Rich Quiambao asked:




Among the paradise of islands that is the Philippines, among the choices of escapes around the world, and among all the chains of resorts and hotels all over the globe, there exists a hidden secret. This is a secret so coveted, 99% of the inhabitants of the Philippines doesn’t even know its there: the private resort Amanpulo.

The private island is a so luxurious, decadent and extravagant, it is on a class of tourist destinations of its own.

Owned by the AmanResorts luxury group, Amanpulo bears its parents’ name “aman” meaning peace. The word “pulo” on the other hand is the native Filipino word for “island”. Amanresorts is only composed of 15 or so luxury spots in different places, so Amanpulo is no less lavish and exciting as it other more well-known cousins. Amanpulo just opened in the Pamalican Island of Palawan, in the Eastern archipelago of the Philippines. Getting there and leaving there is by private jet, though one can assure you leaving paradise would be pretty hard. Well, at least the jet ride is seamless and comfortable.

Whats more, since this is a private island, getting in is no easy feat. One must know the appropriate channels and get in the right time to obtain a reservation. For a summer vacation in a year or two. One may not know this, but one of the sole entries in the book Places to See Before You Die for the Philippines is Amanpulo, so it is definitely worth the wait.

In Amanpulo, it is said that wide, powdery-white beaches are the wonder, compounded by the seascape proved majestic by the view of nearby Manamoc Island. Sometimes, when visitors stare out at Manamoc form the footprinted shorelines, do they ever wonder whats its like to be on that island paradise, then find themselves on the exact same fantasy in reality? The Aman gives no less.

The Beach Club of course, is said to be Amanpulo’s pride and joy. The relaxing wide are is spread with soft decks and pillows, with walkways leading to the pristine pools or the magnificent beach. The beach is the best choice by morning, while subtly lit pools are the choice place to unwind in romantic nights.

In addition, the place simply called The Restaurant serves both Filipino and international cuisines. And from the sound of the reviews, The Restaurant is on a league of its own, a throwback to when hotel restaurants were the best places to dine in. Serving fresh greens form its own vegetable and herb garden, The Restaurant will settle everyone’s worries over what’s good to eat because well, everything is good to eat.

Beach side casitas, nipa hut inspired but very luxurious lodges, are spaced very wide apart. This gives the impression of having your own beach paradise because you can choose to rarely see other guests. The views are fantastic, and a camera is a must. Maybe an underwater camera is a must too, since only 300m form the shore, a reef so full of color and life awaits anyone.

Coming clean, this is not an advertising ad for Amanpulo or the Aman chain of resorts. This is just a simple yearning to go there, one of the best places on earth unabashedly called paradise by those who have seen it. To taste the secret.

Local Philippines is your one-stop source of information about the Philippines with its fascinating travel destinations, colorful festivals and premier attractions.

Caffeinated Content

Jose Maria Abada asked:




The only issue with these high-end hotels in the country is that the interested visitor and traveler should be ready to pay up the extra cost of the services at these hotels. For those looking to stay at luxury hotels in the country, then there are a number of suggested luxury hotels.

Here is a listing of seven of the often-suggested luxury hotels in the Philippines:
-Pan Pacific Manila, Manila
-Makati Shangri-la Manila, Makati
-Traders Hotel Manila, Pasay
-InterContinental Manila, Manila
-The Peninsula Manila, Makati
-Amanpulo, Pamalican Island
-Mandarin Oriental Manila, Manila

All these hotels are known for their classic luxury and super luxury, and just a sampling of some of the better hotels in the country in terms of luxury that it provides to residents. Some of the best hotels are found in Boracay Island. And to fully enjoy the things that the island has to offer, the traveler should take into account his accommodation in the area. It’s best to know the island hotels in Boracay on order to get the best experience in the island. These island hotels are plentiful in the area, and hotels here are categorized into high-end ones and to those hotels that can meet even the smallest budget. Of course, to get the maximum experience, the top Boracay Island hotels should be priority on the said list of choices.

The best in the island of Boracay can be found in the White Beach. The White Beach is a 4 kilometer strip of fine white sand beaches. This trip is well-known in other parts of the world, in fact the Boracay Beach and this part of the island was named in 2007 as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. This was the result of the survey conducted by Yahoo Travel. In the same listing by Yahoo Travel, most of the beaches that were listed were located in Hawaii and in mainland United States and it was the island as the sole entry from Asia. This says a lot about the island as a haven for tourists.

A good number of the best hotels in the area are found in White Beach. White Beach is the main tourism beach of the area and this is over 4 kilometers long and the shoreline is lined with resorts, restaurants, bars and of course hotels. There are around 40 hotels in the White Beach area and these hotels will meet the demands of the travelers of different tastes and budget range.

Caffeinated Content

Will Irwin asked:




In recent years, the Philippines has rapidly become a premier honeymoon destination. In April 2009, the Philippines was awarded the “Most Popular Destination in Asia” award by professional jurors at the 2009 World Travel Fair in Shanghai, China. Foreigners booking their marriage ceremonies and honeymoons in the Philippines have been at record growth rates the past several years.

What are the Most Romantic Places to Visit?

Insiders, people who live in the Philippines, or those Expats who travel to the Philippines frequently have found many special romantic “getaways” to bask in equal doses of passion, solitude and creature comforts. Frankly, there are so many beautiful and romantic locations in the Philippines, it is extremely difficult to identify the Top 5, Top 10 or even the Top 20. Certain places are more romantic to some than others for very personal reasons.

Nevertheless, based on my over 20 years of travelling to and living in the Philippines with my Filipina spouse, I have come up with a comprehensive list of locations which I continuously find other Expats confirming with me as also being their favorite romantic getaway locations.

The Luxury Locations

1. Amanpulo on Pamalican Island: Rated – 5 Star

This has to be at the top of the list, with rooms starting at $550 per night. This place is the Ultimate beach resort in the Philippines and the Ultimate Getaway for those with the funds to afford it. If you choose to visit Amanpulo, you will be hobnobbing with the rich and famous of the world – jetsetters and celebrities from around the world. This is one of the best known secret locations in the Philippines.

2. Manila Makati Peninsula Hotel: Rated – 5 Star

This is the perfect getaway for those looking for a romantic upscale, city location, with city light views and culture similar to New York City. There are numerous room choices, from superior rooms ranging from $200 to $300 per night, up to suites ranging from $400 to $500 per night. The views in the lobby of the hotel are absolutely stunning, and the room is perfectly decorated.

3. Shangri La Mactan Island Resort (Cebu): Rated 5 Star

This luxurious resort is nestled on 14 hectares of beautifully landscaped coastal land. All the rooms open to excellent view of the ocean. Being on the coast, the resort offers all the normal water sports. You get a lot of space when you stay here. It has been named as one of the “Top Ten Best Resorts in the Asia-Pacific” by Business Traveler Magazine

4. Badian Island Resort and Spa (Cebu): Rated 5 Star

This resort is on the top of the list of Top 10 Island Spas, as featured in a recent issue of Asia Spa magazine. It is situated just off the coast on the far Southwest end of Cebu island, away from the cities and the noise, in a perfectly beautiful romantic destination spot. It is about a 2.5 hour drive from the Cebu airport, but you can request for a helicopter to whisk you to the resort in 30 minutes.

5. Shangri La Boracay Island: Rated: 5 Star

Another plush property from the Shangri-La’s group, this resort is located in a northern part of Boracay island. It is in a location secluded from all the hustle and bustle congestion of Boracay, and has its own secluded 350 meters of unspoiled beach and well-preserved nature. This luxury resort features 219 rooms and villas decked out in ethnic Filipino d?cor, each room connecting to a balcony where you can relax and revel in panoramic views of the beach.

Now, how about the rest of us, we who wish to not so freely roll out the night rates of the above luxury resorts, but wish to find that unique romantic getaway. Well, this list is even harder to select, as there are so many beautiful and romantic locations at the more affordable rates of $100 to $250 per night.

The Budget Minded Locations

1. Boracay’s elite row of resorts – Boracay is the best-known tourist spot in the Philippines. Because the northern end of Boracay’s main beach is relatively isolated, the more high-end resorts are located there, two of which I recommend as romantic getaways:

Waling-Waling Beach Hotel: Rated: 3 Star

This resort has only 29 rooms, so it is quite private, and guests are treated like family. What gives this resort its unique character is that outdoors is a line of native cabanas filled with over-sized pillows decorated with shells and hanging lamps where you can dine, read, drink, take a nap or simply watch the sea and people walk by.

Friday’s Resort: Rated: 4 Star

Friday’s, like Waling, is located on beautiful White Beach, but what makes it differ so much from Waling is its somewhat isolated location, which gives it more privacy. It was the first luxury resort built in Boracay

Nami Private Villas Hotel: Rated: 4 Star

Nestled in the hills with a magnificent view of the ocean, the resort features 12 private and spacious villas, each with its own Jacuzzi. The resort is only a 10 minute drive from the main area of White Beach. There is a service center that can arrange activities for guests, such as horseback riding, aqua sports, and golf. The resort is an ideal destination for those seeking a romantic getaway with privacy and seclusion, while still being nearby Boracay’s commercial area.

2. El Nido Resorts in Palawan: Rated – 4 Star

El Nido is home to enchanting vistas of white sand beaches, huge limestone cliffs, tranquil lagoons, and reefs teaming with life. The scenery is simply stunning, the water some of the clearest I have ever witnessed, and they are really secluded – on the north end of Palawan. There are two major resorts making up the El Nido Resorts – Lagen Island Resort and Minoloc Island Resort.

3. Pearl Farm Beach Resort: Rated – 5 Star

Located in the southern part of the Philippines is the Samal group of Islands, an archipelago consisting of nine islands which stretch out over a land area of 28,000 hectares. Samal is a beautiful, tranquil and exotic island with a coastline adorned with white sand beaches, abundant marine life, rock formations, mangroves, and landscape elements of coconut palms, flowering plants and fruit-bearing trees. The area is blessed with various natural attractions and flourishing flora and fauna.

4. Pansukian Resort: Rated 5 Star

This is a beautiful, uncrowded (only 8 Villas) resort in Siargao, an unspoiled island in the southern Philippines, also known as a surfer’s heaven. There is a world famous surf break known as Cloud 9 north of General Luna, the main city on the island. The Siargao Cup surfing competition is held in late September or early October each year. Siargao is east of Cebu and northeast of Butuan City in Mindanao.

5. Surf Camp – Calicoan Island, Samar: Rated: 4 Star

The Surf Camp is an idyllic tropical getaway situated in ‘abcd’ beach, Calicoan Island’s prime surfing area. The eight luxuriously appointed cottages are inspired by Thai, Balinese, Indonesian and Filipino architecture. All are equipped with air conditioning, hot water, satellite tv, minibar, safety deposit box and intercom. The resort features an infinity pool with an unparalleled view of the Pacific Ocean.

6. Sonya’s Garden – Tagaytay: Bed and Breakfast

You can’t believe that tucked in a small road outside Tagaytay City is this delightful place filled with rare flowers, and where you can have lunch or dinner and stay for the night in it cottages lovingly built and uniquely furnished by its owner, Sonya Garcia. It is the closest that you can get to an English “bed and breakfast” in the Philippines, but with a bit more style and personal service.

7. Bohol Beach Resort at Panglao – Bohol Island: Rated: 3 Star

Panglao is a small island virtually attached to the main island of Bohol, connected by two bridges of just 50 meters in length. All major beach resorts are located on Panglao with its pristine white beaches and clean seawater. Panglao is also the destination of choice for many divers. Alona Beach is where all the big hype is about Bohol (and the higher priced resorts – one great one which is Alona Palm Beach Resort).

8. The Manor at Camp John Hay – Baguio

What makes staying here so special is that it is located in Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines. Baguio, located at 5,000 foot elevation, was originally constructed as a mountain retreat by US military forces in the early 1900′s. Now, its cool temperatures (average of 19 degrees Celsius year round) draw Manila visitors in large numbers when the lowlands are sweltering. The city’s character is shaped by the throngs of young college students. It is the most accessible and preserved pine forest area in the Philippines.

Website content

Cedric Canierro asked:




Whenever we hear Philippines, we think of luscious forests, warm smiles of Filipinos and white sand beaches. Speaking of beaches, Boracay always comes to your mind as a beach-freak. Aside from the infamous Boracay, there are other white sand beaches in the tropics. Pamalican Island, apart from Boracay, is a small island that belongs in Cuyo Group of Islands located at the heart of Palawan and Panay. It is also the home of the high-end Amanpulo Island Resort.

Having the name Amanpulo (which means peaceful) spells it’s true meaning and added to that feature is it’s alluring beauty and tranquility. However, to transport tourists from Manila to the island, there is always an airplane standing by. It is also used to transport goods and supplies to the island. The island can accommodate less than 100 people to stay. That is an assurance that the place is not that crowded compared to Boracay and Puerto Galera. The fact that it’s so small you can tour the whole island in 3-5 hours walk.

If you think walking around the island is boring, think again. The island has so many activities to offer just like diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and beach combing. If you feel the romantic ambiance, try to arrange a barbecue night out with your date or simply grab your picnic basket and do your picnicking on the neighbor island. You can also indulge yourself in the island’s casitas (bungalow) that goes with a personal buggy. So if vacation is what you have in mind, always include Pamalican Island in your list of travel destinations in Asia.

Caffeinated Content

Christel Lumabas asked:


One unique fact about the Philippines is that we have more than 7,000 islands altogether– and this fact can excite most travelers from around the world. Since the Philippines is situated near the equator, the country is considered as the tropics, with temperatures perfect for a day at the beach. Philippine travel usually consists of island hopping, checking out some virgin sceneries, and visits to great local cities.

For serious travelers, they may opt for luxury vacations in the Philippines through exposure to the beauty of the country’s natural resources.

In every foreign place, one would not help but think of communicating with the locals. But when you are in the Philippines, any travelers with English speaking skills need not to worry, because around 85 percent of the locals can understand English. In any case, for any vacation or travel spot in the country, there is a Filipino in the area that can speak and understand English.

Language barriers aside, the exchange rate may also be quite favorable for travelers. With cheap accommodations, food, and services, any traveler may easily have a luxurious vacation without them feeling the pain in their wallets. In other words, everything is on sale.

The tropical islands of the Philippines showcase some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia, and also the most colorful coral reefs in the world. The far fetched island of Palawan features one of the country’s best hotel accommodations, with popular guests such as Mariah Carey and Brian McKnight. The island boasts of clear blue waters, pristine white sand, and rich sea life– all with a relaxed environment. Palawan may be considered as a spot for luxury vacations, simply because of the exquisite accommodations and hotels, such as the infamous Amanpulo. The resort features world class amenities that can rejuvenate and change your perspective of the country altogether. Amanpulo can be reached through charter plane from Manila, and usually costs around $300 per person. Once there, any guest can enjoy all amenities for $850 per person, for a whole week! So if you want to see and experience the Amanpulo in Palawan, try to book ahead of time so as to have proper reservations.

Another popular destination when it comes to luxury vacations would be the in the island of Boracay. This long stretch of pure white sand beach offers not only relaxation, but a boost on social gatherings with beach front parties and good restaurants, offering both local and foreign delicacies. Boracay provides luxury vacations for locals and foreigners visiting the country, with full hotel accommodations to huts by the beach front. Other key destinations include Cebu and Davao, and also key historic landmarks such as Bataan and Corregidor, not to mention the fascinating sights in Manila and Iloilo.