Australasia is a wonderful continent. Its lands calls for true adventure, but beware as danger may be hidden behind the beauty. Indeed, this continent is home of some of the most poisonous and dangerous animals in the world! Don’t panic though, with so much to see they’ll be the least of your worries and just add to the thrill of the adventure.

The infamous box jellyfish. This animal is almost transparent, hence very difficult to see, faster than a normal jellyfish and with tentacles up to 3 metres long. It lives in shallow waters in Australasia. Another interesting one is the Komodo dragon, the heaviest lizard on earth. Having lived in isolation in Indonesia’s islands for million of years, the Komodo dragons are probably the most similar animals to dinosaurs that exist. Then there’s the snakes and crocodiles .. rumour has it they are often the cause of disappearing dogs…

And of course, aside these frightening yet incredible animals there are the marvellous beaches and landscapes and a variety of millennial cultures. So today we would like to introduce to one of our favourite adventures in Australasia.

Highlands and Islands of the Philippines

Manila

This unusual adventure starts in the city of Manila, with a city tour and the chance to visit the San Augustine Church, a UNESCO world heritage site. The city tour will then be on board of the calesa, a traditional horse drawn means of transport still very popular. You will also explore the Chinese cemetery, full of temples, and Quiapo, the oldest district of Manila.

After the city it’s time to get your sweat on as your destination is the top of an active volcano, Mount Pinatubo, that erupted last in 1991 after 600 years of silence. There you will drive with a 4×4 vehicle in a moon-like terrain. Once at the top, the reward is the view: a turquoise lake lies down in the crater!

Later on you will transfer to Banaue and see some spectacular rice terraces of 2000 years. To have an idea of the beauty of the place, just think that it is often called the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Palawan

The second part of the two week adventure travel is in the island of Palawan. This is quite different from Manila, and it is famous mainly for its white beaches and National Parks. There you will visit the famous underground river, navigable in a cave for more than 8km. Needless to say, the place has a magical atmosphere and is home of a great variety of animals.

In the island you will also have the chance to meet members of the Batak community. They are the smallest people in the world, being on average 5ft tall and counting only 360 members. The next step of the journey will be in stunning islands were humans, with a few exceptions, don’t live. It’s El Nido, an incredible natural reserve with amazing turquoise waters. A true tropical paradise, and the perfect way to end this unusual adventure!

So… are you thinking already about your next adventure? Don’t think twice: as Helen Keller said, “life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all”.