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Though the Philippines has a somewhat dodgy reputation among travelers, it is not without its charms. The Philippine archipelago, located in Southeast Asia, has a tropical marine climate. Its terrain is mountainous, with lowlands along the coasts. The vast number of islands alone, over 7100, is impressive. Within that huge collection of land masses one can find beautiful beaches, friendly people, and unique geographic features.

The Chocolate Hills lure trekkers to their bizarrely shaped limestone hillocks, named for the color of the grass at the end of the dry season. The white beaches of Boracay are world famous. Cavers can brave the challenging depths of the Siquijor caves. The surf off the east coast islands offer thrills for wave riders. Manila, the country’s capital, is a vibrant city with a plethora of shopping opportunities. Palawan, the nation’s largest island province, boasts two world heritage sites. Pristine coral reefs and vast marine biodiversity make the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park a haven for scuba divers. The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park features a navigable underground waterway where one can boat from the mountains, through limestone caves, and finally exit out onto the South China Sea.