International tourists have been coming to the Philippines for many years, attracted by the magnificent opportunities for surfing, island-hopping and diving. There is however a great deal more to this country than snorkelling and sandy beaches, as you’ll discover when you travel to the Philippines with Qatar Airways.

If you wander a little beyond the famous coastline you’ll discover a completely different world of ancient rice terraces, tribal villages and crumbling Spanish buildings in the jungles of the interior. Even if you don’t feel adventurous enough to make that particular journey, you’ll still feel the rich mix of cultural influences in cities like Manila. The Malay, Islamic, Spanish and American cultures all mix here and can be seen in every facet of daily life. The great range of tantalising cuisine, colourful and exuberant festivals, and the old colonial towns that people come here to see are all a result of this ethnic melting pot.   

More than 150 different languages and dialects are spoken in the Philippines, and the present-day inhabitants have Malay, Spanish, Chinese and Middle Eastern ancestory. Despite the great diversity of ethnicity, Filipinos are united in offering a legendary welcome and hospitality to visitors, so you’ll feel right at home from day one of your trip.     

The Philippines has an especially good reputation for entertainment, and much of the best of it is absolutely free. Colourful festivals and fiestas are held all through the year in every region, may with ties to the country’s Spanish colonial past. The Spanish influence is still felt in the national cuisine, too, with roast chicken and fresh fish on most menus and mouth-watering desserts and pastries of every kind.  

Two things you’ll never be short of in this beautiful country in Southeast Asia are food and entertainment, and from the moment you fly to the Philippines with Qatar Airways you’ll begin creating memories of a lifetime.