Named after King Philip II of Spain, the Philippines is a Southeast Asian country which is officially known as the Republic of the Philippines. A cluster of 7,641 islands, the Philippines is globally renowned for housing numerous exciting beaches like Atwayan Beach, Sibuyan Beach and more. From pink to white and beige to blush, the Philippines is blessed with various hues of sands along with a unique pebble beach called Mabua Pebble Beach. These pristine shorelines are accompanied with one of the cleanest and emerald waters along with exotic vegetation for tropical forests.
Not only does the Philippines house the best beaches in the world, one would be amazed by limestone outcrops like Ariel’s Point and an unusual underground river like Puerto Princesa. The Chocolate Hills are another marvellous destination to witness in the dry season as they turn brown due to dried grass. Taal Volcano adds to the fun of exploration by an unusual sight of an active volcano, a caldera lake and Volcano Island. You must visit these unique places for an unmatchable experience along with spending some surreal time at one of the remote islands of the Philippines.
With unique places in the Philippines come surprising adventures which are bound to leave you spellbind. To start with, you can take a ride through the waters of Puerto Princesa which goes under the mountain as well as fall free from one of the limestone cliffs right into the ocean water. Wreck diving is another exciting thing which you can indulge in Atwayan Beach which lets you explore the sunken artefacts from the era of World War II. Besides all these said things, one is sure to rejoice the authentic local cuisine along with the warm hospitality by the Filipano people.
Avoid carrying too much cash in your pockets.
Never flash your jewelry or valuables in a crowded place.
Avoid leaving any valuables in your hotel room.
Do not take a room or a resort in any secluded place.
If possible stay in a hotel that offers a room safe. Place all your valuables and jewelry in the room safe.
Carry with you a first aid box with medicines that may be needed during the trip.
True that people in Philippines are humble and lovely, but never roam around alone post the sunset.
Girls must walk around in groups if going in a place or trail that is secluded.
Do not photograph in the sacred or religious places. If you want to click a picture in the religious site, seek permission regarding the same from the person in charge.
Learn some of the common words of language prevalent here. This will help you in communicating with the local people.
Always greet the locals with a smile.
Keep a copy of license or an ID proof with you always.
Avoid the touts.
When eating at street stalls, check for the quality.
Be alert whenever you are at a new destination.
Dress appropriately and maintain the decorum of the place.
Nudity is not an option here.
You can shoot a film or a video without any legal permission.
Never get involved in any form of fights or verbal spats with the tourists.
Keep a medicine to relieve you from motion sickness.
Never indulge in any form of drugs.
The legal age for drinking in Philippines is 18 years.
Ever since the year 1890, Philippines has been the home to San Miguel. A bottle of beer here costs no more than 50p. The Spanish brewery was once an affiliate however today it has become an independent brewer. Be assured of finding the cheapest yet quality beer in Philippines. It tastes even better when chilled by a beach.
There are 7,107 islands to choose fromPhilippines is a home to 7,107 islands. 7,107 is huge? Well, HUGEeee! The majestic archipelago is ringed by teeming coral reefs and pristine beaches. Tourists visiting here can actually have a hard time deciding which one to head to first. Makes for an ideal holiday, No?
You can play bingo on the plane overAs evident from the Cebu Pacific’s mid-air passenger bingo and quizzes, Filipinos indeed has a great sense of humor. You’ll indeed be chuckling all the way and might even win a cuddly toy. It is the lax and laid back demeanor of the locals here that assures a happy experience to the tourists. Philippines very well stands by its tourist board slogan, - "It's more fun in the Philippines. This very well makes Philippines a great tourist destination.
It has the world's longest subterranean riverThe PP Underground River of Philippines is the longest underground river in the world. This 8.2 km navigable river runs through a cave system before finally flowing in to the South China Sea. There is a lagoon that is framed by the archaic trees and marks the mouth of the cave. This is also one of the seven wonders of the natural world.
You can eat quirky purple dessertsHow would it be to hog on a bowl of cornflakes in ice? Yes, that’s one of the many quirky desserts that are served in Philippines. Do try out the interesting Halo Halo dessert of Philippines which is made using a significant purple ice cream. Trying out this dessert is one important thing to do in Philippines.
You can cringe at one of the world’s weirdest snack foodsBalut is one of the most favorite yet a slightly weird snack in Philippines. It is a slightly developed embryo of duck that is boiled and eaten in shell. You definitely must try this weirdest snack of Philippines.
Rice terraces to make you swoonOne significant thing about the Banaue is its rice terraces which are simply majestic. Situated at an elevation of 3000 meters, the North Luzon’s Cordillera Central mountains are indeed one of the most tranquil alternative for the hikers seeking some adventure fun. Undoubtedly, Banaue is one of the most significant attraction of this region so much so that it has been listed in the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Some of the terraces here are even 2000 years old.
Tarsiers are the world’s cutest animalTarsiers are the smallest primates of the world. These are nocturnal malls with bulbous eyes and rotating heads. Most of the Tarsiers live in Bohol and can be found in their conservation center. Sized a little less than 6 inches, Tarsiers are furry beings that are endangered and shy.
Some of the world's most colourful festivalsLove wild and crazy costumes, dancing in the streets and bizarre folklore then you must plan a visit that coincides with a celebration like Panagbenga in the Baguio City. Other important festivals here are Sinulog and Ati-Atihan.
The beauty of El NidoEl Nido known for its golden sand and the limestone stacks is definitely best explored via a sailing trip. You can find picturesque lagoons to swim here. This indeed is a beautiful sightseeing attraction of Philippines.
Some of the world’s best divingEnjoy diving? Now, you can enjoy this incredible water sport and explore the marine life at the Tubbataha Reefs National Park which is a Unesco World Heritage site. The park has a perpendicular wall, 2 coral islands and lagoons. You can take a boat ride to see the black coral at the Black Forest dive site off Panglao Island.
KaraokeOn of the most fun thing to do in Philippines is Karaoke. There are several spots here where you can enjoy this fun game with the locals.
BoxingFor people who enjoying boxing, it is quite possible that you may have heard about Manny Pacquiao who was recently in the news for a brawl with the Floyd Mayweather JNR in the Vegas. Undeniably, Floyd Mayweather is boorish and Pacquiao is sheer class. So, if you want to watch some quick punches, Philippines has great stuff on offer.
HospitalityPeople and the hospitality of Philippines is second to know. This Asian country indeed has some of the friendliest people of the world. People here are not only welcoming but they indeed have a genuine concern about you, your culture and traditions. Locals here are super sociable. You’ll always find them smiling and happy. Most importantly they all love to single, dance and party! Be assured to be greeted with a ‘Hello Sir’ or ‘Hello Ma’am.’
Products are cheaperMost export quality products like food, accessories, furniture and jewelry here is way cheaper. So, shopping can be a real fun here.
The best time to travel to Philippines is during the winter season, November to February. The climate is dry during the season and also the country is fully accessible at this time, including its islands and secluded regions. It can get very hot during the rest of the year, especially during March and April, and thus, is best avoided during that time.
There are flights from most major cities in India, like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad etc to the city of Manila in Philippines. The route would usually take you via Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. The duration of the journey would take around 8 to 10 hours depending on the route chosen.
You need not have a visa if your trip to Philippines is for less than 30 days. The requirements to enter the country are that the passport of the traveller should be valid for 6 months beyond their stay in Philippines and also the traveller must have a confirmed return ticket to country of origin or next destination.
However, if you happened to visit for more than 30 days, travellers need to get their visa ready before they get there. There is no visa on arrival option available. You can get one from the nearest Philippines consulate to you. Certain documents required for the visa process are passport validation, tickets confirmation, stay confirmation, etc. Once the consulate approves your document, your visa will be given in a week or two.
The currency used in Philippines is called the Philippine Peso and the currency code is PHP. The currency exchange rate from PHP to USD is 1 PHP = 0.020 USD. In terms of Indian currency, PHP 1 = INR 1.28. It is suggested to get your money exchanged at the airport as they have good currency exchange rates. However, if you happen to need to exchange some more money once you are in Philippines, you can exchange it at currency exchange counters found at Malls, that provide a decent exchange rate.
Philippines being an island country, has a lot of waterfront activities that one can try. Some of the things to do in Philippines are:
The local food of Philippines is known as the Filipino Foods. The popular dishes are Lechon, Pancit, Sinigang, Sisig, Balut, Adobo and many more. The dishes are very unique in taste and not easily made or available elsewhere. Some of the best places to taste this food are:
Philippines provides various modes of public transport. Some of them are:
It is a must-try to commute through a Jeepney at least once during your stay in Manila as it is a popular mode of transport not found in too many places elsewhere. However, Taxi’s are the most commonly used mode over here as the rest may be too crowded and not always well maintained.
Yes, it is safer to have some vaccines taken before your travel to Philippines. Some of the vaccines recommended by the CDC and WHO are : typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Cholera, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and influenza.
The local language spoken in Philippines is Filipino. Some common phrases that may be useful to you during your travel are:
Most of the shopping places are in the metro city of Manila. You can get the best deals of clothes, accessories and shoes in these places. The lesser known fact is that it is home to one of the world’s top 10 shopping malls too. Some of the best shopping places to visit are:
Some great tips to keep in mind during your trip to Philippines are:
Philippines has a list of conservation and protected areas of wildlife and national parks. Some of the popular ones are:
Philippines is an island country and thus undoubtedly has various water activities to try. Some places to try water sports activities are:
The Philippines is an ideal destination for honeymoon couples as it has many dreamy and scenic islands to explore. At Philippines, you can get adventurous with nature as well as find many places for privacy and quietude, perfect for a honeymoon. While you can relax at secluded islands, you can also party at their beaches and once you come off the shore, towards the centre, places like Manila have everything you need that the city can offer you.
Philippines has an array of beaches with various activities to try, different scenic views to enjoy and spots to relax at. Some of the famous beaches in Philippines are:
Among the plentiful of world heritage sites in Philippines, the top UNESCO sites are:
Nightlife in Philippines is definitely a must-try. It has everything that makes it a great sport for partying from VIP clubs, karaoke bars to laser light discos and gastro pubs. Summers in Philippines see a more happening nightlife as schools are on break, and there are young crowds flocking to party their night away. Although many clubs are carefree with the dress code for entering, there are a few exclusive pubs that have certain requirements to adhere to. Some of the best places to experience nightlife in Philippines are:
The most famous cruising destination in Philippines happens to be the capital city of Manila. This is where most cruise lines top over during their tour. With several neighbouring islands to hop to, there are some small time cruises available to places like Boracay, Batan Island, Bohol, Aparri, Coron, etc.
Philippines has quite a few beaches with great waves for surfing. Some of the best destinations would be:
Trekking at Philippines will take your breath away, not necessarily literally, but definitely mentally and emotionally with the magnificent views the treks have to offer. Most treks are suitable for even veteran climbers. Some of the popular treks of the region are:
With various spots to plunge into for your snorkelling experience in Philippines, one of the most asked questions is which is the best place among all. Here are a few best places to snorkel in the island country:
Amongst the variety of beauty this country has to offer, are the numerous beautiful and scenic waterfalls. These waterfalls will make you stand in awe admiring the natural beauty gifted to Philippines. This one characteristic makes Philippines a great place for nature lovers. Some of the breathtaking waterfalls of Philippines are:
The famous underground river of Philippines is the Puerto Princesa subterranean river located in the Puerto Princesa National Park. The park is located in Saint Paul Mountain Range. It is a protected area 80 km from Palawan region. You need to take a short hike or boat ride from the town of Sabang to get to the river. It is also one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Philippines and is a must visit for nature lovers visiting Philippines.