Philippines holidays

For adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts, one of the best things to do in the Philippines is to explore the country’s volcanos. If you’re up for a challenge, hike the symmetrical cone of Mount Mayon, the Philippines’ most active volcano. Or pair a 4x4 excursion with a hike around Mount Pinatubo, which is home to an emerald-green lake and beautiful views.

Thrill seekers can swim alongside giant whale sharks off the coast of Sorsogon in southern Luzon or with dugongs around Calauit Island. If you prefer to stay on land, head to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, northeast of Tagbilaran. And you can see some of the world’s largest eagles at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City.

Few sandy stretches can compete with Boracay’s White Beach and its impossibly smooth shoreline, turquoise waters and fiery sunsets. In Central Luzon, the emerald Banaue Rice Terraces are often called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. For more breathtaking nature, head to the Chocolate Hills, named for their likeness to confectionery during the dry season.

With thousands of islands to choose from, there’s no shortage of dreamy beaches in the Philippines. Sun-worshippers flock to the white sands of Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island in Cebu. And in Palawan, snorkellers explore the shipwrecks around Coron Bay’s beaches. Prefer to surf? Siargao Island’s Cloud 9 break draws wave riders from around the world.

Marvel at the Banaue Rice Terraces, known as the ‘stairway to heaven’ by the Ifugao people. In Bohol, don’t miss the conical Chocolate Hills, which legend says are the calcified tears of a giant. Love movies? Visit the Pagsanjan Falls in the province of Laguna, famously featured in the final scenes of Francis Ford Coppola’s film ‘Apocalypse Now’.

Plenty of museums in the Philippines offer a slice of the country’s rich culture. In the capital city of Manila, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology are always worth a visit. And in Makati, the Ayala Museum showcases Filipino culture, art, history and heritage. Bookworms should head to the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center in Marikina.

With Chinese, Mexican, Malay and American influences, Filipino cuisine is a fusion of global flavours. When visiting local restaurants in the Philippines, look out for popular dishes like ‘adobo’ (meat cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and spices), ‘lechon’ (spit-roasted pig) and ‘kilawin’ (Filipino ceviche). For dessert, try ‘halo-halo’, made from shaved ice, evaporated milk and a mixture of toppings.