… its 7,107 islands, its natural wonders, colorful history and warm, engaging people.
… over a hundred ethnic groups, a mixture of foreign influences and a fusion of culture and arts have enhanced the uniqueness of the Filipino race and the wonder that is the Philippines.
… an archipelago abundant in nature, rich in culture, and filled with pleasant discoveries. The Philippines has three main islands: Luzon in the north; Visayas, a cluster of smaller islands in the middle; and Mindanao down south, the largest island. The country has 79 provinces grouped into 16 regions.
The Philippines enjoys a diversity of destinations, activities and events, which every explorer experiences in this archipelago of wonders. Vast mountains and volcanoes tell of great legends. Old cities share stories of the past. Caves excite. Shimmering waters and a tropical climate lure travelers all-year round.
Considered the third largest English-speaking country in the world, the Philippines also offers world-class facilities and services – excellent accommodations, fine restaurants, modern shopping centers and communications services, efficient exhibition organizers and professional tour operators.
Fast Facts
Capital: Manila
Land areas: 299,000 sq kms
Population: 88.6 million
People: The vast majority of Filipinos are descendants of Malays, Chinese, and Muslim minorities. More than 100 cultural minority groups are scattered throughout the country.
Language: Filipino and English, with 10 other languages and 87 dialects. English is the business language and spoken widely.
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic. Other religions include Protestant, Islam, and Buddhist.
Currency: The basic unit of currency is the Philippine Peso (equivalent to 100 centavos). Bank notes: P20, P50, P100, P200, P500, P1000. Coins: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5, P10.
Geography: The Philippines is an archipelago located between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam, and north of Sabah and Borneo. It spans 1,900 kilometers from north to south and 1,110 kilometers from east to west.
Climate: March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool. Average temperatures: 78°F/32°C; humidity: 77%
Time: GMT + 8 hours
GENERAL INFORMATION
Getting to the Philippines
Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, Subic, and Laoag are the international gateways to the Philippines. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the premier gateway. It is served by more than 30 airlines, which fly to different cities around the world. The Mactan International Airport in Cebu handles regular flights from Japan, Singapore and Australia as well as chartered flights from Hong Kong, the United States and other major travel capitals. Davao International Airport handles regular flights from Indonesia and Singapore. The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and Subic airfield in Central Luzon service both chartered and cargo planes. Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte services regular flights from Taiwan and Macau.
Entry Regulations
Except for stateless persons and those from countries that do not have diplomatic relations with the Philippines, all visitors may enter the country without visas and may stay for 21 days provided they have tickets for onward journey. Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan passports must have special permits. Visas and special permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates. For other information please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs website. (www.dfa.gov.ph)
Health Regulations
A certification of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers coming from an infected area.
What to wear
Light, casual clothes are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for mountain regions. When visiting churches and temples, propriety dictates that shorts and scanty clothing be avoided. Formal occasions require dinner jackets and ties (or the Philippine barong tagalog) for men and cocktail dresses or long gowns for women.
Tipping
Tipping is expected for many services. The standard practice is 10% of the total bill. Tipping is optional on bills that already include a 10% service charge
Local Transport
By air, Philippine Airlines (Tel. +632 855-9999), Air Philippines (+632 855-9000) and Cebu Pacific (+632 636-4938) provide daily services to major cities and towns.
Asian Spirit (+632 851-8888) and Seair (+632 891-8708) also service other domestic routes. There are also chartered flights to major domestic destinations serviced by smaller commuter planes.
By sea, interisland ships connect Manila to major ports. Ferry services connect smaller islands.
By land, Philtranco connects Manila to Bicol in Southern Luzon, to Samar and Leyte in the Visayas, and Davao in Mindanao.
Metered and fixed rate taxis are widely available in key cities nationwide. Jeepneys and buses are inexpensive ways to getting around most places. In Metro Manila the fastest way of commuting is via the light railway system. LRT connects the northern district of Monumento to the southern district of Baclaran with stations situated at major intersections. MRT traverses the length of EDSA and connects North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, passing through the major arteries of Makati’s financial district.
Accommodations
In Metro Manila, key cities and towns throughout the country, there is a wide selection of deluxe, first class, standard, economies and pension-type accommodations are available. In island destinations, there are a wide variety of resorts.
The Department of Tourism has a Homestay Program in several destinations outside Manila. The program offers visitors the comfort of modest homes and an insight into Philippine life. For information, contact the Tourist Information Center at Room 106, Department of Tourism Bldg., tel. nos. +632 524-2384, +632 525-2000, +632 524-1703.
Dining, Culture, and Environment
Filipino food is an exotic, tasteful blend of Oriental, European and American culinary influences. There are a wide variety of fresh seafood and delectable fruits. First class restaurants offer gourmet specialties as well as Filipino cuisine.
Metro Manila is the center of entertainment and cultural activities. The premier venue for the performing arts, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, features world-class performances by local and international guest artists. Museums located in Manila and in some parts of the country, offer a glimpse of Philippine history and culture. Art galleries exhibit the works of the country’s leading and promising visual artists.
Manila’s nightlife is one of the most vibrant in Asia, reflecting the Filipinos’ love for music. The hubs of nightlife activities are the Remedios Circle in Malate, Ayala Center and The Fort at Bonifacio Global City in Makati, Timog and Tomas Morato Avenues in Quezon City and Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City. Nightclubs, music lounges, pubs and sing-along bars feature Filipino bands and singers who are known for their great musical talent. Deluxe hotels also offer a variety of live musical entertainment. Concerts and stage plays form part of the country’s entertainment scene.
For visitors who want to try their luck at the gaming tables, there are casinos in Metro Manila and in the cities of Angeles, Olongapo, Tagaytay, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, and Laoag.
Shopping
Visitors can choose from an exciting collection of great buys in a country known for export – quality items at reasonable prices: South Sea pearls, hand-woven cloths, embroidered fineries, fashionable ready-to-wear and haute couture clothes, terracotta, porcelain, coral and mother-of-pearl home accessories. Artifacts, pineapple fiber “jusi” shirts, native handicrafts and footwear are interesting items, too. The Philippines also produces fine basketry, furniture, fresh and processed fruits, exquisitely crafted jewelry and gift items made of shell, wood and stone.
Big malls are located in Manila, Makati, Pasay and EDSA, while handicraft, antique and curio shops abound at the Ermita District in Manila.
Business, banking hours, and credit cards
Private and government offices are open either from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Some private companies hold offices on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Most shopping malls, department stores and supermarkets are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. There are 24-hour convenience stores and drugstores.
Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller machines (ATM) that operate 24 hours.
International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Mastercard and American Express Card are accepted in major establishments.
Electricity and water
Electricity is 220 volts, A.C. 60 cycles. Most hotels have 110-volt outlets.
Water in Metro Manila and in some key cities and towns is potable and safe for drinking. Hotels and restaurants usually provide distilled or filtered water. Bottled water is available in many hotels, restaurants, resorts, supermarkets and convenience store.
Telecommunications, television, and media
The country has international and national direct dial phone and facsimile service, mobile phone sites, Internet and e-mail facilities and worldwide express delivery service.
Most national dailies are in English. Foreign publications are sold at major hotels, malls and bookstores in Metro Manila and key cities. There are seven national television stations, which broadcast in both Filipino and English. Cable TV is available in many hotels in Manila and in many parts of the country.
Convention facilities
Manila, the pioneer convention city in Asia, has played host to a number of prestigious international events. The Philippine International Convention Center is equipped with modern convention facilities and services. It can accommodate 4,000 delegates in its Plenary Hall and 5,700 persons in its Reception Hall. The World Trade Center near the PICC can hold huge exhibitions and events. Smaller meetings can be held in hotels and other establishments. Out-of-town hotels and resorts are alternative convention sites.
Medical services
Hospitals in the country are equipped with modern facilities to meet any medical need. In some remote towns and cities, clinics and health centers provide emergency medical attention. Most hotels and resorts provide medical assistance. Hospitals are listed in the “Yellow Pages” of the local telephone directory.
Tours and special-interest activities
Tour packages, from day trips to five-day programs, are special ways of discovering the Philippines and its wealth of culture. Special interest activities include golfing, game fishing, diving, white-water rafting and other aqua sports, trekking, spelunking and safari trips.
AIRPORT INFORMATION
Facilities
Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is seven kilometers from the city center while the Manila Domestic Airport is one kilometer from NAIA. The international terminals have adequate traveler facilities: duty-free and souvenir shops, tourist information and assistance counters, hotel and travel agency representatives, car rental services, banks and automated teller machines, postal service, national and international direct dial telephone booths, medical clinics and baggage deposit areas.
The airports are handicapped-friendly. Wheelchairs are available on request from the airline ground staff.
Customs
Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage Declaration Form before disembarking to facilitate Customs examination. The following items are allowed duty-free: reasonable quantity of clothes, jewelry, and toiletries; 400 sticks of cigarettes or two tins of tobacco; two bottles of wine or spirits of not more than one liter each.
Porterage
Baggage carts are available for free. Porter services are also free. Tipping is traditional.
Airport Transfers
Visitors are advised to avail of accredited fixed rate or metered taxis at NAIA’s Arrival Area. At the Manila Domestic Airport, accredited transfer services are available on pre-paid coupon basis. Other airports are served by metered taxis. All airports have counters for hotel transport and car rental services.
Airport Fees
P750 for international departure and P200 for local departure (paid in Philippine pesos only). Departing passengers for international destinations are advised to check with airport or tourist information counters (Tel. Nos. 524-1703; 832-2964) regarding departure fees. These fees are subject to change without prior notice.
