Northstar

12 | www.travelweekly-asia.com DESTINATION Philippines restaurants and its Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a World Heritage site and one of the world's longest navigable underground rivers and proudly promoted as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of Nature. Experienced divers board liveaboards to get to the world-class Tubbataha Reefs, held by many to be among the world's finest. Many take the one-hour flight from Manila to Palawan's northern tip, but we took a five- to six- hour private transfer from Puerto Princesa north on good but curvy roads through timeless landscapes of family-owned farms framed by volcanic mountains. Our destination was the scrappy but burgeoning town of El Nido at the northern tip, and Palawan's showpiece that lies just offshore: the craggy, dramatic limestone outcroppings and breathtaking waters of the Bacuit Archipelago. Narrow, traditional outrigger boats called bangkas slip into hidden lagoons and empty, palm- lined beaches, reminiscent of (but less crowded than) Thailand's Krabi coast or Vietnam's Ha Long Bay. Development is visibly happening in and around El Nido town, but for the time being the trio of El Nido Resorts on three Bacuit islands a boat transfer away know no rivals. Each idyllic, ecosensitive property boasts a pristine location and unique experience. Price categories, ambience and accommodation amenities vary, and each attracts different categories of guests, ranging from honeymoon couples to three-generation families, with budgets that range from moderate to blowout. El Nido's Miniloc was the first Photo Credit: iStockphoto The undisturbed island of Bohol will become more accessible with new international air links. It will likely lead to new development and more tourists, which will suit some and worry others. BOHOL ISLAND The island of Bohol, located south of Cebu in the Philippines island chain, boasts beach communities, healthy coral reefs and lush rainforest. Due to its limited accessibility, the island has remained pristine, as getting to the island currently requires a series of flights and/or ferries from Manila and Cebu. But that will change soon, as the island is set to open a new international airport sometime in 2018 or 2019, which will offer more international flights. Those who enjoy destinations with well-developed tourism sectors will want to have it on their radar for 2019 or 2020, while others might want to get there before the changes occur. Either way, Bohol has much to offer those who visit. Alona Beach Alona Beach is the most well- rounded community on Panglao Island in Bohol, offering a wide range of hotels, bars, restaurants, massage parlours, tour operators and dive shops that merge local and Western tastes. From the luxurious Henann Resort to an endless selection of hostels and inns, travellers will have no problem finding By Will McGough Chocolate Hills Bohol is perhaps best known for its Chocolate Hills, a unique geological something to balance their preferences and budgets. Alona Beach is also a hub for tour operators that can arrange trips to neighbouring islands and other adventures, such as a trip to the Chocolate Hills. In that sense, it is the most efficient and convenient hub for a traveller on Bohol. Bohol Forest Those craving a simple taste of Bohol's jungles should pay a visit to the Bohol Forest, a man- made mahogany forest known for its uniformity and massive root structures. Although only a little over one mile in length, the forest offers walking and biking trails and a good look at the flora and fauna that inhabit the island. A visit highlights Bohol's diversity — specifically how the rainforest and villages complement coastal towns and beaches. Chocolate Hills, Bohol. 5 MUST-SEE SPOTS ON to open some 30 years ago. It was purchased in 2012 and reimagined by El Nido Resorts, owned by the Ayala Corp., a family-run real estate firm based in Manila. Located on its own sandy beach with snorkeling two steps from your lounge chair and minutes by kayak from gorgeous lagoons, it is the most attractively priced resort. Lagen Resort is the middle- tiered sibling, a little more serene and marginally more expensive. At the top is Pangulasian, what I imagine to be Amanpulo's only true contender in the Philippines, though less expensive. It oozes barefoot luxury in a modern indoor/outdoor design, surrounded by white sands and a palette of blue and turquoise. It is hard to reconcile this panoply of islands of immense beauty, populated by friendly people, as part of the same country that prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a travel advisory in 2016. The location of concern is in the Sulu Archipelago, in the southern half of the Mindanao islands. From an empty beach in Palawan, it can feel like the other side of the world. The troubles seemed to be on no one's minds or lips. With the notion of "safety" these days being such a relative term, I must say I don't recall ever having felt more carefree and secure than in the genuine welcoming embrace of the Pinoy people. Continued from page 10. Banaue rice terraces, North Luzon. landscape of more than 1,200 hills that turn a chocolate-brown colour during the dry season, with rolling hills that are both conical and symmetrical. The most popular viewing platform is at the Chocolate Hills Complex, from which clients will get a broad look at the photogenic landscape. However, this area is often crowded and frequented by tour buses. To avoid the masses, drive a bit farther to another viewing station: Sagbayan Peak. Dive Sites The islands surrounding Bohol offers plenty of experiences for scuba divers. Many sites make for easy half-day trips, such as those found off the shores of Panglao Island, which is connected to mainland Bohol by a bridge. Other dive sites located farther offshore in Pamilacan, Balicasag and Cabilao are suited for a full-day trip. Pamilacan is a good place to spot whales; Balicasag is teeming with shallow reefs; and Cabilao is the best for diving along sea walls. Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary Considered the smallest primate in the world(normally the size of a grown man's fist), the tarsier is adorable but, unfortunately, fast becoming a threatened species due to shrinking habitats. The Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary on Bohol is dedicated to protecting the tarsier and offers visitors conservation and awareness programmes, and guided walks through the protected forest. Photo Credit: iStockphoto

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