{"id":19248698,"date":"2026-11-12T15:58:45","date_gmt":"2026-11-12T14:58:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/?p=19248698"},"modified":"2026-11-12T15:58:50","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T14:58:50","slug":"visit-philippines-visayas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-philippines-visayas\/","title":{"rendered":"The Visayas: an island-hopping immersion"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 admin_label=\u201dsection\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 custom_padding=\u201d4px||3px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px||2px|||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d custom_margin=\u201d-8px|||||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d40px||40px||true|\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

With Sylviane de Tracy, in the heart of the Philippines<\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

In the Visayas in the centre of the Philippine archipelago, the islands appear one after the other, weaving a tapestry of coral reefs, coconut groves and villages facing out to sea. Sylviane de Tracy, <\/span>Cruise Research & Development <\/span>Director at PONANT EXPLORATIONS, made a scouting trip there with a view to offering a <\/span>voyage to the Philippines<\/span><\/a> that is even more immersive and authentic than ever.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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A journey between land and sea<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d6px||3px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Between<\/span> the South China Sea<\/span><\/b> and the <\/span>Pacific Ocean<\/span><\/b><\/a>, the <\/span>Philippines<\/span><\/b><\/a> comprise more than 7,000 islands, naturally connected by the sea. <\/span>\u201cDiscovering the Philippines by sea is pretty self-evident given the geography. In the Visayas, rather than looking at a map, distances are gauged through the crossings, changes of course and toing-and-froing dictated by this scattered archipelago,\u201d<\/span><\/i> notes Sylviane de Tracy. However, on these remote islands, maritime infrastructure is often very basic, <\/span>\u201cso most landings on the shores will therefore be made directly in an inflatable boat,\u201d<\/span><\/i> she explains.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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In the Philippines, travelling by land is an experience in its own right. Winding through villages and passing alongside markets, the roads are populated by <\/span>tricycles <\/span><\/b>(a sort of tuk-tuk motorcycle), <\/span>jeepneys <\/span><\/b>(local buses), <\/span>habal-habals<\/span><\/b> (small motorbikes that can carry two passengers behind the driver, ideal for car-free islands), bicycles and animals, while rice is still dried by the side of the road.\u00a0<\/span>\u201cOn Biri Island, travelling through the mangrove forest on the back of a habal-habal to reach the shore featuring rock formations and turquoise pools sculpted by the wind and tides gives you a real sense of freedom\u201d, <\/span><\/i>explains Sylviane de Tracy. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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In the Philippines, American Jeeps abandoned after the Second World War have been converted into public transport by extending the rear of the vehicles and painting them in bright, eye-catching colours.<\/span>\u201c<\/span>Jeepneys are becoming real works of art, a source of great pride for their drivers<\/span><\/i>\u201d, indicate Sylviane de Tracy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Visayas: an archipelago in a class of its own<\/h2>\n

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Situated between Luzon and Mindanao, the Visayas form the maritime heart of the Philippines. This string of islands, which includes Cebu, Leyte and Bohol, has fewer visitors than other parts of the country due to the remoteness of some of the destinations and the still limited infrastructure. Their island location helps to preserve their authenticity and makes the dry season, between February and May, the ideal time to explore them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px|||||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

When the islands make themselves heard<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d6px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Arriving by sea<\/span><\/b> profoundly changes your perception of the area. Even before the houses on the shore can be made out, the first sounds of the village reach the ship. <\/span>\u201cBirds, cockerels and children\u2019s laughter\u2026 You experience the island atmosphere before you\u2019ve even set foot on it,\u201d<\/span><\/i> recalls Sylviane de Tracy. Then the coastline comes into view, along with the <\/span>coconut palms<\/span><\/b> and the first fishing boats as you approach the villages.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DJI_20260524203217_0495_D_Biri_Island_mangrove_plage\u00a9Ponant-Julien-Fabro.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dA traditional fishing boat sailing off the coast of Biri Island, in the Philippines \u201d title_text=\u201dDJI_20260524203217_0495_D_Biri_Island_mangrove_plage\u00a9Ponant\u2013Julien-Fabro\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px||4px|||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

A journey to the heart of the island communities<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px||3px|||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d min_height=\u201d176px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d6px||3px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

In this archipelago, which remains <\/span>largely untouched by mass tourism<\/span><\/b>, the crossings are gradually fostering a closer connection with the islands and their inhabitants. Sylviane de Tracy recalls arrivals when <\/span>the whole village would gather on the shore<\/span><\/b>, a sense of spontaneity that has become rare in some very popular destinations. <\/span>\u201cIn some villages, the arrival of a ship brings the whole community together: schools sometimes close for a few hours and the children welcome the visitors with traditional songs and dances.\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d1px|||||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_1693.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dA woman sitting practising the art of wickerwork \u201d title_text=\u201dIMG_1693\u2033 align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d36px||23px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Everyday life is still deeply shaped by the sea and the skills associated with it. Here, people build <\/span>outrigger canoes<\/span><\/b>, weave plant fibres for fish traps or mats, prepare <\/span>natural dyes<\/span><\/b> and pass on knowledge of <\/span>medicinal plants<\/span><\/b>. \u201cThe Philippines is home to some magnificent craftsmanship and wickerwork items. I<\/i><\/span>t is this immersive aspect that makes these stopovers so enriching,<\/span><\/i>\u201d observes Sylviane de Tracy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px|||||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Under the surface<\/h2>\n

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From one island to the next, the sea guides the journey. Accompanied by a <\/span>guide<\/span><\/b>, you can don <\/span>fins, a mask and a snorkel<\/span><\/b> to explore particularly rich reefs, where the <\/span>corals<\/span><\/b> appear at shallow depths in remarkably clear water. \u201c<\/span>Even when the weather turns overcast, visibility remains astonishing; in just a few minutes, we had already spotted a dozen <\/span><\/i>turtles<\/span><\/i><\/b>,\u201d says Sylviane de Tracy, who also advises you not to miss the opportunity to admire the fabulous coral reefs in Limasawa.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DJI_20260522224831_0404_D__Biri_Island_bel_at_rock@Ponant-Julien-Fabro.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dCoral reefs on Biri Island, in the Philippines \u201d title_text=\u201dDJI_20260522224831_0404_D__Biri_Island_bel_at_rock@Ponant-Julien-Fabro\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px||3px|||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Composing with the archipelago<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d6px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

For over a month, Sylviane de Tracy visited around twenty sites; some were ultimately selected, while others were ruled out in the light of the realities she observed on site. <\/span>\u201cWe needed to ensure a real variety of experiences, alternating between <\/span><\/i>cultural approaches<\/span><\/i><\/b>, <\/span><\/i>volcanic landscapes<\/span><\/i><\/b>, <\/span><\/i>visits to villages<\/span><\/i><\/b> and <\/span><\/i>exploring the sea<\/span><\/i><\/b>,\u201d<\/span><\/i> she explains.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d50px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|60px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_last_edited=\u201doff|desktop\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Samar National Park, a green oasis in the Philippines, is one of my favourite places. You can explore it on a hike with local nature guides, discovering birds and medicinal plants, or in a traditional wooden canoe along the Ulot River.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d26px||21px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Sylviane de Tracy, Cruise Research & Development Director at PONANT EXPLORATIONS<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||4px|||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Low-Resolution-6P1A5993_philippines_samar_boat_river@Ponant-Julien-Fabro.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dA woman seen from behind in a traditional wooden canoe on the Ulot River in Samar Natural Park, on the island of Samar, in the Philippines\u201d title_text=\u201dLow-Resolution-6P1A5993_philippines_samar_boat_river@Ponant\u2013Julien-Fabro\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||-7px|||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Behind these decisions lies all the work involved in planning exploration routes. Some islands instantly win you over with their landscapes but lack the necessary infrastructure to accommodate a ship without disrupting local daily life; others, on the contrary, reveal unexpected potential.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>We adapt to the islands, never the other way round,<\/span><\/i>\u201d points out Sylviane de Tracy. An approach that runs through the entire project and involves carefully observing how these <\/span>communities<\/span><\/b> live before even considering a stopover there. <\/span>Far from the busy major ports<\/span><\/b> frequented by large-capacity ships, the journey takes on a different pace, one that pays closer attention to the islands and their inhabitants.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px|||||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

The soul of the Visayas<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d6px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

At the end of this scouting trip, however, it is neither the coral reefs, the coconut groves, nor even the volcanic landscapes that first spring to mind for Sylviane de Tracy. \u201c<\/span>It is above all the Filipino people <\/span><\/i><\/b>who give the journey its true depth<\/span><\/i>,\u201d she says. Throughout the Visayas, you find this same way of welcoming and greeting people with an almost instinctive generosity, whether in remote villages or port cities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Low-Resolution-6P1A0522_Biri_Island_Habalhabal@Ponant-Julien-Fabro.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dA Filipino family sitting on a habal-habal, a local motorbike used to carry several passengers, on Biri Island in the Philippines. \u201d title_text=\u201dLow-Resolution-6P1A0522_Biri_Island_Habalhabal@Ponant\u2013Julien-Fabro\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px|||||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

The children of Limasawa<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d6px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Among Sylviane de Tracy\u2019s most vivid memories, her arrival in Limasawa \u2013 an island that had been hit by a devastating cyclone a few years earlier \u2013 often stands out. To help the children to find their bearings again after the disaster, the local residents set up singing, drawing and music workshops. To this day, the village\u2019s young people welcome visitors with songs about nature and drawings they have created together.<\/p>\n

A scene that perhaps captures better than any other the spirit of the Visayas: a deeply island-based relationship with the land, characterised by resilience, enthusiasm and openness to others.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_2111.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dA group of children showing their drawings in Limasawa, in the Philippines \u201d title_text=\u201dIMG_2111\u2033 align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d max_width_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d40px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.3em\u201d text_orientation=\u201dleft\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_line_height_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_line_height_phone=\u201d1.4em\u201d text_line_height_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_2_font_tablet=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_font_phone=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_2_font_size_tablet=\u201d30px\u201d header_2_font_size_phone=\u201d20px\u201d header_2_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

A little history<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d admin_label=\u201dSlider Fullwidth\u201d module_class=\u201dhy-carousel-interest\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d100px||100px||true|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 use_custom_gutter=\u201don\u201d gutter_width=\u201d2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_2087.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dA mausoleum commemorating Magellan\u2019s arrival in Limasawa, in the Philippines, in 1521.\u201d title_text=\u201dIMG_2087\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|40px||40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d custom_css_main_element=\u201ddisplay:flex;||flex-direction:column;||justify-content:center;\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_orientation=\u201dleft\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_line_height_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_line_height_phone=\u201d1.6em\u201d text_line_height_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_3_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_3_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d header_3_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Limasawa: the origins of Christianity in the Philippines<\/h3>\n

Limasawa holds a unique place in the history of the Philippines. It was here that <\/span>Ferdinand Magellan<\/span><\/b> landed in <\/span>1521<\/span><\/b> and that, in the presence of the Rajah Kolambu, one of the first Christian masses in the archipelago was celebrated. A few weeks later, however, the expedition took a dramatic turn; the Spanish navigator was killed on Mactan near <\/span>Cebu<\/span><\/b>, during a clash with the men of <\/span>Lapu-Lapu<\/span><\/b>, a local chieftain who became a symbol of resistance. A large cross and a small mausoleum in Limasawa serve as a lasting reminder of this seminal event in a country that has become the <\/span>leading Catholic nation in Asia<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 use_custom_gutter=\u201don\u201d gutter_width=\u201d2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AdobeStock_498688807_marinduque.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dTraditional masks made for the Moriones Festival on the island of Marinduque in the Philippines.\u201d title_text=\u201dAdobeStock_498688807_marinduque\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|40px||40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d custom_css_main_element=\u201ddisplay:flex;||flex-direction:column;||justify-content:center;\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_orientation=\u201dleft\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_line_height_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_line_height_phone=\u201d1.6em\u201d text_line_height_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_3_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_3_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d header_3_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

On Marinduque, the Moriones Festival<\/h3>\n

Every year during Holy Week, the island of Marinduque hosts the<\/span> Moriones Festival,<\/span><\/b> one of the most important religious celebrations in the Philippines. Participants parade through the streets in <\/span>R<\/span><\/b>oman costumes <\/span><\/b>and wear impressive <\/span>wooden masks<\/span><\/b> during processions blending folk theatre, <\/span>penance and Catholic devotion<\/span><\/b>. During the stopover in Marinduque, you will be able to watch the various stages involved in making these masks, which are emblematic of the island.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 use_custom_gutter=\u201don\u201d gutter_width=\u201d2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Low-Resolution-6P1A4670_iloilo_city@Ponant-Julien-Fabro.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dA woman seen from behind walking towards a colonial-style house in Iloilo, in the Philippines\u201d title_text=\u201dLow-Resolution-6P1A4670_iloilo_city@Ponant\u2013Julien-Fabro\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|40px||40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d custom_css_main_element=\u201ddisplay:flex;||flex-direction:column;||justify-content:center;\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_orientation=\u201dleft\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_line_height_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_line_height_phone=\u201d1.6em\u201d text_line_height_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_3_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_3_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d header_3_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Iloilo: the cultural capital of the Visayas<\/h3>\n

On the island of Panay, <\/span>Iloilo <\/span><\/b>is an unmissable destination for history and culture buffs. Long prosperous thanks to <\/span>sugar cane cultivation,<\/span><\/b> which has shaped its economy and architectural heritage, the region is also renowned for its delicious <\/span>mangoes<\/span><\/b>. Stroll among historic mansions, centuries-old churches and colonial buildings, then delve into the Visayas\u2019 past by exploring the archaeological, ethnographic and historical collections in the city\u2019s <\/span>museums<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo credits: <\/span><\/span>\u00a9PONANT\/J. Fabro\/S. De <\/span>Tracy;<\/span> \u00a9<\/span>StudioPONANT<\/span>\/O. Blaud<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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PONANT takes you there<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Explore the natural and cultural treasures of the Visayas<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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With Sylviane de Tracy, in the heart of the Philippines <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":19248702,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"thematique":[1416,1414,1446,1432,1444],"class_list":["post-19248698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-get-inspired","thematique-asia","thematique-crafts-and-traditions","thematique-diving","thematique-islands","thematique-peoples"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nVisit the Philippines: an immersive experience in the heart of the Visayas | PONANT Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the Visayas archipelago in the centre of the Philippines, where cultural traditions and 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