Discover a postcard paradise in the breathtaking islands of the Philippines

Getting there

Cebu Pacific flies from Dubai, and offers bargain flights from as little as Dhs.1,500 (cebupacificair.com)

When to go?

October to March

Overview

It may not be the most obvious Asian holiday destination, with many heading to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, but this is definitely one for the bucket list. This collection of idyllic islands in south east Asia is a nine-hour flight from the UAE but, if you’re a diver, sun worshipper, culture vulture or nature lover, it will be worth every air mile. And, with many parts of the Philippines well and truly off the tourist radar, it remains beautifully untouched and peaceful – so head there before the word gets out!
 

You’ll land in the capital city, which is definitely worth a night’s stopover before heading off to the islands in the sun. It’s a city of two halves. There’s the old part where you can soak up the atmosphere of the street markets, admire the Spanish architecture, and wander around the religious sites and monuments that stand proud on many a corner. Head to Barbara’s inside the lovely San Luis complex for a traditional Filipino dinner, and be entertained by the traditional dancers.

The more modern part of the city is home to trendy bars and restaurants, shopping centres, a business district and the very serene American cemetery.

A fantastic hotel to stay en route is the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, where you can laze by the waterfront pool within an hour of landing at the airport. Try to time your stay for a Sunday – when they serve a lavish brunch that even makes Dubains go weak at the knees.

Cebu

Head off the mainland for an island-hopping holiday starting at Cebu. Just an hour’s flight from Manila, and you’ll arrive in the land of tropical island resorts, cashew nuts, mangoes and guitars. 

It’s easy to do nothing more than laze in a hammock on a white sandy beach, while gazing at aqua-coloured waters and red-gold sunsets.

Stay at the low-rise, island-style Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, 30 minutes from Cebu airport. It’s then easy to jump aboard a local boat to explore the islands for a day: snorkel, feast on a beach BBQ, visit an island community to meet the locals, and explore the fish markets. Alternatively, head further afield to the island of Bohol, which is famous for its Chocolate Hills – more than 1,000 dome-shaped hills named for their brown colour during the dry season.

If you’re craving something more urban, head into the city where you can dine in the hilltop restaurant Chateau De Busay with its panoramic view of Cebu, (the fresh bread here is divine), before taking an urban zip line from the Crown Regency Hotel & Towers. If that’s too tame, then you can take the Sky Walk Extreme, a breathtaking walk around the edge of the hotel.

Palawan

This may be the last frontier of Philippines, but it’s still only less than two hours from Manila. And it’s so worth going the extra mile. This is quite simply a piece of paradise – a land of palm trees, mountains and crystal-clear lagoons.

Head first to Puerto Princesa, stopping to refuel at Ka Lui, which is a native wooden house serving the freshest catch of the day. Other attractions to break up the three hour (very scenic) trip are the crocodile farm, which runs tours every 30 minutes and ends with the opportunity to sample some croc steak. Or, take the more unusual diversion to Iwahig Prison And Penal Farm, an open prison without walls where you can meet the prisoners and browse their collection of handmade crafts: the welcome greeting by the prison dance troupe is a memory that will last forever!

And, if you can delay checking in at the hotel until after sunset, head to the Iwahig firefly boat tour. Float down the river while the fireflies twinkle in the mangroves, and absorb the guide’s knowledge as he points out a host of planets and constellations in the clear night sky. Just don’t forget the mozzie spray for this one!

Puerto Princesa is home to the world’s largest underground river, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of Asia. Head there early to avoid the crowds, although any time spent waiting is in the company of monkeys and monitor lizards in the rainforest or on a white sandy beach in the shade of palm trees. You’ll then be taken on a mesmerising boat trip through a vast cave along the river. If the sheer scale of the cave doesn’t wow you, the rock formations which look uncannily like a bunch of bananas, the Empire State Building or Simba from the Lion King, surely will.

Stay at the Daluyon Beach & Mountain Resort, a secluded, romantic getaway where you can walk or bike to the nearest mangroves – and then enjoy sundowners at the beachfront bar or a romantic dinner on the beach.

And, you can’t leave Palawan without heading north to El Nido – a setting for the Bourne Legacy movie – which is home to lagoons, prehistoric caves, and waterfalls. It’s a paradise for divers and kayakers, and a natural wonder for anyone who simply loves to admire a view. 

Boracay 

It’s the most popular holiday destination in the Philippines – and for good reason. The beach resorts cater largely for the party crowd, with secluded coves, white beaches, adventure sports and party till dawn nightlife.

Davao