With over 7,000 tropical islands, the Philippines is the second largest archipelago on earth, behind neighbor Indonesia. It is the largest largest Catholic country in Asia featuring a cultural mix of hundred ethnic groups and foreign influences.
The Philippines is situated far from other popular Southeast Asia destinations and is therefor somewhat off the beaten track. Not that the country lacks great attractions. Palm fringed beaches, some of the best diving and snorkeling in Asia, stunning Volcanoes and the strange wonders of Chocolate Hills and the Banaue Rice Terraces make it a great travel destination.
