Southeast Asia
Philippines
Thousands of islands, limestone lagoons and mountain terraces — a country best discovered by boat.
Photo: Jules Bassoleil / Unsplash
The Philippines spans more than seven thousand islands, and each group has its own character. On Palawan, clear water slips into lagoons between sheer limestone walls; on Bohol, rounded hills roll across the interior; off Siargao, mornings are spent watching for the swell.
Yet the Philippines is far more than beaches. In the northern Cordillera, Ifugao communities have tended their rice terraces for centuries, and everywhere you'll meet warm hospitality and a cuisine where Spanish, Chinese and Malay flavours meet. The art lies in linking the islands wisely, so the journey holds more sea than flights.
Experiences to consider
- 01
Island-hopping in Palawan
Kayak into El Nido's lagoons before the boats arrive, picnic on a sandbar and snorkel over old wrecks around Coron.
- 02
The rice terraces of the Cordillera
Footpaths between the terraces of Banaue and Batad, built and tended by Ifugao communities over generations — a cooler, very different face of the country.
- 03
Bohol and the Visayas
The Chocolate Hills, tiny tarsiers in forest sanctuaries, slow river trips and quiet islands close by, such as Siquijor and Panglao.
- 04
Beneath the surface
Coral reefs, turtles and, in the right season, encounters with whale sharks — choosing places where the animals are treated responsibly.
Ways to travel
Ways to experience it
Ways to travel aren't separate paths — the best journeys often bring several together.
Exceptional stays & escapes
Island hideaways, eco-minded villas and quiet hotels where evenings are made for the sunset.
Adventure & active travel
Kayaking, diving, surfing on Siargao and treks through the Cordillera terraces.
Honeymoons & special journeys
Private boat days, empty sandbars and dinners by the sea — with no rush.
Tailor-made journeys
Domestic flights and ferries arranged so there's less transit and more time in the water.
Sample journey
More journey inspiration
12–15 days
Palawan and the Visayas, island by island
El Nido, a boat expedition to Coron, Bohol & Cebu
Adventure & active travel · Exceptional stays & escapes
11–13 days
Where the terraces climb: Ifugao, Sagada and windswept Batanes
Manila, the Banaue & Batad terraces, Sagada, and the islands of Batan & Sabtang
Culture & discovery · Adventure & active travel
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