For those who long for tropical temperatures, crystal clear blue water, spectacular waterfalls, white sand beaches, exotic tropical flowers and the sound of palm trees swaying in the tropical breeze, the Philippines is the ideal holiday destination. The over 7000 islands are blessed with a wide range of culture and varieties of landscape, 40 different ethnic groups - and much evidence of how isolated societies can evolve in close proximity with each other and still end up being highly diverse.
Find your travel arrangement to Philippines here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
The Republic of the Philippines
Capital
Manila
Size
300.000 km2
Principal Languages
The official language is English but most of the population speaks Filipino.
Principal Religion
Roman Catholicism
Inhabitants
81.159.644 (2000)
Government
Republic
Geography
The Philippines is situated between Taiwan and Borneo. The country consists of 7107 islands, of which only 2773 have been named. Most of the inhabited islands are mountainous and 18 of the country's 37 volcanoes are still active. Lush green surroundings decorated with waterfalls and tropical vegetation all adds up to making the Philippine landscape a stunning experience.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
Due to the tropical climate it never gets cold in the Philippines. The rainy season is from June until September and it is during this period that the most typhoons strike (approximately 15 typhoons per year).
From October to February it is generally cool and dry and from March to May it is very warm and dry.
From October to February it is generally cool and dry and from March to May it is very warm and dry.
Literature
Lonely Planet Philippines
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
The following weights and measures are used in The Philippines:
Weight: Kilo
Temperature: Celsius (check spelling)
Distance: Kilometre
Volume/Liquid: Litre
Weight: Kilo
Temperature: Celsius (check spelling)
Distance: Kilometre
Volume/Liquid: Litre
Photography
Philippinos enjoy being photographed and there are many themes to choose between. If asked first, most people will willingly be photographed.
Drinking water
It is not safe to drink tap water in The Philippines, unless it has been boiled or sterilised first. Bottled water can be purchased in most places.
Behaviour
Eye contact over a longer period of time between men is considered to be an aggressive gesture. In the Muslim part of the land it is advisable to dress modestly.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 9.00 to 15.00 (Monday to Friday)
Shops are open from 10.00 to 20.00 (Monday to Saturday)
Many supermarkets and big department stores are also open on Sundays.
Shops are open from 10.00 to 20.00 (Monday to Saturday)
Many supermarkets and big department stores are also open on Sundays.
Food and drink
The Island people collect most of their kitchen's main ingredients from the surrounding waters. Fish and shellfish, raw or grilled are an important part of Philippino gastronomy. For festive occasions the menu often includes roasted pigflesh or kava-kava - an strange dish of ox's tails in an artichoke sauce. Philippine Rum is definitely worth a try - it is delicious!
Disabled travellers
It is important to contact your various destinations, hotels, resorts etc beforehand, in order to establish whether facilities are provided for the disabled.
Holidays
New Years Day 1 January
EDSA Revolution Day 22 February
Bataan Day 9 April
Independence Day 12 June
Manila Day 24 June
National Hero Day 31 August
All Saints Day 1 November
Bonifacios Day 30 November
Christmas Day 25 December
Rizal Day 30 December
Flexible Public Holidays
Maundy Thursday, March or April
Good Friday, March or April
Easter Sunday, March or April
EDSA Revolution Day 22 February
Bataan Day 9 April
Independence Day 12 June
Manila Day 24 June
National Hero Day 31 August
All Saints Day 1 November
Bonifacios Day 30 November
Christmas Day 25 December
Rizal Day 30 December
Flexible Public Holidays
Maundy Thursday, March or April
Good Friday, March or April
Easter Sunday, March or April
Accommodation / Hotel
There is a good range of accommodation available on most of the islands. hotels of varying calibre can be found, from expensive and luxurious to small and cheap. Camping sites, Youth Hostels and Guest Houses (B & B's) can be found in many areas. In addition to the above options, there are often rooms available for rent in private homes.
Book your Hotel in Philippines here
Book your Hotel in Philippines here
Camping
There are quite a few places where it is possible to camp on the islands. Just an hour from Manila you can pitch your tent next to Lake Taal. It is important to be aware that camping is not allowed everywhere. One must keep to official camping sites and never pitch a tent on private ground without asking permission first.
The Ministry of Tourism has divided hotels into four categories: economy, standard, first class and deluxe.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
Guesthouses can be found in various areas including Coron and Puerto Galera. The hospitable Philippinos will often rent a room out to a stranger in need.
Hostels
There are a number of youth hostels spread out over many of the islands.
Local transport
There are domestic Flights between all the big Philippine Islands; it is then possible to reach the smaller islands by boat or ferry. On the individual islands bus services and share taxis operate between towns/cities. It is also possible to hire a car or take a taxi round to see all the sights.
Planes
Philippine Airlines is the national airline but there are a number of other airlines that offer domestic Flights. Planes fly from Manila airport to approximately 50 destinations on the islands.
Bus
Buses operate between towns; it is also possible to travel in a so-called 'jeepney'. A jeepney is a share-taxi with a 14-passenger capacity. Public Transport runs at more or less regular intervals from early in the morning until around midnight.
Trains
The only railway system can be found on Luzon. It takes a long time and costs nearly the same as it does to take a bus.
Taxi
Taxis only operate in the cities. To prevent being over-charged, it is important to check that the meter is running. In general it is cheap to take a taxi even when going on slightly longer excursions.
car rental
It is possible to rent a car in Manila and in a number of the other big cities. It is reasonably cheap to hire a car and it is also possible to hire a driver as part of the package. Hiring a driver can be recommended, especially if one has plans to drive around in Manila itself - it can be quite an experience for one who is not used to driving around in this particular chaos!
Boat or Ferry
The larger ports have ferry connections. Three different classes are available. You should be aware that there are over 100 accidents involving ferries travelling to the islands per year and many have perished as a result. If you are in doubt over the quality of a boat you have chosen do not hesitate to choose another one or fly instead.
