Your Expert Travel Guide to
Philippines
By Dong DMC & Tourism Philippines.
The ideal time to travel to the Philippines is from November to April when the weather is dry and cool. This is the dry season, perfect for outdoor activities and island exploration. It is best to avoid the rainy season from June to October to steer clear of tropical storms and heavy rainfall.
From Vietnam, you can fly directly to the Philippines with airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines. Flights typically depart from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang to Manila (Luzon). The flight duration is approximately 3 hours, depending on the destination.
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December 2024 Trip Update
There are multiple flights from Manila to Cebu (the capital of Visayas) and Davao (the capital of Mindanao). Some inter-island flights are available (e.g., Bohol to Palawan), but they are limited, often expensive, and most flights require a layover in Manila before continuing to other destinations.
Metro Manila is organized as a "city within a city," consisting of several cities, including Manila, Makati, Pasay, Parañaque, Binondo, Pasig, Las Piñas, Taguig, Bulacan, and more.
Five-star hotels are mainly concentrated in Makati, such as Sular, New World Hotel, Dusit Thani, etc. In Manila, there are also some notable hotels like The Manila Hotel and Diamond Hotel.
1. The sula Manila: A renowned 5-star hotel in Makati, offering premium services and a prime location.
2. Okada Manila: A luxury resort with a casino and world-class amenities.
3. Nobu Hotel, City Of Dreams Manila: A modern Japanese-style hotel, perfect for those seeking luxury and comfort.
Boracay offers a wide range of hotel options to suit all budgets, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly accommodations. Some highly-rated hotels include:
1. Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay: A 5-star resort with modern amenities, a prime location, and excellent service, just 3 km from Puka Beach.
2. Henann Lagoon Resort: With a large lagoon-style pool and well-appointed rooms, this is an ideal choice for those seeking comfort and relaxation.
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4. Boracay Uptown Hotel: Located in the heart of the island, offering easy access to everything Boracay has to offer.
4. Shangri-La Boracay: The pinnacle of luxury with private villas, exclusive floating loungers, and breathtaking ocean views.
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5. The Lind Boracay: With a unique design and premium services, this is the perfect destination for those seeking a luxurious experience in Boracay.
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1. Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort: Located on Mactan Island, 19 km from SM City Cebu shopping mall, this resort offers luxurious accommodations with an outdoor pool, free parking, a fitness center, and a lush garden. It features a private beach area and serves a diverse buffet breakfast, including American, Belgian, and English dishes with dairy-free and gluten-free options. Recreational activities include billiards, table tennis, rock climbing, and cycling.
2. Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort: A beachfront 5-star hotel on Mactan Island, offering luxurious accommodations with an outdoor pool, fitness center, sports facilities, and a restaurant. The resort is conveniently located 1.8 km from Shangri-La Beach, 2.8 km from Mactan Newtown Beach, and 17 km from SM City Cebu shopping mall.
3. Oceanica Resort Panglao: Centrally located on Panglao Island, Bohol, near the National Monument, Chocolate Hills, and Alona Beach. This 5-star resort offers high-quality accommodations with access to massage services, an outdoor swimming pool, and an in-room fitness area.
4. Amorita Resort: Surrounded by lush gardens, Amorita Resort boasts stunning views of the Bohol Sea and the famous Alona Beach. It is about a 40-minute drive from Tagbilaran Airport and Port. Guests can enjoy mountain biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding, as well as snorkeling and scuba diving. The resort also offers event and conference venues. The on-site Saffron Restaurant serves continental cuisine and popular Filipino dishes, with special menus available upon request.
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Metro Manila is best known for Makati City, a financial hub filled with skyscrapers and home to many multinational corporations. Another key area is Manila City, which stretches along Manila Bay and houses the U.S. Embassy, the historic Intramuros, and the 5-star Manila Hotel. Nearby, just across the Pasig River, lies Binondo, the world's first Chinatown. Beyond Metro Manila, the island of Luzon includes several provinces such as Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon, each offering unique cultural and natural attractions.
Commonly referred to as the "Walled City," Intramuros is a historic district in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Founded by the Spanish in the late 16th century, it was the political and military center during Spain’s colonial rule. The name "Intramuros" comes from the Latin words intra (inside) and muros (walls), meaning "inside the walls.
Historical Significance
+ Spanish Colonial Period : Intramuros served as the seat of government and power during Spain’s rule in the Philippines. It housed the Governor-General’s residence, military barracks, churches, and schools, making it the political and religious center of the Spanish colonial era.
+ Architectural Heritage : The district is renowned for its Spanish colonial architecture, featuring fortified walls, gates, and bastions that were strategically built to protect the city from foreign invasions and local uprisings.
+ Impact of World War II: Intramuros suffered severe destruction during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Many historic buildings were reduced to ruins, leading to extensive restoration efforts in the post-war years.
Highlight
+ Fort Santiago: Built by Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi, this fortress served as a military defense post and later as a prison. Philippine national hero José Rizal was imprisoned here before his execution.
+ Manila Cathedral: Officially known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, this is the premier church of the Philippines. It has been rebuilt multiple times due to wars and natural disasters.
+ San Agustin Church The oldest stone church in the Philippines, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its Baroque architecture and historical significance.
+ Casa Manila: A museum showcasing colonial-era life, displaying antique furniture and household items from the Spanish period.
+ Walls & Gates: The defensive walls stretch approximately 4.5 km, with notable gates like Puerta de Isabel II and Puerta del Parian, which once controlled access to the city.
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✈️ We are thrilled to receive positive feedback from our valued customer, Elric, about his amazing Boracay trip on June 17, 2024!
Stay tuned to Đông Travel’s website and fan page for the latest updates on tour packages and special promotions. We look forward to accompanying you on unforgettable journeys to the Philippines!
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+ Moalboal: A diving paradise known for its vibrant coral reefs and massive sardine run, where millions of sardines swim in mesmerizing formations. Other activities include kayaking and surfing.
+ Malapascua: A hidden gem with pristine beaches and stunning coral gardens. It is especially famous for diving with Thresher sharks, a rare marine species found only in this area.
+ Swimming with Whale Sharks in Oslob: Oslob offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim alongside gentle whale sharks, making for an unforgettable and unique experience.
Not far from Cebu lies Bohol, famously known as the "Kingdom of Chocolate Hills." These cone-shaped hills, covered in lush green grass, turn a rich chocolate brown during the dry season, creating a breathtaking landscape.
Beyond the Chocolate Hills, Bohol boasts other must-visit attractions such as the Tarsier Conservation Area, home to the world's smallest primate with large, round eyes; the historic Baclayon Church, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage site; and the Loboc River, where visitors can enjoy river cruises with traditional performances.
A Cebu and Bohol tour offers the best of the Philippines, from stunning beaches and diving spots to historical sites and natural wonders, ensuring relaxation and unforgettable memories.
+ Tarsier Conservation Area: Home to one of the world’s smallest primates, the Philippine tarsier, known for its big, expressive eyes. This sanctuary was established to protect this rare and endangered species.
+ Panglao Island Hopping: Explore Panglao’s rich marine ecosystem, including dolphin watching and snorkeling at Balicasag Island, one of the best coral reef diving spots in the Philippines.
+ Loboc River Cruise: Enjoy a scenic river cruise along the Loboc River, featuring Asian buffet dining and live cultural performances, offering a relaxing and immersive experience.
+ Chocolate Hills Adventure Park: Thrill-seekers can enjoy activities such as zip biking, trekking, horseback riding, and camping, set against the iconic Chocolate Hills backdrop.
Filipino cuisine is known for bold flavors—sometimes a little too sour, too salty, or too sweet—but that’s what makes it special!
Boracay is not only famous for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. One dish you can’t miss is Adobo, the national dish of the Philippines. This slow-braised chicken or pork dish, cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and pepper, is best enjoyed with steamed rice.
You should also try:
✔ Sinigang – A tangy and spicy sour soup flavored with tamarind, often made with pork or shrimp.
✔ Lechon – A crispy roasted suckling pig, a signature dish at Filipino celebrations.
✔ Halo-halo: A refreshing summer dessert made with shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, jelly and evaported milk.
✔ Crispy Pata – Deep-fried pork knuckles with a crispy exterior and tender meat inside, a Filipino party favorite.
✔ Kare-Kare – A savory oxtail stew cooked in a rich peanut sauce, traditionally served with shrimp paste (bagoong).
✔ Tinolang Manok – A light and healthy chicken soup cooked with green papaya and chili leaves, offering a comforting and nutritious meal.
Adobo
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Sinigang
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Lechon
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Halo-halo
Crispy Pata: A deep-fried pork knuckle with a crunchy skin and tender meat inside, a must-have dish at Filipino celebrations.
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Kare-Kare – A rich and flavorful oxtail stew cooked in a thick peanut sauce, typically served with shrimp paste (bagoong) for added depth of flavor.
Tinolang Manok – A light and comforting chicken soup made with green papaya and chili leaves, offering a mild yet nourishing taste.
Make every trip a truly unforgettable experience!
Wishing you a memorable and fulfilling trip to the Philippines.
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