In the remote northerly part of Luzon one can find the luxurious green area of the Cordillera Mountains. Over 2000 years ago the Ifugauos people carved terraces out of the mountains on which to cultivate rice. The tiers tower up to a height of 1500 metres, if the fields were spread out next to each other, side by side - they would span half the globe! The view is incredible from up there. This area has been named on UNESCO's world heritage list.
The most recent eruption of this vulcano was in 1991 when it covered a nearby American military base in ashes. This intense natural phenomenon has left behind the most amazing lava-landscape that is just waiting to be explored.
Six cathedrals have been built on the same site. The first cathedral dates from 1571; it was built out of Philippine palm called Nipa. Since then natural disasters, fires and the Second World War have managed to dispose of the 5 others! The present cathedral lies on Plaza Roma, as a reciprocal gesture a Piazzale Manila can be found in Rome.
Previously the city's centre lay within the city walls; this is the core of the old Manila that one can see today. The Spanish built the walls in the 1500's and many of them are still intact today. Inside the walled city lie old Spanish style colonial houses, parks, squares and churches.
It took the Spanish colonists over 149 years to build this fort, it later become the headquarters of the Colonial Rulers. It is now possible to walk around in the remaining ruins, visit the memorial museum for the national hero José Rizal or watch plays being performed in the ruins.
At the museum in Mindanao's capital, Davao, one can find a number of exhibitions portraying the different cultures of the region. On display are traditional costumes, weapons, instruments and other important implements from this particular race.
This island won the Kalakbay prize for the year's best tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches, good diving areas and incredible nature. The island is 5 minutes sailing time from Davoa and has a large Casino and the biggest conference centre in Mindanao.
In the southerly Tiruray Highlands lies a lake that is 300m above sea level. The surrounding area is scattered with villages inhabited in by the indigenous T'bolie people. The local market is lively and is popular for its crafts, it is especially known for its beautifully woven fabrics.
The beautiful green Luneta Park is home to a statue created in honour of a nineteenth century Philippine intellectual who has become an important national hero. Rollerskaters, children playing and people practising tai chi carry out their activities in between the fountains and flowers in one of the metropolis' jewels.
This is the former home of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos (and her famous shoe collection)! The name is derived from the Philippine 'may lakan diyan', which means: A nobleman lives here. Today one finds a historical and cultural exhibition giving an insight into the once extravagant lifestyle of the Marcos family.
The coral reefs around Mindoro Island provide a fantastic place for diving. The island is known for its beautiful nature, stunning white sand beaches and unbelievably friendly locals. The beaches have been acclaimed to be the best in The Philippines.
The Philippines' third largest island lies in the southeastern part of the country. Besides its spectacular beaches the island can offer a range of caves, accommodation at The Sohoton National Park or at the Hot Springs. Blanca Aurora waterfall (which means 'white dawn') is definitely worth a visit.
At the bottom of a 90m deep crater in Alaminos lies a row of mineral-rich springs known as The Hidden Valley. The temperature fluctuates in this wild rain forest. A beautiful waterfall is nearby.
The National Museum in Manila houses a collection of Philippine art. Moreover, there are exhibitions about local heritage and the breath taking scenery, including descriptions of some of the 9000 plant types found on the various islands.
Vigan City lies in northern Luzon and dates back to the Spanish conquistadors. The old colonial buildings create an atmosphere that leads one to think that they are in 17th century Spain. For the museum-lover this is the ideal place to visit, there are many exciting and interesting museums to be found!
In the centre of The Visayas, not so far from Cebu lies Bohol Island. It is covered in hundreds of limestone hills. This area is called Chocolate Hills. There are up to 30-meter high stones covered in thin grass that becomes brown in the summer heat and resembles a huge bar of chocolate.
This island is only 7 kilometres long and a kilometre wide (in the narrowest part). For three years in a row, various tourist guidebooks have named these beaches as the best in the world. There are over 300 places to stay, from camping sites to 5 star hotels, thereby providing a wide range for all types of tourists/travellers.
Cebu is the most populated of all The Philippine islands and Cebu City is the country's second largest city. There is a lot to see here, among other things Magellan's Cross - a wooden cross that Magellan left on the island over 450 years ago. Fort San Pedro (built in 1565) can also be found on this island, it is the smallest and oldest fort in the country.