A string of pearly beaches in Southeast Asia

Whether above water or below it, a holiday in the Philippines is a rewarding experience. Over 7,000 tropical islands make up the second-largest archipelago in the world, strung across the South China Sea and divided into 3 island groups: the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The Philippines are slightly off the beaten track, so they’re often overlooked by travellers looking for a holiday in Southeast Asia, but the islands’ natural beauty are worth the extra distance. Tarzier monkeys cling to the trees against a backdrop of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol; sculpted rice terraces form a UNESCO World Heritage site in Banaue; Samar and Leyte are rugged introductions to the history of the Philippines; and palm-fringed white beaches are everywhere. Underwater, you can experience some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling. Swim with whale sharks off Donsol or hire a pumpboat and snorkelling equipment at Coron on Busuanga Island and go wreck-diving.

Why Go?
It would take you 20 years to experience every island in the Philippines, so there’s plenty of choice! Go for the people, the historic sites and religious festivals. Above all, go for the white sand beaches, world-class diving and the opportunity to swim with whale sharks between February and May.

When to Go?
The Philippines’ high season runs from January to May, with temperatures reaching 38°C in May. January and February are the coolest, least humid months. The weather is unpredictable during typhoon season (June to early December), when accommodation is cheaper. Hotels get extremely busy and prices soar during Holy Week (around Easter). New Year is busy too so, unless you’ve got a party to go to, travelling to the Philippines might be best avoided then.

How to get there?
Most international flights to the Philippines land in Manila at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) or Cebu’s Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB). There are currently no direct flights to Manila from the UK, although connections are available via some other European cities, as well as via major airports in the Middle East and Asia.

Must see
Trek through the eighth wonder of the world at Banaue with its awe-inspiring rice terraces. The megacity Manila is a must-see, even if it’s just as you step off the plane. Don’t miss the whale sharks at Donsol, the pearl-white beaches of Sipalay and party town of Boracay. Dive the Tubbatahaa Reefs National Park for exquisite marine life, go surfing in San Juan or try extreme sports in Subic Bay. For a true taste of the Filipinos’ history, Vigan and Samar & Leyte are hard to beat; or escape to North Pandan Island with its seagrass gardens and resident turtles.