12 SUNSHINE


summer endless


The mercury is climbing and a stretch of gloriously sunny days is on the horizon. We asked 12 travel experts to give their tips on how to spend a year in the shining sun


January Island hop in Singapore Singapore comes into its own


in winter, with temperatures in the late 20s and lovely, clean beaches. The main island,


Sentosa, is the best option, but


it’s usually packed. Instead, hop on a boat to St John’s Island for a more serene day out. If you’re willing to trek a bit further, take a ferry, boat and taxi to laid-back Nikoi Island for a romantic idyll. Ed Grenby, editor of The


Sunday Times Travel magazine thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/ public/travel_magazine


February


Dive into the Philippines Despite Southeast Asia’s


massive growth in tourism, the Philippines remain


relatively untapped and the cluster of around 7,000 islands


that make up this stunning area are ripe to visit in February


for a dose of winter sun when temperatures hover around 25 to 30 degrees. It’s really worth the long fl ight to get


there: you’ll be greeted with uninhabited islands, some


of the best luxury resorts in the world, such as Amanpulo and


El Nido, and water so clear… well, there really aren’t words that do it justice.


I always recommend a visit to Bohol to experience


the Chocolate Hills – one of the Philippines’ most magnifi cent natural


landmarks. For a spot of adventure, head to


Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, an UNESCO World


Heritage Site that is regularly voted the best diving location in Asia.


Tom Marchant, founder of


adventure specialists Black Tomato blacktomato.com


RACE FOR THE SUN


Sunny weather is a bonus on most road trips, but at the World Solar Challenge in Australia, it’s an absolute necessity. In April every other year, teams from across the world gather in Darwin to race 3,000 miles down the centre of the country in special streamlined


vehicles powered entirely by the sun. In 2011, a Japanese team took the crown, reaching the fi nish line in just 32 hours, 45 minutes. worldsolarchallenge.org


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