The Philippines is rapidly emerging as the must-see destination in Southeast Asia. With its vast array of tropical islands, far flung beaches, festivals, abundance of wildlife, world renowned dive sites, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a wide range of accommodation options from backpacking to luxurious five star resorts, this is a destination that has something to offer every traveller.
Bohol, Boracay, Cebu and Bohol showcase just a few highlights that the Philippines’ 7,641 islands have to offer travellers.
Bohol
Bohol is covered with beautiful scenery from end to end, including 1,776 hills, and then some. Spend the afternoon lounging on a pristine white sandy beach after a morning viewing the Chocolate Hills.
More things to do:
- Enjoy traditional Filipino cuisine while cruising the Loboc River
- Soak up the sun and party on Panglao Island
- Explore the underwater wonders of the Balicasag islet
- Stock up on natural products at the Bohol Bee Farm
- Get a glimpse of an endangered species at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
Getting there: accessible via air from Manila and via ferry from Cebu.
Boracay
Asia’s 24/7 island, Boracay offers blue water, white sand, and some of the most iconic sunsets, all within one of the world’s best party paradises.
More things to do:
- Shop for island souvenirs at the Talipapa and D’Mall
- Go cliff diving and barbecuing at Ariel’s Point
- Get an authentic hilot (Filipino massage) on the shore
- Catch a sunset from a paraw or local sailboat
- Enjoy a game of beach volleyball on the white sand
Getting there: accessible via air from international gateways Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Cebu
Have the ultimate island experience in Cebu. Catch the legendary sardine run and pick up a handcrafted guitar.
More things to do:
- Swim with the gentle whale sharks in Oslob
- Learn about Cebu’s history through the Pasiyo sa Kablin
- Trek to the heavenly Tumalog Falls or go on an extreme adventure through Maolboal and Badian
- Try the world-renowned Cebu lechon or whole roasted pig
- Experience the Sinulog Festival, held every third Sunday of January
- Shop for award-winning sustainable designer furniture and fashion accessories
Getting there: accessible via air from international gateways such as Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Manila and Clark.
Palawan
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s New Seven Wonders of Nature. It is teeming with life – over 150 animal species and over 800 plant species, including 300 types of trees.
More things to do:
- Go island hopping in Honda Bay
- Try spelunking at Ugong Rock
- Take a mangrove paddle boat tour in Sabang
- Be enchanted by fireflies on the Iwahig River Cruise
- Visit one of the country’s last tribes at the Batak Cultural Village
Getting there: accessible via air from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.
For more information, visit Tourism Philippines at https://www.tourismphilippines.com.au/.
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