The Philippines: Island Hopping, Natural Wonders and a Country Made for Discovery
Thu Jan 29 2026
With more than 7,000 islands scattered across warm tropical seas, the vast archipelago of the Philippines offers extraordinary diversity for intrepid travellers: coral reefs alive with colour, jungle-clad volcanoes ripe for hiking and some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.
This is a country that rewards curiosity — and still feels wonderfully underexplored.
In this episode of Wanderlust: Off the Page, Aaron Millar is joined by travel writer and long-time Wanderlust contributor Mark Stratton, who shares why he keeps returning to the Philippines — and why it remains one of his favourite destinations in the world.
Follow us on the road less travelled to one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding destinations.
Highlights include:
Discovering why the Philippines’ 7,000+ islands still feel like one of travel’s great frontiers — and how spontaneity shapes the experience.
Exploring Luzon, from the vibrant streets of Manila to the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces, carved into the mountains thousands of years ago.
Snorkelling with vast shoals of sardines, swimming alongside gentle whale sharks, and experiencing the Philippines’ world-class marine biodiversity.
Island hopping through the Visayas, including Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, Siquijor’s quiet beaches, and Palawan’s spectacular limestone islands and hidden coves.
If you’re dreaming of turquoise seas, meaningful encounters, and the thrill of discovering somewhere that still feels open-ended, this episode might just move the Philippines to the top of your list.
FIND OUT MORE
Download the Philippines official travel app - Travel Philippines
Plan your journey to the Philippines at itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PhilippinesinUK/
Instagram @philippines_uk
Email: info@pdotlondon.co.uk
Connect with Mark Stratton on his website: MarkStrattonTravels.com
Read the accompanying article, and see the photos at wanderlustmagazine.com
The Wanderlust Guide to the Best of the PhilippinesIsland Hopping in the Philippines (Mark Stratton)WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE
Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure.
WANDERLUST MAGAZINE
Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine, taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com
Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). Membership includes six collectible print issues, exclusive competitions and events, full digital archive access back to 2010, and much more.
CREDITS
This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry.
Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie.
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With more than 7,000 islands scattered across warm tropical seas, the vast archipelago of the Philippines offers extraordinary diversity for intrepid travellers: coral reefs alive with colour, jungle-clad volcanoes ripe for hiking and some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. This is a country that rewards curiosity — and still feels wonderfully underexplored. In this episode of Wanderlust: Off the Page, Aaron Millar is joined by travel writer and long-time Wanderlust contributor Mark Stratton, who shares why he keeps returning to the Philippines — and why it remains one of his favourite destinations in the world. Follow us on the road less travelled to one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding destinations. Highlights include: Discovering why the Philippines’ 7,000+ islands still feel like one of travel’s great frontiers — and how spontaneity shapes the experience. Exploring Luzon, from the vibrant streets of Manila to the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces, carved into the mountains thousands of years ago. Snorkelling with vast shoals of sardines, swimming alongside gentle whale sharks, and experiencing the Philippines’ world-class marine biodiversity. Island hopping through the Visayas, including Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, Siquijor’s quiet beaches, and Palawan’s spectacular limestone islands and hidden coves. If you’re dreaming of turquoise seas, meaningful encounters, and the thrill of discovering somewhere that still feels open-ended, this episode might just move the Philippines to the top of your list. FIND OUT MORE Download the Philippines official travel app - Travel Philippines Plan your journey to the Philippines at itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PhilippinesinUK/ Instagram @philippines_uk Email: info@pdotlondon.co.uk Connect with Mark Stratton on his website: MarkStrattonTravels.com Read the accompanying article, and see the photos at wanderlustmagazine.com The Wanderlust Guide to the Best of the PhilippinesIsland Hopping in the Philippines (Mark Stratton)WANDERLUST: OFF THE PAGE Take the road less travelled with us and subscribe to the show so you never miss an adventure. WANDERLUST MAGAZINE Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine, taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). Membership includes six collectible print issues, exclusive competitions and events, full digital archive access back to 2010, and much more. CREDITS This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Lyn Hughes and Laura Field introduce the show. Aaron Millar is the interviewer and script editor. Audio production by Charles Tyrie.