Lying between the latitudes five to twenty-one degrees north, the Philippines archipelago comprises more than 7,000 islands sprinkled across the westernmost rim of the Pacific Ocean. The islands are actually the tips of half-submerged mountain ranges, part of a great cordillera extending from Indonesia to Japan. Amanpulo is located on the private island of Pamalican, in the Cuyo group, about 360km south-west of Manila. Seven square kilometres of reef rim the island.

Beyond are sandbanks and a channel, where whales, dolphins and sea cows have been glimpsed. At its widest point, the 5.5km island is only 500 metres across. Amanpulo is accessed by scheduled charter flight from Manila, which has flights to several major international destinations.

Guests are met at Manila’s international airport and taken by complimentary transfer to the Amanpulo lounge, adjacent to the departure point. Transfers and flight vouchers are all arranged by Amanpulo staff. Guests fly directly to Pamalican Island in a 19-seat, twin-engine turboprop, landing at the resort’s private airstrip.

Amanpulo Resort Pictures