Discover Philippines

Metro Manila is an exciting, colorful and complex metropolis made up of 16 cities and one municipality. It is the political, economic, social, cultural, and recreational hub of the Philippines.

Playing host to the world is nothing new to Manila. From 1565, Manila was instrumental in the galleon trade between the Philippines and Spain, facilitating trade relations between the Americas, Europe, Arabia, China and India.

Today, Manila is a premier business event destination in Asia, thanks to its world-class facilities, a globally-oriented business population, and the friendliest dedicated teams of support professionals.

Home to some 12 million people, Manila has history, style and charm. It boasts a wide range of sightseeing possibilities offers cosmopolitan cuisine and superb entertainment. In this city that never sleeps, there is a good night out for everyone.

The island province of Cebu is the traveler’s fantasy of a tropical paradise come true with its pristine beaches, crystalline waters and affordable luxury resorts.

A unique blend of natural beauty, historic sites and urban living, Cebu is never short on appeal. It is the seat of Christianity in the Philippines, and it was here that Ferdinand Magellan first set foot in the Philippines in 1521. Today, it is known as the ‘Queen City of the South’, and is second only to Manila when it comes to urban buzz.

In contrast to its bustling metropolis and glittering nightlife, the rest of Cebu’s 167 islands and islets are lined with serene white sand beaches where one can stare blithely out to sea for hours. Cebu is famous worldwide for its diving grounds, rich in spectacular coral beds and sea life. But for those seeking high adventure, the Crown Regency Hotel & Towers boasts a coaster ride that takes thrill seekers more than 38 storys sky high for a breathtaking view of Cebu City

The tiny island of Boracay is one of those places where you can stay happily marooned for a very long time. Known as one of the best beach destinations in the world, Boracay is the quintessential island paradise – dazzling beaches lined with palm trees, splendid sunshine, warm crystalline waters and no shortage of activities on offer.

The ambience is undeniably laid-back and the island dress code is barefoot and informal. During the day, seaside massages under the shade of a coconut tree are a common sight. Luxurious spa treatments are also available in the high end resorts. From dusk to dawn, island life turns into one big party with everyone welcome to join in the fun.

But there is plenty to do other than soaking up the sun on the beach or attending sunset parties. Diversions include windsurfing, sail boating and kayaking. There are 20 dive sites at last count. Horseback riding, trekking and mountain biking are great ways to enjoy scenic rocky cliffs, discover hidden beaches and stumble upon quaint villages.

Voted as the World’s Best Island by Travel + Leisure Magazine, Palawan is a narrow archipelago of more than 1,780 islands and islets, and is the undisputed final frontier of the Philippines. There is plenty to do in this extraordinary group of islands, but the main activity is simply admiring nature’s handiwork.

Palawan’s bewitching landscapes include storied lagoons and bays hiding ancient shipwrecks, uncharted mountains, mangrove swamps, hidden pockets of lush forest and deserted islets ringed by kaleidoscopic sea gardens as well as white sand beaches. Palawan is a wildlife haven, where giraffes, zebras and gazelles co-exist with exotic fauna such as the mouse-deer, civet and scaly anteater.

Davao’s expansive landscape is one of the most picturesque in the Philippines. Exotic fruit plantations and orchid farms cover volcano-fed hills and valleys. Virgin forests nurture rare wildlife. Coral islands lie on mirror-flat water, and Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak, magnificently lords over the hinterland.

Just as enchanting is its community, a harmonious tapestry woven from the diverse cultural threads of its people. In Davao, the contemporary fuses with the traditional as migrant settlers from all over the country co-exist peacefully with numerous ethnic tribes who continue to live as they did centuries ago.

Bohol is one of the most beautiful island provinces in the Philippines, yet it is relatively undiscovered by the tourist crowd. Nature has blessed the island with a lush landscape of verdant hills, waterfalls, serene rivers, mangrove forests, undisturbed wildlife, luminous white sand beaches and picturesque islets

This enigmatic island is one of Asia’s finest diving destinations, boasting an undersea panorama of coral gardens vivid with tropical marine life. With more than a hundred caves in its mountainous interior, Bohol is ideal for spelunkers and trekkers. For higher pursuits, there is ziplining and an open-air cable ride at the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park.

Bohol is also a historical and cultural destination. Its 16th century watchtowers and ancient coral-stone churches with gilded altars and priceless icons are amazing attractions. One hidden gem is the centuries-old Spanish Pamilacan Island, an eco-tourism destination that’s gaining a reputation for its dolphin and whale-watching tours and superb diving sites.