Philippines - The Destination with Islands of Beaches and Fun

Wherever you go in the 7,100 islands of the Philippines , you will find fun-loving, hospitable, and naturally helpful locals. Named after the former king of Spain, the archipelago is blessed with innumerable natural resources and various scenic locations. It must have been really loved by the goddess of nature.

Traveling around the Philippines won’t pose any problem as many Filipinos can speak English. Most of the essential things, like food and accommodation, are cheap. Local means of transportation are very accessible and likewise cheap. Whatever type of adventure you are looking for, the Pearl of the Orient has it for you. Here are some key areas every foreigner must see:

Filipinos are kind people, but you must still take care of your possessions. Always attend to your belongings and don’t trust your valuables with people who present themselves as taxi drivers, hotel bell boys, or anyone in a guest relations position. When in crowded places, better leave your jewelry and valuables where they are safe instead of flaunting them outside.

The Philippines is definitely one of the most charming and attractive countries any foreigner will visit. Never mind the political tensions and natural calamities. The warmth of the people, economic advantage, and openness to other cultures surpass whatever negative image has been associated with the country.

Where to go

In addition to the country’s natural wonders, aggressive tourism marketing is key to the booming tourism industry in the Philippines. In 2007, it surpassed the 3-million-mark, which is 8-9% higher than that of the previous year.

Tourists find the beaches of the archipelago unlike any others in the world. For water activities and bathing under the sun, you can hit the beaches of Boracay for their famous white sand, crystal clear waters, and active nightlife; Pagudpud for the strong waves and winds sought after by surfers; El Nido, or also known as the “ Island of the Gods”, for its huge marble cliffs, tropical birds, and urban life.

If you’re traveling on a budget and you don’t mind being in crowds, you will have your hands full with the shopping challenge that is Divisoria. Located South of Metro Manila, Divisoria is the center of the retail and wholesale business in the city. Insanely cheap goods of all sorts are sold here. You can buy three shirts of good quality for just around two dollars, and accessories for as little as a dollar.

Another must-see place is the City of Baguio located far up north of Manila . This mountainous province is considered one of the cleanest cities in the country and boasts lush strawberry gardens and the wonderful scent of pine trees. Also known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines ”, Baguio has a relatively cooler climate, making it a famous honeymoon destination for local couples.

What to do

The abundant marine life, amazingly clear waters, and tropical climate of the country make it perfect for different types of water sports. You can go canoeing, windsurfing, and jet skiing around the islands of Batangas, Mindoro , Bohol and Palawan.

If you go for land adventure, mountaineering, trekking, hiking, and canopy walking are best at Matulid River, Mount Halcon, and Mount Pulog located in the Cordillera mountain ranges.

After these physically challenging activities, you can take a glimpse of the history of the Philippines under the Spanish rule at the walled city of Intramuros. Here, you can find museums and old architectural remnants of colonial times.