An archipelago of 7, 107 islands, the Philippines is often an after-thought when one travels in Southeast Asia. Found on the western Pacific Ocean, the Philippines is home to 92 million people. Its closest neighbors include Taiwan to the north, Vietnam across to the west, and Indonesia to the south.
Serving as the capital of the Philippines is Manila. The country is divided into three sections, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The islands enjoy three weather types: warm, hot, and rainy. The wet season begins sometime in June and finds its way all through October. Dictated by southwest and northeast monsoons, weather conditions could change in a moments notice.
For the weary traveler, the Philippines provides a host of conveniences you would otherwise not find in your own hometown. Whether it’s visiting beaches, exploring the sights, eating, or shopping, the Philippines will meet your needs.
Whether you prefer life in the countryside or the city, the Philippines has it. In manila, you will be enamored with the different destinations that will satiate your taste for food, shopping, or entertainment. On the main island of Luzon, cities like Makati, Taguig, Greenhills, Pasay, and Quezon City, promises to outdo you when it comes to shopping.
The Mall of Asia, located in Pasay City is considered the 4th largest shopping mall in the world. It has an approximate floor area of 4.2 million square feet.
You can also step out of the confines of the big city and escape to El Nido, Boracay, or Donsol to the south of Manila. El Nido is found on Palawan, an island treasure that stretches from the Mindoro Strait to the tip of Borneo, and is home to towering limestone karst cliffs, a perfect getaway to roughing it all. Boracay, also to the south, is only nine kilometers long and 1 km wide, offers an escape to sun, sand, and fun. Or in Donsol, where you can meet up with a whale shark and swim side by side with it.
Going north, the Banaue Rice Terraces await you. These Ifugao rice terraces had been etched out of the hillsides using a unique irrigation system. Then a little south of Banaue is Baguio, the summer Capital of the Philippines. A drive from Manila, you cross over seven mountains and you find the hamlet up in the mountains.
Take that much deserved vacation and pamper yourself with a visit to the Philippines, where beauty and culture abound.
