A Quick Intro to the Philippines

I loved the Philippines. The people are so friendly and it feels very different to a lot of the countries I visited in southeast Asia.

Famous for its powdery white beaches, beautiful islands and and chocolate hills, the Philippines is the perfect destination if you want to get away from it all.

Start your trip in the country’s capital, Manila, which features a mix of modern and Spanish colonial buildings. Take a walk round Intramuros, the “walled city”, and visit Makati, Manila’s famous shopping hub. Don’t be surprised if you see Filipino families singing karaoke in the street – they absolutely love karaoke!

When it comes to islands, Boracay is extremely popular with both Filipinos and tourists. Its beaches are powdery white and there are plenty of beachfront restaurants where you can order a coconut and eat fresh fish.

Another popular stop is El Nido, which is known as the Philippines’ last frontier. Located in the northern part of Palawan, El Nido is made of 45 islands and islets and is known for its natural beauty. Expect white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, limestone rock formations and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling.