Terence Doyle

Manila's Beaches Terence Doyle

Searching for the Perfect "Top" BeachWhatever your idea of the perfect Seaside Escape, the Philippines is well placed to provide the answer. It is a 1,800 km / 1,200 m long archipelago of 7,107 tropical islands, every one offering the chance to get away - soft sand beaches with crystalline waters protected by brilliant coral reefs, sheltered by swaying palm trees. The big island of Luzon, the largest of the lot, has the widest variety of escapes. Luzon is well known for its magnificent inland attractions - from Manila, the country's capital, to mountainous rice terraces and spectacular volcanoes - but it remains a tropical island with 5,000 km / 3,000 miles of coastline - indented with bays and coves - plus 100s of smaller, off-shore islands - all harbouring wonderful Top Beaches. Manila makes the logical starting point for visits to all of these Top Beaches because it is the first port of call for most visitors to the country and the starting point for a network of roads which reach every corner of the island.