Slowing my breathing, I descend in the water and follow our diving instructor as he signals to look at the incredible underwater Eden around us. Shafts of sunlight pierce the turquoise water, illuminating every swaying anemone and branching coral.
We drift past blue stag-horn and intricate brain coral, marvelling at their maze-like structures. Shoals of tiny, neon-striped fish swirl around us, while a clownfish peers shyly from a sea anemone.
It may have taken us six hours by car from Cebu City then another short boat transfer across glassy waters, but we are finally here in Malapascua, whose underwater ecosystem is a diver’s dream. At only two kilometres long and one kilometre wide, this island is teeny-tiny yet it has a huge reputation as the spot for guaranteed thresher shark sightings and spectacular marine life.
Gaining ground
Malapascua isn’t the only island in the Philippines piquing travellers’ interest, however. With more than 7,500 islands, diverse landscapes and delicious cuisine, the destination’s star is rising.
Janin Leach, Senior Product Executive for Southeast Asia at Audley Travel, puts this down to clients “wishing to explore before increased tourism takes over”.
She says: “The Philippines is one of our trending destinations for 2026 travel, with a 112% increase in enquiries.
Here, Siargao is a favoured choice at the moment, with clients enjoying the pristine lagoons and appreciating that it is less busy than El Nido and Boracay.
“This island experience, paired with the stunning Ifugao rice terraces around Banaue, makes an ideal itinerary for the Philippines.”
A slew of luxury resort openings offer high-end travellers more reason to consider the Philippines. Launched last year, MGallery Collection’s South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao on the shores of Bohol provides 188 guest rooms and eight beachfront villas, featuring woven Banig panels, polished bamboo and coconut wood crafted by local artisans. Three family-friendly restaurants and a tiki bar called Sirenna complete the dining choices.
Meanwhile, set to open in late 2026, 200-key Dusit Greenhills Manila Hotel will occupy the top 10 floors of Primex Tower, a 50-storey mixed-use development just 45 minutes by car from Manila International Airport. Guests will find a Benjarong Thai restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant, a rooftop bar, a rooftop swimming pool and a ballroom with panoramic city views.
Double the fun
The region as a whole continues to represent excellent value for money during volatile economic times, especially as the pound is faring better than some of its Asian counterparts.
Twin- and multi-centre holidays, in particular, may also help discerning clients’ cash go the extra mile. And it is certainly a trend Carrier is seeing for its worldwide bookings, of which 52% are multi-centre and 12% are twin-centre.
Deepavali Gaind, Product Manager, Individual Touring Experiences at Carrier, says: “Clients travelling to the region are making fewer trips but are heavy spenders.
“We are seeing a mix of couples, multi-generational families and travellers with diverse interests. We have had keen walkers and climbers who we’ve arranged treks for and equestrian enthusiasts where we have offered bespoke horse-riding experiences in destinations like Sumba or Mihirgarh, India,” she adds.
“We’re also seeing culinary and culturally inspired travellers that are seeking deep connections through authentic experiences, going beyond surface-level sightseeing to immerse themselves in local traditions, cuisine and storytelling.”
She suggests agents encourage clients to travel at a slower pace. “A well-paced itinerary allows for deeper cultural immersion and meaningful experiences, rather than simply ticking off destinations,” she says.
This is a sentiment echoed by Audley Travel; 70% of its country specialists say their clients ask for curated multi-spoke itineraries as a solution to differing needs and desires on a family holiday.
Leach explains: “When looking at itineraries, ensure it has a mix of active and relaxed experiences. As an example, balancing cultural and historical experiences with more interactive or light-hearted activities is key.
The UNESCO world heritage city of Luang Prabang is a fascinating city, with deep historical significance and Buddhist tradition, but ‘temple fatigue’ can be real, especially for younger travellers. So [try pairing] a morning of cultural exploration with an afternoon at an ethical elephant sanctuary or a local cooking class.”
Clients who typically choose Indian Ocean destinations for their winter sun getaway may also find the Asia Pacific region appealing, as the diversity of its destinations can offer something more culturally rich. In Vietnam, for example, travellers can wander through ancient temples, cruise along the Mekong, or dive into bustling street markets.
The 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report, has identified Vietnam as climbing three spots to number six among rising destinations, “standing out for its excellent value and as a fresh alternative to Asia’s other booming hot spots”.
Flying high
As well as hot new openings, the region is benefiting from the launch of new connections from the UK. Last year, Norse Atlantic Airways’ kick-started a direct service to Bangkok from London Gatwick, marking the airline’s first route between the UK and Asia.
And not to be outdone, British Airways has started operating year-round flights from London Gatwick to Bangkok this summer. Services depart three times per week and the airline will operate six weekly flights during the winter season.
The north is also benefiting, with IndiGo boosting flights between Manchester and Mumbai and Delhi, further emphasising the growing demand for travel to Asia.
What to book
On Carrier’s Cambodia for the Conscious Traveller, take a culinary journey through Siem Reap – enjoy the city’s vibrant food culture through a series of delectable tasting platters.
Embark on the Blue Jasmine, a charter train offering 37 passengers a boutique experience as it travels from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani and Sukhothai.
Abercrombie & Kent’s Mountains and Myths in China and Tibet tour goes from Beijing and the Great Wall to glittering Hong Kong, packing an in-depth exploration of Tibet and the Yunnan province in between.
Pay homage at the ancient Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples on the 38km-long Kumano Kodo trail in Tokyo, Japan, on TransIndus’s Sacred Trails of Japan itinerary.
Check in at Kimpton’s largest property in the Tsim Sha Tsui neighbourhood of Hong Kong, offering 495 rooms, five restaurants and a rooftop pool.
Book it
A 16-day tailormade Highlights of Lurzo and Siargao itinerary with Audley Travel costs from £7,725pp (based on two).
audleytravel.com
