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.
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.
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.
