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Philippines

Philippines Travel Guide

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Philippines, Boracay Island

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Overview

The Philippines is defined by its emerald rice fields, teeming megacities, graffiti-splashed jeepneys, smoldering volcanoes, bug-eyed tarsiers, fuzzy water buffalo and smiling, happy-go-lucky people.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Banca boats in the water at Coron Island.
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    Coron Island

    Coron Town

    This island, only a 20-minute bangka ride from Coron town, has an imposing, mysterious skyline that wouldn’t be out of place in a King Kong film. Flying…

  • Craft store on historic Crisologo Street, Mestizo District.

    Mestizo District

    Vigan

    The Mestizo District, or Kasanglayan ('where the Chinese live'), is a grid of streets hemmed in between Plaza Burgos and Liberation Blvd and bisected by…

  • Tarsier in a tree at Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary.

    Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

    Bohol

    In Canapnapan, a barangay of Corella, you can see saucer-eyed tarsiers in the wild at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. Over 100 of these territorial…

  • Main gate of Fort Santiago in Manila, Philippines.

    Fort Santiago

    Manila

    Guarding the entrance to the Pasig River is Intramuros' premier tourist attraction: Fort Santiago. Within the fort grounds is an oasis of lovely manicured…

  • People praying at the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino in Cebu, Philippines.

    Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

    Cebu City

    Cebu's holiest church houses a revered Flemish statuette of the Christ child (Santo Niño) that dates to Magellan's time. The church is no stranger to…

  • San Agustin Church at Intramuros, Manila, Philippines.

    San Agustin Church

    Manila

    The San Agustin Church was the only building left intact after the destruction of Intramuros in WWII. Built between 1587 and 1606, it is the oldest church…

  • Trail to the observation deck among the water at low tide at Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary.

    Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary

    Cebu

    Just 20 minutes from Mactan by public bangka, Olango Island is home to this important wildlife reserve. Taking in 1030 hectares of sand flats and…

  • Nacpan beach in El Nido.

    Nacpan Beach

    El Nido

    For an easy day trip out of El Nido, head north by tricycle or motorbike to this incredible, golden-hued, 3km-long beach. Development has arrived in…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Places to Visit

Whether you’re after fabulous beaches, wild mountain treks or fabulous food, you’ll find something to love in these fabulous Philippines desintations.

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Best Time to Visit

There’s never a bad time to the magical Philippines. Yet some seasons offer certain advantages. Here’s a full guide on when to visit.

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