The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,000 lush, tropical islands of great natural beauty, fascinating colonial remnants and some of the best beaches and diving in Asia. The Philippines features jade-colored rice fields, long, pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, active volcanoes and rainforest-covered mountains. As one of the most diverse nations in Asia, the Philippines boasts fascinating tribal people in the more remote areas of northern Luzon, and in Mindanao, the southern Philippines, where few tourists ever venture.
Europeans first encountered the Philippines during Magellan's voyage to circumnavigate the globe in the early 1500s, when the archipelago was a disparate collection of tribal kingdoms. Subsequent Spanish missions succeeded in uniting the kingdoms under the Spanish flag, naming the country "Las Filipinas" after King Philip II. Colonized by Spain for over 300 years, then by the United States for another 40, the Philippines was a major Pacific theater of World War II, as the Allies sought to overturn the Japanese occupation. In 1946, the Philippines finally became an independent republic. Centuries of Western colonization have deeply influenced the culture, creating a unique amalgam of traditional Eastern practices and modern Western sensibilities.
Despite centuries of colonial rule, Filipinos are exceedingly friendly and outgoing and very welcoming to visitors. About 80 percent of its 94-million-strong population is Roman Catholic, and the Philippines is one of the largest English speaking nations in the world.
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
Beginning in the bustling capital of Manila and finishing in the relaxing paradise of El Nido, this 11-day itinerary takes you through the Philippines' most popular destinations. Taste Manila's Chinese-Filipino heritage, witness centuries-old rice terraces, explore caves and see the hanging coffins, and lounge on white sand beach on this balanced getaway.
Begin your Philippines adventure by “shooting the rapids” in dugout canoes. Then relax with island time touring around Batanes before returning to adventure by trekking to the 20th century’s most powerful volcano. Balancing your adventure and relaxation experiences, you’ll finish your 13-day holiday by lounging on El Nido’s lush white-sand beaches.
ATV rides, swimming alongside the world’s largest fish, and relaxing on lush gold-sand beaches are all in store on this 15-day luxurious adventure through the Caramoan Peninsula in the tropical Philippines chain. Enjoy helicopter rides and a full day’s pampering at an exclusive spa on this one-of-a-kind holiday.
An incredible fusion of Latin and Asian culture, the Negros is home to a fascinating atmosphere in the Philippines. This 13-day itinerary takes you to an authentic Filipino festival, inside old-world churches, into the vibrant barrier reefs and inside a culture unique the world over found only in the Negros-chain.
Divers and snorkelers alike will delight in this 17-day two-part luxurious holiday in the Philippines. The first half is spent exploring the Filipino culture, natural features and history. The second half is spent exploring the active corals, several dive sites and lush white-sand beaches from a lush cruise charter.
Embark on an exciting 12-day adventure through the Philippines, starting in Manila, where you’ll visit Intramuros city, and continue on to the cobblestone streets of historic Vigan and Bohol’s chocolate hills. Round off the trip with a luxurious stay in Hong Kong, capturing the iconic skyline from Victoria Peak.
Island hop through the idyllic Philippines on this 16-day luxury tour. Visit several of the country’s historical heritage sites, relax on serene beaches and experience Latin-Asian fusion cultures. Gorge on fresh local food in the popular markets. Search for lively fish as you snorkel Palawan's active coral reefs.
There’s no need to narrow down which heavenly island you will visit in on this 12-day trip through the Central Philippines island chain. Revel in luxury as you stay in the best hotels throughout your journey. Stroll along white-sand islets and snorkel alongside beautiful sea turtles on this exciting adventure.
Discover the most famous beaches and best-kept secrets of the Philippines in this luxurious tour of the islands. Live it up in the big city before plunging headlong into lazy days on Boracay, El Nido and Amanpulo, with stunning scenery and crystal waters.
Explore natural limestone caves and cliffs in Puerto Princesa, take a river cruise inside a subterranean cave and snorkel lively coral reefs. Stay in the finest hotels in the Philippines for complete relaxation as you enter the perfect gateway for discovering the country’s historical past on your 12-day luxury trip.
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Throughout most of the archipelago, the best time to visit The Philippines is in the summer between December and February, when the weather is dry.
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