Travellers to the Philippines, whether they are visiting for leisure or work, can expect an amazing array of unique experiences and attractions, warm natural hospitality, and a diversity of cultures and cuisines.
Adventure beckons
There are plenty of adrenaline-pumping experiences on land – or even above it. Why not skydive over Cebu and Siquijor or paraglide in Rizal?
A visit to Bukidnon’s Adventure Park offers multiple options, including Asia’s longest dual zipline with breathtaking mountain views. There are also exhilarating treks through Banaue’s rice terraces or through the volcanic landscape of Mounts Mayon and Pinatubo.
The pristine Pulang Buli sanctuary in Tingloy, Batangas. Photo Credit: Wowie Wong
Most recently the Philippines has been hailed as the World’s Leading Dive Destination for 2022 by the World Travel Awards. Divers flock to places such as Bohol, Cebu and Apo. There’s also the underwater paradise of Anilao in the province of Batangas on Luzon island.
The ultimate thrill-seekers can try canyoneering in
Badian on Cebu and leap off Kawasan Falls and several waterfalls along the way,
the highest of which is 30m high.
In Manila, families can spend the day enjoying exciting
rides or meeting aquatic friends at amusement and ocean parks.
Cultural gems abound
The Philippines has many places of worship for different faiths, offering great historical and architectural interest. The Abbey of Transfiguration in Malaybalay, Bukidnon stands out for its modern design as well as a space for devotion and reflection, since this Benedictine abbey is built unusually as a pyramid structure.
Travellers can follow in the footsteps of the great Filipino patriots in Manila’s Intramuros district or immerse in the many traditional festivals and fiestas held in smaller towns and cities.
The indigenous Tboli people are famed for their ritual dances and hand-woven T’nalak cloth. Photo Credit: Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines
At Lake Sebu in Mindanao, travellers can meet with the ‘Land of the Dream Weavers’, as the area is home to the indigenous Tboli people, a tribe renowned for its unique hand-woven cloth called T’nalak.
Another recommended expedition is a trek through the Cordillera region to hear music played on gongs, nose flutes and bamboo mouth organs. Here, the Bontoc people still practise the ancient art of body tattoos.
Take it easy and breezy
Travellers seeking serenity for both body and mind should head south from Metro Manila to the Laguna province and discover a vast range of relaxing wellness resorts. Due to its geological make-up, Laguna has many hot springs, including a cluster around the base of Mount Makiling where visitors can soothe weary muscles with dips in the mineral-rich natural pools.
Back in Manila, close to the Intramuros district, the Luneta Park – also known as Rizal Park, named after the country’s national hero Jose Rizal – is home to a number of memorials and monuments, attractive fountains, and the Flower Clock, which make it an ideal place for leisurely, scenic strolls.
The Philippines is home to a vast range of relaxing wellness resorts. Photo Credit: Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines
No time like the present
As one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, corporate events are sure to make a major return to the Philippines in 2023. A host of new hotel venues in Manila, Clark, Cebu, Boracay and Davao have opened in the past couple of years, adding to the country’s business events space and facilities.
With visa-free travel from around 160 countries and territories, and relaxed entry requirements, the Philippines has so much to offer new and returning international visitors.
There has never been a better time to visit the Philippines than now.
To learn more about the Philippines, visit www.tpb.gov.ph and www.philippines.travel.