Five Vacation Spots You Should Visit in the Philippines

Explore Boracay Hotels Philippines and discover Filipino culture and history as seen in their century old churches and museums. Its bountiful natural resources and beauty pictured in its long stretch white beaches and virgin forest.
It is no wonder why it is considered among the best tourist destinations in Asia today. With its beautiful white beaches and world class beachfront resorts which offers tourist the best accommodation ever. Here are some of the featured destinations of the country worth a visit.

1. Alona Beach Panglao Island is just a few minutes ride from Tagbilaran city of Bohol. Panglao Island is one of the pride of Bohol and prime tourist destination. Aside form its beautiful beaches, they are known to have the best diving sites worldwide. You will have lots of choices with the different hotels and resort in the area. In fact a new addition is the ongoing development of a 16 hectare Eskaya Boracay Beach Resort & Spa which will cater to rich Filipino tourist and tourist from other countries.
2. Donsol Known as the Whale Shark Capital, Donsol is a coastal village situated in the northwestern tip of Sorsogon province. This town is being eyed as first class metropolis due to the millions of tourist both from local communities and foreign countries. It is indeed earning a lot of revenues from its tourism industry.
3. Boracay Boracay is now an epitome of the most developed island full of outdoor activities and an exciting nightlife. A long, long way when tourist has not discovered it yet but then despite of all the developments it has, Man has preserve its natural beauty. During the day, one can go swimming, island hopping and explore caves and at sunset most people take the time to seat outside with a drink in hand and just watch the magnificent view of the sunset. Night time means partying and for party people its means partying all night and bar hopping is also one activity they enjoy so much.
4. Palawan The striking beauty of Palawan Hotels remains uncorrupted until now. It is one place where nature us really preserved at its best, just like any island in the Philippines, it boasted of it white sandy beaches, magnificent rock formations and caves. It is home to an amazing number of plant life and animals species. You will surely enjoy your trip from the high lands down to the water. See Palawan for yourself and you ill know why tourist both local and foreign loves to visit it again and again.
5. Banaue Rice Terraces If you are one of those who loves mountain climbing and who gets so much pleasure in being with nature, then explore the Cordillera highlands where you can see the stunning man made attraction of Banaue Rice Terraces. You can clearly see the hard work of the people who made it and can appreciate art as it is. It would be a new experience and it is indeed beautiful and peaceful just to look at it and be amaze at how the natives engineered such terrain.

Boracay - A Philippines Travel Destination For Beach Lovers

Boracay Hotels is a famous Philippines travel destination best known for its long stretches of white, sandy beach. It is located in Panay Island and boasts of different accommodation types for every budget. Cheap and decent resorts as well as five star luxury hotels can be found in the island.

Boracay has attracted tourists around the world because it has all the elements of a tropical island paradise. Aside from its fine, white sand, it also has clear blue sparkling waters and a very diverse marine life.

While on this Philippines travel destination, you can enjoy all sorts of things you can do under the sun. Some of the activities you can indulge in are boating, jet skiing, sailboating, wind surfing, kayaking, swimming, beach volleyball, and of course, diving. Although tourists flock to the island to frolic in the sand, not everyone is aware that Boracay is surrounded by excellent dive spots. If you are up for the adventure, you can just ask a dive shop to arrange a dive for you.

Aside from the things you can do at the beach, you can also enjoy nature tripping in this Philippines travel destination. Boracay offers you a chance to go trekking, biking, hiking, mountain climbing, and horseback riding. And since it is already largely developed, you can find yourself enjoying some tee time at several golf courses in the area. Sports lovers can go bowling or play tennis in the many recreational spots in the island.

For those who are on a gastronomic adventure, Boracay will be a delight to visit. Excellent local and international cuisines are available to satisfy your palate.
This island paradise is accessible by air and by sea. Direct flights from Manila and other major cities to Caticlan are available. Chartering your own plane is also another alternative. Likewise, there are boat trips that depart from the Manila North Harbor to Panay.

If you are interested in visiting Boracay Beach, it is best to book early. The island is such a hit with local and foreign tourists that it can be hard to find accommodations during the high months of November to May.

Experience a wonderful tropical vacation in the Philippines. Visit exotic places like Bohol, Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, Davao or Manila and experience the warmth of the Filipino people. By contacting Asia Connection Travel, you're assured of special airfare deals to the Philippines so you may enjoy your vacation very reasonably.

Beaches in the Philippines

Boracay Philippines is sometimes also referred to as the beach capital of Asia. The country comprises of 7,107 islands. With so many islands and beaches, it can rightly claim to be Asia's beach capital. To know more about this exotic place with beautiful beaches, read on...

Located in Southeast Asia, in the western Pacific Ocean, Philippines is a hot and humid country with maximum temperatures going up to 38 degree Celsius. It consists of a group of about 7,107 islands and has an unlimited number of beaches. It has a coastline that is double the length of coastline of the United States. Philippines is home to some of the world's best, long, white sand beaches. The locals are friendly and traveling is cheap. One doesn't need to stay in expensive hotels, as there are plenty of downtown hotels available. Let's take a look at the must-see beaches of Philippines.

White Beach, Boracay Island
Boracay Island is located on the northwestern tip of Panay, Western Visayas. The island is known for its lovely beaches. The White Beach, a 4 kilometer long beach, is hailed as one of the finest beaches in the world. It is also the most famous beach of the country with its white, calm, crystal clear, warm water. The island is now highly commercialized, with a number of hotels, bars, shopping areas and ATM's. Snorkeling and diving are its other attractions. Traveling on the island is cheap. One can even rent a bike and drive through the whole island. The beach is ideal for people who want to enjoy relaxing, yet, do not want to get away from urban conveniences. so what are waiting for Let us experience the paradise in Boracay with the most famous and affordable boracay hotels

El Nido, Palawan
El Nido has marvelous seascapes and landscapes that are probably the best in the Philippines. Due to these these, Palawan Island is often referred to as Islands of the Gods. The island is home to a number of tropical birds and is quite famous for its Nido soup available in Chinese restaurants. It also has the Secret Beach which is accessible only by swimming through a narrow hole.

Panglao, Bohol
Although small in size, the island of Panglao has a lot to offer. It is the best for diving and beach holidays. The island is known for its rich biodiversity and has one of the clearest beaches - Alona Beach. Some good sightseeing places include the Chocolate Hills, many huge waterfalls, and the bustling capital city Tagbilaran.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Located in the northern part of Philippines, Pagudpud is also sometimes called as the 'Boracay of North.' It has white sand beaches which are windy, just like the beaches in Hawaii. Because of these mighty waves, wave surfing is popular sport here. Maira-ira Beach, a secluded beach, offers blue water and breathtaking views. This beach is secluded and gets only a few visitors.

Siargao Island
Located in the province of Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island is known for its curling high waves, that sometimes rise even 9 to 12 feet high. The place is best suited for surfing and is host to the surfing competition, the Siargao Cup. People can also enjoy exploring the island's tunnels and caves.

Malapascua Island, Cebu
A few years back, Malapascua Island, which lies north of Cebu, was unheard of. It was not even on the municipal map. Today, it is the most preferred beach destination of the country. Diving is the best bet here as you get to see caves, undersea biodiversity, and if lucky, even sharks. The only drawback of the island is the limited variety of food available. It is a small island and, you can, if you wish, cover the whole island walking.

Philippines is without doubt, blessed with a variety of marine biodiversity, long white sand beaches, and places with scenic landscapes. With plenty of water sports, soft sand, ocean waves and beach life, Philippines rightly deserves to be called Asia's beach capital.

10 Most Luxurious Boracay Hotels

Boracay Hotels has been touted one of the world’s best beaches because it has a long stretch of powdery, smooth white sand, and calm, turquoise waters with no sudden drops or undertows. This expanse of sand is known as White Beach, and is unarguably the most beautiful piece of real estate in the entire country. 

Not only is Boracay famous for its wondrous natural beauty, it is also popular for its nightlife. Tourists flock to this tiny island to indulge in the pulsating nightlife, with a proliferation of bars, discos, clubs, and lounges dotting the landscape from Station I to Station 3, and even to the other end of the island, the so-called ‘rougher’ end.

Activities abound in the island as well. One can go scuba diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, and even parasailing, if one is adventurous enough, aside from the ubiqitous wading or swimming. The shore stretches for a few hundred meters without any breaks, and one does feel as if one were in a swimming pool instead of the ocean.

Staying in Boracay is not a problem - there are literally hundreds of resorts in the area, ranging from the very basic to the very luxurious, depending on your budget and preference. Below is a list of the most luxurious Boracay hotels.

Boracay Beach Club
Boracay Beach Club has recently been listed in Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of the Top 25 Secret Seaside Getaways. The resort proves true to this commendation because it has a prime spot in Station I, where the most exclusive Boracay hotels are located. The resort has 30 well-appointed rooms with split-type air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with more than 70 cable channels, a mini-bar and fridge, and a walk-in tile ang glass shower, among others. The lounge area at the beachfront is exceptional, and so is the roof deck terrace with a view of White Beach. The tiled swimming pool also has open cabanas where guests can relax and have a drink.

Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa
Situated on one of Boracay’s hillsides, right in an eco-reserve, this resort has a spectacular view of the ocean. It has 219 rooms, suites, and villas, each with its own 37" flat-screen TV, DVD player, and iPod dock, free broadband access, in-room locker, plus balconies and sea views with big picture windows. The toiletries in the bathroom are all from L’Occitane, which is luxurious in itself. The resort has its own beach bar and clifftop restaurant, as well as its own spa. There are many amenities within the resort, such as tennis courts, a free-form swimming pool, a health club, and marine center with diving facilities.

Fridays Boracay
This resort has AAA standards, with its 40 cottage-style rooms with their very own gardens. The beach front of Fridays is very pristine and uncluttered. The resort has a freshwater swimming pool, a beachfront bar, and each cottage has split-type air conditioning, hot and cold potable water, cable TV and DVD, fully-stocked mini bar, evening turn-down services, and native hammocks within a private veranda. The resort’s restaurant is a popular dining spot for in-house guests and walk-in guests alike, and their cuisine is a mix of native ingredients and Asian flavor.

Discovery Shores Boracay Resort and Spa
This Boracay resort can be found in Station I, and has a breathtaking layout of 88 rooms and suites within sparklingly white modern- and apartment-style buildings. Each room has 24-hour room service, a 32-inch LCD cable TV with DVD, a component system, iPod dock, mini-bar, 100% cotton oversized towels, down pillows (and even non-allergenic pillows), and twice-daily housekeeping services. They’ve also got a 24-hour concierge service, 24-hour in-room dining, and a sunken pool bar. Luxury is not really complete without a spa, and the resort has its own Mandala Spa.

Fairways and Bluewater
This resort is on the other end of Boracay Island, on Newcoast Bay, and is delightfully secluded. It has its own golf club and its own butterfly farm. Each cozy room and suite has its own balcony with great views of the hillside and the sea, cable TV, luxurious beddings, mini bar, and refrigerator. Activities can be arranged by the staff, such as snorkeling or scuba diving, and their golf course boasts of equally magnificent views of the sea. Each guest can also be shuttled back and forth by golf carts from the resort to the more populous White Beach, so the isolation is actually a godsend after a long and tiring day on the other part of the island.

One MGM Boracay Resort Village
A resort that is also an epitome of luxury, One MGM Boracay Resort Village’s rooms and suites are fully-equipped with modern amenities, like air conditioning, a mini bar, a room safe, and a coffee and tea maker. Each accommodation also has a balcony overlooking their lush tropical landscaping. They have a jacuzzi plus a swimming pool with a waterfall, 24-hour room service, a wake-up call, a restaurant and bar, and even a gift shop if you want to shop and stay away from the crowds at the markets.

The Panoly Resort Boracay Hotel
If you want your very own private beach, the Panoly Resort Boracay Hotel is perfect for you. The area is comprised of 4 hectares, and the resort really sits on its own private domain, away from onlookers and other beachcombers. The resort’s layout is unique, with 8 octagonal clusters with 5 bungalows each, and a 4-storey hotel with 47 rooms and 8 VIP suites. Each room and suite is fully-air conditioning, hot and cold showers, cable TV, a mini bar, and complimentary coffee and tea. For recreation, guests can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool, a game of tennis, basketball, or beach voleyball, and even a reef walking tour.

Balinghai Beach Resort
It has its own private cove and beachfront, and is built on cliffs overlooking the sea. Since it is so secluded, the beach resort prides itself in providing the utmost comfort to its guests. The cottages are made from a combination of native materials and carved wood, and have terraces and verandas with easy access to the beach. The design of each cottage is very homey and welcoming. The resort is also famous for its pulley basket bringing food from the main restaurant to the bar and café. Very quaint!

Alta Vista de Boracay
This condotel is on the north side of Boracay, and features al fresco dining, an infinity pool, a spa, a viewing deck, game rooms and recreational zones, and even barbecue sites. Each room and suite has internet access, cable TV, a kitchen sink and microwave, marble bathrooms, and a balcony. There is also a family room with a loft. The pool has magnificent views of the Fairways and Bluewater golf course and the surrounding countryside.

Best Western Boracay Tropics Resort
This AAA-accredited Boracay hotel boasts of 44 well-appointed rooms and suites, with the Premier Suite having a kitchenette and receiving area. All accommodations have air conditioning, a mini bar, a private shower, cable TV, and an in-room safe. To be able to truly relax and be pampered, the resort also has its own spa and nail service, while kids can enjoy the game room or a dip in the giant bean-shaped swimming pool.

How To Ensure a Great Boracay Vacation

Sometimes, our long awaited vacations can go awry because of poor planning, budgeting or being careless. Here's a guide on how to ensure a worry free vacation to Boracay Island.


The island of Boracay Hotels is a prime tourist destination and has been hailed as having one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Thousands of local and foreign tourists regularly flock to the island of Boracay to enjoy its natural beauty. Their influx to this beautiful island has encouraged the growth of hotels from the lowest priced, very basic accommodations to the most luxurious and expensive ones complete with all the amenities and facilities to make one’s vacation pleasant and enjoyable. 

Boracay offers a wide array of hotels and activities depending on one’s budget and requirements. So the essential things you must consider in planning your dream vacation would be your purpose, your budget, and your preferences. 

To ensure a great Boracay vacation, you may consider the following:

Itinerary of Activities

Determine what you want to do while in Boracay. Is it snorkeling, parasailing, swimming in the ocean or the pool or just lazing around and getting that nice bronze tan? Consider booking in hotels that can provide the fun activities that you want to do to avoid the hassle of looking for one and haggling with the local people. For example, if you want to diving or snorkeling, it would be best to stay in a hotel that has scheduled dives during your stay and has the necessary facilities ( a decompression chamber would be good) and dive gear for rental. They would also have a dive boat that can take you to the good dive spots in the area. 

If exploring the island or walking around is part of your activity, you may consider a hotel that is accessible to transportation that can take you around the island. It is also advisable to stay in a hotel that is easily accessible, well-lighted and safe at night for walking.

Bar hopping is also one of the things to do at night in Boracay. The Boracay shoreline is dotted with bars complete with live bands that are open till the wee hours of the morning. If bar hopping is your trip, might as well choose a hotel that has its own bar so you do not have to go out. Or if you have to explore other bars, choose a hotel that is only a walk away from the array of bars lining the beach. Just in case you get drunk and has to go back to the hotel, it will be easier and more convenient.

Budget

Whatever your budget is, you’ll be sure to find the right activities and accommodation. It is often better to shop around for accommodations over the Internet - who knows, you might get a great deal on a tour package to Boracay (God knows there are thousands of tour packages out there), and almost all hotels and inns on the island already have their own websites, from the budget-friendly cottages near the middle of the island, to the ultra-sophisticated hotels on the shore of White Beach itself. It all comes down to your budget and how you would allot your money and expenses. 

Make a list of your projected expenses when you get to Boracay - how much you would need for your plane fare, how many days you are staying, and how much money you would be spending per day. If you’re not so picky with location when it comes to meals, you can eat at some great restaurants near the market for breakfast or lunch, but then you can also splurge on a nice dinner at some other high-end restaurant. Of course, drinking is another consideration. Boracay is really a haven for bars and nightclubs, so if you are planning to party the night away, consider the expenses as well.

Make sure you bring enough money for the whole duration of your stay. There are ATMs on the island, but sometimes they don’t work. You don’t want to end up begging the hotel manager for an IOU slip, or not being able to get a taxicab or pay your car’s day parking near the airport once you get back to Manila, or the real world. 

Essentials 

Deciding what to bring is always a good consideration. It also depends on your type of plane ticket. If you were able to get a discount on a budget airline, chances are, this includes only a carry-on bag or backpack, and not check-in luggage. If you do have check-in luggage, (like 20 kilos of it), be prepared to pay a bit more. 

On deciding what to pack, again, consider how many days you will stay, what clothes you need for each day, (most of the time it’s just a t-shirt and shorts or a swimsuit, so you can definitely do away with the heavy jeans), and bring your sunblock, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, essential toiletries if you don’t want to use the hotel’s toiletries, flip-flops or sandals, medicine for headaches, fever, or colds (you never know), and a sarong or mini-towel. Most hotels provide towels anyway, but it’s better to be prepared. 

Before you embark on that dream vacation to Boracay, make a detailed list of what you need and what you want to do, and do some research on the Boracay hotels available. Bad planning can ruin your vacation but good planning will make sure that your dream vacation comes true.