This lush tropical country is replete with fascinating landscapes, active volcanoes, splendid beaches, coral waters and tropical rain forests. In addition, transportation between islands is very affordable, and for the most part, functional.
Not to be missed is the frantic pace of Manilas night life, its many museums, and World War II markers; the incredible Banaue rice terraces; the world famous White Beach on Boracay Island, widely considered the most beautiful tropical beach in the world; Cebu and Palawan islands, and their world class diving spots; the white beaches of Mindoro Island; the Taal Volcano and its volcanic lake, and the Spanish Chinese colonial structures of Vigan in Ilocos - to truly only name but a few.
Add to that mix the indigenous colorful festivals that cover the calendar, and the smiling and welcoming Filipino people, and well, the Philippines are waiting.