To those who know it well, the Philippines is one of the travel world's best-kept secrets. Use our expert guide to step beyond Manila's bright lights and discover virgin tropical rainforest,idyllic coral-studded seas, spectacular volcanic mountains and ancient rice terraces.

The first six editions of Lonely Planet's Philippines guidebook were written by Jens Peters. The 7th edition was thoroughly rewritten (and maps redrawn) by a team of writers that included Russ Kerr,Joe Bindloss, Virginia Jealous, Caroline Liou and Mic Looby. For this 8th edition a wonderful team of authors updated the entire book.Chris Rowthorn, coordinating author, updated the introductory chapters, and worked on the Manila chapter with the assistance of Virgilio Calaguian. Chris also wrote the 'Diving in the Philippines'special section. Sonia Orchard worked on Around Manila and co-authored the Visayas chapter with Steven Martin. Michael Grosberg updated North Luzon; Monique Choy updated the Southeast Luzon and Mindoro chapters; and Steven Martin worked on Mindanao &Sulu and Palawan. Along with Chris, Steven also contributed to the Language chapter.

THE AUTHORS

THIS BOOK

FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION

FACTS ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES

FACTS FOR THE VISITOR

GETTING THERE & AWAY

GETTING AROUND

MANILA

AROUND MANILA

NORTH LUZON

SOUTHEAST LUZON

MINDORO

THE VISAYAS

MINDANAO & SULU

PALAWAN

LANGUAGE

GLOSSARY

THANKS

INDEX

MAP LEGEND

METRIC CONVERSION