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This former Spanish colony is not only a perfect window to history, but the gorgeous islands of the Philippines have some of the best beaches and diving destinations. Explore the chocolate hills of Bohol, breathe-in the freshest air in El Nido, and take part in the festivities that the country is always busy celebrating.

Jet set off to the exotic land and discover for yourself how every sunset paints the skies gold. White sandy beaches, green mountains, tall waterfalls, mighty volcanoes, and exquisite heritage await your arrival in the Philippines islands for a truly unique experience.

USEFUL INFO. ABOUT PHILIPPINES

OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of the Philippines

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Manila

CAPITAL: Kuala Lumpur

POPULATION: 108,116,615

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE(S): Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Waray-Waray, Kapampangan, Bicolano, Pangasinense, and others

CURRENCY: Philippine peso (PHP)

ETHINICITY: 32.9% Visayan, 29.5% Tagalog, 10.1% Moro, 10% Ilocano, 5.8% Bicolano, 2.8% Kapampangan, 1.6% Igorot, 1.5% Pangasinense, 1.5% Chinese, 3.3% others.

MAP REFERRED: ASIA

AREA: 300,000 km square

Land : 298,170

NEIGHBOURING PLACES :The Philippines has maritime borders with China, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Palau

FAMOUS FOR: El Nido | Palawan Island | Davao City Manila | Mindanao | Boracay | Binondo | Iloilo City | Baguio | Luzon | Colon Street| Cebu City | Santo NiÃ±o Basilica | Dahican Beach | Manila Bay | Aklan| Banaue Rice Terraces | Clark Philippines | Baler, Aurora

NATIONAL SYMBOLS:Philippine eagle.

TIME ZONE: : UTC+8 (PST)

DRIVING SIDE: Left

AIRPORTS IN Philippines Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Bacolod-Silay International Airport, Clark International Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Subic Bay International Airport, Francisco Bangoy International Airport, General Santos International Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Bicol International Airport, Kalibo International Airport, Laoag International Airport and Zamboanga International Airport

Network / Connectivity

Though Wi-Fi access is easily available in the Philippines, the speed is not always reliable especially outside of Manila. Free Wi-Fi connections are available throughout the cafes, restaurants and other commercial places that you will visit. But it's better to invest in a local SIM card. Data with 4G speeds are very affordable starting at about $1 a day, a great alternative if you plan on working remotely.

Globe and Smart are the main cellular service providers that offer prepaid SIM cards. The former offers great coverage in bigger cities such as Manila and Cebu, whereas the latter is better suited for the more rural areas. You can grab your desired SIM at the airport and various load cards are available with denominations ranging from 1PHP to 1000. Pocket Wi-Fi devices are also available with prices ranging between $7 to $15 if you want to connect multiple devices when traveling with family.

The currency used in the Philippines is known as the "peso"; 1 peso is further divided into 100 centavos. Currency notes printed prior to 1967 have the English word "peso" printed on them, meanwhile, the latter notes have the Filipino word "Piso".

Symbol: ₱
Code: PHP
1 United Arab Emirate Dirham = 13.88 (as on 29th February 2020)

Philippines peso notes can be found in denominations of 10 (rare), 20, 50, 100, 200 (rare), 500, and 1,000.
Coins can be found in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 25 Centavo (rare), and 1, 5 and 10 Pesos.

The land of the Philippines was originally home to the settlers of "Negritos". They populated the region thousands of years ago followed by the Polynesians that brought along the culture of tribal peoples led by chieftains. With the passing of time, more people were attracted to this area including Chinese and Arab traders.

It was in 1521 that the first wave of European settlers arrived from Portugal- the pioneer of whom was Ferdinand Magellan. After claiming the land for Spain, he was unfortunately killed while trying to mediate a conflict between two tribes. Spain colonized the country and continued their rule until 1898 when the Spanish-American war broke out. This was when the United States defeated the Spanish fleet, and the revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippines' Independence.

The United States controlled the Philippines after the Spanish-American War and there was a short-lived war that followed between the United States and the Philippines. In 1935, the Philippines was declared a self-governing territory under the leadership of President Manuel Quezon. Though occupied by Japan in World War II, it was able to become an independent nation in 1946 after driving the Japanese away with some ally assistance.

The Philippines is a group of 7,107 islands in South China, the Philippine, Sulu, and Celebes Seas, along with the Luzon Strait. Consisting of mountains along with narrow and large coastal lowlands, the three core geographic areas are the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Only about a thousand of the islands are populated, and about half are larger than 2.5 square kilometers. Eleven islands make up 94% of the Philippine landmass, and the country has one of the longest coastlines in the world due to its geographical composition and islands.

The Philippines is part of a western Pacific arc system which is known for its active volcanoes. The most prominent peaks are Mount Mayon near Legaspi, Taal Volcano South of Manila, and Mount Apo in Mindanao. There are also rain forests that are home to many tribal communities, and the most extensive river systems such as the Pulangi (Rio Grande) flowing into the Mindanao River. There's also the Agusan in Mindanao flowing north into the Mindanao Sea, and the Cagayan in northern Luzon flowing into Manila Bay. Laguna de Bay is the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines.

Historic Influences
The culture in the Philippines is a mix of traditional Filipino and Spanish Catholic traditions, with some added contributions from America and parts of Asia. It is due to this "East meets West" history that the current day country runs on practices inspired by Chinese traders, Spanish, and American rulers.

Family Values
The country of the Philippines holds family values extremely near and dear to its heart. Filipinos consider their family to be their strength and there's high regard given to extended family members. Even the closest of friends are considered family and children usually have multiple godparents due to this cultural norm. Children tend to live at home until they are married. Even business-related hiring is heavily influenced by family-based connections.

Religion
Filipinos are very religious and faith is considered paramount. With over 85 percent of the people being Roman Catholic, it is common to find crosses and other religious symbolism in homes. Church service is an integral part of the day-to-day lifestyle with locals attending services at least twice or thrice a week. This is also one of the reasons that religious leaders are highly influential figures in the Philippines.

Art and Music
Towards the end of the 19th century, Filipino painters emerged as masters in the domain to earn international acclaim. Famous artists such as Damian Domingo are commonly referred to as the father of Filipino painting. This trend continued till after World War 2 when artists such as Vicente Manansala, Hernando R. Ocampo, Victor Edades, Arturo Rogerio Luz, Jose T. Joya, and others from the region were recognized for outstanding artistic skills.

Music is another integral component of the culture with a heavy emphasis on percussion, flutes and stringed instruments. Frequently used instruments include Gongs. There are two different versions used to form distinct sounds in the north and the south of the Philippines. Also, a two-stringed plucked lute called Kutyapi is another favorite. However, it is very difficult to master with a few musicians being able to gain fluency over this traditional instrument.

Dance
Itik-Itik is a popular traditional dance form that mimics the way a duck walks. It was created by a lady named Kanang, and the steps of this dance gained popularity fast to become a legacy that has been passed on ever since. The Tinikling, on the other hand, is considered to be the national dance of the Philippines. The moves imitate the tikling bird as it walks through tall grass and between tree branches. Other famous dance performances you may see include the Pandanggo sa Ilaw, the Pandanggo Oasiwas, the Maglalatik, and Kuratsa.

Festivals
The Philippines loves to party and the cultural festivals are an experience that highlights the merriment in the Filipino community. From Christian festivals that commemorate Santo NiÃ±o (Infant Jesus), the harvest festival of Anibina Bulawanun, to the quirky Pineapple Festival, there are tons of celebrations and traditions to keep up with.

Cuisine
The cuisine in the Philippines is surprising- the country is bountiful with tropical fruits, vegetables, and seafood making it a great destination for a culinary adventure. From the taste to the scent, your senses are in for the thrill of a lifetime when indulging in the local food here.

Must-Try Delicacies
The heart of the local cuisine here lies in "Adobo"; meat (chicken, beef or pork) prepared with spices, soy sauces, vinegar, and garlic. It is simmered till the flavors blend into the meat, the Philippines loves this dish dearly. Another favorite is the "Chicken Inasal", chicken marinated in achuete oil, calamansi juice, lemongrass, and other spices - a rare blend of ingredients exclusive to this region.

Get experimental with a taste of the Balut - a duck embryo that is boiled and eaten out of the shell as a snack. This is a common street food that is served with a side of vinegar for a taste that is extremely unique. You can also try "Kare Kare"; a nourishing stew with oxtail, ox stripes, and vegetables.

Must-Try Drinks
Start off your day with a steaming cup of "Kapeng barako", the strong smell and taste are the perfect jolt of energy. If you're in the mood for something sweet, order a "Sago't Gulaman" at a local cafe. This treat is made of brown sugar, water, tapioca pearls, and gelatin for a refreshing treat on a hot day. Buko juice or coconut milk is also a great option to beat the heat.

The locally produced rum has earned the Philippines a lot of fanfare; special produce such as Don Papa has vanilla, warm honey and fruit notes for a delicious taste and aroma.

The hospitality in the Philippines from the minute you land at the airport is exceptional; friendly faces and smiles are everywhere in the country.

Vibrant parades, symbolic festivals, and colorful celebrations make the Philippines a festive destination.

Over 7000 islands give this country a distinct culture and identity depending on the region you visit.

Whether you're a hiking enthusiast or a fan of water sports, nature here accommodates all interests.

Beaches with white sands and blue skies are an amazing getaway whether you travel solo or with family and friends.

The Philippines' famous Banaue Rice Terraces are considered as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" by UNESCO.

This country loves to party; get ready for fun-filled bars and clubs to dance the night away.

There are ample shopping opportunities; the abundance of malls has something to match all budgets and tastes.

Filipino cuisine is a mix of Malay, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, and American cuisine- a recipe for delicious memories.

Try a traditional massage to relax your aching muscles starting at an affordable price of just $8.

90% of the population speaks English which makes communication easy for tourists.

Swim with turtles and friendly whale sharks- the scuba diving experiences offer picture-perfect encounters with marine life.

A ride on the jeepney is a truly thrilling experience to get around like the locals do.

Sip on some coconut milk in the tropical warmth to experience Philippine's paradise-like serenity.

The ideal months to plan your vacation in the Philippines is between the months of November and April. The summer months make relaxing on the beach blissful, and island hopping a spectacular adventure. There are 2 main seasons: wet and dry. Thus, the Philippines does not have the conventional four seasons like other countries may experience.

June to October (Wet Season)
Visiting during this period can put a damper on your exploration due to the high volume of rain paired with warm temperatures. September is the typhoon season- traveling during this month or October is not recommended.

December to May (Dry Season)
The best time for your getaway in the Philippines, the skies are clear and the beach is perfect for a swim. With temperatures averaging around 34 degrees, the long sunny days with ample sunshine are heavenly. The days get hotter during March and April, and the islands are abundant with greenery.

Visit the Philippines with Family

Make the best use of beach moments on the 5th longest coastline worldwide.

Visit the 2000-year-old Banaue rice terraces known as the eighth wonder of the world.

Take a memorable jeepney ride with its bright artwork and decorations.

Make your way to Palawan, The Underground River National Park is a UNESCO heritage site.

Visit the Philippines as a Couple

Enjoy privacy on the island of Boracay with flawless beaches, fire shows, and live music.

The Philippines is known as the capital of karaoke- belt out a few tunes at a local bar.

Visit the Bohol, an acclaimed tourist stop, with its famous 1,260 cone-shaped limestone hills that turn chocolate brown in summer.

Spot San Agustin Church, one of the oldest in the country, and a UNESCO world heritage site.

Visit the Philippines with Friends

Swim with the jellyfish in the Tojoman Lagoon.

Take a ride on the motorcycle taxis instead of a cab.

Try new watersports in Cebu city- dive, snorkel, surf, and more.

Relax your body with a rejuvenating spa experience.

Visit the Philippines with Kids

Explore the world's oldest Chinatown, Binondo, in Manila.

Meet the Philippine tarsier, considered the world's smallest monkey, on the islands of Samar.

Go to a local farmer's market in Clark Philippines to buy fresh produce.

Visit a local festival in cities such as Cebu or Manila for great music and colorful costumes.

What to Buy?

Philippine Pearls

Barako coffee beans

Abaca baskets and placemats

Banig woven mats

Dried mango snacks

Coconut wine

Capiz- decorative shell gifts

Find Paradise in El Nido - Palawan Island
El Nido is a municipality located on the Palawan island and ranks high as one of the best tourist spots in the Philippines. Visit El Nido, Palawan, for a generous taste of awe-inspiring islands, limestone formations, and hidden lagoons. Go island-hopping, kayaking, hiking, or simply chill at the beach.
Location: El Nido- Palawan island

Discover Baguio City - "City of Pines"
Located in Luzon tropical pine forest's ecoregion, Baguio City has exhilarating treetop adventures, a fun butterfly garden, and the famous Yellow hiking trails with a 2-hour trek. You can visit the Bridal Veil Falls, and snap a picture with the legendary 40-foot tall Lion's head.

Location: Baguio, Luzon

Take a Walk Around Colon Street, Cebu
Experiencing the vibe of Cebu is not quite possible without strolling around the famous Colon Street. Filled with markets and vendors selling everything from jewelry, souvenirs, clothes to electronics, there's also great street food to snack on.
Location: Cebu city

Feel Like a Local at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Filipinos hold a very special place in their heart for their cathedrals and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is a nice change in pace to feel the history of religion. Located at the center of the old city, this is a must-see Cebu city landmark that attracts tourists and local devotees.
Location: Cebu city

Feel the Power of Basilica Minore Del Santo NiÃ±o De Cebu
Also known as Santo NiÃ±o Basilica, this minor basilica is a gem of Cebu city. The street outside the church is closed off for traffic on Sundays and Fridays due to the large volume of devotees that visit. It is home to the original and oldest religious relic that holds great prestige in Christianity.
Location: Cebu city
Best time to visit: Sun: 4:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. / Mon - Thu 5 a.m. - 7 p.m. / Fri 4 a.m. - 10 p.m. /Sat: 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Get a Bird's Eye View of Davao City
Experience a majestic view of Davao City from Jack's Ridge. You can grab a scrumptious bite to eat at one of the cafes and relax with lovely green views all around. Jack's Ridge is also historically important as it was used by the retreating Japanese forces as a headquarters in World War II.
Location: Davao city
Best Time to Visit: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m daily

Feel the Breeze at Dahican Beach
The Dahican Beach flaunts 7 km of pristine sand and turquoise waters perfect to unwind during your stay. You can rent a lounge chair, go for a swim, enjoy surfing, and experience some of the cleanest air quality in the Philippines.
Location: Davao city

Explore Local Tastes Around Binondo
Visit Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown, for a taste of the best of Manila's flavors. Affordable and offering an incredible range of options to choose from, you can feast on all local favorites ranging from dim sum to roast duck. There are also groups that organize food crawls if you feel particularly adventurous.
Location: Manila

Experience the Golden Hour at Manila Bay
The sunsets at Manila Bay are simply breathtaking and a top tourist spot in the Philippines. The golden skies make the time come to a stand-still for a brief moment as the calm tranquility surrounds the city. Admire the views from a nearby restaurant or bar, just keep your camera ready for an outstanding shot.
Location: Manila

Visit Manila's Celebrated 3D Art Museum
Your holiday in the Philippines must include a stop at the Art in Island - Asia's largest 3D art museum. An art lover's dream come true, this is a huge space with gigantic paintings perfect for the most surreal-looking pictures.
Location: Manila
Best Time to Visit: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m daily
Entry fee: About $10

Ati-Atihan Festival
This annual tribute to the baby Jesus in Kalibo is demonstrated by mesmerizing drum beats and plenty of merrymaking. Dating back 800 years, the title of the festival means "to pretend or to be like the Atis." Dark skinned and small in structure, they were the first settlers in many areas of the Philippines.
Location: Kalibo, Aklan
Date: January

Dinagyang Festival
Another famous January festival, the Dinagyang Festival has won awards as a prime tourism event with its street dancing and fabulous costumes. Representing the Philippine's rich heritage, history, and exciting spirit, the event honors Senyor Santo Nino - the Child Jesus.
Location: Iloilo City
Date: January

Feast of Black Nazarene
The largest annual religion-related congregation in the Philippines, the Feast of Black Nazarene is known to bring good luck to the devotees who participate. A 200-year-old statue of a black Christ figure is carried by a procession consisting of barefoot men and women.
Location: Quiapo, Manila
Date: Good Friday

Sinulog Festival
Held on the third Sunday of January, the Sinulog Festival celebrates Santo NiÃ±o with great fervor, a reason why it's also called the "Mother of all Festivals". Cebu city is consumed by a wave of energy as its streets are filled with colorful street dancers performing the Sinulog dance.
Location: Cebu City
Date: January 20

Kadayawan Festival
This highly anticipated festival of the Philippines unites the region's indigenous tribes to express gratitude for a great harvest period. There is ample music, dance, and food with other highlights including flower-inspired parades, larger-than-life floats, and fresh produce being sold at the Dayaw Market.

Location: Davao
Date: August 10-19

Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival
Watch the skies get splashed with a pop of intense color at the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival- a celebration that has become a symbol of national pride. There are also other attractions at this event such as skydiving, paragliding, and impressive military aircraft drills.
Location: Clark, Pampanga
Date: February 2020

Bangus Festival
Ranked amongst the top three most important festivals of the Philippines, the Bangus Festival is a tasty celebration with a focus on eating. There are cooking contests and food bazaars as Bangus is cooked in many different ways to showcase the diversity of this fish.
Location: Dagupan, Pangasinan
Date: April 1-12 2020

Pahiyas Festival
This bright harvest festival derives its name from the word "payas", which means decoration or to decorate. The locals in Lucban decorate their houses with fruits, vegetables, and a special leaf-shaped rice favor to give thanks to the Lord.
Location: Lucban, Quezon
Date: May 15 2020

Before traveling, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended stay in the Philippines.

The citizens of the following countries do not require a visa for the Philippines:

59-Day Stay:
Brazil, Israel

30-Day Stay:
All European Union European Union citizens, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

14-day stay:
Hong Kong, Macau, Portugal

Passports issued by any country except the following may obtain a Visa (for a fee) valid for 59 days on arrival:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Montenegro, Nauru, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Serbia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Ukraine, Yemen

Via Metro/Trains
Very limited parts of Manila have an elevated railway system. There are 2 lines and 31 stations that serve over 700,000 passengers a day. The only other railway line in the Philippines is the Bicol Express train running from Manila to Naga. The southbound train out of Manila goes as far as Laguna Province.

Via Bus
Buses are not the most comfortable or fastest medium of transport. However, these are very convenient and make the rural Philippines easy to access. Shorter routes usually have no air conditioning, but larger bus fleets operating on longer routes do have better service quality. There are numerous stops and depending on the operator, you can find schedules and ticketing information online.

Minivans are common in the Philippines. These are faster but more congested and pricier to use. Another alternative is the "Jeepneys"; modified army jeeps that have been customized with colors to accommodate urban transport in most cities.

Via Taxis
Metered taxis are easy to find in bigger cities and business hubs. Flag fall costs about $1, and 15 minute rides on average cost about $3. Avoid using taxis with broken meters unless you want to negotiate your own fare.

Via Rent A Car
The average daily cost of a car rental is about $40 making it an affordable option. On the downside, the traffic in bigger cities such as Manila is often in a state of long-standing jams, and the local driving style can be very aggressive for visitors. Freeways usually have a speed limit of 100 km/hr.

Most tourists prefer to rent motorbikes; however, this is only a recommended option if you have prior experience. Remember to bring your international driving permit if you're interested in renting a vehicle or motorbike during your time of stay in the Philippines.

Via Plane
Traveling around the Philippines via air travel is fortunately covered by a wide network of airlines. Carriers such as Philippine Airlines, Airphil Express, Cebu Pacific, Zest Air, and Seair have fantastic domestic and international routes that provide extensive coverage and connectivity.

Via Ferry
Ferries or bangkas (wooden outrigger boats) are options to enjoy island hopping. Shorter inter-island trips are easily facilitated by ferries but do ensure that you choose a licensed operator for maximum safety. Prices vary based on the route and amenities such as bars, canteens, and karaoke are common.

Via Air Route
Reaching the Philippines by air is the most convenient route. The huge network of international airports in cities such as Cebu, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles, Davao, Kalibo, Laoag, Manila, and Zamboanga make it easy to reach the island of your choice. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu are the busiest catering to the national carriers of Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, Philippine Airlines, and Skyjet.

Via Rail Route
There is no rail route available.

Via Road Route
There is no land route available.

Via Water Route
Reach the island nation by taking a ferry from one of the connecting Asian countries. There is a ferry twice a week from Bitung (Indonesia) and other routes include Malaysia. Always choose a licensed ferry operating service to ensure your safety while traveling.

Travel Tips

Research the regional forecasts of the region you'll be visiting to avoid weather-related inconvenience.

Public transportation schedules are unreliable. So, prepare for delays.

Always be calm and patient; cultural differences can make it difficult for your requests to always be understood by the locals.

Power cuts can happen; always carry a charged power bank for your devices.

Buy a SIM card for fast and stable internet access.

Pack your own snacks when heading to the beach to avoid overpriced vendors.

A toilet is often referred to as a "Comfort Roomâ.

Safety Tips

Use GRAB and UBER for reliable transport.

Avoid any suspicious currency exchange services.

Do not draw attention to yourself; avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

Do not carry more money than what is needed.

Never leave your belongings unattended.

Always wear life jackets when participating in watersports.

Keep your emergency contact information stored on your phone.

Health Tips

Carry your own paper napkins or wet towels.

Only drink bottled water.

Carry water with you at all times to avoid dehydration in this hot tropical country.

Carry a hand sanitizer, lip balm, mosquito repellent, and sun protection.

What to pack?

Athletic and casual tops with breathable fabrics.

A light jacket, long-sleeved tops and long trousers for ferry rides that tend to get chilly.

Lightweight proof jacket rain jacket.

Shoes - running shoes, flat sandals, beach flip flops

Beach bag

Umbrella

Travel adaptors for electronics (Local voltage is 220 volts)

Hygiene and toiletry items

First aid kit

Lightweight scarf

Swimsuit and cover-up (if you plan on going to the beach or scuba diving)

Sunscreen and hat

Camera with cover

Flashlight in case of a power outage

Sunglasses

Travel documents and tickets

Travel insurance

Passport and Visa

Any snacks in case of allergies

Dress Code and Etiquette

Modesty is essential; bikinis are only for the beach.

The locals are outgoing and friendly. It is not considered impolite to ask personal questions.

Always arrive 15 minutes after the time of invite in line with Philippines customs.

Due to large families living together in small spaces, the concept of personal space is very different from the western world.

When greeting acquaintances, Filipinos will often touch cheeks.

Most restaurants have a "family style" of serving so everyone can share.

Tipping at restaurants is encouraged.

Brunei (1259 km)
This small yet extraordinary Sultanate is an exciting addition to any Southeast Asia travel itinerary. Located next to Malaysian Borne, there are floating villages, exceptionally clean streets, exquisite mosques and scenic landscapes due to 80% of the country being a virgin rainforest.

Singapore (2388 km)
A thrilling melting pot of ethnicities, art, culture, natural beauty, and shopping- Singapore has it all. The multicultural cosmopolitan is home to fantastic cuisine, bright architecture, and iconic sights as one of the greenest countries in the world.

Thailand (2205 km)
Learn the traditional Thai greeting "wai"- you'll need it because the locals here are some of the most hospitable you will meet. Feel rejuvenated on the warm beaches, immerse in the fun nightlife, explore outstanding Buddhist Temples, and experience luxury without breaking the bank.

From the Philippines to Hong Kong: 1112 km

From the Philippines to Taiwan: 1166 km

From the Philippines to Brunei: 1259 km

From the Philippines to Vietnam: 1747 km

From the Philippines to Cambodia: 1775 km

From the Philippines to Thailand: 2205 km

From the Philippines to Singapore: 2388 km

From the Philippines to the United Arab Emirates: 6,990 km

The Philippines is the world's second-largest group of islands.

Philippines' flag has three stars that represent three sections of the country: Luzon, Mindanao, and the Visayas.

It has the fifth largest coastline in the world.

The Negritos, earlier settlers in the Philippines, were the area's earliest inhabitants in prehistoric times.

Christianity is a major religion here and eighty percent of the population is Catholic.

Philippines was the first Southeast Asian country to gain independence after World War II.

The country was named after King Philip II of Spain.

Three of the world's biggest shopping malls in the world are located here: SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, and SM Mall of Asia.

It is the world's largest exporter of coconuts and tropical fruits.

The capital city of Manila is considered the world's most densely populated city.

Approximately 11% of the population of the Philippines works overseas.

The Philippines ranks high as one of the happiest countries in the world on the Gallup's index.

EXPERIENCE SOUTHEAST ASIA'S BEST HOSPITALITY

About

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History

Geography

Culture

Why to Visit

Time to Visit

Things to Do

Places to Visit

Festivals & Events

Visa

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How to Reach

Travel Tips

Nearby Places

Interesting Facts

Emergency

Currency