Devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan, the Philippines still ranks among the top 10 must-visit countries

Travel Hub / Comprehensive Report

In early November 2013, central Philippines was hit hard by Super Typhoon Haiyan, yet the renowned British travel guide *Rough Guides* still named this archipelagic nation of 7,000 islands one of the “Top 10 Countries Worth Visiting in 2014.”*Rough Guides*specifically pointed out that destinations including Boracay, Cebu, and El Nido in Palawan Province—dubbed the Philippines’ “last frontier”—are not to be missed.

▲ Boracay in the Philippines boasts crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. (Photo provided by Olddo)

The *Rough Guides* website article noted that although the Philippines was ravaged by the super typhoon, an estimated 97% of the country remained unaffected. Among them, Boracay and Cebu in the central region are relatively safe, while areas in the southern Mindanao region pose higher risks due to political unrest.

The article stated that the Philippines offers a dazzling array of coral reefs, volcanoes, serene backpacker islands, and world-famous rice terraces. Noteworthy attractions include Boracay, El Nido and Coron in Palawan Province, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Banaue Rice Terraces and Vigan, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and Manila’s San Agustin Church.

▲ The waters of El Nido in Palawan Province, known as the Philippines’ “last frontier.” (Photo by reporter Chen Ruizhong)

The list of the “Top 10 Countries Worth Visiting” is as follows: Ethiopia, Madagascar, Brazil, Turkey, Georgia, Rwanda, Japan, Bulgaria, and Macedonia. (News source: Central News Agency)