Philippines - Cheap Holidays from Co-op Travel

Philippines Travel Guide

The Philippines archipelago of more than 7,000 islands is sandwiched between Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, and flanked by the South China Sea. All her neighbours have magical tourist appeal, but the Philippines, even though the sea is just as blue and clear and the myriad coral islands just as alluring, seems to have missed the boat when it comes to fully marketing its attractions.Bad press in recent years, after some high-profile terrorism and kidnapping incidents, have not helped matters. The country has also laboured under a turbulent political reputation and is still overcoming the effects of martial law. Its poor infrastructure, dilapidated roads and unsafe ferries, have also all played a role in deterring potential travellers and the country has been overlooked as an eco-tourist destination because of local disregard for its natural resources (such as fishermen dynamiting coral reefs). While resources are being channelled into education to prevent such practices a great deal of damage has already been done to the environment.The good news is that Filipinos themselves are warm and welcoming - as underscored in the country's tagline - 'where Asia wears a smile'. Apart from some beautiful, remote tropical islands and legendary scuba diving spots, the archipelago's best resource is the friendliness and laid-back attitude of the Filipino people. Their hospitable and embracing attitude is enough to put a smile on any visitor's face; and this is even more the case in country's rural areas. The Philippines has some superb all-inclusive luxury resorts spread around the islands which cushion visitors from the general degradation and safety risks of the cities and towns, and a major plus is that the country is amazingly cheap for foreign tourists who have dollars, pounds or euros to spend. Also, the food is delicious, and English is widely spoken.Independent travellers who like to wander off the beaten track, and do not mind doing without the conveniences of running water and the like, will find plenty to fascinate them in the countryside and coastal parts of the Philippines; albeit without the assistance of guide books. The Philippines is one of the few places left in the world where adventurers can wander through tribal lands, unfettered by modern interferences. Travellers are however advised to follow the current safety advice on areas to avoid.

Philippines Travel Guide

Need To Know

Money:

The currency of the Philippines is the Peso (PHP), which is divided into 100 centavos. Major credit cards are widely accepted in the cities and tourist destinations. Banks do not always accept travellers cheques, but a receipt of purchase is useful. ATMs are available in the major cities. US dollars are widely accepted in Manila and other tourist areas and are the easiest currency to exchange; otherwise Euros and Pounds Sterling can also be exchanged in banks and hotels. Banks open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, but their ATMs are open 24 hours. It is best to carry pesos when travelling outside of major centres.

Time:

Local time is GMT +8.

Electricity:

Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachments and two-pin round plugs are used.

Language:

The official language of the Philippines is Filipino, but English is widely spoken. Tagalog is the most predominant of the many dialects or local languages spoken throughout the islands.

Health:

No special vaccination certificates are required, except by travellers entering the Philippines from an area infected with yellow fever. Recommended vaccinations include typhoid as there are frequent outbreaks of typhoid fever. There is a malaria risk in parts of the Philippines and visitors should seek medical advice before travelling; urban areas are generally considered risk-free. Dengue fever is a risk throughout the country; the best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. Tap water is not safe to drink and ice in drinks should be avoided; cholera is a risk in the country and precautions are advised. Sea snakes can be highly venomous; travellers should be cautious in remote coastal waters, lakes and rivers, as anti-venom may not be readily available. Medical care is good in the major cities, although very expensive, however it is limited in the remoter areas. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

Tipping:

Tipping is expected for most services in the Philippines. The standard practice is 10% of the total bill. Tipping is optional on bills that already include a 10% service charge.

Safety:

Safety and security should be of paramount concern to any visitor to the Philippines. It is vital to be fully informed of threats and developments regarding crime, terrorism and kidnapping before and during a visit to the islands. Vigilance is vital throughout the islands, particularly in Manila, as opportunistic crimes are motivated by circumstances of poverty. Extremist groups have a history of kidnapping foreign tourists, and terrorist bombings have occurred in Manila and Mindanao, targeting transport and public places. Recent explosions in Mindanao have killed and injured many people. Security has been increased across southern Philippines, and many foreign governments have issued warnings against travelling to Mindanao. Terrorist groups have also threatened to attack passenger ferries and other vessels, particularly those operating from Mindanao. The threat of terrorism and kidnapping is greatest in central, southern and western Mindanao, Basilan, Tawi Tawi, Jolo and the Sulu archipelago; the FCO, US Department of State and other governments advise against all travel to these areas, and care should also be taken in Palawan and at coastal resorts and tourist centres throughout. There is a high incidence of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Philippine waters, and a risk of kidnappings at sea. It is believed that terrorists are continuing with plans to kidnap foreigners from the islands and coastal areas in southern Philippines, putting all boats travelling to and from offshore islands in the Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, as well as at dive sites at great risk. Safety standards on ferries are low, and rescue services are not very comprehensive. It is advisable to avoid travel off the beaten track, and to leave travel plans with friends, colleagues or relatives. The area is prone to typhoons between July and November, when flooding and landslides can occur: Typhoon Fengshen in June 2008 caused flash floods, landslides and rough seas that has lead to hundreds of deaths.

Customs:

The concept of 'shame' is very important in Filipino culture and visitors should avoid offending or embarrassing anyone in public while visiting the Philippines. Failure to live up to accepted standards of behaviour brings shame not only on themselves, but also on their family. Any food or drink offered should be accepted, as this is a sign of hospitality.

Business:

Third party introductions are useful when conducting business in the Philippines and face-to-face communication is key. Emphasis is placed on building good working relations and getting to know each other. Business is conducted formally, and although punctuality is important, meetings may not begin on time. Dress should be conservative; suits and ties are the norm, although many Filipino men wear a shirt known as a barong tagalong, which is a far cooler option in the humid environment. English is widely spoken in business circles and business hours are usually from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Duty Free:

Travellers to the Philippines over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g pipe tobacco; and 2 litres of alcoholic beverages. Prohibited items include firearms or parts thereof, explosives and ammunition; printed material that contains subversive, obscene or pornographic content; drugs, gambling machines, lottery sweepstake tickets, or coin-operated video machines; gold, silver and other precious metals that do not have authentication of quality; non-identifiable brands of medicines or foodstuffs; coca leaves and any prohibited drugs; plants or parts thereof, fruits and vegetables.

Communications:

The international access code for the Philippines is +63. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)2 for Manila. The major towns, cities and popular tourist spots are covered by GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are available in Manila and the tourist resorts.

Philippines Travel Guide

Philippines Attractions

Intramuros

Description:

The oldest part of Manila is the medieval Spanish walled enclave of Intramuros on the southern bank of the Pasig River, packed with historic buildings and churches, many of which are being or have been restored. The reconstruction of Intramuros has allowed for the inclusion of several parks and performing venues, art galleries, souvenir shops and restaurants, so that the area has become an attractive, entertaining and interesting tourist Mecca. Fort Santiago, for example, was where political prisoners through the ages, from Spanish to Japanese occupation, were held, tortured and sometimes executed. Today it is a lush park full of flowering trees and homing pigeons, where visitors can take a ride along the promenade on a horse-drawn carriage. Then, in the Barrio San Luis along Juan Luna Street there are five colonial residences that have been beautifully restored. All in all, a visit to Intramuros is a must for tourists to the Philippines: it is one of the best sights and experiences the country has to offer.

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Rizal Park

Description:

The 58-hectare (143 acre) Rizal Park is named for Dr Jose Rizal, renowned Philippine anti-colonialist, writer and philosopher. The park is one of the largest in South East Asia, and is a green lung much used by the residents of Manila for recreation and entertainment. The park features numerous ornamental gardens, a chess plaza and a skating rink. In a pond on the east side of the park the Philippine archipelago has been recreated in miniature. There are also some museums and public buildings within the park, and after sunset a sound and light exhibit featuring the martyrdom of Dr Jose Rizal is displayed. On Sundays there is a free concert in an open-air auditorium. Rizal Park is a wonderful place for tourists to go and soak up a little of Manila's everyday life, in a lush and beautiful natural setting.

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San Agustin Church

Description:

Within Intramuros stands Manila's oldest stone church, San Agustin, which was completed in 1606 and has since survived the ravages of time and successive invasions. The church has a magnificent and intricately-carved door, a Baroque pulpit, and an 18th Century pipe organ. A museum is housed in the Monastery alongside the church, which holds paintings of saints and other religious art. The Sacristy houses a collection of richly embroidered vestments, and Philippine notables are buried in the crypt. An extremely worthwhile tourist sight for visitors to Manila.

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Calles Gen Luna and Real

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(0)2 527 4060

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National Museum of the Philippines

Description:

The large and comprehensive National Museum of the Philippines preserves and showcases the cultural, historical and natural heritage of the islands with collections housed in two different buildings (both located within Rizal Park). Exhibits are categorised in five divisions: art, botany, zoology, geology and anthropology. Among the many archaeological exhibits is the skull of 'Tabon Man': the oldest human remains found in the archipelago. The section devoted to the Filipino People includes the preserved remains and treasures of the San Diego Spanish galleon that sank in Philippine waters in 1600. A deeply interesting place to visit for tourists to the Philippines looking to grips with the local culture.

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Padre Burgos Street, Rizal Park

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(0)2 527 1215

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nmuseum@i-next.net

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Malacanang Palace

Description:

The name of the Malacanang Palace, now the seat of government and official residence of the Philippines head of state, comes from the vernacular 'May Lakan Diyan', which means 'there lives a noble man'. This gracious villa has been a noble residence on the north bank of the Pasig River since the 18th Century, when it was built for a Spanish aristocrat. In 1825 the Spanish Government bought the property as a summer house for the Governor General, but it later became the permanent seat of the head of state. There is now a museum housed in the palace that features mementos from each of the Philippine's presidents, including the notorious Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos.

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JP Laurel Street, San Miguel

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American Cemetery and Memorial

Description:

Providing a quiet spot to retreat from Manila's rat race, the American Cemetery near the Makati commercial centre is a welcome oasis, much visited by tourists, especially veterans of World War II. The hillside cemetery contains thousands of white marble crosses marking rows of graves of those who died in battle. The circular memorial contains the names of those missing in action engraved in marble columns; while huge wall mosaics depict battle scenes from WWII, and a small memorial chapel is located on site.

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Las Pinas

Description:

Although the village of Las Pinas, 12 miles (20km) from the centre of Manila, has now been swallowed up in the suburban sprawl of the city, it has kept its character and is a favoured stop on most tours of Luzon because of its famous bamboo organ. The organ is housed in the San Jose Church, and has a very unique sound that draws international organists here every year in the second week of February for an Organ Festival. Another attraction at Las Pinas is the Sarao Jeepney Factory, where visitors can watch these unique Filipino vehicles being assembled and learn how they came to be the favoured form of transportation on the islands.

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Corregidor

Description:

This small island, shaped like a tadpole, has become a memorial and open-air museum commemorating the World War II stand of Filipino and American troops against the Japanese invaders. The island is the largest of several at the entrance to Manila Bay, laying off the tip of the Bataan Peninsula, about 26 miles from the city. Its strategic position made it a prime candidate for the last stand against the Japanese in the Pacific War, and its three-and-a-half square miles (9 sq km) of dry land remains littered with the detritus of battle. Guided tours of the island are available by arrangement with the Corregidor Visitor's Information Centre in Manila.

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Tagaytay City

Description:

Tagaytay is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the Philippines, famous for the Taal Volcano. The volcano is unique in that it sits on an island in a lake, and has another lake within its vast crater. The views from the ridge on the access highway to the volcano are legendary and breathtaking. As Tagaytay itself is the favoured 'summer capital' for Filipinos wishing to escape the capital during the unpleasant summer heat, the area provides plenty of recreation opportunities and good hotels and restaurants. Other sights in Tagaytay are the 'Palace in the Sky', an unfinished complex originally meant to be a home for former president Marcos and now used as a viewpoint and park; and the huge flower farm, abloom all year round, on a slope at Barngay Guinhawa.

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www.tagaytay.com

Banaue

Description:

This fascinating region in northern Luzon is known for being largely untouched by Western civilisation, and gives a glimpse of the true Philippines. In a string of villages around Banaue people live according to age-old tribal traditions. The main attraction in the area is the Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site dubbed the 'eighth wonder of the world' by locals. Constructed about 3,000 years ago, the terraces start from the base of the Cordillero Mountains and extend upwards for thousands of feet, cleverly irrigated by channelled streams and springs. The terraces bear testimony to the ingenuity of the ancient Ifugao people. There are more terraces at Batad village, which also sports a waterfall and natural swimming pool, and at Sagada there are a series of ancient burial caves in the mountainside with the famous 'hanging coffins' perched on limestone outcrops.

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Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Description:

Subic Bay is a unique project on the site of a former United States Naval base. It was buried under ash after the eruption of Mt Pinatubo in 1991 and has since been transformed into a buzzing eco-tourism and commercial hub, only five minutes from Philippines International airport and a two-hour drive northwest of Manila. Most of the area, which is enclosed by a security fence, is covered in dense forests teeming with flora and fauna, including rare butterflies and bats. There are also lovely unspoiled beaches to enjoy, exceptional scenery, forest trails, watersport activities, coral reefs and shipwrecks to explore, numerous sports facilities and duty-free shopping centres.

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Palawan

Description:

The island of Palawan is an elongated stretch of thickly forested landscape bordered by coves, beaches, lagoons and limestone cliffs, stretching from southwest of Luzon towards Malaysia. The island's Tubbataha Reef is extremely ecologically important to the Philippines as a feeding ground and nursery for marine life, and the area is archaeologically important too. Caveman remains have been discovered on the island dating back 22,000 years. The main attraction on the island, however, is the underground river, St Paul's Subterranean Cave near Sabang, about two hours by road from Puerto Princesa. The cave extends more than five miles (8km) and contains the world's longest underground river. Palawan is still 'off the beaten track', but it can be reached by a flight from Manila.

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Basilica Minore de Santo Nino

Description:

The oldest religious relic in the Philippines, an icon of the infant Jesus, is housed in the Basilica Minore de Santo Nino. The icon miraculously survived fire and other catastrophes through the years since it was first presented by Magellan to Queen Juana in 1521. The church itself was originally built in 1565, but was rebuilt in 1602 after a fire. One of the top sights in the Philippines, a trip to the Basilica Minore de Santo Nino is highly recommended even for non-religious tourists.

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Fort San Pedro

Description:

Fort San Pedro, located at Cebu City's wharf area, was the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement in the country. It began as a single triangular bastion, built in 1565, and was not completed for another 200 years. Over the centuries the fort has been put to several uses, including a watch-tower to counter pirate attacks in the 1700s, a prison for local rebels during the Philippine revolution, a US army barracks, and during World War II, a prison camp. Today the fort has been turned into a museum-park, giving visitors to Cebu a glimpse of the island's history.

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Jumalon Museum

Description:

Located in the Basak district, this private museum created by late lepidopterist Professor Julian Jumalon houses his unusual collection of mosaics, which are made up of butterfly wings. The garden of Jumalon's home continues to be a haven for thousands of butterflies, and the 'lepido mosaics' are displayed in the salon. Unusual and fascinating, the Jumalon Museum is a great attraction in Cebu City.

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20 D Macopa Street, Basak

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(0)32 91029

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Casa Gorordo Museum

Description:

The Casa Gorordo Museum was originally the home of the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu. It is now restored and serves as a re-creation of a typical Filipino home of the late 19th Century, furnished with religious relics, paintings, antique furniture and household items. The museum also showcases some contemporary art exhibits.

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35 Lopez Jaena Street

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Beaches

Description:

Numerous islets and beaches are connected to, or easily accessed from, the Cebu metropolitan area as day trips. Mactan Island is linked to Cebu City by a bridge and is the site of hundreds of beach resorts, most of which offer full scuba services and watersports facilities. Olango Island offers pristine white sandy beaches, while Kansatik, southeast of Olango, features an underwater mountain festooned with coral, sponges and colourful fish. Olango is also a paradise for bird watchers. A short drive north of Cebu City is Sagod, offering caves, beautiful beaches and some excellent dive spots. Capitancillo Islet, a little further northeast of Sagod, sits at the centre of a coral reef that extends for about two miles (3km). Calanggaman Islet, in the same area, features black coral and caves. Gato Islet has lagoons, coral reefs and a sea-snake breeding ground. On the south-western shore of Cebu Island is Moalboal, another world-renowned dive destination, and Badian Island nearby has more underwater attractions and a five-star beach resort. Sun seekers also relish Argao, about two hours drive from Cebu City, where the beaches of Kawit, Mahawak and Mahayahay are picture-perfect.

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Davao Museum

Description:

About seven miles (12km) from the Davao City centre at Insular Village, Lanang, the Davao Museum is devoted to showcasing the various tribal cultures of the people of the region. The main gallery is a repository of tribal art, local costumes, jewellery and handcrafts. There is also a gallery of paintings, sculptures and ceramics, and a souvenir shop that sells native crafts. Local women can be seen at work at the nearby T'Boli Weaving Centre, weaving cloth from the fibres of the native abaca plant featuring patterns that depict the folklore of the tribe.

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Zonta Bldg, Insular Village Phase I, Lanang

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San Pedro Cathedral

Description:

Davao City's oldest church is named for the city's patron saint. Don Jose Uyanguren, known as the 'Spanish Conquistador of Davao', built the San Pedro Cathedral in 1847 during the Spanish colonial period. The original altar, carved with images of saints, has been preserved and can be seen in the right wing of the cathedral.

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Corner of San Pedro Street and CM Recto Avenue

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Philippine Eagle Centre

Description:

The powerful, large Philippine Eagle (also known as the monkey-eating eagle) is found only in the mountains of eastern Luzon in the north of the archipelago, and in the heavily forested area of Mindanao. The breeding camp for these magnificent predators is sited at Malagos, in Calinan near Davao City. Also at Malagos is an orchid farm, sanctuary of Philippine native orchids, which offers a restaurant and swimming pool as part of its facilities.

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Philippine Eagle Foundation: (0)82 224 3021

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www.philippineeagle.org

Samal Island

Description:

Just a short ferry ride south of Davao City, in the Davao Gulf, is the island of Samal, part of an archipelago of islets that offer a getaway from city life and some adventure activities. The island offers fabulous sunrises and sunsets and a fascinating topography of rolling hills, white sandy beaches and dozens of caves, which are popular with spelunkers and hikers. The coastline has the usual coconut palms, mangrove swamps and coral reefs, together with some little fishing villages washed by clear, clean water: all the delights of a tropical island within a stone's throw of the city.

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Lake Sebu

Description:

The region of south Cotabato in Mindanao, several hours' journey from Davao City, is for those who are courageous enough to seek 'off the beaten track' eco-adventures. Lake Sebu, near the village of Suralla, is surrounded by rolling hills and forested mountains; and is home to the T'boli, a highland tribe famous for their colourful costumes, intricate beadwork, woven work and brass ornaments, as well as the Tasadays, a cave-dwelling people. The area abounds with waterfalls, natural caves and springs.

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Camiguin

Description:

The tiny island of Camiguin on the north coast of Mindanao is renowned for the friendliness of its people, epitomised in its lively annual festival dedicated to the humble lanzones fruit, which also happens to be one of the island's major sources of income. Fruity and friendly this pear-shaped island certainly is, but it also has some other attractions to recommend it. There are no less than seven volcanoes, some still active; a multitude of hot springs; stunning beaches and offshore islets; and a spring that emanates natural soda water. The island has 35 resorts and plenty of restaurants. Mambajao is the capital, situated on the north coast. Most popular pursuits on the island (apart from enjoying the beaches) include climbing Mount Hibok-Hibok, an active volcano that last erupted in 1951 leaving a death toll of 500; snorkelling through the sunken cemetery at the barrio of Bonbon; reading gravestones that were submerged in a volcanic eruption in 1871; and taking a swim at Ardent Hot Springs, inland from Mambajao.

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www.camiguin.gov.ph

The Chocolate Hills

Description:

The Filipino province of Bohol's most famous tourist attraction, and a regular feature on lists of the top 10 things to see in the Philippines, the area known as the Chocolate Hills is a geological marvel: a vast plain consisting of 1,776 conical hills formed from grass-covered limestone. Near the end of the dry season (April or May), the hills turn a chocolate-brown colour, and start to resemble enormous molehills. On seeing the Chocolate Hills, visitors will at first be incredulous that the preposterously symmetrical hills were not man-made; however, as you climb the observation deck and get a sense of the scale of the area, you will realise that such a feat could not have been achieved by human beings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most alien landscapes you will encounter anywhere on earth, an excursion to the Chocolate Hills is a must for anyone on holiday in the Philippines.

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Binondo (Chinatown)

Description:

Established in 1594, the city of Manila's enclave of Binondo is the oldest 'Chinatown' in the world - and remains to this day as one of the largest, most authentic, and most culturally intriguing to foreign visitors. Binondo was established by the Spanish at the end of the 16th century, when they gave some tax-free land that lay outside the bounds of Manila to (converted) Catholic Chinese immigrants, along with self-governing privileges. The immigrants, who hailed mainly from China's Fujian province, soon established a bustling community - and these days, Binondo is one of modern Manila's most vibrant areas, constantly buzzing with trade and activity. Most visitors to Manila visit Chinatown to shop at the wholesale stores, where everything under the sun may be purchased (and usually at good prices); or else to sample the wide range of exotic cuisine. One of Binondo's best features is its converted movie theatres, which now house top-quality restaurants turning out traditional Chinese fare.

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Vigan

Description:

Established by the Spanish in the 16th century, Vigan is a charming town, full of gorgeous architecture and redolent of the Philippines' colonial history. Located about 250 miles (400km) from Manila on the island of Luzon, Vigan is the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in the whole of Asia - a distinction which has seen the town earn a place on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Full of cobblestone streets and buildings which fuse Spanish-Colonial architecture with Filipino and Oriental designs, Vigan is a fascinating and highly photogenic place. There is much to see and do in Vigan, including the hugely impressive Baroque-style St Paul's Cathedral; and the opportunity to spend a night in one of the grand colonial houses built by wealthy Chinese traders in the city's 'Mestizo' district, some of which now double as hotels. The best time to visit Vigan is in January, when the annual Fiesta celebrations bring parties, variety shows, beauty contests and a generally carnival-like atmosphere to the streets.

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Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Description:

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located in the Filipino province of Palawan, about 30 miles (50km) north of the city of Puerto Princesa. Although it is a little 'off the beaten track', tourists to the Philippines are strongly encouraged to make the trip to see the underground river - which, by all accounts, has emerged as the one of the very best things to see in the Philippines in recent years. In fact, the spectacular Puerto Princesa Subterranean River has not only been inscribed in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, but - in November 2011 - was also named as one of the New7Wonders of the World. The well-maintained National Park contains an area with a limestone karst mountain landscape, and the famed river follows a 5-mile (8km) course through a large cave complex before merging with the South China Sea. Visitors can take boat rides along the underground river, and marvel at the huge stalagmites and stalactites, the interesting limestone rock formations, and the echo-filled chambers they pass by. The world's longest underground river - coursing through an area of appreciable biodiversity - nature-lovers and adventure-seekers alike will be delighted by a visit to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

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Philippines Travel Guide

Need To Know

Philippines Attractions

Holiday Types

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