Philippines
The Philippines caters to every interest and age group. Offering a diverse range of activities in a variety of settings with shopping and dining in cosmopolitan Manila, spa indulgences, beachside getaways and adrenalin charged adventures.
This English speaking nation is known for its hospitality, year round festivities, vibrant culture and an archipelago of 7,100 islands. It is part of the Southeast Asian region, and is bordered by Taiwan to the north, Indonesia and Malaysia Borneo to the south, the South China Sea to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The three main Philippine Island groups are Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
Asian, Spanish and American influences have all been fused together into an extraordinary social melange. Everyday you'll find a lavish fiesta being celebrated in some part of the country. Everywhere you will hear proof of the Filipino's much vaunted musical abilities, and see examples of their highly prized craftmanship. A mix of the old and the new, a multiplicity of art and culture, and a warm, friendly, English speaking people.
Manila
Manila is the gateway to the many islands of the Philippines archipelago. The city is divided into many districts, each offering their own charm and attractions.
Right in the heart of Manila is the Walled City of Intramuros, constructed in 1571 and one of the world's best preserved medieval cities. Here, dungeons and old churches share space with art galleries, theatres and parklands.
Metro Manila is an entertainment paradise. Known for its pulsating nightlife, Metro Manila offers a smorgasboard of delights. In any of the districts in Metro
Manila, the nightlife starts no earlier than 10.00pm, and even that is too early for some places. Grab a leisurely dinner first around 8.00pm.
Upscale Makati City is a treasure trove of hotels, bars, clubs and restaurants featuring live bands and music for every generation. Expats and locals frequent the strip of establishments in swanky Greenbelt.
The Malate district in the city of Manila offers a more artistic and bohemian atmosphere. The restaurants, bars and clubs along Remedios Circle, Nakpil Street and Maria Orosa Street are alive until the wee hours.
North of Makati and Malate is Quezon City, which has recently rejoined the ranks of the country's premier entertainment hubs. Eastwood City in Libis is a hip dining and entertainment centre, catering to university students and young urban professionals. Open air cafes and a seasonal flea market make for an interesting and exciting mix for any one seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life
Philippine beaches offer a wide range of activities and unique encounters with marine life. The warm crystal waters are home to abundant tropical fish, coral reefs and even shipwrecks, offering some of the best snorkelling and dive sites in the world.
Boracay Island
Under a 60 minute flight from Manila will see you arrive at this tiny quintessential island paradise. Dazzling beaches lined with palm trees, splendid sunshine, warm crystalline waters and no shortage of activities on offer. There is an undeniable chilled out vibe; the island code is barefoot and informal. During the day, seaside massages under the shade of a coconut tree is a common sight. Expect to indulge in your favourite water sport. Make sure you sample diving in Yapak or through the extraordinary underwater caves of Crystal Cove. Parasailing is also very common around the Island.
Cebu Island
Known as the Queen City of the South, it is little over an hours flight from Manila. Cebu City is the country's oldest and the seat of Christianity in the Philippines. It was here that Ferdinand Magellan first set foot on Philippine soil back in 1521. In contrast to the bustling metropolis, the rest of Cebu's 167 islets and islands are lined with white sandy beaches and pristine clear waters. Cebu is famous for its fantastic diving grounds.
Check out the markets in Carbon, Gulla or Taboan for more exotic finds. Furniture shops in Mandaue or guitar factories in Mactan. Don't leave without sampling a fresh mango shake!!
Baguio and Banaue
Suprisingly to some, the tropical Philippines has a unique highlands. Blessed with cool climates, pine-clad hills and lush valleys, the northern mountain
provinces have, for centuries, lured those intent on escaping the heat and humidity of the lowlands.
Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines, is nestled on a plateau 1,400 metres above sea level. The scent of pines wafting from mist covered hills, profusion of blooms and the promise of cosy nights by a fireplace in country inns, make the city a popular getaway. It is the gateway to the Cordillera mountains; the fruit and flower farms of La Trinidad, Asin hot springs, Kabayan mummies and the Malabisin underground river. Further up north is Bauaue, tucked in rugged terrain brimming with spectacular scenery - breathtaking mountain ranges, ancient pine forests, tumbling waterfalls and ferny glades. Carved out of the mountainsides by the Ifugao tribe folk more than 2,000 years ago is the World Heritage-listed Banaue Rice Terraces. Invariably called the "giant stairway to the sky" the layered rice paddies provide one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the mountain provinces.
Experience this wonderful area on our Independent Package. View Itinerary
Filipino Food
Filipino food today is often described as a gastronomic recounting of Philippine history. A typical buffet table would have tangy Indo-Malay appetizers alongside stir-fried noodles, Spanish festive fare, and American desserts. The main courses of the Filipino table are worth a try. Adobo is often referred to as a national dish. It is a dark, saucy stew of chicken and pork generously laced with vinegar, soy sauce and garlic. Singang is the Filipino boullabaise, meat or seafood and vegetable lightly boiled in sourish soup. The Filipino-Hispanic favourites are paella, morcon beef rolls and embutido pork rolls. The centrepiece of any festive celebration is lechon, the Filipino roast whole pig and its coveted crisp brown skin.
Eating out is a Filipino pastime as proven by a vibrant restaurant culture comprising local cuisine as well as a mulitude of international fare.
Government Travel Warning: Refer to this website www.safetravel.govt.nz
