Endless beaches to get lost in and call your paradise

At a Glance

The Philippine Islands lie off the southeastern coast of the Asian mainland, across the South China Sea from Vietnam and China. Volcanic in origin, the Philippine Islands are the higher portions of a partly submerged mountain chain. More than 7,100 islands and islets are included in the Philippine archipelago, the 11 largest of which make up more than 90 percent of the total area. With its numerous islands, the Philippines has a total coastline of about 36,289 km (22,549 mi), one and three quarters that of the United States.

History

Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese. In 1898, after 350 years and 300 rebellions, the Filipinos succeeded in winning their independence from Spain. The US victory in the Philippine-American War at the turn of the 20th century at the heels of the Philippines’ war with Spain greatly influenced the modern Filipino culture and official language. But the legacy of the Spanish Empire remains: The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian country in Asia, with Catholics making up 80% of the population.

Where to Go

The Philippines can be divided into three geographic areas that can be accessed by a combination of land, air and water transport.

Luzon – Capital Region

Manila, the capital city, is one of the 16 cities that make up the National Capital Region. Located in a naturally sheltered harbor, Manila has a clutch of Spanish-era architecture from when it became the center of the Spanish activity in the Far East, and the concentration of these sights can be found in the walled, old city of Intramuros. Just outside the fortifications lies Binondo, established in 1594 for the Catholic Chinese, making it the oldest Chinatown in the world.

The already bustling Manila turns feverish from the first to second week of January when the 'translacion' (procession) of the 400-year-old Black Nazarene (statue of dark-skinned Christ carrying the burden of His cross) literally stops traffic as it attracts millions of devotees. For a different kind of crowd, head to Divisoria to shop for knickknacks, accessories and clothing and everything in between. Manila's cosmopolitan side is most apparent in Makati, center of the country's finance. Close by lies Bonifacio Global City, a growing hub for well-heeled locals, expats and global professionals.

Visayas – White Sand Beaches, Underground River and Dive Hotspots

If there's anything that defines central Philippines, it's the endless white sand beaches, dive spots teeming with marine life, and a culture of island of hopping. Your first stop from Manila will likely be in Palawan, currently the Philippines' hottest destination for its world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. More than a kilometer of the navigable river is open for tourists to explore on a 45-minute tour where visitors will marvel at stalactites and stalagmites that look like everyday shapes and objects.

About six hours from here is the turquoise waters of El Nido strewn with vertiginous limestone cliffs home to swiftlets and several other bird species. There is plenty of island-hopping to be had, with options for overnight camping in one of the uninhabited islands far removed from the bustle of the town. There is also plenty of diving opportunities, but the hard-core diver makes a beeline to Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the ultimate getaway, seek out El Nido's poshest resorts located in their own islands, and let the rhythms of sun and sea refresh your body and mind.

Nightlife is yet to really take hold in Palawan, so if you are looking for sun, sand and sangria, head to Boracay for its party vibe, fire dancers, 4-kilometer White Beach, and a menu of offshore activities such as kiteboarding, parasailing, sunset cruising, and beginner and advanced diving. As the beach capital of the Philippines, Boracay is a mature destination teeming with both tourists and facilities catering to their needs.

Cebu, right at the heart of central Philippines, is the center of Catholicism as it was here where the first Christian cross was erected on Philippine shores. Many expatriates have flocked to Cebu not just for its cultural riches but also for its cosmopolitan character, being home to a slew of multinational corporations and call centers that have driven much of its progress long before other cities in the Visayas experienced growth spurt. Sunseekers, however, will take delight in Cebu's plethora of white sand beaches and dive spots, and its proximity to the tarsiers and "Chocolate Hills" of Bohol just across a narrow strait.

Mindanao – Indigenous Tribes and Highest Peak 

Davao City is the most progressive hub of commerce, trade and industry in the Philippine south and, according to crowd-sourced data, the safest city in the Philippines and 9th in the world. If you are looking to summit the Philippines' highest peak, Mount Apo, Davao is your staging point for that adventure. Davao and its surrounds is also home to a number of Philippine indigenous tribes who are not as visible in other parts of the country. Interestingly, Davao has an olfactory reputation for its spiky and pungent fruit, durian.