The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,100 islands, is located in the Pacific Ocean, roughly speaking between Indonesia and Japan. The Philippines are a perfect travel destination for anyone with a taste of adventure lying on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. Many islands remain undeveloped with few roads and only 2,137 islands and islets have been named. Luzon Island in the north and Mindanao Island in the south are the two biggest islands. Between them they account for 65% of the land area and 60% of the 74 million population. The two other groups of islands, one in the middle is referred to as the Visayas and the other is Palawan, which consists of over 1000 islands lying the furthest away from the rest to the west in the South China Sea. The capital, Manila, is located on Manila Bay, on the western coast of southern Luzon with a metropolitan area of ten million!

Metro Manila, officially called the National Capital Region, comprises an area of 636 sq km (246 sq mi) and includes Manila proper, Quezon City, Pasay City, Caloocan City, Makati, and the municipalities of Las Piñas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinglupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan del Monte, Taguig, and Valenzuela. The business heart is Makati and administrative center Quezon City. You arrive at the main Ninoy Aquino International Airport or Terminal 2 if you fly with Philippine Airlines both located on the border of Pasay and Paranaque near Manila Bay. It is a big, lively city with lots of things to see and do. It is also an excellent starting place to plan your trip to one or more of the other islands.

The Philippines have a rich colonial history, exquisite natural beauty and lots of recreational opportunities. The islands are justly renowned known for their pristine sandy beaches, volcanoes, dramatic coastlines, coral reefs, thick forests and ancient rice terraces. The clear water and abundant sea-life make it a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Palawan Islandgroup includes 1000 Islands, one of the best areas to go scuba diving and experience rare natural beauty in the least populated Philippine provinces. The original inhabitants, the aboriginal aetas numbering only 30,000 has grown to under 300,000 Filipinos from all over the Philippines making it very unique among the many ethnically dominant Philippine provinces with their own language. Coron on Palawan's northern Busuanga Island in the Calamian group offers the best wreck diving. Caluit Island, off the northwestern tip of Busuanga has become a living habitat where 6 species of African animals, including giraffes and zebras have successfully reproduced and flourished which the Marcos family introduced in the 1970s. Several of Palawan's many great beaches, El Nido, Port Barton, Flower Island and the rarely visited White Beach, walking distance to San Vicente, all with coconut palm trees swaying in the tropical breeze make everyone's fantasy of paradise come alive.

Interesting colonial sights can be seen on the island of Cebu with Cebu City, the second largest city and transportation hub for the Visayas. One of the best scuba diving locations in the Philippines where the coastal dropoff makes a boat unecessary is MoalBoal on the west coast of Cebu. To the north, two islands with beaches that rival Boracay's famous white sand beach is Bantayan Island, off the northwest coast and Malaspascua Island off the Northeast coast. Cebuano entrepreneurs are among the most industrious business people in the Philippines with thriving furniture, jewelry and handicraft exports.

Samar Island is home to the National Park of Sohoton as well as beautiful waterfalls near Gandara.

Mindanao Island is for the truly brave. The island is extremely beautiful - a true gem - but due to civil unrest traveling there can be a dangerous affair. Last but not least, and most important, in addition to the scenery, a trip to the Philippines is made more memorable by the fun-living Filipinos, whose hospitality is legendary. Fiesta or celebrations are a way of life with Filipinos among the friendliest, most informal people in the world. Many world travelers have made the Philippines their "Home Away from Home" returning as often as possible.