Brought to you by Tourism Promotions Board Philippines
Made up of 7,641 islands, the Philippines offers a myriad of adventure ideas. They range from city trips, to relaxing in remote idyllic islands, to adrenaline pumping activities, to culture and gastronomy shaped by the country’s unique blend of Filipino, Spanish, Catholic tradition, American and Asian heritage, to wondrous natural sights.
Multiple international gateways make it so easy for visitors to connect to the archipelago and citizens of more than 150 countries can enter visa-free.
Main entry points include Manila’s Ninoy-Aquino International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Clark International Airport, Francisco Bangoy International Airport, more commonly known as Davao International Airport, Panglao International Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Kalibo International Airport, Bicol International Airport, and Puerto Princesa International Airport to access Palawan.
A warm and hospitable welcome awaits as the public and private sectors have been working extra hard to collaborate and create products and services to meet the changing needs of today’s travellers looking for sustainable, inclusive and unique travel memories.
Look no further than the Philippines. Here are the reasons why.
FAMILY TRAVEL
Reconnect, It’s Play Time
Spend quality time together whether it is away from the hustle and bustle on an island escapade or explore hidden gems in a Manila national park.
Head to world-famous Boracay, greener and better after being closed for six months to improve the island’s infrastructure, and sample its new-found identity as a model of sustainable tourism development.
The renovated and modernised Manila Zoo, or Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, now features an animal museum, botanical garden, butterfly garden and animals like resident 40-year- old elephant Ma’ali and Siberian white tiger Kois.
DreamPlay is another popular family entertainment attraction where everyone can interact with his or her own favourite DreamWorks character.
NEW ADVENTURES
Ready, Steady, Jump
Get an adrenaline rush canyoneering in Badian, Cebu where intrepid travellers leap off small waterfalls then navigate over river rapids and free float through river canyons.
The Philippines also offers some of the best scuba diving in the world with its pristine coral reefs, lush coral gardens, huge schools of fish, rare sea creatures, manta rays and even whale sharks.
Popular scuba diving destinations include Anilao, Batangas, located about three hours’ drive south of Manila.
Bohol also offers some of the best dive spots in the archipelago. The province can be accessed via Manila or from Cebu City to Tagbilaran City. Or take a direct flight to Cebu followed by a ferry ride to Tagbilaran City.
Explore adrenaline pumping attractions at Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukindnon, which boasts one of the longest zip lines in Asia to glide across 840m above a 100m elevation. Other attractions within the park include ATV and buggy trails, a hanging bridge and bumper boats.
CULTURAL EXPLORATION
World Heritage Sites
On the southern island of Mindanao is South Cotabato’s Lake Sebu, the Land of the Dreamweavers.
The lake and its surroundings are now being promoted as a prime ecotourism destination. The area consists of the expansive Allah Valley.
In northern Luzon, Cordillera is a showcase of mystical and mysterious highlands with raw and rugged beauty. Wander through the ancient Banaue Rice Terraces, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site cultural living landscape, which form the combined works of nature and man. Also explore the hanging coffins at Sagada in Echo Valley.
NATURAL BEAUTY
Outstanding Scenery
Batangas, one of the most popular tourist destinations near Metro Manila, is about 106km south of the capital.
It is home to the well-known Taal Volcano, and Taal Heritage Town, a small town that has ancestral houses and structures dating back to the 19th Century.
Tagaytay, located around 26km away from Batangas, is the base for trips to the volcano.
Tagaytay, overlooking Taal Lake and Taal Volcano, is one of the most frequented places because of its outstanding scenery. Given its high altitude, the climate here is considerably colder.
WELLNESS
Embrace Self-care
The healing power of nature and deep-rooted healing traditions make wellness journeys in the Philippines sublime.
Set in a welcoming and nurturing environment, the wellness destinations focus on rebalancing physical and mental health.
Choose from wellness resorts complete with accommodation facilities and holistic wellness programmes, or luxury resorts and spas where nature is a big part of the rejuvenating experience.
Renowned wellness brands near Manila include The Farm at San Benito in Batangas, Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa in Rizal and the Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay. Elsewhere, there is Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, and also Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa and Mithi Resort Spa, both in Panglao, Bohol.
PILGRIMAGE
Spiritual Seeker
The Philippines is Asia’s only Christian nation where the majority of Filipinos are Catholic.
In northern Mindanao, the Abbey of Transfiguration, also referred to as the Transfiguration Monastery, located in San Jose, Malaybalay City in Bukidnon, is known for its pyramid chapel, where the faithful, seeking peace of mind and calmness of soul and spirit, go to pray.
Its serene surroundings provide an ideal backdrop for retreats and solemn weddings.
Another Catholic emblem is the Shrine of Padre Pio in Santo Tomas, Batangas, around 71km south of Manila.
The church, famous for its architectural design, is on most traveller’s checklist when they visit Batangas.
Nearby are hot springs and Mount Makiling offers hiking and back-to-nature activities.
BUSINESS TRAVEL
Meetings are Back
Manila is Asia’s pioneer when it comes to hosting meetings and conventions. As the market expands, other destinations such as Cebu and Davao are as able to welcome national and international events.
New meeting destinations have emerged. Palawan, for example, now has a convention centre and space that can host meeting groups of up to 1,000 people.
Get to explore business opportunities just minutes away from any adventure you have in mind, whether its thrill-seeking skydiving fun or relaxed island living, there is an island for everyone.
For more information, visit www.philippines.travel and www.tpb.gov.ph
email: info@tpb.gov.ph
Tel: (+63) 84042641 / (+63) 85259318
