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Philippines: The jewel of the Pacific

The abundance of natural wealth and enormous biodiversity of the Philippine archipelago is undoubtedly the main tourist attraction of this jewel of Southeast Asia. Formed by no less than a total of 7,641 islands, this island nation is the ideal place to spend a quiet holiday, enjoying its expansive beaches and unforgettable natural landscapes. Alternatively, you may prefer to practice different kinds of water sports, particularly diving, since it is within the diving Golden Triangle of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The seas of this piece of paradise in the Western Pacific are an unparalleled spectacle, with some areas even designated as World Heritage Sites due to their underwater bounties.

 

Another attraction is its rich and varied culture, a mixture of influences inherited by the people who have populated or visited the islands for centuries, dating back to the indigenous and Austronesian settlers, Indian and Chinese merchants, the Islamic world or Spanish explorers, through to the Philippines ridding itself of American domination in 1946. These influences can be felt in many aspects of Philippine life, such as food, music, dance and art, as well as in its architectural heritage.

 

The Philippines would not become known as an unparalleled world eco-tourist destination until the 1980s. Since then it has become one of the main drivers of the Philippine economy courtesy of its many attractions, such as Alona Beach on the island of Panglao, 'White Beach' in Boracay, Malapascua in Cebu or the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan. Lose yourself in the incomparable beauty of the Philippines, you will not regret it.

You'll find all the information about your trip in ourSee complete guide
Philippines: The jewel of the Pacific

Immerse yourself in the 4-day Lanzones Festival

Davao province and the region of Mindanao as a whole have a rich cultural mix, being home to the Philippines’ largest Muslim community along with Roman Catholics and 18 tribal Filipino groups. In Davao City, you’ll find Christian churches and chapels alongside temples, mosques and other places of worship, a Chinatown and a Japanese presence, plus heritage sites including Davao Museum, the Mindanao Folk Arts Museum and the Japanese Tunnel (used by Japanese forces during World War II). Meanwhile, Camiguin’s reputation as a beach destination belies the cultural wealth evidenced by its many heritage buildings. Don't miss the Lanzones Festival (Camiguin – October), which is a 4-day celebration of the harvest of the local fruit.

Immerse yourself in the 4-day Lanzones Festival

Sample the 'Bicol Express'

The Bicol Region has an array of cultural sites that showcase its rich history. Originally descended from incomers from China, the inhabitants of Bicol often mix Chinese, Arab and Spanish ancestry, and most are devout Catholics.

 

Bicol is also famed for its spicy food, which is based largely on coconut and chillies – as evidenced in the likes of gulay na lada or Bicol Express (pork and local chillies cooked in coconut cream). Other dishes not to miss are laing (taro leaves with meat or seafood in coconut milk, spiced with chilli, lemongrass and more) and local specialities featuring local pili nuts.

Sample the 'Bicol Express'

Feast on crispy ’empanadas’

The Ilocos region and Northern Luzon as a whole have strong culinary traditions that have become part of national cuisine, in the form of dishes such as ‘pinakbet’ (vegetables cooked in a clay pot with fish sauce), ‘bagnet’(deep-fried chunks of pork to be dipped in spicy or aromatic sukang iloko – sugarcane vinegar) and empanada (crispy rice flour turnover filled with eggs, Vigan longganisa, and vegetables). Vigan’s Plaza Burgos is also one of the best places to come to have a leisurely stroll and sample some of the region’s wonderful street food, accompanied by fountain-light shows.

Feast on crispy ’empanadas’

Have a seafood ‘Boodle Fight’

Attracting adventurous travellers from around the world – many on a tight budget – Siargao has an eclectic dining scene embracing international cooking, vegan and other healthy cuisine, and local recipes with or without a modern twist. Filipino favourites not to miss include the seafood boodle fight at Daku Island and the unique surfboard-shaped bread, Pan de Surf. Siargao has a lively nightlife scene focused on different bars on different nights of the week, so chatting to locals is the best way to find out where to head. Regular venues include Bravo, RumBar, Viento and the Jungle Shack. Another way to get to know locals is through their love of karaoke, both in their own homes and in dedicated bars.

Have a seafood ‘Boodle Fight’

Weather in the Philippines

The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate that is usually warm and humid, where the average annual temperature is around 26°C. Due to its geographical location, the archipelago distinguishes three stations christened by their respective terms in Filipino or Tagalog: ' tag-init ' or 'tag-araw', which is the dry hot season from March to May; 'tag-ulan', which is the rainy season that is recorded from June to November; and finally 'tag-lamig', the dry temperate season that takes place from December to February, which makes the latter the best time to go to the Philippines, since the climate is milder and the heat is not as fierce as the hot dry season.

Temperatures in the Philippines usually range between 21°C and 32°C, with the mildest month being January and the hottest month being May. Due to its location in the Pacific, most of the islands receive torrential rains and thunderstorms from July to October.

  • Although in the Philippines some 170 languages are used, English will undoubtedly open almost all doors, since people of all ages speak the great Shakespearean language, albeit with a characteristic Asian accent.
  • Although Spanish ceased to be the first language decades ago, it is still spoken by hundreds of inhabitants, especially the elderly. 'Chabacano' is also used, a creole language that mixes Spanish with local terms and that is spoken by 700,000 people. That's why it never hurts to try your luck with some Spanish.
  • Filipinos are people who stand out for their kindness and their constant willingness to lend a hand. Also, they are curious and talkative, so do not hesitate to enjoy their company. In truth, they are terrible at directions. Be prepared to ask several times!
  • The best time to visit the Philippines is in March, since the climate is in transition between the coolness of the first months of the dry season, and the heat and dryness of the second cycle of the season.
  • When you arrive somewhere, do not hesitate to get your ticket to your next destination as soon as possible, whether it is by van, bus, ferry or plane - if you do not already have it. That is why it is advisable to have all transfers arranged before travelling to the Philippines.
  • Do not forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellent during the warm season, as well as long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Avoid areas and times prone to mosquitos.
  • It is not recommended to drink tap water or ice without filtering or boiling first. Always try to have a supply of bottled water and remember to cover any container in which any type of liquid is stored.
JAN25 °C15 °C
FEB26 °C15 °C
MAR28 °C16 °C
APR28 °C17 °C
MAY28 °C18 °C
JUN26 °C19 °C
JUL26 °C18 °C
AUG26 °C17 °C
SEP26 °C17 °C
OCT25 °C17 °C
NOV25 °C16 °C
DEC25 °C15 °C

Manila, traditional yet modern

Manila is undoubtedly one of the most cosmopolitan cities of Southeast Asia. Located on the east coast of Manila Bay, on the island of Luzon, next to the mouth of the Pasig River, it is not only the capital of the Philippines but also the nerve centre of so-called Greater Manila, a metropolitan area that includes 16 cities that house more than 20 million inhabitants, which makes it the tenth most populated city in the world. As a large capital, Manila has infinite tourist and cultural attractions including Intramuros, a popular walled area that tells the long history of this vibrant and bustling city, the Fort of Santiago, the Church of San Agustín, the Philippines Cultural Centre, Manila Cathedral, Malacanang Palace and Museum, Rizal Park, Pambata Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Manila Ocean Park, the National Museum, Avilon Zoo... And a long list that is sure to delight travellers of all ages.

 

In addition to its rich artistic heritage, Manila hosts a wide range of leisure activities, the highlights of which are its shopping centres and hotels, mainly those located in the modern area of Makati and its many and varied restaurants, where you can savour the unique and exquisite local cuisine based around delicious seafood and fish that feature in typical dishes such as Sisig, Burong Hipon or Agatna Punsong Sasing, not to mention its endless nightlife. Nor should we forget Ermita and Malate, the location of Intramuros or Rizal Park, or neighbourhoods like Quiapo or Binondo, known respectively for their street markets and Chinatown, the Chinese quarter of Manila. 

Plan your trip

You can start planning your trip to the Philippines today. We provide all the necessary information for a perfect experience.

 

WHEN SHOULD I VISIT THE PHILIPPINES?
The best time to visit the Philippines is undoubtedly in March, as this is when the climate changes between the coolness and humidity of the first months of the dry season, and the heat and dryness of the second cycle of the season. This makes March the most common time to visit the Philippines, so it is advisable to book accommodation well in advance. In fact, any time in the dry season, which extends from December to June, is a good time to travel to the Philippines since the temperatures range between 22°C and 28°C.

During the rainy season between July and November, also known as the monsoon season, it can rain for several weeks in a row, so you can find much cheaper holiday packages. If you like rain, Philippines during the monsoon season is the place to be!

 

ORGANISED TRIPS AND TOURIST PACKAGES
Some travel agencies like ours offer organized trips and travel packages that include flights, half- or full-board accommodation and transfers from and to the airport.

 

TIME ZONE
The Philippines time zone is Greenwich Mean Time +8 (GMT +8). The Philippines is eight hours ahead of GMT.

 

ELECTRICITY
Although the common voltage in the Philippines is 220 V, very similar to the UK 240 V, the truth is that both the frequency of alternating current (50 Hz in UK and 60 Hz in the Philippines) and the pins of the plugs are different, so you will need a converter or voltage transformer and an adaptor for the plugs on your trip to the archipelago.

 

CURRENCY
The official currency of the Philippines is the Philippine peso (abbreviated to PHP or PhP).

 

LANGUAGES
Although in the Philippines there are more than 170 languages spoken (almost all from the Philippine branch within the Austronesian family), only two of them are official in the country: Filipino or Tagalog, and English. Other languages are also spoken in a minority due to the influence of immigration and various historical reasons, such as Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Malay, Korean and some Hindustani languages.

It should be noted that although Spanish ceased to be the first language a few decades ago, it is still spoken by a few dozen mixed-race families of Hispanic origin, especially elderly people. 'Chabacano' is also used, a creole language that mixes Spanish with local terms and that is spoken by 700,000 people located mainly in the provinces of Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, Basilan, Cavite, Cotabato, Davao and Tawi-Tawi.

Documentation

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office recommends that, before making any trip to a foreign country, you register your personal data with the FCO, in order to facilitate assistance from the authorities if need be, or in possible emergency situations.

 

To travel to the Philippines, UK citizens do not need a visa for a stay not exceeding 30 days, but it is essential to have an ordinary passport valid for a minimum period of six months, as well as having a printed round-trip air ticket, or a ticket from the Philippines to a third country. If travellers do not have one of these pieces of documentation, they will be deported by the Philippine authorities.

 

CAR RENTAL
To rent a car in the Philippines, the main driver and additional drivers must be a minimum of 25 years old and have a valid license issued in the country of origin and within the expiration period. Also, the lessee must present a valid international credit card which has been issued by a bank and has a sufficient credit limit for the security deposit.

How to get there

BY PLANE
The duration of flights between Europe and the Philippines is approximately 16 hours, depending on the stopovers, 13 hours from North America, 7 hours from Australia and between 2 and 5 hours from Southeast Asia. Tourists arriving in the Philippines do so mainly through the two airports of the capital Manila, and the Mactan-Cebu airfield, which is located in the city of Lapu-Lapu City, on the island of Mactan, located east of Cebu. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main international airport in Manila. Located 12 kilometers southeast of the capital in the district of Paranaque, the journey time to the city center can range between 30 minutes and two hours, and you can travel by taxi or bus. Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, or Clark Airport, is located about 80 kilometers from Manila, serving as the base for some budget companies in Southeast Asia such as Air Asia.

 

GETTING AROUND THE PHILIPPINES
Considering that the Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands, local air and sea transport is highly developed. The main islands have their own airfield for inter-island journeys, while 'ferries' are often the only way to get to or leave a particular island.

Embassies and consulates

British Embassy Manila

120 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill
Taguig City Manila
1634 Manila
Philippines
Email: ukinthephilippines@fco.gov.uk
Telephone: +63 2 858 2200
Fax (Chancery): +63 2 858 2216
Opening hours: Monday to Friday - 8:00am to 4:45pm

Head of mission: Mr Daniel Pruce, Ambassador

Health Care

The FCO "strongly" advises taking out travel health insurance prior to your trip, which also includes medical repatriation, due to "the difficulties that may arise in case of serious health problems in places without health infrastructure or need for urgent transportation outside the country". Across the archipelago, health care is adequate in large cities, where internationally accredited hospitals are located, but in provinces and remote areas, care is limited. It should be noted that neither the NHS nor the European Health Insurance Card covers health care in the Philippines.

 

MAIN HOSPITALS 

 

MANILA 

- Makati Medical Center
Address: 2 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City.
Telephone numbers: (+632) 888 8999 / (+632) 888 8910.

- St. Luke's Medical Center
Address: 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
Telephone number: (+632) 7897700.

- St. Luke's Medical Center
Address: 279 E. Rodríguez Street, Quezon City.
Telephone numbers: (+632) 723 0101 / (+632) 723 0301.

- Asian Hospital and Medical Center
Address: 2205 Civic Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang Muntinlupa City.
Telephone numbers: (+632) 771 9000 / (+632) 876 5739 to 574.

 

CEBU

- Perpetual Succour Hospital
Address: Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City.
Telephone number: (+6332) 2338620

- Cebu Doctors University Hospital
Address: Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City.
Telephone number: (+6332) 2555555

 

DAVAO

- Davao Medical Center
Address: JP Laurel Street, Davao City.
Telephone numbers: (+6382) 2272731 / (+6382) 2244915

- San Pedro Hospital
Address: C. Guzman Street, Davao City.
Telephone numbers: (+6382) 2214982 / (+6382) 2214962 / (+6382) 2214950

- Davao Doctors Hospital
Address: 118 E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City.
Telephone numbers: (+6382) 2212101 / (+6382) 2228000 / (+6382) 2240616

 

Consultations can cost between 500 and 1,500 Philippine pesos.

If I book Flight + Hotel, when will I receive my travel documents?

Once the booking is confirmed you will receive a confirmation e-mail. The voucher for the hotel will be also sent by email plus the vouchers for any other services (car hire, transfer, travel insurance) if booked.

Please note that no flight tickets are sent due to most airlines using e-tickets. You only need to print our confirmation email where the Airline`s booking reference appears and take it with you to the airport with your ID/Passport documents.

Important: Some Low Cost Airlines (Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizzair, Blueair and others) now request all passengers to check-in online and print the Boarding Cards before departure through their corresponding websites. Failure to do so, these airlines will charge you a supplement at the airport.

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