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Philippines
- Overview
- The Basics
- Attractions
- Events
- Activities
- Public Holidays
- Useful Contacts
- Airports
- Climate
- Currency
- Visa & Passport
- Philippines Map
What to see in Philippines
Philippines Attractions
The main attractions of the Philippines are its 7,107 beautiful islands, and for most travellers the remoteness of these destinations is part of the appeal. The capital city, Manila, is an easy place to start and the main entry-point for tourists. There are marvellous buildings and cathedrals such as Intramuros and San Augustin Church which stand as testament to the history of Spanish colonialism. The Nations Museum and the Malacanang Palace are great places to learn about the country's history. Manila is also the gateway to the famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and there are many delightful islands and regions to explore nearby, including the islands of Palawan and Corregidor, as well as the unspoilt Banue region.
From Cebu, another popular starting point, island attractions and beaches in the Visayas are a chartered flight or ferry away, but the city itself also offers plenty to see and do, including the important religious site of Basilica Minore de Santo Nino, or Fort San Pedro. For easily accessible island paradise, try Boracay and its beautiful, white sand beaches, while still enjoying international comforts.
The Philippines has much to offer tourists, but all travellers should ensure that they are well-informed about the current dangers of a holiday in the country including areas to avoid and safety precautions advised by travel experts.
Bohol
The island province of Bohol is one of the loveliest in the Visayas group, and lies southeast of the city of Cebu. It has plenty to offer in the form of historical and natural attractions: the world's…
Boracay
The tiny, butterfly-shaped island of Boracay in the western Visayas is a major hotspot for international sun-lovers, and has become one of the Philippines' most popular resort destinations. Thousands…
Camiguin
The tiny island of Camiguin on the north coast of Mindanao is renowned for the friendliness of its people, epitomised in its lively annual festival dedicated to the humble lanzones fruit, which also…
Fort San Pedro
Fort San Pedro, located in Cebu City's wharf area, was the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement in the country. It began as a single triangular bastion, built in 1565, and was expanded and fortified…
Intramuros
The oldest part of Manila is the walled Spanish enclave of Intramuros on the southern bank of the Pasig River. Intramuros is a feast of historic buildings and churches, many of which are being or have…
Malacañan Palace
The Malacañan Palace is the seat of government and official residence of the Philippines head of state. This gracious villa has been a noble residence on the north bank of the Pasig River since…
National Museum of the Philippines
The large and comprehensive National Museum and Art Gallery of the Philippines preserves and showcases the cultural, historical and natural heritage of the islands with collections housed in two different…
Palawan
The island of Palawan is an elongated stretch of thickly forested landscape bordered by coves, beaches, lagoons and limestone cliffs, stretching from the southwest of Luzon towards Malaysia. The island…
Puerto Galera
Puerto Galera, on the island of Mindoro, consists of several towns and beach resorts that have melded together on a protruding piece of land shaped like a whale's tale to form the Philippines' fifth-largest…
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located in the province of Palawan, about 36 miles (58km) north of the city of Puerto Princesa. The underground river has recently seen a massive…
Tagaytay City
Tagaytay is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the Philippines, famous for the Taal Volcano. The volcano is unique in that it sits on an island in a lake, and has another lake within its…
The Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are the most famous tourist attraction of the Filipino province of Bohol and a regular feature on lists of the top 10 things to see in the Philippines. The area known as the Chocolate…
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