The ultimate Turquoise Holiday Company island guide
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Head to the Philippines and discover more than 7,000 glorious islands full of fascinating and wonderful wildlife. Here’s Turquoise’s top five to put on your list
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Nestled in the Pacific, not far from Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, the Philippines is an island-hopper’s paradise. Come and discover thousands of magnificent islands positively teeming with incredible wildlife – from dramatic cliffs where eagles soar, emerald jungles hiding the wide-eyed tarsier to topaz-blue seas where whale sharks roam.
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The Turquoise Holiday Company has extensive knowledge of this glorious collection of Filipino islands – and how best to hop from one to the other. Talk to its travel specialists and they’ll put together a bespoke itinerary for you – one that perfectly meets your needs, budget and style.
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Here are Turquoise’s favourite five wildlife-spotting islands:
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1. Negros Oriental
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This magnificent island hideaway is the perfect place to spot dolphins in their natural habitat. Head here for the chance to tick bottlenose, melon-headed and spotted dolphins off your list, or cruise to Oslob in search of whale sharks. A stay at the Atmosphere Resort and Spa will complete your trip. It's a charming boutique retreat set within what used to be a seven-acre coconut plantation.
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2. Bohol
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With a stunning coastline, fascinating local villages, and the jaw-dropping Chocolate Hills, this is an island with something for everyone. Stay on nearby Panglao Island at the Amorita Resort for a true taste of paradise and dive its wildlife-rich coastline, as well as neighbouring Cabilao or Mahinay islands. And no trip is complete without seeing the wide-eyed tarsiers at the Tarsier Foundation. |
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3. Palawan
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For ultimate peace and tranquillity, this island is hard to beat. Water babies can snorkel, dive or kayak, while nature lovers can walk among vast limestone cliffs, through dense jungle and explore stunning beaches. And don't forget the turtles who inhabit the water around these shores. Stay at the
Cauayan Island Resort, a four-star hideaway on a picturesque cove and you'll be in heaven.
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4. Siargao
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If you like to be off the beaten track, this little-known island is the place to be. It's amazing for fishing, diving and snorkelling and offers some incredible jungle hikes where you may be lucky enough to spot one of the flying lemurs. For a palm-fringed paradise, stay at the Nay Palad Hideaway, a boutique retreat between ancient mangrove forests and blindingly white sands.
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5. Boracay
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If you like your island to have a bit more life, this one has more of a party feel with world-class restaurants, bars and high-class resorts like The Lind Boracay, a four-star boutique hotel with cutting-edge design and a very contemporary feel, or the five-star Shangri-La on one of Boracay's quieter beaches. Relax on the stunning beaches, dive in the deep blue sea and get acquainted with all kinds of fascinating and colourful tropical fish.
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