Philippines Highlights
ManilaThe bustling capital of the Philippines has powerful reminders of the country's past, along with attractive parks, fine museums, exhilarating nighlife and rapidly developing business suburbs. Some of the city's main attractions can be found in Old Manila, around the riverside district of Intramuros, including Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila,San Agustin church andLiwasang Bonifacio - Freedom Park, named after the revolutionary leader, Andres Bonifacio.
Coconut PalaceOverlooking Manila Bay, the Coconut Palace is a former guesthouse of the Marcos family, built entirely of indigenous materialssuch as narra and molave hardwoods, coconut wood and husks. Today, visitors can ogle at guest rooms such as the Visayas Room,showcasing thousands of shells, and the Ilocos Room, with its mother-of-pearl furniture. Guided tours are available, but callin advance to avoid a private event (often used for lavish parties by Manila's rich and famous).
Ifugao Rice Terraces
Spread throughout the entire province of Ifugao (6 hours drive north of Manila), but most often seen at Banaue, the Ifugaorice terraces are a testimony to the early technological advancement of the Ifugao people. Carefully designed to create an irrigationsystem for the rice crops, the precipitous terraces have created a living sculpture of the lush green mountain valleys.
Anilao Dive Sites
The small town of Anilao, in southern Batangas, is a popular haven for scuba divers. Although the beaches arerocky and not great for swimmers, Anilao offers some of the best macro diving in the Philippines, with close-up glimpsesof a variety of colourful tropical fish. Other dive sites, such as Bonito Island, are accessible via Mabini.
Apo Reef National Park
Located on Apo Island, off the Bicol Peninsula, the Apo Reef National Park is acclaimed as one of the best dive sites in the Philippines. Some 400-500 coral species are present in the waters around the small island, and Shark Ridge presents the best underwateradventure on the reef.
Biri Island, Eastern Visayas
Off the western tip of the Northern Samar province, Biri Island features magnificent corals, shells and rare tropical fish, beautifulexotic scenery and natural wonders like the Magasang boulders. Its colourful Pintados, Sarakiki and Buyogan festivals areconsidered three of the best in the country.
Mayon Volcano, Bicol Peninsula
Proclaimed a national park in 1938, the 2,420-metre Mayon volcano covers an area of 465 hectares and is considered to be the most active volcano in the Philippines, erupting almost every 8-10 years. Its rich ecosystem is home to rare and endangeredflora and fauna, including Bleeding Heart pigeons, so-called for their red breasts.
Paoay Church, Luzon
In the northern Ilocos region, the magnificent 18th century church of Paoay is a UNESCO Heritage Site. Its mildewed walls combine the strong features of earthquake-proof baroque with an exotic oriental quality, remniscent of Javanese temples. Built of coral blocks, its belltower served asan observation post during the Philippines revolution and was occupied by guerrillas during the Japanese occupation.
Miagao Fortress Church, Western Visayas
Built in 1786 as a place of worship as well as an impregnable fortress, Miagao has been declared a world heritage and conservation site by UNESCO, largely because it exemplifies what is called the tropical baroque architectural style. The most impressive among Iloilo's impressivearray of centuries-old churches, its distinctive facade features a stunning bas-relief of intricate botanical motifs fairly reminiscentof Aztec art.
Callao Caves, Penablanca
In northeastern Luzon, these caves are the second-deepest and most awe-inspiring in the Philippines. While no one knows the exact number of caves, best estimates top 300, only 30 of which have so far been mapped. Caving here caters for all levels of ability. For the novice, there are easy passages leading to rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites. For the dedicated spelunker, rarer gems such ascalcite rafts, crystalline waterfalls, and even petrified mud and gypsum shapes await in shining glory, after hours of negotiating subterranean rivers, rappel drops and other challenges.