Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Itineraries
The following itineraries span the entire length of this incredibly diverse
archipelago, from the historic cities of Luzon to the idyllic islands of the
Visayas and the remote jungles of Mindanao. Given the time involved
moving from place to place, you may not be able to cover everything, but
even picking a few highlights will give you a deeper insight into the natural
and cultural wonders of the Philippines.
THE GRAND TOUR
This three- to four-week tour gives a taster of the
Philippines' iconic landscapes and islands from
the nation's chaotic capital to the pristine sands
of Boracay.
1
Manila
The nation's initially chaotic capital is
a vast, boiling blend of history, high culture and
wild nightlife.
See p.56
2
Banaue rice terraces
It's worth taking the
journey north to see one of the world's great
man-made wonders.
See p.179
3
Sagada
Extend your stay in northern Luzon
with a trip to this rambling old town, home of
the famed hanging co
ns.
See p.172
4
Puerto Princesa
Backtrack to Manila for the
flight to Palawan's sleepy capital and the trip
along the Underground River.
See p.370
5
El Nido
Continue along the Palawan coast to
the spectacular limestone scenery of the Bacuit
archipelago.
See p.385
6
Coron
Take the bangka across to Coron,
where wreck-diving and dazzling coves await.
See p.394
7
Cebu City
Fly to the nation's third city, home
of Magellan's Cross and a host of historic
attractions.
See p.267
8
Bohol
Take the ferry to this historic island,
home of the Chocolate Hills and the loveable
tarsier.
See p.292
9
Boracay
Backtrack to Cebu for the short
flight to this famed resort island, where you can
end your tour on a sugary white sand beach.
See p.337
ISLAND
HOPPING: THE VISAYAS
LOOP
The physical and historic heart of the nation,
the Visayas is perhaps the most alluring
region of the Philippines, a sun-bleached
concentration of islands littered with beaches,
crumbling churches, sugar plantations and
untouched reefs. This itinerary needs a
minimum of two weeks.
1
Puerto Galera
Begin your tour by taking the
short bus-and-ferry trip to this congenial beach
and dive resort on the tip of Mindoro.
See p.241
2
Romblon
Ferries link Mindoro to the more
remote Romblon archipelago, three main
islands offering untouched beaches and
intriguing reef dives.
See p.347
3
Boracay
It's a short boat ride south to the
jewel of Philippine beach resorts, justly
renowned for its mesmerizing white sands.
See p.337
ABOVE
LANZONES FESTIVAL, CAMIGUIN ISLAND; ISLAND
HOPPING IN THE BACUIT ARCHIPELAGO; BASILICA DE SANTO NIÑO, CEBU CITY
