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.
Located off the south coast of Luzon, Mindoro is the seventh largest island in the Philippines. This unspoiled island is within easy reach of the capital, Manila, making it a popular, easily accessible tourist destination for foreigners and locals. Mindoro features world-class diving and snorkelling, excellent beaches, and majestic mountains. With its outstanding natural beauty and wild, rugged interior, this largely undeveloped island offers visitors an exciting array of outdoor activities. Scuba dive at the pristine diving mecca of the Apo Reef, island hop along Mindoro's picturesque south coast islets or hike to remote villages in and around Mount Malasimbo to discover the ancient Mangyan people. Popular sites to visit include the cascading Tukuran Falls, the spectacular Talipanan Beach, and the beautiful village of Puerto Galera boasting beachside restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
Located in the Central Philippines and measuring just 7 kilometres long by 500 metres wide, tiny Boracay Island is a tropical paradise of tranquil aquamarine bays, ice-white beaches and palm-fringed shores. It is best known for its idyllic White Beach, a 4-kilometre-tract of palm-fringed fine white sand that epitomises coastal paradise. Head to secluded Diniwid Beach for serene sun-worshipping, neighbouring Baling Hai bay for magical snorkelling and scuba diving, and to Bulabog Beach for excellent kitesurfing and windsurfing. Visitors can soak up gorgeous sunsets while enjoying scrumptious seaside seafood buffets followed by vibrant nights filled with live music.
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.
Puerto Princesa is a city located along the scenic coast of the island of Palawan. This bustling capital city has been proclaimed the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines and serves as a convenient base from which to explore the surrounding areas. Puerto Princesa boasts beautiful beaches with spectacular dive sites dotted along its coast. Popular sites to visit around the area include the Puerto Princesa Underground River, considered one of the 7 Wonders Of Nature; the historical Plaza Cuartel, a World War II military fort; and Irawan Eco-Park, which is home to Asia's longest forest canopy zip line stretching over 1.3 kilometres. Don’t miss the nearby picturesque Honda Bay featuring a shallow lagoon dotted with idyllic islets set against a backdrop of spectacular mountains.
With its magnificent mountains, turquoise waters and soaring limestone cliffs, the spectacular sword-shaped island of Palawan is known as the last ecological frontier of the Philippines. Beyond the centres of Coron, El Nido and Puerto Princesa, the majority of the island remains unexplored and undeveloped making it an ideal destination for those seeking a secluded piece of paradise away from the stresses of modern living. While the island’s breathtaking World Heritage underwater river is undoubtedly its primary attraction, Palawan has so much more to offer and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them actively engaged. From wreck and reef diving to exploring the world-famous rugged cliffs and Tabon Caves of Quezon, you will find endless opportunities for both adventure and relaxation in the exceptionally scenic natural terrain of this idyllic tropical island.
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.
Busuanga is the largest Island of the Calamian archipelago in the northern part of the Palawan Province in the Philippines. This idyllic, secluded island is blessed with golden sand beaches, limestone cliffs and an abundance of unusual marine life. Popular tourist activities include hiking, jungle trekking, horseback riding, fishing, snorkeling, and sailing but the island’s primary draw card is its variety of fascinating recreational diving sites due to the twelve Japanese wrecks that were sunk during World War II. Spend your days exploring the exquisite underwater wonderland surrounding the island’s coral reefs, river cruising alongside mangrove forests, kayaking on the crystal clear waters surrounding the island, hiking through a verdant rain-forests to discover hidden waterfalls or simply relaxing in one of the island’s marvelous natural springs. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a chilled out beach bum, this island paradise is jam-packed with attractions to satisfy any interest.
