FEATURE THE PHILIPPINES
mountains of Negros are a winner with hikers and bikers, and Leyte and Samar offer off-the-beaten-track exploring, with caves, forests and waterfalls to boot. Panay is best-known for the white sands
of Boracay Beach at its northern tip, but hides many quieter beaches, a jungle-clad interior and colonial architecture. The last frontier of the Philippines is
Mindanao, a cultural melting pot of different tribes and a rich ground for birdwatchers. Surfers will also find some of the Philippines’ best breaks here.
WHAT'S NEW Plans for Asia’s first underwater resort have been unveiled for Palawan. Dubbed Coral World Park, the project is pegged for completion in 2013 and will consist of 24 undersea suites of pods called ‘anemones’ which will be submerged 60ft below the sea. There will also be a 50-bedroom on-land boutique hotel with a spa, casinos and an underwater restaurant. The Seahorse Science Center will serve as the park’s marine observatory and conservation centre. El Nido Resorts has opened its third
property on the northwestern tip of Palawan this year. Apulit Island Resort joins Lagen Island Resort and Miniloc Island Resort and similarly boasts an impressive private island location in a cove surrounded by limestone cliffs. The eco-friendly resort offers activities like diving, kayaking and mangrove tours. Accommodation is in cottages perched above the water with views of Taytay Bay. The Acacia Resort and Dive Center
has opened in the Batangas region of Luzon. The 10-room sea-view resort features wood-decked verandas or balconies and is close to the Verde Island Passage, an area of unique marine biodiversity. The resort specialises in
Up Close and Personal with Laura Gelder "Having awoken in the dark we picked our way across the beach towards the dive shop, following the clank of the air tanks and a musty smell of wet suits. A sleepy briefing warned us we weren’t guaranteed to see the thresher sharks of Malapascua, but anticipation was high as we climbed aboard the dive boat.
We slipped into the sea under a rosy dawn, then 30 metres under the light diffused into a deep blue as we waited, motionless on the seabed. Suddenly, a gentle metallic tap caught our attention and we looked up to see a group of thresher sharks glide silently towards us from the abyss. Huge, dark, light-sensitive eyes and long, sharp, silver tails used to corral their prey could have made them frightening, but at 6am just off a tropical island paradise they were just the excitement we needed before our morning mango shake!"
marine photography and nearby Anilao is said to be one of the best places in the world to snap marine life. Also coming soon: Banyan Tree
announced plans back in 2009 to launch an integrated island resort of three properties in Isla Diwaran, 20 minutes by speedboat from Coron in Palawan. And Raffles Makati, a 30-suite hotel, will open in Manila’s financial district in 2012. The new ‘open skies’ policy proposed
by the government will open up hubs like Davao in Mindanao and Cebu to competition from foreign airlines. Budget carrier Air Asia is set to launch Air Asia Philippines in the third quarter of 2011, and says it will offer lower fares than its rivals Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. Etihad, which has 12 flights a
week from the UK, connecting through Abu Dhabi to Manilla, is set to increase this to two daily flights later in 2011.
TOURISM TALK ROSARIO ‘CHIT’ AFUANG DIRECTOR, PHILIPPINES DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM “We are gaining strength over other Southeast Asian countries due to the diversity of our marine
life, culture and attractions. For instance, we have the widest variety of marine species in the world – more than 500 types of soft coral. “So far, the number of British visitors
going to the Philippines has been consistently increasing year by year – from seven per cent to 17 per cent most recently. Our office in London supports
the trade via cooperative promotions. The PDOT also runs fam trips with tour operators and airlines to inspect attractions and properties. Every September we host the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), a business- to-business travel fair in the country. Buyers have the chance to experience the Philippines on specialised post-tours. We also conduct regular training and seminar-workshops."
WHE R E TO BOOK IT FUNWAY TRAVEL
0844 557 3333
www.funwayholidays.co.uk Seven nights at the four-star Alegre Beach Resort & Spa (May 11 departure) with Cathay Pacific flights from Heathrow via Hong Kong is priced from £1315pp.
KENWOOD TRAVEL
020 7749 9220
www.kenwoodtravel.com Eight nights at the Boracay Regency starts at £1315pp, with flights with Cathay Pacific, domestic flights, taxes and transfers. Based on travel in June and September (10% commission). •
Footprint Travel Guides have been producing books for independent travellers since the early 1920’s and are one of the most respected brands in travel publishing. The breadth and depth of coverage provided in their guides ensures they are amongst the most comprehensive and detailed guidebooks on the market.
Buy any Footprint guide, for you, your agency or to reward your customers at 54 March 2011 •
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