Many visitors to the Philippines use Manila as a jumping-off point to more popular tourist spots, but the capital offers plenty to keep you occupied for a day or two. If you have a week to spend in the country, start off with 2 days in Manila doing a one-day tour of historic sights, such as Intramuros, and another day for modern Manila as embodied by Makati City and other centers of contempoprary urban development.

Having experience a little of Philippine life in the big city, you will be ready to hit the countryside. Beach lovers should fly straight to Boracay with its unmatched white beach, and plenty of activities and nightlife to keep you entertained. For a more mellow beach experience, fly to Dumaguete and find a secluded spot in the southern Negros or Siquijor.

Divers can head to Puerto Galera where you will find plentyof dive buddies, and fish along with some mischievous nightlife. If you prefer to hike some mountains go north to the "eight wonder of the world" where you can find the ancient rice terraces of Banawe. If you have time while in the Cordillera, tack on a trip to nearby Sagada or explore more rice terraces around Bontoc before heading back via the Philippines' summer capital - Baguio City.