With over 7000 idyllic islands, some of the world’s best scuba diving and surfing, a rich and diverse cultural history as well as some of the world’s most famously friendly locals, it is rather surprising that the Philippines remains a relatively undiscovered holiday destination. This vast archipelago is characterised by lush, jungle-clad mountains, exquisite beaches and crystal clear waters. Culturally inclined visitors can explore myriad mystical tribal villages, ancient rice terraces, and crumbling Spanish churches while food lovers can indulge in the renowned Filipino cuisine, which is an eclectic mix of culinary ideas borrowed from the varied cultures that have influenced the country: Malays, Polynesians, Chinese, Spanish and of course the warm and welcoming native islanders. Whether you are keen laze about in the sun, get involved in some adventurous watersports, or get in touch with your inner culture vulture, this remarkable archipelago has so many varied islands to offer that you should have no trouble finding your own little piece of paradise.
Makati is the economic hub of the Philippines and the seat of its stock exchange, located just 10 kilometres from the country’s capital, Manila. It is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with glittering skyscrapers, high-end hotels and trendy bars, mixed in with lively markets, street stalls and serene green spaces. You can trawl the chic boutiques of the Power Plant Mall or shop to your heart’s content in the massive Greenbelt Mall - a complex of five interconnected buildings surrounded by a leafy park. The Ayala Museum explores Filipino culture through its historical, archaeological exhibits, while the Ayala Triangle Garden is another lush space in which to wander or relax.
Surrounded by the calm blue water of the north Bohol Sea, Panglao Island is one of the most famous destinations in the Philippines. Set in the Central Visayas region of the Visayas island group, the photogenic landmass boasts spectacular white shores, a buzzing nightlife scene, and an array of adventure sports. Visit Alona Beach for its broad sands, lively beachfront bars and clubs, and excellent souvenirs, or head to the soft sands of the palm-fringed Danao Beach or Panglao Beach for a little more tranquillity. Active travellers will delight in partaking in scuba-diving, island hopping, dolphin watching, snorkelling, kitesurfing and fishing. Nature lovers can look forward to rich marine life, thrilling caves, and extraordinary sinkholes.
Moalboal, a small but vibrant coastal resort southwest of Cebu City, features a rocky shoreline adorned with bars and restaurants offering scenic views of the Tañon Strait and the distant hills of Negros Chocolate. It's a haven for scuba divers, underwater photographers, and freedivers due to its unique access to coral reefs right off the shore. The star attraction is the massive sardine shoals gathering at Panagsama Beach, the hub of dive shops, resorts, and bars. Moalboal is an underwater paradise with its coral reef extending just 20-30 metres from the shore, plunging to depths of 30-70 metres, offering exceptional wall diving with vibrant hard and soft corals, gorgonian sea fans, and barrel sponges. For a more tranquil beach experience, visitors can head 7 kilometres north to White Beach, which features powdery sands and a break from the tourist crowds.
Located in the Central Visayas region, Cebu City encompasses Cebu Island and more than 150 smaller surrounding islands and islets. As the Philippines’ oldest city, Cebu surprises visitors with its bustling streets, shopping arcades, and strobe-lit nightclubs - it bubbles with modern activity. Amid the madness, you’ll find several sites that bear testament to Cebu’s ancient roots, including exquisite Santa Nino Basilica (the oldest church in the country), atmospheric Colon Street (the oldest street in the country), and the striking 16th century Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. For more frivolous entertainment, visit the slick Ayala Centre - a modern, upmarket mega mall - or head to one of the nearby beaches for sunshine, sea, and R&R.
Coron Island is a rugged limestone island in northern Palawan, Philippines, renowned for its dramatic karst cliffs, turquoise lagoons and clear coastal waters. Part of the Calamian Islands, it is a popular nature and adventure destination, reached from the nearby town of Coron on Busuanga Island. Travellers come to explore its striking landscapes, with boat trips providing access to secluded lagoons, beaches and coves. Kayaking and snorkelling are popular activities, while the clear waters around Coron and nearby Coron Bay conceal historic Japanese shipwrecks, making the area renowned for wreck diving. Visitors can also hike to viewpoints overlooking the surrounding islands and lagoons. With its combination of spectacular scenery, marine life and maritime heritage, Coron Island offers some of Palawan's most memorable island experiences.
Sandwiched between dramatic limestone karst cliffs and the spectacular Bacuit Bay on the northernmost tip of Palawan Island, the coastal settlement of El Nido serves as the gateway to the extraordinary Bacuit Archipelago. This tourist hub's bustling beachfront area has become a well-known party hotspot with plenty of lively bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Tour the numerous surrounding islands to enjoy a wide range of watersports including diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. With its vibrant centre set a short hike or mountain bike ride away from traditional villages, lush forests, gorgeous mangroves, and pristine beaches, El Nido offers the best of both worlds - wild hedonism combined with the peaceful and rejuvenating tranquility of nature.
