Visit Philippines

The Philippines, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean.

The Philippines is the world’s 12th most populous country, with a population of about 90 million people.Its national economy is the 46th largest in the world, with an estimated 2008 gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$ 327.2 billion (PPP).There are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide, about 11% of the total population of the Philippines.

A former colony of Spain and the United States, the Philippines is one of two predominantly Roman Catholic countries in Asia, the other being East Timor. There are also a number of minority religious groups, including Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. Multiple ethnicities and cultures are found throughout the islands. Ecologically, the Philippines is one of the most diverse countries in the world.

ENTRY REGULATIONS

Valid passport. Except for stateless persons and those from countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations, 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.

CURRENCY

Unit of currency: Peso (P) = 100 centavos. Bank notes: P10, P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1,000. Coins: 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5, P10.

Money changers will be able to give you the official guiding rates and are located at the airport, local banks, and other authorized foreign exchange dealers in commercial establishments.

CLIMATE

March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool. Average temperatures: 78oF/25oC to 90oF/32oC; humidity: 77%.

LANGUAGE

Filipino is the national language. English is the business language and spoken widely. Approximately 111 languages and dialects are spoken in the country.

TIMEZONE

GMT plus 8 hours.
No daylight saving time at the moment

TRAVEL TIME

The Philippines is readily accessible from the travel capital of the world. Traveling time to Manila from Hongkong is an hour and 50 minutes; Singapore 3 hours and 10 minutes; Bangkok, 3 hours and 50 minutes, Tokyo, 4 hours and 15 minutes; Sydney, 10 hours and 20 minutes; London, 20 hours and 45 minutes; Paris, 21 hours and 15 minutes; Frankfurt, 19 hours and 40 minutes; San Francisco, 20 hours and 15 minutes; Los Angeles, 15 hours ans 20 minutes; and New York, 20 hours and 20 minutes.

Communications and getting around the country is easy as most Filipinos understand and speak English. Mobile phones are used throughout the archipelago. Foreigners can buy “pre-paid” SIM cards for their cell phones for temporary use in the country to avoid costly roaming charges. Also, foreign currency can easily be converted into Philippine Peso and all major credit cards are accepted in major establishments.

Filipinos are a fun-loving and friendly people. Throughout the islands, there are festivals celebrated everyday and foreign guests are always welcome in their homes. Every travel destination on this guide is worth a visit. We have featured the most frequently visited tourist spots in the Philippines: the capital city of Manila; Boracay Beach; Baguio - the summer capital of the Philippines; Bohol Island; Corregidor Island; Cebu City; Davao City; the Islands of Palawan; the Hundred Islands of Pangasinan; Puerto Galera Beach; the old Spanish colonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan in Ilocos Sur; and the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces.

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