English: The boats at the El Nido, Palawan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With 7,107 islands and the fifth longest coastline in the world, the Philippines is full of gorgeous spots – but only a few can truly be called remote getaways. Imagine being pampered on your own private island where you feel like it’s just you and your trusted staff to take care of your needs. Or a place that offers both an amazing, youthful nightlife for when you want to party, and a secluded resort for when you just want peace and quiet. No matter what you’re looking for, the Philippines is sure to have it – and then some.

Below are five of the most breathtaking, exhilarating, and relaxing destinations that the Philippines has to offer.

Bellarocca (Marinduque, Philippines). Located off the southwest coast of the Marinduque province (a place that has been called “the heart of the Philippines”), the first thing you’ll notice about this stunning natural beauty is the lush greenery topping sharp cliffs that jut right out of the sea. You won’t even notice the hills, valleys, plains, waterfalls, and hot springs of Bellarocca until you’ve had a chance to settle in – and that’ s just the beginning! More adventurous travelers will love seeing the underwater flora and fauna, and exploring the many uncharted cave systems throughout the island. The island is also a favorite for hikers, who enjoy immersing themselves in the greenery and “discovering” the island for themselves. But even if you’re less “nature” and more “pamper,” Bellarocca has you covered. The staff makes it easy to feel like it’s just you and your loved ones on your own private island with individual meals and cocktails, in-door and outdoor movie screenings just for you, and small cruising and yachting excursions. You can even arrive privately at Bellarocca via luxury yachts from Manila, chartered flights, or private helicopters.

Boracay (Aklan). Just off the northwest corner of Panay Island you will find a place that has become world-renowned for its amazingly beautiful beaches. Because of this reputation, Boracay is something of a tourism mecca in the area, with young travelers flocking there to party and go a little wild. The busiest areas are White Beach and Bulabog Beach, both of which are lined with resorts, restaurants, and other businesses. But that doesn’t mean people can’t find privacy here. Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa features lagoon-like accommodations that overlook tranquil Puka Shell Beach, far away from the action on the other side of the island. And you’ll truly feel like you’ve been immersed in nature with the elegant design that blends into the island and finds inspiration (as well as materials) from the indigenous peoples.

El Nido Resorts (El Nido, Palawan). Want to be bathed in luxury without feeling like you’re harming the environment around you? Guests at all the El Nido Resorts have access to a range of fun activities that only cause minimal impact to the local ecosystem. Things like hiking, kayaking, scuba-diving, snorkeling , and guided tours to white sand beaches, emerald lagoons, and island cave systems. Not only have the El Nido Resorts received worldwide recognition for their commitment to nature and sustainability, they also attempt to educate guests and their staff members on the importance of maintaining the environment. And visitors can feel good knowing that El Nido Resorts care about the local community, too, with a strong effort to staff their facilities with people from surrounding areas.

Amanpulo (Pamalican Island). Amanpulo, a word that translates into “Peace Island,” pretty much tells you what you’re going to get from this getaway. White sands melt into a blue-green sea, then merge at the horizon with endless skies. Sounds nice, right? Well, Amanpulo offers all of that plus some of the best sailing, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba-diving in the world. And if you stay at Aman Resorts, you’ll have access to their boat for game fishing and several local cruises that let you explore the waters around the island. If that’s not enough, stay in a casita and you’ll be able to use your own private buggy to get around the island without having to keep to anyone else’s schedule.

Coron’s Club Paradise (Coron, Palawan). Club Paradise offers many of the same things that other great Philippine resorts can offer – incredible beaches, a soothing atmosphere, and fantastic accommodations. But by virtue of its location in Coron, this resort also has several unique activities, including dugong watching and shipwreck diving. Both divers and non-divers can travel along the Busuanga coast to watch wild (but friendly!) dugongs in their natural habitat. And what’s more exciting than exploring the underwater remains of sunken ships from World War II? The Coron Shipwrecks are world-renowned and covered with marine life.

There really isn’t a “bad” time to travel to the Philippines, but the first half of the year (through May) usually has the best weather. Unfortunately, January to May is also the high tourist season, but if you visit during the second half of the year, you are more likely to see rain. The best plan is to decide where you want to visit first, then check that specific area to see what the weather is typically like.

 

 

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