Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands in the western Pacific. Palawan brings the limestone cliffs and emerald lagoons of El Nido's Bacuit Bay, the lakes and reefs of Coron, the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO-listed natural site, and private-island resorts. Boracay has powder-white sand and sunsets, while Siargao offers surf breaks, lagoons, mangroves and a laid-back island pace.

Manila pairs Makati's business district and dining scene with Intramuros, a historic walled district of stone architecture, plus museums and galleries. Cebu, or Bohol with its Chocolate Hills, can add further island stops. The islands lie in the Coral Triangle, home to some of the world's richest coral reefs: think snorkelling, diving and island-hopping by bangka (an outrigger boat). In the wild you may meet turtles, reef fish and, in season off Donsol, whale sharks.

Filipino food means adobo (meat braised in vinegar, garlic and soy sauce), kinilaw (raw fish cured in vinegar or citrus juice), lechón (spit-roasted pig), mangoes and calamansi, a small tart citrus. Warm hospitality is part of the place. The climate is tropical: drier roughly December–May, with more frequent rain roughly June–November. The currency is the Philippine peso. The Philippines suits couples and honeymooners, divers and surfers, families on private-island resorts and travellers pairing a city stay with islands.