Philippines

The Philippines is a tropical paradise made up of more than 7,000 islands. Its landscapes are quite varied and feature an array of natural wonders, from volcanoes and rice terraces to underground rivers, limestone caves and some of the most stunningly beautiful beaches.

Manila, the capital, is a vibrant city filled with Centuries-old churches and colonial history. The oldest district, Intramuros, or the walled city, is where you will find some of the most significant tourist sights and important landmarks, from the famous San Agustin Church and the monuments in Rizal Park to Fort Santiago, a citadel built by the Spanish as a defensive fortress. Manila has some fantastic shopping malls and local restaurants, and it is easy to get around. Why not take a colourful jeepney ride around the city streets? It is a must-do experience. These post-World War II US Army jeeps have been transformed into colourful and fun forms of transport.

The province of Laguna is perhaps where you will find some of the most famous waterfalls in the country. Pagsanjan Falls is part of the Pagsanjan Gorge National Park. Here you will be able to swim in natural pools and pass through caves. The three-tiered waterfall can be reached on a river trip by canoe and makes a great day trip from Manila. The falls are 91 metres high, and once you have reached the top, a skilled canoeist will take you back down the river, past 14 rapids.

The Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue are an unforgettable experience, so have your cameras ready. Many people consider them to be the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, with some of the terraces dating back more than 2,000 years. They represent a common form of farming in the country. The stacked terraces, carved by hand into the mountainside, are best seen in the early morning or at dusk, when the light best illuminates the electric green of the fields.

The Chocolate Hills in Bohol Province are a unique natural phenomenon. There are at least 1,260 hills spread out over an area of approximately 20 square miles. These small hills are covered in grass, and as the dry season advances, the grass turns from green to brown and starts to look like chocolate. The hills range from 30 to 50 metres high and really are an iconic landmark of the country.

It might take a bit of a trek to see the Hanging Coffins in Sagada, as they are located deep in the northern Cordillera Mountains; however, you will probably not see anything like them anywhere else in the world. The hanging coffins, some of which are Centuries old, are suspended from the cliffs of Echo Valley. These ceremonial burials were reserved for respected elders. Remember to bring some sturdy shoes and try to acclimatise before your visit for some high-altitude climbing – the reward will be well worth it.

Some of the most famous islands that are high on visitor lists include Boracay, with its pristine beaches. White Beach is the most popular on the island, where you will have ample opportunities for water sports, snorkelling and boating, or you can just relax in a hammock under a palm tree. This small island is only 7 km long but offers some of the country’s most exceptional beauty.

Palawan, with its majestic cliffs in El Nido, is not to be missed. Cliff climbing on the limestone outcrops is a fun adventure and a unique way to see some of the most scenic views in the Philippines. The best time to start your climb is early in the morning, so you can take it slowly and navigate natural obstacles like rocks and trees that you may need to traverse. When in Puerto Princesa, an Underground River tour is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do. The Underground River is inside the Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip takes you through an intricate cave system surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs. You can observe ancient stalagmite and stalactite formations as the coolness of the cave balances the tropical heat outside.

Coron Island is a popular diving and snorkelling site due to its abundance of coral reefs. The Coral Garden is a specific site with particularly accessible coral and fish species, as well as shipwrecks in the surrounding area. Coron Island also has two famous lakes, Lake Kayangan and Lake Barracuda, where the water is crystal clear and the views are breathtaking.

On the island of Bohol, in the town of Sevilla, there is a bridge made entirely of bamboo that swings almost 40 metres in the air over the Loboc River. For those with a sense of adventure, the hanging bridge walk will be a holiday experience you will never forget.

Vigan City is a great place to visit with its famous for its Spanish colonial architecture which is why it is UNESCO-listed. The brick streets and traditional horse-and-carriage transport are reminiscent of the 16th Century trading hub that once served foreign traders passing through the area.

The city of Cebu has some splendid sights to visit, including the Cebu Taoist Temple. Standing 300 metres above sea level, the temple has 81 steps leading up to it, each representing one of the 81 chapters of Taoist scripture. The entrance to the temple was deliberately designed to look like the Great Wall of China. Inside the temple, you will be able to walk onto the balconies, where you will have fantastic views over Cebu. Other places to visit while in Cebu include the SM mall located directly on the coast, one of the most popular shopping spots, with lots of activities including an ice-skating rink, an arcade and a children’s playground. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral gives you an insight into Filipino culture, focusing more on the history of religion in the city.

The beautiful Mactan Island is not far from Cebu and is a great place to escape and relax on its beautiful beaches. It has some great dive sites that will give you beautiful views of the local marine life. Mactan Island is also an excellent starting point for island hopping, thanks to its link with Cebu.

Other areas worth visiting include the iconic Sugba Lagoon, with its tranquil blue waters below a towering cliff, and Mayon Volcano on the island of Luzon. The volcano received its nickname, ‘Perfect Cone’, due to its symmetrical shape.