One thing about the Philippines – it isn’t hiding anything from you. The cities are raw and vibrant, unafraid of exposing poverty or an underworld.
The water is bursting with bustling ports and marine life waiting to be explored (or eaten!) Best of all, the people are so inviting that you get the feeling the street vendor really does want you to ‘Have a great day, ma’am!’ even after you declined his ware. If you’re looking for a tropical destination with a little flavor, the Philippines Islands are the honeymoon spot for you.
LAY OF THE LAND
Shop from island to island to…island in
this colorful maze of a tropical archipelago.
Whether it’s the forested pines of the north
or the white-sanded beaches of the south,
the Philippines has never taken a bad
picture. The struggle for independence
occupied the minds and took the lives
of these islands for centuries, and the
country is left with visible reminders of the
fight scattered across the land. Towering
fortresses, occupied by forces such as the
Spanish, Americans and Japanese litter the cities and towns, and countless statues and monuments can be found in even the most remote areas.
When independence did come in 1946, the transition was wobbly and the nation saw their share of political unrest up until relatively recently. Now, however, the government is more stable and the tried and true spirit of the Filipino people will greet you around every corner.
TOP MUST-SEE'S MUST-DO'S
If you’re a Spanish architecture buff or a
city dweller, spend a day or two in Manila.
The streets are whirring with the sounds
of motorbikes and colorful, patch-worked
jitneys, and the grime and visible poverty are paired with the smiles of families and young workers playing in the streets.
Check out the impressive Spanish fortresses occupied by the various colonizers of the Philippines, and the many historical tributes scattered around the city to the man who led them to their independence, Jose Rizal. If cities aren’t your thing, though, you won’t be missing much–bypass Manila and head straight to one of these island or jungle destinations:
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Boracay
Popular with both international and Filipino tourists, Boracay is truly a postcard perfect destination. Crystal clear water, white sand, smiling locals and plenty of opportunities for entertainment or relaxation make this a one-stop shop for a perfect honeymoon. Boracay has the stunning scenery of a luxurious resort with a more laid-back attitude. Open restaurants, bars and stores with sand floors line the beach, and barefooted locals and tourists alike float in and out for meals or a cold San Miguel.
Stick with fresh for the best food in Boracay – smoothies with mangos plucked straight from the tree or steamed and fried fish ho just made it to shore. Other restaurants will serve standard Western fare – Nigi Nigi Nu Noos has the best sandwiches in town (warning: split the enormous burger with your new spouse if you’re worried about your bikini bod) and they serve breakfast all day.
If you’re looking for some water sports to work off the food, Boracay has plenty of available options for windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and more. If you’re looking to avoid tourists, it’s best to go in the low season, which is around December – February.
Cebu
This island near the center of the Philippines is a delightful mix of everything the Philippines has to offer – a bustling town full of colonial architecture and easily accessible tropical paradises. Take in Cebu City, an easy air or boat transfer from Manila, and see a blend of European and Asian architecture. Then head to the islands around Cebu – the most popular being Malapascua Island, Bantayan Island and Bohol. All three offer laid-back and less touristy options for relaxation or water activities. If you’re into scuba, the best dive around is the nearby Moalboal. Or, if wildlife and trekking is your thing, Tagbilaran is the Cebu destination for you.
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Luzon
Cebu and Boracay are the picturesque beach destinations of the Philippines, but if you want to take in rich jungle-like scenery, trek through mountains or explore bustling local markets, book a trip to North or South Luzon. Baguio, the center of the more upscale North Luzon, is nestled between seas of pine. The city is a gateway to the more rugged areas of North Luzon that offer great trekking and sightseeing through the Cordillera Mountains, sometimes even hiking to watch native tribes in action. South Luzon offers more access to beach areas, since it is full of bays and inlets and also boasts incredible volcanoes. It’s a less touristy option that won’t disappoint.
WHERE TO STAY
Boracay
If you’re on a budget and want to be near the action, try Nigi Nigi Nu Noos for a delightfully beach tacky room with a waterfront view. If you’d like something more remote and away from the party scene on Boracay, book anywhere near Boat Station 3 like the Hotel Isla Boracay South, a rustic getaway where every room has an ocean view.
Cebu
If you’re using Cebu City as a base, there
are plenty of basic hotels like the Cebu
Midtown Hotel that offer breakfast and
assistance in jetting off to other islands.
Each separate island has their own beach
resorts, one of the nicer being Budyong
Beach Resort on Bantayan Island, where
you can relax in your own nipa hut. A great
collection of the different options can be
found at www.alltravelcebu.com.
Luzon
IIn North Luzon, nothing could be more
authentic than sleeping in your own
romantic palm hut at places like Tam-
Awan Village. For spacious rooms or huts
at a luxurious resort in South Luzon, try
the Estancia Resort Hotel. Keep in mind
that resorts and hotels in Luzon are not as
easy to come by as in other parts of the
Philippines, so book ahead of time to ensure accommodation.
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