Philippines is a country that is hidden among the seas and oceans and which is placed on the 7000 islands (just imagine that!). Those travelers that are looking for breath-taking skyscrapers, amazingly beautiful flora and fauna, lots of exotic things, delicious cuisine, pleasant climate and nice resorts will stay absolutely satisfied with their choice!
7107 islands that are interested in their own way each include all the tourist attractions that you may want to find – from numerous bars, restaurants and night clubs to the solitary sightseeings, created by nature.
The most part of Philippines is represented by the mountainous landscape, so the great number of volcanoes is a special “visit card” of the island. The highest point of Philippines is Apo Mount, which has the height of about 2954 metres!
The capital and the most interesting city of Philippines is the city of Manila, which is also considered the capital of the country. Various museums, national park, ancient churches and cathedrals, WOW Philippines international exhibition, XVIth century fortress and many other tourist attractions are concentrated exactly in this city.
Besides that, such entertainments as water skis, snorkeling, parasailing, hiking, diving, mountain climbing, cycling, volleyball, basketball and golf playing are attracting all their lovers to this wonderful and absolutely many-sided country.
The five main things everyone should do, while staying in Philippines: go on a picnic on the bank of the amazingly beautiful Cebu lake on the Mindanao Island, make a wish at 11.00 in the Chinese temple in the city of Cebu, watch a real cockfight in one of the local villages, admire the famous Chocolate Hills on the Bohol Island, travel down the underground river in Puerto Princesa on the Palawan Island and enjoy the session of local massage.
General information Area:
300,000 sq km (117,187 sq mi)
Languages:
Official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and English . About 180 languages and native dialects are also spoken in the Philippine islands. Filipino is the de facto version of Tagalog, spoken mainly in Metro Manila and other urban regions. Both Tagalog and English are used in government, education, print, broadcast media, and business.
Other languages include Spanish and Arabic , both recognized as auxiliary languages in the Philippine Constitution.
Religions:
The Philippines is one of two countries in Asia and the Asia-Pacific region with Roman Catholic as the major religion, the other being East Timor. About 90% of Filipinos identify themselves as Christians, with 81% belonging to the Roman Catholic Church and 5% composing of Protestant denominations, and 4% comprising of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Iglesia Ni Cristo, Philippine Independent Church, Seventh Day Adventist, United Church of Christ, and other Christian religion.
Approximately 5% of Filipinos are Muslims. There are also a number of minority religious groups such as Buddhists, Baha'i, Hindus, Sikhs, and animists. Along with other non-Christians, non-Muslims, and those with no religion, form 2% of the Philippine population.
Electricity:
220V / 60Hz (in some homes 110V with transformers)
Visas:
On entering the Philippines citizens from more than 140 countries automatically get a free 3-week tourist visa. If intending on staying longer you should apply for a visa extension. Each visa extension is valid for 59 days, except the first which is 38 days (i.e 59-21).
You are to pay on departure a fine of PHP 1000 (USD 21) per month of overstay plus the PHP 2020 (USD 43) fee.
To avoid all the hassle, get the longer visa from the embassy (or a consulate) before traveling, as this saves you a couple of days during your holiday. Contact the Philippine embassy of your country about the exact requirements for a visa application. When you arrive with a visa, show it to the immigration official, so that the officer will actually give you the 59 days, instead of the normal 21 days, on your arrival stamp.
Airports:
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL ) in Manila is the main airport of the Philippines. Other important airports include Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (CRK ) in Clark, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB ), and Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO ) in Davao City on the island of Mindanao.
Have you always wanted to visit this country but didn't know where to start?
