Philippines

Philippines holidays can be as daunting as they are desirable. The archipelago in south-east Asia, consists of more than 7,600 islands – but don’t worry, we’ll do our best to narrow down the options for you!

From beautiful beach islands to islands with fantasy-style scenery that could easily be mistaken for Pandora in the Avatar film, couples, families and backpackers will all find their dream holiday here.

Visitors can uncover the Philippines’ Spanish heritage through one of its many festivals and the architecture of old stone churches dotted across the land. Fort Santiago, built in 1593, guards the entrance to Pasig River in Manila and is one of the city’s most important historical sites. Also worth a visit in Manila is the breath-taking San Agustin Church, the oldest in the Philippines, having been built between 1587 and 1606.

But beach holidays in the Philippines steal the show. Long Beach on Palawan Island is among the most jaw-droppingly beautiful in the world. The name doesn’t deceive as it treats visitors to 14 kilometres of golden sands. Continuing the literal naming of beaches, White Beach on Boracay is where you’ll find true paradise. It’s (obviously) white-sand beach stretches out for four kilometres and while it’s the main reason people flock to the island, there’s plenty else happening on this small but stunning mass of land, with fire shows and live music making it a lively spot. Duli Beach, by the resort town of El Nido on Palawan is great for surfers, while Sambawan Island is the ideal spot for snorkelling.

Elsewhere, there is stunning scenery to make holidays in the Philippines all the more spectacular. The 2,000-year-old luscious emerald rice fields at Banaue Rice Terraces, north of Manila, are breath-taking, while Kawasan Falls on Cebu Island are another picture-perfect spot. Here, daredevils can even leap off a four-metre cliff, and for really crazy people, there’s a 10-metre jump too.

More adventure can be enjoyed on Luzon Island, where the active Mayon Volcano can be seen via a trek through the Mayon Volcano Natural Park, or for a real adrenaline rush, no trip to the Philippines is complete without ziplining. Seven Falls Zip Line in South Cotabato is one of the biggest in Asia with stunning views, but Chocolate Hills Adventure Park in Carmen, Bohol, also takes some serious beating and is great for family holidays in the Philippines.