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.
Deze oude rijstterrassen getuigen van een fenomenale prestatie van menselijke arbeid. Onder de Filippino’s staan ze dan ook bekend als het ‘achtste wereldwonder’. Meer dan 2000 jaar geleden zijn ze door de mens aangebracht om de teelt op de steile hellingen mogelijk te maken. Nu worden ze beschouwd als een nationale schat en gelden er strikte traditionele landbouwprincipes. Wandelingen met verschil in afstand en moeilijkheidsgraad gaan doorheen de valleien om te genieten van de prachtige uitzichten, ruisende watervallen en natuurlijke rotspoelen, die bovendien perfect zijn voor een verfrissende duik.
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.
Cebu is de oudste stad van de Filipijnen, maar de drukke straten, winkelgalerijen en flashy nachtclubs laten de stad baden in moderniteit. In deze gekte vindt u verschillende locaties die getuigen van de ouderdom van Cebu. Zo zijn er de Santa Nino Basilica en Colon Street, respectievelijk de oudste kerk en oudste straat van het land, en de 16de-eeuwse kathedraal van Cebu. Het Ayala Center is dan weer een modern en luxueus megawinkelcentrum, maar u kan evengoed genieten de zon en de zee aan de nabijgelegen stranden.
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.
