Destination overview

The Philippines is another destination that offers balmy weather, beautiful beaches, azure oceans and excellent diving in many of its regions. The capital, Manila, is a teeming metropolis. Few colonial buildings survived the WWII bombing and are now overwhelmed by modern monoliths. However, don’t be fooled. This is more than just a stepping-off point for Filipino tropical paradises. Manila has a charm all of its own. You can still find parts of the medieval walled city of Intramuros, and the original culture in many of the city’s other attractions.

The Baroque San Agustin Church managed to survive all the bombings intact. And not much of Chinatown’s lifestyle has changed either. Three centuries under Spanish rule followed by 50 years of American influence has made the Philippines an Asian country unlike any other. Through a thick layer of Spain and America, you can glimpse the Filipino soul expressing its unique, cultural identity through creativity.

Affluent Makati has been absorbed into Manila and this is where the fashionable boutiques, restaurants and people can be found. From the thrift shopper to the professional, there is something for everyone. You will find bargains to hunt and haggle for at street market stalls all over the country, as well as brand names to be found in malls in year-round sales. In the Philippines, shops are open from morning until late at night, with weekends being particularly busy. Sales staff are friendly and helpful, and if it’s shopping you’re after, you will find the experience here to be lots of fun.

Many of the industrial areas of big cities like Manila have back-to-back bars and restaurants lining the streets to draw in a buzzing crowd of young professionals after working hours. You will love the energetic vibe. Overnight tourists will find the quirkier side of fun in places like Quezon City, while urban dwellers and business travellers have time to relax and have a drink in the hotels that fill Makati. And, it’s only a quick walk across the street for great-value shopping in the ever-busy Greenbelt mall stretch.

There are some stunning deals to be had in the eastern Pearl Market of Market! Market! at Taguig City, vintage hunts in the many ukay-ukays (thrift stores) of Baguio and local designer finds in style-savvy Cebu. After your shopping spree, relax at the theatre or recharge at a spa. Resorts World in Pasay City, with its flashy casino lanes, musical theatre and big-name outlets will keep you more than occupied. Just make sure you’ve brought your credit card and lucky charms.

Not too much further north is Zambales on Subic Bay. Naturally beautiful, it still retains an old-time charm and is well-known for its sandy beaches, deep blue sea and coral reefs. Water sports are the major reason to come here, and you must try to fit in a visit to Marine Exploratorium – you will love it.

La Union on the coast and Benguet in the beautifully chiselled Cordillera Mountains are good places to explore as are the Banaue rice terraces built by the head-hunting Ifugao and the Spanish Village in Vigan. While there, look out for clay pottery, woven blankets and Basi, the native sugar cane wine.

Those who don’t go to Bolinao for its beaches and sport fishing come for the archaeological site. And Ilocos Norte, way up on the northern tip of the island, holds a number of attractions including the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum, the resting place of the late President Marcos as well as a range of memorabilia from his time in office.

Heading south from Manila, you’ll find Tagaytay perched high on a ridge overlooking the world’s smallest active volcano. It’s so small because it has risen anew from the lake formed in the crater from the original volcano. If you’re really feeling adventurous, try trekking to it or explore one of the many caves in the area.

The less adventurous can visit the interesting Basilica of Saint Martin, island hop on Taal Lake, or shop for local craft like pina cloth and balisong. A little further south and you can dive the rich marine parks of the Batangas or bask on the beaches. Otherwise, go straight to Anilao and head off to another island adventure. The beautiful palm-fringed Boracay is tranquil and slow with a special laid-back feel to it.

The captivating powdery sand of White Beach is superb, and other beaches equally as good are Ilig-Iligan, Pukashell and Balihai. If you’re feeling energetic, you can always island hop, visit a bat cave, or play a round of golf. At night, the sands come alive with revellers and many don’t go to sleep until dawn.

In Cebu you can go to San Remigio for diving and golf, or Lapu-Lapu on Mactan Island. When you’re not working on your tan or spending time in the water, go dolphin and whale spotting, shopping in Cebu City or try your luck at the casino.

The distinct cuisine comes from the comfort food that reminds Filipinos of family, home and simple joys. The Filipino family meets around local dishes cooked with love, passion, and plenty of soy sauce. The national dish is adobo (pork stewed in garlic, soy sauce and vinegar) and the Filipinos have as many recipes as they have islands. Its many-layered flavours are expressed differently from kitchen to kitchen, so an invitation to dine at a local family’s home will be an experience you won’t forget. And neither will your taste buds!

For even more relaxation, kick back with ice cold drinks at the percentage of the price you’re used to paying while watching the sunset at Manila Bay. Or experience hearty Filipino dining at a restaurant or bistro. At dressed-down dampas, you can order fresh crustaceans by the kilo, straight from the market stalls, and then place your order with the restaurant kitchen.

With islands so diverse, Philippine culture is a feast of fun and festivity. Wherever you go on these wonderful islands, you’ll be welcomed by warm people and beautiful scenic surrounds and you’ll know that you’re in paradise.