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Culturally and geographically removed from the rest of Southeast Asia, this green archipelago is best known for its pristine beaches. But, moving inland, there are many other places to visit on your vacation in the Philippines, as our specialists have discovered from their exploratory trips there.
With more than 7,000 islands, it can be hard to decide what to see in the Philippines. You might take a few days in Manila to explore the capital’s heady mix of Asian, Spanish and Middle Eastern cultures. Continue south and you can visit the rumbling slopes of Taal Volcano or the emerald crater lakes of Luzon, while in the north you can discover the vast and ancient rice terraces of Banaue. And, reserving the end of your trip for the Philippines’ telltale white sands, you can enjoy world-class diving through the World War II wrecks off Coron or the bright corals of Malapascua.
Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience the Philippines.
Full day tour to Taal Lake & Taal Volcano
Taal Volcano and Taal Lake lie approximately 70 kilometers south of Manila. Once you reach the shore of the lake you will board an outrigger boat for the 30-minute trip across the lake to Taal Volcano Island, from where you'll trek uphill through the hardened black lava to the crater rim.
Trek to Batad
Batad is a village deep in the mountains that is known for its rice terraces which have been built in concentric circles down the mountain sides like an amphitheater with the village right in the middle.
Bontoc & Sagada
Bontoc is the first mining town in this mountainous region of North Luzon and a must-see is the Museum of Mountain Culture which has the most complete collection of tribal memorabilia and historical data.
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit the Philippines, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Practical tips for traveling to the Philippines, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to the Philippines. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate the Philippines at its best.
Southeast Asian cuisine
Trade routes, historic connections, colonialism and common sources of ingredients have left many strong links between the dishes found throughout Southeast Asia. We investigate the very distinct national variations that have evolved in this region.
