146ELNIDORESORTS, PALAWANThe El Nido resorts are located on three separateislands in an area where limestone karsts jut outof the water, sheltering fantastic coral gardens andexcellent snorkelling reefs. Kayaking in the lagoonsis very popular as there are countless small covesand bays to explore, but there is a wide variety ofeco-friendly land and water activities on offer ateach resort. All the resorts are simple andpicturesque, with lovely beaches, rolling hills andjungle in the background. All offer stilted chaletaccommodation over the sea, with lovelysnorkelling right on your doorstep. El NidoMiniloc is the simplest of the three resorts, Apulit Island Resort is the newest, and El NidoLagen has a swimming pool. All the resorts areaccessed via flights from Manila, and as part oftheir commitment to responsible tourism, thecarbon from the flights is off-set.AMANPULO, PALAWANThe most exclusive resort in the Philippines,Amanpulo sits on its own private island and offersa luxury stay in utter seclusion. The breathtakingwhite sandy beaches are surrounded by clearturquoise waters teaming with marine life, and acoral reef lies only three hundred metres fromshore. The 'casitas' are tastefully designed intraditional Filipino style and are scattered alongthe beach and in among the tropical forests.Amanpulo is the perfect sanctuary for thosewishing for a peaceful and secluded stay in abeautiful, remote, tropical island paradise.PalawanAcross the water to the west of the main islandof Luzon, Palawan is an island group of more than 1,700 islands and islets, and is truly the 'lastnatural frontier' of the entire archipelago. Remotejungles and rugged scenery tower over pristinebeaches. Excellent diving reefs are protected by a strong commitment to eco-tourism. PuertoPrincesa is the capital and is reached by planefrom Cebu and Manila. Centrally located, it is agood place to start exploring both the north and south of Palawan. Dos Palmas is the bestresort in this area and is set on its own island just off the coast, surrounded by fantastic divesites. The Underground River is a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site and flows through a network of pitch-black caves: it is thought to bethe longest navigable tunnel in the world and isfun to explore.El Nido Miniloc, PalawanEl Nido Lagen Island Resort, PalawanAmanpulo, Palawan

www.audleytravel.com/philippines ?01993 838 155 ?Philippines147Suggested itinerariesClassic PhilippinesThis trip gives you a good variety of culturalexperiences throughout the Philippines, combined with time to relax in a couple ofdifferent beach resorts. In depth exploration ofManila is followed by a few days visiting the riceterraces and traditional grave sites of NorthernLuzon. A flight takes you to Cebu for some beachtime, combined with a historical tour, and then aferry takes you to visit the Chocolate Hills andTarsier monkeys on Bohol.Day 1Fly from the UK to Manila, via Hong Kong.Day 2Arrive in Manila for an afternoon of exploration.Day 3Day tour of Manila including theSpanish walled city.Day 4Drive to Banaue, famous for itsspectacular rice terraces.Day 5Day trip to villages around Banaueand viewpoints for the rice terraces.Day 6Travel to Mount Data via the townof Bontoc and the hanging coffins at Sagada.Day 7Continue your scenic drive backdown to the plains of Baguio City.Day 8Return by road to Manila and then fly to Cebu.Day 9Day at leisure to relax in your Cebubeach resort.Day 10City tour of Cebu including thecathedral.Day 11Take the ferry across to Tagbilaranon the island of Bohol.Day 12Day trip around Bohol to see Tarsiermonkeys, take a river cruise and visitthe Chocolate Hills.Day 13Day at leisure.Day 14Fly to Manila and then on to Hong Kong.Day 15Arrive back in the UK.Island hoppingThis itinerary gives you the chance to exploremany of the different islands of the southernPhilippines, whilst taking advantage of the efficientinter-island ferries. You start in Manila on Luzon,before flying to Dumaguete on Negros Oriental,and then taking the ferry to Siquijor and Bohol. Day 1Fly from the UK to Manila, via Kuala Lumpur.Day 2Arrive in Manila and transfer to yourhotel for the night.Day 3Day at leisure to explore this bustling metropolis.Day 4Fly to Dumaguete and transfer toyour resort in Dauin.Day 5Day trip to Apo Island for snorkellingor diving. On Wednesdays there is agood market here.Day 6Spend the day exploring the areaaround Dumaguete, including thetwin lakes.Day 7Take the ferry across to Siquijor.Day 8Explore the island's hills in theinterior, and beaches. You will alsohave the opportunity to visit a healer.Day 9Day at leisure to relax.Day 10A further day at leisure. You maywish to venture out to the house reef.Day 11Take the ferry back to Dumagueteand then on to Bohol.Day 12Explore the interior of Boholincluding visits to the famousChocolate Hills and a chance to spotthe rare Tarsier monkey.Days 13-14Relax at the resort.Day 15Fly to Manila and on to the UK.Day 16Arrive back in the UK.Stay longerYou could extend your trip by heading up to visitthe rice terraces of Banaue in Northern Luzon orgo to Boracay at the beginning of the trip and thentravel overland across Panay to reach Negros.Alternatively add on more beach time by flyingfrom Manila to the Palawan archipelago.Tailoring your tripThe itineraries shown are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible, and are routes thatwork particularly well. We can use these as abasis to plan your trip or can design a completelydifferent itinerary to suit your tastes and interests.Please call one of our Philippines specialists tostart planning your itinerary.Telephone: 01993 838 155Getting aroundWith over 7,000 islands to discover, it isimpossible to see all of the Philippines in one visit. It is possible to fly between most of theislands as there are several domestic airlines with good networks. However, there is often aten kilogramme luggage limit, so if you want tokeep your belongings with you, the best way toget around is sometimes by using the network of public ferries. The days of dangerousovercrowding are long gone and although you will see the Catholic locals crossing themselvesbefore every journey, your inter-island travels are likely to be in new catamarans: fast, efficientjourneys that are also good value. Although theroads are good, including the rice terraces ofnorthern Luzon in an itinerary will mean longroad journeys which take time and increase the cost.When to go??The best time to travel.?A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.~Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year.?Travel is not recommended.There are many different micro-climates withinthe Philippines, but there are two main seasons.November to May is the dry season, with mildermonths in December and January, whilst June toOctober is the wet season. The best time to visitis between February and May, when the weatheris warm and dry. Typhoons coming in from thePacific are commonplace, especially between Julyand October, so this time of year is best avoided.It is also wise to avoid Christmas and Easter: it can be fun to join the festivities, but they arevery busy times of year to travel.Time difference:GMT+8 hoursFlight time from UK:15 hours (via Hong Kong)PricesWe offer trips to cater for a wide range ofbudgets. You can find up-to-date guideline pricesfor your trip to the Philippines on our website,alternatively please call our specialists to discussyour plans.JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec??????????~????~?ManilaBanaueBaguio CityCebuTagbilaranBOHOLManilaTagbilaranBOHOLDumagueteSiquijor