The Philippine Islands sits on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, lying north of the Malay Peninsula in South East Asia, the only Roman Catholic nation in Asia. From north to south, the archipelago extends over nearly 1850 kilometers. Philippines is of volcanic origin, it has more than 20 active volcanoes.

ID：110488-00048 Philippines waterfront　　Picture Sources：ccnpic.com Wang Xiaohong

The largest city is Manila, capital of Philippines . The two largest islands are Luzon to the north, and Mindanao to the south, with a host of smaller islands in between, including some unnamed and uninhabited patches of land.

A large part of the terrain is mountainous; the volcanic eruptions in the area have given the Philippines, fertile soils and spectacular landscapes and underwater areas. Unfortunately, deforestation and uninhibited harvesting of both flora and marine life have deprived the Philippines of its once rich and diverse resources.

ID：110488-00047 Philippines waterfront　　Picture Sources：ccnpic.com Wang Xiaohong

The Philippines is full of natural beauty, including gorgeous beaches, hills that look like candy drops, amazing waterfalls, old rice terraces and reefs full of marine life. The main attractions of the Philippines include beaches, tropical scenery, indigenous culture, historical sites, volcanoes, fishing, trekking, snorkeling and diving.

The Philippines’ primary beach is the 4km white beach of Boracay, recently named the ‘finest beach in the world’. Aside from beaches, the Philippines also boasts stunning lakes, rivers and waterfalls.

Philippines travel offers a warm, tropical climate, friendly people, and a wealth of unspoiled natural splendor. There is great diversity here also. The archipelago encompasses 7,107 islands, from tiny, uninhabited outcrops to the largest islands of Luzon and Mindanao, both larger than Ireland.

ID：110488-00049 Philippines waterfront　　Picture Sources：ccnpic.com Wang Xiaohong

ID：110488-00050 Philippines waterfront　　Picture Sources：ccnpic.com Wang Xiaohong

The Philippines has a multitude of natural highlights. The Hundred Islands off Luzon are a compact collection of tiny coral islands, some with deserted white sand beaches, the quintessential desert islands. The vast Banaue rice terraces soar from the valleys into the Central Cordillera mountains. Mayon Volcano is among the most beautiful in the world.

Small-ship travel is an ideal way to visit the Philippines. With so many undeveloped islands, a small ship offers the opportunity to make landfall anywhere and wind your way leisurely through this fascinating country.

ID：111757-00316 Philippines waterfront　　Picture Sources：ccnpic.com Li Fan

Travel Tips:

Be careful about photographing cultural minorities. Insensitive photography will cause resentment.

In rural areas and on some southern islands, travel can be a little hazardous, but most of the country, especially tourist areas, is safe.

Be gentle when diving or snorkeling in coral reef areas. Living corals are easily damaged by contact with divers and their equipment. (CCNPIC Nancy Wu)