Cheap Flights to Philippines (PH)

The Philippines, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia. The archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean consists of 7,107 islands located between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam, and north of Sabah and Borneo. The archipelago lies in the region called the Ring of Fire, which is characterized by a number of active volcanoes found all over the country. Around 20 earthquakes are registered daily in the Philippines, though most are too weak to be felt. Some of the most notable volcanoes are Taal Volcano which is situated in the middle of Taal Lake, Mayon Volcano in Legaspi City which is considered to have the most perfect cone shape despite intermittent eruptions, and the dormant Mount Apo in Davao, the highest peak in the Philippines at 2,954 meters above sea level.

A former colony of Spain and the United States, the Philippines is the world's 12th most populous country, with a population of 90 million people. Over a hundred ethnic groups, a mixture of foreign influences and a fusion of culture and arts have enhanced the uniqueness of the Filipino race and the wonder that is the Philippines. There are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide, about 11% of the total population of the native country.

The genuine and pure expression of hospitality is an inherent trait in Filipinos, especially those who reside in the countryside who may appear very shy at first, but have generous spirits especially as seen in their smiles. Hospitality, a trait displayed by every Filipino, makes these people legendary in Southeast Asia. Guests will often be treated like royalty in Philippine households. This is most evident during fiestas when even virtual strangers are welcomed and allowed to take part in the feast that most, if not all, households within the town serve during the occasion.

The climate of the Philippines is tropical, with March to May (summer) being the hottest months. The rainy season starts in June and extends through October with strong typhoons possible. The coolest months are from November to February, with mid-January to end of February considered the best for cooler and dryer weather. Locations exposed directly to the Pacific Ocean have frequent rainfall all year. The average temperatures range from 78°F / 25°C to 90°F / 32°C, and humidity is around 77 percent.

Beaches can be found aplenty on this nation of 7,107 islands (could be a little less during high tide). These beaches come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and fineness of sand. Some are in well-secluded islands while others are just a short ride across a causeway from the city. On Boracay are some of the finest beaches you're ever likely to find. Pristine waters and picturesque tropical scenery highlight the Philippines' rich potential to be a major tourist destination.

Scuba diving is spectacular in the Philippines. There is a great variety of dive sites and most if not all of these would have at least a handful of PADI accredited diving schools where you can obtain your license. Costs (of both lessons and equipment) are likely to be cheaper here compared to places like Australia, the Caribbean or even in nearby Thailand and Malaysia.

Also the Philippines has several places where you can do whitewater rafting. One of the best whitewater rafting experience can be found in Cagayan de Oro City, a city in the northern part of Mindanao. Also, Davao is emerging as the "true" whitewater rafting capital in Mindanao, if not in the Philippines.

Surfing can be experienced in the coastal town of Siargao in Surigao Province (Mindanao) and the coastal towns of La Union province in Luzon, 250 kilometers north of Manila.