Worlds Best 10 Beaches

BORACAY RATES for Philippine residents and balikbayans

 

For foreign market rates, click here

Note: if your preferred resort is not on this page, contact us

CLUB TEN BEACH RESORT

Affordable Boracay Package

Promo is valid from November 1 to May 31, 2008

Room Type	Rate per person	Extra Night (w/ bfast)
Single Occupancy	Php5,800	Php2,600
Twin Sharing	Php3,700	Php1,600
Triple Sharing	Php3,500	Php1,400
Quadruple Sharing	Php3,200	Php1,200

Inclusions:

3days/2nights accommodation

Daily breakfast

Roundtrip transfer

Welcome drinks

PEARL OF THE PACIFIC

Season's Package

Valid from Nov 16- Dec 21, 2007

Occupancy	Deluxe	Maharlika	Inclusions
Single	P12,056	P15,722	- 3days/2nights room accommodation - Roundtrip Caticlan airport transfers - add P400/pax if Kalibo - Daily set breakfast - Complimentary set dinner for 1 night - Complimentary Aromatherapy massage & Island Salon service - Welcome drink & welcome lei - 10% off on food and beverage
Twin	P7,473	P9,307
Triple	P6,760	P7,982
Quadruple	P6,402	P7,320
Child's rate	P1,890	P1,890

 

Extra night rate with breakfast per person

Occupancy	Single	Twin	Triple	Quad	Child
Deluxe	P4,861	P2,569	P2,213	P2,035	P280
Maharlika	P6,700	P3,500	P2,825	P2,500	P280

 

Yearend Rate

Valid from Dec 22, 2007 to Jan 3, 2008

Package rate per room per night

Occupancy	Deluxe	Maharlika	Inclusions
Single/Twn/Dbl	P12,056	P15,722	- Overnight room accommodation - Welcome drink - Welcome lei - Buffet breakfast - Themed dinner at the beachfront - 1 time complimentary Aromatherapy massage for a minimum of 2 nights stay - 10% off on food and beverages
Extra Person	P7,473	P9,307
Child	P6,760	P7,982
Compulsory dinner on Dec 31 New Year's Celebration: P1,000 (adult); P800 (child)
RT Transfers - Caticlan	P500/person
RT Transfers - Kalibo	P750/person

 

 

ASYA BORACAY

High & Peak Season Rates per person

Valid from 16 Oct 2007 - 31 May 2008

	Single	Twin	Triple	Quad
Deluxe Villa	P11,860	P6,560	P5,500	P4,970
Extra night	P5,930	P3,280	P2,750	P2,485
Courtyard Suite	P12,920	P7,090	P5,854	P5,235
Extra Night	P6,460	P3,545	P2,927	P2,618
Villa Suite	P13,980	P7,620	P6,207	P5,500
Extra Night	P6,990	P3,810	P3,104	P2,750

Inclusions:

- 2 nights accommodation

- Roundtrip land and boat transfers via Caticlan

- Welcome drinks

- Daily breakfast; personal drinks are not included

- Use of water sports equipment and facilities at Asya's Private Cove, swimming pool, wifi connection by the restaurant, poolside and business center

- Complimentary one-time mini bar

- One guest souvenir photo by the gazebo

- Two pairs of slippers and one beach bag for every room

- 12% Government Tax and 10% Service Charge

 

 

FRIDAY'S BORACAY

	Low (July 1-Oct 15)	High (Oct 16, '07- Jun 18, '08)	Peak (Dec 18, '07-Jan 7, '08; Feb 4-10, '08; Mar 17-30, '08)
3days/2nights	P39,000	P42,000	P45,000
Perfect Honeymoon	P44,000	P47,000	P50,000
Dive, Golf or Spa	P52,000	P55,000	P58,000
Extra Night w/ Bfast	P7,000	P8,000	P9,500
Premier Room Upgrade (per night)	P1,500	P1,500	P1,500
Premier Suite	P2,500	P2,500	P2500

Note:

- Package is designed for two adults

- Extra person is Php1,600 per person, per night

- Includes: Roundtrip airfare via Caticlan, room accommodation, roundtrip transfers, Daily breakfast, one lunch for two

 

 

WALING-WALING BEACH HOTEL

High Season Package (Oct 16, 2007 - June 15, 2008)

3days/2nights    Twin Occupancy    Triple Occupancy    Quadruple Occupancy    Quadruple Occupancy (deluxe)	Php8,665/person Php7,670/person Php6,795/person Php7,170/person
4days/3nights    Twin Occupancy    Triple Occupancy    Quadruple Occupancy    Quadruple Occupancy (deluxe)	Php12,145/person Php10,705/person Php9,440/person Php9,980/person
5days/4nights    Twin Occupancy    Triple Occupancy    Quadruple Occupancy    Quadruple Occupancy (deluxe)	Php15,330/person Php13,490/person Php11,875/person Php12,565/person
6days/5nights    Twin Occupancy    Triple Occupancy    Quadruple Occupancy    Quadruple Occupancy (deluxe)	Php18,215/person Php16,025/person Php14,110/person Php14,930/person

  *All rates are subject to 12% evat

Inclusions:

- Superior Room Accommodation - Beachfront

- Daily breakfast

- Daily Dinner

- 1 Hour Full Body Massage in a Cabana, between 9am - 7pm only

- Roundtrip transfers via Caticlan, add Php500 per person if via Kalibo

- Welcome drink and lei upon arrival

- Environmental Fee

 

Note:

- Not valid during Peak Season: Xmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Holy Week

 

 

LE SOLEIL DE BORACAY

Boracay Pleasure Package

Valid from Oct 16 - May 31, 2008 except peak periods (Dec 21 - Jan 5; Feb 7-14; Mar 17-23)

Accommodation	Rates
Single Occupancy	P9,815/person
Extra night with breakfast	P4,200/person/night
Double Occupancy	P5,850/person
Extra night with breakfast	P2,000/person/night
Triple Occupancy	P4,935/person
Extra night with breakfast	P1,900/person/night
Quad Occupancy	P4,569/person
Extra night with breakfast	P1,500/person/night

Inclusions:

- 3days/2nights accommodation in a Deluxe Room

- 2 days set Filipino or American breakfast

- One night set dinner

- Roundtrip transfers via Caticlan

- Welcome drink and lei upon arrival

 

 

LORENZO RESORTS

Boracay Escapade

Valid from Nov 1, 2007 - Mar 31, 2008 (except peak periods)

Resort	Single	Twin	Triple
Lorenzo South
Premiere	P12,710	P7,190	P6,085
Extra Night	P5,890	P3,220	P2,670ff
Superior	P11,605	P6,640	P5,720
Extra Night	P5,430	P2,945	P2,485
Lorenzo Villa
Premiere	P8,845	P5,260	P4,800
Extra night	P4,050	P2,255	P2,025
Child rate	P2,480
Extra night	P865

Inclusions:

- Minimum stay of 3days/2nights

- Daily set breakfast and set dinner

- Roundtrip transfers via Caticlan

- One time body massage

- Welcome drinks

- Free shuttle service to and from South and Villa

COCOMANGAS

3days/2nights Promo Package

Valid from Dec 1-20, 2007/ Jan 5-Mar 15, 2008/ Apr 1-May 31, 2008)

Room Type	Rate per person
Single Occupancy	Php4,950
Extra night	Php1,800
Twin Sharing	Php3,750
Extra night	Php1,350
Triple Sharing	Php3,600
Extra night	Php1,350
Quad Sharing	Php3,450
Extra night	Php1,350

Inclusions:

- 3days/2nights aircon accommodation

- 2 breakfast

- 2 nights dinner (w/o drinks)

- Roundtrip airport transfers (Kalibo or Caticlan)

- Welcome drinks upon arrival

SEAWIND BORACAY

Summer Fun Promo

starts 16 October 2007 ends 15 June 2008

3days/2nights	Rate per person in Php
Single	13,870
Twin	7,100
Triple	5,870
Quad	5,350
4days/3nights	Rate per person in Php
Single	19,970
Twin	10,150
Triple	8,400
Quad	7,625
5days/4nights	Rate per person in Php
Single	26,070
Twin	13,200
Triple	10,940
Quad	9,900
6days/5nights	Rate per person in Php
Single	32,170
Twin	16,250
Triple	13,475
Quad	12,175
7days/6nights	Rate per person in Php
Single	38,270
Twin	19,300
Triple	16,000
Quad	14,450

Inclusions:

- Deluxe Room Accommodation

- Daily breakfast

- Welcome drink

- Roundtrip transfers via Caticlan airport (addt'l Php200 for Kalibo airport)

- Not valid during Christmas/New Year, Chinese New Year and Holy Week

Boracay Beach Picture

 

Travel Pangasinan: PUTO FESTIVAL

Pangasinan

PUTO FESTIVAL
December 26- December 28 | Calasiao, Pangasinan
Celebration of the town's major produce, rice cake (puto).

 

Pangasinan is a province 250 kilometers north on Manila. The province is bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Tarlac on the south, Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija to the east, La Union on the north and the Lingayen Gulf to the west. The name Pangasinan was derived from the word "asin" or salt due to Pangasinan's vast salt making industry. The province is also a major producer of mangoes, rice, milkfish and bamboo handicrafts.

 

Today, Pangasinan is more known for its most popular tourist attraction which is the Hundred Islands National Park. A cluster of more than a hundred islands off the town of Alaminos on the Lingayen Gulf. Of which, the biggest island is named Quezon. Most of the islands are small and uninhabited and are only occasionally visited during the day by local and foreign tourist. Most of the bigger islands have beaches where visitors can spend the day or camp out for a picnic.

 

However, only a few of these island have facilities. Those that offer facilities are: Quezon Island with viewing decks, toilets and picnic sheds, the Governor's Island has accommodation facilities for those who would like to stay longer and the Children's Island which has bathrooms, camping and sleeping areas.

 

Now, visitors to the Hundred Islands can better enjoy their vacation with water sports facilities offered for rent at Lucap Waterfront (Tel # +63 75 5512246) for activities like jet skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling, parasailing and big game fishing.

 

Other Tourist Attractions of Pangasinan:

 

Places of interest in Pangasinan are: the 2 lighthouses in Bolinao: the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse in Barangay Patar and the Port Bolinao Lighthouse in Guigui-wanen in Barangay Luciente; the Tara waterfalls in Bolinao; the pristine Balingasay river; Antong Falls in the town of Sison; the Urduja House in Lingayen; the Salasa Church in Bugallon; Mount Balungao in Balungao; Manleluag Spring National Park in Mangatarem; Bolinao Museum; Sanctuario de Senor Divino Tesoro in Calasiao; Redeemer's Cross; Agno Umbrella Rocks and the Lingayen Gulf War Museum in the town of Lingayen.

 

For the adventurous, there are several caves in Pangasinan waiting to be explored. There is the Cacupangan cave in the town of Mabini, Cindy's cave in Bolinao and the 200 meter Villacorta Caves in the town of Villacorta with waterfalls, pools and rock formations.

 

Aside form the beaches found on the Hundred Islands, one need not get a boat ride to get to a beach in Pangasinan. The coastline of Lingayen Gulf is blessed with numerous beaches for tourist and vacationers. There is the Bonuan beach, videoke stalls to match and other beaches that dot the coastline of Pangasinan.

 

Best Beaches of Pangasinan:

 

● Abrak Beach in Bolinao has huts for rent for the budget conscious and several resorts for those with bigger budgets.
● Tambobong Beach, also in Dasol has pristine waters and a fishing village serves as a backdrop.
● Colibra Island, in Dasol has a beautiful shoreline; clear waters that is good for for diving and snorkeling. The island's beach however has no shade. So be prepared to get a dark tan.
● Tondol Beach in Anda town offers a long stretch shallow and calm waters. Ideal for sunbathers.

● Arnedo Beach also in Bolinao offers several resorts, some with surfing facilities with reasonable rates.

 

How to get to Pangasinan:

Catch a bus from Manila going to Alaminos, Pangasinan. From the town proper of Alaminos, there are tricycles and jeepneys that ply the 3 kilometer route to Lucap town where the Public Assistance Center for the Hundred Islands National Park is located. The center also accepts reservations for accommodations to the islands. From the center, motorized boats (banca) can be hired for a trip to the islands.

 

Buses that ply the Manila - Pangasinan route:

● Dagupan Bus Line (Quezon City to Dagupan) New York St., Cubao Tel # 929-6123, 727-2330

● Victory Liner (Quezon City to Dagupan & Alaminos) Cubao, Q.C. Tel # 727-4688, 727-4534

● Five Star Bus Line (Pasay City to Dagupan & Bolinao) Tel # 833 8339, 833 3009

● City Trans (Manila to Dagupan & Bolinao)

● Philippine Rabbit (Quezon City to Dagupan & Bolinao) EDSA, Q.C. Tel # 734-9838,  734-9836

● Philippine Rapid Manila to Dagupan & Bolinao)

OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Bonuan Blue Beach	Dagupan City
Capitol Building	Lingayen
Home Economics Building of the West Central Elem. School	Dagupan City
Limahong Channel	Lingayen
Lingayen Gulf War Memorial	Lingayen
Old St. John's Cathedral	Dagupan City
Villa Verde Trail	San Nicolas
White Beach	San Fabian
Antong Falls	Sison
Cacupangan Cave	Mabini
Cape Bolinao Beach	Bolinao
Mount Balungao	Balungao
Santiago Island	Bolinao
Tambobong White Beach	Dasol
Villacorta Caves	Mabini
Bolinao Museum	Bolinao
Church of St. James Fortress	Bolinao
Redeemer's Cross	Bani
Salasa Church	Bugallon
Shrine of the Immaculate Concepcion	Rosales
Sison Auditorium	Lingayen
Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center	Lingayen
Oceanographic Marine Laboratory	Alaminos
University of the Philippines Marine Service Institute	Bolinao
Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation	San Carlos City
Bangus Festival	Dagupan City
Feast of the Señora de Manaoag	Manaoag
Feast of the Señor Divino Tesoro	Calasiao
Galicayo Festival	Manaoag
Mango/Bamboo Festival	San Carlos City
Panangidayew	Lingayen
Pista'y Dayat	Lingayen Gulf
Puto Festival	Calasiao

Travel ILOCOS NORTE: DAMILI FESTIVAL

DAMILI FESTIVAL
December 26 30 | San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte
This is celebrated during San Nicolas Festival that highlights as a street dance competition pantomiming the Damilian's pottery making.

SIARGAO ISLAND

This newly discovered island boasts of white-sand beaches and surfing waves compared to that of Hawaii. Lying 800 kilometers southeast of Manila, the tear-shaped Siargao Island is a perfect haven for the sun, sea, and surf buffs. It lies on the eastern portion of Surigao del Norte and on the southeastern tip of Mindanao. The island is a mass of tropical land with scores of reefs, points and white beaches.

Its promise as a surfing mecca in the making was discovered in 1993 by American surf photographer John Callahan who went to investigate the rumors of spectacular waves in a little known Mindanao town. He came back from his trip armed with stories about the lovely sun-drenched island and documented his find with beautiful photographs.

Siargao opened itself to the international surfing community by playing host to the Siargao Surfing Cup in the municipality of General Luna. Siargao's Cloud Nine break is said to be among the best in the world and foreign sportsmen view "the unparalleled surf of Siargao as a magnet for deep sea fishing, sailing, wind-surfing, kayaking, and sunbathing on miles of white sandy beaches that the reef-ringed island and its rich waters afford the visitors.

• How to go to Siargao
• Book your flights to the Philippines

Travel Pagudpud

PAGUDPUD BEACH

If Aklan has Boracay, Ilocos has Pagudpud, its northernmost town bordering the South China Sea. The coastal town of Pagudpud is the perfect setting for panoramic movies and photoshoot for travel magazines cover.

The town's main attractions are Saud Beach, known for its fine white sand stretching for hundreds of meters and Maira-Ira Point, which hides a secluded beach called Blue Lagoon. Other breathtaking landscapes in Pagudpud include Bantay Abot-abot, a natural sculpture carved by the wind and sea, the Mabogabog Falls and the Patapat viaduct that treats motorists to a scenic view of green lushes and blue waters of South China Sea.

Pagudpud is just an hour's drive from Laoag City International Airport. From here, tourists can visit other popular destinations such as the Bangui Wind Farm, the Hispanic village of Vigan, and the old Paoay Church.

• How to go to Pagudpud
• Book your flights to Laoag City

Travel HUNDRED ISLANDS

HUNDRED ISLANDS

Northern Philippines boasts of white-sand beaches in Pangasinan and Ilocandia. Among the best tourist destinations is the Hundred Islands which can be reached from the Pangasinan town of Alaminos, where the lodging accommodations and restaurants are situated.

At Hundred Islands, the visitor may rent an island for one's own private beach for a day. Short boat rides take off from the village of Lucap to the Hundred Islands.

Beaches stretch along the western coast of Ilocos region. Among the popular beach resorts are Cresta del Mar, Bali Hai, Cabana and the Coconut Grove in La Union province.

Ilocos Norte also has fine resorts such as D'Coral Beach Resort and Fort Ilocandia.

• How to go to Hundred Islands
• Book your flights to the Philippines

Travel PUERTO GALERA

PUERTO GALERA

Puerto Galera (which means Galleon Port) is one of the most popular beach resorts in the Philippines. A marine reserve, it is endowed with coves, fine sandy beaches and shallow coral reefs ideal for snorkeling.

The place can be reached from the port of Batangas City where a ferry service to Mindoro awaits the tourists. Bancas may be hired to go to Escarceo Point, the best dive spot in Puerto Galera. The area offers positive thrills and guaranteed excitement, with its sudden rushes of strong currents and steep slopes which are a favorite gathering place for large pelagic fish.Diving expeditions are usually organized by certified masters on specific dive spots.

• How to go to Puerto Galera
• Book your flights to Manila

Travel BATANGAS

Anilao, a resort village in Mabini, Batangas is considered the summer mecca of diving fanatics. The resort offers accommodations and diving facilities, plus the services of training clubs that provide courses on diving.

Situated in the southeast area of Batangas province, Anilao may be reached within three hours from Manila through public buses or jeepneys. From Anilao, one can start diving from the shore or go in bancas to nearby islands. Among them is Sombrero (Hat) Island, a marine preserve where sports activities are regulated.

Other dive spots in this side of Batangas are Mapating Rock at Maricaban Island, Caban Cove and Layag Layag Point.

• How to go to Batangas
• Book your flights to the Philippines

Travel SUBIC

Subic Bay

Subic, the former US naval base in the Philippines, is now a hub for commerce and tourism. Just two-and-a-half hour drive north from Manila, Subic offers a full view of the blue mountain and sea and of the green background of a three-layered virgin forest.

Points of interest include the 18-hole Binictican Golf Course and Clubhouse, a white-sand beach, bowling and arcade center,a ship wharf past a restricted forested area, firing ranges, fishing grounds and an area for bungee jumping.

Visitors to Subic can take a 12-hour jungle survival course, visit an Aeta tribal village, take a bay cruise, explore the coves, end up at the white-sand beach of Grande Island, engage in water sports, go horseback riding or simply enjoy the scenic view of the sea.

Subic Bay is complete with tourism-support facilities that include a marina, a yacht club, hotels, shopping arcades and food shops. It also boasts of an international airport.

• How to go to Subic
• Book your flights to the Philippines

Travel SARANGANI

The Beaches of Glan, Sarangani

Glan, the largest town in the Sarangani province, boasts of world-class beach resorts and rich fishing grounds. The terrain of Glan is characterized by flatlands, rolling hills and mountains. Most land areas have been converted to agriculture and fishponds.

The town of Glan is bounded on the east by Davao Del Sur, on the north by Malapatan town, on the west by the South China Sea, and on the south by Sarangani Bay.

Many foreign and local tourists flock to the area during summer because of its splendid beach resorts. The sorrounding waters, particularly in Gumasa, Baliton and Margus areas are rich fishing grounds. As many as 2,400 species of marine animals have been found in the bay. The dominant catch include yellow-fin tuna, shipjack, and mackerel.

Glan can be reached from Manila and Cebu by airplane going to General Santos City and a 45-minute drive from the airport.

• How to go to Sarangani
• Book your flights to General Santos City
  
  

Travel GUIMARAS

Guimaras tourism to revive its economy

Nueva Valencia, Guimaras - An Italian couple on a two-month holiday in the Philippines chose to include this paradise in their itinerary and stayed at the Raymen Beach Resort in December 2006, unperturbed by news about the oil spill that brought the island province to world attention in August of the same year.

"We are just here to see good beaches," said the Boldo couple, who are just among the hundreds of foreign guests who kept coming to Guimaras even in the aftermath of the infamous oil spill. Guimaras has 238.3-kilometer coastline, with long stretches of white, powdery sand considered among the finest in the world.

Lucia Cachuela, managing director of the El Retiro Beach Park, noted that international visitor arrivals to Guimaras began to pick up in November. "Tourists are coming back," Cachuela told journalists who visited the province as a part of the Guimaras Tourism Recovery Program spearheaded by the Department of Tourism.

Despite the accident and the negative publicity it generated for the province since August, data show that the number of foreign tourists, or those who spent at least a night in Guimaras, went up to 293 in November from 98 in October, 75 in September, and 237 in August - the month of the accident. In November 2005, there were only 143 foreign tourists in Guimaras.

Foreign excursionists, or day-in visitors, also went up to 525 in November from 453 a year ago. It was also up from 257 in October, and 297 in September. In August, the number of foreign excursionists reached 566.

Guimaras targets to attract more foreign tourists, because they spend the highest amount while in the island. The DOT Guests Assistance Centers in the port towns of Buenavista and Jordan estimated the average daily expenditure of foreign tourist at P2,000; foreign excursionist, P1,500; local tourist, P1,500; and local excursionist, P500.

"Guimaras is very alive and kicking," said Helen Camarista, the officer-in-charge of the Department of Tourism in Western Visayas. "Business has never been stronger."

"Out of 24 accredited resorts, only seven have been hardest hit. So 17 resorts are okay," Camarista, herself a resident of Guimaras, said.

Nueva Valencia Vice Mayor Juan Gaitan agreed, saying many beach resorts remain unspoiled. "We are telling people that not all areas have been affected. We encourage them to come to Guimaras," Gaitan said.

For example, Jose Garomita, president of the Guisi Community-based Heritage Tourism, said that they were able to protect the white-sand beach in Guisi, a sitio in Barangay Dolores, Nueva Valencia town from the oil slick.

Guimaras, a 60,465-hectare island the size of Singapore with five towns and 98 barangays and home to more than 140,000 residents, hogged the headlines when oil tanker MT Solar I carrying 2 million liters of bunker fuel owned by Petron Corp. sank in rough waters 10 miles off the coast of Nueva Valencia town on August 11 this year.

Scientists said about 300,000 liters of the cargo polluted 24,000 square kilometers of waters near the island paradise. The spill was later contained, and clean up operations began.

Ironically, foreign and domestic visitor arrivals to Guimaras went up by 13 percent to 13,566 in August from 11,986 a year ago. Arrivals reached 14,501 in September; 14,163 in October and 12,221 in November.

"More attention has been given to Guimaras since August. Now, there are scientists, researchers, and donors who are coming to Guimaras," Camarista said.

Camarista noted that before the oil spill took place, there were only 4 to 5 departures of pump boats each day. Now, this has gone up to 7 to 10 departures per day, she said.

But a few resorts are still feeling the impact of the tragedy. "When news of the oil spill spread, seven resorts received booking cancellations through email," Camarista conceded.

Peter Harper-bill, an 80-year-old British retiree who manages the Baras Resort, said bookings were less than half of what they used to be. "Normally, we were fully booked around Christmas, but now we are not," Harper-bill said.

Tourism is a major industry in Guimaras. In 2005, tourist arrivals totaled 181,915 and injected P204.3 million into its local economy. Since 2003, tourist arrivals to the province have been rising 30 percent per annum.

Ruben Corpuz, the provincial economic officer, said much of Guimaras, including its spectacular coastline and rich marine biodiversity remain unexplored.

Its main attractions include Roca Encantadia, Guisi Lighthouse, Tiniguiban Islet, Isla Naburot, Lombija Wildlife Resort, Taklong-Tandog Island, Igang Marine Station, Toyo Reef, and La Paz and Pamankulan Fish Sanctuaries. Corpuz said the province is also fast rising as a destination for mountain bike races, kayaking and tours to mango plantations. Guimaras exports sweet mangoes to the United States.

Corpuz said he is optimistic about the tourism prospects in Guimaras for several reasons. These include the expansion of the ports in Jordan and Buenavista towns, the completion of the international airport by March 2007 in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo which is the gateway to Guimaras, and new investments in tourist facilities, such as the multi-million-peso investment in the Lombija Wildlife Resort and Hotel and a new convention center.

Julius Camacho, a cousin of businessman Henry Babiera of the Ortigas Group who develops the Lombija zoo, said that at more than 20 hectares, the zoo will be the largest in the country once it opens sometime in 2008. The zoo has been under development since 1998. Corpuz said about P300 million has already been invested for the development of the project, which is seen to add a new attraction to Guimaras.

"We also envision Guimaras to be a logistics hub. Guimaras Strait has the deepest berth for international vessels," Corpuz said. "For Guimaras, there is no other way but up." Roderick T. dela Cruz.

• How to go to Guimaras
• Book your flights to Iloilo

Travel PALAWAN

Palawan beaches are best in Asia

The beaches of Palawan topped the list of the best beaches of Asia identified by the prestigious international magazine Condé Nast Traveler in its October 2007 issue.

The New York-based magazine, published by Condé Nast Publications, the same company that owns the New Yorker, Vogue, Glamour, and Bon Appetit, listed Palawan beaches ahead of other spectacular Asian destinations such as Beach No. 7 at Havelock Island in India; Nihiwatu Beach on Sumba Island in Indonesia; Baa on North Ari and North Malé Atolls in the Maldives; and Laem Tong Bay on Koh Phi Phi in Thailand.

According to the magazine's Great Asian Beach Finder article, "Palawan province's 1,200 miles of sugary beaches wrapped around 1,780 pristine islands have attracted travelers since Chinese traders crossed now-sunken land bridges from Borneo."

It said Palawan's rich ecosystem supports two United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's World Heritage Sites, the coral-rich Tubbataha Reef Marine Park and Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a limestone karst landscape with an underground tributary that emerges into the sea.

"Almost as unique is Miniloc Island Resort, where a private beach leads to crystalline waters rife with damselfish. Sister property Lagen Island Resort's 51 newer overwater pavilions are overshadowed only by Amanpulo, Amanresorts' 40 huts scattered along Pamalican Island 's powdery strand," the magazine said.

The same article listed diving on Bacuit Bay in El Nido, Palawan, where Miniloc Island Resort and Lagen Island Resort are located, as among the best beach sports that Asia can offer. It cited Bacuit Bay for its prehistoric limestone rocks, gentle currents, and large concentration of fish.

On the other hand, Amanpulo was listed as the best beach hotel and most romantic Asian property, with glass walls that optimize Sulu Sea views framed by lush foliage thick with black-naped orioles and neon-blue Steere's pittas. Twenty-nine suites encircle the private resort on the 220-acre Pamalican Island , 225 miles south of Manila .

The list was comprised of over 30 beach locations in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, China, and Japan
Except for Palawan beaches and resorts, no other Philippine destinations made it to the list for such categories as best beaches overall, best beach spas, best beach parties, best beach scenery, best beach hotels, and beach for sports.

It was the second time this year that the New York magazine included Palawan in its top story. In its January 2007 issue, Conde Nast featured Palawan as a Great Value Vacation destination along with top tourist destinations such as Crystal Cove in California and Stewart Island in New Zealand.

In that article, Palawan was cited as a "restful retreat where you can unplug from the everyday."

Visit Palawan
Club Noah Isabelle

• How to go to Palawan
• Book your flights to Palawan

Travel BOHOL

Bohol is one of the loveliest islands in southern Philippines. It is situated at the heart of Visayas and with coastline skimmed by gentle coves and white-sand beaches. Many highways snake along sparkling beaches or leafy rivers where one can stop at any point and jump in.

With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, the province of Bohol is a picturesque province replete with ancestral homes and centuries-old churches. Bohol is composed of numerous isles - Panglao, Pamilacan, Cabilao, Jao, Mahanay and Lapinin, which are excellent dive spots.

The Chocolate Hills is but one of the many natural wonders to be found in Bohol. The province is the home of the world's smallest monkey, the tarsier. The size of a fist, the tarsier lives on the hills of Corella, some ten kilometers from Tagbilaran. Other exotic flora and fauna may also be found amongst the forest of Bohol.

Bohol's various mountainous and water formations also serve as a natural playground for the adventurous tourist. One can cruise its rivers, hike up the hills, swim the deep waters, or just stroll down the avenues. Bohol is just waiting to surprise you.

Tagbilaran, Bohol's capital town can be reached by plane or boat from Cebu and Manila. Numerous tourist inns and excellent resorts are found in Tagbilaran and Panglao island.

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Travel DAVAO

SAMAL ISLAND, DAVAO

Samal Island offers unending fascination with its white-sand beaches, thick mangroves, coral reefs, rolling hills and rock formations.It is an archipelago of nine islands located in the Davao Gulf about 700 meters south of Davao City. An ideal model for resort and development, Samal Island provides a fabulous site for sunrise and sunset.

Samal Island, like the rest of Mindanao, is outside of the typhoon belt, and enjoys relatively calm weather. Its coastline is characterized by tall, swaying coconut trees, white sand beaches, rock formations, mangroves, coral reefs, and small fishing villages, all suggestive of a tropical island paradise.

Almost all of the beach areas have white sand, with widths varying from only a few meters to more than 10 meters. It provides ample space for picnic huts, reclining chairs for sun bathing, or for simply relaxing and enjoying the tropical scenery.

The water is crystal clear throughout the coastline, which varies in terrain from gently sloping sand beaches to steep cliffs and rock formations. The colors of the coastline at the beach areas transforms itself from the green lush vegetation of coconut trees, to the white sandy beaches, to the dark blue color of the sea, with its deep waters and coral reefs.

Among its popular attractions are the Aguinaldo Pearl Farm, the caves of Talikud Island, the White Stone Mountain, and the San Jose Muslim Fishing Village.

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Cebu, top destination of foreign tourists

Cebu City drew 403,326 international visitors in 2005, making the "queen city of the south" the top provincial destination of foreign travelers. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) also showed that Cebu City attracted 1,813 overseas Filipinos and 712,938 domestic travelers last year.

Total number of travelers in the city went up by 10.5 percent to 1.118 million in 2005 from 1.012 million in 2004. Arrivals in Cebu are expected to peak in December 2006, when the city hosts the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leader's Summit and the 4th ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.

Government officials and business leaders from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam will troop to Cebu to discuss the future of ASEAN integration.

Also expected to participate are delegates from Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and European Union. This early, the 20 hotels in Cebu have been reporting full occupancy rates, with the influx of Japanese and Korean tourists, despite the recent opening of five-star accommodation facilities like Marco Polo Hotel and Hilton.

Other large hotels in Metro Cebu include Marriot, Waterfront, Midtown, Rajah Park, Diplomat, Northwinds, Sarrosa, Parklane, Crown Regency, GV, Mango Park, Richmonde, Golden Prince, Metropak, Crowne Garden, Grand Hotel, Montebello, Century Golden Peak, Holiday Plaza and Century Plaza.

Aside from Cebu, other top destinations of international visitors outside Metro Manila in 2005 were Aklan, the province which covers the world-class resort island of Boracay, with 157,638; Laguna, home of the Pagsanjan Falls, with 149,531; Pampanga, where Clark Field is located, with 76,133; and Palawan, with 70,066.

Occupying the 11th to 20th list of favorite destinations were Ifugao, site of the Banaue Rice Terraces, Negros Occidental, Baguio City, Iloilo, Cavite, Negros Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City, Batangas, Camiguin, and Ormoc City.

Data showed that some 1.414 million international travelers, 125,476 overseas Filipinos, and 13.631 million domestic tourists for a total of 15.171 million visited the country's tourist attractions outside Metro Manila in 2005. The figure was 15.8 percent higher than the 13.103 million local and foreign tourists who visited the provinces last year.

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Travel BORACAY

Widely known as one of the finest swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing.

Boracay also boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches.

Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea. The island is made up of little communities: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manocmanoc in the south.

Hilly elevations up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manocmanoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages together but many sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles.

To get to Boracay, one has to book a flight to Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province, or Caticlan. Air-conditioned coasters or public buses offer one-hour-and-a-half drive from Kalibo to Caticlan, where one can board a motorized banca for a 30-minute trip to Boracay.

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