Philippines an archipelago consisting of some 7,100 islands and islets lying about 500 miles off the coast. Manila is the biggest city and the national capital. It is located on Luzon, the largest island, which has a land area of 40,420 square miles. The Philippines are the third largest group of English speaking people in the world, after the United States and the United Kingdom. The Philippines is the only Christian country in Asia. Over 90% of the population claim to follow Christian faiths. The largest of the minority religious groups is the Muslims.
The Philippines is composed of 7107 islands (7108 at low tide), with a total coastline longer than that of the USA.The warm tropical waters offer the attractions of sunbathing and swimming, while divers and snorkelers can explore coral gardens with beautiful marine life and dramatic drop-offs on the sea bed. Charter planes can be hired for reaching some of the more remote islands.
Some Major Tourist Attractions
Manila
Capital and hub of the nation, Manila is situated on the east coast of Luzon. Places of interest include San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral, from which there is an excellent view of the 2072 sq km (800 sq miles) of the harbor, and the ruins of Fort Santiago. Manila Cathedral is a magnificent architectural feat with its intricate stone carvings, stained glass mosaics, and rosette windows.
Luneta Park
Luneta Park contains the Rizal Monument, a memorial to the execution of this great Filipino intellectual of the late 19th century. This park is like an oasis for relaxation and fun in the midst of Manila. Luneta Park has gardens, historical markers, plazas, a grand stadium, an observatory, an open-air concert hall, an artists' sanctuary, a light-and-sound theatre, restaurants, food kiosks and playgrounds, and dozens of fountains.
Luzon
Luzon is the largest and most northerly of the main islands. Its spectacular landscape is made up of mountainous regions in the north, the flat vistas of the central plain, lakes and volcanoes in the southern peninsula, and a coastline dotted with caves and sandy-beached islands.
Baguio
250km (150 miles) north of Manila is Baguio, 1525m (5000ft) above sea level, a cool haven from the summer heat. It is accessible both by air and land, though the drive up the zigzagging Kennon Road is more popular as it offers spectacular views of the countryside. Baguio has a good variety of restaurants, mountain views and walking excursions.
Banaue
Banaue is an eight hour bus ride north of Baguio. A remote mountain community lives here, and tourists can visit their settlements.
The beautiful rice terraces are the main attraction of this area. A breathtaking sight, they rise majestically to an altitude of 1525m (5000ft), and encompass an area of 10,360 sq km (4000 sq miles). The Banaue Rice Terraces were carved over a 2,000 year span with primitive handtools by the ancestors of the current farmers, the Ifugao tribesmen.
Hundred Islands
Lying off the coast of Pangasinan, the Hundred Islands group is made up of 400 islets surrounded by coral gardens and white sand beaches. This area is ideal for swimming and fishing. Hundred Islands is the second-largest marine reservation in the world, teeming with over 2000 species of aquatic life. |
