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.
If you are a fan of big bustling cities, you will almost certainly fall in love with Manila. As the capital of the Philippines, the city is sprawling, chaotic, and culturally complicated, with a colourful multi-cultural heritage and a lively nightlife. Manila is a destination best suited for energetic travellers who enjoy discovering heritage sights, getting some retail therapy in glitzy shopping malls and partying their nights away in the city's infamous go-go clubs and wild late-night hotspots. Culture vultures and history lovers can enjoy the city’s diverse museums such as the National Museum of the Filipino People and the Ayala Museum. Explore the medieval walled enclave of Intramuros full of historic attractions, take a guided tour of the lavish Malacanang Palace, and visit San Agustin, Manila's oldest stone church. If you look beneath its rough gritty exterior, Manila is a treasure trove of cultural, historical delights just waiting to be discovered.
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.
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.
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.
