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Islands & Beaches
With over 7000 islands and a stunning tropical location, it’s hardly surprising that the Philippines also boasts some of the world’s best beaches. Your choices range from touristy and developed spots like Boracay, to desert islands where you can live out your own ‘stranded in paradise’ fantasy.
White Beach on Boracay is the heavily made-up reigning queen of the Philippine resorts.
The Bacuit Archipelago is one of the world’s most stunning seascapes.
The Romblon Islands are where natural wonders seem to be for your eyes only.
Pagudpud is known as the ‘Boracay of the North’ – without the people.
Sipalay is a remote town featuring idyllic Sugar Beach, the perfect beach retreat.
Malapascua Island is a laid-back beach and diving resort on the verge of big things.
The Calamian Group contains some lovely Robinson Crusoe islands and great wreck diving.
Coron Island has some incredible lakes and great beaches along its coast.
North Pandan Island is a lovely island where the only thing to rival the diving is the glorious buffet.
Camiguin Island is a volcanic wonderland for X-Gamers and retirees alike.
Thrills & Activities
Due to its great diversity of natural terrain, the Philippines is a natural venue for all sorts of outdoor and adventure sports. Indeed, only Indonesia can compete with the Philippines for the title of ‘adventure sports capital of southeast Asia’.
Paddle into the wonderfully weird world of Sabang’s Subterranean River
Snorkel with the whale sharks at Donsol
Surf the gnarly reefs around Cloud Nine
Climb Mt Apo to be on the top of the Philippines
Go subterranean in the caves around Sagada
Dive the awesome wrecks of Coron
Explore the uncharted caves and underground rivers of central Samar
Trek Mt Kanlaon, an active volcano with some of Negros’ last woodlands
Dive in Moalboal, a self-contained budget dive and party town
Ascend Mt Halcon, the Philippines’ most challenging climb
Festivals
Filipinos don't need much of an excuse to hold a festival, and it’s well worth trying to schedule your travels around a few of the big ones. It’s a great chance to see the people and the country at their most colourful. The following list is our top 10.
The Ati-Atihan festival rocks the streets of Kalibo in January
Lose yourself in La Carlota’s Kabankalong Sinulog, a wild street party held on the second Sunday in January
Witness Cebu City’s Sinulog, celebrated on the third Sunday of January
The raucous Moriones Festival livens up sleepy Marinduque every Holy Week
Easter in San Fernando features a crucifixion ceremony where volunteers are nailed to a cross
The Rodeo Masbateño brings out the cowboy in Filipinos every April/May
The waterborn Pista’y Dayat Festival takes place off the coast of Lingayen every 1 May
During Pahiyas on 15 May, Lucban residents cover their houses with flamboyant decorations made with fruit, vegetables and wild paper creations
The Kaamulan festival each September celebrates indigenous tribal unity and culture in this little-visited region
The Peñafrancia Festival in Naga draws hordes of people every September
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