Best Time To Visit: December to mid-May offer the best weather and a low chance of rain.

Key Cruising Areas: As the largest archipelago in the world, thousands of islands offer endless hidden bays and coastlines. The country is also well placed to sail to the many islands of nearby Indonesia.

Don’t Miss: Home to the third-largest colony of whale sharks, the chance to swim with these incredible peaceful giants is an amazing experience. As a protected UNESCO Site, Tubbataha is accessible only by liveaboard boats and strict guidelines exist to protect the sharks, making this one of the best places to see these creatures.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: The Philippines has been touted as the new frontier in gourmet dining and nowhere less so than in the capital Manila. Try the modern, customizable degustation menu of Chef Patrick Go at Black Sheep for an adventurous twist on traditional dishes – the Aklan Oysters are recommended.

Best Local Dish: The cuisine reflects the centuries of foreign traders and colonization, centered around fresh seafood with a delicate mix of Spanish, Chinese, and Western flavors. La Estancia resort is set on the private island of Busuanga, a retreat for those wanting to experience nature and Filipino home cooking, where you will help to catch fish and pick produce to enjoy as the Filipinos do.

Local Culture: The rich cultural history of the Philippines includes influences from Spanish Asian, American, and Chinese cultures. Full of color, historical sites, and music, the Filipino culture is evident throughout the islands, and the city of Cebu is an excellent place to see many heritage sites. Visit the Taoist temple, and Provincial Museum, or see the stunning architecture of the Metropolitan Cathedral. The Basilica del Sto Nino is a fascinating old church in the country, constructed from wood and mud.

Best Beach: With 7,000 islands fringed with white sands and set in incredible turquoise waters you are spoiled for choice. Soaring limestone cliffs topped with lush vegetation make the beaches of Miniloc Island in Bacuit Bay a truly special spot.

IYC recommends: For a special view of marine life, sail to the beach on Honda Bay on the island of Palawan. Drift around the lovely islands, then jump into the water at Starfish Island for some snorkeling to see orange starfish, reef fish, and corals. Ask your crew to prepare you a picnic to take ashore to eat under the coconut trees on Pandan Island or try the delicious mussels and a Guyabano juice at the restaurant on Cowrie Island.