Bills and coins are used in the Philippines. Credit cards are accepted in the bigger cities and more populated beach areas. Keep your small change for paying jeepney drivers. Sustainable travel tip: Consider donating your leftover currency at the end of your trip to a local charity dedicated to cleaning beaches or preserving wildlife.
Language and culture Filipino and English are the official languages of the Philippines — but the Philippines is an ethnically diverse country and was a Spanish colony for years , so more than languages are spoken in the region. Tagalog is a common dialect. The dominant religion in the Philippines is Catholicism, and churches abound throughout the country. The older generations in the Philippines tend to be quite religious. You might want to purchase travel insurance before heading out on your Filipino adventure.
Check with the U. Department of State for the latest information on any current travel advisories. As with travel to any foreign region, make sure to remain mindful of personal safety at all times. Always be friendly and wave back at anyone who waves to you. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. Never insult the Philippines or Filipino people.
All rights reserved. Travel Article. The steep karst cliffs of El Nido tower over white-sand beaches and coral reefs, in the Palawan province of the Philippines. Share Tweet Email. Read this next. Paid Content Sustaining happiness: eco-friendly fun in the Philippines If you know where to go and what to do, sustainable travel can mean less stress and more smiles. Paid Content Three new Asian destinations for trendsetting travelers From historic settings to mythical islands, finding holiday happiness is still more fun in The Philippines.
Tour operators and hotels remain fully open. The main issue being tackled by the island's authority is limited power supply, which is slowly but surely getting fixed. Facing the Pacific Ocean, just north of the island of Mindanao, is Siargao, one of the Philippines' surf centres.
The town sees a steady stream of dedicated surfers who arrive to challenge themselves on the island's famous Cloud 9 reef break. The small beachside town hosts a number of international surfing competition, which make it a busy during surf season, but completely dead when the waves are down. How to get there: There are direct flights to Siargao Island. Siargao airport is 45 minutes away from General Luna, the location of the popular Cloud 9 beach. This pear-shaped volcanic island, just off the northern tip of Mindanao, is often bypassed because of various Islamist uprisings that have been reported on Mindanoa.
However, Camiguin itself has never had any incidents and those who make the effort to travel there are rewarded with an island barely touched by tourism. For such a small landmass, this tiny island packs quite a punch, its 29, hectares including seven volcanoes. It also offers good diving through an eerie sunken cemetery, waterfalls, a lagoon, and hot and cold springs.
The magical Siquijor is both feared and revered by locals. It's the place to go, if you're looking for a boroboro , or witch doctor. The Provincial Tourism Department has a list of "official healers", or just ask any local and they'll be able to point you in the right direction. These witch doctors or healers welcome paying visitors — but be polite and respectful as it is an age-old tradition that is widely believed by locals. Away from all the magic, it's also a beautiful island for relaxing, snorkelling and diving.
How to get there: There are no direct flights. The Batanes Islands are found on the very northern tip of the Philippines archipelago, a land of gently sloping hills, thatched roof houses and locals who wear traditional straw hats. With weather reminiscent of drizzly British summers, locals visit the islands for some respite from the tropical heat, while tourists travel here for a completely different island experience from the rest of the Philippines.
How to get there: There are direct flights from Manila to Batanes, but being at the very tip of the country it's one of the more expensive islands to reach. Flights are often cancelled during bad weather. Good dives spots are a dime a dozen in the Philippines, but the best scuba spots can be a bit harder to reach.
Apo Reef is one of them. A mostly sunken atoll, two hours off the west coast of Mindoro, the 40 sq km reef is famous among the diving community for its abundance of larger creatures, such as sharks, rays and sea turtles.
Most divers stay on Pandan Island a minute boat ride from Mindoro and, from there, access the reef via a three-hour boat ride.
Apo Reef Club is one of the closest dive operators to the reef. Where to stay: As well as dive trips, Apo Reef Club offers clean, simple accommodation. The island of MoalBoal is home to Badian Canyon- a winding canyon of waterfalls, rock formations, and fluorescent blue water that looks like someone has been pouring food coloring in drop by drop. One of the most memorable experiences you can have in the Philippines is to take a full-day guided trip that involves jumping from high places and getting wet.
The definition of exploring, getting lost, and reconnecting with mother Earth- a trip to Bantayan is nothing short of life changing.
As we speak, Bantayan Island is a sprawling island at the northern end of Cebu whose land has not yet been overdeveloped. Visit groves of tropical trees in their natural form, go cliff jumping at your leisure, play with some free-roaming goats, rent a motorbike and get lost on the island- this place is your playground.
While every island might claim to be the most beautiful, the most pristine, the most memorable- Coron actually takes the cake. Getting there will involve either a 5-hour ferry from El Nido or you can take a slightly expensive puddle jumper flight from Manilla- but once you arrive, every penny and every second of travel spent will be immediately worth it. First thing to do is to rent a scooter and go. Wind through golden fields, dusty roads, and rolling hills to discover the most incredible views.
The contrasting colors of dry landscape to lush jungle next to white sand and crystal blue water cannot be described in words. Spend the entire day feeling like a pioneer who is discovering an island for the first time. No tourists, few villages, and certainly no big development. Source: news. Go for the day where you can investigate the unique rock formations that create a fantastic collection of caves to explore.
The turquoise water sparkles with soft white sand on the bottom clearly visible from the surface. Go snorkeling and discover the gorgeous corals and all the biodiversity which they hold, including monster lobsters and graceful manta rays. Luzon Island is one of the most important islands as it is home to the capitol of the Philippines, Manilla. Health freaks and workout rats will love the hiking that surrounds this city. Take a mini bus to Pico de Loro to hike Mt. Palay meters above sea level.
Also accessible from Manila is Mt. Batuloa meters above sea level and just an hour away from Manila. This trail is perfect for beginners who want a day hike to capture amazing views. Rent a motorbike and tour the entire perimeter of the island within a couple days. Isidore de Labrador Church. Here are a handful of white sand beaches hiding in plain site!
Guimaras Island is home to three pristine beaches: Nagarao, Inampulogan, and Nauway. These tranquil beaches rarely see any foreign visitors and occasionally get visits from playful groups of Filipino friends looking for an adventure. When you want to get away from the world, wifi, and reality TV stars, these dots in the ocean are where to go. Most tourists spend with day swimming at Long Beach, a sprawling piece of white sand with volcanic rock at both ends, while having a picnic on the shore.
While there are resorts on these islands, consider camping! For a small park fee, you and your friends can set up camp on the beach. Just imagine watching the sun fade away into a glittering star-filled sky and falling asleep to the sounds of waves crashing on the shore.
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