If you are looking for reasons to visit the Philippines we can give you thousands, almost as many as it has islands, numbering over seven thousand. The closest thing to paradise on earth we encourage you to discover and explore, as the Philippines always has something special to offer every traveller. See you in this magical corner of the world.
A land rich in contrasts and culture and with an interesting cultural heritage, its modern cities full of atmosphere and the rural environment, where you will be surprised by the lush green rice fields, have one thing in common, the Filipinos, a friendly and fun-loving people.
Museums, architecture, cultural festivals or live music will show you the different faces of the country’s culture and sustainable raw materials such as Abaca or Tnalak fibres, which, after processing, become beautiful and elegant pieces, will dazzle you. Visit the local artisans who open their doors for us to discover their excellent work full of beautiful and delicate details.
Lovers of good food, or foodies as they are also known, find in the cuisine yet another reason to fall in love with the Philippines. The result of a fusion of local herbs and spices from the Southeast Asian region, Spanish colonial influence and respect for taste, style and flair is not lost on the eyes and palate of the visitor.
But nature is undoubtedly the country’s main attraction. On the more than fifteen thousand five hundred kilometres of coastline, the idyllic and paradisiacal white sandy beaches and coral reefs are the powerful magnet that attract millions of tourists every year. Beaches to suit the tastes of every traveller, they are ideal for scuba diving, as well as other water sports such as sailing, wakeboarding, surfing, kite surfing and water skiing. On the coast, but inland there are volcanoes, thirty-seven of which eighteen are active, and caves and underground rivers that will delight speleology enthusiasts.
And in all this immense and generous natural habitat, more than two hundred species of mammals such as the Tamaraw or Mindoro dwarf buffalo, the tarsier, a small primate with bulging eyes; the Philippine deer and the binturones, small mammals also known as bears but which are not related to plantigrades, among others. More than 600 birds, including almost 200 indigenous birds, and some of the largest fish species known today share space in the rivers with the Philippine crocodile. And in the sea, the dungongo, a kind of sea cow, and whale and thresher sharks.
With a wide variety of accommodation and the best health and wellness options, where you can enjoy open-air massages, luxury spas and delicious, healthy juices in some of the world’s most tranquil spas, the country is the ideal destination for family holidays thanks to its interesting range of activities for children, with friends or in groups and romantic getaways.
Seven paradise beaches to choose from
Unspoilt sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, some unknown beaches waiting to be discovered and others such as Palawan or Boracay, chosen on numerous occasions among the best in the world, awaken an unusual sensory activity. Here are a few that you should visit at least once in your life.
A twenty-minute drive will take you to Mantigue Island, in the province of Camiguin. With white sand and lush vegetation, it is one of the great tropical wonders of the Philippines, home to colourful, unique and rare marine creatures and an ideal destination for scuba diving, which you can do among hawksbill turtles in an incredible coral garden. Visited only during the day, you can make the experience more complete by wandering through the small tropical jungle and tasting a mouthful of sea urchin “uni” made by the locals on the beach.
Guyam, Daku and Naked Island in Siargao del Norte. The first is a small circular island with coconut trees and beach huts, the second, Daku which in local dialect means “big” is home to a small fishing community and the last, a sandbank with deep waters ideal for diving. Siargao is known among surfers for its waves, but it also offers the possibility to enjoy quiet and beautiful spots.
The Calaguas Islands in Camarines Norte is the place of choice for locals to relax and escape from the city. It is worth a visit to enjoy the sunrise or sunset on its white sandy beaches and hiking in the hills of neighbouring Tinaga.
On the northern tip of Cebu, the island of Bantayan is noted for its stunning white sandy beaches and has ecotourism as one of its main attractions. Easily accessible from the airport, it’s a great place for scuba diving, skydiving and kayaking. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture by fraternising with the locals who rely on fishing and the production of dried fish for their main livelihood.
Surrounded by crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, Kalanggaman Island in the province of Leyte invites you to immortalise it with your camera or state-of-the-art smartphone. Its silhouette resembles a bird’s wings that seem to flap in flight, hence its name, which derives from “langgam” bird in the local dialect. In this unspoilt area, where you’ll hardly find any major tourist resorts, you can camp on the beach and enjoy the light show provided by the stars at nightfall.
With towering cliffs and turquoise waters, the Secret Beach of El Nido in Palawan is only for the most adventurous, as it requires a swim through a crevice in the limestone rocks, but it’s well worth the effort.
Sugar Beach, known among locals as Langun Beach, is located in Sipalay in the province of Negros Occidental. A haven for locals on summer afternoons, its azure waters invite you to take a long swim until sunset or to practice activities such as snorkelling or paddle surfing.
The unexplored Caraga region
The Caraga region offers the perfect combination of unspoilt beaches and lush vegetation. Uninhabited islands, incredible rivers, meromictic lakes, where the water in the deep layers never mixes with the surface layers, natural pools, terraced waterfalls and mangroves make it one of the most beautiful and almost unknown treasures of the country.
Siargao is the gateway to this virgin territory. A surfer’s paradise and recognised as one of the best islands in the world, it’s only a two-hour flight from Manila. White sandy beaches surrounded by lush hills, exclusive accommodation that retains local charm, island tours and freshly caught seafood to sample make this island unique.
On the Dinagat Islands you can walk through a natural bonsai forest and discover a meromictic lake, majestic rock formations, some of the country’s best beaches and ancient traditions that are still alive today. And in Surigao del Sur you won’t be able to resist a relaxing swim in the Tinuy-an waterfalls or in the Enchanted River, a beautiful blue-water arm of the sea.
It's not all sun and sand
Caving, skydiving, dune bashing and mountaineering are other experiences the Philippine archipelago has in store for visitors.
Mountaineering and camping on Mount Pulag. Also known as the “Courtyard of the Gods”, it is ideal for hiking and climbing, offering the chance to admire from above the impressive sea of clouds that form on the surrounding slopes and, at nightfall, the blanket of stars that unfolds in the sky.
Sand dune bashing down the steepest slopes in La Paz, in Ilocos Norte, which guarantees an adrenaline rush, riding a quad bike, a 4×4 vehicle or using a board and, as a final prize, getting the best panoramic view of Paoay beach.
Caving in Sagada, where the icy waters of Lumiang Cave or Sumaguing Cave offer the chance to explore their secret chambers in a unique tour lasting about four hours.
Skydiving in Cebu. With this experience you will get a different perspective of the breathtaking natural landscape of the Philippines. But if you’re looking for something a little more laid-back, paragliding in Sarangani and Carmona in Cavite or Narvacan in Ilocos Sur is a great alternative that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
