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Like the emerald jewels
scattered in the warm seas of middle Philippines, the islands of the
Visayas beckon with the allure of sun, sea and sand - ideal settings
for island-hopping acations; its dive sites offer ample opportunities
for underwater explorations. Take in the sun on the many fine beaches
or swim in the crystal clear waters. Ride the waves on a hobie cat,
jet ski or windsurf in the many resorts; or dive beneath the waves for
a shimmering glimpse of the wonders of the Visayan sea.
Many of the best divespots in the country. The eastern coast of this
coral island is a veritable haven of white sand, fringed with skyscraping
coconut trees and top-rated beach clubs with complete facilities. Moalboal
is the diving capital hereabouts; Sogod to the north is excellent for
cliff diving; outlaying islands like Badian, Bantayan and Pescador are
framed for breath taking coral formations.
 Where
Cebu juts out to meet the island of Negros, there is Sumilon Marine
Sanctuary off Sumilon island. In the waters of Cebu Strait, between
Cebu and the islands of Bohol, are Cabilao, Balicasag, Panglao and Pamilacan
Islands, where submarine cliffs plunge down to depths thriving with
fish and other aquatic life.
The charms of the Visayas lie not only in these modern-day pursuits,
but also in the way the past blends with the present. In Cebu, Boom
City of the South, go on a cultural tour of the many scenic attractions
of the historic province, hunts for bargains in handicrafts, preserved
foods and guitars, or delve into the roots of this oldest Spanish settlement
in the country.
In Aklan, dad soot on your body and stomp your feet to the rhythm of
the age-old Ati-atihan festival. Kalibo in Aklan is also the jump-off
point to the island paradise of Boracay, dubbed : "The Best Beach
in the World" for its four-kilometer stretch of powder-fine white
sand. Travel back in time through the quaint towns of Iloilo, with its
centuries-old churches, period houses, hand-embroidered and hand-loomed
fabrics, and peaceful, windswept beaches. Traipse through the sugarcane
fields of Negros Occidental, once the sugar capital of Asia, or tree
off on a golfer's holiday in greens nestled among the cane plantations.
Marvel at the Chocolate Hills of Bohol; then walk through man-made forests,
home of the endangered tarsier, the world's oldest insect eating mammal.
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