THE PHILIPPINES
Long, white sand beaches, an immense variety of marine life, rare and exotic sea life, live volcanoes, even the tropical party lifestyle are all in abundance in the Philippines. And with 7,107 islands, and a coastline twice the length of that of the United States, the Philippines can very well be Asia's Beach Capital.
But don’t just come for the beaches! Stand atop the majestic rice terraces of Baguio (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO) or one of the “Chocolate Hills” on the island of Bohol. Step into the nation’s past in historic Leyte and Vigan as you visit sites critical to the Pacific campaign during WWII. Experience the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan areas of Cebu, Manila and Davao. Or enjoy a huge variety of exhilarating water adventures like surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, rafting and swimming from one of the many perfect and peaceful 7,107 islands.
Here are a few stops and a list of Things To Do (hotlink to next section) you may want to know more about before you settle on your dream trip to the Philippines – where you are sure to come back saying: Wow!
MANILA
Manila is a lively metropolis that commands a magnificent view of world-famous Manila Bay and its golden sunset. Historic, bustling, awe-inspiring, the “Philippine Cosmopolitan Capital” is a blend of cultures and flavors that offers an endless serving of places to see, restaurants to sample, shops to peruse, and experiences to remember.
Right in the heart of Manila is the “Walled City” of Intramuros. Constructed in 1571, during the period of Spain’s colonization of the Philippines, it is comprised of European buildings and churches that have been replicated in different parts of the archipelago. It is one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities. Here, dungeons and old churches share space with modern art galleries, theaters, and a nature park.
Greater Manila is where the country’s most prestigious business addresses and trendiest leisure establishments are found. Fashionable hotels, restaurants, discos, music bars, boutiques and specialty shops converge in the sleek Ayala and Ortigas Centers.
LEYTE
Leyte is among the country’s most historic provinces, proud of its rich and significant past. It was the site not only of a major uprising against the Spaniards but also of the famous landing of US forces during World War II, marking its place in history as the point of entry for the American forces of liberation.
Leyte is traversed by many low mountain ranges. From the northwestern section to the southeastern extremities extends a very rugged, almost impassable ridge. It is here that you’ll also find many extinct volcanoes, including Mahagnao.
BOHOL
Scenic Bohol casts an enigmatic charm drawn from the many archaic mementos spread throughout the oval-shaped island: from the Chocolate Hills to 16th century watchtowers and Jesuit Baroque mission churches. The Chocolate Hills, all of 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills, are undoubtedly the most famous tourist attraction in the province. Among these hills that abound in Central Bohol, two have been developed into top-class resorts. A stop you’ll surely want to include while visiting Bohol is at the refuge for tarsiers, the palm-sized tree dweller with large round eyes that will capture your heart.
A tropical haven of natural beauty, the coastline of the province is skimmed by gentle coves and white sand beaches, many of which remain quite private. You can find some of the country’s great dive sights here including Balicasag, considered one of the very best and most popular dive sites in the Philippines. A black coral forest is among its main attractions, but virtually anywhere you drop in is sure to be rewarding. Another major attraction, Cabilao is renowned for the hammerhead sharks that shoal around the clear waters. If you are really lucky, you can find yourself swimming with a passing school of dolphins!
CEBU
It was in the province of Cebu that Ferdinand Magellan first set foot in Philippine soil back in 1521. Even before the Spaniards came, trade with the Chinese already flourished in the province. Prosperity has continued, and today, Cebu City, known as the Queen City of the South, has become a thriving, highly urbanized center that comes second to Manila’s bustling metropolis.
Only a few minutes away from the city are numerous sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, and swaying palms, making Cebu a perfect destination for both business and leisure. Mactan Island is a coral island and famous scuba diving and beach site. It is also the site of the Export Processing Zone, of interest to the shoppers in the crowd! Malapascua Island is endowed with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the west coast is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The sleepy little market town of Moalboal was one of the first places where scuba diving caught on in the Philippines. From here, you can dive straight off Panagsama Beach, which is home to an extraordinary array of coral, anemones, sponges, and a swarming host of brightly colored reef fish.
BAGUIO
Baguino City, known as the summer capital of the Philippines, is a popular destination in the spring because of its cool climate. Also known as “The Flower City of the North,” it is a great venue for outdoor activities.
Baguio is the gateway to the wonders of Northern Luzon: the calm beaches of La Union; the fabled Hundred Islands of Pangasinan; the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao; the ancient churches, Spanish influenced houses, historical and cultural relics of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.
VIGAN
The province of Ilocos Sur is where a myriad of cultures and histories converge to become a living museum of a spirited past. A national shrine, a national landmark, a national museum, heritage museums, ancestral houses, period houses, cobble-stoned streets – they all share space in this timeless land.
Found in the province is the historic town of Vigan, which was inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in November 1999. Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, and from China, with those from Europe to create a unique culture and atmosphere without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia. Its Kamestizoan District is replete with ancestral houses with ancient tiled roofs and massive hardwood floorings, in varying Spanish-Mexican-Chinese architectural styles.
The history found in this province stretches across the centuries: St. Maria Church built in the 1600’s and declared a National Landmark was used as a fortress during the Philippine Revolution of 1896; Tirad Pass, declared a National Shrine, was the site of the last stand of the Filipino Revolutionary Forces during that same period; and Bessang Pass served as the backdoor to General Yamashita’s last ditch defense during the last stage of World War II.
BORACAY
The palm-studded island of Boracay – with its white, talcum-fine beaches, balmy weather, and warm, crystalline waters – is like a hypnotic magnet. In this tiny, butterfly-shaped island at the northwestern tip of Panay in Western Visayas, days can be spent simply laying on the beach while nights are for indulging in the tropical party lifestyle.
The best part of the island is the four-mile stretch called White Beach, hailed as the “finest beach in the world.” The surrounding water is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago. White Beach is so fine it feels like treading on miles of baby powder!
PALAWAN
The island province of Palawan has been declared as a nature sanctuary of the world, and for good reason. It is wrapped in a mantel of rainforests, outstanding dive sites, majestic mountains, primeval caves, and pristine beaches. Palawan is surrounded by a coral shelf that abounds with varied and colorful marine life.
Palawan waters are among the best in the world, not only for diving but also for fishing. A diver's paradise, it has miles of sub-surface coral and rainbow reef walls that surround the coasts and coves teeming with rich marine life.
The El Nido Marine Reserve is a popular nature spot in the province. It boasts of diverse ecosystems including rainforests, mangroves, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and limestone reefs as well as a variety of fishes, from the floating manta ray to the absurdly named red-lipped naso tang or the diamond polylepsis butterfly, to the elusive sea cow or "dugong," known as the world's rarest marine mammal. The reserve is now one of the country's premier destinations, blessed with amazing natural scenery, and considered a sanctuary for various forms of wildlife.
CAMIGUIN
Camiguin Island is said to be "Born of Fire." Its seven volcanoes are unmatched anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Volcanic eruptions and land movements have created this spectacular island full of natural wonders and historical riches.
Camiguin almost defies description. It is a tiny island of lush forests, volcanic splendor, eternal hot and cold natural springs, pristine patches of black and white beaches, majestic waterfalls, exotic marine life, blue-ridge mountains, serene surroundings, and idyllic lifestyle. Visitors to Camiguin will discover it has a glorious past and is inhabited with friendly people.
DAVAO
Davao is known for its pristine beaches and great diving sites. Compostela Valley in Davao is blessed with nature’s magnificent work of art including beaches, waterfalls, forests, mountain ranges, caves, lakes, rivers, and hot and cold springs. For those who want to reach the highest point of the Philippines, Davao boasts of the country’s highest peak, Mt. Apo, a challenging climb that rewards those who attain the summit with breath-taking views of endless oceans dotted by the lush green islands of the Philippines.
