Honda Bay, Palawan Island

Palawan has about 1,770 islands yet one of the least developed holiday destinations in Southeast Asia (Philippines). So far the lack of commercialism has made Palawan very elite, but it is becoming more popular particularly for international divers, as well as voyagers. The ideal place for sun seekers and snorkellers is Honda Bay, which has several islets including Cannon Island, Bat Island and Starfish Island, with coral reefs breaking crystal clear water onto empty, fine white sand beaches. The best months to visit the place are from December to May.

The bay is to be found in Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua, Puerto Princesa City. About 12 kilometers east of Puerto Princesa City is Sta. Lourdes dockside where pumpboats could be hired to take tourists to the island of their choice. Some islands require an entrance fee; others are privately owned, thus, permits from the owners are necessary.

Sta. Lourdes dockside is 25 minutes away by hired tricycle or jeepney. A pumpboat ride from the dockside to the different islands is from 15 to 50 minutes.

Anawangin Zambales

Another center for a nearby holiday escapade is Capones Island.

The trip takes about 4 hours from Manila passing through Olongapo City heading further north to San Antonio then following the directions to Barangay Pundaquit.

The village’s beautiful beach is exceptionally located behind a mountain and facing the horizon of the setting sun. In front of it is Capones Island, which is accessible for overnight camping, day picnic and swimming.

Bancas are present along the beach of Pundaquit, and available for rent anytime.

Our first dibs into vidcasting — Holy Week trip to Nasugbu, Batangas, Munting Buhangin Beach Resort, Lago de Oro in Calatagan, The Peak at Terrazas de Punta Fuego and Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast.

Where is White Beach and Talipanan, Puerto Galera?

Talipanan Beach is one of the many beach resorts in Puerto Galera. About 2 kilometers from White Beach, Talipanan is the more quiet version of the former with cheaper room rates yet complete with all the amenities of a Puerto Galera resort.

Microtel Phillippines’ only resort-type hotel is located in sunny Boracay Island. Microtel Boracay is a cozy spot inconspicuously hidden in its own cove at the northern part of Boracay.

With over 50 deluxe and suites, the place also boasts of a beach front and a chlorine-free swimming pool.

(more…)

Le Soleil de Boracay
Boat Station 2, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan

Manila Office Address:
Ground Floor, PJL Corporate Center,
1782 Nicanor Garcia corner Candelaria Street
Makati City

Telephone: +632.8996779 / 8900493
Fax Number: +632.8898756 / 036.2886118
www.lesoleil.com.ph
lesoleil@pjhullier.com

Waling-Waling Beach Hotel
Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan

Metro Manila Office: #395 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

Telephone #: +632.8969456
Fax Number: +632.8969451
Website: www.waling.com
Email: boracay@philonline.com
sales@waling.com

I grew up in a small town in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras and every Sunday our family would go to Alubihod beach which my grandparents own. Alubihod is just 4 kilometers from town so all five of us would take the family motorbike and spent the entire Sunday swimming or having boats rides.

I still have old pictures of me (7 or 8 years old) running across the sandy beaches. The sand is almost as white as that of Boracay’s, but less refined. The beach front was still empty with just a couple of huts or cottages we’d use to stay and eat out during lunch. About 20 years ago, only a small number of family houses of our relatives are standing just a few meters away from the shore. (Mostly cousins to the second degree.)

Haven’t been back there for years now though. I frequently invite my high school classmates to take a vacation over there. Guimaras is just a few kilometers from Iloilo City by boat. It usually costs Php5.00 but I think it could already be Php10.00 – Php15.00 per head. Once you dock at the Jordan pier, you take a Nueva Valencia jeep to town about 30 kilometers south. Another tricycle ride from Poblacion town to Alubihod would cost about Php 25 – Php 50 depending on the number of passengers.

Alubihod is now sub-divided into several resorts, the bigger one would be Raymen Beach resort which is owned by my mom’s cousins and Rico Beach Resort, owned by my uncle, the youngest of my mom’s siblings.

I will definitely take a lot of pictures once I get to visit back home.

Ever been to White Beach at Bolinao, Pangasinan? Check it out and see what’s more than than Bolinao!