Philippines receives less international travellers than other South-East Asian countries, such as Malaysia or Singapore. That is not because Philippines would be less interesting but simply because it is slightly out of the way. Travellers crossing South-East Asia often do not have time or interest for a detour to the Philippines.
Philippines are diverse enough that can be recommended to travellers with different tastes. Beach lovers can spend weeks in the Philippines, hopping from one beautiful tropical island to another, such as Bantayan and Boracay. Adventurers can venture deep into the Cordillera to visit the famous hanging coffins in Sagada or rice terraces in Banaue, climb volcanoes or hit barely travelled routes on Palawan. City lovers can splurge on five-star hotels, high-end restaurants and luxury shopping at Makati, the business and commercial district of Manila, where a credit card without spending limit is the only thing that most travellers would desire.
Philippines consist of more than 7000 islands with countless idyllic beaches. The best known island in the Philippines is probably Boracay, which has become a synonym for a tropical paradise. The 4 km White Beach on Boracay is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Of course you will not be able to enjoy the island on your own. If deserted beaches are what you are after, consider visiting remote areas of the Philippines, such as Palawan. But if Palawan seems too out of the way, you can find pretty good empty beaches on Bantayan Island too, just a few hours by bus and boat from the hustle and bustle of Cebu City.
If you feel adventurous enough, head to the Cordillera, a vast mountain range on the north of Luzon Island. Travelling around the Cordillera is only appropriate for well prepared travellers. The roads are bad and mostly unpaved. Buses and jeepneys are old, with worn-off tires and virtually non-existent suspension, not to mention that drivers are completely insane. It you head to the Cordillera, you will very likely end-up riding jeepneys on the roof for hours, be it during brutal mid-day heat or ferocious tropical thunderstorms. However, you will be rewarded by spectacular views and laid-back atmosphere at remote mountain villages of Sagada or Bontoc, whereas the rice terraces near the village of Banaue are simply amazing.
City travellers who like all the luxury that can be found in big cities around the globe should stick to Manila or Makati, to be more precise. Makati offers everything that a spoiled tourist wishes for: five-star hotels, expensive restaurants and gigantic shopping malls where you can escape to from unbearable heat, noise, smog and chaotic traffic ruling the streets of Manila.
The main treasure of the Philippines though are not its beaches, mountains or cities, but the people. Filipinos are some of the friendliest people we have ever met on our travels. They practically all speak English so communication is not a problem. Whenever we needed help from the locals, whereas with directions or otherwise, we received it with a big smile. Do not forget though that you should never trust the locals to the point where you lose control of the situation. Philippines, as any other country, has a great share of scam artists too.