Joanna James
A gorgeous South-East Asian archipelago and adventure hub, the Philippines is iconic for its warm hospitality, vibrant public transport, pristine multi-hued beaches, and jaw-dropping geographical diversity. Here's a glimpse into the nature-kissed marvels of the Pearl of the Orient.
While the Philippines is rich in experiential allurements, from the dreamy Hispanic UNESCO- listed heritage city of Vigan with its romantic cobbled streets and sixteenth-century architecture to the intriguing Intramuros district and world-class museums of Manila, its diverse and surreal nature excursions alone will fill up your itinerary. One unmissable destination that involves exploring a whole other realm of colours, species, and coral architecture is Palawan's world-renowned Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, where you can dive and swim with swirls of silvery tuna and peek at whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and barracuda.
If you want to check one of the world's Seven Wonders of Nature off your bucket list, wobble into a quaint paddleboat and embark on a deliciously enigmatic journey across the stunning jewel-toned Puerto Princesa Underground River and its complex maze of caves. While you can't dive into the tempting crystal-clear waters, there are plenty of breathtaking sights to enchant you, from epic rock formations to the thousands of native bats about which your guide will feed you fascinating tidbits.
If you're a chocoholic-slash-nature buff, the tufty green hills of Bohol are shaped exactly like gargantuan Hershey's Kisses, and when they turn brown in the dry season tourists the resemblance grows more mouth-watering! While many bizarre legends circle these majestically symmetrical mountains, geological explanations attribute it to the subaerial erosion of limestones tectonically pushed above the Earth's surface.
Dubbed as the 'Little Niagara' of the Philippines, this poetic multi-tier waterfall throwing out iridescent rainbows into the jungle is an undisputed tourist hotspot. With several deliciously cool natural pools to plunge into and float in bamboo rafts, this is a perfectly tranquil and Instagram-worthy hideaway for those unused to more extreme adventuring. If you're looking for an avant-garde serviced apartment in Manila that offers you prime access to the most spectacular attractions of the Philippines, venture no further than Ascott Makati.
For a sweepingly rapturous landscape carved by the ancient innovativeness of the Ifugao tribes, these lush rice terraces grant the illusion of pure green steps extending to the sky. From experiencing the charm of rural life and learning about the traditions of local ethnic groups to exploring a dramatically aesthetic agro-ecosystem way ahead of its time, the Cordillera Mountain region is a must-visit for anyone with an eye for beauty and a passion for culture.
When it comes to dazzling islands with unique enchantments, the Philippines will leave you spoilt for choice. However, the dazzling necklace of Coron Islands offers a stunning plethora of allurements ranging from crystalline freshwater lakes, limestone karst panoramas, and jewel-toned lagoons to the world-famous experience of World War II shipwreck diving.
If you want to stand atop a highly active volcano and gaze into the sulfuric yellowish-green depths of a deep crater lake, drive just a couple of hours away from Manila to arrive at Batangas. This bizarrely beautiful natural wonder is also home to rare species, such as the venomous 'sea snake' and the only freshwater sardines in the world.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
