In Bohol there is an artificial mahogany forest so dense that when you enter it feels like walking through a perfectly symmetrical natural tunnel, almost as if nature built it on purpose.
The Philippines is an archipelago made up of more than 7,000 islands, spread across the Pacific Ocean between South-East Asia and the open sea. It is an incredibly varied country, where tropical nature, crystal-clear sea, mountains and chaotic cities coexist within a short distance of each other. Each island has its own identity, and moving from one to the next means entering completely different worlds.
I visited Cebu and Bohol, two islands in the heart of the country that offer a perfect mix of nature, adventure and local culture.
Cebu is a very lively island, with busy cities but also spectacular natural areas, where the sea and tropical vegetation constantly meet. In Cebu I had one of the most beautiful experiences of the trip: canyoning at the Kawasan Falls. It is an activity that takes you down a river through gorges, rocks and turquoise waterfalls, jumping into natural pools, sliding between the stones and walking immersed in the jungle.
In Bohol, on the other hand, the atmosphere is completely different: quieter, more rural and very connected to nature. The island is famous above all for the Chocolate Hills, perfectly rounded hills that, during the dry season, take on a particular brown colour.
Food in the Philippines is a mix of Asian, Spanish and American influences, with flavours that are often sweet-and-sour and very intense. Among the most typical dishes are adobo, meat slow-cooked in soy sauce and vinegar, and sinigang, a slightly sour soup made with tamarind and vegetables.
Being an archipelago, fish and seafood are everywhere, often grilled or cooked simply. In markets and on the street you also find tropical fruit, barbecue and sweets made with coconut and rice.
The Philippines as a whole is a country that combines adventure and simplicity: sea, wild nature and a welcoming culture.