More than 7000 individual islands make up the tropical Republic of the Philippines, washed by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the South China Sea to the west. The ten largest islands make up the bulk of its land mass, while many of the smaller ones are uninhabited and unnamed. Diverse, colourful and overwhelmingly beautiful, the Philippines offer an amazing range of vistas, from brooding tropical rainforests with their unique flora and fauna to the crisp silhouettes of mountains etched against an azure sky, from smouldering volcanoes to untouched coral reefs, historic monuments to beguiling markets; everyone should find their idea of paradise in some corner of this archipelago. This book presents the best the islands have to offer, be it the wide smiles of the local people, spectacularly ornate festivals, unforgettable landscapes or idyllic beach hideouts. If you have not visted the Philippines yet, this book should encourage you to go as soon as possible.