Best Islands in the Philippines

By Alberto Quintero

The Philippines boasts the second-largest archipelago in the world with over 7000 tropical islands, it is truly one of the greatest treasures of Southeast Asia. Often it is disregarded by travelers since its location is considered on the “wrong” side of the South China Sea, but for those that are willing to take the road less traveled it is a jewel. Since it is not on the mainstream list of places the Philippines is a great getaway from the crowds that typically swarm to other locations in Southeast Asia. Natural wonders abound in the Philippines; they are a strung set of jewels set in a coral setting. All the coral reefs make this the best for snorkeling and diving, two great places for these is: Coron –fantastic wreck diving can be found here due to all the past sailing ship that floundered due to storms and the reefs, and Donsol –there is a large amount of whale sharks that live around Donsol and swimming with them is a favored treat for the visitors. Once above sea there is the striking landscape wonders to entertain and keep visitors in awe, even the most cynical visitor: the ruins and history in Samar, Leyte and Vigan and the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Banaue and the Rice Terraces. For those that crave the palm bedecked white sandy beaches try Sipalay or the party town of Boracay.

What makes the Philippines so unique from anywhere else is the culture and its people. This has been the shipping and trade centre of Southeast Asia and colonized by a series of strong expanding countries, the Philippines’ cultural inheritance is rich with the many cultures that have come here. Filipinos are some of the liveliest and laid back people, despite the poverty that troubles much of their nation. The Philippines is the last great frontier in Southeast Asia, come and see for yourself.