- The Philippines destination was named 'The Most Beautiful Island in the World' by Condé Nast Traveller… but it's still a little off the beaten track, so you're less likely to run into your next door neighbour than if you take a trip to Fiji or Thailand.
- The Puerto Princesa Underground River has been named a Unesco World Heritage Site and is considered one of the natural wonders of the world. You travel inside a mountain, seeing rock formations that have been created over thousands of years, including the area nicknamed 'The Cathedral', which is thousands of metres high.
- El Nido Cove is pure tropical paradise: white sand beaches, water so warm and clear it's like being in a bath, and interesting sea life makes it wonderful for snorkelling enthusiasts. You can do a full day snorkelling tour – including lunch, made right there on the beach – for about $44. Our New Zealand dollar does well there.
- The Filipinos love their fish and meat – the food is fresh, varied and tasty. Fish is plucked from the sea and cooked right in front of you, there are juicy mangos available everywhere and an eye-wateringly delicious amount of pork. Also, forget what you know about the bland, sugary coconut water you get in a packet. The real stuff, cracked open and drunk from the coconut, is extraordinary.
- Owing to its rich history, the Philippines is heavily influenced by Spanish, Malaysian, Chinese and American culture. The Filipino are a lot of fun – karaoke is a national pastime – they love their puns and they invented a possibly lethal cocktail named after a midget action star. Called the Weng Weng, it's a mix of rum, bourbon, vodka, scotch, tequila, brandy and pineapple juice.
Words: Sarah Murray
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