Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
4
Guimaras
Bus across to the south side of
Panay, where it's another short boat ride to
this island of mangoes, mountain bikes and
handsome Spanish chapels.
See p.324
5
Siquijor
Traverse Negros and take the ferry
to the island of witches, rich in legend, culture
and rugged beauty.
See p.301
6
Bohol
Cut across the Bohol Sea to absorb
the charms of Panglao Island, the Chocolate
Hills and those adorable tarsiers.
See p.292
7
Biliran
Ferry and bus your way north
across Leyte to this little visited gem, home to
dizzying falls, coves and even rice terraces.
See p.363
8
Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park
Nip across to the island of Samar to
experience this jungle-clad, limestone
wilderness, before heading back to Cebu or
Manila.
See p.356
THE GRAND TOUR
ISLAND-HOPPING: THE VISAYAS LOOP
THE GREAT SOUTHERN LOOP
SOUTH
CHINA
SEA
PHILIPPINE SEA
THE GREAT SOUTHERN LOOP
Few travellers make it as far as Mindanao, but
there's plenty to see in the exotic deep south
of the Philippines - skip Manila altogether
and begin and end this tour in Cebu City. This
itinerary really needs three weeks to do it
justice, but could be obviously extended into
a much longer trip.
1
Dumaguete and Apo Island
Head south
to sleepy Dumaguete, where you can arrange
dive trips to the stunning reefs off Apo Island.
See p.315 & p.320.
2
North coast, Mindanao
Take the ferry to
Dapitan and explore the north coast of
Mindanao, from the dolphins of Misamis
Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP) to the falls
of Illigan.
See p.400
3
Lake Lanao
If safe, it's worth arranging a trip
to the Muslim enclave of Marawi and this
tranquil lake, ringed by traditional homes and
mosques - make sure you check the current
situation, however.
See p.433
4
Cagayan de Oro
This laidback city is a great
place to eat, drink and arrange a whitewater
rafting excursion
See p.403
5
Camiguin Island
Compact, easy to explore
island off the Mindanao coast, with gorgeous
beaches, hot springs and hikes.
See p.412
6
Siargao
Great surfing, empty beaches, cheap
lodgings and cool people, a short ferry ride off
the coast.
See p.418
BOHOL
SEA
SULU SEA
CELEBES SEA
MALAYSIA
7
Padre Burgos
Ferry across to Leyte and the
up-and-coming scuba centre of the southern
Philippines.
See p.366
8
Camotes Islands
Before returning to Cebu,
stop off at this tranquil island chain, picture-
perfect islets with excellent diving and
snorkelling.
See p.287
THE DIVE MASTER
Millions of visitors come to the Philippines
primarily for what's below sea level - the waters
surrounding the island chain harbour some of
the world's richest marine life. The following tour
would ideally take several weeks - and lots of
advance planning - to complete.
1
Puerto Galera
This easy-to-reach resort
makes a great introduction to the local dive
scene, with plenty of resorts and operators to
choose from.
See p.241
2
Apo Reef
Take a day or two to explore this
protected reef off the west coast of Mindoro,
home to sharks, turtles and rays.
See p.258
