Not many nationalities greet each other by remarking ‘beautiful day’, (that’s ‘magandang araw’, in Tagalog). In the Philippines they do, which gives quite a big clue as to Filipinos’ positive nature – you don’t catch many Brits marking each day with such happiness.
The Philippines’ 7,107 islands are the stuff of divers’ dreams. That’s not hyperbole: explorer Jacques Cousteau described Palawan as the most beautiful place he ever saw. Turn your oceanic fantasies into reality by ticking off these top 10 dives, where tropical fish, thresher sharks, subterranean wrecks, flame-bright nudibranchs and magnificent mantas await.
When it comes to describing the Philippines’ bewilderingly beautiful islands and beaches, we could spout more clichés than a whale spouts air: sugar-soft sands, turquoise waters and untouched idylls really do abound here. Instead, we’ll let these pictures do the talking. Here’s your top 10 beachy-island hot list (sun lotion and big hats: obligatory).
It doesn’t matter where you look in the Philippines – underwater, in the air, or on dry land – you’re spoiled for choice, when it comes to wildlife. The Philippines is one of 17 mega-diverse countries. Nature-lovers should be sure to fit in moonlit firefly-watching in the mangrove forests of Donsol, bat-spotting in the cavernous caves of Boracay, bird-watching basically everywhere, plus getting to grips with the sea life (nudibranchs, sharks, rainbow-coloured coral – and much, much more). Here are a few of our favourite furry, finned and feathered locals…
We don’t like to generalise, but it’s safe to say that family life and a sense of fun are two key components of culture and lifestyle in the Philippines – if anyone knows how to party, it’s Filipinos. The best way to get a sense of the culture is by: a) nabbing an invitation to a family feast and b) joining the locals at one of the country’s many festivals. On the topic of the latter, here are 10 favourites. Gather your bakarda (gang), go forth and make merry…
