The Philippines is a breathtaking archipelago nestled in the Western Pacific, boasting one of the longest coastlines in the world, thanks to its over seven thousand tropical islands. These islands are not only a haven of stunning coral reefs and spectacular diving spots but also home to rich wildlife, including whale sharks and dugongs, and lush mountainous tropical rainforests. The Filipino people are known for their warm, welcoming smiles and generous hospitality. Travelers can easily find flights to major cities like Manila or Cebu, with convenient interisland travel options available by plane, car, train, or ferry. For those interested in exploring the underwater beauty of this vibrant nation, the Philippines offers world-class diving, promising an unforgettable adventure. Here’s a look at some of the top destinations in the Philippines:
Vigan
A visit to the Crisologo St region of this town is like a step back to colonial times. Horses pull carts along cobblestone streets, and dark-wood mansions flank the sides, as a reminder of the grand life that many enjoyed in this colonial Spanish trading post. At the time, many goods like beeswax and gold were traded to China for exotic Asian items. Today, the main income for this port is tourism, though the splendor from its trading history remains. The town has two hearts, a shopping center in the North, and a business district in the South. Tourists will enjoy the museums that have been created from several mansions, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Mestizo district.
Bohol
The huge orange eyes and tiny fingers of the miniscule tarsier serve as the spokesmodel for the island of Bohol. Just a short trip from Cebu, this area is one of the few remaining homes for this tiny primate. The unique geologic oddity of the chocolate hills serves as the second draw for the non-divers to the region. The unique mogul-like hills come with a legend of being formed by the rocks thrown by an angry giant. Most of the visitors to this region are, however, here to partake in the breathtaking dive opportunities that the region has to offer. It is the jumping off point for the marine reserves off of Pangalo and Pamlican islands.
Manila
This Asian megacity is the capital of the Philippines, the fly-in point for most tourists, and a bustling opportunity to appreciate bounds of culture new and old. From tall gleaming buildings on the skyscraper gazing tour to the turn-of-the century landmarks on the self-guided downtown tour, there is much to see in Manila. Food, whether from a street cart or high cuisine restaurant, is excellent and diverse, representing much more than the blend of Spanish, indigenous, and Chinese heritages that have found their way to this island nation. There is never a bad time to go to Manila, as there are almost two-dozen annual festivals to keep the city celebrating.
Donsol
Located in the province of Sorsogon, a place of pristine beaches, stunning waterfalls and unexplored caves, the sleepy fishing village of Donsol is the place in the Philippines to see whale sharks. They like tropical waters, which makes Donsol Bay a great habitat for them. The protected species migrates through Donsol between November and June, with the numbers peaking between February and May. This huge fish is not shy about approaching boats; indeed, some carry scars from encounters with propellers.
Image by Maks Karochkin, dibaer, ~MVI~ (warped)
