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Escape the Crowds: The 6 Best National Parks in Asia

Ba Vi National Park

Feeling stressed out? Need a break from your chaotic schedule? 

Nothing beats the tranquility of lush, untouched nature, which is exactly what you will find at these six Asian national parks. 

Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Just a two and a half hour drive north of Bangkok lies the Khao Yai National Park, the third largest national park in Thailand. Having been established back in 1962, the park is also famed for being Thailand’s oldest national park, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sprawling out for around 300 square kilometers, the park primarily features tropical forests and grasslands, and is home to: 

  • 66 mammal species 
  • 320 bird species 
  • 3000 plant species 

This is one of the last remaining places in Thailand where you will still find wild elephants, not just surviving but truly thriving. In 2017, it was confirmed that there were also 18 tigers living at the park, along with: 

  • Gibbons
  • Muntjacs
  • Sambar deer 
  • Pig-tailed macaques 

One of the most unique features of the park are its ancient caves. Back in the day, the largest was used as a Buddhist monastery, and, today, the caves are home to millions of bats. If you arrive at the right time, you will be able to see them stream out of the cave for their nightly feeding. 

Visiting the Park 

The best way to explore the Khao Yai National Park is with a tour guide, as they will be able to take you to the park’s very best features. Don’t worry about having to deal with crowds of tourists on your tour though – the tours through Khao Yai National Park are usually personal, and you are unlikely to see anyone else as you make your way through the park. 

Unlike some of the other national parks in Thailand, which are known for being tourist traps, Khao Yai is wonderfully quiet, making it well worth visiting. 

Jiuzhai Valley National Park, China

Located in south-west China, in the Sichuan Province, the Jiuzhai Valley National Park consists of a long valley that runs north to south through around 180,000 acres. Not only is this park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is also a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. 

What makes this park so special? 

Well, it is most famous for its colorful lakes and multi-tiered waterfalls, but there are a number of unique features here, such as: 

  • The seven Tibetan villages located within the park’s boundaries, which tourists are able to visit 
  • The endangered giant panda that live in the park, of which there are only around 20 left 
  • The endangered golden snub-nosed money 
  • Its 140 bird species 
  • In the winter months, the ice that freezes over the waterfalls and lakes takes on a mystical shade of blue, which is a rare phenomenon that only happens for a couple of weeks in January or February 
Visiting the Park 

The Jiuzhai Valley National Park isn’t as easy to access as some of the others on this list…

You can either take a ten hour drive from Chengdu, along a very precarious road, or fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, which isn’t easy to get to, and then take a 90 minute bus ride. 

Now, due to earthquakes, as well as over-tourism, only 5000 people are allowed to visit the park each day. You will need to book your ticket well in advance, especially if you plan on visiting during the fall – this is the park’s peak tourist season due to all of the magical colors that transform the park into a living fairytale. 

Ba Vi National Park, Vietnam 

Vietnam’s Ba Vi National Park is famous all over the country for its outstanding natural beauty. Not only is this park home to three impressive mountain peaks, along with dense tropical rainforests, but this area used to be a French hill station, meaning that it is now dotted with a string of French ruins. 

In addition to its historic sites, some of the other highlights of this park include: 

  • The Cactus Garden, where you will find more than 1200 species of cactus 
  • Trekking to the three mountain summits
  • Visiting the Upper Temple on the Tan Vien Peak 
  • Visiting the Thien Son Waterfall and Waterpark, which is usually filled with other tourists but is still worth checking out 

If you really want to treat yourself…

Book yourself in for a stay at the Tan Da Spa Resort, which is located in the national park. This luxury resort has been designed to look like an ancient Vietnamese palace, and provides: 

  • Natural hot springs 
  • Mud baths 
  • Herbal baths 
  • Many other traditional spa treatments 
Visiting the Park 

With the Ba Vi National Park being located just 60 kilometers from Ha Noi, it only takes a couple of hours to drive there from the city. Of course, if you do happen to be spending some time in Ha Noi, don’t forget to stop by at the OROGOLD Ha Noi store to treat your skin to a VIP facial, or even just for some expert skin care advice. 

Since the Ba Vi National Park offers a pleasant climate throughout the year, you can plan your visit for any season that suits you. 

Taman Negara National Park, Indonesia 

Encompassing over 4000 square kilometers and being home to all of the country’s forest habitats, the Taman Negara National Park was first established in 1938. Although the park has many standout features, it is internationally recognized for being home to the oldest deciduous rainforest in the world, believed to be more than 130 million years old. 

If that doesn’t impress you, then perhaps some of the park’s other highlights will, such as: 

  • The rare mammals that call this park home, including the Malayan tiger, the Asian elephant and the Malayan gaur 
  • Sign up for a night jungle walk to see some of the park’s nocturnal animals come out to feed 
  • Climb the Canopy Walkway, which is the longest suspension bridge in Malaysia 
  • Visit the local villages, which are home to Taman Negara’s indigenous people 
  • Go rapid shooting along the Sungai Tembeling River 
  • Visit the Kelah Sanctuary to feed some freshwater fish 
  • Explore the large caves in the park 

As you can see, there is so much variety at this park, making it worth staying in one of the local guest houses so that you can really explore everything on offer. 

Visiting the Park 

It isn’t easy to get to the Taman Negara National Park, with the easiest way being a three hour boat ride up the Tembeling River. 

If you’re the adventurous type that likes to do things yourself, making your own way there is possible, although will require some extra organization. Alternatively, if you book yourself in for a guided tour, transportation from major cities is usually included, but keep in mind that prices for these tours tend to be quite high. 

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to 22 national parks, but the Yala National Park is the most famous. Located around 300 kilometers from the capital, the park spreads out for 979 square kilometers, and is home to six smaller national parks, as well as three wildlife sanctuaries, within its boundaries. There are a number of different ecosystems here, from freshwater wetlands to monsoon forests, making it no surprise that the park is famous for its incredible variety of wild animals. 

Want to know which animals you may be lucky enough to spot at the Yala National Park?

Well there are 44 mammal species living here, including: 

  • The Sri Lankan elephant 
  • Leopards, with the park being home to the biggest leopard population in the world 
  • Wild water buffalo 
  • Sri Lankan sloth bear 
  • Fishing cat 

The leopards tend to be one of the park’s biggest attractions, and although more than 25 individual leopards have been spotted at the park, getting a glimpse of these rare creatures is quite difficult. If this is something that you are keen on, it would definitely be worth signing up for a tour, but make sure that it is one provided by a reputable operator. 

Visiting the Park 

A guided tour of this park is usually advised if you want the best chance of spotting the park’s rare animals. However, if you would like to explore the park on your own, this is possible too, with 4WD safari jeeps being available for hire at the park’s entrance. 

One tip to keep in mind…

Try to get to the park as early in the morning as possible – it will really pay to be first in line this time. You will notice many of the animals are still hanging out by the trail that the cars drive on early in the day, which you will miss if you arrive later on. 

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Philippines

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which can be found near the island of Palawan in the Philippines, is a little different from the other national parks on this list. 

How? 

Well, this one is located deep underground. It consists of a long river that passes through some impressive caves, including some of the largest cave chambers in the world. In fact, the river itself is famed for being the longest navigable underground river in the world, making it no surprise that the national park has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, along with the Amazon rainforest, South Africa’s Table Mountain, and other one-of-a-kind natural features. 

The river and the caves within the park are home to an incredibly diverse ecosystem, one that has slowly been forming for hundreds of years. There are several types of animals here, from certain snakes and fish to giant spiders, that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. 

Boat tours to take you through the cave system are well worth signing up for. You will be able to see everything from fossils that date back 20 million years to cave chambers studded with glittering crystals to waterfalls cascading down cave walls. Although all of these boat tours have a guide, the audio is usually played through headphones (due to language barriers), meaning that you can take these off whenever you want to experience the mysterious silence that takes over the river. 

In addition to exploring the park’s caves, there are several other activities that you can do in the area, such as: 

  • Island hopping around Honda Bay 
  • Relaxing at one of the many beaches 
  • Try your hand at some water sports, from banana boats to parasailing to fly fishing 
  • Sample local Filipino specialties at the many traditional restaurants and cafes 
  • Visit the Palaweno Brewery to taste some local craft beer 
Visiting the Park 

Since the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is such a highly protected part of the country, anyone hoping to visit the park will first need to apply for a permit. These are easy to acquire, but you will need to apply for yours at least a few days before you plan on making your journey. If you decide to go with an organized tour, your tour operator will help you to apply for your permit. 

Asia is home to so many fantastic national parks, many of them offering up a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you want to go hiking through lush, untouched tropical jungles, or would prefer some rest and relaxation on one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, these six national parks promise not to disappoint. 

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Top 4 Beaches in the Philippines

The Philippine archipelago consists of over 7000 islands, so it should come as no surprise that the country is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. If you are having a difficult time deciding which ones to actually visit, these are some of the top beaches in the Philippines.

El Nido, Palawan

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El Nido, Palawan
With Palawan frequently being rated as the best island in the world, and El Nido as one of the best beaches, this is a destination that everybody visiting the Philippines should try to check out. On the island of Palawan itself, there are about 50 white sand beaches to choose from, each of which is rich in marine life, from dolphins to dugongs, as well as over 100 species of coral. When it comes to El Nido, this is the largest marine reserve and sanctuary in the country, as well as one of the Philippines’ most diverse ecosystems, making it a must-visit for those who enjoy exploring the wonderland that lies beneath the surface of the water.

Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley
The beach on Palaui Island is considered to be quite the hidden gem and takes a fair bit of effort to access, requiring a trek through tall, thorny grass and a mangrove forest. Nevertheless, this is a beach that has been untouched by the modern world and boasts soft white sand that is backed by volcanic rocks. Within the water is a rich marine reserve, filled with coral gardens, which are a joy to explore either by diving or snorkeling. There are no resorts or hotels on Palaui, but camping on this stunning beach is always a popular way to spend the night.

White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

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White Beach, Boracay
Boracay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, and White Beach is one of its finest beaches, and, just like El Nido, has regularly been voted as one of the best in the world. This four kilometre stretch of white sand attracts everyone from families to adventure-seekers and is complete with beach bars, restaurants, and evening entertainment. For those seeking more of an adrenaline-rush, the eastern side of Boracay is the place to go for extreme water sports, as this part of the island has strong winds throughout the year.

Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Caramoan is a scenic and secluded beach, with wide stretches of white sand that run in between impressive boulders and rock formations. This is a beach that is filled with natural features that are begging to be explored, from its waterfalls and fresh water pools to its underground streams, lagoons, and caves. Due to its astounding natural beauty, this is an area that has been featured in a number of television shows, including the popular Survivor reality TV show.

Deciding which beaches to visit in the Philippines can no doubt be difficult, as visitors are so spoilt for choice. However, no matter which ones you end up picking, you are likely to be rewarded with the softest of white sand, the bluest of waters and incredible natural beauty all around.

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Mountains with Great Scenic Views in the Philippines

Mt Batulao, Philippines

With over 7000 mountainous islands within the Philippine archipelago, the actual number of mountains in the country can only be vaguely guessed at. Nevertheless, for those who want to experience some of the most stunning views in the Philippines, these are the mountains that you need to climb.

Mt. Batulao
Located just an hour from Manila, Mt. Batulao rises 811 meters above sea level, and is a great mountain for beginner climbers to tackle. As you start your climb, you will be able to see the coastal towns of Nasugbu and Tagaytay, with the perspective changing as you ascend. It takes between two to three hours to reach the summit, and, once you do, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Balayan Bay, as well as its twelve surrounding peaks.

Mt. Mariveles
In addition to being the battlefield site at which American and Filipino soldiers fought Japanese invaders in the 1940’s, Mt. Mariveles also boasts incredibly scenic views from its summit. This is quite a challenging climb, and takes between two to three hours, but the effort is most definitely worth it, and there is a river halfway up where you can cool off. Once you reach the summit, you will be able to see everything from the South China Sea to the Corregidor Islands and Mt. Pico de Loro to the beaches of Bataan, but be sure to wrap up warm as it can be quite windy up here.

Mt. Tibig
Mt. Tibig only rises 563 meters above sea level, and is actually a sub-mountain of Mt. Banoi. Nevertheless, this is still quite a challenging climb, but the two hour hike to the summit is more than worth it, for its views of the Verde Island Passage, Batangas, and the green mountains that surround the region. For those who want to spend the night at the summit and watch the views transform with the changing light of day, there is a campsite at the top which is large enough for ten tents.

Mt. Pico de Loro
Mt. Pico de Loro was named the Parrot’s Beak by Spanish colonizers in the 1500’s, due to its fascinating rock formations. While it takes five hours to reach the summit, which is 664 meters above sea level, the climb itself is not too challenging, and is one that is suitable for beginners to attempt. There is a monolith situated at the top of the mountain, which you can climb with ropes, and, once you reach the top of this, you will be able to enjoy a diverse bird’s eye view that features everything from forests and volcanoes to beaches and lakes.

The Philippines is home to so much natural beauty, and one of the best ways to take this in is by hiking to the top of some of the country’s most gorgeous mountains. From the coastal views of Mt. Batulao to the mountainous surroundings of Mt. Tibig, the scenery that you will see from these mountains will be some of the most inspiring that you have ever seen.

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Visit These UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines

The Philippines is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spanning nine locations, each of which holds cultural or natural significance to the country. From Baroque churches to national parks, here are the sites that you should definitely not miss.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park

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Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located in the Palawan province in the Saint Paul Mountain Range. The sharp, karst limestone ridges here make up around 90% of the park, and these dramatic landscape features are, without a doubt, one of its main highlights. The subterranean river system that the park is also known for stretches out for just over five miles, and features several large chambers that are popular spots for divers to explore.

Vigan, Philippines

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Vigan
The historic town of Vigan was first established in the 16th century, and is one of the best-preserved examples of an Asian Spanish colonial town on the entire continent. The merging of cultural influences here is incredible, and you can see features from China and Europe that have been blended together in truly unique ways.

Rice Terraces, Philippines

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
The rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras have been around for more than 2000 years, and are living landscapes dedicated to the production of one of the most staple crops in the world. The techniques that are used here to grow rice date back many centuries, and showcase the way in which humans are able to live in harmony with nature, rather than fighting against it. This is one of the only areas in the Philippines that has managed to stay free of colonial influences, and the history of the local tribes here is definitely worth learning more about.

Church of San Agustin, Philippines

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The Church of San Agustin
The Church of San Agustin is a great example of earthquake Baroque architecture, as it features a number of aspects that have been designed to protect the structure from any damage during earthquakes. The church features 14 buttresses, as well as a huge coral stone tower, although this was only added 50 years after the church was originally completed.

Sea turtle in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
If you are someone that appreciates nature and marine life, then the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a must-visit. Lying in the center of the Sulu Sea, this park protects an area of around 250,000 acres, and is home to a diverse array of marine life. From whales and dolphins to sharks and Napolen wrasse, there are several species to be found here, including 500 species of fish and 350 species of coral. This is also where one of the only remaining colonies of breeding seabirds in the region call home, showing just how important this site is.

While the Philippines is home to several cultural and historic sites of interest, its UNESCO World Heritage Sites should definitely not be missed. From the abundance of marine life at the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park to the colonial culture of Vigan, try to explore as many of these areas as you can.

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Beach Destinations in the Philippines

With thousands of tropical islands, the Philippines is known for being home to some of the world’s best beaches, and there are certainly plenty to choose from. Whether you are looking for action and adventure, or peace and tranquility, these are some of the very best beach destinations in the Philippines.

Beach in the Philippines
El Nido, Palawan
El Nido in Palawan has been voted as one of the best beach destinations in the world so many times now, and its spectacular beauty needs to be seen first-hand in order to be truly appreciated. There are about 50 beaches to choose from, making this the perfect destination for beach lovers, and the waters that surround the island are rich in marine life. With one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country, El Nido is truly spectacular, both above ground as well as under the sea.

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
Siargao Island is known for being a surfer’s paradise, with the waves here being absolutely perfect when it comes to feeling that addictive rush of adrenaline. The pristine waters and consistent waves at Cloud Nine Reef have made Siargao Island the host of many popular surfing tournaments and events, with waves reaching up to 20 feet in height in peak season, guaranteeing to draw quite the crowd.

Bantayan Island, Cebu
Cebu is another Philippine destination that has frequently been voted as one of the best in the world, and Bantayan Island, which is at the northern end of Cebu, takes you away from the crowded and busier parts of the island. With spectacular sand bars and stretches of gleaming white sand, this is the ideal tropical paradise for those who simply want to relax and reflect, although there are a number of skydiving opportunities here too if you feel the urge for some adventure.

Panglao Island, Bohol

Panglao Island, Bohol
While Panglao Island boasts the same white sands and clear waters as the famous beach destination of Boracay, it is famous for being home to some of the best diving spots in the country. With researchers recently discovering that Panglao Island has more marine diversity than both the Mediterranean Sea and Japan combined, this is definitely a destination for those who want to get closer to native marine life.

Anguib Beach, Luzon
One of the main issues that many travelers now have with several Philippine beach destinations is that they are becoming increasingly commercialized. While Anguib Beach may be on the same island as Manila, it takes about 12 hours by bus to access, on some incredibly rough roads, meaning that this long stretch of powdery white sand is often completely deserted. With the same crystal turquoise waters that you will find at other Philippine beach destinations, the main feature that sets Anguib Beach apart is its remoteness and isolation, giving you the opportunity to really soak up the beauty of your surroundings.

Even those that have lived in the Philippines all of their lives will not have had time to explore all of the country’s beaches. However, whether you decide to head to Cebu, Palawan, or anywhere else, you can be sure that you will be greeted with intensely blue waters, soft white sand, and a tropical charm that cannot be beaten.

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Amanpulo on Pamilican Island

Amanpulo on Pamilican IslandThe Philippines is home to thousands of stunning islands, one of which is Pamilican Island, which can be found in the Cuyo Archipelago, just north of the famous Palawan Island. Situated on Pamilican Island is Amanpulo, a private island resort that is considered to be the most exclusive in the country, making for a perfectly decadent tropical getaway.

Casitas and Villas
When it comes to guest accommodation, Amanpulo is home to 40 casitas and 11 villas. The casitas enjoy direct beach access, and are designed with an open-plan aspect, offering views of either the sparkling sea from the hillside, or the lush forest canopy. With private plunge pools, secluded hammocks and large wooden decks from which to take in the spectacular surroundings, the casitas guarantee an enjoyable stay. The villas are each arranged around a large private outdoor swimming pool, with separate lounging and dining areas, as well as private bedroom pavilions. Those who stay in a villa also enjoy the luxury of a private club car, which makes for an ideal way to explore the rest of the island independently.

Fine dining
Dining
Rather than offering a plethora of less-than-average dining options, Amanpulo places its focus on locally caught seafood and vegetables grown on the island, all of which are served from both the Beach Club to the Clubhouse Restaurant to private beach barbecues. For guests who want to be more involved in the dining experience, the resort is more than happy for visitors to pick their own ingredients from the island’s organic garden, from which the chefs will then create a stunning custom dish.

The Best Resort Spa in the Philippines
Voted this year as the Best Resort Spa in the Philippines by the World Spa Awards, Amanpulo’s spa is a large sanctuary set above the treetops on the hillside, with panoramic views of the water below. The inter-connected pavilions are where you will go to enjoy a treatment, with the Hilot treatment being a great one to try, as this makes use of local products and techniques to re-balance areas of tension. In addition to their extensive treatment menu, the spa also boasts a gym with floor-to-ceiling windows, so that you can still enjoy the view, and a yoga and pilates studio, along with professional instructors.

Activities
There is a wide range of activities on offer at Amanpulo, both on land as well as in the water. From scuba diving to windsurfing, the aquatic activities available will suit guests of all ability levels. Out of the water, there are tennis courts and bicycles to keep you active, the latter of which you can use to explore the island. There are also organized nature walks that you can take part in to learn more about the island’s native plants, and, at night, be sure to spend some time with the resort’s refracting telescope, as this will make you feel closer to the stars than ever before.

There may be plenty of resorts to choose from in the Philippines, but none of them can offer quite the experience that Amanpulo does. From the second you arrive on the island’s private airstrip, you will be enveloped in a sense of exclusivity and luxury that guarantees nothing but an unforgettable vacation.

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Helpful Tips for Exploring the Philippines

The Philippines
With English being widely spoken and locals known for their friendly nature, the Philippines is a relatively easy country to explore. However, for those who want to ensure that absolutely no mistakes are made, these are some tips that should help with your travel plans.

Visas
Visiting the Philippines is extremely easy, no matter where in the world you are from, as citizens of just about every country will receive a 30 day visa, free of charge, upon arrival. For those that want to stay longer, visa extensions are easily available, and can be obtained from Manila.

When to Visit
Weather is usually one of the most important factors that people take into consideration when choosing the time of year to visit a destination, but with the Philippines experiencing hot temperatures throughout the year, this is not too much of an issue. However, with the coolest months being between December and February, this is considered to be high season, and many resorts will triple their rates during this time.

Traveling to the Philippines
Getting There
When it comes to actually traveling to the Philippines, the country has three main international airports. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila is the most popular, and has several connecting flights to other spots around the country. The airport in Cebu is great if you are planning on heading to the Visayas or to northern Mindanao, while Clark airport is where you will find the majority of the budget flights landing in the country.

Health Risks
Even the healthiest of travelers should consider taking out travel insurance, no matter where in the world they are traveling to, but, if you don’t, you will find the hospitals in the major Philippine cities are modern and easy to navigate, with affordable health care. While traveling around rural areas does pose the risk of infectious tropical diseases, these are not likely to cause any serious health risks, but you should still be equipped with a first aid kit in case any emergencies arise.

Where to Go
The bustling city of Manila is likely to be your first point of contact with the Philippines, but,from here, there are thousands of destinations to choose from. Nearby to Manila is Tagaytay with the famous Lake Taal, as well as the coastal town of Anilao. Further afield you will find Banaue, where you will be able to explore the region’s famous rice terraces that date back over 2000 years, as well as the historic colonial city of Vigan, with its architecturally unique Mestizo District. Of course, the idyllic islands of the Philippines are not to be missed, and some of the best can be found around Palawan, which in itself has been voted as the best island in the world for many years now.

The Philippines is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, and with such a wide range of attractions, this is not much of a surprise. An easy country to travel to and explore, the Philippines should definitely be on your bucket list if you have not yet paid it a visit.

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Taal Lake and Volcano Island Tours

Taal Lake and Volcano Island

Situated on the Philippine island of Luzon, in the province of Batangas, Taal Lake is a haven of greenery and serenity, and is actually a crater lake that fills the caldera of a prehistoric volcano. After this caldera was formed around 500,000 years ago, the subsequent volcanic eruptions later created another volcanic island within Taal Lake itself, and was named Volcano Island. While Taal Volcano may be the smallest active volcano in the world, its unique location, being situated on an island that is within a lake that is on another island, makes it quite the geological wonder, attracting thousands of visitors each and every year.

Filipino Travel Center
The Filipino Travel Center offers private tours of Volcano Island, picking up guests from Metro Manila in a luxury minibus before making the two-hour journey to Tagaytay Ridge. Here, you will be able to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Taal Lake, Taal Island and Mount Macolod, before heading down to the shores of the lake to hop on to a motorized outrigger. The 30-minute boat ride takes you to the Volcano Island village of Talisay, and, from here, you will begin your trek up towards the volcano’s rim. The hike itself lasts for about 45 minutes and is considered to be one of the easiest hikes in the Philippines, making it accessible to those of all abilities. After taking in your stunning views of Crater Lake and its surroundings, you will then head back to the mainland, stopping off at the Taal Yacht Club for a watersports session before being driven back to Metro Manila.

GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is a company that offers an eight-hour adventure across Taal Lake and Volcano Island. Just like the tour mentioned above from the Filipino Travel Center, you will be driven from Manila to Tagaytay City, after which you will board a boat and be taken for a hike up the volcano. By the sulfuric lake, there are a number of rental companies where you can rent a kayak, banana boat or paraw, to see the caldera from a unique perspective. For those who want even more of an unforgettable experience, GetYourGuide also gives their guests the opportunity to enjoy a horseback ride among Taal’s basalt rocks, and you can even ride all the way up the trail to the top of the volcano if you so desire. In addition to seeing the lake and the volcano, this tour also includes a visit to the Caleruega Church, the Palace in the Sky park, which was built for president Marcos, and a mushroom burger factory that is located in Tagaytay City.

No matter which tour you opt for, you will still be able to witness the splendid views from Volcano Island, which are considered to be some of the most scenic in the Philippines. The natural surroundings here are filled with layers of complexity that have built up over thousands of years, and this is most definitely a trip worth taking if you are ever in Manila, or elsewhere in the Philippines.

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Spicy Filipino Inspired Dishes

With an abundance of seafood and tropical fruit across its 7000 islands, the cuisine in the Philippines is quite diverse, but is never usually lacking when it comes to heat. From sticky slow-braised oxtail to a local empanada, these spicy dishes will each introduce you to some of the vibrant flavors that come from Filipino cuisine.

Ilocos Empanada
While the name of this dish may point towards Spanish origins, all of the ingredients used in its creation are local. The filling consists of a local pork sausage mixed with egg and grated unripe papaya, which is then stuffed into the empanada before being deep fried, and is always served up with a spicy vinegar sauce that gives each bite a fiery kick..

Kare Kare

Kare Kare
Kare Kare is a dish that originally features slow-braised oxtail, but the more modern versions utilize a number of different meats, with short rib being a particularly popular option. The meat is slowly cooked in a broth, along with some vegetables, such as eggplant and beans, and plenty of peanut butter. This gives the dish an incredible base onto which other exciting flavors, usually onions, shrimp paste, calamansi, and spicy chillies, are then added.

Dinuguan
Cooking with blood is a concept that is shared by many cultures around the world, and the spicy Filipino dish Dinuguan is one that is created with the use of freshly slaughtered pork blood. This hearty stew makes use of many different cuts of pork, from the liver to the belly to the cheeks, and is usually served up with steamed rice or sweet rice cakes.

Kinunot Na Pagi
Kinunot Na Pagi is a dish that originates from the Bicol region of the Philippines and is absolutely packed with so many different mouth-tingling flavors. The dish features either stingray or crab, which is then cooked in coconut cream, along with malunggay leaves and a huge heap of potent chilli.

Bicol Express

Bicol Express
Another fiery dish that has been developed into a unique version in the Bicol region, the Bicol Express is a spicy stew that features long chillies as one of its star ingredients. These are cooked with coconut milk, shrimp paste, onions, pork and garlic, resulting in one of the most famous spicy Filipino dishes out there.

Tapa
Tapa is a dish that features dried or cured meat, and is usually available in two versions; a mild and sweeter dish, or a hot and spicy option. Served with a fried egg and some garlic rice, this is often eaten as a breakfast dish in the Philippines, but it is also well-suited to being a hearty snack in the middle of the day.

In many regions of the Philippines, the cuisine focuses on a combination of sweet, salty and sour, but there are a number of areas that bring a strong heat into this too. From the fiery but creamy pork of the Bicol Express to the tangy and spicy vinegar that tops an Ilocos Empanada, these dishes will all guarantee a truly tongue-tingling experience.

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Daytrips from Manila

The Philippines is made up of over 7000 different islands, but with Manila being the capital of the country, this pulsating metropolis is usually where a large number of tourists begin their visit to the Philippines. Fortunately, for those who want to take in more of the country than what the capital can offer, there are several day trips from Manila that you can take, giving you the opportunity to deeper explore the country’s history, culture and natural beauty.

Tagaytay

Tagaytay
With its cool climate and vibrant food scene, the holiday town of Tagaytay, which lies south of Manila, has always been popular with both locals and tourists. The highest point of the Cavite province, Tagaytay enjoys spectacular views of the famous Taal Lake, as well as the Taal Volcano, which is the smallest active volcano in the world. This volcanic island is set in the middle of Taal Lake, and, in addition to being easy to access, only requires 45 minutes for a hike up to the crater, making this a popular activity here.

Zambales

Zambales
Easily accessed from Metro Manila, Zambales is a destination that is able to offer a little of just about everything. From its 107 miles of pure untainted beaches to pristine forest landscapes to communities that still practice traditional methods of living, this is a great spot to soak up some nature and culture. With 60% of the region covered in mountains, hiking is always a popular activity, especially with the prospect of being able to meet the local Aeta community. For those looking to get in some surfing, Crystal Beach is a must-visit spot, with gentle waves, perfect for a beginner, and soft pillows of sand to fall on.

Angono
Nicknamed the Art Capital of the Philippines, Angono is located just 30 kilometers from Manila. The area is jam-packed with a huge array of art galleries, and is also home to some of the oldest rock art in the country, dating all the way back to 3000 B.C. Once you have done a few gallery visits, take a stroll down Dona Aurora, also known as the Art Gallery on the Streets, where you will encounter even more local artwork.

Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island
Just a one-hour ferry ride from Manila lies Corregidor Island, a spot that any history buffs should definitely take the time to visit. From fort ruins to historic chapels to war memorials, a visit to Corregidor Island almost feels like taking a journey back through time. There are many day trip tours that you can sign up to, ensuring that you do not miss out on any of the most important sights, and giving you the opportunity to truly learn more about the country’s history.

The Philippines is a country that is so incredibly diverse, and while a visit to Manila always proves to be action-packed, these day trips offer a much different experience. From the colorful local art of Angono to the eerie history of Corregidor Island, these destinations enable you to see the country in a completely different light.