Philippines: Overview
The forgotten Republic of the Philippines is an archipelago compound by more than seven thousand islands and located in Southeast Asia. To the east it limits with the Philippine Sea, to the south with the Cebeles Sea, to the west with the South China Sea, to the southwest with Borneo, and to the north with Taiwan.
Climate
The climate of this archipelago is tropical and, although temperature does not vary too much throughout the year, the hottest months are April and May. The rainy season takes place between June and October. Between December and May is the finest time to visit the islands, because during this time there are very few typhoons. It is necessary to keep in mind that the high tourist season takes place during Holly Week and Christmas, so hotels and flights are completely booked.
Important Information
Entry requirements include a valid passport, an onward return ticket and a visa, which can be requested on arrival and has 21 day validity. Besides this one, there is also another visa which is valid for 59 days, costs US$ 35 and must be requested in advance in a Philippine consulate.
The official currency is the Philippine peso (PHP), although the main credit cards are accepted in every city and tourist destinations. However, traveller’s cheques are not so broadly received; even some banks will not accept them. American dollars, euros and pounds sterling are also broadly received as payment. ATMs are available in the most important cities, nevertheless it is recommended to carry some local currency, especially when visiting rural areas. A 10% tip is expected for almost every service. If that 10% is already included in the bill, tipping is optional.
Unless you are visiting from a yellow fever infected area, there are no vaccination requirements to enter to Philippines. However, there are some health problems with should be taken into consideration as typhus, hepatitis A and rabies. Besides this, there is a malaria risk in some areas of the Philippines and visitors should ask in a health centre before visiting them; urban areas are considered malaria-free. Cholera and dengue are spread throughout the whole country and the best prevention against the last one is to avoid mosquitos’ stings. Tap water is not safe neither is ice. Sea snakes are extremely poisonous, so visitors should be careful in remote coastal areas, lakes and rivers, since antidotes are not always available. Medical care is very good in the main cities, although it is very expensive. In remote areas you may not find medical facilities, so it is recommended that travellers hire a comprehensive medical insurance for their trip.
Security must be a topic of interest for every tourist in Philippines. It is very important to be informed before and during your trip about the security situation in the country, the events concerning terrorism, kidnappings and other crimes. It is recommended to remain alert in the islands, especially in Manila, since poverty can be a mobile for crime. Tourists have been kidnapped (even in the sea) by extremist groups and there have been bombings in transports and public spaces in Manila and Mindanao. It is recommended to be especially careful in the centre, south and west of Mindanao, in Basilan, Tawi Tawi, Jolo, in the archipelago of Sulu, Palawan and in every tourist centre.
Where to go
Manila, capital of the archipelago, is a modern city which, besides being an excellent starting point toward other destinations, offers to its visitors a great variety of entertainment places and bars, Intramuros, an old Spanish walled city, full with prints of the colonial past, and lake Taal’s crater south of Manila.
North of Luzon is Banaue, home of the rice terraces, and also considered to be Eighth Wonder of the World. These terraces have been dug in a hillside by the itufago, a Philippine tribe, more than two thousand years ago; their stone “steps” can be 1.500 m high.
In Mindoro island Port Galley is one of the most frequented enclaves, look for by tourist in search of beach and sun.
Next to Luzon is Catanduanes, an island of beautiful beaches and reefs where you can enjoy surfing as long as you are careful with marine currents.
Boracay, an island located north of Panay, is considered among the best beaches in the world, although its waters are not the most contamination-free.
In the centre of the Philippine archipelago is the island-province of Cebu, a great starting point for the tropical region of central Visayas, the caves and lagoons of Calanggaman and Gato, the beaches of Argao, Oslop and Carmen and the diving centres of Moalboal, Badian, Mactan and Olango. Here you can visit Basilica Minore di Santo Nino, several beaches, Casa Gorordo Museum, San Pedro Fort and the Jumalon Museum.
Festivals
Among the main Pilipino festivals are New Year which is celebrated with great happiness and artificial fires; Black Nazareno’s Procession which takes place on January 9 in Quiapo; and Ati-Atihan (carnival), celebrated the third week of January in Kalibo, Panay. You can also witness the flagellations of Holly Friday in Fernando and Antipolo.
