My impartial guide to the Philippines Finest Luxury Resorts with top of the line amenities and highest standard of excellence.

Philippines is blessed with unspoiled paradise, best beaches and high class resorts. Savor the warmth of turquoise water, the unequaled exclusivity and an infinity pool right at your own balcony.

Being one of the world’s most sought after tourist destination this summer, Philippines pride itself with refreshing island getaway and ultimate luxury living.

Below is my random list of the Top 10 Luxury Resorts in the Philippines. Enjoy the good life.

1. AMAN Resorts : AMANPULO

Amanpulo is situated in one of the world’s most idyllic island locations on the staggeringly beautiful Pamalican Island in the Philippines. It is a private island, gifted with nature’s paradisaical treats: powder white beaches, clear turquoise-azure-indigo seas, cirrus-streaked cerulean skies, and a polychromatic coral reef only 300m from the shore.

Guests indulge in Amanpulo’s native style of dwellings with 40 casitas fashioned after a Philippine bahay kubo. The five Hillside Casitas offer magical sea views, the four Treetop Casitas embrace the trees while the 29 Beach Casitas have private overgrown paths that lead down to the soft white beach.

Rate starts at USD 700 ++

2. Buri Spa and Resort

Nestled in Batangas Channel inside Puerto Galera Bay, which was recently name one of 32 Most Beautiful Bays in the world by the Paris-based Club des Plus Belles Baies du Monde, Buri Resort & Spa has undergone a dramatic transformation since it first opened in 2001 with five simple cottages.

Experience the luxury of Buri Resort & Spa villas in Puerto Galera and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Buri’s architecture is a modern, yet charming take on the traditional Filipino Bahay Kubo. All the villas showcase a marriage between beautiful interiors and the lush outdoors.

Rate starts at Php 5,500 ++

3. Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa

An exclusive and serene beach hideaway where spoiling and pampering is the norm, Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa nestles amid 16 hectares of lush tropical gardens on Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines. The resort is made up of 15 private villas and a superb spa, which is why it is the place for indulgent privacy and seclusion.

The atmosphere is incredibly relaxed with crisp, cool villas, breathtaking sea views and discrete but attentive staff. Feel the gentle sea breeze as you languish in your private whirlpool and plan where to have dinner; by the infinity pool, on the beach with a personal butler or in the privacy of your villa.

Rates start at USD 500++

4. Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa

Dramatically situated on a lush hillside within an eco-reserve, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa is a spectacular Boracay resort offering sensational luxury and comfort to its discerning guests. Rich with sprawling grounds and secluded beaches this Boracay luxury resort also boasts an impressive variety of restaurants and leisure facilities, including a tranquil spa village.

Rate starts at Php 14,000 ++

5. Plantation Bay Resort & Spa

Discover a resort in a class of its own. Set in 11.4 hectares of secluded grounds yet only 30 minutes from Cebu City, Plantation Bay offers one of the largest privately-owned waterways in the world, with the clean elegance of colonial-plantation architecture. Decompress from life’s pressures in the healing tranquility of an environment that truly feels “away from it all”. If you have ever spent time at a tropical plantation, you know what we mean. If not, come and discover a refreshingly different Flavor of Life.

Feel like you’re at your own private estate. The rooms are a full 46 square meters, charmingly furnished with plantation-style furniture, oil paintings, and accessories; equipped with remote-control TV, mini-bar, electronic safe, and split-package air-conditioning.

Rate starts at USD 150++

6. Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa

Discerning travellers in search of their next unexplored destination need to look no further than the Philippine Islands. With its white Santorini-inspired architecture on rolling terrain contrasted with the azure blue of the sky above and the clear water below, Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa offers a fantastic experience unlike any other place in the Philippines and across South-East Asia.

Bellarocca Island is situated off the south west coast of the Marinduque province. Characterized by seaside cliffs, valleys, hills and sparsely dotted plains across this heart-shaped region, therein lies even more impressively hot springs, waterfalls and underwater flora and fauna. In addition to these, there are caves that await exploration by adventurous travelers. Many are yet to be fully investigated or documented.

Rates start at USD 400++

7. Boracay Grand Vista Resort & Spa

Grand Vista Boracay Resort & Spa is the newest private luxurious resort and spa at the famous white beach. Established early 2006 and fully operated June this year 2007.

The only and first Resort and Spa that has a private swimming pool in all 41 Suites, not only having a swimming in all rooms Grand Vista Boracay Resort and Spa has the biggest swimming pool in the Island.

Rates start at USD 120 ++

8. Antulang Beach Resort

Nestled 40 kilometers south of Dumaguete City, Philippines, ANTULANG BEACH RESORT is proud to be the first Philippine resort to offer private pool villas to guests.  Each of the  flagship accommodations comes with its own swimming pool (no plunge pools here), heated Jacuzzi and luxurious, spacious rooms all decked out in Canadian pinewood.

Suspended on ten sprawling hectares of sheer cliffs peppered with a kaleidoscope of bougainvillea blooms, swimming pools and premium rooms are positioned right at the cliffs’ edge, ensuring guests a commanding view of an endless sea, while winding staircases lead directly to a kilometer’s stretch of isolated white sand beach strewn with large, natural rock formations.  So on any given evening, let the gentle lapping of waves caressing boulders on the beach lull you to sweet, glorious slumber, and catch up on unhurried, leftover dreams of Antulang…

Rates start at USD 55++

9. Misibis Resort, Cagraray Island

Your Luxury Island Playground. Escape to Misibis Bay and surround yourself with the wonders of nature.

The resort is nestled in a lush tropical landscape, with mountainous jungles, perfectly shaped volcanoes, pristine beaches, and other awe-inspiring natural wonders on the Pacific Ocean. Come and experience the ultimate marriage of adventure and luxury.

Misibis Bay is located on Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay Province, Bicol. From Legazpi City it’s a 30-minute trip by luxury fast water craft or an hour’s drive along the scenic coastline.

Rates start at USD 500++

10. El Nido Resorts

El Nido is located at the northwestern tip of the province of Palawan in the Philippines. It is considered as a showcase of Palawan’s geology and diverse wildlife. Its majestic limestone cliffs stand guard over clear waters, with hundreds of species of tropical fishes and corals, and three species of endangered sea turtles.

Lagen Island Resort is set in a cove, fringed by a thick primary forest. The sprawling grounds cover more than four hectares.

Miniloc Island Resort is also set in a cove with a backdrop of sheer limestone cliffs. Reminiscent of a coastal village, Miniloc’s quaint charm is enhanced by its crystal clear waters teeming with tropical fishes.

Rates at Lagen Island Resort start at Php 8,000++ while Miniloc Island Resort rates start at Php 4,500++

I know 10 won’t do justice to cover all the best getaway resorts in the Philippines. Maybe I’ll have another list before 2010 ends.

Lusting for another honeymoon getaway,

If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.

- John D Rockefeller

While our trip to Negros Occidental is mostly of historical and cultural experience, a journey further down South of the island to Negros Oriental is an exquisite date with nature.

Our Negros Oriental itinerary is as much hectic with our Negros Occidental adventure.

We experienced first hand how friendly & helpful Negrenses are, yet we were more impressed about how warm and hospitable our host can be. We arrived in Tanjay a little late as expected. I lost count on how many rough roads on maintenance and one-way route we passed through after Mabinay. Little did we know that the construction extends until Dumaguete. A dilemma we learned later.

We didn’t mind that our regular bus is non-ac as we got the best view of hectares & hectares of sugarcane plantations and the fresh October breeze is billowing against our skin.

We met Ging & her family in Tanjay & had dinner at Jo’s Chicken Inato by the sea. They brought us to Buglasan Festival in Dumaguete. You can read our first night in Negros Oriental in this link and scroll down to our Day 3 adventure.

Day 4 – Island Adventure & Mystic Lake

The day I’ve long been waiting for has arrived and  we were blessed with a beautiful weather.

A little over 5 hours of sleep were our only comfort to start another exciting day. At 6 am, we prepared our things and got ready for breakfast. Nelia’s Place has a restaurant, videoke and gaming area. We were surprised that there were few bird’s nest hanging by the high ceiling. Having encountered hundreds of them at Mambukal Resort, it appeal to us that the breed might be indigenous to Negros Island.

Ging, accompanied by one of their employees arrived around 7 am. She offered to drop us off to Bais City and help us  look for boatmen that will take us to Manjuyod Sandbar. We were really thankful and embarrass on how she goes out of her way to help us.

Around 7:30 AM we reached Bais City. At the town plaza they asked a group of men where we can rent out a boat and we negotiated the price. The small boat that can fit 15 persons is worth P2,500 while the big one is P5,000 which can fit up to 60 persons. The big boat is usually rented for birthday and family celebrations because it includes a videoke on it. The package includes a whole day rental of the boat to Manjuyod Sandbar and a tour to Bais City Bird Sanctuary and Mangrove Park. An additional of P1,000 is needed if we wish to go dolphin & whale watching.

Ging has to attend to some work, so off we go and savor the day. The small boat is roomy enough for just the two of us. We skip on doing dolphin and whale watching as we already experienced it during our trip to Bohol.

We went to the nearby market to get some snacks and cooked meal. We then followed the man who arranged our trip to the port. Here’s the contact person of the boat owner where you can make reservations:

Jun Cabanag – 09068787888

8:40 AM - Off we go sailing. It was the first time I sailed on a calm water. We are cruising Tańon Strait which connects Bohol Sea and Visayan Sea and is located in between the islands of Cebu and Negros.

The soothing smell of the sea kissed my lips  and eased  my tired soul. It’s like the world suddenly moved gently. I wish for the moment to last longer.

Our boatmen, 3 of them decided to take us to Manjuyod Sandbar first. A 25 -30 minutes ride from the port. Just in time to see the white sand beach stretch before the water rises.

It is paradise found, all 7 km white sand beach stretch! It is completely submerged during high tide and no trees and residents live here. There are 4 cottages though that can be rented for overnight stay through the government of Manjuyod.

We wasted no time to explore and take photos. Evidently, the water is fast approaching which left us to a limited dry sands here and there. In less than 30 minutes the island seemed nowhere amidst the calm sea. There were cute starfishes, impressive shell bed and small crabs, apparently because Tańon Strait is a sanctuary to rich marine life.

We just stayed for an hour, enough to enjoy the view, soak a little and feel the sun against our skin.

Next stop, Bais City Bird Sanctuary and Mangrove Park.

We sailed again for about an hour to get to this place. It is a 400 hectare protected mangrove forest started by local government and a nesting ground to many bird species and other wildlife. Certainly, I’m amazed and pleased about this project.

There is a long stretch of cemented bridge going to the  BCBSM Park. While at it, I looked down through the waters and saw spikes everywhere, most commonly known as sea urchins, a lot of them, and humongous at that. There were small fishes too. Approaching the mangroves, the sound of mosquitoes is echoing. Yep, we were ready and applied our trusty Citronella Mosquito Repellant from Sonya’s Garden. :>

More old and new mangroves, and seedlings can be found at the end of the bridge, which only shows that it is a successful continuing project. Kudos to the support of local government and here’s hoping that the other coastal cities in the Philippines will also start the same endeavor.

After 30 minutes, we were back at the boat enjoying our lunch. We are headed to the port for our next adventure.

At the port, the man who arranged our boat ride was already waiting. We asked him if he knew where we can buy some dried fish & squids for pasalubong. We heard that it is cheaper in Negros than in Cebu. Fortunately, he knew someone who is into selling packed goods. We dropped by and bought some before boarding a bus going to San Jose Junction.

One and a half hour later, after the despairing bus ride due to road maintenance, we finally reached San Jose/Twin Lakes Junction at 2 in the afternoon. This is a jump-off for our ascend to Lake Balinsasayao. Ging’s uncle is waiting for us among the many motorcycle drivers that is up for rent when scaling Twin Lakes. We met his nephew beside the two motorcycles available for us. We negotiated with the price and got a deal at P350/ person /  two way. From Dumaguete, certain tour groups also arrange trip to twin lakes via 4 wheel drive vehicles.

There are dark clouds approaching our area, and I felt hesitant that the road may get rough and dangerous. With that I learned that is an essential matter that  our driver is skilled and knew his track well. And did I mention it is my first motorcycle ride? Ging’s uncle did an excellent job on maneuvering his vehicle while I am being a clueless backrider.

The ascend took about 30 minutes passing through cemented roads and occassional dry, dusty and rough terrain. The view is amazing as we pass by some huge volcanic rocks. I learned that we are actually scaling Mt. Kabalin-an and it sits in the town of Sibulan and San Jose. There are few residents that inhabit the mountains. Ging’s uncle also pointed out a military camp where he is at service. He mentioned that it is vital in keeping the peace and order in the area. I noticed that everyone, young and old are adept to the main transportation in the area, motorcycle also known locally as habal-habal.

The twin lakes namely Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao, are protected natural park. At the Visitors Center and entrance of Lake Balinsasayao, a small lake captivated us. The scenic and placid Lake Kabalin-an.

There is something mystic about Lake Kabalin-an. I don’t know what it is but all the photos and words may not justify well about it. The calm lake is located just at the right side of the road. It is the forefront of the lush green forest.  Full bloom trees perched amidst the still water. An impressive display of reflection rest beyond.

We registered and paid the entrance fee of P10 each. From the Visitor’s Center, Lake Balinsasayao is only about 1 km. away. We decided to go by foot and hike through the paved way. We never realized it can be exhausting and had to take rest for nth times.

Nearing the passage to Lake Balinsasayao, our motorcycle heroes came to the rescue. They gave us a ride up to the restaurant at the gate.

From the parking, an endangered tarictic hornbill just landed. It is so friendly that it never budge while we were trying to get closer photos. We later  learned that it has a thing for candies. Sweet.

We walked down the pathway crossing the gate to Lake Balinsasayao. With occassional tweeting of birds and sounds of nature, it felt like we’re lost in the middle of the forest. Further down, we saw the vast calm waters of Lake Balinsasayao. There is a small dock where boats can be rented to cross to the other side where Lake Danao is best viewed.

They say that on a low tide, we can just trek from the pathway and not use the boat going there. We wouldn’t want to risk though and decided to just enjoy the view from the dock and back to the restaurant. I wanted to go boating but the weather is getting gloomy and cold.

The nipa restaurant has a nice overlooking view of both lakes. Lake Danao is smaller than Lake Balinsasayao. Lake Kabalin-an is smallest of the three.

At 4:45, we started our descend. It kinda look scary at first because of all the steep slopes but I was assured by Ging’s uncle that he & his nephew are cautious about their driving and that they wouldn’t want us to get traumatized on our habal habal ride in Negros.

We reached the junction safely and waited for the bus to take us back to Tanjay. Our things were unloaded at Ging & Bang’s house earlier, and we need to gather it first before heading to Dumaguete where we plan to spend the night.

We didn’t get the chance to see the couple again as both of them were at work when we dropped by. To Ging & Bang, we deeply appreciate all your help. Thank you and we’ll meet again soon. You guys are the best. xoxo

After collecting our things, we headed to Dumaguete. Traffic was terrible. The usual 30 minutes ride, hit us with a dreadful 2.5 hours bus ride. Imagine how we felt after soaking from the sea, basking in the sand, our clothes wet & dried from sweat and an encounter with dusty road for the whole day. My feet were itching for a cold shower and a hotel blanket, but we can’t do much but wait for the bus’ turn in a one way road. Arrggh.

Gazillion years later, we reached Dumaguete. We missed our street and just hired a local tricycle to take us to Harolds Mansion. My research on Dumaguete accommodation led me to Harolds Mansion as budget friendly and backpackers haven.

Fortunately, there are still rooms available. We didn’t made any reservation and  just walked in. We noticed most of their clients are foreigners. Which led to another observation that I think 30% of the population in Dumaguete are made up of foreigners. An increasing number since Dumaguete is known for being a University Town and a city with low crime rate.

We settled in a Matrimonial AC Room that costs P665.50/night. It comes with free continental breakfast and unlimited coffee/tea/water all day.

We freshened up and decided to have dinner at the nearby Mc Donalds. We wanted to sample some Dumaguete’s best delicacies but we’re too tired and hungry to do so. A fast food resto like Mc Do is our haven in situations like this. Going back we decided to walk. We passed through Silliman University where I was eager to see any signs of ghost in the darkness. lol. I heard too much stories that would explain why.

We encountered and asked a security guard where the Anthropology Museum is located. Ahhh… getting ready for our early itinerary the next day. Too early, that the guard thought we would brave the night to go to the museum at that minute (was 10 pm, I think).

We also decided to avail an express laundry service for some of our used clothes. Harolds Mansion washing machines are out of service that day, so we opt to go to the laundry shop across the street. It was our first trip that we ran out of clothes to wear, or we didn’t pack well or we foresee that we will be using laundry service. Whatever, but my turquoise shirt got lost. I didn’t made a big fuss about it as it was hopeless that they will find it in piles clothings.

Finally off to bed. It was a looooooooooooooong marvelous day.

Day 5 – Dumaguete City & Cebu City

At 7:00 AM we set ourselves for our itinerary. We had breakfast at the hotel’s caffeteria where group of foreigners planned their schedule.

An hour later, we made our way to Silliman University Anthropology Museum. They require an ID to enter the campus. It was still close when we got in and waited until 9AM. Enough to tour the small campus. All over Dumaguete, cluster of SU campuses were built.

Silliman University is established in 1901 by American Missionaries and named after Dr. Horace Silliman, who gave the initial $10,000 budget to start the school. It is the oldest American-established University in Asia.

The Museum boasts interesting pieces, including a voodoo doll that a police confiscated from Siquijor, materials for local witchcraft, old jar coffins, and a lot more. We can’t take pictures inside, they only allow it at the balcony and third floor.

We finished the tour in less than 30 minutes. We headed to St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral and take some photos. Beside is the Belfry Tower or Campanario de Dumaguete. Both has been built during the Spanish period.

The sun is unforgiving and it is scorching hot. At 10:30 AM, we decided to have an early lunch at Lab-as Restaurant. On our way, I saw the Sisters of St. Paul Monument, a boat carrying the founders of St. Paul University.

The food at Lab-as restaurant is appetizing. They should improve more on customer service though.

After the sumptous lunch, we headed back to the hotel and prepared to check out.

The owner of Harolds Mansion was kind enough to direct us the way going to Sibulan Port where we will take a fastcraft to Cebu. He even gave us a contact person of a newly opened accommodation in Cebu where we can stay.

We hailed a tricycle and asked to be dropped off at the nearest multicab station to Sibulan. 30 minutes later, we arrived at Sibulan Port. Santander Express fastcraft leaves at 12:30 PM going to Liloan, the southernmost part of Cebu Island. The fare is P62 including the terminal fee of P10.

We cruised for 30 minutes that gave us 360 degrees scenic ocean & island views. A little tip though, if there are many passengers, you may want to sit near the exit door. This will give you a passage, if you’re quick enough, to get your choice of seat on the Ceres bus in Liloan.

Upon disembarking in Liloan, Ceres bus is already waiting for passengers going to Cebu South Terminal. Try to get the best window seat at the right side of the bus (from the driver’s viewpoint). You definitely wouldn’t want to miss the panoramic seaside & cliff view of Cebu Island.

For the most part of the 3.5 hours ride, our eyes feast at the breathtaking Cebu landscape. Bus fee is P155.

Traffic was good and the winding road is awesome. We reached Cebu South Terminal safely.

Cebu Adventure will continue on my next post.

I’m definitely coming back to Negros Oriental!