Written by Laura Mullan
Comprised of more than 7,000 beautiful islands, the Philippines is a one-of-a-kind paradise begging to be explored. Across the archipelago you’ll find everything from powder-white beaches and remote tropical jungles, to emerald green rice fields and vibrant cosmopolitan cities. The Philippines is blessed with an alluringly unique geographical makeup. In fact, it’s the best place in the world for exploring Mother Nature, according to a study published by lastminute.com. So what are you waiting for? Pack your suitcase and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Did you know that together the Philippine islands create a stretch of coastline that’s more than 15,500km long? So, wherever you find yourself exploring in the Philippines, you’ll never be more than two hours away from the country’s amazing coastline. Whether you’re a water-sports enthusiast or prefer taking in the views from the shore, the coast is irresistible to every visitor.
On your trip, you could dive among magnificent coral reefs in a World Heritage site, discover hidden World War II relics or even swim alongside a mesmerising array of fish. Indeed, the Phillipines is hailed as Asia’s diving capital, and offers unrivalled opportunities for underwater adventures thanks to its crystal-clear waters, which are teeming with wildlife. Across the stunning coastline, you’ll be able spot more than 500 species of coral, 21,000 species of shellfish and an astonishing array of wildlife, from sharks, stingrays, octopus and moray eels to parrot fish, tuna, sweetlips and lionfish.
Island-hopping is a must if you want to get a real taste the Philippines, and the province of Palawan is a particular tourist favourite. As well as visiting famed attractions like the Matinloc Shrine, why not try a spot of snorkeling in this breathtaking province?
If you fancy exploring this tropical haven on foot, the Philippines isn’t short of things to see and do inland. Calveria in the province of Cagayan, for example, is home to awe-inspiring mountains, rugged, unspoiled coastlines and even lush jungles, and should be top of your to-do list. While there you’ll want to pay a visit to the seven-chambered Callao Cave or take a scenic boat ride down the Pinacanuan River? For a captivating dose of history and culture, head to Cagayan’s capital, Tuguegarao City.
Other magnificent wonders are scattered across the island, from smouldering volcanoes such as Mount Pinatubo and Mount Mayon to Bohol island’s Chocolate Hills and the much-photographed rice terraces of Banaue and Bucari.
Want to discover the wonders of the Philippines? Book a trip with G Adventure’s Small Group Tours:
Philippines Palawan Adventure: 9 days, Manila to Puerto Princesca from £1,019
This tour brings you the best of the province of Palawan, from El Nido’s karst stone formations to its vibrant rainforest.
Northern Philippines and Palawan Adventure: 16 days, Manila to Puerto Princesca, from £2,199
It’s hard to fully capture the Philippines’ colourful culture, pristine beaches and colonial history in just one trip, but this tour does a pretty decent job of it.
Northern Philippines Adventure: 9 days, Manila to Manila, from £968
This tour will show you the country’s northern highlights, taking in Luzon, famous for its picturesque terraced rice paddies, along with less-visited tiny villages.