Natural Wonders and Rich Culture – The Philippines, Asia

The Philippines are the second-largest archipelago in the world, with over 7000 tropical islands to explore, the Philippines is one of the great treasures of Southeast Asia.

If you are for an Asian paradise full of natural wonders without the hordes of tourists I strongly suggest the Philippines. The Philippines are often over looked for the Asian getaway because they are on the wrong side of the South China Sea and a little further to fly, but if you put in those extra hours getting there I promise you’ll be strongly rewarded.

First and foremost, the Philippines are a place of natural wonders. 

There is a must see string of coral-fringed islands strewn across a vast expanse of the western Pacific.  Below sea level, the Philippines have some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling. One of the diving highlights includes a wreck dive around Coron and swimming with the whale sharks off Donsol.  

  

  

Above sea level, it has a fantastic landscape with wonders enough to stagger even the most jaded traveller: the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Banaue & the Rice Terraces and fascinating reminders of the islands’ history in places such as Samar & Leyte and Vigan. And if you’re after palm-fringed, white-sand beaches, try laidback Sipalay or flat-out party town Boracay.

Although there are many natural wonders in the Philippines it’s the people and their culture that makes the Philippines unique. Long poised at the centre of Southeast Asian trade, colonised by a succession of world powers, the Philippines is a vivid tapestry that reflects its varied cultural inheritance. And despite the poverty that afflicts much of the nation, the Filipinos themselves are among the most cheerful and easy going people. There are festivals celebrated every day and you'll be welcomed in their homes.

The Philippines is great to visit all year round but the best weather in is in January through to May. The Philippines truly qualifies as one of the last great frontiers in Southeast Asian travel. Cross whichever ocean you need to and see for yourself.

~Lucy M~