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Trekking in Banaue
Banaue's famous rice terraces, carved by hand more than two thousand
years ago, make an imposing backdrop for excellent trekking. Try the
walk to the isolated village of Batad, which sits in a spectacular
natural amphitheater.
Sagada
The northern mountain village of Sagada is a struggle to reach - a bumpy
24 hours by bus from Manila - but worth the trouble for its labyrinthine
caves, mysterious hanging coffins and tribal traditions.
White beach, Boracay
If it's tropical beaches you're looking for, the tiny dumbell-shaped
island of Boracay has one of the best - 4km of powder white sand along
the western shore is perfect for sunset with an ice-cold San Miguel beer.
Scuba diving at Coron
Although unspectacular in itself, the ramshackle fishing village of
Coron in northern Palawan is known as jump-off point for some of the
best scuba diving in the world.
Taal Volcano
Take a boat across Taal Lake and climb one of the craters - although it
hasn't erupted since 1977, it is still one of the most active volcanoes
in the world.
Mount Apo
The four-day ascent to the top of Mount Apo - the tallest mountain in
the Philippines - takes you past mountain tribespeople, boiling geysers
and sulfuric lakes. Don't even think about going without an experienced
guide.
Batanes
The northern islands of Batanes, sometimes cut off from the Luzon
mainland by strong winds and typhoons, are reminiscent of the Scottish
Highlands with their stone houses and windswept hills.
Marinduque
Half an hour from Manila by plane, the bucolic island of Marinduque
offers a glimpse of rural Filipino life, with tiny barrios, jungle-clad
mountains and unspoiled beaches.
Ati-Atihan
This two-week blowout, held to celebrate a profitable land deal made by
the indigenous people in 1210, kicks off in Kalibo every January and
culminates in a 24-hour procession of remarkable costumes and frenzied
street-partying.
Malapascua
A quiet little island 8km north of Cebu, Malapascua is being tipped as
the next popular getaway. It's not hard to see why - the beaches are
pristine and there is excellent diving around nearby islets.
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