The Philippines is becoming more and more popular among Polish tourists, which is why we decided to add this destination to our latest offer Exotics 2023/24. Including more than 7,000 islands of the Asian country, you will find fabulous, sandy beaches always washed with warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, exotic vegetation, interesting culture and smiling inhabitants. The Philippines is a great place for both blissful relaxation on the beach and active recreation, e.g. diving. Check what is worth seeing during your holidays in the Philippines and take a look at the holiday offer on Panglao!

Chocolate Hills – an unusual range of hills on the island of Bohol

The famous chocolate hills are located in the central part of the island of Bohol. Their name refers to the fact that in the dry season, i.e. from February to May (when the grasses growing on them dry), they take on a brown color. All hills built of limestone, which is covered with dense, high grass, are approx. 1.3 thousand. They are characterized by a small height (rarely exceeding 100 m, and the lowest of them are only about 30 m) and quite regular, semicircular shape.

Local legend says that a giant named Arogo fell in love with the beautiful young girl Aloya. So he decided to kidnap her to his hideout and convince her to love him. The chosen one, however, consistently rejected his advances, and after a few days she fell seriously ill and eventually died. Arogo grieved for a long time after the death of his beloved, and chocolate hills formed from his tears dripping on the ground. What to see in the Philippines? The most popular viewpoint from which you can admire this extraordinary landscape is the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen (approx. 55 km from the regional capital Tagbilaran).

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary – home of the big-eyed tarsiers

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is a nature reserve located in the Corella area of the island of Bohol.

In this large, tropical forest, you can see very characteristic, large-eyed mammals from the tarsiers family, also called tarsiers (or often also tarsiers). The distinguishing features of these funny predators, in addition to the huge size of the eyes, are also:

• neck rotates almost 180 degrees
• long tail
• nocturnal lifestyle

In the Philippines, the attraction of the reserve is the so-called Tarsier Trail – a trail leading through the dense Philippine jungle, with viewing platforms. If one is lucky, one may see tarsiers clinging to branches. A walk around the sanctuary is also an opportunity to admire various species of exotic birds, monkeys and tropical plants. And this is just the beginning of the experiences that await you during your holidays in the Philippines.

Philippines – visiting Banaue, i.e. rice terraces on the slopes of the Ifugao mountains

One of the most beautiful places in the Philippines are the rice terraces located in the Banaue region, in the northern part of Luzon. Their execution is attributed to the ancestors of the Igorot people, who still inhabit the mountainous regions of the north of the island.

What makes terraces even more interesting? The fact that they were made practically without the use of tools around 2,000 years ago. years ago. They are still used today to grow rice and fruit, and are irrigated by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforest above them. In the Philippines, traditional Batad, Mayoyao, Hapao and Kiangan rice terraces can also be found among the attractions.

Attractions in the Philippines – Pinatubo, an active volcano with a caldera filled with water

Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano with a height of 1,486 m above sea level, located on the island of Luzon, about 90 km north of Manila. In its caldera, surrounded by a lush forest, there is a picturesque lake.

The volcano last erupted in 1991, killing around 800 people and destroying hundreds of homes. The eruption was accompanied by the ejection of a large amount of dust, ashes and huge volcanic bombs, as well as a rapid flow of lahars (mud and ash avalanches). As a result of the week-long eruption, the volcano decreased by 260 meters, as it had previously measured 1,745 meters. In the Philippines, sightseeing means trekking! Hiking to the caldera is considered quite easy and does not require any special fitness or climbing experience. From the place, which can be reached by off-road car, it takes less than 30 minutes to get to the top. Those who like hiking can go to Crow Valley and from there start the longer 5.5-kilometre walk to the crater.

Manila – a bustling Far Eastern metropolis, an attraction of the Philippines

The capital of the Philippines, inhabited by less than 14 million people, may not be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it is still worth visiting to learn more about the characteristics of the Far Eastern metropolis.

What to see in the Philippines – Manila attractions:

street noise,
a whole lot of different restaurants,
a wide range of night entertainment, friendly residents,
some interesting monuments,
many opportunities for great shopping,
the scenic coastline are just a few of Manila’s attractions.

During a visit to the city, it is worth visiting the old town surrounded by walls, where you will find many historical buildings from the times of Spanish colonization, including:

Fort Santiago,
Cathedral and Church of St. Augustine,
colorful Chinatown Binondo with hundreds of exotic restaurants and a huge market,
beautiful Rizal Park and monument dedicated to the national hero Jose Rizal,
an oceanarium full of various aquatic creatures,
interesting National Museum.

You can’t get bored during your holidays in the Philippines – there is no shortage of attractions!

Sagada – a land of unusual funeral rituals

Sagada is a province located in the northern part of Luzon, which is famous for an unusual type of burial – coffins are hung here in caves or on the slope of a steep rock. Older people prepare their own coffins (if they are too sick or weak, their relatives do it for them). Burials take place in nearby caves, and coffins are either suspended inside the caves or on the sides of the cliffs. The tradition of burials of this type has more than 2,000 years. years, and the oldest coffins that can be seen today are even 100 years old!

The locals believe that by placing the coffins in this way, it is easier for the soul to achieve a higher status in the afterlife. When visiting Sagada, remember not to touch the coffins or stand under them – it happens that the older ones fall apart and fall to the ground.

What to see in the Philippines? Cebu – the religious center of the country

Cebu is the main city of the island of the same name, located between Negros and Bohol. Its biggest attraction is the Basilica of Santo Niño, where you can see the most valuable religious artifact of the country – a figurine of Baby Jesus given to local residents by Magellan.

What to see in the Philippines? Cebu is especially worth visiting on the last Sunday of January, when the Sinulog religious festival takes place. A very colorful parade passes through the streets of the city. The locals perform a traditional dance to the sound of drums, and there are plenty of accompanying events throughout Cebu.

Philippines – the most beautiful places, i.e. paradise islands

The territory of the Philippines consists of approx. 7 thousand. islands. All of them are covered with wonderful tropical vegetation, and on many you can also find paradise sandy beaches and excellent conditions for sea swimming and diving. While visiting this country, you must visit at least one of them to experience the paradise under the palm trees for yourself. On a sandy beach washed by a warm, turquoise sea full of coral reefs, everyone will feel like in heaven while drinking refreshing coconut water or delicious rum.

In the Philippines, the attractions are also beaches. The island famous for them is Palawan. You will find insane here:

Hidden Beach,
Nacpan Beach,
Las Cabanas,
Nagtabon,
Puerto Subterranean River National Park.

There are many tiny paradise islands around Palawan, e.g. Shimizu, Snake, Helicopter, Matinloc. Panglao, located next to Bohol, is also a great island for a carefree holiday. It is a great place for those who, in addition to sunbathing, also want to see the Tarsian Sanctuary or the Chocolate Hills in neighboring Bohol. There are plenty of beautiful beaches on Panglao, including Alona, Dumaluan, Momo, or Bil-isan.