A LAND OF WIDE-EYED WONDER
Escape the wildlife-seeking hordes and make the fascinating Philippines your number one destination for 2019
IF YOU’RE SERIOUS
about getting up close and personal with some incredible wildlife, it’s time to leave the tourist trail behind and embark on an adventure to one of the most intriguing and friendly countries on the globe – the Philippines.
Nestled in the Pacific, not far from Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, the Philippines is a collection of more than 7,000 beautiful and unspoilt islands, each offering a completely different experience. Go island-hopping and discover stunning beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs where eagles soar, emerald jungles hide the wideeyed tarsier and topaz-blue seas where whale sharks roam. Come between October and May and you’ll see it at its very best.
TAILOR-MADE TRIPS To get the most from your Filipino wildlife adventure, talk to the travel specialists at The Turquoise Holiday Company. They have extensive knowledge of these islands (and how best to hop from one to the other) and its team of experts will put together a bespoke itinerary that perfectly meets your needs, budget and style. Here’s an example: PHILIPPINES ISLAND HOPPING & WILDLIFE WONDERS Turquoise recommends combining three wonderfully wild and untouched islands, to discover incredible marine life, unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery in this two-week escape. DAY 1 – MANILA After an overnight flight from London, you will be met and transferred to The Peninsula Hotel in Manila for a onenight stay in a deluxe room. It’s perfectly located to get out and explore the lively area of Makati and sample some of its local cafes and restaurants. DAY 2 TO 5 – ATMOSPHERE RESORT AND SPA, NEGROS After breakfast, you’ll return to the airport for your onward flight to Dumaguete and transfer to the island of Negros where you’ll stay four nights in a deluxe suite at this charming boutique hotel. It’s a perfect hideaway on the south coast of Negros, an island blessed with unspoilt jungle and beautiful scenery. Explore the sublime reefs around the resort or neighbouring Apo Island, or head to Lake Balinsasayao for a swim surrounded by dense rainforest. Spend a day dolphin-watching off the coast of Bais City, stopping at Talabong Mangrove Park, a 400-hectare protected forest that serves as a natural habitat for wild birds and crustaceans. Or head for Campuyo White Sandbar – when the sea is calm, the deep waters become a playground for bottlenose, melon-head and spotted dolphins. Further afield there is a chance to cruise across to Oslob, a well-known area for swimming with whale sharks.
DAY 5 TO 11 – AMORITA RESORT, BOHOL
After a transfer by ferry, you’ll arrive at the naturally beautiful and historically rich island province of Bohol. You’ll be staying on Panglao, an island connected to Bohol by a bridge, and home to the enchanting Amorita Resort where you’ll stay six nights in a deluxe room. Perched on a cliff edge at the end of delightful Alona Beach, this is a wonderful place to relax and unwind. Diving and snorkelling are top of the list of activities, either off the coast or at Balicasag Island with its crystal-clear waters. It’s also a must to explore the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, a refuge for the smallest primate in the world. Observe these rare, nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat and be amazed by their agility as they move about, leaping from one tree to another, swivelling their heads nearly 360 degrees.
DAY 12 TO 15 – EL NIDO
Take a ferry to Cebu, where you’ll transfer to the airport and fly to El Nido, staying four nights in a beach view villa at the picturesque Cauayan Island Resort – a serene hideaway cocooned among the striking limestone scenery of Bacuit Bay. Spend your days exploring this magnificent scenery by outrigger boat, stopping off at remote beaches, snorkelling on untouched reefs and kayaking on lagoons, surrounded by giant limestone karsts. This area is regularly voted as one of the most beautiful in the world and you’ll discover why – it is simply stunning! The resort will create a menu of experiences tailored to your interests and there is always relaxation on the menu in the resort spa!
DAY 16 – HOME
Fly back to Manila for your flight home.
GO WITH TURQUOISE:
15 nights from £3,525 per person, including international flights with Singapore Airlines, domestic flights, ferry crossings, accommodation as indicated and breakfast. All touring is optional at additional cost.