DESTINATIONS THE PHILIPPINES | ASIA
Fort Santiago, Manila
Many Philippines trips begin and end at the smaller Mactan-Cebu International Airport, giving clients access to the scenic islands of Bohol and Siquijor in the centre of the archipelago. Vibrant, culture-packed
Cebu City and the adjacent island of Mactan offer clients an introduction to the 333-year period of Spanish colonial rule, a must for those keen to understand the country’s history on their tour. Explorer Ferdinand Magellan first arrived on Filipino shores in 1521, but the colonial period began in earnest when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established a Spanish settlement in Cebu in 1565. Key historical sites in the city include Magellan’s Cross, said to contain parts of the original cross planted in the ground by
Magellan, marking the start of Christianity in the country, and the 18th-century Basilica del Santo Niño, which contains its oldest Christian relic. Fort San Pedro in Cebu’s central plaza also dates from the earliest days of Spanish settlement, and was briefly seized by Filipino revolutionaries in 1898, before being reclaimed by the Spanish. Mactan island, a half-hour
drive from Cebu City, is home to the airport and a string of beach resorts, but it’s also worthy of a short detour or day trip. Guitar heroes can explore local shops such as the Alegre Guitar Factory in Pajac, where native woods such as mango and jackfruit are handcrafted into musical instruments. Elsewhere, a shrine pays tribute to tribal chief Lapu- Lapu, whose men killed Magellan
when he tried to impose Spanish authority on them. It’s also the place to go for clients keener on diving under the water instead of into the annals of history – Kon Tiki House Reef is a rare shore-diving spot, where divers can stroll directly into the sea, making it both beginner- friendly and cheaper. Beneath the surface, expect to see green turtles and schools of sardines. Book it: Intrepid Travel’s nine- night 18-35s Essential Philippines tour starts and ends in Cebu, stopping in Bohol, Panglao and Siquijor. Prices start at £1,210 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes basic accommodation, some meals and listed excursions, but not flights or transfers. Based on a January 30, 2027, departure.
intrepidtravel.com
Cebu
modern fashion and homewares. Come evening, they’ll find six of Manila’s eight newly Michelin- starred restaurants here. The Poblacion neighbourhood is known for cocktail bars that put a twist on native ingredients, such as speakeasy-style The Spirits Library. Book it: G Adventures’ nine-night Best of the Philippines tour starts with three nights in Manila, costing from £1,759 per person, based on two sharing. It includes breakfasts, some meals, domestic flights and listed excursions, but not international flights or transfers. Based on a November departure.
gadventures.com
Lapu-Lapu shrine, Mactan island
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travelweekly.co.uk 13 AUGUST 2026 37
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Richie Chan, pruslee, Juan Carlos Herrera
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