Introducing Philippines
The second-largest archipelago in the world, with over 7000 tropical islands, the Philippines is one of the great treasures of Southeast Asia. Often overlooked by travellers because of its location on the ‘wrong’ side of the South China Sea, the Philippines rewards those who go the extra distance to reach it. And because it’s off the beaten path, the Philippines is a great place to escape the hordes who descend on other parts of Southeast Asia. First and foremost, the Philippines is a place of natural wonders – a string of coral-fringed islands strewn across a vast expanse of the western Pacific. Below sea level, the Philippines boasts some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling, including wreck diving around Coron and swimming with the whale sharks off Donsol. Above sea level, it has a fantastic landscape with wonders enough to stagger even the most jaded traveller: the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Banaue & the Rice Terraces and fascinating reminders of the islands’ history in places such as Samar & Leyte and Vigan. And if you’re after palm-fringed, white-sand beaches, try laidback Sipalay or flat-out party town Boracay.
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Of course, any traveller who has been here will tell you that it’s the people and their culture that makes the Philippines unique. Long poised at the centre of Southeast Asian trade, colonised by a succession of world powers, the Philippines is a vivid tapestry that reflects its varied cultural inheritance. And despite the poverty that afflicts much of the nation, the Filipinos themselves are among the most ebullient and easygoing people anywhere. The Philippines truly qualifies as one of the last great frontiers in Southeast Asian travel. Cross whichever ocean you need to and see for yourself.
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Last updated: Apr 23, 2012
Tips & articles
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The best beaches of the Philippines
16 May 2012
The Philippines are generating a buzz as a less-discovered alternative to southeast Asian beach hotspots like Bali and southern Thailand....
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Ask Lonely Planet: where can I find a unique seaside honeymoon spot?
1 May 2012
A honeymoon with seaside charm but none of the cliches? Our travel experts were full of suggestions for Lonely Planet...
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Ten unusual honeymoon hotspots
23 April 2012
It’s your honeymoon, so it has to be special and unique. From the windswept beaches of a car-free island in...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: Philippines. Oroquieta safe to travel with children ?
by travellight77 27 May 2012
Its in mindanao so of course you will be told its dangerous by both westerners and filipinos in other provinces. Like the other poster…
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RE: Philippines Visa Rules Catching Up to its Neighbors. Finally!
by loubbylou 27 May 2012
We asked at the Philippines embassy in Hong Kong last week and the consular staff there said no, it's still 21 days for UK etc passports.…
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RE: Philippines Visa Rules Catching Up to its Neighbors. Finally!
by TheSwede 27 May 2012
Did anyone recently enter the Philippines and get 30 days VOA?
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Philippines
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Philippines
Things to do
- All things to do (706)
- Activities (125)
- Entertainment (112)
- Restaurants (256)
- Shopping (83)
- Sights (129)
- Tours (1)
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Our Top Picks For Philippines
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1 Siquijor
Spooky island province of mysterious traditional healers, charming beaches and spellbinding sunsets
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2 Banaue & the Rice Terraces
Trek til you drop in the 'eight wonder of the world'
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3 Malapascua Island
Explore waters teeming with thresher sharks and manta rays from this miniature island paradise
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4 Sagada
Cradle of cool, deep in the heart of the wild and woolly Cordillera Mountains
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5 Boracay
The pearl of the archipelago allures by day, energises by night
Fast Facts about Philippines
- World's biggest producer of:
coconuts; third-largest producer of bananas
- Population:
97.9 million
- Currency:
what's the Philippine Peso worth today?
- Number of islands:
7000
- Filming location of:
Apocalypse Now, Platoon and Born on the 4th of July
- World record:
largest cassava cake (100m)
- Videoke:
karaoke
- Head of state:
President Benigno Aquino III
- Life expectancy:
men 68 years, women 74 years
- Asia's first:
university (University of Santo Tomas, 1611); democratic nation (1896); commercial airline (Philippine Airlines, 1941)
Our favourite Philippines Blogs (beta)
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Update from the Field: Translation Follies, Contemplating Kindness and Comfort and KF Cribs
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 21 May 2012
Compiled by David Gorgani | KF17 | Dominican Republic This week's stories from the field span topics ranging from ill-equipped law enforcement to the "luxurious" living places of Kiva Fellows.
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Update from the Field: Thoughts on Wealth, Religion and History, Foods from the Field, and a Day in the Life of a Fellow
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 7 May 2012
Compiled by David Gorgani | KF17 | Dominican Republic As our fellowships wind down and as the first batch of KF17 fellows packs up to head home, the time has arrived to reflect on our experiences in the field and on the realities faced on a daily basis by the people living in the countries in which we've spent t
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First-time in Mabuhay Palace
Blog: First-time Traveler - 6 May 2012
“We’re on the road We move from place to place” It was labor day. One must have minded working on a holiday. I would have. But since it was field work and I would be working with a Filipino music icon, I jumped out of my bed and proceeded to Manila Hotel, one of … Continue reading »
