Located on almost every island of this Southeast Asian country are a variety of beaches, some developed while others are left utterly unspoiled. As if the sheer number of beaches in the Philippines is not enough to entice visitors, one has to simply look at these beaches to be fully entranced. Philippine beaches are not only numerous, they are beautiful –no make that, gorgeous.

Boracay, a small island in central Philippines, is without contest the country’s trophy beach. An island of clear blue waters and pristine white sand that is always soft and never hot, Boracay is easily the top beach destination in the country and one of the best in the world. The island is a well-developed tourist destination with good hotels, bars, restaurants, and water sports facilities. The quickest way to Boracay is by plane from Manila to Panay Island, where there is a terminal of bancas (boats) to Boracay.

Next to Boracay in the hierarchy of Philippine beaches is Palawan, an island province also located in central Philippines. Palawan is a treasure chest of unspoiled natural beauty and underdeveloped tourist destinations. Ironically, it is this lack of commercialism that draws tourists to the island. Palawan is an ideal destination if you want to enjoy white sand beaches and pristine waters without too much noise and distractions. Located near the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, the island is also a great spot if you want to go scuba diving.

Malapascua Island in the province of Cebu is another of the Philippines’ most beautiful beaches. Often dubbed as the new Boracay, Malapascua is a major diving center that is famous for its crowd of threshers sharks. It is very much like Boracay Island in terms of beauty but more like Palawan in terms of atmosphere and ambiance.

The list of Philippine beaches goes well beyond these three. Actually, the list goes on even if you include the beaches of  Panglao Island in Bohol, La Union, Ilocos, Bantayan Island in Cebu, and Puerto Galera on Mindoro Island. Philippines, as the pearl of the orient, has much more shores and beaches to offer.

The Philippines may not be a retail Mecca but it does have its own charm as far as shopaholics are concerned. In the capital city itself, you will find a number of large shopping malls that showcase every kind of merchandise that you can think of. From international designer labels to top Philippine brands for clothes, shoes, electronics and other items, you’ll find practically everything by simply visiting any shopping mall in Manila.

But the main tourist attraction of the Philippines in terms of shopping opportunities comes from its beautiful handicrafts, jewelry and woodcarvings that are sought after in any part of the world. Manila and Cebu are the cities to visit for great doses of retail therapy.

Under the Quiapo Bridge in Manila, there are lots of tourist shops that sell a variety of baskets made of palm and bamboo. You will find these baskets sold in top retail outlets all over the world but you can get them at cheaper prices at the market. You can even haggle to get the best value for your money. Baguio is a place to visit for interesting antiques and silver jewelry. Its infamous ukay-ukay features a variety of second hand clothes, bags and shoes that you can purchase at the cheapest prices. You will even come across bags and shirts sold for at least ten Philippine pesos if you visit the market on Saturday night or Sunday morning.

“Mother of pearl” is also a popular gem used for jewelry in the Philippines. You will find necklaces, bracelets, hair pieces and other types of accessories made from pearl all over the country. Luzon is a region known for its colourful mats that are used to make various items such as bags, hats, fans and other souvenirs. Marikina is where you can find a diverse selection of locally designed shoes.