At the very center is the island-province of Cebu, itself ringed by 166 smaller islands.  Mactan, one of these islands, has some of the best diving spots in the country and Bantayan, another isle, is famed for its breathtaking coral formations.

Cebu City was the first Spanish settlement in Asia and is the second largest metropolis in the country, rivaling Manila in many ways.

Two hours away from Cebu by Super Cat ferry is Bohol, more rustic but just as exciting for the adventurous and daring.  The most popular diving destinations are the islands of Panglao, Balicasag and Pamalican, from where one can also go whale-watching.  Its top tourist attraction are the Chocolate Hills, thousands of cone-shaped mounds scattered over 50 square kilometers.  Bohol is also home to the tarsier, the oldest insect-eating mammal and smallest primate on the planet.

The Samar-Leyte region in the Eastern Visayas offers a quieter but equally picturesque life of rural Philippines.

The Panay and Negros islands offer a glimpse of the country’s Spanish roots.  Iloilo boasts centrueies-old churches, period houses and fine handloomed fabrics.  Negros Occidental was once the nation’s sugar bowl and bastion of the old rich land gentry.  Negros Oriental is ideal for land and water adventure sports like trekking, scuba-diving and kayaking.

Off the province of Aklan is Boracay, touted as the Best Beach in the World, with four kilometers of dazzling power-fine white sand and warm, crystalline waters.