About Philippines
 
Dubbed as the “Pearl of the Orient, the Philippines is truly one of the undiscovered gems in Asia. Composed of 7,107 islands, the country offers a diverse selection of natural and historical sites, exotic cuisine and a rich cultural heritage that is sure to leave you breathless and wanting for more. In this summary of the Philippines, we’ll acquaint you with its main attractions and what makes it so unique. 

The Philippines is divided into three major island groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Manila, its capital city, is located in the southern region of Luzon and serves as the primary gateway to this island paradise. Other points of entry are Clark (about 100 kilometers north of Manila), Cebu (the main city in Visayas) and Davao (the primary portal to Mindanao). A wide variety of local travel options are available to everyone, from the posh traveler to the bargain backpacker. 

When it comes to nature, there’s no better place to go! The great thing about Philippines is that it’s blessed with a tropical climate teeming with flora and fauna. Being an archipelago, you can experience walking through a mountainous tropical jungle at one moment, and then relaxing in a sun-kissed white sand beach in the next. Each island offers something new even to the most jaded traveler.

Due to its history, the Philippines is truly a meeting place of both East and West. Having more than 180 indigenous ethnic groups and 170 local dialects, it is not hard to see why the Philippines is truly a unique place with a rich cultural heritage. The national language is Filipino. English is generally spoken by everyone throughout the islands. Everywhere you go, you can see the different Malay, Indian, Chinese, Spanish, American and Japanese influence. Instead of a clashing of cultures, the Philippines has blended all of these influences into a veritable cultural cornucopia that is sure to strike your interest.