The Philippines is located east of Vietnam and north of Indonesia and is composed of 7,641 islands which can be divided into three main island groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Some islands have become bustling cosmopolitan cities, such as the capital Manila, Cebu and Davao. While others such as Siargao and Leyte are more remote and tropical, offering something for every type of traveller.

When it comes to natural beauty, the Philippines is the place to be. With our extensive mountain ranges, most-diverse reef system, 600 species of birds and coastline of more than 15,000 kilometres, there is plenty to explore.

Filipinos are predominantly of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, Spanish and Arab blood. More than 100 cultural minority groups are scattered throughout the country. Today, the Philippines is the third-largest English-speaking country in the world and was dubbed to be one of the world’s friendliest cities by Forbes magazine.