Boracay Beach and Beyond: Visit the Philippines This Spring

With the exception of north Asia, China, Korea, and the northern islands of Japan, there's a tendency to think of Asia as mostly tropical. For that reason, it's seldom considered as a spring vacation spot, and that's really too bad, because that means Asia gets often overlooked when planning that spring trip.

One of the most overlooked destinations in Asia is the Philippines, and by far, the best time to visit is in the spring. January and February are the cool months, and from March to May, the weather tends to be hot and dry. June to October is the rainy season, with typhoons occurring between July and September.

Cebu, which is warm year round, is one of the destinations that is great to visit at any time. Due to the uncertainty of the political situation, the island of Mindanao is not safe to visit, but the rest of the more than 7,000 tropical islands in the world's largest archipelago offer unforgettable treats to the spring visitor.

Things to Do

While Tagalog is the main language, English and Spanish are also spoken widely throughout the country. One of the interesting things to do is watch local TV where one can hear all three languages spoken, often in the same sentence. Manila, the capital, is a good base from which to operate. After sampling the charm of the city, with its many restaurants and night spots, the intrepid traveler can take a day-trip, trekking through lush rice paddies, visit the Banaue rice terraces on Mount Pinatubo, or loll on the fantastic beaches of Boracay. In fact, Boracay, which is little more than a speck off the northwestern tip of Panay, is worth more than a few days stay. Boracay only started receiving visitors in the 1970s, but the white sandy beaches have been such a hit, it is now one of the more crowded places in the Philippines. Less than a kilometer wide and nine kilometers long, it is a totally intoxicating mix of sun, sand, and partying.

Banaue, home of the famous rice terraces often referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World,' is a short bus ride from Manila. The view of rice terraces seeming to stretch up to the heavens is worth the trip all by itself, but visitors can also spend the night in traditional villages and see locals cultivating rice the same way their ancestors have been doing for 2,000 years. A visit to the crater lake on Mount Pinatubo is also in order when visiting Banaue, maybe even camping next to the lake for a night.

Across the mountains from Manila, near Bontoc, is Echo Valley, with its hanging coffins dangling from limestone cliffs; a sight that is as mystifying as it is strange.

The people of the Philippines are warm and friendly, and despite having been temporarily colonized by the U.S., and having ejected U.S. military bases, still like Americans.

Where to Stay

Manila

Traders Hotel Manila

3001 Roxas Boulevard

Pasay City 1305

Manila, Philippines

(63 2) 523 7011

http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/manila/traders/reservations/checkavailability

Boracay

Boracay Butterfly Garden Cottages

Bulabog Beach

Boracay, Philippines

http://www.boracay-budgettravel-tips.com/butterfly-garden-cottages.html

http://www.boracaybutterfly.com/