Page 116 - Asian Paradises 2019-20

— Philippines —— Philippines —

limestone escarpments, palm-tree-lined The Banaue Rice Terraces of the Ifugao peeled for pitcher plants, orchids and
white sand beaches and coral beaches. Province have been dubbed the eighth wildlife that include the Philippine eagle.
wonder of the world, covering an incredible
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Sibuan Island is a wonderland of
National Park features a spectacular 22 400 kilometres. biodiversity with animals and plants that
limestone landscape with an underground Sagada offers many treks, of which Echo can be found nowhere else in the world
river. One of the river’s distinguishing Valley is considered one of the best. This except Sibuyan. It’s also home to the
features is that it emerges directly into the trek includes Sagada’s famous hanging 2058m Mount Guiting Guiting.
sea, and its lower portion is subject to tidal coffins. The coffins, some centuries old,
influences. The site also contains a full belong to the Applai tribal elders and can Where to stay
“mountain to sea” ecosystem and has some be found in the caves surrounding Sagada. The Philippines offers a wide range of
of the most important forests in Asia. It is commonly believed that hanging the accommodation for all budgets. Metro

The tranquil island of Siargao is popular coffins higher up brings the dead closer to Manila has everything vistors need from
deluxe hotels and serviced apartments to
with seasoned surfers. Most head to the their ancestral spirits. hostels and homestays.
wooden pavilion on Cloud Nine for the The Bicol region is blessed with beautiful
infamous Siargao break. But waves for rivers and lakes, mountains, tiered There are comfortable deluxe hotels in all
both experts and novices abound elsewhere waterfalls and hot springs. It’s also dotted the big cities, first-class resorts in Batangas,
on this island too. Siargao is also home to with volcanoes and home to the ethereal Palawan, Cebu, Boracay and Bohol, and
some of the most postcard-perfect islands Mount Mayon. Davao in Mindanao.
in the country.
Vigan is one of the few remaining 16th Shopping
Apo Reef is the largest atoll-type reef in the century towns in the Philippines known Every major city in the Philippines has a
Philippines. The crystal clear waters are for its preserved Spanish colonial and shopping centre. SM Mall of Asia or SM
home to 285 species of fish and 197 species Asian architecture. North in Manila are two of the biggest in
of coral home to large fish, such as white the world. Greenhills Shopping Centre in
and black tip sharks, reef sharks, jacks, Manila’s historical district Intramuros Mandaluyong City or Market Market mall
tuna and even hammerhead, whale shark “the walled city” was the centre of Spanish in Taguig City are popular for bargain
and manta ray. rule in the Philippines. It was home to the
Spanish colonists, their families, and their hunters The Divisoria area and its 168
Banaue is tucked in rugged terrain Filipino servants. Mall is the backbone of Manila’s buy and
brimming with spectacular scenery, sell trade with an abundance of no-frills
breathtaking mountains ranges, ancient Head to Davao for a volcano that has never bargain-shopping.
pine forests, tumbling waterfalls, and blown its top. Standing at 2954ft, Mount
fern-filled glades. It’s also home to some of Apo is the highest peak in the Philippines. There is an abundance of local markets
the most spectacular, 2000 year old, World A hike up this mountain will take you with an exciting selection of local
Heritage Listed rice terraces in the region. through virgin forests so keep your eyes handicrafts, antiques and souvenirs

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