Things to Do in Philippines

The name Sumilon means "refuge," and Sumilon Island offers a spectacularly beautiful refuge in its tropical gardens, azure waters and white sand beaches. The island got its name from the days when it offered protection for fishing vessels during typhoons, but today, it's more widely known for its world-class dive sights and undeveloped, relaxed attitude.

The always shifting Sandbar Beach gives beach bums plenty of space to spread out in the sun or go for a swim in the calm waters. A hike through the island's lush tropical forests will take to cliffs with views over the island's beautiful blue lagoons. Climb the lighthouse in the south portion of the island for unobstructed views in every direction.

While Sumilon's hikes and beaches are worth the three-hour trip all on their own, the main draw here is the diving. Home to the first marine sanctuary in the country, Sumilon's waters offer excellent visibility and healthy coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.

Cebu's Basilica del Santo Niño (Basilica of Santo Nino, Basilica Minore de Sto Nino) was literally born from fire. In 1565, the church was built on the site where one of conquistador Legazpi's men supposedly found a miraculous statue of Jesus in the burning ruins of a hostile native village. The statue -- considered the oldest religious artifact in the country -- was completely unharmed. The building still houses the statue, even after burning down three times since its initial construction.

The basilica you see today dates back to 1737, and you can see the miraculous "Santo Niño," or Holy Child, within the aptly named Santo Niño Chapel inside the basilica. Each year, the Basilica del Santo Niño celebrates Cebu's largest annual event, the Cebuano festival of Sinulog, centered on this small Flemish statue of Jesus. The festival features a street parade with performances by brightly costumed dancers from all over the Philippines.

Much like the neighboring Big Lagoon, the Small Lagoon is a scenic cove where reality seems to meld with a place that’s out of a tropical dream. Unlike its larger cousin, however, the Small Lagoon offers added adventures like swimming in hidden sea caves, and squeezing through narrow holes in the rocks to access the placid waters. This spot is popular with kayaking tours since they can squeeze through the narrow openings, but it’s just as easy to swim through the channel and emerge in the tranquil lagoon.

Situated 2,000 feet (610 meters) high at the peak of Mt Busay, Tops Lookout, or just Tops to locals, provides the best unobstructed views in Cebu, especially at sunrise or sunset when the city seems to glow. The steep, winding drive up to the top will take you 30 to 45 minutes, but you'll be well rewarded with stunning panoramic views from the modern fortress-style viewing platform. On a clear day, you can see past the city all the way to Mactan, Bohol and Olango Islands.

Facilities at the lookout are minimal -- a snack stall selling beers and sodas -- as the view is the main draw, so a visit can take as short or long a time as you like. To get the most from the experience, pack a picnic dinner to enjoy while watching the sun set over the city below. If you'd rather enjoy the views in solitude, plan your visit just before sunrise when far fewer people will be visiting.

Located in the historic Intramuros Manila's Walled City, the Church of San Agustin was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its Baroque architecture specific to the Philippines. A Roman Catholic church, it was constructed by the Spanish in the 16th century but was not consecrated until 1607. While its beautiful architecture is reason enough to visit, the church also houses the San Agustin Museum, as well as tombs of several historical figures, including conquistadors, statesmen, and artists.