In the middle of the Pacific Ocean there are not one, not two, but over 7,000 emerald green shining island jewels. We are talking about the #Philippines, the fifth largest island state in the world. Not a single place on the 340,000 square kilometres of the #archipelago is more than 200 km away from the sea, so that especially #divers and #snorklers will get their money's worth. But not only the fine and almost perfect sandy beaches attract visitors from all over the world. The immense #biodiversity - from emerald green coral reefs and seagrass fields to dense and species-rich tropical forests and graceful mountain and volcanic landscapes - simply leaves nature lovers and #outdoor freaks speechless. A rich cultural diversity and an extremely tasty, spicy and exotic cuisine also make the hearts of culture and food enthusiasts beat faster. 

Climate

The average annual temperature in the Philippines is around 26.5° Celsius and the climate is tropical. The country is divided into four climate zones, in which there are different amounts of rainfall throughout the year. While, for example, in the east and south of the country, precipitation is expected to fall almost continuously throughout the year, in the west a distinction is made between the rainy and dry seasons, with the rainy season taking place between May and November. 

Good to know

Mostly it remains quiet on the island republic. But the Philippines is one of the eight countries worldwide most threatened by natural disasters. The archipelago is often hit by violent earthquakes, typhoons or even volcanic eruptions, which are not to be trifled with. Especially the Philippine North and East are regularly hit by strong and threatening tropical storms in the months July to September. Check before your departure if there are any environmental disasters and keep your eyes and ears open to avoid a rude awakening on your journey. 

After all, it doesn't hurt to check the local weather forecast anyway, unless you want to risk monsoon-like rainfall for your entire stay. Also, be aware that the local weather may interfere with your onward journey at any time. The only advice is to stay as relaxed as possible and to expect that you will not be able to reach your next destination on time. Speaking of punctuality: The locals do not like to be overpunctual. So if you are lucky enough to be invited by the locals, it is socially acceptable to arrive at the meeting point about 10-15 minutes after the agreed time.

Our Highlights

Boracay - The small #island in the center of the Philippines remained hidden for a long time from the Argus eyes of exploring tourists. Meanwhile #Boracay is a real magnet for water rats and party mice. The velvety soft White #Beach is dotted with numerous palm trees, #Bars and restaurants and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. The Bullabog Beach on the east side of the island, on the other hand, is popular with water sports enthusiasts because of its strong winds. At the nearby coral reefs you can meet shipwrecks and a colorful underwater variety of fish and sea creatures.

Sagada - In the middle of the #mountains of North Luzon lies this charming little town of 11.000 inhabitants, where almost every inhabitant cultivates a small piece of land and the idyllic coexistence flourishes. In complete contrast to the lively little village are the characteristic hanging coffins, a traditional form of burial of the Igorot tribe, which is mainly resident here, in which the deceased are not buried in a coffin under the ground, but hung on a rock face or in #caves. The higher the coffin hangs - according to the belief of the tribe - the more likely the soul of the deceased will pass into a higher being in the life after death. Speaking of caves: In and around #Sagada there are numerous fascinating limestone caves (such as Sumaguing, Lumiang, Balangadan) and some beautiful #waterfalls (Bokong, Bomod-ok). If you want to relax in a fireplace-heated #café with a cup of strong brewed coffee, you are in good hands here as well as #hikers and speleologists.

Coron Island - In times when the whole world is talking only about Corona, it would be nice if you could just remove one letter and directly see paradise on earth before your eyes instead of the stubborn virus, wouldn't it? #Coron Island makes it possible! The island with 2.500 inhabitants in the west of the republic is very popular among divers, hikers and hobby photographers. Enthusiastic underwater researchers can explore, for example, a multitude of Japanese #World War II shipwrecks at Coron Bay in the north of the island or go diving in Barracuda Lake, which offers a great experience due to its different layers of brackish, fresh and salt water and the resulting temperature fluctuations. Kayangan Lake can be reached by a short mountain hike, the view and swimming in the crystal clear waters are well worth the climb - which you are best off doing in the early morning due to the crowds of people.

Bohol - You simply cannot return home from the Philippines without having seen a Philippine #tarsier in the wild at least once. These small, cuddly primates with their characteristic giant eyes have created their very own habitat on the island #Bohol as well as on a handful of other islands of the south-eastern Philippines in the #rainforests and can be observed in a specially established sanctuary. Bohol also has a few beautiful beaches and diving spots such as Alona Beach. Another highlight of the island province are the so-called #Chocolate Hills - a mysterious collection of about 1,250 conical hills of grassy limestone - which turn brown during the dry season and thus stand in stark contrast to the jungle-green surroundings. It is still unclear from a geological point of view how these hills were formed.

Banaue - In the far north of the Philippines, on the island of Luzon, you'll probably find one of the most fascinating and richest green colors you've ever seen. In the province of #Ifugao, there is hardly a patch of the mountainous countryside that has not been transformed into a rice field or a graceful #rice terrace. Up to an altitude of about 1,500 meters above sea level, the enchanting rice terraces, some of which are almost 2,000 years old, rise up out of the ground. The terraces of #Banaue are - as well as the rice terraces of #Batad and #Mayoyao, which are only a few kilometres away - since 1995 part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage. While the fields in Banaue blossom at their greenest between June and July, the fields in Batad shine in their emerald splendour between April and May and October and November. A breathtaking #natural spectacle that you definitely should not miss!