Lonely Planet Philippines (Travel Guide)

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NEW top experiences feature- a visually inspiring collection of the Philippines best experiences and where to have them Further inland, Kawasan Falls is just a 45 minute drive away from Moalboal. The colour of the water is as vibrant as it looks in pictures and I spent an afternoon happily bathing in the waterfall’s pool.

Cebu Island is the region’s heart – a favoured jumping-off point to its surrounding isles. Before setting sail, I made a beeline to Moalboal on the island’s western shores. After a (sweaty and slightly convoluted) local bus route from Cebu City , I was raring to get into the water. What is the sardine run?Everything shuts down during Holy Week, which leads up to Easter, when sinakulo (passion plays) and pasyon (a recitation of the Passion of Christ) are staged throughout the country. This is a fascinating time to be in the country, though resort prices again hit ‘superpeak’ levels, during what is the last month of the typical high season. For a less conventional Easter experience, head to the island of Siquijor, where faith healers and witch doctors gather around a big pot on Holy Saturday, preparing a medicinal concoction some say cures all that ails you.

Pining for some relaxation? The Camotes Islands are remote and quiet. I was wowed by Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort ’s affordable luxury, where I topped off the trip with afternoon massages and basking on their private beach that I managed to have all to myself! You might also like: If you’re seeking some earthly grounding after your aquatic pursuits, head to fun-loving Bohol for zip-lines and hiking thrills. A visit to this interesting isle wouldn’t be complete without meeting the world’s smallest primate in the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary – as big-eyed and adorable as you’d imagine. November marks the return to high season with the arrival of good, dry weather for most of the country. Families laden with food gather at the local cemetery on the first day of the month to spend Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) remembering their departed loved ones. It’s a surprisingly festive occasion. NEW pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' cardwith wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel Cultural insightsgive you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics

Fail #2: neglecting to study the weather

Picture this: jungle-clad pathways giving way to a stretch of white sand and a smattering of beachside bars looking out over turquoise waters. Yes, Moalboal really is this idyllic.