Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,641 islands — beaches, reefs, jungles, volcanoes and three centuries of Spanish colonial heritage that make it Southeast Asia's most culturally distinct destination. Manila, the capital on Luzon island, is anchored by Intramuros — the walled colonial city with Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church (the country's oldest, 1607), and Casa Manila — alongside Rizal Park and the modern Bonifacio Global City skyline. Cebu, the 'Queen City of the South', is where Magellan landed in 1521 and where the country's Christianisation began. Magellan's Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro and the lively Mactan Island resorts mix history with beach access. Cebu is also the launchpad for the Kawasan Falls canyoneering adventure and Oslob whale-shark snorkelling. Boracay, a tiny 7-km-long island, has been ranked Asia's best beach again and again — White Beach's flour-fine sand stretches 4 km, lined with stations 1-2-3 for kitesurfing, parasailing and island hopping to Crystal Cove and Magic Island. Sunset cocktails at D'Mall and Bulabog Beach kiteboarding round out a perfect three days. Puerto Princesa on Palawan island is home to the Puerto Princesa Underground River — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The 8.2-km cave river runs through limestone karst beneath a mountain. Honda Bay island-hopping, Sabang Beach and the Iwahig Firefly Watching tour are the supporting acts.