The Philippine Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. There is a wonderful climate, exotic views of nature, and many attractions. Resorts are developed no worse than Thai ones, and dizzying skyscrapers are not inferior to Hong Kong ones.
Characteristics of the Philippine Islands
The Philippines is an island nation located in the Malay Archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean. It stretches from north to south and consists of seven thousand islands. Many of them are small and uninhabited, but there are also those where the tourist infrastructure is developed. Therefore, every guest of the country will find a suitable occupation. The islands are distinguished by their relief features, nature views, and attractions.
The state is divided into three parts:
- In the northwestern part, the most famous island is Luzon, where the capital of the country is Manila;
- the central islands of the Philippines are the most visited by tourists due to the mild climate and developed infrastructure;
- there is one popular island in the south – Mindanao.
It is easy to get to the country, there are international airports on the largest islands. More often they fly here from Hong Kong or Singapore. There is a ferry service between the islands, and local air travel is also developed.
Visiting the Philippine Islands is popular with tourists from all over the world. What attracts this country to visitors:
- mild climate, clean not very salty water, and fine volcanic sand on the beaches;
- exotic nature with volcanoes, waterfalls, rice terraces, and underground rivers;
- modern cities with developed infrastructure, an abundance of shops, and everything necessary for cultural recreation;
- there is an opportunity for outdoor activities, hiking, and mountaineering.
The best places to relax
Depending on their interests and preferences, tourists can choose different places to relax in the Philippines. This state is suitable for a beach, romantic or family vacation, for tourists who prefer wildlife or lovers of historical attractions. There are places where comfortable conditions are created for guests and sparsely populated islands with untouched picturesque nature.
Sometimes it is difficult to choose where it is better to go. Therefore, the tourist needs to decide what he expects from the rest.
Beach resorts
Many people go to the Philippines to bask in the sun and swim in the sea. There are many beautiful beaches here because the coastline occupies 40 thousand kilometers. The purest seawater and snow-white sand will meet vacationers at the best beach resorts in the Philippines:
- Boracay;
- Bantayan;
- El Nido;
- Malapascuya;
- Palawan;
- Mactan;
- Bohol;
- Mindoro;
- Catanduanes;
- Cebu.
Active recreation
There are 9 seas in the Philippines with a rich underwater world. Beautiful corals, bright fish, large shells – this attracts tourists. You can get acquainted with the underwater world anywhere in the country. But the diving infrastructure is the most developed and there are equipment rental points at such resorts:
- Palawan;
- Malapascuya;
- Moalboale;
- Puerto Galera.
There is also an opportunity to surf here. The best time for this is autumn. And you can find a high wave on the islands of Luzon, Siargao, and Catanduanes.
Eco-tourism
If a tourist is looking for solitude on vacation in the Philippines and wants to get acquainted with wildlife, you need to go to Bohol. There are unique chocolate hills, a huge park with tarsier monkeys, and an extensive coastal area for beach holidays. Tourists will have an interesting cruise on the Loboc River and get acquainted with the picturesque waterfalls.
Palawan Island will also appeal to nature lovers. There is a huge park consisting of a network of caves and an underground river. And the most beautiful waterfalls in the country are on the island of Mindanao.
To see the unique forest of “iron” trees and the beautiful Enchanted river, you need to visit Surigao. This river is known for its clear water, through which the bottom can be seen at any depth. In addition, depending on the time of day, the water changes color.
And the island of Luzon is worth a visit because of the interesting Hidden Valley Nature Reserve. It is known for its unique lava landscapes and many volcanic lakes, the water in some of them is healing.
Historical sights
Some tourists are more interested in the history of the country, its architectural monuments, and the peculiarities of the cultural life of the people. The Philippines has long been a colony of Spain, which is reflected in the architecture.
There are ancient and modern unique structures that are on the UNESCO list of sites.
The most popular sights of the country and interesting architectural structures can be seen in such places:
- Manila is the capital of the Philippines with a rich past;
- Iloilo Province has an extensive collection of colonial-era buildings;
- The city of Vigan on Ilocos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site;
- Cebu is one of the oldest cities in the country, in addition to historical attractions, many festivals and acquaintances with national traditions are waiting for tourists here.
Thermal resorts
There are many volcanoes on the islands of the Philippines, among which there are active ones. Therefore, several thermal resorts are open here. They are not as popular as similar places in other states. But here, too, you can have a good rest and improve your health. The water in the springs is enriched with sulfur and mineral gases.
The best thermal resorts are located on such islands:
- Cebu;
- Luzon;
- Busanga;
- Negros;
- Kamigin.
You can have a great rest in the Philippines Islands. The only drawback for tourists is the long flight from Europe. But these inconveniences are compensated by the exotic beauty of this state, the mild climate, and the developed infrastructure of resorts.
