island getaway Archives

Seasoned travellers to the Philippines will no doubt have traced their feet on the white sands of Boracay and dived into thrilling water sports in Cebu. And when it comes to luxury hotels, Manila is no stranger to the world of premium service and fine dining. But if you are longing for an exclusive, idyllic experience amid scenic beauty, then hopping onto a private plane in the capital will deliver you to the paradise that is Pamalican.

Home to more than 5,000 isles, the Philippines is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, sweet tropical fruits and fabulous resort islands providing blissful days of sun and surf. Many would rank the archipelagic province of Palawan as the best place in the country to fulfil these desires.

El Nido has been hailed as the jewel of Palawan, but as the travel-industry accolades accumulated, so did the tourists, and the once pristine resort has become crowded. So instead, bear east to an even more exquisite spot: the private island of Pamalican, better known as the location of Amanpulo.

Owned by Seven Seas Resorts and Leisure, and managed by Amanresorts – the brand behind some of the world’s most luxurious holiday retreats – Amanpulo opened in 1993 and over the decades has found favour with a host of A-list celebrities, Hollywood superstars and billionaires like Mariah Carey, Brad Pitt, Madonna, Beyoncé and Bill Gates.

Stepping onto the island hideaway elicits immediate royal treatment, but of course the trappings of paradise come at a cost. Amanpulo is also famous for being the most expensive private-island resort in the Philippines, with guests shelling out up to and beyond US$8,000 per night for a villa where simplicity spells luxury and the doors open wide to nature. It’s a high price to pay for days spent merely lounging around, but for those seeking an ultra-exclusive getaway from the busy outside world, then Amanpulo is the place to stay.

Private Arrival

True to its moniker, this is ‘Peace Island’; aman is Sanskrit for peace, while pulo means island in Tagalog. It lies 360km south of Manila and is only accessible by private plane. Upon arrival at Manila airport, the jet-set are transferred by car to Amanpulo’s private lounge terminal to await a same-day connecting flight to the island. Plied with refreshments and snacks, they enjoy a glimpse of the exemplarily service and hospitality awaiting at their final destination. After 70 minutes of airtime, guests disembark to a heart-warming welcome before being ushered to their designated suite in a private golf cart, which is the main means of getting anywhere on the island – and we do mean anywhere.

Immersed in Nature

Set on the beachfront or secluded within the forest, accommodation at Amanpulo is within a standalone villa. The smaller of these are called casitas; inspired by traditional Filipino huts, dwellers may benefit from its plunge pool or magnificent hillside views. Those residing in more expansive luxury in their own villa have a private pool and dedicated staff. Fully immersed within the natural landscape of the island, accompanied by the gentle soundtrack of ocean waves, chirping birds and trees rustling in the wind, guests can bask in a cocoon of tranquillity and relaxation, hidden from prying eyes and curious onlookers.

Fruits of the Sea

Serving the freshest seasonal ingredients that the island has to offer, the resort’s four dining locations proffer an array of international flavours, from Filipino and Japanese to Italian and Mediterranean. Locally caught seafood and organically grown vegetables and herbs from the resort’s own farm and gardens take pride of place on menus, and gourmands are spoilt for choice by the quality and variety of dishes that they can discover throughout their stay.

Over at the Beachclub, umbrellas and sun loungers spill from an open-air pavilion and deck onto the white sand, while afloat on the Sulu Sea, the thatched-roofed floating Kawayan Bar, constructed of bamboo, provides all-day chilling on the water with a bespoke cocktail in hand.

Alternatively, there are several secluded spots for a picnic where the hills and ocean serve as the dining backdrop. The Gary’s Nest vantage point is one such example, offering the picture-perfect alfresco private picnic spot. For honeymooners and others so inclined, a one-of-a-kind romantic fine-dining experience can be arranged on the beach underneath a blanket of stars. Imagine a feast of grilled seafood or meats with generous selections of delicious sides, and a delectable sweet ending, around a bonfire. Hiring a private chef for the evening is another option for a personalised meal to remember.

Ocean Escapades

Time slips happily by on the island with sedate aquatic adventures such as a fishing expedition or a sunset cruise, or scuba diving amid coral reefs teeming with marine life. But perhaps the most popular water-based activity is kite surfing on a crystal-clear lagoon of gentle waves and generous winds. Cutting-edge equipment from Naish and a team of accomplished kitesurfers and guides enable thrill-seekers of all abilities, including absolute beginners, to take to the water and the air.

Those who prefer to stay dry will find plentiful delights when circumnavigating the island or strolling along the powder-white beach. Pamalican island is a nesting site for both green and hawksbill turtles. If vacationing between December and March, you may spy turtle hatchlings hurtling across the sand and scattering into the ocean under the moonlight, an utterly awe-inspiring sight.

During the day, a bird-watching tour provides chance to commune with nature, while a varied assortment of other activities and sports includes tennis, cycling and a jungle obstacle course.

Top of the Hilot

After a long day in or beside the ocean, guests might find themselves hankering for repose away from the rush of the great outdoors. Located on the northern peak of the island, the resort’s gorgeous hilltop holistic wellness centre, Aman Spa, pampers with hilot, a soothing traditional Filipino massage that relaxes tension and rebalances internal energy by alternating hot and cold therapies using banana leaves and coconut oil.

Encompassing a pilates studio, a salon, a yoga and meditation pavilion, a hydrotherapy suite and more, the retreat provides comprehensive self-care services. Its resident wellness therapist and fitness specialists offer spa treatments targeted to guests’ differing needs. After all, relaxation and wellness go hand in hand with a place of peace – and Amanpulo is certainly that.

Text: Roberliza Eugenio; Photos: Aman Group S.a.r.l

Bali stands apart from the rest of the country as being the only Hindu-majority province in this predominantly Muslim country. It’s laid back and easy-going vibe feels like a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the traffic-choked streets of Jakarta.

Most likely the first spot you will channelled after arriving in the Balinese capital of Denpasar is the tourist destination of Kuta. While the town itself and Kuta beach is pleasant enough, it’s something of a tourist trap with touts and vendors plying their wares along the coastal strip. Kuta often tends to be overrun with Australians – it’s one of the country’s top travel destinations – who are often in Bali to party, as demonstrated by the occasional rowdy late-night scenes in Kuta’s pubs and clubs.

1. Ubud

The tranquil town of Ubud is less than an hour away from the more popular Kuta, and is the ideal place to begin your exploration of authentic Balinese culture. Legend has it that Ubud was founded in the eighth century by a Javanese priest, Rsi Markendya, who sought out the serenity at the joining of great two rivers – considered lucky by Hindus. He is believed to have founded the Gunung Lebah Temple, and it remains a popular pilgrimage site.

It is a centre that has long drawn artists keen to immerse themselves in the beautiful and authentic setting, and has numerous arts and craft shops for curious visitors to explore. Over the decades it has attracted a host of famous people including Charlie Chaplin, the playwright Noel Coward and sci-fi novelist H.G. Wells.

Its cultural credentials have been further boosted with the advent of the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival in 2004. It is held annually in October, pandemic restrictions permitting. Ubud has a backdrop of steep and dramatic mountains is the gateway to Bali’s famed rice terraces.

2. Tegalalang Rice Terrace

travel-bali-indoesia-island-getaway-tegalalang rice terrace — Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Indonesia is one of the world’s greatest producers of rice, so it’s hardly surprising that it also has some of the planet’s most spectacular rice paddies. Bali is especially famed for this and its verdant and lush rice terraces are well worth a peek. The elevation makes for some truly breath-taking views.

These closest of such elevated attractions to Ubud is the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. It is one of the island’s most stunning, with the steps imbued with rich, emerald green hues. However, it can be a little crowded – especially around the middle of the day – so for a more chilled out experience it’s worth going further afield.

3. The Munduk Rice Terrace

travel-bali-indoesia-island-getaway-jatiluwih rice terrace — Jatiluwih Rice Terrace

The Munduk Rice Terrace is a case in point. Nestled cosily at 1000 ft above sea level it offers respite from the tropical heat below. If exploring the rice terraces whets your appetite, try a hot bowl of bakso – a tasty Indonesian meatball soup – at one of the area’s warungs.

4. Jatiluwih Rice Terrace

For those wanting to make more of a trip, the Jatiluwih Rice Terrace is the ideal spot. One of the largest in Bali, and just over an hour’s drive from Denpasar, it affords spectacular views of rolling rice fields, in the shadow of Mount Batukaru. Make the most of it by spending the night in one of the region’s guesthouses or hotels. The Subak irrigation system used in the rice paddies of Jatiluwih, led the area to become a UNESCO heritage-listed site in 2012.

5. Watch the Wayang Puppet Show

A must-see during your trip is to attend a showing of the Wayang puppet show. The Wayang Kulit is a traditional Indonesian art form. The show is a performing art of moving shadow puppets, set against a background of stretched white cloth.

It’s easy to catch a performance in the evening of days special significance for the Balinese, such as the temple anniversary (odalan), weddings and the intriguing tooth filling ceremony (metatah). The Balinese version of the Wayang is centred on two legendary Hindu fables, Ramayana and Mahabarata.

Key to the performance is the puppet master, known as the dalang. He is required to perform with dexterity and skill while depicting numerous characters in a story. The puppet master must be able to create their own puppet sets, have a wide vocal range and musical timing – all the attributes required to be a showman to breath life into the puppets.

6. Snorkling at the Blue Lagoon

No trip to Bali would be complete without an exploration of its coastal beauty – both above and below the water. The former Dutch colony is part of the Coral Triangle, which boasts the world’s highest biodiversity of marine species, especially fish and turtles. It’s estimated that in this area there are more than 500 reef-forming coral species. To put this in perspective, it’s seven times as many as in the whole of the Caribbean.

For anyone interested in doing a little snorkelling or scuba diving, you are spoiled for choice. A good spot for newbie snorkellers and divers alike is the Blue Lagoon. This shallow coral reef is a perfect site for beginners, with its tranquil waters and vividly coloured corals. While the dive point offers something more for the more experienced underwater explorer – with rare marine species floating by, including the Spanish dancer (a gastropod mollusc) and leopard shark. But don’t worry, the latter is harmless to humans.

7. Lipah Bay

Another recommended spot is Lipah Bay, where a Japanese patrol boat from World War II sank and rests at the bottom of its crystal-clear waters. The wreck of the boat has become a habitat for many creatures – and supports many stunning corals and marine animals. The wreckage sits just 40 ft below the surface.

8. Pos Dua

For the more adventurous is Pos Dua on Menjangan Island, around three hours from the main island of Bali. Here, experienced divers can explore a breath-taking abyss that creates a magnificent wall covered in different species of corals.

Tag: island getaway

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