A little-known island nation on Asia's Pacific rim, the Philippines makes a rewarding destination for adventurous travelers. With thousands of islands fringed by a vast number of idyllic tropical beaches, plus stunning mountain scenery, colonial architecture and lively festivals, the possibilities are endless. The Insight Guide will assist travelers in finding their ideal itinerary through what can be a daunting list of options, with the inspirational Best Of the Philippines section setting out the principal highlights. In-depth information on the country's unusual history and culture is provided in a series of authoritative essays, while chapters on contemporary culture, food, festivals and architecture complete the picture. The Places chapters have been comprehensively updated for this new edition, and cover all the sights worth seeing from the amazing landscapes of northern Luzon to the beaches of the Visayas and the jungles of Palawan. At the back of the book, the Travel Tips section contains all the practical information you'll need to plan your trip, including dozens of carefully selected hotels and restaurants.