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.
Known among Filipinos as the ‘8th Natural Wonder of the World’, these ancient rice terraces bear testament to a phenomenal feat of human labour. Hand-carved into the Ifugao Mountains more than 2000 years ago to facilitate crop cultivation on the steep slopes, they are today considered a national treasure and governed by strict traditional agricultural principles. Treks of varying length and difficulty lead through these terraced valleys, taking in exquisite views, rushing waterfalls, and natural rock pools perfect for swimming.
As previously described
Dubbed the ‘City of Pines’ for its forested surrounds, Baguio is a vibrant university city and the kick-off point for forays into the remote and mountainous jungles of the northern Philippines. To while away the time with retail therapy and other pleasant indulgences, head to Session Road - Baguio’s main drag and beating heart - lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, malls, boutiques and antiquated cinemas. Several lovely parks are dotted across the city’s canvas and provide respite from its bustle by day, while Baguio’s thriving culinary scene and effervescent nightlife provide plenty of entertainment after dark.
Luzon is the Philippines’ biggest and busiest island, home to its frenetic but fascinating capital, Manila, as well as a host of more serene destinations and scenic highlights. Once you’ve had your fill of the city’s offbeat cafes, trendy markets and historical sites, there is plenty to explore the rest of the island, admire jaw-dropping highlights and enjoy a wide range of memorable open-air adventures. Trek the perfectly cone-shaped Mount Mayon, the most active volcano in the Philippines, and hand-carved into the steep slopes of Mount Ifugao hundreds of years ago are picturesque and awe-inspiring Banaue Rice Terraces found in bucolic Banaue. Apo Reef is a world-class scuba diving site, while Calaguas Beach lures leisure seekers to its fine white sand and calm azure waters.
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.
