Find uninhabited tropical islands; visit volcanoes; walk in lush ravines; dive through spectacular coral gardens; laze on unspoiled beaches; see the extraordinary slopes of world–famous rice terraces. The Philippines consists of 7,107 islands set in seas rich with fish and plant life. A gateway to natural wonders of the world, the Philippines is a top tourist destination with its beautiful beaches which remained unspoiled. The most famous destination is Boracay Island, off the Visayan Province of Aklan, a beautiful island of powdery white sand and tranquil waters. Visitors call the island “paradise”. The province of Palawan presents dramatic limestone cliffs and amazing wildlife both above and below the water. The Tubbataha National Park is the largest of the country’s many marine reserves and offers 33,200 colourful hectares where turtles and giant manta rays roam. The breathtaking Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Puerto Princesa Underwater River), also in Palawan, was officially proclaimed as one of the New7Wonder of Nature.
Rising 1,500 meters above sea level with its six-hour trek up the zigzagging Kennon Road and sweet smelling scent of pine trees and flowers is the “summer capital” of the Philippines, Baguio City. Banaue is site of the majestic Rice Terraces, which were carved by indigenous people two thousand years ago. Laguna, near the capital Manila, has an abundance of hot springs, lakes – and orchids. Up North, in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, you will find Pagudpud, the “boracay of the north”. Here, the mountains and hills are extravagant, and the valleys are fruitful. From the formidable terrain of Ilocos Coast to the music–filled streets of Cebu City (a good starting point for aqua adventures) there are hostels offering a range of touring and activity packages. MORE
HI Philippines 