The many highlights of the Philippines include thousands of deserted beaches, a spectacular diversity of marine life, beautiful jungle treks, and a huge selection of adventure sports and activities. The challenge comes with trying to decide where to go. Fortunately, if you have the time to spare, it's quite easy to keep extending your visa. … [Read more...]
The Great British Festival in Manila
Yes, you heard that right. This year, at the end of February, Manila hosted its third annual Great British Festival, organised by the British Embassy. Featuring all things British - and some not so - in a three-day extravaganza on Bonifacio High Street, this event aims to promote everything about Britain, from culture to cuisine. A Shakespeare … [Read more...]
Best Dive Sites in the Philippines
The Philippines have a reputation for incredible diving and once you start to do your research, you realise that most of the dive sites in the Philippines offer something unique, which means you really can't just stop at one or two. That's why I decided to visit on an extended visa and to sample quite a few locations before deciding which I … [Read more...]
Reasons to Visit Coron
Coron is located on the eastern side of Busuanga Island, north of El Nido, Palawan. To fly there is a little pricey and to arrive by bus and boat from Manila or Puerto Princesa is a laborious and time consuming trip. For these reasons, it lacks the enormous crowds that El Nido pulls in daily, but fewer people in an area known for its scenery can … [Read more...]
Tips on Backpacking in North Luzon
While most people think of beaches and sunshine when they picture the Philippines, the area north of Manila is like a different planet. If you fail to visit you're missing out on a whole side to Filipino history and culture that really is quite fascinating. Having said that, taking the road less well travelled can make for a challenging - or at the … [Read more...]
A Corregidor Island Tour With Sun Cruises
Ask most travellers in the Philippines about their time in Manila and they will probably tell you that they used its international airport and then transferred to an island province as quickly as they could. Some take a few days to stock up at the city's huge malls and a few take a tour of Intramuros, but not many make it over to Corregidor … [Read more...]
Island Hopping in El Nido: Tours A and C
El Nido has been described as a Philippine heaven on earth, and it's one of the most talked about beach destinations in the country. Bacuit Bay is made up from many islands with hidden lagoons and secluded strips of sand. The huge limestone formations provide opportunities to climb for a panoramic view of the bay, and the sheltered waters are … [Read more...]
Scuba Diving in El Nido, Palawan
El Nido is a popular travel destination not only for its natural beauty but for the incredible array of marine life that can be found just off its shores. While the island of Palawan is frequently included in 'top 10' lists for its beaches, its dive sites are raved about in dive magazines just as frequently. The majority of dive boats and island … [Read more...]
Learn to Freedive in El Nido
El Nido is a popular tourist spot in the north of Palawan Province in the Philippines. It's best known for its world-class beaches and island hopping tours, but you'd be a fool to miss out on what lurks beneath the surface of its pristine coastal waters. Divers flock to the area in their thousands and you're never short of a snorkel spot, but … [Read more...]
Spending New Year’s Eve in Boracay
When it comes to New Year's Eve there are two stand out locations to head for in the Philippines. There's a lot happening in Manila, but if you need spectacular beach sunsets too, Boracay is by far your best bet. It's easy to find people to celebrate with, as the bars that line the beach are always packed, especially on New Year's Eve, when a … [Read more...]