Island beauty abounds
The Philippines is a thousand-island paradise and in our latest blog we talk to Hira Tahseen from the Heathrow Airline Business Development Team who gives us her very own whistle-stop tour of this South East Asian gem.
Hira tells us that there is something for everyone in this magical archipelago and so whether you want to relax on the pristine white sandy beaches of Boracay, feast yourself on festivities in Cebu or adventure through the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, you will find it all in the Philippines. If Hira’s word isn’t enough, readers of; Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast Travel have voted Boracay and Cebu as the top five best Islands to visit.
There is so much to do and see so Hira suggests you spend some time in the sophisticated and bustling capital of Manila to capture a kaleidoscope of cultures, unique to its 12 million inhabitants. Here you will find a blend of American, Chinese and Spanish heritage and in deed the Philippines is named after Phillip II of Spain who claimed the islands back in the 16th Century. While in Manila, be sure to check out the Intramuros or Walled City, a maze of narrow streets linking Renaissance churches with museums and Fort Santiago. Fort Santiago is a 16th Century citadel that brings to life some of the struggles the city has endured from the early days of Spanish colonisation all the way through to the Japanese invasion during World War II.
With a melting pot of cultures, Manila offers an exotic mix of foods and as clichés go, there is something for everyone. Try adobo which is meat, seafood, or vegetables marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns. You will find it in top restaurants or when you are on-the-go on the streets. For dessert there’s always dirty ice-cream. This thankfully is not a literal translation, it’s just a bit of clean playful fun and the affectionate term given to sorbetes, ices sold on every corner and served in a cone or a bun. There is plenty more to savour with some eye-watering options but safe to say you won’t go hungry in Manilla.
Moving on from the bustling capital there are so many islands to choose from and here are some of Hira’s top picks…Cebu
Cebu is the perfect gateway to more than 7,100 unspoilt islands. Cebu itself is a microcosm of Philippine life and tells its own story of the country’s rich past. What makes the Philippines so special is its people who are known worldwide for their friendliness, genuine hospitality and their industrious nature. None more so than the Cebuanos who will certainly work hard at making you feel welcome – it’s the very charm of its people which complements the island’s breath-taking natural beauty.
Cebu plays host to dozens of festivals with the Sinulog Festival being the biggest and best. Every January the streets come alive to the sound of beating drums all in honour of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu (the Holy Child) which comes to a crescendo with a colourful religious procession which is up there with the Rio Carnival.
If marine-life is more your thing, plan your visit between February and April and you can swim alongside sharks and whales in Oslob, Donsol and Ligazby. The welfare of these beautiful creatures is vitally important and there are plenty of official guides and conservationists who will help you arrange the swim of your life.
Boracay is the beach capital of the Philippines. This tiny island has over a dozen perfect beaches with white sand and crystal blue waters. Relax or get active with a spot of windsurfing or paddle boarding. Kite surfing is also very popular here and when you are done with your activities for the day, you have got over 200 restaurants to choose from. Be sure to try Guimaras Mangoes - the sweetest fruit you will ever taste.
Seco is a place that certainly lives up to its name. Seco means elbow and that is the shape of this gorgeous uninhabited island just two hours from Boracay.
Palawan is a slender island bulging with UNESCO world heritage sites. Its rolling hills and connecting valleys set the scene for the perfect trek and at every stop you are rewarded with picture-postcard stunning views. Visit the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to endangered animals and just off nearby Coron Island, Japanese shipwrecks are the backdrop to some of the best dive sites in the world.
If Palawan is a thin slither, Bohol looks is a palm-fringed oval-shaped island and home to the Chocolate Hills. Hira says it is a little bit of Cebu, Palawan and Boracay all packaged up into one perfect holiday destination and at every turn, a Boholano will greet you with a welcoming smile.
Hira recommends Philippine Airlines. As the national carrier with direct flights from Heathrow, your first taste of that warm welcome will start the minute you step on board one of their newest Airbus A350s.
Passengers can also take advantage of the 40kg baggage allowance on flights from Heathrow – Manila.
