With 7,641 islands, it’s no surprise that this archipelago is thought of as paradise. No matter what adventure you are looking for, there is an island that will suit your needs. Sun-chasers need not look far to christen their own spot on the shore, while divers plumb the depths to investigate a multitude of undersea wonders in this world-class diving destination. Though a version of Eden exists for travelers of all persuasions: Spoilt for choice, adventurers can hike volcanoes, kayak networks of sea caves, or recharge in solitude by pitching a tent on a secluded cove. Indeed, few foreigners leave without being enraptured by a fascinating cultural tapestry which lives on in old-world architectural landmarks and century-spanning festivals. Spontaneity can easily fuel an island-hopping venture across the Philippines with its accessible domestic travel and famously hospitable locals. But for those whom a little bit of planning goes a long way, here’s all the enticement one needs to set off on an unforgettable adventure.
Tune Into the Rhythm of Filipino Festivals
After a nearly three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, festivals across the Philippines are once again taking the stage, filling up the events calendar with vivacious celebrations of local culture and tradition. From religious holidays to commemorations of native traditions, every month presents a new way to witness such an exuberant community spirit. For one, gathering with the Sinulog Festival crowd in the vibrance of Cebu’s most popular feast is an experience like no other. Observed in honor of the Sto. Niño de Cebu, this grand procession bursting with color and animated hollers of “Pit Senyor!” is the locals’ display of religious adoration in all its extravagance. Hailing from Marinduque Island is the Moriones Festival, one of the oldest and most revered ecclesiastical festivities in the Philippines. It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion. On the northern part of Luzon, the Panagbenga Festival is revered as a kaleidoscopic celebration of Baguio’s floral bounty that culminates with a Grand Float Parade. If you ever find yourself in the city of Bacolod, watch its streets come alive with the MassKara Festival, a 40-year-old carnival of color, music, and dance, where costumed revelers parade along Lacson Street, filling the air with free-spirited energy and carefree abandon.
Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit in the Wild
With land conservation at the forefront of the Philippine government's priorities, more than 240 protected areas and 35 national parks cover roughly 15 percent of the country's total area. Epic views await at the summits of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest summit and home of the largest eagles in the world. Another must-see is Mt. Pulag National Park on Luzon, the country’s second-highest summit and one of its most biodiverse habitats in the Philippines. Equally challenging is the five-hour nature trail at Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, which combines uphill climbing, a high-flying ropes course, and a series of hanging bridges in the jungle. (Note: reservations are required, and since opening in 2015, time slots to access the geopark fill up fast.) If you’re crossing the newest UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol Island’s Chocolate Hills, off your bucket list, seek out the local bike zipline experience suspended 150 feet above the ground or enjoy a thrilling ATV ride on the ground with its rolling splendor gracing your background.
Lest you forget that the Philippines is surrounded by some of the world's most remarkable conditions for water-based exploits. Take a dip in the crystalline waters of El Nido or navigate the spellbinding caves of UNESCO-designated Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park by kayak or paddle boat. Certified divers can go wreck diving in Coron Bay, reef diving at Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, and also have the opportunity to encounter dolphins up close in the Tañon Strait. The most fearless of daredevils shouldn’t pass up a trip to Mindanao to paraglide above the jungle or raft the whitewater of Cagayan de Oro all year round.
Unleash Your Inner Foodie in Manila and Beyond
For the uninitiated, Filipino cuisine is best characterized by its signature trifecta of flavors: sweet, salty, and sour. North of Manila, Pampanga is referred to as the culinary heartland of the Philippines, offering unrivaled food experiences that marry indigenous cooking techniques and foreign influences. Pampanga is the birthplace of some of the most delectable Filipino dishes, from the classic sisig (sizzling chopped pig's head) to bringhe (a savory sticky rice dish with coconut milk). The Kapampangan people's devotion to their cuisine is evident on every street corner, with the scent of grilled meats and the clanking of pots and pans filling the air. Visit during the annual week-long Pampanga Food Festival held every April.
With distinctive communities scattered across thousands of islands, there are seemingly infinite regional delicacies to keep an eye out for. On the island of Siargao, you might even land yourself in the middle of a “boodle fight,” a cornucopia of fresh-caught seafood, meat, and tropical fruit served on banana leaves that’s consumed kamayan-style (with bare hands), after you’re done surfing its breathtaking waves. In northern Luzon, you'll feast on pinakbet (clay pot vegetables cooked with fish sauce), bagnet (fried pork dipped in aromatic sugarcane vinegar), and crisp rice flour empanadas stuffed with Vigan longganisa (pork sausage); in Leyte and Samar, you can wash down bites of sweet binagol (mashed taro with condensed milk and egg yolk served in a coconut shell) with a glass of tuba (coconut wine). Halal food choices are within reach anywhere in this archipelago, most especially in the predominantly Muslim island of Mindanao.
Uncover Cultural Marvels and Heritage Sites
The energetic capital, Manila, offers world-class cultural offerings. At face value, the metropolis’ contrasts are obvious: charming Spanish colonial architecture is juxtaposed against towering modern skyscrapers, and traditional markets pulsate in the shadows of colossal shopping centers. Begin a day of exploration with a street food crawl in the Binondo district (the world's oldest Chinatown), then cross the Pasig River to explore the walled city of Intramuros, the former seat of Spanish colonial power. It’s a historic enclave brimming with vestiges of this bygone era, such as Fort Santiago and the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church, though don’t sleep on the recently opened Museo de Intramuros, which houses an impressive collection of more than 500 religious artifacts rescued from old churches. Metro Manila is also home to several museums and art galleries that showcase talents of artists all over the country, like the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Ayala Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, the Ateneo Art Gallery, and many more.
Manila is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to chiseling back layered cultural gems. Plan a stop in bustling Cebu City to visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu and Magellan’s Cross Pavilion—cultural cornerstones that paved the way to the propagation of Christianity as the country’s most dominant religion. Meanwhile, the town of Vigan in North Luzon has an astounding concentration of heritage sites within its borders: Just take a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) along cobblestoned Calle Crisologo for a unique vantage point of the Mestizo district’s 16th-century mansions, Plaza Burgos, and the baroque St. Paul Cathedral. Drive a few hours inland and you’ll stumble upon the Batad Rice Terraces, reaffirming the Philippines’ standing as one of the most magical places on earth.
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