Philippines

Here is the top 10 of the best luxury experiences Tours in the Philippines.

experiencing luxurious and adventurous getaways in MARINDUQUE

Marinduque is rich in natural attractions, history, culture, and religious traditions. Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa in Marinduque is a private island that sits on a huge property. The resort itself offers everything to make one’s stay memorable with numerous options for island-hopping, diving, snorkeling, water sports and beach bumming.

Being appealed by the adventure and natural attractions in PALAWAN

Any travel site about the Philippines will never miss mentioning Palawan. Some of the best-rated and most luxurious resorts are found in Palawan such as Amanpulo, El Nido Resorts and Huma Island Resort and Spa in Coron.

Trying an intriguing adventure of the famous Mayon volcano in  BICOL REGION

Bicol is mostly land-locked. It has Mayon volcano which is the most active volcano in the country and certainly the most beautiful with its perfectly symmetrical cone shape. Misibis Bay Resort is the most luxurious accommodation in the region with many outdoor adventures like dune buggies, ATV rides to the volcano, water sports activities like jet skis, sailing, and kayaking.

Indulging in happy times in an animated city- BORACAY

Boracay is seen as the party capital of the Philippines. If you love to be pampered, head to Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa where you are guaranteed to enjoy top-notch service and luxurious amenities. Since the hotels are so expensive, at least compared to other parts of the country, it is better to use a local travel agent for booking them.

Diving to see a paradise of marine species in PUERTO GALERA

Puerto Galera is considered to be an underwater wonder. The healthy coral reef system and the beautiful white sandy beaches coupled with waterfalls and lakes make Puerto Galera a must-see destination both for adventures and luxurious vacation. Moreover, travelers can dance the night away and spend the ultimate relaxation at Buri Resort and Spa which is one of the top 32 Most Beautiful Bays in the World.

Seeing Chocolate hills with your eyes in BOHOL

Bohol has thousands of chocolate-looking hills, tarsiers (smallest primate in the world), dark green rivers and the signature white sandy beaches. This province is an ideal base point for  tourists to easily hop on a ferry and travel all around the Visayas area. Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa in Panglao Island offers most thatched villas with spacious bedrooms and private pools where guests can enjoy the most expansive views of the sea, cliffs, ravines, caves, and mountains.

 Visiting the most adventure capital of the Philippines, CEBU

Here, you will find numerous things to do like white water rafting, spelunking, canyoneering, scuba diving, snorkeling, thresher sharks spotting and swimming with the biggest fish species in the world, the whale sharks. Plantation Bay Resort is the most popular in Cebu. It offers world-class Filipino service and a wide array of activities like beach volley, rock/wall climbing, tennis, and archery.

Explore the most mystic province in Philippines,  SIQUIJOR

This tiny island is covered in mystery largely due to the local folklore on monsters and fairies believed to inhabit the place. There are a number of very good waterfalls and caves to explore. Some of the luxurious accommodation options include Kalachuchi Resort, Salamangka Beach Resort, and Coco Grove.

Discovering the top travel destination for both adventure and leisure, SIARGAO ISLAND

Siargao is tagged as the surfing capital of the Philippines. It also offers different options for nature trips like spelunking, island-hopping, waterfalls hunting, beach-bumming, and hiking. Travellers can choose to stay in Kawayan Siargao with modern comforts and luxurious amenities like private pool, Jacuzzi and outdoor shower area for a maximum seclusion and relaxation.

Relaxing in the most exclusive tropical paradise in the Philippines, BALESIN ISLAND

Located in the Pacific Ocean just 60 miles from Manila, Balesin offers luxurious villas patterned to some of the most in-demand destinations in the world. It is lined with 7.3 kilometers of powdery white sands and amenities that could rival the best with conscious effort to keep the environment protected.

The Most Beautiful Beaches in the Philippines

1. El Nido in Palawan, with extraordinary natural splendor and ecosystem

There are about 50 white sand beaches on the island, five types of forests, three major marine habitats, and many different species of birds and fishes. El Nido is also the largest marine reserve and sanctuary in the Philippines, with a total area of 903.21 square kilometers. It is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country, and its flora and fauna are protected.

2. Boracay in Aklan, which is famous with The White Beach

Famous for its powdery white sands and pristine blue waters.It has over 350 resorts and about 2,000 rooms to accommodate guests, which range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly inns. White Beach, located there, has been referred to by many as the "finest beach in the world.” The most interesting activities in Boracay are water Sports, Nightlife, and Helmet Diving.

3. Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, the most diverse diving sites in Asia

A UNESCO-protected site since 1973, Puerto Galera is located in Oriental Mindoro Province about 130 km south of Manila. Puerto Galera boasts are good for swimming, relaxation, snorkeling, and sailing. It also has the densest population of marine species in the world, according to research conducted by the University of the Philippines.

4. Samal Island in Davao City, which is known as the Garden City of Samal.

It’s approximately 2 km away from Davao City, the capital of Mindanao, and a whopping 1400 km from Manila. It has a good number of white and pink sand beaches as well as world-class resorts, including Kaputian Beach Resort, the famous Pearl Farm, and Paradise Island.It also boasts numerous marine reefs and crystal blue waters, both of which are good for relaxation.

5. Panglao Island in  Bohol, with the best-known Alona Beach

Located off of Bohol boasts fine white sands and crystal clear blue waters. The diving spots around the island are the best experience because of the abundant marine species with about 250 different species of crustaceans and 2,500 species of mollusks, some of which are newly discovered.

6. Coron Island in Palawan, a paradisiacal secret beach

With steep limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and seven mountain lakes. It's actually been listed among the top 10 best scuba diving sites in the world by Forbes Travel magazine. In addition, behind majestic rock formations, there lies a secret lagoon with crystal blue-green waters encircled with limestone formations and white sand shores.

7. Palaui Island in Cagayan Valley, an untouched paradise

Placing Palaui Island at No. 10 of their Top 100 Best Beaches Around the World list. Nature unfolds a raw beauty with flora and fauna, volcanic rocks, powdery white sands, and rich marine biodiversity. If you want to stay, you’ll have to find a homestay or camp on the beach.

Top Famous Landmarks in The Philippines

Chocolate Hills, Bohol presents a striking and exotic landscape

Varying in size from 30 to 120 meters, these 1,268 peculiarly shaped hills are like nothing else in the world. The otherworldly view is best observed in the summer, when the usually lush mounds turn brown, earning their ‘Chocolate’ name.

Tarsier, Bohol- Such weird little creature.

The Philippine Tarsier is not an island, not a mountain, or a building – it’s an animal. The smallest primate in the world rocks a fuzzy baby Yoda look, has eyes bigger than its brain, and is one of Earth’s most peculiar creatures.

Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao- a valuable traditional beauty

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, the rice terraces were once a genius agricultural invention. It is a great beauty that epitomizes the harmony between man and nature.

Caramoan National Park

Caramoan is one of those rare places that still manage to keep its beauty under the radar. It offers everything most of the renowned islands in the region have, but saves you the tourist hustle and the inflated prices.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Palawan with the underground river of Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, this 8.2km long marvel of nature. A journey through the river’s cave system will introduce you to the endemic wildlife of the area and reveal jaw-dropping limestone cliffs surrounded by picture-perfect pristine waters.

Tubbataha Reef, Palawan- the coral heart of the Philippines

Covering an area of 96,828ha, it features a pristine coral reef, countless lagoons, and even two coral islands, it was inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. travelers only reach there by boat to contemplate a great diversity of marine life, including dolphins, whales, sharks, and Napoleon wrasse.

Mayon Volcano, Legazpi, called the ‘ perfect volcano’.

Mayon Volcano or Mount Mayon is a 2,462 meters high active volcano dominating the landscape of Legazpi. It has a perfectly symmetrical shape of its cone. However, make sure you do your research carefully since Mayon is known to erupt pretty frequently (the last one being in 2018).

To most travelers, the Philippines isn’t as mysterious as other southeast Asian countries. However, there is something that you should pay attention to in order to have the most comfortable trip.

Do’s

• Be Courteous: Addressing people with “Ma’am” or “Sir” is the best way to show respect. You also should use familial words to break the ice such as “Tito” (uncle), “Tita” for those who are older than you, or “po” indicating respect. 

• Be Friendly : Filipinos are the most friendly people in the world. Locals love to greet people as a way of welcoming your visit, so reciprocating a friendly gesture with a smile will make the locals like you more.

• Always Say Thank You : Filipinos usually smile when dealing with visitors. One of the best ways to show appreciation is to simply say thank you. A small tip as a token of thanks is also a great idea.

Don’ts

• Don’t Be Too Flashy: Scammers and pickpockets are always on the lookout for tourists with flashy items. Only use them in safe places and not on the busy streets.

• Don’t Lose Patience: Traffic, and communication barriers can easily make you inpatient. Instead of losing your temper, find other quick solutions. Locals are usually cold towards hot-tempered tourists.

• Don’t Say No to Food: Filipinos show their hospitality by offering you food. The best way to thank them is to eat them. However, if you really couldn’t eat the meal, try to refuse in a gracious manner

• Don’t Walk The Streets Unaccompanied: In any country, there are also opportunistic individuals everywhere. Err on the side of safety. Don’t go out alone especially when it’s already late.

There are a lot of things you should and shouldn't do when coming to the Philippines, but don't worry, if you have any query or need local help, please feel free to call us at Luxury Travel to have an affordable, safe and local journey.

Newlyweds planning a trip to the country will find a wealth of activities, epic landscapes, striking beauty, and some of the region’s most welcoming locals. Here’s why you should consider a honeymoon in the Philippines.

• Diverse experiences

Beside palm-shaded beaches, the Philippines actually offers a huge range of experiences to satisfy every type of traveler.  For history buffs, there are Spanish Colonial forts, churches, and towns. Nature lovers can try world-class scuba diving, swim with whale sharks, and encounter rare flora and fauna. Adventure junkies can go surfing, spelunking (caving), or mountain-climbing all over the archipelago. And for wellness enthusiasts, the Philippines has its own unique traditions and award-winning spas to enjoy.

• Hotels for all budgets

With a limited budget, you can have a good time in the Philippines. A tent or bamboo hut on a jaw-dropping beach, with three meals a day, will cost you less than US$40 (£32) per person. For those with a little more to spend, the Filipino creativity plays out beautifully in its well-designed, mid-range hotels and top resorts such as Amanpulo, Abaca, and the Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa.

• Unforgettable natural beauty

This is a country where you will max out your memory card and run your camera battery dry, again and again. For majestic, can’t-look-away seascapes, make your way to El Nido and Coron in Palawan. In the highlands of Luzon, you’ll find centuries-old rice terraces and jungle-clad peaks aplenty. The islands in the Visayas lure travelers with lush countryside, soothing rivers, and amazing underwater scenery. And, of course, let’s not forget the countless sparkling beaches and famous sunsets.

• Local connections

Because so many of the population can communicate in English, it’s easy to make friends with the Filipinos. Quick to laugh, joke, and smile, the locals are often more than happy to show you the best corners of their paradisiacal islands, and even happier to invite you over for dinner, drinks, and maybe a high-spirited round of karaoke.

• Peace and privacy

Finally, the Philippines is home to 7,107 islands, so you and your partner can be as solitary or as surrounded by people you choose. There are still many gorgeous, little-known islands where you can have beautiful beaches, bubbling waterfalls, and starry nights all to yourselves.

The Philippines has a variety of food and Cuisine including  both savory and dessert dishes. Here are some of the most famous traditional foods of the Philippines that you should not skip.

• Some delicious savory dishes

The Filipinos are extremely meat-loving and rarely eat vegetables. The savory dishes here are fried, grilled, and fried meat dishes such as Sisig (pork's head, marinated minced pork liver for stewing), Adobo (seasoned chicken), kare - kare (thick stew with vegetables), Lechon (a roasted meat skewers) or Tocino (version of bacon). Additionally, a delicious seafood dish like Kinilaw should be in your top list when traveling in an island country.

Besides, travelers should try some dishes that are made from rice and noodles like Pancit guisado ( fried noodles) and Sinangag (garlic fried rice). If you want to taste something weird, you can consider trying Balut, which is especially boiled egg. Maybe it will scare you, but its taste will surprise you!

• Some tasty dessert dishes.

Due to the Philippines being a tropical island, fruits here are so fresh and diverse. Therefore, the Philippines has a lot of dessert dishes made from fruit such as Buko (fresh young green coconuts) and Calamansi juice.  Otherwise, if you want to try something sweeter and cooler, Ice candy and Halo Halo are the best choices for you.

The most anticipated activities are underwater like swimming, diving and surfing. Therefore, things like Waterproof Camera, Swimsuit, Swimsuit Cover-Up or Water Shoes are very necessary to enjoy all underwater activities completely. Besides, you should protect your skin from intense sunshine on the beach by bringing sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses. In addition, you should prepare plenty of shorts and tanks for day and some light sweaters or outerwear for night.

There are a lot of direct international flights to the Philippines and vice versa. The more specific information is below.

• From Asia: You can fly direct to the Philippines from almost every major city in Asia, with several budget airlines offering cheap fares

• From Australia, New Zealand and South Africa: You can fly nonstop to Manila from Brisbane. However, you have to make at least one or more stops if you fly from  New Zealand and South Africa.
• From the US and Canada: Philippine Airlines operates nonstop flights to Manila from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Vancouver

From the UK and Ireland: Although there are no nonstop flights to Manila from the UK or the Republic of Ireland, the routes involve only one stop on the way.

Visiting the Philippine's national park, you will have a good chance to see rare animals including terrestrial, underwater animals and birds.

1, Whale shark, Donsol, Luzon

The peak season for seeing Whale sharks is between February and April. Only snorkelling is allowed.

2, Philippine eagle, Mount Kitanglad, Mindanao

At first, the Philippine eagle was known as the monkey-eating eagle. It was renamed after it was found to eat colugos and palm civets. This bird is said to be the world’s largest eagle in terms of its length or height.

3, Philippine tarsier, Corella, Bohol

It is difficult to stumble across this tiny primate in the wild, but you get to see it in a semi-natural habitat at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation

5. Dugong, Dugong Dive Center, Busuanga Island

You can have a chance of seeing at least one of the 20 dugongs believed to inhabit the Dugong Dive Center. You can snorkel or dive with the world’s only herbivorous marine mammal.

6. Tamaraw, Mount Iglit-Baco National Park, Mindoro

This buffalo is identified as Critically Endangered.  Its population is down to 400 animals. They weigh no more than 300kg.