Philippines Uncovered - An Enchanting Gateway to Tropical Bliss
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Travel Notes: Asia - Philippines Travel Notes.
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Philippines Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
From stunning beaches to historic sites, plan your tropical escape and discover the enchanting wonders of the Philippines. You won't be disappointed.
About The Philippines
The Philippines is a beautiful destination with many different islands that travellers can visit, each with its own unique culture, history, and natural wonders.
From the beaches of Boracay to the underground river in Puerto Princesa, there are many things to see and do in the Philippines.
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Mapping The Philippines
Map of The Philippines
The Republic of The Philippines has over 7,000 islands of volcanic origin.
The main islands are Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Mindoro, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, and Masbate.
The capital city of The Philippines is Manila; on the island of Luzon.
Philippines Overview
The Philippines is an archipelago in South-east Asia, situated in the western Pacific Ocean.
It consists of around 7,641 islands; divided into three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Challenges
The country faces challenges such as poverty, corruption, and natural disasters, including typhoons and earthquakes.
However, ongoing efforts are being made to address these issues and promote sustainable development.
Cuisine
Filipino cuisine is diverse and reflects the country's history and geography.
Common ingredients include rice, fish, meat, and tropical fruits.
Adobo, sinigang, and lechon are among the popular Filipino dishes.
Culture and Language
The Philippines has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various factors, including indigenous cultures, Spanish colonisation, and American occupation.
This blend is reflected in its language, art, music, dance, and religious practices.
Filipino and English are the official languages.
Filipino is based on Tagalog and is the national language, while English is widely used in government, business, and education.
Economy
The Philippines has a mixed economy with agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and services sectors.
Key industries include electronics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
Overseas Filipino workers also make substantial contributions to the economy by sending money home to their families.
Festivals
The Philippines is known for its colourful festivals, with each region celebrating its unique cultural events.
The Sinulog Festival in Cebu and the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo are examples of lively and vibrant celebrations.
History
The Philippines has a complex history, with influences from indigenous cultures, Malay settlers, Chinese traders, and centuries of Spanish colonisation.
The country was under Spanish rule for over 300 years until the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898 when it was ceded to the United States.
The Philippines gained independence in 1946, after World War II.
Natural Beauty
The Philippines is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including beautiful beaches on its many islands, coral reefs, mountains, and tropical rainforests.
Popular tourist destinations include Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu.
Religion
The majority of Filipinos are Christians, with Roman Catholicism being the predominant religion.
While the Philippines has the third-largest Catholic population in the world, there are also significant Muslim and indigenous communities; particularly in the southern part of the country.
Visiting The Philippines
If you're planning to visit the Philippines, there are numerous beautiful and culturally rich destinations to explore.
When visiting the Philippines, it's important to be mindful of the local customs and traditions.
The country is known for its warm hospitality, so interacting with the locals can enhance your overall experience.
Be sure to try the diverse and delicious Filipino cuisine during your travels around the islands.
Philippines Highlights
Baguio
A mountain retreat known for its cool climate and lush pine tree forests.
Explore Burnham Park, visit Mines View Park, and experience the local culture.
Batanes
The northern-most province of the Philippines, Batanes is known for its rolling hills, lighthouses, and traditional stone houses; a unique and picturesque landscape.
Bohol
Known for its Chocolate Hills and the cute tarsiers, Bohol offers a tranquil escape.
Cruise along the Loboc River, visit the historic Baclayon Church, and enjoy the stunning views.
Boracay
Known for its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, Boracay is a top tourist destination.
Enjoy water activities, relax on the beach, and explore the lively atmosphere.
Cebu
A bustling province with historical sites, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities.
Visit the Magellan's Cross, explore the Taoist Temple, and dive or snorkel in the nearby islands.
Davao
Located in Mindanao, Davao is known for its natural wonders, including Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines.
Explore Eden Nature Park and visit the Philippine Eagle Center.
Ilocos
Discover the rich history of Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture.
Explore the sand dunes of Paoay and visit the historic Paoay Church.
Manila
The capital city offers a mix of historical and modern attractions.
Explore Intramuros, the historic walled city, visit Rizal Park, and experience the vibrant city life.
Palawan
Consistently ranked as one of the world's best islands, Palawan is famous for its stunning landscapes, including the Underground River, El Nido's limestone cliffs, and Coron's clear blue lakes.
Siquijor
A mystical island known for its folklore and pristine beaches.
Explore the Cambugahay Falls, visit century-old balete trees, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Philippines Travel
Philippines by Road
Buses out of Manila are heavily booked around national holidays, and not all of them seem roadworthy.
Getting Around Town
Customised jeeps, or jeepneys, are used to transport passengers around Manila and other major towns.
Philippines by Rail
There's only one railway; south of Manila to Naga. The train is slow, and is subject to breakdowns; but that's part of the fun of travelling.
Philippines by Boat
If you travel to a few of the islands, you'll probably pass through Cebu.
There are boats to everywhere, and it's the best way to discover the Visayas group of the Philippines; if you have the time.
Super Ferry
Sailings between Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Coron, Cotabato, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iligan, Iloilo, Manila, Ozamis, Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran and Zamboanga.
Philippines by Air
As more overloaded boats go down, flights are becoming increasingly popular; although the domestic system of wait-listing leaves a lot to be desired.
You will almost certainly have to fly to The Philippines, and if time is running out then you may need to fly back to Manila from one of the islands. Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the national carrier.
Philippines Tourism
An attached agency of the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board exists to market and promote the Philippines domestically and internationally as a world-class tourism and MICE destination.
Location: 4th Floor, Legaspi Towers, 300 Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
The National Government Portal is a single window uniting all web-based government content to maximize efficiency and provide rapid, high-quality services to citizens.
Includes services related to visa applications and providing assistance to tourists and foreigners, as well as Filipino citizens.
Luzon
The mountainous terrain on Luzon is a joy in the hot summer months, offering cool escapes from Manila to the rice terraces around Baguio.
Baguio City
The highest city in the Philippines, Baguio is an ideal place to go to escape the summer heat in Manila.
Buses out of Manila at this time of year are in demand, so book your seat early.
Manila
Map of Manila
The capital of the Philippines is on Luzon Island, on the eastern shore of Manila Bay.
Although the port is large, if you don't work on a boat you will more than likely be flying in to Manila.
Intramuros
The original city, Intramuros, was founded by the Spanish in the late 1500s and still contains examples of 17th-century Spanish architecture, along with an encircling wall begun in 1590; despite extensive damage to Manila during World war II.
Malacanang Palace
Built by a Spanish aristocrat on the other side of the Pasig River, the Malacanang became the presidential home of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos.
Cory Aquino presented Imelda's shoe cupboard to the world, as a museum.
There are many other museums in Manila, and you will most likely travel between them in a Jeepney; colourfully decorated former US-army jeeps, or modern replicas of them, with two benches in the back, loud music in your ears, and bad breath up your nose.
Mabini Street
Most tourists stay in the Ermita district around Mabini Street, across the Rizal Park from Intramuros. There has been a clampdown on prostitution in the area, and the girlie bars have moved on.
The business district is a few kilometres away, in Makati.
Where to Stay in Manila
Mandaluyong
Mandaluyong serves as an ideal stop-over place for tourists whose itinerary includes touring Metro Manila and its periphery.
Angeles City
Angeles City, or more specifically its entertainment district of Balibago, is famous for its bars and night-clubs.
Having first arisen in the shadow of the now closed US Clark Air Base, this area just north of Manila is enjoying a new economic boom.
While fewer in number, the bars in Balibago today are international class and attract visitors from around the globe.
The Visayas
Travellers still flock to the tiny island of Boracay, although there is a lot more to see in the Visayas.
Bohol
Located in the Central Visayas, 800km south of Manila and 79km south-east of Cebu, Bohol is the tenth largest island in The Philippines.
As well as beautiful Alona Beach and the Chocolate Hills, Bohol's tourist attractions also include centuries-old churches and watch towers, scuba diving havens, majestic waterfalls and caves and historical landmarks as well as primitive and exotic fauna and flora.
Boracay
Every day seems like a holiday on Boracay as you relax and enjoy yourself; without a care in the world.
Red Coconut Beach Hotel:
A beach front resort right at the centre of Boracay's main white beach shoreline.
Cebu City
Cebu offers something for everyone with its vast stretches of clean, white sandy beaches, excellent dive spots, modern malls, resorts, hotels, discos, bars, museums and parks.
Cebu is a rich and varied bouquet of attractions touched by the warmth and charm of its people; the Cebuanos.
The Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands of which Cebu Island, renowned for its exquisite white sand beach resorts, is centrally located.
Negros
Getting to Negros by air takes about an hour from Manila. The overnight, super ferry crossing from Manila to Bacolod takes around 18 hours.
Ferries from Cebu to Danao Port, in Escalante City, take around 2 hours.
Filipino Language and Culture
The official language of the Philippines is Filipino; founded on Tagalog. Ten of the eighty or so ethnic languages are considered important.
English is widely used in education, government, and business, but the use of Spanish is no longer so common.
The term Filipino originally meant a person of Spanish descent born in the Philippines; similar to the term Creole in the Spanish-American colonies.
Filipino now applies to the Christianised Malays who make up most of the Philippine population.
Easter in The
Philippines:
The only Catholic nation in Asia, Filipinos take their belief seriously.
Philippines News
Manila Times
The Manila Times is a national daily newspaper in the Philippines that delivers trusted, quality content in in English.
Sun Star
The Philippines' largest and Cebu's biggest community daily newspaper, SunStar provides news and information from Cebu, Davao, Manila, Pampanga, Bacolod, Baguio, and Cagayan de Oro, among others.
Philippines Travel Guides
Philippines Travel Guides - Philippines Maps.
Weather in Asia:
Local weather forecasts for destinations around Asia.
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