Destinations Archives - Holiday in the Philippines

Siargao, the Surfing Capital of the Philippines

by ak2441 | Sep 11, 2018

Just when you thought that the Philippines had no surprises, you discover the island paradise of Siargao, otherwise known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. A water lover and thrill seeker’s paradise it is also perfect for yoga and meditation retreats. The Island, or group of islands, can be reached by plane from Manila and Cebu.

You should be aware that the ATM machines on Siargao Island do not accept most foreign cards, so it is important to bring enough cash with you. Alternatively, or perhaps additionally, you could download the World Remit App, and then transfer cash to yourself for collection from the mL Huiller. This remittance/cash collection is pretty much instantaneous.

Surfing

The island is known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines because it caters for surfing at all levels. The GI break and Jacking Horse for sites beginners up and the levels of difficulty run up to the famous Cloud 9 break, which has a reputation for thick, hollow tubes. (I don’t know what that means, but I am told by surfing friends that thick hollow tubes are a good thing). The Red Hot Chillies song, Surf to live to Surf was inspired by a visit here. Many of the small villages and cafes exude that surfing vibe. Non experts can watch the experts from the safety of the iconic Cloud 9 Pier.

Island Hopping

A popular excursion here is a day trip to three small islands, Guyam, Naked Island and the little fishing island of Dako Island. This is where your Instagram feed is going to go through the roof: clear seas, white sand…..

There are a host of other activities to undertake. The beaches here are spectacular but perhaps slightly less geared towards swimming than in the rest of the Philippines. There are a number of reefs not far out from the beach with jagged and sharp edges. However, if you are looking for beaches with thick vegetation and palm or coconut trees up to the edge, this is the place for you. The beaches are less well known than other beaches in the Philippines so are much less frequented. Don’t be surprised if you are pretty much alone, except for the hermit crabs. Popular (using the term loosely) include Alegria Beach, with its white sand and crystal clear water. ‘Crystal Clear” is a much abused term when it comes to describing exotic seas, but really is an understatement when it comes to the Philippines. Pacificio beach is another quiet, small surfing town and beach.

Adventure Seeking

Those in search of adventure and exploration will probably not want to leave Siargao with its caves, and cliffs, its lagoons and pools.

Tayangban Cave Pool is somewhere you will either love or hate.Swim or float in darkness for about 15 minutes in the company of bats flying overhead until you reach an open space, where you can then jump from about 17 foot into the pool below

Sugba Lagoon is a spectacular lagoon surrounded by mountains. You can rent a raft or dive board here, and swim through the peaceful water in an environment almost forgotten by time.

The Magpupungko Rock Pools offer clear water, caves. Coves, and cliff jumping, while the Sohoton Caves are a unique natural reserve, where among other things you can swim with non-stinging jelly fish. You can also visit the Hagukan Cave where the water glows an electric blue when you splash it. In the North can be found the only waterfall in the Island, with yet more cliff jumping, tree jumping and exploration.

Accommodation

The accommodation in Siargao is very much about getting back to nature, being eco- conscious, and experiencing a particular type of Filipino way of life, but without being uncomfortable.

The Soul Tribe Resort describes itself as being a luxury beachside retreat, with ocean fronted cabanas and glamping style bell tents.

Their website says that their take on health is about making conscious decisions that feel right to you and your body with yoga and massage, surfing and kite surfing, and horseback riding.

“We promise you will wake up every day feeling as far away from the daily grind as possible”

Is this what a holiday is all about?

The perhaps unfortunately named Kermit Resort tells you to get ready for an island experience you will never forget with its local vibe, amazing cuisine and range of air conditioned cottages and bungalows. This is a good choice if you want all your activities organised under one roof. It has its own surf school, yoga area, and arranges island hopping and other excursions.

Manila

by ak2441 | Sep 3, 2018

Go to Manila?

Why would you want to go to Manila? It is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with some 46,000 people packed into an average square mile. The economy of the Philippines is soaring, so as more and more luxury accommodation goes up, so too do dismal shanty towns, shacks of corrugated steel and washing hanging on wire, susceptible to floods and disease. In addition to all of the people, Manila can also boast some of the worst traffic in the world, compounded with a virtually non existent public transit system. So why would you want to go to Manila, other than purely in transit to any one of thousands of incredible beaches, and some of the best diving in the world?

If you are going to holiday in the Philippines, I would always advise you to spend a few days in Manila. It may be busy and bustling, hot an uncomfortable, but it is also incredibly vibrant, with a lot to do, if you know where to look.

My top tips for places (in no particular order) to go and things to see are :

Manila Ocean Park. Whatever your views on zoos and other places where animal life is held captive, there can be no denying their attraction to younger members of the family. And they are usually a good place to ignite an interest in the natural world. Its list of encounters and attractions include sharks and rays, jelly fish, sea lions, and a trip to the Antarctic. Particularly impressive is the underwater walk, where even non swimmers can put on a special diving helmet with air pumped in to help you interact with the marine life you will find waiting for you. In addition, there are birds of prey, jungle birds and creepy crawlies to keep you occupied for a full day.
Art in Island. Another place to take the kids, and also a camera. The attraction includes 3d pictures and representations in which you can pose.
Intramuros : the old city of Manila, heavily influenced by the Spanish. It has been heavily damaged in the past, particularly during the Second World War, but is being carefully restored.
Manila Bay: The sunsets over the bay are usually pretty spectacular. Enjoy a walk along the promenade after a good dinner.
The Corregidor : Again for history buffs: This is small island in the bay of Manila, fortified by the Spanish and vigorously defended by the Americans in WW2. It can be reached by ferry taking just over an hour. Sights include gun placements dating back to 1904, the remains of the barracks, the Pacific War Memorial complex, the lighthouse, which was first lit in 1853, the Malinta Tunnel. The main tunnel is now used for a light and sound show commemorating events in WW2. Most guided tours are fairly lengthy, at about 9 hours, but this does include the ferry crossings and lunch.
Binondo : The oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1594 by the Spanish, near their settlement at Intramuros.
Shopping : I am not a great fan of shopping and shopping malls, but Manila does have its fair share of Malls. Experienced shoppers tell me that Malls in Manila are not as impressive as in Bangkok, but certainly SM in the Pasay district seems to have everything you could possibly want and more.

Hotels

Manila has a huge variety of hotels to suit every budget.

Low : Red Planet and Hop are both budget brands, featuring simple but clean rooms. You can expect a TV, possibly a kettle, and an ensuite shower room, but not much else. In particular, there is no restaurant, but they are situated in popular areas, so it should not be too difficult to find somewhere to eat.

Medium Priced : You can find western brands of hotels such as Best Western, or you could try something like the Heritage Hotel. I like the Heritage because it is relatively close to the Airport and has a small swimming outdoor pool. It is close to SM Mall.

Luxury hotels: There is of course no shortage of very nice hotels, from Sofitel to the Peninsula. The Diamond hotel has a good reputation, if you have a view of the bay, less so if you are facing the other way! Its gym and spa facilities are described as “great”.

Manila

Transport

Transport in Manila is not great. I would usually get around by taxi. I have hired a car in Makati and driven out, but if I am driving out of Manila, I prefer to take a taxi to the airport and then hire a car from there, assuming I am driving south. Driving in Manila (or indeed in the Philippines in general) is not for the fainthearted. You will need to know your way around Manila if you want to take a jeepney, but these are certainly an interesting experience and one that you should enjoy while in the Philippines.

So those are some of the reasons I would want to go to Manila.

Bohol

by ak2441 | Aug 14, 2018

Come to Bohol: it has to be one of the most interesting islands in the Philippines. Great beaches and sunsets, ziplines, bikes on ziplines, Tarsiers, fireflies, river cruises and Chocolate Hills. Have I missed anything out? How about historical sites such as the Blood Monument, Baclayon Church and Watchtower, and fantastic food? Or Waterfalls and Adventure Parks? Come to Bohol if you want something that will appeal to every member of the family!

The easiest way to get to Bohol is to fly to the Island from Manila, a short one hour flight, landing at Tagbilaran Airport, and then a short taxi ride to wherever you are staying. The new international airport on Panglao Island has now opened, which makes it much easier to fly in from or to Palawan or Cebu.

Great beaches include Alona, the exotically named Bikini Beach, Dumuluan Beach, and the fabulous Pamlican Island Beach, which is a short 20 minute boat ride from Alona. There is plenty of diving and snorkelling to be had, and the beaches are all fringed with relaxed bars and restaurants, which spills over into the night.

Hotels range from luxury to comfortable but basic. If you are travelling with small children you should take care to choose a hotel with a “child-friendly” swimming pool. Some of the pools are deep without a shallow end, and even with the sea a few minutes walk away, children are likely to want to swim in the hotel pool.

One of the best resorts in Bohol is the Amorita

https://www.holidayinthephilippines.co.uk/2019/11/08/best-resort-in-bohol-for-lovers/

But there is a great range of hotels from budget through to super-luxury. Come to Bohol and find out for yourself