A South Pacific cruise is not complete without a stop in the Philippines. A beautiful country made up of several islands, the Philippines are rather underestimated mostly because of the international news of civil unrest. As tourists, as long as you take certain precautions, it is perfectly safe to visit; in fact, tourism is one of the most important industries in the country, and visitors are generally treated well.

The Philippines are a stop on many worldwide and Pacific cruises, as well as some of their starting point. You can choose a cruise that remains in the islands; these are usually short but you can visit the country in a very convenient way. The country is made up of one main island with the capital, Manilla, and several smaller islands gathered around it. Cruises enable visitors to see many of the wonders of the country without arranging several different boat or plane trips between the islands.

One of the things you will probably see on your Philippine cruise is the set of coral islands off Luzon. Coral islands are a fascinating natural phenomena: little sea insects build coral until it reaches the air; the coral compacts and rises above the water. Winds bring dust, earth and seeds from nearby islands and land, and thus life can sustain itself on the coral-based island.

Along the many islands you will see white sandy beaches and tropical paradises; little towns that have changed little for decades, still living at a native pace; the Philippines are home to a volcano which is often visited by cruises. One Philippino wonder is the Banaue rice terraces. These terraces are present all over the South Pacific and Asia but none are as breathtaking as the Banaue set. The views of the ocean and land are unrivalled anywhere else in the region, and the terraces are still used as rice-growing land.

There are many cruises for many budgets. 3 days, 7 days, 10 days and more; you can have private accommodations or shared ones. Obviously a shorter trip will give you less opportunities for sightseeing, but you’ll see the most important spots. Longer trips can let you stay more time in places you like. In the end, it all depends on your taste and your budget.

Also, there are many Pacific cruises that start or stop by Manilla on their way to other destinations in the region. From there you can visit Japan, Australia, the South China sea, and the Pacific islands such as Fiji, Bora Bora and others. So whether you’re just visiting the Philippines or stopping by on your way to other places in the region, it’s worth to spend at least a few days visiting the outlying islands. There are many hidden secrets only available through cruises; you should take advantage of them!