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Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol

Qymes — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:40:13 +0000

Bohol, just across from Cebu, is best-known for its curiously bumpy Chocolate Hills landscape. It is becoming more popular as the region’s best beach destination, with superb white sand and some world class diving sites, tho’ mostly on the adjacent little island of Panglao. The 800m long, picturesque Alona Beach, with plenty of accommodation, restaurants and dive centres, is for action men [and women], though it has sea grass that conceals sea urchins, so sand shoes are useful.
The 2km of unspoiled Doljo Beach is a more secluded, less developed, shallow water option, while Cabilao Island on the west coast of Bohol has some splendid diving sites and exceptionally clear water. And don’t forget a trip to see the 1,000 30m high chocolate hills in Bohol’s centre! The best time is indefinable; it may rain briefly every day, it may not… A typhoon may happen along…but March-May is likely to be driest if you must have a guesstimate. ~Best Beaches in the Philippines

BEACHES IN THE PHILIPPINES – Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol

Malapascua Island, Cebu

Qymes — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:05:59 +0000

Malapascua Island, situated at the northeast tip of Cebu Island, is relatively new to the international market, but already rates highly on the the list of best beaches in the Philippines – some say it is the new Boracay. Well, I been there but never been to Boracay so I cannot confirm this.

This has also become a major dive centre, great site for snorkeling, famous for the crowds of thresher sharks using the marine highway between Cebu and Leyte islands. Driest Feb-May, but for the rest of the year too with mostly short spells of rain. Worst Oct-Dec. Now after talking about the climate of Malapascua Island, you probably asked how to go there. Read further below and choose which travel is the most convenient for you.

HOW TO GET THERE

VIA BOAT
There are regular ferries to Cebu pier from almost all the islands of the Philippines.

VIA AIRLINES
The main gateway for Malapascua is Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu City. Four international airlines have direct Cebu connections: Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines (Silk Air). Mactan/Cebu International Airport is a small, relaxed airport on Mactan Island, about 15 km from the city centre.Three airlines are also flying to Cebu daily – Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.

CEBU to MAYA VIA BUS
From the airport take a taxi for about 150 pesos to the Cebu North bus station and get on one of the frequent buses to Maya (e.g. Ceres, the aircon buses are brand-new). These will take you for 95 pesos in 3 ½ – 4 hours on mostly good roads directly to Maya pier at the northernmost tip of Cebu Island.

MAYA to MALAPASCUA
At Maya, pier porters are waiting to carry your baggage for a few pesos on one of the outrigger boats servicing Malapascua. At low tide these pump boats cannot come in, so small crafts will ferry you to the boat. Be prepared to get wet feet walking through some shallow water! Regular boats leave for Malapascua until 5 p.m. about every 30 to 60 minutes (fare 40 pesos), as soon as enough passengers are on board. An instant special ride is available for 800 PHP. After 5 p.m. it may be hard to find a boat, so rather plan an overnight stay in Cebu City, when you are late. The boat ride to Malapascua’s Bounty beach will take 30 to 40 minutes. Hippocampus is located at the eastern end of the beach about two minutes walking from the boating point; our boys will give you a hand with your luggage.

BEACHES IN THE PHILIPPINES – Malapascua Island, Cebu

White Beach, Boracay Island

Qymes — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:32:04 +0000

White Beach, Boracay Island is the most visited beach or tourist spots in the Philippines. The tranquil atmosphere and the friendly locals. The sand is exceptionally white, soft, never gets hot and stretches for 3 miles. There is a huge variety of small hotels, restaurants and bars offering cosmopolitan cuisine just off the beach, relatively cheap and comfortable. Although rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world, recent tourism expansion has lead to some environmental concerns. There is no coral off White Beach, though plenty of dive boats will take you to good dive sites. Windsurfing months are Nov-April, best Dec-Feb. The best months are Jan-May, OK June- Sept [with some rain], but April and May are Philippine school holidays and the place gets noisy and crowded then. Don’t consider Oct-Nov (windy, possibly grey and wet). Fly from Manila to neighbouring Panay island, then 20 mins via a boat.

Beaches in the Philippines – Boracay Island

Honda Bay, Palawan

Qymes — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:31:22 +0000

Honda Bay, Palawan is one of the best beaches in the Philippines. Despite its outstanding natural beauty, Palawan’s 1,770 islands have been one of the least developed holiday destinations in Southeast Asia (apart from the famous El Nido Resorts). So far the lack of commercialism has made Palawan very special, but it is becoming more popular particularly for international divers, as well as adventurers. The ideal place for sun seekers and snorkellers is Honda Bay, which has several islets including Cannon Island, Bat Island and Starfish Island, with coral reefs breaking crystal clear water onto empty, fine white sand beaches. Arreceffi Island contains the luxury Dos Palmas Resort, while lesser accommodation can be found on other islands, or stay at Puerto Princesa and take a half hour boat trip to your favourite deserted beach.

Palawan also offers the Philippines’ best dive spot at the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, a World Heritage Site. Dive boats operate from March to May and can be arranged at Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital. The city also offers all sorts of jungle eco-hikes and an 8.2 km underground river trip. Best Dec-May. Possible heavy rains June- November, but this is just a prediction according to the residents.