Travel To Philippines

The Philippines is known to be the 3^rd largest English speaking country in the world. Thus, it won’t be hard to visit the country since you can ask most locals about directions and other information about the country. The Philippines is rich in history what with the Asian, European, and American influences. The Philippines has been colonized by Spain which left the country with so many European buildings and churches to boast, just like the Intramuros from 1571. Japanese also tried to invade the country but the Americans fought alongside with the Filipinos during the World War II. Thus, you can just imagine the many influences it has taken from other countries, not to mention China as well. Let’s take a look at other helpful information when you plan your travel to Philippines.

The Philippines is known as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas”. The country boasts 7,107 islands with three major island groups known as Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It is recommended to go to Luzon and Visayas if you plan to travel to the Philippines. While Mindanao has a lot of beaches and beautiful naturescapes to boast, there are certain parts of the mountainous southern region not recommended for tourists because of the chaos in the region wanting to be separated from the country. If you’re in the northern part however, such as in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, you don’t have to worry about such things.

Things to know when travelling to the Philippines

Note that 220 volts a/c is the common standard in the country. So don’t just go plugging in your 110-volt electronics. 110 volts a/c is also used, especially in major hotels but make sure to ask before you plug in anything.
Weather in the country is tropical so it gets really hot and sunny during the summer. Make sure to bring summer clothes. If you live in a cold-weather country like the US or in Europe, you can bring summer clothes all year round.
The Philippines loves festivities. If you plan on going, might as well schedule your trip during one of its festivals. Some of which are as follows:
1. ATI-ATIHAN in Kalibo, Aklan from 13-19 January
2. SINULOG in Cebu City from 18-19 January
3. DINAGYANG in Iloilo City from 25-26 January
4. PANAGBENGA or Baguio Flower Festival in Baguio City from 23 February – 3 March
5. KAAMULAN in Malaybalay, Bukidnon from 28 February – 1 March
6. MORIONES in Marinduque from 13-20 February
7. FLORES DE MAYO or SANTACRUZAN is held nationwide during the month of May
8. PINYAHAN SA DAET in Daet, Camarines Norte from 15-24 June

Top Beach Destinations

Beaches should always be in your list when you travel to Philippines with its 7,107 islands and coastline twice the length of the United States. The country is surrounded both by the Pacific Ocean and China Sea, offering white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Here are the top beaches to visit:

Boracay is a tourist and local favorite. Though it has already been heavily exploited, people never cease to go there during summer and December holiday season. The nightlife in the island is one of the reasons you should go here at the tip of Panay in Western Visayas. Its White Beach is known as the finest beach in the world.
Pagudpud is found on the northern part of the country. It is known to have the longest contiguous white sand featuring mighty waves and winds that surfers enjoy. They say it can level with the winds and waves of Hawaii.
Mactan Island in the heart of Cebu is one of the luxurious tropical-island getaway. Try Shangri-La Mactan for a perfect beach trip. Not only will you enjoy the beach but the hotel, the food, and the nightlife as well.
Camiguin is known as the country’s “Garden of Eden”. It is referred to as the most beautiful island in the country. The magnificent waterfalls provide both hot and cold springs being one of the reasons why you should visit.
Other must-see beaches include Dakak, Honda Bay, El Nido, Pearl Farm, and Siargao with its curing 12 feet high waves.

Things to Do

Aside from hanging by the beach and soaking under the sun, you can also enjoy scuba diving. For scuba diving spots, go to:
1. Anilao in Batangas
2. Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro
3. Cabilao Island in Bohol
4. Balicasag Island in Bohol
5. Apo Island in Negros Oriental
6. Malapascua in Cebu
7. Tubbataha Reef National Park
8. Sarangani Bay
9. Mactan Island in Cebu
10. Olango Island in Cebu
You can also do wreck diving at:
1. Subic Bay in Olongapo
2. Coron Bay & Busuanga in Palawan
3. Malapascua in Cebu
Snorkeling is also a favorite activity especially at
1. Moalboal in Cebu
2. Bacuit Bay & El Nido
3. Puerto Galera in Mindoro
4. Miniloc Island in Northern Palawan
5. Taytay Bay in Northern Palawan
You can also check out the rare and exotic fauna of the country. Here you can find the endangered “dugong” or sea cow, the man-eating Philippine crocodile, Tarsier or the midge monkey which is the world’s smallest, the Philippine sea eagle and the kakatoe among others. For marine life, check out
1. Tubbataha Reef National Park in Palawan
2. Pamilacan Island in Bohol
3. Whale Shark Site in Sorsogon
4. Seacow site in Palawan
5. Turtle Islands in Palawan