Travel |

June 16, 2017

Top 4 Beaches in the Philippines

The Philippine archipelago consists of over 7000 islands, so it should come as no surprise that the country is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. If you are having a difficult time deciding which ones to actually visit, these are some of the top beaches in the Philippines.

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El Nido, Palawan
With Palawan frequently being rated as the best island in the world, and El Nido as one of the best beaches, this is a destination that everybody visiting the Philippines should try to check out. On the island of Palawan itself, there are about 50 white sand beaches to choose from, each of which is rich in marine life, from dolphins to dugongs, as well as over 100 species of coral. When it comes to El Nido, this is the largest marine reserve and sanctuary in the country, as well as one of the Philippines’ most diverse ecosystems, making it a must-visit for those who enjoy exploring the wonderland that lies beneath the surface of the water.

Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley
The beach on Palaui Island is considered to be quite the hidden gem and takes a fair bit of effort to access, requiring a trek through tall, thorny grass and a mangrove forest. Nevertheless, this is a beach that has been untouched by the modern world and boasts soft white sand that is backed by volcanic rocks. Within the water is a rich marine reserve, filled with coral gardens, which are a joy to explore either by diving or snorkeling. There are no resorts or hotels on Palaui, but camping on this stunning beach is always a popular way to spend the night.

White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

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White Beach, Boracay
Boracay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, and White Beach is one of its finest beaches, and, just like El Nido, has regularly been voted as one of the best in the world. This four kilometre stretch of white sand attracts everyone from families to adventure-seekers and is complete with beach bars, restaurants, and evening entertainment. For those seeking more of an adrenaline-rush, the eastern side of Boracay is the place to go for extreme water sports, as this part of the island has strong winds throughout the year.

Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Caramoan is a scenic and secluded beach, with wide stretches of white sand that run in between impressive boulders and rock formations. This is a beach that is filled with natural features that are begging to be explored, from its waterfalls and fresh water pools to its underground streams, lagoons, and caves. Due to its astounding natural beauty, this is an area that has been featured in a number of television shows, including the popular Survivor reality TV show.

Deciding which beaches to visit in the Philippines can no doubt be difficult, as visitors are so spoilt for choice. However, no matter which ones you end up picking, you are likely to be rewarded with the softest of white sand, the bluest of waters and incredible natural beauty all around.

Travel |

November 18, 2016

| OROGOLD

Beach Destinations in the Philippines

With thousands of tropical islands, the Philippines is known for being home to some of the world’s best beaches, and there are certainly plenty to choose from. Whether you are looking for action and adventure, or peace and tranquility, these are some of the very best beach destinations in the Philippines.

El Nido, Palawan
El Nido in Palawan has been voted as one of the best beach destinations in the world so many times now, and its spectacular beauty needs to be seen first-hand in order to be truly appreciated. There are about 50 beaches to choose from, making this the perfect destination for beach lovers, and the waters that surround the island are rich in marine life. With one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country, El Nido is truly spectacular, both above ground as well as under the sea.

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
Siargao Island is known for being a surfer’s paradise, with the waves here being absolutely perfect when it comes to feeling that addictive rush of adrenaline. The pristine waters and consistent waves at Cloud Nine Reef have made Siargao Island the host of many popular surfing tournaments and events, with waves reaching up to 20 feet in height in peak season, guaranteeing to draw quite the crowd.

Bantayan Island, Cebu
Cebu is another Philippine destination that has frequently been voted as one of the best in the world, and Bantayan Island, which is at the northern end of Cebu, takes you away from the crowded and busier parts of the island. With spectacular sand bars and stretches of gleaming white sand, this is the ideal tropical paradise for those who simply want to relax and reflect, although there are a number of skydiving opportunities here too if you feel the urge for some adventure.

Panglao Island, Bohol

Panglao Island, Bohol
While Panglao Island boasts the same white sands and clear waters as the famous beach destination of Boracay, it is famous for being home to some of the best diving spots in the country. With researchers recently discovering that Panglao Island has more marine diversity than both the Mediterranean Sea and Japan combined, this is definitely a destination for those who want to get closer to native marine life.

Anguib Beach, Luzon
One of the main issues that many travelers now have with several Philippine beach destinations is that they are becoming increasingly commercialized. While Anguib Beach may be on the same island as Manila, it takes about 12 hours by bus to access, on some incredibly rough roads, meaning that this long stretch of powdery white sand is often completely deserted. With the same crystal turquoise waters that you will find at other Philippine beach destinations, the main feature that sets Anguib Beach apart is its remoteness and isolation, giving you the opportunity to really soak up the beauty of your surroundings.

Even those that have lived in the Philippines all of their lives will not have had time to explore all of the country’s beaches. However, whether you decide to head to Cebu, Palawan, or anywhere else, you can be sure that you will be greeted with intensely blue waters, soft white sand, and a tropical charm that cannot be beaten.

Travel |

November 16, 2016

| OROGOLD

Amanpulo on Pamilican Island

Amanpulo on Pamilican Island The Philippines is home to thousands of stunning islands, one of which is Pamilican Island, which can be found in the Cuyo Archipelago, just north of the famous Palawan Island. Situated on Pamilican Island is Amanpulo, a private island resort that is considered to be the most exclusive in the country, making for a perfectly decadent tropical getaway.

Casitas and Villas
When it comes to guest accommodation, Amanpulo is home to 40 casitas and 11 villas. The casitas enjoy direct beach access, and are designed with an open-plan aspect, offering views of either the sparkling sea from the hillside, or the lush forest canopy. With private plunge pools, secluded hammocks and large wooden decks from which to take in the spectacular surroundings, the casitas guarantee an enjoyable stay. The villas are each arranged around a large private outdoor swimming pool, with separate lounging and dining areas, as well as private bedroom pavilions. Those who stay in a villa also enjoy the luxury of a private club car, which makes for an ideal way to explore the rest of the island independently.

Dining
Rather than offering a plethora of less-than-average dining options, Amanpulo places its focus on locally caught seafood and vegetables grown on the island, all of which are served from both the Beach Club to the Clubhouse Restaurant to private beach barbecues. For guests who want to be more involved in the dining experience, the resort is more than happy for visitors to pick their own ingredients from the island’s organic garden, from which the chefs will then create a stunning custom dish.

The Best Resort Spa in the Philippines
Voted this year as the Best Resort Spa in the Philippines by the World Spa Awards, Amanpulo’s spa is a large sanctuary set above the treetops on the hillside, with panoramic views of the water below. The inter-connected pavilions are where you will go to enjoy a treatment, with the Hilot treatment being a great one to try, as this makes use of local products and techniques to re-balance areas of tension. In addition to their extensive treatment menu, the spa also boasts a gym with floor-to-ceiling windows, so that you can still enjoy the view, and a yoga and pilates studio, along with professional instructors.

Activities
There is a wide range of activities on offer at Amanpulo, both on land as well as in the water. From scuba diving to windsurfing, the aquatic activities available will suit guests of all ability levels. Out of the water, there are tennis courts and bicycles to keep you active, the latter of which you can use to explore the island. There are also organized nature walks that you can take part in to learn more about the island’s native plants, and, at night, be sure to spend some time with the resort’s refracting telescope, as this will make you feel closer to the stars than ever before.

There may be plenty of resorts to choose from in the Philippines, but none of them can offer quite the experience that Amanpulo does. From the second you arrive on the island’s private airstrip, you will be enveloped in a sense of exclusivity and luxury that guarantees nothing but an unforgettable vacation.