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Philippines
Founded in 1571 by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Manila is the capital of the Philippines. The city boasts colonial architecture, as well as the interesting fortified Intramuros district. Discover the National Museum, Rizal Park and San Augustin Church, also dating from 1571. The temples in Santa Cruz's Chinatown district are also well worth a visit.
In Manila Bay, off the coast of the city, Corregidor Island is accessible by boat. An important historical site, it was one of the few bulwarks against the Japanese invasion during the Second World War. You can still discover a lighthouse dating back to 1853, as well as beautiful beaches. Forty minutes from Manila, the town of Vigan awaits you. Built in the 16th century, this former European trading post is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts several history museums, including Crisologo, which traces the history of the Spanish and Portuguese on the island. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Banaue rice paddies are located in the central Cordillera on the island of Luzon. Between 2,000 and 6,000 years old, they are ideal for trekking through the mountains to discover the Ifugao tribes.
In the Mindanao region, there are several typical villages to discover, such as Davao. You can also climb Mount Apo to discover the Manoba ethnic groups. Not far away, towards Lake Sebu, Zamboanga still has a strong Spanish heritage. There are also some interesting Muslim villages built on stilts. But the Philippines also boasts beaches and a dream natural heritage. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, allows you to appreciate a series of caves via an underground river in the heart of a lush forest. On the UNESCO-listed Tubbataha reefs, diving enthusiasts can take to the water in one of the world's best diving spots.
The Philippines traditionally enjoys three main seasons: the hot season between March and May, the rainy season between June and November, and the cold season between December and February. It's worth noting that between May and December, the monsoon season often brings violent and destructive typhoons. However, the interior and west of the country are generally sheltered from these violent winds by the Philippine mountain range, which runs north-south along the country's eastern coast. As for temperatures, the coolest are frequent in January, and the hottest in May. In general, temperatures average around 25°C all year round.