Introducing Philippines
Travel Alert: Due to the uncertain political situation in Mindinao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago, travel to these areas is not advised. Check Safe Travel for current government warnings.
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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.
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.
Last updated: Jun 2, 2010
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Recent posts
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travel itinerary
by guabitas 4 replies, last post 01 August 2010
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Philippines
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 Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
- 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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Another Rainy Season
Blog: ContemporaryNomad - 30 July 2010
The rains have started once again. But we don’t mind. With ever changing skies, ominous clouds and frequent downpours, the wet season provides great opportunities for more dramatic photography. Tony took this flash photo in the bay of Port Barton to capture an incredibly surreal moment in time. While watching the sunset in the warm waters [...]
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Squidos
Blog: ContemporaryNomad - 28 July 2010
Before leaving El Nido, we have to mention Squidos, our absolute favorite restaurant. (In all honesty, it’s the only restaurant we’ve eaten at). The French owner Jean-Marc and his Filipino wife Narcel have quickly included us in their circle of friends, and eating at their restaurant feels more like meeting old friends over a home-cooked [...]
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The Beach
Blog: ContemporaryNomad - 26 July 2010
Before we leave El Nido, I thought I should mention one little relatively unknown tidbit on the region. It is believed that Alex Garland based his novel “The Beach” on tiny Secret Beach hidden on the west coast of Matinloc Island. Many assume his perfect beach was a reference to the beach backing Maya Bay [...]
