By Ethan Gelber

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Boracay Hills fills the elegant house and gardens of the former Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines

On the Philippine island of Boracay – famous as one of the word’s most popular beach destinations – nestled in the hills of the village of Bantud is a surprise. In keeping with its exceptional setting, it’s called Boracay Hills and for anyone who treasures top-quality tropical hospitality, it’s a small (10-room) boutique hotel not to be ignored.

Recognised in 2005 (its first year of operation) by TripAdvisor as a Best Hidden Gem in Asia, Boracay Hills has now garnered new accolades, including a position on the Expedia Insider’s Select List – making it one of the top 1% of hotels in the world; in the Philippines, right up there with the Shangrila Makati and the Hyatt Hotel and Casino – and three big nods from Trivago.com: Best Hotel for Water Enthusiasts in the Philippines; number two Best Hotel in the Philippines, Visayas and in Boracay; and number five Best Hotel in Asia in the three-star category.

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Posted under General, Philippines, awards, countries, whl.travel news, whl.travel newsletter

On 1 October 2009, Urban Adventures opened a whole new world to travellers yearning to unlock the secrets of some of their favourite urban centres. A global range of city-based tours, Urban Adventures is a franchise-based network of local tour operators specialising in high-quality experiential tour and activity services.

Urban Adventures drop the barriers between visitors and hosts, bringing you in direct contact with the people who give a place its character. Kids in Cambodia are especially expert at making you feel right at home.

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Posted under Brazil, Brunei, General, Greece, Jamaica, Latvia, Mexico, Philippines, Portugal, Samoa, Turkey, Zambia, local tips, new local connections, responsible travel, responsible travel news, whl.travel news, whl.travel newsletter

On 11 January 2009 the New York Times (NYT) published a piece entitled The 44 Places to Go in 2009. The introduction suggests that they are the new year’s ‘most compelling destinations’ and they’re presented in an order of preference ‘recommended’ by the NYT. At the article’s request, readers also voted on their favourites and, with the click of a button, the preferences can be shuffled to reflect readers’ recommendations too.

Reader comments on the article covered fairly predictable ground, lamenting omitted destinations (“Nothing in China? I am a bit surprised.” “Not a single Canadian destination?”), suggesting new ones (“Visit Poland!” “Tanzania? Kenya”?), criticising those on the list (“Dallas? You’ve got to be kidding!” “Beirut? Get real.”), questioning the division into sub-categories (“How is Greece not a cultural option?” “Can someone explain to me how $600 a night in South Africa is ‘frugal’?”) and even challenging the validity and sustainability of the topic (“Honestly, how many working people will be able to afford big vacations this year?” “Do the authors and publishers of travel pieces like this bear responsibility for the environmental damage wrought by those who go?”)

One of my personal favourites is this one: Read More…

Posted under Australia, Brazil, General, Greece, India, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Morocco, Philippines, Qatar, Senegal, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Zambia, countries, whl.travel newsletter

West of Panay Island, in the Visayas of the Philippines, Boracay is the holiday hotspot many people still haven’t yet found, although not for lack of services, reputation and attention. Just 350 kilometres south of Manila, Boracay’s more than 300 resorts, world-famous beaches and friendly people make the amazing palm-fringed coastline the perfect place to relax, party or enjoy the myriad water sports and other activities on offer. However, there is so much more to Boracay that most visitors do not even scrape the surface. In particular, there are great day trips and experiences that avoid the crowds and impart a sense of life as lived by a local!

Nature and wildlife are abundant on and near Boracay, but there’s no better spot at which to take this all in than Caticlan, a pristine world of natural beauty on the mainland near the airport, just a short trip from Boracay in a banca (local ferry boat). It’s a favourite local place for hiking, biking and just soaking up the serenity.

A view to distant Boracay Island from the Malay mountains

From Caticlan, for a bit of physical challenge, Nasog Point is ideal. To get there, make your way to the town of Malay and then head to the beachfront. Follow the path off to the left and walk along the beach (towards Pahle) until the path takes you to a hill. Starting halfway up, there are stunning views of Boracay! Take drinking water with you.

After the hike, nearby Pahle (just mentioned) is an incredible resort with hardwood furniture and native artwork. Order in advance for the fabulous vegetarian cuisine and then relax by the sea.

Alternatively, from Malay head up to Agnaga Falls. Most tricycle drivers know it and will drop you off at a bridge, from which it’s an invigorating 40-minute walk via native villages, small rice terraces, mountain pathways and coconut plantations. Reward yourself with a dip in the freshwater swimming hole at the end.

If you instead want to meet some locals, head down to the jetty port and ask a tricycle to go to Nabaoy (Nab-ah-oy) River. Here you can join in on some karaoke in the native huts or cross the bridge and then follow the river around to the right to the picnic area, a deck on stilts built around two huge trees. Order food on site or bring your own. Drink a fresh buko (young coconut) juice. Immerse yourself in the fresh river waters. Read More…

Posted under Philippines, local tips, whl.travel newsletter