and at Alegre, where you can watch guitars being made from mango wood. Finish on a Spanish theme with tapas at Enye, watching waiters blow-torch seared tuna steaks table-side. Days 3 & 4 Southern Cebu Island A local feast Head south for an artisan foodie day. A favoured pitstop is the city of Carcar, roughly one hour and 45 minutes drive from Cebu City, famed for lechon (whole roasted pig) and chicharron (similar to pork scratchings). Mayu Restaurant is a popular place for both, where a 500g portion of the latter (for two) costs £7. An hour further south, the coastal town of Argao reveals an imposing 1780s coral-stone church, St Michael Archangel, where the belltower once doubled as a lookout for pirates. Argao is a hub for cottage industry food producers, so make time for a visit to the family Guilang factory, which has been making chocolate tablets since 1948. It's the staple of a Cebuano breakfast of sikwate (oozingly thick hot chocolate) with sticky rice coconut triangles wrapped in banana leaves and fresh mango – and will likely be the best 60p you ever spend. Also worth a stop is Jesse Magallones, which bakes the popular fiesta cake, torta, made from tuba (coconut sap) and lard, and Leonilo Sedon, which ferments suka pinakurat hot and spicy coconut vinegar, vital to Filipino cooking. Tonight, check-in at the newly opened Cebu Beach Club (B&B doubles from £173), where 36 clifftop rooms look out over the Camotes Sea toward Bohol Island. If you've time, end your day by swimming with sea-turtles off the white-sand beach below. Back to nature It's time to get active. Cross Cebu Island's rain-forested spine to a protected marine reserve, Tañon Strait, set in a sea channel facing Negros Island, then take a small boat to Moalboal for the unique experience of swimming with tens of thousands of sardines near Panagsama Beach. For a quirky lunch, try fish sutukil at Lola Tanciang's Seafood Paluto – the name ('su-tu-kil') is a portmanteau of grill, soup and ceviche, all prepared using the same piece of fish, typically grouper. After lunch, hike the spearmint-coloured Matutinao River to a swimming hole beneath the 42ft-high Kawasan Waterfall. Canyoneering is popular here, with excursions by Kawasan Dante's Peak Canyoneering costing £28 and including lunch. In far Southern Cebu Island, tours take guests to snorkel with whale-sharks, with trips from £23. Days 5 & 6 Panglao and Bohol Islands A little limestone brother Take the two-hour ferry or ' bangka ' (traditional outrigger boats) from Cebu to neighbouring Bohol, one of the Philippines most visited islands. Find somewhere to stay on tiny Panglao, an island which sits at Bohol's south-western tip and hosts the pick of the two islands' beach resorts. The most popular is the 88-room Bohol Beach Club (B&B doubles from £160), set on Dumaluan Beach's fine white sand (they also run diving and snorkelling trips to Pamilacan Island, to see coral gardens, turtles and spinner dolphins, from £80 per person), while the boutique Amarela Resort (B&B doubles from £113) is a more classic option and has a breezy sea-view restaurant serving Filipino fare. For sundowners, head to the neoclassical-looking Villa Umi, where there's a stylish bar right on the beach. Panglao's craggy karst limestone is omnipresent, from the 19 th -century Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (built from fossiliferous coral stone) to the island's subterranean swimming lagoons, natural sinkholes known as cenotes (the most popular of which is Hinagdanan cave – though opt for an early dip if you want to beat the crowds). For lunch, Bohol Bee Farm is a whimsical farm-to-plate restaurant with views to Mindanao Island. Its sharing farm platter (£37) features chops, baked tuna, ribs, garden salad, and paper-thin spring rolls, mostly made with local produce, which supports the livelihoods of more than 500 farmers and staff. Chocolate Hills and bug-eyed critters Spend a day exploring Bohol Island's eclectic sights. Its UNESCO Global Geopark status is spearheaded by the outstanding Chocolate Hills, 17,000 rounded coral hills weathered smooth like a basket of eggs, so named because the dry season (November-May) causes the vegetation to take on a brown hue. Avoid the coach-parties to the popular Carmen viewpoint by visiting before 8am. Equally iconic are tarsiers, tiny prosimian primates with trademark huge, wide eyes. The easiest place to spot them is at a tarsier sanctuary at Corella, where you'll see them dozing in the trees. Similarly strange are Bohol's remarkable 'dinosaur eggs', or Asín tibuók, oblong balls of salt made from tidal water and burnt coconut husks. Visit the Manongas family workshop to see their extraordinary processing of these salt eggs (and buy one for £11). A non-beach alternative to Panglao is Loboc River Resort (B&B doubles from £133) – 35 cottages immersed in riverside forest. For dinner, head to Tagbilaran for Bohol's most contemporary offering, Animula Tasting Room, which serves Filipino favourites such as beef asado with a twist, in an ultra-modern space. Day 7, 8 & 9 Palawan Island Hit the beach It's a 1hr 45 minute flight from Bohol to the West Philippines Sea's adventure playground, Palawan Island. Beach tourism's hub is El Nido, set among jagged limestone islands that are home to the silkiest beaches and priciest resorts. El Nido's 237,000-acre marine reserve is a mosaic of mangroves and corals; ideal for kayaking and snorkelling with superb diving. Lio Beach is a 4km stretch of white sand facing Cadlao Island, with plenty of upmarket food and hotel offerings. The 153-room Seda Lio Hotel (B&B doubles from £290) is backed by rainforest, with garden rooms by a large infinity pool. If you fancy a break from the meat-heavy traditional cuisine, Lio's upscale beach dining scene offers more health-conscious options, including Saboria, which serves lighter fusion Philippine cuisine, PLNT+HRVST (vegetarian-vegan) and Punta Playa, a breezy Mediterranean bistro. Two of El Nido's finest beaches are Duli – also the reserve's best surf spot – and Nacpan, 4km of golden sand facing a private island owned by boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao. Stick around for the night by booking into the 16-room Angkla Resort (B&B doubles from £333), which is built around a tropical courtyard, or opt for air-conditioned glamping at Nacpan Beach Glamping (doubles from £240 per person). Younger crowds might prefer the mass market beach scene around downtown El Nido, which unleashes its inner Pattaya vibe. It's worth a gawp to see the party and bar scene or get a cheap massage, and for surprisingly excellent sushi and seafood restaurants – like the earthy and inexpensive Sea Jane Resto Bar, where fish, lobster or prawns are grilled fresh, and upstairs tables overlook Bacuit Bay. Castaway Staying on a private island can be eye-wateringly expensive (even in the Philippines, where the likes of Banwa will set you back a cool £73,000 per night), but there are more affordable resorts amid the offshore limestone islands. One such option is Miniloc Island Resort (all-inclusive doubles from £733), a laid-back spot with thatched rooms (some overwater) located a 20-minute speedboat transfer from Lio Beach. It offers complementary kayaking, as well as snorkelling on a technicolour house reef which teems with tropical fish. Move over Ha Long Bay The limestone islands and pinnacles bear a passing resemblance to Vietnam's famous Ha Long Bay, albeit without the latter's armada of junk-boats. With more than one-thousand islands to explore, various companies offer boat trips which combine three or four with lunch and snorkelling. Popular routes include Snake Island (for panoramic views); Cudugnon Cave; and the 50ft-high Cathedral Cave on Pinasil Island (large enough to drive a speedboat inside); Entatula Island – which was recently cited as having one of the world's best beaches – and Paglugaban Island, for snorkelling on its effervescent coral reef. For your final night before moving on to the big city, take the opportunity to splurge at private island Pangulasian Eco-Luxury Resort (B&B doubles from £1,060), where 50 luxurious villas are immersed in rainforest and surrounded by coral reefs. Day 10 Manila Jeepneys and the world's oldest Chinatown Take the one-hour flight from El Nido to Manila, the Philippines' gloriously chaotic capital city on Luzon Island, dissected by the Pasig River. The grindingly slow road traffic is made (slightly) more bearable by the fleets of Jeepneys – colourful customised US jeeps which function as public transport, similar to tuk tuks. Much of Manila's architecture was obliterated during the Second World War, when the country was occupied by the Japanese and heavily bombed by the Americans. Nevertheless, evidence of its Spanish colonial legacy remains in the thick-walled Intramuros district, which has been largely rebuilt. The baroque Unesco-listed Church of Saint-Augustine is an original, however, having survived its blitzkrieg and now home to a fine museum of treasure from the galleon trade with Mexico (then known as New Spain). Opposite is a cosy Filipino bistro called Ristorante Delle Mitre – named after the bishops' headgear – which draws diners with its superlative chicken adobe (tender chicken marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic), the country's national dish. Head north and across the river, and you'll soon find yourself in Quiapo district, where the large market is fun to browse on foot, while the cathedral (officially called The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno) houses the Philippines' most sacred object, the Black Nazarene statuette, which is paraded every January to crowds numbering well over a million. A short stroll westwards will bring you to Binondo, home to the world's oldest Chinatown in, where you'll find dim sum restaurants and Tao-Buddhist temples, as well as to a slither of surviving American art-deco around Escolta. It's here that you'll come upon the 1920s First Union Building, which hosts artisanal craft shops and a café, The Den, which offers excellent Filipino-bean coffees. For more war history, spend the afternoon at the American Cemetery – an hour's drive south-east, in Taguig – a sobering experience, with 16,800 marble crosses marking soldiers lost in the Second World War's Pacific theatre of war. For dinner, head to the fashionable nightlife hub of Makati, where Blackbird serves artistic pan-Asian dishes in an art-deco former American airport terminal, or to nearby Greenbelt, where Ember – the creation of the British-Filipino chef, Josh Boutwood – combines informality with fine cuisine. For drinks, head to Población district's wall-to-wall bars. Hip speakeasies include The Spirits Library, with its floor-to-ceiling bookcases of spirits, and Run Rabbit Run, a darkly lit cocktail bar. Stop by 32 nd -floor rooftop bar, Firefly Roofdeck, for magnificent night-time Manila views. End the day by checking into either The Bayleaf Hotel in the Intramuros district (B&B doubles from £97), an inexpensive four-star with excellent views of the city from its rooftop bar, or the iconic Peninsula Hotel (B&B doubles from £165) in Makati. Day 11 North Luzon Island Sand spas and fairy-tale gorges A few hours north from Manila is little-visited Inararo, where the Melanesian Aetas people manage ancestral lands which were covered in ash during Mount Pinatubo's 1991 eruption. Subsequent erosion has sculpted the most delicately beautiful fern-cloaked gorge, a fairy-tale mile-long loop which takes roughly an hour to complete on foot. A tour of th area – with a guide and driver – costs £80 with Pinatubo Mountaineiro, including lunch, a dip in geothermal hot springs at Puning, and a hot-sand spa. Day 12 Banaue Rice, and more rice A long day's drive into Luzon's north (by private car) will take you to Banaue, where the Unesco-listed rice-terraces date back 2,000 years, soaring into the Cordilleras. Check-in at Banaue town's Grand View Hotel (B&B doubles from £63) – where rooms have wonderful views of the sweeping terraces – then head out for a bite to eat at Uyami's Greenview Restaurant, the best local outlet in the area. All dishes come with rice, and – if you're lucky – occasional cultural displays by the Ifugao people. If time allows, hike into the amphitheatre of rice-terraces at small town Batad for awe-inspiring vistas. If you'd like to spend the night here instead, opt for Simon's View Inn and Restaurant (room-only doubles from £20). Day 13 Sagada The hanging coffins Two hours' drive along dramatic mountain roads leads northwest to Sagada, a remote community of the Igorot people who for millennia (until the arrival of Catholicism) buried their dead in coffins housed within – or hanging down on ropes from – cliffside caves. Seeing them is a macabre but fascinating spectacle, and one of immense cultural significance. In town, pay a visit to a superb gallery devoted to Eduardo Masferré, one of the Philippine's greatest photographers, whose works chronicle Igorot culture. Spend the night at one of Sagada's homely and simple options, including Masferré Country Inn (B&B doubles from £46) where rooms are adorned with photographs of Igorot culture, and Martha's Hearth (room-only doubles from £40). Bana's Coffee has won international awards for its roasted coffee and has a decent menu of local produce. Day 14 Vigan All things Spanish Another four hours on the road from Sagada is UNESCO-listed Vigan, where you'll find the complete colonial core of a 16 th -century Spanish city, the exquisite architecture of which is fused with Chinese and Ilocano motifs. Wander its cobbled streets, visit historic houses, and see the archbishop's palace, then – and as the sun goes down – join the promenade in Plaza's Salcedo and Burgos. For dinner, seek out Ilocano fish sauce-infused dishes such as pinakbet, at Café Uno 's corner restaurant or Café Leona. Several classical homes offer atmospheric stays: Hotel Luna (B&B doubles from £60) is built around a pretty internal patio, while Hotel Felicidad (B&B doubles from £40) has four-poster beds. Day 15 Head to Loag Airport for the hour-long flight back to Manila, and – if you've time – end your trip with a an explosion of culinary theatre at highly rated fine-dining spot Helm. How to do it When to go Perennially tropical, The Philippines has two distinct seasons – hot and dry. The drier and cooler season – when temperatures range from 25-30°C – is between December and early May. From May to October the weather is wetter, hotter and cyclone prone, though there are fewer crowds and refreshingly greener landscapes. What to book Cost effective Bamboo Travel (0207 7209285) tailor-makes trips similar to the one described. A 14-day island hopping holiday costs around £4,195 per person, including nights in Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Sagada, Banaue and El Nido, as well as international flights with Cathay Pacific, B&B accommodation, all transfers, and guided tours. Blow the budget Audley Travel (01993 838155) offers a 17-day combined Hong Kong & Luxury Tour of the Philippines from £10,375 per person (based on two travelling), featuring five-nights at the opulent Amanpulo Resort on Pamilacan Island, private transfers, flights from London via Hong Kong, and excursions. Know before you go Rather than expensive roaming, pick up an affordable local SIM card upon arrival at Manila or Cebu Airport (a 20GB allowance lasting 14 days will set you back around £8), or opt for an eSim. Taxi journeys are inexpensive using the downloadable app Grab, which functions like Uber. Most outlets accept debit cards, but it's worth carrying a small amount of cash for those few smaller ones which don't. US dollars are easiest to exchange. The whole country has patron saint fiestas throughout the year. Bohol has one every day during May. If offered, join these open house feasts to be welcomed like a long lost relative. A quick, free e-travel declaration should be completed before arrival.
