DESTINATIONS ASIA | THE PHILIPPINES
Balay Negrense museum, Silay
exper expert ASK THE
“Since relaunching our Philippines programme in 2024, we’ve seen an increase in enquiries and bookings. A lot of demand is from travellers who
have experienced the likes of Thailand or Bali and want something more distinctive and less tourist-heavy. The
Philippines is rich in culture, gastronomy and wildlife. It’s unique in southeast Asia as the only country shaped by Spanish, Japanese and American occupation, alongside centuries of
trade with China. This has all created a colourful culture that comes through in traditions and regional identities.
Time spent in cities helps travellers to understand that complexity and makes the whole journey far more memorable.” Noemi Espinosa, senior product executive, Regent Holidays
Bacolod
Regent Holidays’ new Culture and Cuisine of the Philippines tour includes seven nights in Bacolod, on the island of Negros. Overlooked even by local tourists, Bacolod is only an hour’s flight from Manila, and offers a slower, more immersive Philippines experience. The itinerary leans into the
island’s culinary heritage, starting with a Bacolod food tour to sample delicacies such as inasal (lemongrass-marinated chicken) and Napoleones (custard-filled pastries). The trip also takes in farm-to-table restaurants, coffee and chocolate plantations, plus some of the farms surrounding Bacolod. One fish
Clients can
still visit grand, colonial-era ‘sugar mansions’ in the cities of Talisay and Silay
farm, 7 Hectares, shows seafood being grown sustainably then cooked up in a 10-course lunchtime feast. After that, it’s a quick drive to Silay for an art workshop and dinner at a family home. On a day trip to the city of
Sagay, travellers can try kinilaw (a ceviche-like, vinegar-cured seafood) prepared by a second-
generation chef from renowned local restaurant Enting’s. Tied into this culinary heritage is the Negros sugar industry, which made the island fabulously rich in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Clients can still visit grand, colonial-era ‘sugar mansions’ in the cities of Talisay and Silay, each with a story that goes back generations and combines Indigenous, Spanish, American and Chinese architecture. Speaking of natural resources, the high-quality clay and natural weaving materials here have resulted in a profusion of craft shops, many with tourist experiences. On Regent’s itinerary, guests can make their own jewellery and windchimes,
and paint bags handwoven from pandan leaves, to name just a few. No trip to the Philippines would be complete without a beach stop, so suggest a visit to the Carbin Reef sandbar, where clients can snorkel to see giant clams. If one beach isn’t enough, bolt on a visit to palm-fringed Guimaras island, accessible by ferry and local boat. Book it: Regent Holidays’ new 13-night Culture and Cuisine of the Philippines tour starts at £4,895 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes accommodation with breakfast, some meals, listed excursions, transfers and flights departing March 1, 2027.
regent-holidays.co.uk TW
38 13 AUGUST 2026
travelweekly.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
