Where to stay in Philippines?

Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan(00 63 2 894 5644)

Situated on the little islands that punctuate Bacuit Bay, in the El Nido region of Palawan island, the Miniloc has 31 air-conditioned, palm-roofed cottages, some on concrete stilts over the water. A 90-minute flight takes guests to El Nido airport from Manila twice daily. Flights coincide with Cathay Pacific and British Airways arrivals and departures. Guests are often ferried by motorised dinghy down river, and transferred onto outrigger boats (bancas). From there it's a 40-minute ride to the resorts.

Marina Del Nido

Malapacao Island, El Nido, Palawan(00 63 20 831 0597)

Guests can take the same flight as Miniloc and Lagen Island Resort guests, but a different banca to the resort. However there will be an extra charge for transfers and mooring.

Malapacao Island Retreat

Malapacao Island, El Nido, Palawan

This vegetarian resort offers clean double cabins with air conditioning and private bathrooms. From Liminangcong, it's a two-hour banca ride to Malapacao Island Retreat. The resort can be reached by boat from Manila; the Salve Juliana (call 00 63 2 921 6721/16) leaves every Monday afternoon and drops anchor in Liminangcong a day later.

Apulit Island Resort

Apulit Island, Taytay, North-eastern Palawan(00 63 2 902 5994)

The resort has 50 air-conditioned over-water cabanas, arranged along jetties with private terraces looking out across a cove. There is an open-air Jacuzzi, a plunge pool, restaurant, sports equipment shop and five bars. A 90-minute flight takes guests from Manila to Sandoval Airport in Taytay, leaving at 7am daily.

Amanpulo

Pamalican Island, Cuyo Islands Group(00 63 2 759 4040)

Amanpulo is located on a private island in the north Sulu Sea. There are 40 luxurious casitas (modern versions of the Filipino native hut), each screened by lush vegetation and equipped with king-size beds, enormous marble bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite TVs, DVD players, mini-bars and a golf cart. A daily 60-minute flight takes guests from Manila directly to Amanpulo, on Pamalican Island. Flights coincide with Cathay Pacific and British Airways arrivals and departures.

Pansukian

Siargao Island, Midanao(00 63 32 253 4380)

Set in peaceful, landscaped gardens, the resort comprises nine beautiful, palm-roofed cottages made of ebony and mahogany, with en-suite bathrooms. Open-air pavilion restaurant. A very comfortable four-hour hydrofoil ride takes guests from Cebu City to Surigao Island daily. Pansukian resort can provide the transfer from Surigao City to the resort, and will send a representative to accompany guests.