travelite magazine guide to the philippines
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To give you more reasons to get away this season, the Travelite Magazine Winter 2013 issue comes with a supplementary booklet featuring the best of the Philippines. This tropical archipelago of more than 7,000 islands promises captivating attractions on and beyond its pristine shores, so whether you’re looking to indulge in a fancy, beachside dinner under a canopy of stars or trace the rich local history in an authentic heritage site, this handy guide is your passport to the experiences that define the essence of this multi-faceted country.TRANSCRIPT
THE PHILIPPINESDreamy beaches. Majestic mountains. Pulsating cities. Thriving
on variety, the Philippines offers a plethora of wonders for every
willing wanderer. In case one island doesn’t quite fit the bill,
there are over 7,000 more yours to explore.
Your journey starts in Manila, the capital city and your gateway
to the rest of the country. Showcasing history while embracing
modernity, it’s a wonderland of contrasts where you walk on
cobblestone streets one minute and be on top of a skyscraper
the next. The metropolis bursts with life, providing a proper
prelude to the decadent experiences in many undisturbed
towns of the tropical archipelago.
White, black or pink? Take your pick from beaches in varying
shades of splendour - and the sights only get more vibrant
underneath the surf. In between cerulean seas, hills, volcanoes,
sand dunes and urban jungles provide idyllic settings for
more action or relaxation. Like the kaleidoscopic attractions,
Philippine culture is just as colourful, having Spanish, Japanese
and American influences. Add to that the warmth and
effervescence of Filipinos and you’re in for an unforgettable trip
from mabuhay (welcome) to goodbye.
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©Published by Travelite Magazine Company Limited for the Department of
Tourism Philippines. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced in any forms without permission. Travelite Magazine believes that the
information herein was obtained from reliable sources, but it does not guarantee
its accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and contributors
and not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. The publisher does not accept
responsibility for entries supplied by individuals or companies including but not
limited to typographical errors and copyright of all supplied materials.
INTERNAL IMAGES
CHEAT SHEETCapital Manila
Climate
Rainy Season June to November
Dry Season December to May
Average Temperature 25°C to 32°C
Currency Philippine Peso
Exchange Rate PHP43 = USD1
Country Code +63
Languages Filipino, English
Population 98 million
Page 4 Shark’s Point, Amanpulo-Photo courtesy of Amanresorts. Balesin Beachfront-
Photo courtesy of Bubuy Balangue. Page 5 Punta Bunga Beach, Shangri-La’s Boracay
Resort & Spa. Malipano Beach, The Pearl Farm. Pages 6-7 Tubbataha Reef-Photo
courtesy of Adrian Dan. Page 8 Sandbar Dinner, El Nido-Photo courtesy of El Nido
Resorts. Page 9 Batanes Landscape-Photo courtesy of Noli Gabilo. Page 10 Hilot
Trilogy, Mandala Spa. Outdoor Treatments, The Farm at San Benito. Page 11 Paraw
Sailing, Boracay. Sunset Bar, Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Page 12 Ancient Walls, Intramuros.
Colonial Street, Vigan. Page 13 Sinulog Festival, Masskara Festival-Photos courtesy of
Fritz Charles Efenio. Page 14 Siargao Surfing, Dedon Island. Page 15 Molokini Kayak,
Two Seasons Coron. Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club-Photo courtesy of
Greg Aguilar. Page 16 Puerto Princesa Underground River.
Deserted beaches in over 7,000 islands. A perfect
tropical climate. In the Philippines, you’ll find
plenty or lose count of the ways to bask for hours
under the sun, feet up and cold drink in hand.
Located in one of Palawan’s coral reef-laced isles,
Amanpulo’s 5.5 kilometres of white-sand beach
has lured privacy-seeking sun-worshippers,
including a handful of Hollywood stars.
Sitting on a 500-hectare island in Quezon
province, Balesin Island has seven themed resort
villages framed by white sands, crystal clear
waters and lush rainforests.
SUNBATHING SPOTS
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Unwind by day, party by night routines are the norm
in Boracay. Away from the island’s merrymaking
is Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa’s private
beachfront - a haunt for some secluded sun soaking
in the same fabled powder-white sands.
Samal Island, with its wealth of undisturbed beaches
and rich marine life is The Pearl Farm’s sublime
location. The nearby Malipano Island is also at hand,
with finer beach sands and more tranquil shores.
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TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Whales. Sharks. Whale sharks. Meet all of them, along with
hundreds of species of other marine wildlife, when venturing
into Philippine oceans. Being an archipelago, the country offers
many excellent dive sites. The UNESCO-recognised Tubbataha
Reefs National Park promises the ultimate dive with an area of
239,800 acres. It’s a 10-hour boat ride away from the nearest
city, so spare a few days to take up residence in the middle of
the Sulu Sea.
UNdErwATEr ExPLOrATIONS
TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
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Apo Reef, off the coast of Occidental Mindoro, is another
hotspot for dive safaris. It is the second-largest contiguous
coral reef system in the world and the largest in the country.
Featuring three islands, the area is a sight to behold whether
under or above the water.
Anilao, Batangas, is also a favourite diving destination with
over 40 sites for novices and experts alike. Besides having
an exuberant underwater sanctuary, it is only about two
hours away from Manila - perfect for a quick weekend trip.
If your idea of romance involves a table for two on an
isolated sandbar, then El Nido Resort’s private dinner
arrangements won’t disappoint. Speedboat transfers,
flickering candle lights and all the works included. Add
to that a scrumptious selection of the chef’s specialties
meant to be shared with your beloved under a bed of
stars, and you’ll have a night neither of you will forget.
STArrY–EYEd dINNEr
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TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
At the northern tip of the Philippines lies a territory that’s
nothing short of awe-inspiring. Batanes’ landscape of sloping
grasslands, intercepting views of azure waters and clear skies,
is what postcards are made of. The best way to go around is by
renting a car or a bicycle, dropping by hilltops and lighthouses
while meeting friendly Ivatans (locals) along the way. Visit any
of the five islands hemmed by stone beaches and jagged cliffs
for an afternoon of beachcombing minus the crowd.
HILLSIdE SIGHTSEEING
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TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Beyond relaxation, the Philippine hilot is an art of
healing based on a traditional therapeutic ritual. Its
modern massage counterpart combines long, deep
strokes to soothe and pamper.
The serene ambience at The Farm at San Benito
completes its Hilot Haplos treatment using freshly
made, warm coconut milk, and coconut cream and
cocoa scrub.
Mandala Spa heals mind, body and spirit with its Hilot
Trilogy done in a lush garden setting, only a stone’s
throw away from Boracay’s famed white beach.
PAmPErING FIx
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Philippine sunsets have to be seen to be believed. A
rather impressive display of colours splashes the skies
at each day’s end. It’s all about finding a good spot and
letting the day’s worries slip with the sinking of the sun.
Watching the colourful sky aboard a traditional paraw
sailboat should not be missed when in Boracay.
On land, the Manila Bay sunset is best viewed from
Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s Sunset Bar, cocktails and
canapés included.
SUNSET SESSIONS
TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
While the Philippines is certainly advancing into the future,
there are still some parts that seem to have gloriously frozen
in time. One of its most well-preserved spots is Vigan, a city of
Spanish colonial-style houses and cobblestone streets. Stroll
along Calle Crisologo and get lost in its rustic beauty. Old world
charm also flourishes within the heart of Manila in Intramuros.
Trace back history to the times of conquistadors by visiting Fort
Santiago, Casa Manila and San Agustin Church, the oldest stone
church in the country.
NOSTALGIc TrIPS
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Philippine culture thrives on colour. Striking jeepneys
(public transportation) and vibrant fiestas (festivals)
prove that Filipinos’ lives are just as colourful, believing
there’s always a reason to celebrate. Fiestas? There’s
one in every town and everyone is invited.
Lively dance parades of the Sinulog Festival shake up
the streets of Cebu every January as a tribute to the
Filipinos’ pagan origins.
The Ati-Atihan Festival celebrates the feast of Child
Jesus with a mardi gras-like festivity every start of the
year in Kalibo, Aklan.
Bacolod City comes alive every October with its annual
masquerade, the Masskara Festival, honoured with a
month’s worth of joyous events.
STrEET PArTIES
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TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Some travellers like to savour the joy of doing nothing.
If you’re the opposite, you’ll be spoiled for choice with
engaging attractions.
In Siargao, the breaks beckon. Grab a board and join
surfers from around the world in negotiating the thick,
hollow waves at the now sought-after Cloud 9.
rEcrEATIONAL AcTIvITIES
If you prefer calmer sea conditions, head to Coron
where enchanting limestone formations amid teal
lagoons will leave you breathless. Hop from one island
to another aboard Two Seasons Coron’s Molokini
transparent kayaks to marvel at two worlds at a time.
On dry land, tee off at the 18-hole Tagaytay Highlands
International Golf Club. This exclusive club features a
cable car system that takes you to some of the holes
and the clubhouse while offering views of Taal Lake,
Laguna de Bay and Manila.
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TEN BEST EXPERIENCES IN THE PHILIPPINES
There’s something chilling about grazing through a calm river
as you enter a large, dark cavern, not knowing what’s ahead
or underneath the water. This unique thrill is the exact appeal
of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. A tour
that takes you through the winding channels, passing through
limestone chambers, is a brief voyage to the unknown as there
are portions that are yet to be explored.
SUBTErrANEAN TOUr
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