Your Filipino Travel Insider
Plan a journey that feels yours,
from boats to quiet beaches,
private chefs, and hushed
corners of Palawan.
I answer with insight, not noise.
Ask me anything about the Philippines.
Ask Luca.
Food
From Land and Sea
The Natural Goodness of Filipino Food
Fresh fish dressed in cane vinegar, calamansi, ginger, onion, and chilli. Sharp, bright, and best made moments after the catch.
"Luca can tell you where to eat,
plan around the flavours you
want to explore, or point you
to places quietly tucked
away in the islands."
Kinilaw
A raw seafood dish, often made with tuna or mackerel, marinated in vinegar, calamansi (local lime), ginger, and chilli. Think of it as the Philippines’ answer to ceviche — clean, bright, and alive with flavour.
Laing
Taro leaves simmered in coconut milk with garlic, ginger, and a touch of chilli. Earthy, rich, and deeply satisfying.
Inihaw na Isda
Freshly caught fish, grilled whole over coconut husks or open flame. Brushed with kalamansi and salt. The simplicity lets the freshness speak for itself.
Adobong Pusit
Squid stewed in vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, and its own ink. Intensely savoury with a touch of sweetness. A dish that surprises you — dark, rich, and deeply comforting.
Pako Salad
A wild fern salad with tomatoes, salted egg, red onion, and a drizzle of vinegar. Crisp, slightly nutty, and vibrant. A taste of forest and farm, combined.
Tinolang Manok
A clear ginger broth with native chicken, green papaya, and chilli leaves. Nourishing and restorative — the kind of soup that feels like being looked after.
Ensaladang Talong
Grilled aubergine, peeled and mashed, mixed with tomatoes, onions, and a splash of vinegar. Smoky, tangy, and surprisingly elegant.
Lumpiang Sariwa
Fresh spring rolls filled with sautéed vegetables, wrapped in soft crepe, and served with a garlic-peanut sauce. Light, textured, and quietly indulgent.
Sinigang na Hipon
A tamarind-based soup with prawns, vegetables, and a sour-savory broth that wakes up your palate. Best eaten beside the sea, barefoot.
Turon
Caramelised banana (and sometimes jackfruit) wrapped in a crisp, golden wrapper. Sweet, crunchy, and best eaten hot from a roadside stall — a little treat for the journey.
Wellness
Rooted in Ritual
The Healing Simplicity of Filipino Wellness
Wellness in the Philippines draws on its landscapes, traditions, and sense of calm. From remote island spas to jungle retreats, these places are made for slowing down and reconnecting.
"Luca can guide you to places
that restore your body and
quiet your mind — from jungle
spas to ocean-view yoga, natural
hot springs, and healing rituals you
won’t find on Instagram."
The Farm at San Benito (Batangas)
UN‑award‑winning sanctuary set within 52 hectares of lush rainforest just south of Manila. Cutting-edge detox, wellness diagnostics, custom therapy and vegan cuisine combine with traditional herbal treatments. A quietly opulent escape dedicated to holistic healing.
Amanpulo Spa Sanctuary (Pamalican Island, Palawan)
An ultra-private, jet-access-only resort nestled amid palms and coral reefs. The spa offers healing treatments inspired by Filipino traditions, using local botanicals and coastal therapies to restore balance and calm. Guests may practise yoga on the beach at dawn, dive the marine reserve, then retreat to a secluded beachfront casita.
Hiraya Wellness Retreat (Near Manila)
An intimate four‑day mental wellness programme blending Western psychology with Filipino spiritual rituals. Medically‑supervised, deeply introspective and suited for those seeking clarity beyond the usual spa formats.
Nay Palad Hideaway (Siargao)
A luxury hideaway surrounded by palm fringes. Choose yoga over turquoise water, traditional hilot massage in a treehouse, mindful cooking classes, or paddleboard meditation at sunrise. Holistic wellness in paradise.
Dryft Camp (Darocotan Island, El Nido)
Glamping elevated upon driftwood decks overlooking a pristine shoreline. Days pass in silent reading, beach yoga, herbal cold‑plunge, and star‑lit breathing. Minimalist feels, maximum restoration.
Adventure
Wild Beauty, Your Way
Move differently through wild places.
Adventure in the Philippines isn’t about ticking boxes or chasing thrills for show. It’s about stepping into wildness, unplanned, unscripted, and deeply personal. Whether you’re diving into sapphire lagoons, trekking to a volcano’s rim at dawn, or paddling through mangrove forests with no one else around, the most memorable moments are the ones that feel quietly epic.Luca helps you shape adventure to your own rhythm, whether you want to feel your heartbeat quicken, or simply want to feel alive in nature again.What Luca means by adventure
It’s not about checking off adrenaline hits. It’s about immersing — in wild ocean mornings, volcano shadows, secret waterfalls, and boat rides that don’t follow maps.Luca doesn’t just send you to places. He helps you feel them.
"Luca can lead you to adventures
that stir your soul — from silent
island crossings to jungle climbs,
volcanic trails, hidden caves, and
moments of wonder you’ll never
find in a guidebook."
Kayak Through the Limestone Labyrinth
of Boayan Island
Location: Off the coast of San Vicente, PalawanDescription: Paddle quietly through narrow mangrove channels and around towering limestone formations. No crowds, no noise—just you, the birds, and the sound of water lapping against your kayak. A rare and peaceful way to explore Palawan’s untamed edges.
Overnight Trek to Mt. Madja-as
Location: Antique, Panay IslandDescription: One of the most challenging but rewarding climbs in the Visayas. Few attempt it. Along the way you’ll pass mossy forests, remote villages, and cold mountain springs before reaching a cloud-wrapped summit that feels utterly disconnected from the world.
Paraw Sailing at Dusk
Location: Boracay (Puka Beach side, not White Beach)Description: While Boracay itself can be busy, a traditional paraw (double outrigger sailboat) sail at dusk from the quieter side offers a different energy. You’ll hear only the wind and the sea, with an orange-pink horizon fading into deep indigo.
River Hike and Secret Waterfalls of Tandag
Location: Surigao del Sur, MindanaoDescription: Follow a hidden trail alongside a forest river, guided by locals. It leads to a waterfall so tucked away you’ll often have it all to yourself. Ideal for those seeking serenity with a splash of daring.
Caving in the undiscovered
Langun-Gobingob Cave System
Location: Samar Island Natural ParkDescription: Far less known than Sagada’s caves, this system is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Trek, crawl, and rappel inside vast cathedral-like chambers with natural skylights and rock formations sculpted over millennia.
Mountain Biking on the Volcanic Slopes of Mt. Mayon
Location: Albay, BicolDescription: Ride through lava trails, jungle paths, and scenic ridgelines with the perfect cone of Mt. Mayon in the background. For riders with experience, it’s a rush—untamed and elemental.
Swim with Sardines — Without the Crowds
Location: Pescador Island (but at sunrise)Description: Avoid the busy slots and head out at sunrise. You’ll swim alongside millions of sardines in shifting silver clouds, with occasional turtles and jacks gliding past. At this hour, it's just you and the sea.If you want a small, early boat before the rush, I can point you to one. See sunrise slots.
Remote Island Hop with a Spearfisherman
Location: Balabac Archipelago, Southern PalawanDescription: Spend the day island-hopping with a local spearfisherman, learning about tides, reef behaviour, and traditional methods. You’ll visit sandbars and islets with no signage, no sun loungers—just nature.
Jungle Zipline Over Rice Terraces
Location: Kalinga, Northern LuzonDescription: A true mix of thrill and scenery—glide over centuries-old rice terraces carved into jungle mountains. Local guides share the history, and proceeds help sustain the community-run project.
Wild River Tubing with Indigenous Guides
Location: Upper Agusan River, MindanaoDescription: Tube along the pristine upper stretches of the Agusan River with Manobo guides. It's equal parts adventure and connection — to river rhythms, ancestral knowledge, and wild places that feel nearly sacred.
You may also like
Hike to Lake Holon
A crater lake in Mindanao where the mist clings to your breath.
Freedive off Anda, Bohol
Where reef cliffs drop into blue silence.
Climb Mount Kanlaon in Negros
One of the country’s most sacred volcanoes, with forest spirits in every branch.
Cave swimming in Samar
Where underground rivers echo with your breath.
Visit El Nido's best dive sites
Where underground rivers echo with your breath.
Eco-Hotels
Harmony with the natural world
Sleep in places that reflect how you live
Staying in the Philippines can be more than just a place to sleep, it can be a way of belonging. The most thoughtful places don’t just blend into nature, they honour it. You’ll find bamboo bungalows cooled by ocean breeze, forest cabins built without cutting a single tree, and off-grid sanctuaries that run on sun and silence.Luca helps you find places that tread lightly, feel deeply, and leave you changed, just as you leave them untouched.Most places talk about sustainability. Few live it. The eco-stays Luca suggests aren’t greenwashed retreats. They’re rooted in local culture, powered by the sun, shaped by nature, and led by people who care more about impact than Instagram.These places don’t just feel good — they do good.
"Luca can guide you to places that live
lightly and feel deeply, solar-powered sanctuaries,
forest cabins, ocean-cooled bungalows, and stays
that honour the land as much as your rest.Where you stay shapes how you feel. If you’re looking
for the best eco-hotels in Palawan, Bohol, or Siargao,
Luca will guide you toward the ones that align
with your rhythm, not just your budget.
And if you’re unsure where to begin, just ask."
Cambaya Beach Resort, Busuanga (Palawan)
A little piece of paradise, this off-grid beach retreat is where the jungle meets the sea. Solar-ready, no crowds, 1km empty beach, no distractions, just nature, adventure, solitude in quiet luxury.
The Birdhouse, El Nido (Palawan)
Treehouse-style tents perched on the hillside, with views of the ocean and yoga at sunrise. Built entirely from bamboo and reclaimed materials.
Soultribe Beach Retreat, Siargao
Boutique barefoot bungalows on the sand, owned by a surfer who believes in slow living and shared meals.
Tao Kalahi, Northern Palawan
Remote island camps run by Tao Philippines, built using native techniques. Income supports rural villages and local education.
Mayana Villas, Negros Oriental
Tucked into the foothills above Dauin, Mayana is a discreet collection of earth-toned villas set among tropical gardens and volcanic stone.
Casa Kalikasan, Panglao (Bohol)
A serene, design-forward eco stay surrounded by native trees and edible gardens. Built with reclaimed materials and natural lime plaster, with rainwater harvesting and a zero-plastic policy. Quiet luxury that lets nature lead.
Discover more wonderful places to stay in Philippines
Travel Tips
How to get the most from
a trip to the Philippines
Travel in the Philippines isn’t seamless. But it’s worth it.
Luca won’t pretend things are always easy. Ferries run late. Terminals get loud. But if you surrender to the rhythm, you’ll find something rare, a kind of grace only this country can offer.
"Luca can help you with any specific
questions to have about navigating your
way through the Philippines. You can ask him
anything and he will do his best to help."
Arriving in the Philippines
Most travellers fly into:Manila (MNL)
Busy, a little chaotic, but well-connected. If you're heading to Palawan, Siargao, or Bohol — this is often your gateway.Cebu (CEB)
Great for Central Visayas. Quieter than Manila. Flights to Siquijor, Dumaguete, Camiguin, and Busuanga available.Clark (CRK)
An alternative to Manila, 2-3 hours north. Useful if you’re heading to the north (like Banaue or Sagada).Davao (DVO)
Main hub for Mindanao. Calm, clean, and under-travelled.Visa Tip: Most nationalities get 30 days on arrival. Always check official immigration guidelines before booking.
Domestic Flights
Domestic Flights (How to Move Between Islands)Airlines Luca trusts:
Philippine Airlines (PAL)
Reliable, includes baggage, more expensive.Cebu Pacific
Affordable, but watch baggage rules. Good for Busuanga, Siargao, Cebu, etc.AirSwift
Small airline serving El Nido and Busuanga. Check flight days — they’re limited.Example route:
Manila ➝ Busuanga (Coron):
• Cebu Pacific | departs 07:45 | arrives 09:00
• PAL | departs 13:25 | arrives 14:40Want help comparing flights? Luca can check for you.
Ferries (if you're not in a rush)
OperatorsMontenegro Lines: Best for Luzon–Mindoro routes (Batangas to Puerto Galera/San Jose).2GO Travel: Manila to Cebu, Coron, Palawan. Book ahead. Slower, but scenic.OceanJet: Fast ferries between Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Dumaguete. Book early in high season.Tip:
Use 12Go Asia to check real-time ferry schedules and book tickets.
Vans and Buses
Vans often run on "leave when full" schedules. Expect delays.Book airport transfers in advance where possible.Siargao, Bohol, Palawan all rely heavily on vans for inland travel.If Luca recommends a van, it’s because it’s the best option, not the most polished.
Money, Connectivity & Basics
Cash
Essential outside major towns. Always carry some.ATMs
Reliable in big cities, scarce in remote areas.Wi-Fi
Patchy. Stay offline when you can.SIM Cards
Get a Globe or Smart SIM at the airport. Load with data, not calls.Luca Tip
Choose places that don’t advertise “Strong Wi-Fi.” The signal isn’t the magic. The silence is.
Carry Cash in Quiet Places
Many islands, even the beloved ones, lack reliable ATMs — or they run out. Expect places like Siargao and El Nido to ask for pesos in hand. And if the ATM won’t take your card, find the next strong coffee shop and park your questions there.
When to Visit
Best months
January to May — dry, golden, and calm seas.Rainy season
June to November — lusher, cheaper, but prepare for downpours.Peak weeks
Christmas, Holy Week, local festivals. Book early or travel differently.Remember
The best days are often the unexpected ones. A storm in Palawan sometimes leads to the best conversations of your life.
A word about the Weather
The Philippines cycles between the lush quiet of the wet season and the luminous warmth of the dry. Typhoons tend to pass between June and October, while December to March brings crisp air and clear seas — perfect for sea-silence and sunrise sails.
Stay Aware, Travel Kindly
Most of the Philippines is safe and warm, but parts of Mindanao — especially the Sulu Archipelago or Zamboanga — carry risks you shouldn’t brush off. Stick to well-traveled paths, and check government travel advisories before you go.
Plan Pace, Not Places
Island-hopping isn’t about ticking maps off. It’s about finding space — in time, in nature, in your own breath. Ferries, delays, and sideways rain can recalibrate focus if you let them. Book fewer legs, not more.
Stay Connected with eSIM or Pocket Wi-Fi
Outside urban centers, signal drops and islands go offline. Carry a local eSIM—or a small Wi-Fi hotspot—to stay connected when you need to.
Embrace Filipino Hospitality
Hospitality is deep here. A wave, a shared mango, a slow “Salamat” goes further than flash. Compliment the home cooking. Accept advice from elders if they offer it. And never rush a gesture.
Dress Simply, Pack Lightly
Shoes may sacrifice, but layers prove wise. Light—and culturally respectful—clothing, rain-ready shell, inject trust into your journey. A wrap, quick-dry shirt, or sarong can be more invaluable than your fanciest sneaker.
Blend With the Local Rhythm
On Sunday, many Filipinos honor family rhythms. Choose a gentle start. And if someone offers you cold water or nods hello, it’s not small talk — it's a welcome.
Respect the Land You Land On
El Nido’s limestone lagoons, the coral sprawl of Apo—islands ask for gentleness. Wear reef-safe sunscreen. Don’t take coral or shells. Let sunrise be the only imprint you leave.
Think Multi-Modal, Think Mindful
Internal flights get you far—but the real beauty waits where roads bend. There are buses, biodiesel vans, outrigger boats, and island tricycles. When you travel slowly, you feel more.
Island Guides
Palawan
Travel Guide
The soul of the Philippines, wrapped in turquoise and jungle.
Palawan isn’t a place you visit — it’s a place you feel. Think secret lagoons you swim into, sunsets that turn the sea into molten gold, and mountain silhouettes that fade into the haze.
Best time to visit
November to May is the dry season brings calm seas and the best island-hopping weather.
Getting There
Fly direct from Manila to Puerto Princesa, Coron, or El Nido. Airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirSwift serve these routes.
Where to stay
El Nido Resorts (Miniloc) — Sustainable luxury on a private islandDaluyon Beach and Mountain Resort — Eco-certifications and Sabang Beach location
Top Experiences
• Underground River in Puerto Princesa
• Bacuit Archipelago island-hopping
• Tubbataha Reefs diving (seasonal)
Insider Tip
Book ferries between Coron and El Nido early — they sell out fast.
Things to do in Palawan
Puerto Princesa Underground
River Tour
Walk through limestone cathedrals carved by time and tide. The Underground River drifts through dark caves lit only by your torch. Silence becomes sacred here.
Honda Bay Island Hopping
Bright as a postcard, but better in real life. To dreamy isles, you go from one to the next—snorkeling, lounging, and tasting palm-sweet fruit in between.
El Nido - Lagoons & Islands
These are the lagoons from your dreams—sheer limestone, aquamarine flats, and soft shadows of boats gliding by. It’s the kind of day you tuck into memory.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The world’s longest underground river isn’t on every travel list—yet it should be. Here, a slow boat floats you into mystery, past stalactites and still waters that touch stories older than ours.
Coron
Travel Guide
Shipwrecks, saltwater lakes, and cinematic landscapes.
Coron is where adventure meets stillness. WWII shipwreck dives, hidden lagoons, and sun-bleached beaches you might just have to yourself.
Best time to visit
November to June — perfect for diving and island-hopping.
Getting There
Fly to Busuanga Airport (Francisco B. Reyes) from Manila or Cebu. 30–45 mins drive to Coron Town.
Where to stay
The Funny Lion — Chic boutique with sunset viewsEl Rio y Mar — Secluded bayside eco-luxury
Top Experiences
• Kayangan Lake
• Barracuda Lake diving
• Malcapuya & Banana Island day trips
Insider Tip
Hire a private banca (outrigger boat) for flexible routes and fewer crowds.
Things to do in Coron
Coron Island Hopping
Crystal lagoons, hidden coves, and water so clear you’ll think you’re floating in the sky.This is Coron’s signature experience, but Luca won’t send you on the cattle boat route. With this tour, you’ll slip into secret beaches, swim in turquoise lakes, and eat freshly grilled fish on a sandbar.It’s not just a day out — it’s a slow dive into island life.
Super Ultimate Day Tour
A small outrigger boat slips you through limestone cliffs to the glassy stillness of Kayangan Lake, the bluest water you’ve ever seen. You’ll swim through the narrow rock passage into Twin Lagoon, where warm sea meets cool springwater. You’ll drift over the sunken Skeleton Wreck, explore the surreal green depths of Barracuda Lake, and snorkel in coral gardens alive with parrotfish and electric-blue damsels.Lunch is served on a quiet beach, the sand soft enough to forget the time. It’s not rushed. It’s not crowded. It’s exactly how Luca would do Coron.
Coron Reef and Wrecks
Coron’s beauty isn’t just above the waterline — some of its greatest treasures rest quietly on the seabed. This day takes you to a world where nature and history meet. You’ll snorkel over living reefs, where branching corals shelter clouds of reef fish. Then you’ll drift above WWII shipwrecks, their rusting frames now transformed into underwater gardens.Each stop reveals a different story — a reef blooming with soft corals in neon pinks and purples, a sunken hull draped in sea fans, schools of jackfish weaving through shadowy passageways. It’s part exploration, part time travel, and entirely unforgettable.
Learn to Dive at Coron's
WWII Wrecks
There are few places in the world where your first breaths underwater can take you through the ghostly corridors of history — Coron is one of them. This is where Japanese supply ships, sunk during WWII, now lie silent beneath warm turquoise seas, their decks draped in coral and their steel frames alive with reef fish.Under the guidance of experienced local instructors, you’ll start with the basics — shallow-water skills, buoyancy control, and understanding your gear. Then, as your confidence grows, you’ll descend into another era. Peer through portholes, glide past overgrown ladders, and feel the stillness that only wreck diving can bring.
Busuanga
Travel Guide
Palawan’s wild west — raw, untamed, unforgettable.
Here, mangroves snake into hidden bays, wild horses roam grassy plains, and the sunsets are pure theatre.
Best time to visit
November to June — calm seas, clear skies.
Getting There
Fly into Busuanga Airport from Manila, Cebu, or Clark. Cambaya Beach Resort offers private transfers.
Where to stay
Cambaya Beach Resort — Off-grid, beachfront, and deeply connected to natureSanctuaria Treehouses — Eco-chic treetop escapes
Top Experiences
• Island-hopping to Black Island and North Cay
• Dugong (sea cow) spotting tours
• Safari Park in Calauit Island
Insider Tip
The western side of Busuanga has fewer tourists and better sunsets.
Things to do in Busuanga
Calauit Safari & Busuanga Island Day Tour
Step into a safari where giraffes roam alongside native Philippine landscapes. Calauit Island isn’t just a wildlife sanctuary—it’s a rare, gentle meeting of worlds. After, drift along Busuanga’s quiet coastline, untouched by crowds.
Black Island Adventure & Cave Exploration
Black Island (Malajon) is your secret invitation to caves, lagoons, and beaches carved in silicate and time. Explore mini-pools beneath granite cliffs, swim through Spanish-marked walls, and stand where silence holds its breath.
Maquinit Hot Spring
Unwind in Maquinit’s steaming saltwater hot spring. It’s the perfect transition from exploration to repose.
Coron Ultimate Island
Day Tour
The Coron Ultimate Island Day Tour takes you across an arc of Palawan’s most spectacular sights: the mirror-like waters of Kayangan Lake, the dramatic limestone cliffs of Twin Lagoon, the powdery sweep of CYC Beach, and vibrant coral gardens that hum with marine life.
El Nido
Travel Guide
A postcard you can step into.
Limestone cliffs, glass-clear shallows, and secret beaches you swim to through rock tunnels.
Best time to visit
November to May for calm seas and predictable weather.
Getting There
Direct flights with AirSwift from Manila, Cebu, and Busuanga. Ferry from Coron also possible.
Where to stay
The Birdhouse — Elevated bamboo glamping with viewsLagùn Hotel — Sustainable modern comfort in town
Top Experiences
• Big Lagoon & Small Lagoon kayaking
• Hidden Beach & Secret Beach tours
• Taraw Cliff sunrise climb
Siargao
Travel Guide
Where the ocean sets the pace.
Surf breaks, coconut-lined roads, and tide pools that glow emerald at low tide.
Best time to visit
March to October for surf season; March to May for flat seas and island-hopping.
Getting There
Flights from Manila or Cebu to Sayak Airport.
Where to stay
Soultribe Beach Retreat — Barefoot luxury by the seaHarana Surf Resort — Local-owned surf stay
Top Experiences
• Cloud 9 surf break
• Sugba Lagoon
• Island-hopping to Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island
Insider Tip
Rent a motorbike for total freedom — most spots are within 30 minutes’ ride.
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