Lonely Planet Philippines (Travel Guide)

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Further inland, Kawasan Falls is just a 45 minute drive away from Moalboal. The colour of the water is as vibrant as it looks in pictures and I spent an afternoon happily bathing in the waterfall’s pool.November marks the return to high season with the arrival of good, dry weather for most of the country. Families laden with food gather at the local cemetery on the first day of the month to spend Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) remembering their departed loved ones. It’s a surprisingly festive occasion. Everything shuts down during Holy Week, which leads up to Easter, when sinakulo (passion plays) and pasyon (a recitation of the Passion of Christ) are staged throughout the country. This is a fascinating time to be in the country, though resort prices again hit ‘superpeak’ levels, during what is the last month of the typical high season. For a less conventional Easter experience, head to the island of Siquijor, where faith healers and witch doctors gather around a big pot on Holy Saturday, preparing a medicinal concoction some say cures all that ails you. NEW top experiences feature- a visually inspiring collection of the Philippines best experiences and where to have them

NEW pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' cardwith wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel For the best chance of beach lounging weather, head to the Eastern Visayas, which are often dry when almost everywhere else is drenched – though this region is susceptible to tropical storms so keep an eye on the forecast. January

Why would I want to swim with sardines?

Cebu Island is the region’s heart – a favoured jumping-off point to its surrounding isles. Before setting sail, I made a beeline to Moalboal on the island’s western shores. After a (sweaty and slightly convoluted) local bus route from Cebu City , I was raring to get into the water. What is the sardine run? Over a decade ago, Cebu’s sardine run was reportedly non-existent, and their sudden appearance at Panagsama Beach is a mystery. Regardless, the Moalboal community have welcomed the effect their fishy friends have had in the area. No mass fishing is permitted, but local fisherman can use small wooden boats to fish with just a hook and line and the sardines have encouraged more people to visit the area each year. Pining for some relaxation? The Camotes Islands are remote and quiet. I was wowed by Mangodlong Paradise Beach Resort ’s affordable luxury, where I topped off the trip with afternoon massages and basking on their private beach that I managed to have all to myself! You might also like: