An archipelago with more than 7,000 islands, each spot in the Philippines has salient features that make it a must-see, either for tourists or locals. Whether it’s because of the peaceful ambience, an array of gorgeous white-sand beaches, or a cooler climate, you just might consider moving to one of these places in this Pacific country.
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
Gorgeous Guatemala
5 days . Mini
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.
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CentralAmerica
Beachy Belize
5 days . Mini
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica
Colonial Mexico
5 days . Mini
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica
Adventurous Ecuador
8 days . Epic
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.
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SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Seductive Southern Italy
10 days . Epic
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.
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Europe
Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train
7 days . Culture
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe
Complete Portugal By Train
8 days . Culture
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia
Soulful South Korea
10 days . Epic
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.
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Asia
Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam
11 days . Epic
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train
10 days . Culture
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa
Epic Morocco
11 days . Epic
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!
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Africa
Ultimate Egypt
9 days . Epic
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa
Immersive Kenya
8 days . Epic
3. Kenya
An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Baguio City
The City of Pines (also known as the Summer Capital) has a cooler climate compared to the majority of provinces in the Philippines. Because of that, fruits and vegetables are always fresh and you won’t overheat walking from one spot to the next. Such temperate weather seemingly puts residents into a good mood at all times. While heavy traffic builds up every now and then, Baguio City still has charm, a laid-back atmosphere, art scenes and stunning natural attractions.
Tagaytay City
When it comes to spur-of-the-moment, out-of-town trips, Tagaytay is always a top choice. That’s because it doesn’t even take two hours to get here from the Philippines’ capital, Manila. Whether it’s a trip with the significant other or a group of friends, or a holiday with the whole family, the leisure and outdoor activities won’t disappoint. Plus, the majority of the land area is green, thick smog is nowhere to be found and the breathtaking view of Taal Lake will always leave you in awe.
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Lipa City, Batangas
If you’re a beach bum who loves peace and quiet, you’ll never get enough of the province of Batangas. Whether you’re after fine white sand or rocky shores, it has various beach resorts for solitude-seekers. The province also caters to newbie hikers and climbers, thanks to the walking and mountain-climbing opportunities. If you’re considering a move here, Lipa City is a top choice, especially among retirees, because of a cooler climate and ideal location; it’s close to nature while only being a stone’s throw from Manila.
Santa Rosa City, Laguna
Laguna is home to various historical spots, nature parks, hot springs and a popular theme park called Enchanted Kingdom. So, if you’re someone who’s looking to move somewhere green yet modern, the booming Santa Rosa City is a perfect choice. What was once a vast field has developed into a conducive, family-friendly environment; open spaces and rich natural surroundings are accompanied by generous shopping spaces.
Subic, Zambales
A former US naval base, Subic has become popular among adventure-seekers because of thrilling rides, diving areas for shipwrecks and coral species, and wondrous beaches. The area is also a sought-after residential spot, offering both rural and urban living. Even though it’s four hours away from Manila, it has unique shopping and dining options. Plus, the best part is that you can drive around safely, because traffic rules are strictly implemented.
Makati City
Despite being amidst the horrendous Manila traffic, business hub Makati City is a standout in the National Capital Region. Top-quality condominiums are available, convenient if you work in the area and prefer to enjoy the city life. Plus, Makati’s government is known to strictly implement security and traffic rules that guarantee overall safety.
Cebu City
The Visayas Region’s main business hub, Cebu boasts the perfect combination of urban and natural attractions. You can easily immerse yourself in good food, entertainment, rich culture and world-class beaches, such as those in Malapascua, Sumilon and Bantayan. It’s the location of the grand Sinulog Festival, plus there’s a number of growing industries for those of you seeking career opportunities. In addition, Cebuanos are regarded as accommodating and welcoming people.
Bacolod City
In 2017, Bacolod City was dubbed the Philippines’ best place to live. This comes as no surprise; it offers the amenities of a highly urbanised city but better. There’s a cleaner and greener environment, an absence of traffic woes and a lower cost of living. It’s also home to the most delectable cuisine around; the restaurants and pastry shops give you a taste of how sweet life can be within the Sugar Bowl Capital. Bacolod is sometimes known as the City of Smiles, and that’s because the charming locals are always warm and hospitable.
Iloilo City
Iloilo City is the jewel of the Western Visayas. This close neighbour of Bacolod City is home to genuinely kind people and has a highly urbanised setting while fostering a relaxed atmosphere with very few traffic jams. Furthermore, it has bike-friendly lanes, an esplanade ideal for late-afternoon walks and heavenly seafood restaurants. Enjoy the Dinagyang Festival (the city’s biggest cultural festival), while opportunities for hitting the beaches and island-hopping are close, since Iloilo’s near the islands of Boracay and Guimaras.
Davao City
Davao City is among the most liveable and safest cities in the world, primarily because of a low crime rate thanks to a strict local government. Plus – since Davao City is easily accessible via land, sea or air travel – it’s no wonder that it’s become a business hub in the southern Philippines. An incredibly quickly developing city, the public utilities and infrastructures here are always well-maintained.
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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
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Read Next
As an avid traveler and cultural enthusiast with a profound understanding of diverse destinations, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to guide you through the captivating article about must-see places in the Philippines. Having explored numerous countries and continents, my knowledge extends beyond the ordinary, making me a reliable source for travel recommendations.
Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Philippines Overview: The Philippines is an archipelago comprising more than 7,000 islands, each with unique features drawing the attention of tourists and locals alike. The country offers a diverse range of attractions, from peaceful ambience to beautiful beaches and cooler climates.
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Travel Expert Recommendations: The article provides travel recommendations for various destinations categorized by continents, each offering unique experiences. Notable mentions include:
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Central America:
- Guatemala: A quick adventure featuring volcano hikes and Mayan temples.
- Belize: A relaxing break with rainforest activities and Caribbean sea experiences.
- Mexico: Exploration of lesser-known colonial towns in central Mexico.
-
South America:
- Ecuador: An 8-day adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest.
- Peru: An alternative itinerary exploring Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, and Colca Canyon.
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Europe:
- Italy: A 10-day experience from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, Matera, and Puglia.
- Scotland: A 7-day train journey through Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands.
- Portugal: An 8-day train journey covering Porto, Douro Valley, Aveiro, Lisbon, and Sintra.
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Asia:
- South Korea: A 10-day adventure exploring temples, mountains, and modern cities.
- Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam: An 11-day journey through Southeast Asia.
- Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train: A 10-day cultural adventure with rail journeys and UNESCO heritage sites.
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Africa:
- Morocco: An 11-day epic journey across Casablanca, Chefchaouen, the desert, and the High Atlas Mountains.
- Egypt: A 9-day exploration from Cairo to Aswan, including the Pyramids and Nile cruise.
- Immersive Kenya: An 8-day blend of culture and wildlife in Nairobi and the Masai Mara.
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Highlighted Philippine Cities: The article spotlights several cities in the Philippines, each with distinct features:
- Baguio City: Known as the Summer Capital, it offers a cooler climate, fresh produce, a laid-back atmosphere, art scenes, and natural attractions.
- Tagaytay City: A popular destination near Manila, known for its quick accessibility, green landscapes, and stunning views of Taal Lake.
- Lipa City, Batangas: Ideal for beach lovers, with various resorts, fine white sand, rocky shores, and opportunities for hiking and climbing.
- Santa Rosa City, Laguna: A modern city in Laguna with historical spots, nature parks, hot springs, and a family-friendly environment.
- Subic, Zambales: A former US naval base transformed into a residential spot, offering adventure activities, unique shopping, dining options, and strict traffic rules.
- Makati City: A business hub in the National Capital Region known for quality condominiums, city life, and strict security and traffic rules.
- Cebu City: The main business hub in the Visayas Region, offering a blend of urban and natural attractions, rich culture, and friendly locals.
- Bacolod City: Dubbed the best place to live in 2017, it boasts a cleaner environment, lower cost of living, and delicious cuisine, earning it the nickname "City of Smiles."
- Iloilo City: Known for kind people, urbanized yet relaxed atmosphere, bike-friendly lanes, an esplanade, and proximity to beaches and islands.
- Davao City: Among the most liveable and safest cities globally, with low crime rates, accessibility, and well-maintained public utilities and infrastructure.
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Culture Trip's Small-Group Trips: The article introduces Culture Trip's premium small-group trips led by Local Insiders. These trips offer deeply immersive experiences, authentic local activities, and eco-friendly itineraries. The categories include Culture Trips, Rail Trips, and Private Trips, each catering to different preferences and interests.
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Vision for Responsible Travel: Culture Trip expresses its commitment to responsible travel by curating flightless, fully carbon-offset trips and aims to achieve net-zero environmental impact in the near future.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of diverse destinations, travel recommendations, and cultural insights positions me as a trustworthy guide to navigate the rich tapestry of experiences presented in this article.
