The Philippines is a true wonder of the world. From exquisite, Mediterranean-like beaches to untamed, Amazon-esque forests, the 7,000-plus Philippine islands, each filled with breathtaking landscapes and waterscapes, make it the quintessential tropical paradise!

Cagayan River, Cagayan de Oro

Kleomarlo [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

With its wild waters and unyielding rocks, Cagayan River is a whitewater rafting paradise. The turbulent streams that will toss and turn and thrill even the most hardened rafters are a match in ferocity to the powerful rapids of the Colorado River in the USA. Trade in the striking vistas of the Grand Canyon for the equally sublime islands and islets along the Cagayan de Oro waters.

First-time rafters can find easier routes and calmer waters during the height of the dry season during April or May. But more daring thrill-seekers can brave stronger rapids bolstered by the winds and rains of the monsoon season between July and August.

Kawasan Falls, Cebu

Magalhães [Public domain]

Behind the glamorous beaches of Badian, Cebu is the ultimate site for extreme sporting. The ruggedly beautiful cliff-sides, opening to narrow, crystal-clear rivers, hide a canyoneering treasure—the Kawasan Falls. With a drop of over a hundred feet, and a preceding “trek” involving tenacious climbing, caving, and swimming, the Kawasan Falls puts to mind the equally “hidden” and similarly beautiful Lost Canyon of Costa Rica.

Amidst hundred-foot crags and rushing, crystal waters, Badian’s natural majesty offers both heart-racing excitements and refreshing tranquility. For the best adventures and unhampered vistas, visit Kawasan Falls from November to March, when the Philippine weather is invigoratingly cool, but not overly rainy.

Coron Island, Palawan

Caryl Joan Estrosas [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Isles. Stunning isles.

Like the famous James Bond island of Phuket, Thailand, Coron, Philippines is a superstar in its own right. Belonging to the Philippines’ last ecological frontier, the island group of Coron—like the rest of Palawan—is both picture-perfect paradise and home-sweet-home to diversified flora and fauna, among which are species endemic only to the country. 

Plot out a Hollywood-esque summer adventure in one of the Philippines’ top tourist spots. Row a bamboo raft down Kayangan Lake, the clearest in Asia. Shipwreck-dive amidst permanently-entombed World War II-era Japanese warships. Swim in countless hidden lagoons bridging caves to untouched, sparkling grottos. Or simply unwind, after a day of excitement, in the relaxing Maquinit springs.

Bay City, Metro Manila

For the born-and-bred city mouse, Bay City’s summer nights will definitely be a blast.

One of the most colorful and dynamic metropolises in the world, Metro Manila is an eclectic delight of Asian cultures interspersed with Western influences. Bay City is a reclamation area stretching across key Metro cities, named for its unobstructed view of the Manila Bay. It houses big establishments, including world-class hotels and casinos, cultural hubs like museums and theatres, financial institutions, and one of the world’s largest shopping malls.

Above all, Bay City is best known for its iconic sunsets. Like Sydney Harbor in Australia, Manila Bay also offers a spectacular front-row seat to the setting sun. Manila’s sultry summers offer the perfect backdrop for experiencing this everyday wonder of nature. 

A tropical getaway makes for a great holiday—and a fantastic ambience to come to home to. Filinvest creates communities of refreshing oases amidst the frantic urban setting with its resort-style mid-rise enclaves inspired by the world’s favorite resort destinations like Bali, Maui, Sanremo, and Sorrento. Enjoy an unforgettable tropical experience in your literal and figurative backyard. Whitewater raft in Cagayan de Oro, canyoneer in Cebu, island-hop in Palawan, and unwind in Manila. At the end of the day, come home to your very own oasis with Filinvest’s resort-style communities.

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