Flights and Travel Guide to Philippines

The Philippines – a perfect holiday paradise is composed of over 7000 incredible islands with golden sparkling sands, warm beaches and the blue sky welcoming you to picture what it has!

Philippines has a rich history and an extensive culture. They have a lot many festivals throughout the year to keep you hooked. The locals are fun-loving and friendly and communication is easy as most of them can speak and understand English.

The pristine natural beauty is worth seeing as you certainly want to witness what the world calls a paradise!

Geography

Philippines lies in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait is Taiwan. West across the South China Sea, Vietnam is situated. The Sulu Sea to the southwest lays between the country and the island of Borneo and to the south the Celebes Sea is separating it from other islands of Indonesia. On the east it is bounded by the Philippine Sea. Its location and its tropical climate makes the Philippines prone to earthquakes and typhoons but have also endowed the country with natural resources and made it one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world.

Climate/ Weather

Philippines has a tropical marine climate. There are rainfalls almost throughout the year. The summer monsoon starts from May and ends till October whereas the winter monsoon is from December till February. The rest of the year, from March till May, most of the lowlands of the country are hot and dusty though the temperature rarely rises above 37° C.

During the recent years, the country’s weather has become unpredictable resulting in a lot of tropical storms. The typhoons may lead to foul weather for days but there’s nothing much that can be done to predict them except for adapting the local maxim- whatever will be will be!

Best time to Travel

Anytime in the year is a good time to visit the Philippines except during the Holy Week around Easter when the hotels are booked months in advance and the prices are sky high.

The low season is from June to September which is the rainy season, though in some parts of the county it does not rain at all! Accommodation prices usually decrease during this season.

Getting in and Around Philippines

Main International Airport

Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the main international airport and a gateway to Philippines.

The airport has all the facilities such as:

• Executive lounges with business facilities.
• Wheel-chairs for the disabled. If you need a wheelchair inform the airline prior to travel.
• The airport has banks, post offices, telephones and an ATM centre. All banks have the facility of money changing during flight operations.
• Duty-free shop is available at the international terminal.

Flights to Philippines

Philippine Airlines is the national airline of the country.

London to Manila flights takes around 15 hours, and from Los Angeles to Manila the flight would be of 16 hours, both including one change of plane. Philippine Airlines has a direct flight service in the other direction from Manila to Los Angeles lasting for 13 hours.

Visa Requirement

It usually takes 2 days in average to get a visa processed for Philippines. A 21-day visa costs £22 for British passport holders.

Entering Philippines without a visa is possible but for that there are a few restrictions.

You can stay not exceeding fifty-nine (59) days if you are one of the following:

• Holders of Brazil passports
• Holders of Israel passports

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay but not exceeding seven (7) days:

• Hong Kong Special Administrative (SAR) passport holders
• British National Overseas (BNO) passport holder
• Portuguese Passport Holders issued in Macao
• Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport holders

Accommodation

If you can spend around £120 a night then undoubtedly the Manila Hotel is the best choice of all. Though located in a clamorous city, it is known to be the grand old dame of Philippine hotels. Bill Clinton, Prince Charles and Michael Jackson have all preferred to stay at this lavishly luxurious hotel.

You can stay anywhere in the Philippines from swanky resorts to a bamboo hut at the beach – though in rural areas the choice could be limited to a few beach huts or a shabby lodging, perhaps even without running water. So prepare yourself for the adventure!

Local Transport & Infrastructure in Philippines

You can travel around the Philippines hitching (which is not a very safe way), by cars, trains or trams, bicycles or by using a local transport. You can move around by each of the traveling means and get a flavor of the local essence.

Places to See in Philippines

Philippines gives an ample variety of places to be visited from the Rice Terraces in Banaue known to be the world’s eighth wonder to The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River- the world’s longest underground river and also the most popular Philippine diving site for tourists.

Other places which are just not to be missed include The Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park, The Paradise Island, and the wonderful Chocolate Hills of Bohol with nearly 1800 small cute little hills that are spread over an area of 20 square miles.

Another attraction is the Mayon Volcano that has a world-wide reputation of being the most perfectly formed volcano in the world because of its near-perfect conical shape.

So if you wish to witness each one of these, and even more, then the Philippines is sure to be visited.

Things to Do in Philippines

This place not only has a stimulating night-life but it is also famous for splendid shopping possibilities, thrilling sporting activities, uninhabited islands and a unique wildlife.

Diving is a major attraction for tourists as the water temperature is in the range of 25-28C with 33-100ft range of visibility which is as good as anywhere in the world. The shacks are there at the beaches to rent out all the equipment you need.

Climb up the mighty mountains, saunter through the dense forests or immerse yourself into the crashing waterfalls, you will simply be delighted as it would leave you awestruck.

There is a lot to be done and a lot more to be discovered as Philippines awaits you!

Night Life and Shopping in Philippines

Philippines has an exhilarating nightlife with a lot many bars, clubs, dining places, comedy clubs to keep you stirring throughout. 70s Bistro, Conspiracy Bar, Hobbit House, Philippine Ballet Theatreand a lot more is surely not to be missed.

As for shopping the usual shopping hours in Philippines are from Mon-Sat from 1000-2000hrs but they can vary as most departmental stores and supermarkets are open on Sundays and there are also some 24-hour convenience stores.

The places sure to be visited for shopping are:

• The Tiendesitas shopping centre
• Divisoria flea market
• Baguio
• Carbon market

Travel Advice

• The US dollar is the only foreign currency that is likely to get you anywhere in the country. You can get it changed for local Pesos. Major credit cards are also accepted at all recognized departmental stores, bars, restaurants and major establishments making things easier for the tourists.
• Because Philippines has a tropical weather, do not forget to get your jabs against tropical diseases such as hepatitis A & B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and typhoid when visiting the place.
• Malaria is found in isolated areas of Far East which are off the tourist trail though, but the visitors do prefer taking anti-malarial tablets.

So make sure you’re better prepared before you get set and go into the island for fun and adventure and a sizzling journey!

Is Philippines Safe to Travel?

According to the latest FCO advice, it is against travel to specific areas of Philippines as there is a terrorism threat throughout the country; however consult your consulate prior to your travel as the situation keeps changing from time to time.