BANTAYAN ISLAND
SAMAL ISLAND
APO REEF
the philippines // asia
BANTAYAN ISLAND
Why not discover a hidden gem of the Philippines , Bantayan Island in Cebu ? Unspoiled white-sand beaches and a blissfully laid-back atmosphere make this secluded isle ideal for couples seeking a little peace and quiet . A remote paradise with barely any commercial development ( except for a few small resorts ) but a wealth of natural beauty including crystalline waters and vibrant sunsets . Getting there : From Manila , take a 1.5-hour flight to Cebu and then it ’ s a ferry trip or short private charter flight to Bantayan Island .
SAMAL ISLAND
Another Philippine jewel is the Island Garden City of Samal ( known as IGACOS ), located offshore from Davao City in the southern island of Mindanao . Brimming with natural beauty and home to pristine beaches across its 118-kilometre coastline , this picturesque resort island is perfect for couples . Another reason to visit ? Staying on IGACOS puts you one step closer to popular attractions such as the Coral Garden Marine Park , Vanishing Island , and the Shanipaan Shoal . Getting there : Fly from Manila to Davao City ( around two hours ) then catch a ferry to Samal .
APO REEF
So , you ’ ve snorkelled Australia ’ s Great Barrier Reef , why not try the world ’ s second largest connected reef … in the Philippines ! The Apo Reef Nature Park is around 40 kilometres off the west coast of Sablayan in the Occidental Mindoro province ( south of Manila ) and boasts up to 400 species of coral and 500 species of marine life . Above water , there ’ s also plenty of stunning scenery — think pinkish-white beaches with gin-clear waters . Getting there : Catch a 45-minute flight from Manila to San Jose in Occidental Mindoro , then take a bus or private car to Sablayan where you can enjoy a day trip to Apo Reef . H
PHOTOS : MAYNARD MAGALLAN ; CELINE MARTIN ; FARHAN SHARIEF ; UNSPLASH
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