Azi & Simon
Azi & Simon
Where to Go in the Philippines
If you're travelling all the way to the Philippines for our wedding — thank you!
While you're here, why not turn it into a worthwhile and fun adventure? The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, each offering something unique. Here are a few destinations we recommend.
CORON, PALAWAN
Coron is famous for its crystal-clear lakes, stunning limestone cliffs, and some of the best wreck diving spots in the world!
Things to Do in Coron
🌴Go on an Island Hopping Tour to see the amazing sites such as Banol Beach, Malcapuya Island, and Bulog Dos Island
🌴 Swim and dive at Barracuda Lake — famous for its clear water and unique temperature layers
🌴 Explore Kayangan Lake - crystal-clear freshwater lake in with underwater rock formations, caves and islets.
🌴 Visit Twin Lagoons — swim or kayak between limestone cliffs
🌴 Dive or snorkel around Japanese WWII shipwrecks
🌴 Relax in Maquinit Hot Springs - natural saltwater hot springs
🌴 Explore Coron Town and Hike up to Mt. Tapyas Viewpoint for stunning views
✈️ How to get to Coron
There are daily direct flights from Manila and Cebu to Busuanga Airport via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.
Note: If it fits your budget, I’d definitely recommend going for a private island tour. You get your own boat, can skip the crowds, and explore at your own pace! It's so worth it!
EL NIDO, PALAWAN
A beautiful coastal town in northern Palawan, Philippines, famous for its limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking islands!
Things to do in El Nido
🌴 Island Hopping Tours — This is a must! Explore iconic spots like Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Beach, and Shimizu Island
🌴 Explore El Nido Town — Enjoy local markets, cafes, and beachfront bars. This is where the boats kick off for the tours.
🌴 Las Cabanas and Maregmeg Beach — Perfect spot for sunsets and beach bars. Great place to stay in El Nido!
🌴 Snorkeling and Diving — Discover vibrant coral reefs and marine life
🌴 Nacpan Beach — A long stretch of pristine white sand on a quieter side about 20 km from El Nido town
🌴 Lio Beach — Adjacent to the airport, part of a sustainable tourism estate and a family-friendly beach with shops and restaurants along the beach
🌴 Hike to Taraw Cliff — Get epic panoramic views of El Nido town and Bacuit Bay
More about the Island Hopping Tour:
Tour A is the most popular choice as you can see the iconic spots, Tour B features more caves and beaches, Tour C focuses on beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots, Tour D offers a less crowded experience with less-visited lagoons and beaches, such as the Small Lagoon and Kadla Lagoon. If you have the budget to do private tour, we highly recommend!
✈️ How to Get to El Nido
There's a direct flight from Panglao, Cebu and Manila to Lio Airport via Cebu Pacific
From Coron and vice versa
By Ferry: You can travel from Coron to El Nido by fast ferry, which takes about 4-5 hours.
By Air: There are direct flights between El Nido and Coron via Cebu Pacific, and vice versa
BORACAY
Boracay is one of the Philippines’ most popular islands, famous for its powdery white sand beach and nightlife. It's a place where you just want to relax and chill by the beach. It has a 4km stretch of white sand, divided into Station 1 (quiet/luxury), Station 2 (busy/central), and Station 3 (peaceful/budget).
Things To Do in Boracay
🌴 Lounge on Famous White Beach
🌴 Sunset Sailing on a Paraw
🌴 Island hopping (Crystal Cove, Magic Island)
🌴 Shop and Eat at D’Mall
🌴 Visit Puka Shell Beach
🌴 Hike or Zipline at Mt. Luho
🌴 Try water sports (parasailing, jet skiing)
🌴 Enjoy Boracay's nightlife
🌴 Get a beachside massage
✈️ How to Get to Boracay
From Manila and Cebu:
There are daily direct flights to Caticlan Airport operated by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia.
From Panglao, Bohol:
There are no direct flights to Caticlan. Instead, you can take a ferry from Tagbilaran, Panglao to Cebu, then catch a 1-hour flight from Cebu Airport to Caticlan Airport.
From Caticlan Airport:
Take a short tricycle or van ride (about 10 minutes) to the Caticlan Jetty Port. From there, hop on a 20-minute boat ride to Boracay Island.
SIARGAO
Siargao is the surfing capital of the Philippines, known worldwide for its surfing spots, especially the famous Cloud 9 break. It’s also got lagoons, hidden caves, and white beaches, and a chill island vibe that makes it a favorite for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to escape the crowds.
Things to Do in Siargao
🌴 Surf or watch the pros ride the waves at Cloud 9
🌴 Island hop to Naked Island, Guyam Island, and Daku Island
🌴 Swim in the natural pools of Magpupungko Rock Pools
🌴 Explore the beautiful Sugba Lagoon and Sohoton Cove
🌴 Rent a motorbike and cruise through palm-lined roads and local villages.
🌴 Try fresh seafood and local eats at beachside shacks and cafes.
✈️ How to Get to Siargao
From Manila and Cebu
There are daily direct flights to Del Carmen Siargao operated by Philippine Airlines. Cebu Pacific also flies to Siargao, but their flights from Manila are not direct.
From Panglao, Bohol
There are no direct flights to Siargao. Instead, you can take a ferry from Tagbilaran, Bohol to Cebu, then catch a 1-hour flight from Cebu Airport to Del Carmen Siargao Airport.
Cebu
Cebu, known as the “Queen City of the South,” is the oldest city in the Philippines and a gateway to beautiful islands and adventures. It blends history, modern life, lively nightlife, and great food. It’s also home to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), the best in the country, with direct flights across Asia and the Philippines.
Things to do in Cebu Province
🌴 Mactan Island
Beaches and water sports
Visit Lapu-Lapu Shrine
Resort relaxation and spa treatments
🌴 South Cebu
Canyoneering adventure at Kawasan Falls (Badian)
Swim with whale sharks in Oslob
Snorkeling at Moalboal (famous sardine run)
Hike Osmeña Peak for breathtaking views
Explore Tumalog Falls and Aguinid Falls
🌴 North Cebu
Relax on the beaches of Bantayan Island
Dive with thresher sharks at Malapascua Island
Explore caves, lakes, and beaches on the Camotes Islands
✈️ How to get to Cebu
From Adelaide
Fly to Singapore, Hong Kong, Bali, or Kuala Lumpur — all of which offer direct flights to Cebu via airlines like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Scoot, and AirAsia.
From Bohol
Take a 2 hour ferry from Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Manila
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is bustling with life! Huge shopping centers, delicious food spots, and that constant background noise of jeepney horns and lively chatter. The traffic is some of the worst you’ll ever see. Is it Simon’s favorite place? No. But is it worth a visit? Definitely.
Things to Do in Manila
🌴Go on a food trip and bar hop around for a taste of its lively nightlife
🌴Do some shopping spree
🌴Explore Intramuros, the historic walled city with forts, cobblestone streets, and old churches
🌴For everything else, just ask my sister Faw—she knows all the best spots!
✈️ How to get to Manila from Adelaide
There's a direct flight from Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane via Qantas, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.
Quick Travel Tips:
Bring sunscreen – it’s pricey over there
Don't drink tap water - just don't
Carry cash – cards aren’t accepted everywhere
Be prepared for delays when traveling between islands
Get travel insurance – always a good idea
Book local flights in advance for the best rates
Use Grab app to get around cities – it's safer and cheaper than taking a taxi.
Tipping is not required but greatly appreciated
Wi-Fi is common, but a local SIM is useful and usually cheaper for data.
Don't be afraid to try the local food - Simon’s tummy handles it way better than my cooking
English is widely spoken, so getting around is a breeze
"Salamat" means thank you
Note: There’s so much more to see, but if it’s your first time, these spots are a great place to start! If you're flying in from overseas, don’t hesitate to reach out! I (Azi) am more than happy to help with travel tips, questions, or anything else you need to make your trip smooth and stress-free!