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Travel in the Philippines

Compared to other Southeast Asian destinations, the Philippines attract relatively few vacationers, which is surprising because this beautiful 7,107-island archipelago has so much to offer the open-minded traveler.

The Philippines: Facts & Figures

Here are some facts to help you prepare for Philippine travel:

Geography: archipelago 1,140 miles (1,840) km long (north to south) and up to 690 miles (1,100 km) wide (east to west) located between Indonesia and Taiwan in the South China Sea
Area: 116,000 square miles (300,000 sq km)
Inhabitants: predominantly Malay/Indonesian, with a sizeable minority of Filipinos, Chinese, and Mestizos (of Spanish or American heritage)
Population: approximately 80 million (only about 2,000 of the 7,107 islands are inhabited)
Languages: Filipino (based on Tagalog), English, Cebuano, Ilocano, Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray-Waray, Pampango, Pangasinan, Samar-Leyte, Spanish (rarely spoken)
Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Buddhist
Temperature: range between 70°F (21°C) in mid-winter to 100°F (37°C) in mid-summer.

The Philippine archipelago is located in Southeast Asia and consists of half-submerged mountains, which form part of a huge cordillera extending from Taiwan in the north to Indonesia in the south.

Created during the ice age when sea levels were hundreds of feet lower, the Philippines have flourished thereafter, thanks largely to rich volcanic deposits watered by monsoon rains.

Tourism and the Philippines

Despite its history of foreign exploitation and internal political unrest, the Philippines have somehow managed, over the years, to retain their economic and social infrastructure and to develop their beleaguered tourist industry.

Setbacks have been rife. The devastation of the Marcos era and the political conflict in recent years, particularly between the government of the Philippines and its Muslim population, has clearly left its mark, and has made visitors somewhat wary of vacationing in the Philippines.

With these troubles largely resolved, however, the Philippines are generally considered a safe destination today for foreign travelers. If in doubt, tourists are always advised to contact their embassy first before traveling to the Philippines.

Why Choose Travel in the Philippines?

The Philippines make an ideal vacation destination for many reasons including the

breathtaking beaches
superb watersports (especially diving and snorkeling)
amazing volcanoes and mountains
fascinating jungle interiors
interesting cities
traditional villages off the beaten track
warm year-round temperatures
friendly inhabitants.

Vacationing in Manila

Manila lies on the southern tip of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, and is located on the northern edge of the archipelago.

Unfortunately, first impressions of Manila are not always favorable for the first-time visitor to the capital of the Philippines. Even hardened back-packers have been known to describe Manila as "crazy," "chaotic," "frantic" and "intimidating." So what hope has the cosseted vacationer—the type of traveler who prefers to enjoy home-from-home comforts and a hassle-free environment when on vacation?

Fear not. After the initial impact of arriving in the capital of the Philippines, you can really begin to enjoy the many sights and attractions that Manila and the surrounding areas have to offer.

In the heart of Manila, traditional Malay culture blends seamlessly with more recent American and Spanish influences. For an insight into the history of Manila and its Spanish architectural heritage, culture vultures should head for:

Malacañang Palace
the Spanish remains in the inner city of Intramuros
the church of San Agustin
Fort Santiago, a Catholic cathedral.

Manila and the Surrounding Areas

The highlands of Baguio to the north of Manila, the coastal region of Ilocos to the west and the vast rice terraces in the area surrounding Manila are all worth exploring. Vacationers who venture beyond the city of Manila will take home with them a better understanding of the Filipino people, their culture and their traditional way of life.

Philippine Beaches

Boracay is rated as the Philippines' best island for beaches. Puerto Galera, on the island of Mindoro, is also fast becoming a popular "sea and sun" destination, as is Puraran on Catanduanes. Puraran is great for surfing, but currents can be dangerous.

Banaue and Batad

Often described as "the eighth wonder of the world," the expansive rice terraces around Banaue and Batad in north Luzon are essential viewing for anyone vacationing in the Philippines. Some of the upper terraces that dominate the hillside are over two thousand years old and more than 4,920 feet (1,500 meters) high.

Other Philippine Sights and Attractions

Be sure to stay long enough to take in some of these sights:

Vigan (North Luzon): Spanish architecture; museums; European colonial buildings
Viriato, in the Visayas (Island of Samar): quaint harbors; stunning coastal scenery; picturesque mountain backdrops
Mount Apo National Park & Lake Sebu (Island of Mindanao): beautiful inland sea; traditional lifestyle and T'boli tribal culture
Bohol Island (Central Philippines): famous Chocolate Hills; excellent diving
Lake Taal(south of Manila): volcanic crater lake.