Philippines travel guide

 

Philippines

 

Meet The PhilippinesThe Philippines weather reportGetting into The PhilippinesFrom the Philippine kitchen From the Philippine barCurrency in The Philippines Major airports in The PhilippinesExamples of food and drink spendThings to have at hand in The PhilippinesDid you know?

 

Meet The Philippines

 

The Philippines are made up of over 7000 islands in South East Asia, scattered between the Philippine Sea and South China Sea, close to Vietnam and Borneo.  It is a land of discovery, both culturally and in terms of nature, with a rich history and fusion of foreign influences.  Over a hundred ethnic groups have passed through these islands, with a truly unique result.

 

With so many islands to explore, it is no wonder that the cities of the Philippines are varied in their attractions.  Manila is the national capital, and draws entertainment as well as political, and financial interest.  Angeles is a haven for entertainment-loves, whilst Bacolod is a wonder for the for tastebuds, with many unique dishes and a lot of fruit bearing natural beauty.  It is arguably the most hospitable part of the Islands.

 

The Philippines are also a country beyond the typical.  The indigenous peoples (the Igorot) have lived here for over 2 millennia, and have managed to keep their culture strong throughout ages of colonisation from Europe and Asia.  The most expensive orchids in the world grow here, and there are still provinces younger than their visitors – Bohol is only 30 years old, and considered an eco-treasure.

 

Given its hospitable people and the fact that it is arguable a thousand destinations in one, very few times of year make the Philippines an unattractive place to visit.  The country observes Catholic holidays, most notably Holy Week, when tourism activities may be less available.

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The Philippines weather report

 

The Philippines enjoy a tropical climate, with summer running from March to May, and a rainy season shortly after, which often brings typhoons.  The pre-summer months bring cool and dry weather, with the western coast exposed to the most rainfall across the islands.  Regardless, the temperature range is not great, varying between 25-32c in most places.  This drops lower in places of higher altitude, with the minimum temperatures reaching 20c.

 

For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.

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Getting into The Philippines

 

Most visitors automatically receive a 3 week tourist visa on entry.  Visa extensions are required for a longer stay, up to 59 days.  Departure cards must be completed on-board.  Fines for overstay cost up to Php2020. It may be worth getting a visa from the embassy before departure if a longer stay is required, as this will reduce the hassle in a country where the language may be unfamiliar.  In this case, a different stamp will be issued at immigration.

 

It is sometimes cheaper to fly into Malaysia before flying to the Philippines.  If travelling around islands, it is a best to get an “open jaw” ticket.  

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From the Philippine kitchen

 

 

A mix of food from across its history, Filipino cuisine may not be the most famous of South East Asia, but it certainly has its own distinction.  It is often not as spicy as neighbouring cuisines,  relying more on choice ingredients and clever use of garlic, onions, and ginger.  Besides remote areas, food is eaten with a spoon and fork.  As with most of Asia, rice is a staple food here, often served with meat, vegetables and broth

 

Typical meals include:

  • Adobo - chicken, pork or both in a garlic stew with vinegar and soy sauce as a base.

  • Pansit - chicken, pork or shrimp with rice noodles and vegetables

  • Tinola - chicken in ginger soup.

  • Sinigang – soured soup with meat

  • Lengua – marinated roast beef tongue.

  • Calamares – breaded fried shrimp or squid

  • Kare-kare – peanut-based meat and vegetable stew, often cooked for a long time.

  • Camaron Rebusado – similar to tempura

Snacking is common in the Philippines, and popular items are rice cakes, smoothies make from fruit, sweets, milk and beans, coconut pies, fried bananas and deep-fried pig skin.  Of course, given its location, tropical fruits are abundant.

 

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From the Philippine bar

 

Although not world-famous for its alcohol, there are several cheap options worth trying.  Metro Manila is a good place to try a drink, although note that it is uncommon to drink without a snack.  Glass-sharing among friends is common, with each person expected to drink their glass in one go.

  • Ginebra is a local gin-style spirit, and coconut based liqueurs such as lambanog and tuba are well  marketed around the islands, and come in several flavoured varieties.

  • Rums such as Tanduay can be bought for around Php750 in supermarkets, making excellent souvenirs.

  • Several non-alcoholic drinks are also available, including a local lime juice called “Calamansi”, Buko juice from young coconuts, green mango milkshake, and Taho, made from soya milk, tapioca, and tofu.

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Currency in The Philippines

 

The currency in the Philippines is the Philippine Peso. Current coins are 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos and 1 and 5 pesos, and bank notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos.

 

Money changers are not commonly found in the Philippines, but banks and ATMs are.  Be aware that there might be a minimum spend in shops. For the latest info on your rates, please use the Pampo exchange rates calculator.

 

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Major airports in The Philippines

  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

  • Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (CRK)

  • Laoag International Airport (LAO)

  • Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)

  • Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO)

  • Kalibo Airport (KLO)

  • Zamboanga International Airport (ZAM)

  • San Fernando Airport (SFE)

  • General Santos International Airport (GES)

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Examples of food and drink spend

  • Local Meal: Php50

  • Can of soft drink from a convenience store: Php16

  • Snack from a convenience store: Php20

  • Buffet in Manila: Php350

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Things to have at hand in The Philippines

  • Anti-diarrhoea tablets

  • Sunscreen

  • Bottled water

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Did you know?

  • There are more than 170 distinct languages across the islands.

  • Karaoke was invented in the Philippines, not Japan.

  • The national flag is displayed upside down if the country is at war

  • The world's rarest seashell, Conus Gloriamaris, can be found in the Philippines

  • The islands were colonies of Spain for over three centuries.

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