SimplyAbuDhabi XL

N ext on our tour of the Philippines, we highlight Boracay and Iloilo in the Western Visayas region, where even more fun awaits! The Boracay Bike Tour will showcase the breath-taking scenic terrain of the island, offering circuits for both casual sightseers and endurance cyclists. Foodies will want to take advantage of the Boracay Food Crawl Programme as well, to enjoy a delicious de-constructed meal where you eat one part of the menu in each of the participating restaurants, until you’ve finished a complete meal. This fun new approach showcases both the iconic food of Boracay and the international cuisines that are available in the island. What’s more, it introduces a new concept of dining that supports the restaurant businesses in Boracay that have been gravely affected by the pandemic – so you can enjoy the best food in Boracay while helping to support this vibrant culinary community. And if you are interested in where the food you eat comes from, fascinating farm tourism circuits will be on offer as well. If you need to get some work done on holiday – not to worry. The Boracay Wellness Work Station programme can help you devise a work and wellness itinerary that will turn Boracay Island into your new “office space” – while at the same time serving as a premier wellness retreat destination. All of which means you can stay for longer and enjoy more of the island’s activities – it will bring “working from home” to the next level! Iloilo is an important historical and cultural area of the region. An exceptional example of the Spanish Colonial Era, Iloilo is widely renowned for its beautiful architecture with a Latin-American feel. Spanish colonial churches are among the most well-known tourist sites but there are sites of natural beauty here too, as well as mixed-use parks that sprawl around the province. Miag-ao Church is a World Heritage Site, combining Aztec- Baroque inspired architecture with Filipino botanicals on its intricate façade. The Gothic Renaissance Church of Molo was also once used as a watch tower; crafted of beautiful coral stone, it features beautiful sculptures of the female saints. At the front of the Plaza Libertad, San Jose Church draws visitors and worshippers alike with its Byzantine- Neoclassic architecture and collection of priceless Catholic treasures. No tour of Iloilo would be complete without seeing the Old Capitol Building, a National Historical Site steeped in the rich history of the region. Ready for adventure again? Iloilo has you covered, with the lush Bucari Area, a mountainous region known as the “Summer Capital of Iloilo”, and the Bulabog Putian National Park, a protected rain forest that is a treasure trove of protected flora and fauna, and a key destination for ecotourists. Finally, the Islas de Gigantes is an island group known for its mysterious caves, pristine beaches, jewel- toned lagoon, and fascinating rock formations. Once you’re ready to unwind again, visit the Iloilo River Esplanade, Iloilo City’s newest hub for dining, leisure and recreation, or take in a round of golf at the Iloilo Golf Course and Country Club, the oldest golf course in South East Asia. Image: Erwin T. Lim Image: Paco Guerrero Image: Erwin T. Lim Simply Abu Dhabi | 105