More Philippine Beaches

As promised, here's my post on the beautiful Philippine beaches which I have visited in the past.

1. Panglao Island - I went to Panglao Island in the province of Bohol in May 2005 after attending Mark and Barb's wedding in Cebu. We stayed at Alona Kew Resort for 3 days and 2 nights. If I remember correctly, our twin room cost less than P2k per night. We ate at a restaurant in a neighboring resort and the nearby "talipapa". From Panglao, we hired a van and toured around Bohol all the way to Jagna. We visited famous sites like the blood compact site, Baclayon church, Loboc River, hanging bridge, man-made forest, tarsiers and, of course, Chocolate Hills. We took the boat from Jagna to Nasipit on our way back to Butuan.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Tagbilaran
By boat from Cebu to Tagbilaran
By van from Tabilaran to Panglao Island

2. Samal Island - I spent my honeymoon with Ariel at Pearl Farm Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte in 2003. The resort is perfect for a honeymoon because it is secluded and very serene. We were booked in one of the Samal Houses which was right on the water! All meals are buffet-style and our honeymoon package included one romantic dinner at the parola (with serenade) and free island hopping. I immensely enjoyed the trip to nearby Malipano Island that I did not want to leave. There also many other resorts in Samal Island like Paradise Resort and Blue Water Resort.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Davao
By ferry or motor boat from Sasa wharf to Samal Island
(Pearl Farm Resort has its own boat transfer service from Waterfront Insular Hotel to Pearl Farm Resort)

3. Camiguin - The only time I went to Camiguin was way back in 1996 with my family. This was when I discovered the "pastel" (bread with custard filling) and Camiguin was unlike what it is today. We stayed at one of the resorts in Agoho, Mambajao. Back then, Paras Resort was still under construction. Our fist day was spent at White Island, which was clear from the obstructions that it has now. On our 2nd day, we hired a multicab to get to the Sunken Cemetery, Katibawasan Falls and Ardent Hot Spring.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila or Cebu to Cagayan De Oro or Butuan
By bus/van from Cagayan De Oro or Butuan to Balingaon
By ferry boat from Balingoan to Camiguin

4. Siargao - I was in Siargao, Surigao del Norte with a group of friends only last September 2008. We stayed at Travellers Resort in Cabuntog, General Luna. We watched the international surfing competition at Cloud Nine and spent a day going to nearby islands. From General Luna, one can easily hop to Naked Island, Dako Island and Guyam Island. For cold beers at night, head to Nine Bar or Siargao Inn.


Getting there:

By plane from Manila or Cebu to Surigao City or Butuan
By bus/van from Butuan to Surigao City
By motor boat/ferry from Surigao City to Dapa, Siargao Island
By tricycle/jeepney from Dapa to Gen. Luna

5. Marinduque - The island province of Marinduque is most popular during Holy Week because of the Moriones Festival. I went there in the mid-1990's with my Butuanon housemates to witness this event. We stayed in a companion's house for 2 nights and 2 days. We went to elephant island and toured around the whole province in one day. Good Friday was spent in the streets of Boac to witness the procession.


Getting there:
By plane from Manila to Marinduque
By bus/van from Manila to Lucena
By ferry from Lucena to Marinduque


(Siargao photo courtesy of islomaniac@webshots.com)
(other photos courtesy of unsuspecting citizens of the internet)