The Philippines holiday guidehas really taken off as a tourist destination in the last few years. Not only is it easy to get around with a small navy of ferries, shuttle boats and water taxis but English is widely spoken and there are an astonishing amount of different things to do.
Whatever you want, from relaxing on the beach to a quiet mountain retreat, the Philippines has it all. Divided into three main island groups: Visayas, Mindanao and, home to Manilla, the capital, Luzon. All have their own attractions.
The best place for just relaxing on the beach is, arguably, Boracay Island, near Luzon island. With long white beaches and clear waters it is ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving and relaxing. In the south-east, in the Visayas islands, lies Cebu, which is internationally known for its suitability for watersports.
If a busy and cosmopolitan city is more up your street for some of your holiday then you cant go far wrong with Manilla. Taking its name from the Nilad, a white-flowered mangrove plant, it has a long and turbulent past by any standards. Manilla has risen above all its past troubles and is now a thouroughly modern city where the past is still preserved and visible.
Places to see
Manila
Set on Manila Bay, the capital of the Philippines is divided into different districts, each with something to offer. They are linked by the fantastically painted, but less fantastically maintained ‘Jeepney’ pick-up trucks that ferry the locals from place to place. Many people stay for just a day or so before moving on, but there is plenty to explore in the city.
Remnants of the colonial Spanish era are found right in the heart of Manila in the ‘Walled City’, Intramuros, which is one of the best-preserved colonial city centres. Dungeons and old churches share space with art galleries, theatres, and a nature park. Nearby Rizal Park is a great place to visit first thing in the morning to see the locals doing their Tai Chi or practising the traditional martial art of arnis de mano.
Manila is also home to Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the highest chief executive of the country and one of the most historic structures in the Philippines. Along the northern bank of the historic Pasig River is Chinatown, a symbol of the long history of Chinese presence. Makati is the business district of the city, but it is also home to some of the grandest five-star hotels and largest shopping centres. Malate and Ermita districts are also popular for their variety of restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, art and antique shops.
Cebu
Even before the Spanish colonialists arrived here in the 16th century, trade with the Chinese flourished in this province and many Chinese and Spanish landmarks remain. The magnificent Basilica Minore del Santo Nino was built in 1575 and stands close to Magellan’s Cross, which apparently contains splinters from a cross he planted on the shores of Cebu on his first visit in 1521. The Taoist temple, located in a residential area known as Beverly Hills, is a symbol of the city’s large and influential ethnic Chinese population. Across a road bridge from the airport is Mactan Island, a 15 square kilometre island made entirely of coral reef. Once a quiet fishing community, it is now home to some of the best beach resorts in the Philippines.
Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa, Cebu
Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort is Cebu’s most exclusive deluxe resort and provides its guests with the ultimate tropical paradise experience. An idyllic resort with a beautiful private beach, it offers an exciting range of recreation activities and superb cuisine. Every guestroom blends tropical decor with modern amenities, and private balconies provide panoramic views of the Visayan Sea.
Welcome to Bohol, God's Little Paradise, as it is sometimes called by the Boholanos themselves. This is not fully unjustified, as the island is one of the most diverse and attractive destinations in the Philippines. Within its area of about 4200 square kilometers, it houses countless white sandy beaches, numerous historic churches and watchtowers, enchanting waterfalls and caves, and, unique in the world, its amazing and stunning Chocolate Hills.
Scenic Bohol casts an enigmatic charm drawn from the many archaic mementos spread throughout the oval-shaped island - from unique rock formations to a 45-million-year-old mammal species, from massive stone watchtowers built by the Spaniards in the 18th century. Surrounding the mainland are 73 other smaller offshore islands and islets whose palm-fringed coastlines are rimmed by white sand and sheltering coves. Serpentine coastal highways wind along unsullied beaches and rustic rivers where the tourist can stop at any point and jump in for a dip.
Bohol is famous for whale watching, river cruising, smallest primate-Tarsier, Sandugo Festival, beaches, scuba diving, mountain climbing, caving, cambuhat oyster farm (ecotourism activity), Bird watching
Town visits promise exciting cultural treats that include scheduled performances by the Teatro Bolanon, Dimiao Rondalla, Diwanag Dance Theater and the award-winning Loboc Children's Choir.
Australia is a huge country, covering 5 different time zones. It boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, stunning and unusual landscapes, vibrant cities and also vast expanses of baking hot outback.
Most of the major cities are situated around the edge of Australia, with most of the population clustered into the South East corner and along the coast of Queensland. The capital Sydney is one of the most exciting cities in the world, with the world famous opera house and harbour bridge, great nightlife and superb beaches. Queensland is known for its great weather, beaches and surfing. Further north in Queensland is the Great Barrier Reef, one of the wonders of the world.
Further south is Melbourne, with a slightly milder climate and a fantastic reputation for shopping. In the heart of Australia lies Alice Springs, gateway to nearby Uluru or Ayer’s rock, a striking rock red formation rising high into the sky.
Why take a holiday or vacation in Australia?
You will find a warm and friendly welcome in Australia, and the warm weather guarantees an outdoor lifestyle and lots of opportunities for sports and activities such as walking, running, swimming and surfing.
Australia is a superb travel destination, with its stunning natural beauty, warm climate and great beaches. Australia is a vast country, and many travellers choose to join organised tours in order to get around and to appreciate its diversity. The national airline is Qantas, and there are many international airports, including Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne.
The 'outback' may be hard to define, but you'll know it when you see it. The outback is mythical Australia - red dust, empty tracks, unique wildlife, tall tales and big characters. It's not just about lifeless desert. With its awesome sense of space and few people, the Northern Territory is the real outback. There are vast open skies, wildlife abounds, the pubs are quirky and the characters you'll meet here are authentic and larger than life.
The Nile meanders silently through Egypt past some of the most ancient and beautiful monuments in the world. Much of the scenery you'll see in this wonderful African country has remained unchanged for literally thousands of years - there's a long and breathtaking history here, and the fascinating combination of age-old culture and superb resorts make Egypt an ideal holiday destination!
Choose from the following resorts in Egypt holiday guide
Sharm El Sheik
Nestled between the national park of Ras Mohammed and the calm shores of the Red Sea, Sharm el-Sheikh is the jewel of the Sinai Peninsula.
For many visitors, the most stunning scenery of this region is underwater in the colourful reefs encircling the peninsula. As one of the world's most extraordinary diving destinations, you can snorkel or dive in an underwater playground of coral gardens, shipwrecks and azure blue waters.
Hurghada
Hurghada is virtually a purpose-built resort developed around a water sports industry that you'd find difficult to beat anywhere else in the world. This part of the Red Sea coast is rich in stunningly beautiful underwater flora and fauna, and the warm water is home to a myriad of tropical fish and coral reefs that live out of the view of anyone without access to either scuba gear or a glass-bottomed boat.
Thankfully, both these activities are both available in abundance, as are many other aquatic pursuits over, and below sea level. If there's much to do during the day, then there's even more to do during the night. Hurghada comes alive with bustling bars, restaurants and clubs, and attracts a younger clientele, although revellers of all ages certainly won't feel out of place.
Luxor
You'll soon realise why Luxor has been called the world's grearest open air museum - the sheer number and quality of the monuments in the area is simply unparalleled. A paradise for culture lovers, this is the ideal base from which to visit the awe-inspiring monuments which line both sides of the Nile:
The stunning Valley Of The Kings and the tomb of Tutankhamun, the magnificent Luxor temple, and Karnak - the largest place of worship ever constructed, and built over a period of 1,500 years. Luxor's museum is also one of the best in Egypt and contains a wonderful display of antiquities. But there's more to Luxor than an impressive ancient history; wandering around the city today you'll find colourful cafes and restaurants, and bazaars where you can buy locally crafted alabaster goods and clay pottery. You can ride in a horse-drawn caleche, sail in a felucca, take a sunset cruise, or see the city from a hot-air balloon.
The subcontinent of India lies in southern Asia, between Pakistan, China and Nepal. To the north it is bordered by the world's highest mountain chain and the south is covered in tropical rain forests and bordered by beautiful beaches. India is a country of immense diversity - culturally as well as geographically. A huge number of religions, traditions and languages make up this vibrant and chaotic country.
Modern India is a place where contradiction and contrast co-exist. India has embraced technology whilst simultaneously cherishing the tested and traditional. Farmers can be found using ancient methods to earn their living, whilst minutes away state-of-the-art factories produce gleaming cutting-edge gadgets that are sold across the world. And it is this industrial development that has put India well and truly on the international map. But it's also a country where many things haven't changed for hundreds of years and certain parts seem strangely removed from the twenty-first century.
Two of the most popular visitor destinations in India are Kerala and Goa.
Kerala is located on the coast of southern India. It is renowned for its lush vegetation, tranquil beaches and breathtaking mountains. Kerala offers a rich and alluring culture that embraces many different religions and influences. This is an excellent destination for experiencing the real India in stunningly beautiful surroundings.
Goa, in comparison, has a more European feel. The invasion of the Portuguese in 1510 brought with it a Mediterranean influence that can still be seen today. Like Karala, the beaches and scenery are description-defyingly beautiful. Goa has everything the holidaymaker could want, with a healthy sprinkling of Indian exoticism and mystery.
Please note
In India the monsoon season generally runs from May-October. Please refer to the Useful Information section of this guide for weather patterns and travel advice.
Both Goa and Kerala have abundant beaches. You can choose from developed beaches, with their facilities, restaurants and high level of maintenance, or deserted stretches of sandy paradise.
Baga Beach A small fishing seashore lined with thickets of shady palm trees that provides a stunning view against the playful sea waves
Anjuna Beach , known for its infamous full moon parties, lies 8km west of Mapusa. Since the 1970s, it has been on the top favourites list of tourists a hippy hangout. indian holidays.
Bambolim Beach , is small and clean and gloriously unspoilt.
Thirumullavaram Beach, Kollam This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre and has frequent bus connections to the town.
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When Bodrum still bore the name "Halicarnassus", the capital of Caria, the city and its peninsula produced a considerable number of prominent personalities whose names continue to be celebrated in history. In later ages others gained admission to this Roll of the Renowned - which is not closed yet.
Hailed as "Father of History"; traveled extensively and wrote "Histories". Born ca. 484 B.C.
Navigator and explorer; sailed from the Indus River to the north reaches of the Red Sea. (ca. 510 B.C.)
Queen of Caria, member of the war council of Xerxes of Persia; commanded her own naval squadron in the Battle of Salamis (480 B.C.)
Ruler of Caria; enlarged Halicarnassus, brought in population and surrounded the city with extensive walls.
Sister and wife of Mausolus; built the Mausoleum; conquered Rhodes by stratagem.
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Queen of Caria; deposed by her brother, reinstated by Alexander the Great who became later adopted son.
Historian, linguist and critic; wrote a 20 volume history of Rome and other works.
Poet, satirist and bete noir of the establishment; reed flute virtuoso.
Known as Dragut to western historians; corsair, then admiral in Ottoman navy, killed in the siege of Malta (1565).
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