The Republic of the Philippines is a vast archipelago of Insulindia. The country is made up of 7,641 islands, which are categorized into three main geographic divisions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The Asian archipelago is considered one of the ten megadiverse countries in the world. Photo: Coron, Philippines by Jah Cordova – Pixabay
The Philippines has several beaches, caves and other rock formations. Tourist attractions in the country include the white sand beaches of Boracay, named the best island in the world in 2012.
You will also find in the Philippines, historic cities, neighborhoods and museums that preserve centuries of great changes in their walls. From nature to history, dig deep into the cultural legacies left by Spanish colonization.
How about diving next to WWII shipwrecks and crystal clear water lagoons, and enjoying their viewpoints with views that seem to have been made by computer graphics?
The Philippines is much more than El Nido and Boracay. Don’t forget to also visit other islands such as: Coron, Panglao, Cebu and Bohol; be surprised by the numerous activities of each of them!
1 – Baywalk
In front of Manila Bay, the Baywalk stands out, a long boardwalk that runs along most of the city’s coastline. Along the way, there are bars, restaurants and entire families strolling. And the main thing: an absolutely unforgettable sunset!
2 – Bonifacio High Street
Located in the district of Bonifacio Global City (BCG), one of the main financial centers of the capital, the sophisticated Bonifacio High Street is a “concept street”, with a kilometer long full of brands, electronic stores, restaurants and a pleasant central park. . The environment also has several interactive works of art and wide sidewalks, excellent for an unpretentious walk.
3 – Cebu
Cebu is the second largest city in the Philippines, after Manila. Located further south of the archipelago, the similarities with the capital are so great that it’s hard to believe we’re anywhere else. In Cabu it is worth visiting the imposing Basilica of Santo Niño and the San Pedro Fort.
4 – Manila’s Chinatown (Binondo)
The oldest Chinatown in the world, known locally as Binondo, was created in the distant year 1584, and almost completely destroyed during the Second World War. Some buildings resisted, such as the beautiful Binondo Church, a Christian temple built in 1596 and one of the oldest in the country. The nearby Kuang Kong Buddhist temple is open to the public, where you can learn more about the roots of Sino-Philippine culture and even light incense sticks as you say your prayers.
5 – El Nido (Palawan Island)
El Nido is a famous Philippine beach located on the tourist island of Palawan. Until recently, unknown to foreign tourists, the beach became fashionable thanks to its idyllic landscapes, which mix crystal clear waters, forests and rocky walls in a setting that enchants at first sight. Wherever you go in El Nido, there are breathtaking views.
6 – Boracay Island
Boracay is the most famous island in the Philippines. A tropical paradise, surrounded by crystal clear waters and white sand, which has exported the country’s image as a destination with the best beaches in the world. When the sun goes down on Boracay, the island turns into a party, with one of the liveliest nights in the country!
7 – Coron Island
Touted as one of the best diving spots to see World War II shipwrecks, Coron also offers a higher than normal amount of aquatic life, present in the preserved coral reefs. With lagoons surrounded by cliffs and lots of vegetation, it’s hard to resist an invitation to snorkel.
8 – Intramural
The historic center of Intramuros is Manila’s main attraction. With fortifications, cathedrals, convents and monasteries, visiting Intramuros is essential to understand a little more about the country’s history and the period of Spanish rule. Founded in 1571, Intramuros was for centuries the commercial, educational, governmental and religious center of Spain’s most distant colony. Through it, it is easy to reach the main attractions, such as San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral and Fort Santiago.
9 – Rizal Park (Spyglass)
Rizal Park is Manila’s lungs. A green space, wide and wooded, in contrast to the stone jungle of the city. A short walk from the historic district of Intramuros, the park is ground zero of the Philippine capital, from which all distances are calculated. Its main point of reference is the statue of José Rizal, a national hero who fought for the country’s independence against the Spaniards.
10 – Shrine of Tarsiers
Small, fragile-looking and cuddly, Tarsiers (or tarsiers) are the smallest primates in the world. They are said to have inspired Steven Spielberg and George Lucas to create the characters E.T and Yoda, although they look more like gremlins. They measure between 9 and 16 centimeters and weigh less than 200 grams, always keeping an eye out for insects. It’s hard to put laziness aside, as they spend most of the day sleeping hanging from branches.