Overview: The Philippines archipelago of more than 7,000 islands is
sandwiched between Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, and
flanked by the South China Sea. All her neighbours have magical
tourist appeal, but the Philippines, even though the sea is just as
blue and clear and the myriad coral islands just as alluring, seems
to have missed the boat when it comes to fully marketing its
attractions. Bad press in recent years, after some high-profile terrorism and
kidnapping incidents, have not helped matters. The country has also
laboured under a turbulent political reputation and is still
overcoming the effects of martial law. Its poor infrastructure,
dilapidated roads and unsafe ferries, have also all played a role
in deterring potential travellers and the country has been
overlooked as an eco-tourist destination because of local disregard
for its natural resources (such as fishermen dynamiting coral
reefs). While resources are being channelled into education to
prevent such practices a great deal of damage has already been done
to the environment. The good news is that Filipinos themselves are warm and
welcoming - as underscored in the country's tagline - 'where Asia
wears a smile'. Apart from some beautiful, remote tropical islands
and legendary scuba diving spots, the archipelago's best resource
is the friendliness and laid-back attitude of the Filipino people.
Their hospitable and embracing attitude is enough to put a smile on
any visitor's face; and this is even more the case in country's
rural areas. The Philippines has some superb all-inclusive luxury
resorts spread around the islands which cushion visitors from the
general degradation and safety risks of the cities and towns, and a
major plus is that the country is amazingly cheap for foreign
tourists who have dollars, pounds or euros to spend. Also, the food
is delicious, and English is widely spoken. Independent travellers who like to wander off the beaten track,
and do not mind doing without the conveniences of running water and
the l
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