Southeast Asia
7,000 islands, white-sand beaches, and irrepressible warmth.
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than seven thousand islands, famous for turquoise water, white-sand beaches and some of the best diving on the planet — and for the sheer warmth and humour of its people, among the friendliest anywhere. A Spanish and American colonial past gives it a character unlike its neighbours: Catholic churches, English widely spoken, and a love of fiesta. Manila, the sprawling, chaotic capital, is the gateway — intense and imperfect, but the way in to the islands beyond.
What things cost: The Philippines is cheap — local food, transport and simple rooms cost little, though island-hopping, flights between islands and beach resorts add up. Manila is the most expensive part. The street food and carinderias are the great bargain; when a zone below says 'low', that means very low.
Sometimes the event picks the city for you.
One of the largest and most fervent religious gatherings on earth — millions of barefoot devotees crowd the streets of Quiapo to touch or haul the ropes of the revered dark statue of Christ as it inches through the city over many hours. Overwhelming, chaotic and profoundly moving; go as a respectful observer from the edges, and expect huge crowds.
Manila · Quiapo & central Manila
The world's oldest Chinatown throws one of Asia's great New Year parties — Binondo fills with dragon and lion dances, firecrackers, red lanterns and endless food, as crowds pack in for luck and tikoy rice cake. A joyful, delicious, deeply atmospheric time to explore the old quarter; go hungry and expect a happy crush.
Manila · Binondo (Chinatown)
The most important religious season in the Catholic Philippines — solemn processions of carved santos, church visits and, outside the city, dramatic Passion re-enactments. Manila itself falls eerily quiet as residents leave for home provinces, many businesses close, and the streets empty; a unique, contemplative and unusually calm time to see the city.
Manila · Churches across Manila
