Photo: El Nido lagoon, Palawan
Tropical Escapes
Philippines
Limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and some of Asia's best island hopping, with wonderfully private island resorts. The secret is choosing the right island.
Asia's most beautiful islands.
The Philippines has more than 7,000 islands, and some of the most beautiful beaches and lagoons in the world. It's a place of turquoise water, towering limestone cliffs and warm, welcoming people.
Each area has a different feel. Palawan is dramatic and unspoilt, Boracay is lively and sociable, and Bohol combines beaches with fascinating sights on land.
Choosing the right island, and how to combine them, is the most important decision you'll make, and it's where I can help most.
Find your place
Which area is best for your holiday?
Four areas compared side by side, each with something different to offer.
About 1.5 hours by flight from Manila
El Nido, Palawan
Northern Palawan's limestone islands rise straight out of an emerald sea, hiding secret lagoons and white-sand coves. Island-hopping by boat here is one of the great experiences in Asia.
Beach and water: White-sand coves and crystal-clear lagoons framed by cliffs.
The feel: Dramatic, beautiful and adventurous.
What's good: Spectacular scenery, island hopping and private island resorts.
Worth knowing: El Nido town is busy and basic, so it's best to stay at an island resort.
Things to do
Kayak into the Big and Small Lagoons, island hop by traditional bangka boat, snorkel the reefs, picnic on a deserted beach and watch the sunset from Las Cabanas.
Best for: Couples and active travellers.
About 1 hour by flight from Manila
Coron, Palawan
Coron is famous for its turquoise lakes, hidden among limestone peaks, and some of the world's best wreck diving, with Japanese ships from the Second World War lying in clear, shallow water.
Beach and water: Small, beautiful beaches and remarkably clear lakes and lagoons.
The feel: Wild, scenic and a little off the beaten track.
What's good: Lakes, lagoons and world-class wreck diving.
Worth knowing: Coron town is simple, and the best resorts are on their own islands.
Things to do
Swim in Kayangan and Barracuda Lakes, snorkel Twin Lagoon, dive the Second World War wrecks, soak in the Maquinit hot springs and island hop to quiet beaches.
Best for: Divers, couples and adventurous families.
About 1 hour by flight from Manila, then a short boat
Boracay
A small island with one of the most famous beaches in Asia, White Beach, a long stretch of powder-white sand lined with restaurants and bars. It's lively, sociable and great for a fun beach holiday.
Beach and water: Soft white sand and calm, clear water, especially from November to May.
The feel: Lively, sociable and easy.
What's good: The beach, sunsets, restaurants and lots to do.
Worth knowing: White Beach is busy, so a resort on a quieter beach can be more relaxing.
Things to do
Watch the sunset from a paraw sailing boat, try kitesurfing on Bulabog Beach, island hop, snorkel at Crystal Cove or enjoy the restaurants along White Beach.
Best for: Families, couples and friends.
About 1.5 hours by flight from Manila
Bohol and Panglao
Bohol mixes lovely beaches on Panglao Island with extraordinary sights inland, including the famous Chocolate Hills and the tiny tarsiers, one of the world's smallest primates.
Beach and water: White-sand beaches and good snorkelling around Panglao.
The feel: Relaxed, friendly and varied.
What's good: Beaches plus fascinating day trips, and great for families.
Worth knowing: It's less polished than Boracay, with fewer luxury resorts.
Things to do
See the Chocolate Hills, meet the tarsiers in a sanctuary, cruise the Loboc River, snorkel at Balicasag Island and watch for dolphins at dawn.
Best for: Families and curious travellers.
A few ways it could look
Ways to build your Philippines escape
Simple inspiration rather than fixed itineraries. Every trip is shaped around you.
7 nights · El Nido
One perfect island
Settle into a private island resort and spend your days kayaking, snorkelling and relaxing.
10 nights · El Nido → Coron
Palawan island hopping
Lagoons and limestone cliffs in El Nido, then lakes and wrecks in Coron.
10 nights · Bohol → Boracay
A family Philippines
Chocolate Hills and tarsiers first, then finish on Boracay's famous White Beach.
10 nights · Manila → Palawan
City and island
A couple of nights in Manila on the way, then fly on to a private island in Palawan.
Where you might stay
Some gorgeous places to stay in the Philippines
From family-friendly resorts to secluded island retreats, the Philippines offers accommodation for different budgets and styles of holiday. Here are eight worth considering.
El Nido · Couples · $$$$
El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island
Pool villas on a private island with a long, white-sand beach and a strong focus on conservation.
El Nido · Couples and families · $$$
El Nido Resorts Lagen Island
Tucked into a cove beneath forested cliffs, with water cottages and lovely kayaking.
Northern Palawan · Couples and families · $$$$
Amanpulo
A private island of white sand and casitas tucked among the trees, reached by private plane from Manila.
Coron · Couples · $$$$
Huma Island Resort
Overwater villas on their own island near Coron, a rare chance to stay above the water in the Philippines.
Coron · Families and couples · $$$
Club Paradise Palawan
A relaxed island resort with a beautiful house reef, turtles and dugongs close by.
Boracay · Families and couples · $$$$
Shangri-La Boracay
On its own quiet coves away from White Beach, with villas, a kids' club and a lovely spa.
Boracay · Couples and families · $$$
Discovery Shores Boracay
Stylish suites right on the quieter end of White Beach, with excellent service.
Panglao, Bohol · Couples and families · $$$
Amorita Resort
A boutique clifftop resort above Alona Beach, with pool villas and a relaxed feel.
Indicative price positioning only: $$ comfortable, $$$ premium, $$$$ luxury. Actual rates vary by season, room category, inclusions and transfers.
Practical tips
Planning your Philippines escape
When to go
December to May
The dry season
Sunny and calm, with the best conditions for island hopping. March to May is the hottest time.
June to November
The wet season
Hotter and more humid, with heavy downpours and the chance of typhoons, especially from August to October.
Peak times
Book early
Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Easter are the busiest and most expensive times.
A guide to costs
The Philippines suits every budget. Here's a simple guide to what you can expect at each level.
Comfortable
Good four-star beach resorts, often with family rooms, at very good value.
Luxury
Five-star island resorts and pool villas, with beautiful spas and several restaurants.
Ultimate
The Philippines' most exceptional private islands, with personal service and complete seclusion.
Prices change with the season, the room and how you get there, so these are a starting point only. My planning fee is $250, and I'll compare resorts and packages to find you the best value for your dates.
Getting there
Direct flights from Sydney to Manila take around eight and a half hours, followed by a short domestic flight to the islands. The Philippines is three hours behind Sydney in summer.
Connections
Domestic flights and boat transfers need careful timing, and schedules can change with the weather. I'll plan your connections so you're not left waiting.
Is a meal plan worth it?
On a private island, you'll eat every meal at your resort, so a meal plan usually makes sense. On Boracay and Bohol, it's easy to eat out.
Island resort or town?
In Palawan especially, staying on a private island resort makes a huge difference. You wake up to the lagoons on your doorstep, without the crowds.
Made for you
Your Philippines escape. Your way.
I'll help you choose the right islands, the right resort and the right room, with flights and transfers that get you there smoothly.
Tell me your dates, who's coming and the kind of holiday you have in mind, and I'll find the place to match.
All you need to do is pack.
Keep exploring
