VACATION DETAILS

El Nido is a coastal settlement of Palawan, Philippines that consists of 45 islands and islets also known as the Bacuit Archipelago. The pristine warm beaches and clear waters is a short walk away from the jungle and main town Bacuit Bay. El Nido which also means, “The Nest” has been inhabited by humans as early as 22,000 years revealing fossils and burial sites with imprints from the Late Neolithic Age. Since 1225CE, the Chinese have been trading with the residents of El Nido in search of the edible birds’ nest that engraved the island’s history and name. El Nido is presently a large marine sanctuary protected by the government preserving its flora, fauna, and natural beauty. Travelers can go island hopping in the Bacuit Archipelago, or spot dugongs, turtles, manta rays, coral reefs, and gentle whale sharks. Travelers can also explore the 12,000 year old Ille Cave, dive their way beneath water trenches to reach the “Secret Beach” not frequently visited by outsiders, or kayak through a cathedral-like cavern and bird watch the “nest gatherers.”

A lagoon of emerald and blue framed by dense ancient forests greets you as you approach Puerto Princessa's most renown attraction: the Subterranean River National Park, a designated UNESCO world heritage site. Tour the 8.2 kilometers of underground river by boat through otherworldly, spectacular caves. For mountain hiking and trekking, ascend to the Cleopatra's Needle, where wild rivers, lush forest and vibrant meadows all wait to be explored. Hop on a boat and spend an afternoon on the white beaches of the Honda Islands, with dive sites along Pandan Island and Arreceffi Island, and the Panglima Reef to see large coral masses and reef sharks. Remains left from WWII can also be visited, such as the Plaza Cuartel. Experience local and regional culture at the Vietnamese Village or by visiting the Palawan Museum, where artifacts of from Tabon Cave may be found.
 

Manila is the heartbeat of the Philippines. Multi-faceted, multi-layered, lusty and lively, it is the seat of government and center of arts and education. It is a city of contrasts and contradictions. Here streets pulsate with life at all hours; within its boundaries live the richest and poorest in the country. Occupied over decades by Spanish, Americans, British and Japanese, East meets West, giving the city a unique character. The Walled City, a medieval fortified town, was the heart and soul of the country for more than 300 years. This city fortress, surrounded by moats and turreted walls 30 feet thick, was known as Intramuros and comprises Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church - suggested priorities on any visitor’s itinerary. Manila attracts migrants who arrive from throughout to study or seek work. The cosmopolitan air in this fascinating city comes from its substantial Chinese and other foreign communities, busy port, multi-national corporations and constant flow of tourists. Other sights to see include Manila Cathedral, the Coconut Palace, and the National Museum.