Trips from Manila, best tours and attractions

When I tell you Philippines, Manila, what comes to your mind? Luxuriant rice fields, buzzing megacities, wild tropical landscapes, hidden waterfalls, happy-go-lucky people and white-sand beaches leading to the emerald ocean? Yes, but the Philippines are much more than just islands and beaches. Less touristic than its Southeast-Asian sisters such as Thailand or Vietnam, the Philippines have emerged from 350 years of Spanish domination and 50 years of American and Japanese ruling to become a contrasted country with a unique Spanish-Filipino colonial architecture. Largely influenced by the Chinese and Malaysian culture, deeply religious, the Philippines remain an authentic country where the warm and always smiling Filipinos will welcome you as if they knew you. Vestiges of the Spanish era can be seen all over the country in places like the historic fortress walls of Intramuros or the centuries-old stone churches of Fort Santiago. Visit the Villa Escudero and the Coconut Plantations, marvel at the sight of wild waterfalls and take pictures of the panoramic Tagaytay Ridge overlooking the Taal volcano.