Explore the Philippines
About the Philippines
The Philippines and its beach ladened islands spread over a wide area, consisting of more than 7000 islands, whether it is white sand, black volanic sand or even pink sand, the beaches of the Philippines are rated as some of the best in the world.
Aside from its vast array of islands, the Philippines offers other natural wonders and things to explore and do. From Hiking and Trekking, Waterfalls and vast lakes, with stunning views from the sea to the skyline, from rice fields to historic landmarks and architecture, whatever you’re looking to find, the Philippines has it all.
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Manila is the capital of the Philippines and is central to Business and Education. It is divided into 16 districts, all of which have its own history, culture, and cuisine. The most populous area is Metro Manila, which consists of several cities such as Makati, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City and Taguig.
Batangas is in the southwestern part of the Luzon or the North Philippines. It's a province with 31 municipalities and three cities. Batangueños, or the local residents, are friendly and fun-loving individuals. The province offers a lot of water sports, scuba diving, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and others.
White sand beaches, diverse marine life, and amazing dive sites can be used to describe the beauty of Puerto Galera. Back in 1973, Puerto Galera was granted the title Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Because of its amazing marine life, Puerto Galera is mostly famous for its dive sites and snorkeling activities.
Pampanga is deemed as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. This province offers some of the best traditional and hybrid Filipino food. Some of the well-known dishes from this province are Sisig, Tocino, and Morcon, to name a few. This is definitely a must-visit for foodie travelers who want to get to know Filipino culture through food. Pampanga also offers amazing and thrilling activities like hiking and skydiving.
Subic is another favorite destination among the locals from Manila. Within the Zambales province, Subic is only around 2-4hrs of land travel from the Metro. There are a lot of fun adventures to experience in Subic.
If your goal is to simply relax at the beach, swim, and surf, then this is the place to be. La Union is an extremely popular destination among young Filipinos because of its laid-back vibe and amazing surfing spots. La Union is also more than just about its beaches. The province is also known for its heritage and cultural attractions.
Baguio got its nickname Summer Capital of the Philippines because of its cool climate. Especially during summer, locals from the neighboring provinces take a trip to Baguio in order to cool down and escape the harsh summer heat. There are a lot of activities and places to experience in Baguio as well, like horseback riding, riding a bike or a boat in Burnham Park, or visiting the Baguio Cathedral.
Boracay Island is certainly one of the most well-known and visited islands within the Philippines. Most popular beaches are the long ‘White Beach’ and ‘Puka Shell Beach’ also known as Yapak Beach. These were both included in TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Beaches in Asia.
Bohol is one of the most visited provinces in Visayas. The province is most famous for being the home of the Chocolate Hills and the world's smallest primate, the Tarsier. Located at the center of Visayas, Bohol is sandwiched between southeastern Cebu and southwestern Leyte. With a landmass of 4,117.3 sqm, Bohol comprises one main island and 73 smaller islands.
Deemed as "The Queen of the South," Cebu is the largest island in the Visayan group of islands. The country's second-largest city, Cebu City, is a bustling commercial hub with modern shopping complexes and leisure and entertainment establishments, making the city active day and night.
For the thrill-seekers and adventure junkies, Palawan has a lot of activities to offer, like zip-lining, trekking, spelunking, camping, and scuba diving.
Coron is one of the favorite getaways both for local and international travelers with its unique rock formations and clear waters. It's also famous for the World War II wreck diving spot. El Nido, on the other hand, is known for its amazing beaches and unique scenery. With 45 islands and islets, beach lovers will definitely fall in love with El Nido.
Known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao is currently one of the most favorite destinations today. Siargao is best known for its surf spots like Cloud 9, Pacifico, and Quicksilver, to name a few. There's also the Naked Island sandbar, Daku Island, and Guyam Island to visit. Another crowd favorite is the Sugba Lagoon, where travelers can relax and swim or try jumping off of their famous dive board.
Davao City can be found in the center of the Davao region. It is the third-largest city in the archipelago and the most populated city in Mindanao.
For activities other than enjoying Davao's waters and beaches, advanced hikers can accept the challenge that Mt. Apo presents as the highest peak not just in Mindanao but in the whole country. They can also visit the Philippine Eagle Center, the home of the Philippine Eagle and other animals.
Manila is the capital of the Philippines and is central to Business and Education. It is divided into 16 districts, all of which have its own history, culture, and cuisine. The most populous area is Metro Manila, which consists of several cities such as Makati, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City and Taguig.
Batangas is in the southwestern part of the Luzon or the North Philippines. It's a province with 31 municipalities and three cities. Batangueños, or the local residents, are friendly and fun-loving individuals. The province offers a lot of water sports, scuba diving, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and others.
White sand beaches, diverse marine life, and amazing dive sites can be used to describe the beauty of Puerto Galera. Back in 1973, Puerto Galera was granted the title Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Because of its amazing marine life, Puerto Galera is mostly famous for its dive sites and snorkeling activities.
Pampanga is deemed as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. This province offers some of the best traditional and hybrid Filipino food. Some of the well-known dishes from this province are Sisig, Tocino, and Morcon, to name a few. This is definitely a must-visit for foodie travelers who want to get to know Filipino culture through food. Pampanga also offers amazing and thrilling activities like hiking and skydiving.
Subic is another favorite destination among the locals from Manila. Within the Zambales province, Subic is only around 2-4hrs of land travel from the Metro. There are a lot of fun adventures to experience in Subic.
If your goal is to simply relax at the beach, swim, and surf, then this is the place to be. La Union is an extremely popular destination among young Filipinos because of its laid-back vibe and amazing surfing spots. La Union is also more than just about its beaches. The province is also known for its heritage and cultural attractions.
Baguio got its nickname Summer Capital of the Philippines because of its cool climate. Especially during summer, locals from the neighboring provinces take a trip to Baguio in order to cool down and escape the harsh summer heat. There are a lot of activities and places to experience in Baguio as well, like horseback riding, riding a bike or a boat in Burnham Park, or visiting the Baguio Cathedral.
Boracay Island is certainly one of the most well-known and visited islands within the Philippines. Most popular beaches are the long ‘White Beach’ and ‘Puka Shell Beach’ also known as Yapak Beach. These were both included in TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Beaches in Asia.
Bohol is one of the most visited provinces in Visayas. The province is most famous for being the home of the Chocolate Hills and the world's smallest primate, the Tarsier. Located at the center of Visayas, Bohol is sandwiched between southeastern Cebu and southwestern Leyte. With a landmass of 4,117.3 sqm, Bohol comprises one main island and 73 smaller islands.
Deemed as "The Queen of the South," Cebu is the largest island in the Visayan group of islands. The country's second-largest city, Cebu City, is a bustling commercial hub with modern shopping complexes and leisure and entertainment establishments, making the city active day and night.
For the thrill-seekers and adventure junkies, Palawan has a lot of activities to offer, like zip-lining, trekking, spelunking, camping, and scuba diving.
Coron is one of the favorite getaways both for local and international travelers with its unique rock formations and clear waters. It's also famous for the World War II wreck diving spot. El Nido, on the other hand, is known for its amazing beaches and unique scenery. With 45 islands and islets, beach lovers will definitely fall in love with El Nido.
Known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao is currently one of the most favorite destinations today. Siargao is best known for its surf spots like Cloud 9, Pacifico, and Quicksilver, to name a few. There's also the Naked Island sandbar, Daku Island, and Guyam Island to visit. Another crowd favorite is the Sugba Lagoon, where travelers can relax and swim or try jumping off of their famous dive board.
Davao City can be found in the center of the Davao region. It is the third-largest city in the archipelago and the most populated city in Mindanao.
For activities other than enjoying Davao's waters and beaches, advanced hikers can accept the challenge that Mt. Apo presents as the highest peak not just in Mindanao but in the whole country. They can also visit the Philippine Eagle Center, the home of the Philippine Eagle and other animals.
History
History
The name Philippines derives from Philip II, who was the King of Spain in the 16th Century during the Spanish Colonization of the Islands. After hundreds of years of colonization, the Philippines finally became independent on July 4, 1946.
Weather
Weather
The climate throughout the Philippines can be split into two distinct seasons, wet and dry. The dry season starts from November through to June, and the wet season runs from July through to October.
Filipino Food
Filipino Food
There are several dishes unique to the Philippines, and each region has its own specialised dish, although they are nearly all available across the entire country.
Culture & Festival
Culture & Festival
Filipinos are extremely friendly and family-oriented. They are very respectful, always addressing their elders with Kuya or Ate and other simple catchphrases like po and opo. They also raise the back of the hands of their elders to their foreheads to show respect.
Public Transport
Public Transport
There is no shortage of transport options throughout the Philippines. The usual mode of transportations are Jeepneys, Tricycles, and Pedicabs. There are also buses and trains available to travel long distances by land.
Nature
Nature
An archipelago of more than 7000 islands, the Philippines is a nature-lovers dream. Whether you’re into trekking up mountains, diving, or relaxing at the beach, the Philippines has something for everyone.
Pocket Guide Philippines
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