Insight Guide Philippines is a comprehensive, full-colour travel guide that provides an essential introduction to this little-known Asian country. The Philippines is a destination of thousands of islands fringed by idyllic tropical beaches, plus stunning mountain scenery, colonial architecture and lively festivals. The Insight Guide will assist you in finding your ideal itinerary through what can be a daunting list of options, with the inspirational Best Of section setting out the principal places to visit in the Philippines. In-depth information on the country's history and culture is provided in a series of lively essays, while chapters on contemporary culture, food, festivals and architecture paint a vivid portrait of life in the Philippines today. 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 make the most of your trip, including our independent reviews of carefully selected hotels and restaurants, which will direct you to the best and most authentic establishments.