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Several hotels in Angeles offer
tours to Mt Pinatubo which erupted violently in
1991 and left an amazing landscape. Walk among
the ravines, drive up in a jeep or arrange an
aerial tour. You can also climb
Mayon, in southern Luzon, which has been described
as the world's most perfect volcanic cone. This
2450m (8036ft) active volcano has erupted four
times since 1968, the last time in February 1993.
It takes several days to climb and guides can
be found in Legaspi. Other appealing climbs include
the Mt Taal, south of Manila, described as the
smallest and most dangerous volcano in the world;
and the Philippines' highest peak, Mt Apo, on
Mindanao.
There are wonderful trekking
opportunities along Luzon's Pacific Coast, especially
in Bikol and Quezon provinces. For those who want
to escape motorised transport completely, nothing
beats walking on Batan Island or Lubang, where
the horse cart still retains its place as the
primary mode of transport. Wildlife enthusiasts
should visit Calauit Island, where the wildlife
sanctuary has been breeding African animals successfully
for nearly 20 years. Giraffes, zebras and gazelles
can be seen.
With 7000 islands, the Philippines
has a wealth of opportunities for diving
and snorkelling. Favoured spots
are Boracay, Alona Beach (Bohol), Puerto Princesa
(Palawan) and the island of Apo. Canoeists
can shoot the rapids in Pagsanjan,
70km (43mi) south-east of Manila. If it looks
familiar in places, that's because Coppola filmed
parts of Apocalypse Now on the river. Spelunkers
can explore Palawan's Underground River, an 8km
(5mi) long meandering network of caves.
Manila - Many people dismiss Manila as
nothing more than a 12 million person-strong entry
point to more interesting rural destinations in
the Philippines. And while the less built-up areas
of the country do offer much to the adventurous
traveller, those who stop to smell the incense
and the pollution find that the capital city has
a few hidden treasures of its own. Manila is a
modern-looking city - a result of virtual destruction
during WWII - but the sprawling city boasts its
fair share of colonial ruins, enough to keep those
historically inclined amused for a while, anyway.
If you're just looking for a good time, Manila
could be just the ticket: bars and entertainment
venues could keep you well fed, well greased and
in the party mood for months on end.
Banaue- The spectacular rice terraces around
Banaue, in north Luzon, have been described (like
a lot of other places) as the eighth wonder of
the world. Carved out of the hillside by Ifugao
tribespeople 2000 to 3000 years ago, these remarkable
terraces stretch like stepping stones to the sky
- some reaching an altitude of 1500m (4920ft).
Beaches- The island of Boracay,
off the north-western tip of Panay, regularly
appears in those 'Best Beaches of the World' lists
that travel rags are so fond of compiling. Unchecked
tourist development has, however, caused waste
disposal problems. Environmental tests in 1997
found the water off Boracay to be contaminated
and unsafe to swim in. Follow-up tests declared
the waters to be within acceptable pollution limits
and Boracay's beaches certainly look pristine.
Puerto Galera, on the island
of Mindoro is now destined to
be the place to laze around in the sun. Puraran,
on Catanduanes, off Luzon, has a beautiful beach,
reef and surf, but currents can be dangerous.
Other attractions- There are countless
spectacular sights scattered throughout the archipelago,
including the strange Chocolate Hills of Bohol
in the Visayas; the volcanic crater Lake Taal,
south of Manila; the burial caves of Sagada, 18km
(11mi) from Bontoc; the easygoing port city of
Cebu, where Magellan marked the beginning of Christianity
in the Philippines by erecting a cross; and 5,000
uninhabited islands to explore.
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