Unveiling the Jewel of the Philippines

Manila is the Philippines' bustling capital city located on the island of Luzon. It is the starting point for all visitors before jumping off to other areas of the country by air or by boat. As a melting pot of cultures with multiple Spanish and Chinese influences, Manila is full of things to see and do, making it a lively destination to explore. Take a step back into the rich history of the Philippines with a walking tour of Intramuros, the walled city of Manila, including visits to Fort Santiago, a citadel used as a defensive fortress built by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi, and the Baroque-style San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country. Stop by Rizal Park, one of the most significant landmarks in the Philippines. The park is named after Dr. Jose Rizal, the country's national hero who was executed in the park grounds, resulting in the flames of the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire. Home to the oldest Chinatown in the world, it is well worth spending a day immersing yourself in the Chinese culture and history of the Binondo District. This is a hub for authentic Chinese restaurants, trinkets, and the ultimate place to shop for bargains. Reowning a big contemporary art, there are many galleries, art spaces, design shops, and museums throughout Manila. Graffiti and murals can be seen almost everywhere you look, from building facades to walkways, underpasses, demolished walls, and pavements... This is the way people showcase their perspectives about the country’s culture, history, and even political issues.

El Nido covers an area of about 400 sq km at the northern tip of Palawan Island, featuring striking limestone cliffs, mesmerizing lagoons, and endless beaches in between azure waters. It is the launch pad for the daytime excursions to the surrounding limestone islands of the stunning Bacuit Bay archipelago, such as Simizu, Cadlao, Dilumacad, and Matinloc... Sea kayaking is an eco-friendly way of exploring each island. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the top activities on the bucket list of many travelers, thanks to the abundant marine life and coral reefs around most of the islands. On land, exploring the rainforest in search of waterfalls and exotic flora and fauna species will be rewarding travel experiences. Despite its remote location, El Nido hosts a decent choice of pleasant night spots for you to party or relax in after dark. Whether you spend the night in town or at one of the beaches nearby, you will always find a suitable spot to have a drink and socialize at night. Consider Pukka Bar in town or Republica Sunset Bar on Corong Corong Beach for your chilling time there.

Coron is one of Palawan’s most popular beach and island destinations. This paradise-like getaway comprises the eastern half of Busuanga Island, Coron Island itself, and 50 other islands that form part of the Calamian Archipelago. It is the starting point for boat tours to jagged limestone islets, shallow-water coral reefs, and fascinating shipwreck sites—including remnants of seven Japanese World War II vessels sunk in September 1944. For a less-technical underwater adventure, hop on a boat to neighboring Coron Island and experience the mind-boggling beauty of Kayangan Lake. Dubbed “the blue lagoon,” the world-famous lake is tucked among surreal rock formations visible above and below the surface of the water. There is a volcanic hot spring feeding the lake that makes the water temperature warm as you dive down. Home to pristine beaches and picturesque lagoons, Coron is one of the best for a visit with kids, offering everything the Philippines is famous for in one fabulous family adventure smorgasbord. Because family is the culture in the Philippines, if you travel to the Philippines with children, you will be treated with hospitality, kindness, and support like nowhere else. Aside from islands, beaches, lagoons, lakes, and shipwrecks, Coron also offers a different experience that you probably should not miss when you visit the town—the Calauit Safari experience. This ecopark, located at Calauit Island in Busuanga, offers something that is a little bit similar to an African safari experience. The animals seen in the park were said to be brought from the savannahs of Kenya to the island, including giraffes, zebras, pythons, Calamian deer, freshwater crocodiles, and a civet cat. While some of the animals are roaming around freely, the others are held in captivity, especially the pythons and crocodiles.