With a myriad of cultural and scenic offerings, the Philippines is full of surprises for travellers visiting the country. From some of the biggest celebrations and festivals in the world, to vibrant underwater marine parks like nowhere else on earth, here are a few facts about the country that are sure to leave you feeling inspired to visit.
Home to one of the world’s smallest volcanoes
Located around a 2-hour drive south of Manila, Taal Volcano in Batangas province is often referred to as the smallest active volcano in the world with a height of only just over 300 metres above sea level. Taal Volcano is also famous for its expansive scenic caldera filled with Taal Lake which has another island volcano in the middle. Travellers keen to experience this rare spectacular sight can visit the nearby Tagaytay Ridge for panoramic views of Taal Volcano and its lake.
Taal Volcano
It’s a diver’s paradise
The Philippines is situated in the Coral Triangle – a marine region covering parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, thought to contain over 500 species of coral and more than 2,000 species of fish. Owing to its location, the country is home to some of the most revered dive sights in the world which attract divers keen to explore the region’s unrivalled marine biodiversity. Highlight locations include the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea), Apo Reef, and Malapascua Island where divers can spot rare Thresher sharks in the early morning.
You’ll find the “eighth wonder of the world”
At around 1,500 metres above sea level, the Banaue Rice Terraces are recognised as one of the world’s most impressive feats of ancient engineering, often dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Carved into the mountainsides of Ifugao Province more than 2,000 years ago, you can visit the rice terraces to appreciate the spectacular site of these contours which stretch for miles – estimated to encircle half the globe if put end to end.
Banaue Rice Terraces
The longest Christmas season in the world
Known as the “Ber months”, the Philippines is known for having the longest Christmas season in the world starting at the beginning of September and lasting until mid-January. Throughout this entire period, visitors to the country can expect to enjoy all the festivities of Christmas including decorated malls and homes, lantern filled streets, nativity scenes, community celebrations and even Christmas music.
Over 7,000 islands
With a total of 7,641 islands, the Philippines archipelago is a myriad of tropical islands – around 2,000 of which are uninhabited – offering travellers the ultimate destination for outdoor adventure as well as relaxation. All around the country, you’ll discover a range of hotels, resorts, and boutique accommodations perched on the tropical shores of its islands overlooking white sand beaches and glistening oceans. Meanwhile, the lush and volcanic inland regions are an adventurer’s dream. Hike the forest and mountain trails to scenic spots above the clouds, go whitewater rafting on fast-flowing rivers, or enjoy rural wellness retreats and glamping experiences under the stars.
Hundred Island National Park
Home to wild and spectacular festivals
Filipinos love to celebrate and get together. Lasting anywhere between a day to an entire month, festivals in Philippines are huge cultural celebrations that attract both local and foreign tourists thanks to their colourful and celebratory nature. What’s more, there’s usually at least one festival taking place in a town somewhere in the country on any given day.
With Spain’s Catholic influence in the Philippines dating back to the mid-1500s, many are religious in nature, while others commemorate important events in history. Either way, attending a festival in the Philippines is something you must experience at least once. Some of the top annual festivals include Cebu’s Sinulog Festival in January, the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City in October, and the Higantes Festival in Angono in November.
Sinulog Festival, Cebu
