Introducing Philippines
Travel Alert: Due to the uncertain political situation in Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago, travel to these areas is not advised. Note also that in mid-December 2011, flash floods triggered by Tropical Storm Washi devastated parts of northern Mindanao including Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. 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.
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Last updated: Dec 21, 2011
Tips & articles
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Tuk-tuk tips: hold on tight in Asia’s three-wheeled taxis
8 December 2011
Zipping through traffic in an adorable three-wheeled vehicle is a hallmark experience for many travellers in Asia and particularly in...
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7 natural wonders of the world: Lonely Planet readers’ picks
22 November 2011
The New7Wonders Foundation caused no end of controversy and outrage with their shortlist of the world’s natural wonders, and it...
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Before it’s too late: the world’s most endangered sights
21 July 2011
Tourism, political instability and urban development threaten some of our greatest natural and cultural history – do your bit for...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: island hoping in Palawan
by gandahan 14 September 2011
Island hopping through El Nido's cliff-backed islands, snorkeling off white sand beaches in crystal-clear waters. Honda Bay, one of the…
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RE: Need help picking a more exciting honeymoon spot
by SoloHobo 14 September 2011
You can find plenty of boutique lodging, adventure, nature and wildlife in Costa Rica, in plenty of places with few tourist and well off…
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RE: Thai to Phillipines by boat?
by Bradstock 14 September 2011
hi all, new to this forum. this topic's probably ancient, but didn't want to start a new thread. i was just wondering what the cheapest/e…
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Philippines
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Philippines
Things to do
- All things to do (702)
- Activities (124)
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- Shopping (83)
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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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More fun pic: Coron Bay
Blog: First-time Traveler - 29 January 2012
The crystal clear waters, the limestone formations, the corals — they seem to paint Coron Bay into a picturesque paradise. Indeed, it is a paradise. Having been there, I would love to spend another week or more to savor every … Continue reading →
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More fun pic: Bais City, Negros Oriental
Blog: First-time Traveler - 28 January 2012
Bais City’s sandbar and villas are the closest picture I get for my Maldives dream. On top of this, there’s also the dolphin watching at the bay. This picture is pure bliss. It was fun swimming on a giant pool … Continue reading →
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Traveling to help Rebuild Cagayan de Oro
Blog: First-time Traveler - 28 January 2012
In December 2011, amid the holiday frenzy, the Philippines was struck with a challenge when typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) suddenly took everyone by surprise as it caused severe flooding in the southern region of the country. The cities … Continue reading →
