| With over seven thousand islands, it's no surprise | | | | hundreds of species of tropical fishes and corals |
| sand and sea comes to mind for most people | | | | and 3 species endangered sea turtles. El Nido's |
| when they think about the Philippines. Although the | | | | forests are host to more than 100 species of |
| Philippines have that in abundance, it does the | | | | birds, a large number of which are endemic to the |
| country disservice as it is a diverse land in a small | | | | island of Palawan. |
| package. Here are 10 of the things not to miss | | | | 6. Intramuros - Located in the heart of Manila, this |
| when visiting the Philippines. | | | | old walled city was constructed in 1571, during the |
| 1. Boracay - Probably the best beach you've | | | | period of Spain's colonization of the Philippines. It |
| never heard of. Clear turquoise waters, swaying | | | | comprises of European buildings and churches |
| palm trees and white sand so fine, it's like | | | | heavily influenced by Spanish architecture. It was |
| stepping on powder. It's off the coast of Panay | | | | once one of the most preserved medieval cities, |
| and 350 kilometres south of the capital Manila. | | | | unfortunately, World War II took its toll. The site |
| Only about 7 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide | | | | is a timeless journey through forts and dungeons, |
| at its narrowest point, don't let the small size fool | | | | old churches, colonial houses, and horse-drawn |
| you. The island is packed full of delights for every | | | | carriages. |
| traveller. Whether you just want to enjoy the sun | | | | 7. Ati-Atihan Festival - The most famous of the |
| and lie on the beach or to water sports or a | | | | Philippine fiestas, the Ati-Atihan, held every third |
| buzzing nightlife, Boracay offers these and more. | | | | sunday of January in the town of Kalibo in the |
| 2. Banaue Rice Terraces - Rice paddies carved | | | | province. Participants paint their faces with soot, |
| out of the mountains by the Ifugao people using | | | | and wear colorful and outlandish costumes as |
| primitive tools available 2,000 years ago. It is an | | | | they dance in the street in revelry for the last |
| awesome site with what looks like gigantic stairs | | | | three days in a two week long festival. |
| stacked together. In fact, the Ifugaos call it the | | | | 8. Mount Mayon - Located near the town of |
| "Stairway to Heaven". The terraces are part of | | | | Legaspi, the majestic Mayon volcano is considered |
| the UNESCO World Heritage list. | | | | one of the world's most perfect cones. It is |
| 3. Diving - You can't go wrong with 7,000 island to | | | | popular with climbers and campers and is |
| choose from and it doesn't come as a surprise | | | | surrounded by its own park - the Mayon Volcano |
| that the Philippines is one of the premier dive | | | | National Park. |
| spots in the world. One of the best dive spots is | | | | 9. Swimming with whale sharks - Donsol in the |
| the Apo Reef Marine Natural Park off the west | | | | province of Sorsogon is host to one of the |
| coast of Mindoro. Sightings of sharks, barracuda, | | | | highest concentrations of whale sharks in the |
| tuna and turtles are fairly common. Most of the | | | | world. Although whale sharks or "butanding" as |
| Philippines' 450 species of coral can be found here, | | | | they are locally known are enormous in size, |
| from tiny bubble corals to huge gorgonian sea | | | | reaching around 15 metres in length, they are |
| fans and brain corals, along with hundreds of | | | | remarkably gentle and docile that it's generally |
| species of smaller reef fishes such as angelfish, | | | | safe to swim alongside them. It is an |
| batfish, surgeonfish and jacks. | | | | unforgettable experience and all you need is some |
| 4. Chocolate Hills - The Chocolate Hills are the | | | | basic snorkelling gear since these whale sharks |
| island of Bohol's most famous attraction. They | | | | swim very close to the surface of the water. |
| look like giant mole hills or as some would say, | | | | 10. Vigan - Time has stood still in this town in the |
| women's breasts. There are around 1,200 of | | | | north of the Philippines. It is included in UNESCO's |
| them, mostly uniform in shape and around 30 - 50 | | | | World Heritage list for its unique fusion of Asian |
| metres high. The hills are covered with grass and | | | | design and construction with European colonial |
| during the dry summer months, the unforgiving | | | | architecture and planning. In the old town, streets |
| sun turns the vegetation brown hence, the name. | | | | and pavements are cobbled and buildings in |
| 5. El Nido - White sand and clear blue waters set | | | | impressive Spanish colonial architecture. In some |
| amidst majestic limestone cliffs provide the visitor | | | | areas of the old city, only the "calesas" or the |
| a choice of relaxation and adventure. El Nido is | | | | horse-drawn carriages are allowed pass through, |
| considered as a showcase of the Philippine's | | | | aiding to that old world ambiance. |
| geology and diverse wildlife. It is home to | | | | |