CARAMOAN
MACTAN
PUERTO GALERA
the philippines // asia
CARAMOAN
Fans of US Survivor may recognise Caramoan as the picture-perfect location for the hit show , serving as a backdrop 11 times ! Situated in the eastern Camarines Sur province , Caramoan is a hilly area blessed with white-sand beaches , underground caves , and azure lagoons . Aside from swimming in the beautiful waters , thrill-seeking couples will love the many hiking opportunities , including majestic Mount Caglago , home to a stunning 7.9-metre statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the top . Getting there : Catch a one-hour domestic flight from Manila to Naga then travel by bus or private car from Naga to Caramoan .
MACTAN
Just off the east coast of Cebu City , Mactan holds a prominent position in Philippine history as the place where locals fought a victorious resistance battle against Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan ’ s expedition in 1521 . Today , the island is also renowned for its clean , white-sand beaches , gorgeous coral reefs , and high-end resorts . Getting there : Mactan is around 840 kilometres south of Manila , joined to the mainland via two bridges , and home to the Mactan- Cebu International Airport . Fly in from the capital ( around 1.5 hours ) or a host of other destinations .
PUERTO GALERA
One for the underwater adventurers . Puerto Galera in the island province of Oriental Mindoro is famous for its stunning beaches , aquatic adventures , and proximity to the country ’ s capital . With Biosphere Reserve status from UNESCO , the region is home to diverse marine life and an array of incredible dive sites . Book a course with a local dive school and discover the colourful wonderland hand-in-hand . Getting there : Take a bus or private car south from Manila to Pier Uno in Batangas City ( around three to four hours ). From there , hop aboard the scenic ferry service to the island .
PHOTOS : JANO BOSCHER ; JULES BASSOLEIL ; BRIAN KAIRUZ ; U UNSPLASH
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