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THE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDE
The island nation of the Philippines often gets passed up as a holiday destination in favour of more prominent Southeast Asian destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam. Adventurous travellers, however, have known for a long time that this is a country with as much to offer as other hotspots in the region - and plenty more besides. Beaches across the archipelago are easily as beautiful as those in Thailand’s Andaman Sea area, while Manila, the capital city, is as vibrant and exciting as Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Phnom Penh.
For relaxing seaside holidays, the country has some truly exquisite spots, with Boracay, Palawan, Cebu and Bohol offering some of the best beaches in the archipelago. Expect to find coastal scenery akin to that featured on postcards and good tourist facilities provided by friendly locals. There are plenty of quiet destinations if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy having the beach to yourself, as well as busy cities where things are a whole lot livelier.
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THE PHILIPPINES WEATHER - When to Go
The Philippines experiences a typically Southeast Asian climate which brings wet and dry seasons. The summer monsoon occurs from May to October giving way to six months of dry weather. The dry season can be further split into cooler and hotter periods, the former lasting from November to March and the latter from March to May. Average temperatures are high across the seasons, so the Philippines can be visited at any time of the year although the cooler portion of the dry season is the most popular time for tourists.
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THE PHILIPPINES HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
- Manila: the nation’s capital is a bustling metropolis and a city of contrasts with visitors as likely to see affluent business areas with towering skyscrapers as they are ghettos and shanty structures. The city is by no means short on history and it is on this characteristic that many of its most popular sightseeing attractions are based. Top sights to see on a tour include Fort Santiago, Malate Church, Malacanang Palace and the historic Intramuros district. For culture enthusiasts meanwhile, the Casa Manila Museum, the National Museum of the Philippines and the San Augustin Museum are on hand. The city has some great shopping and dining venues, with its excellent Chinatown district home to some of the best in the latter category.
- Boracay: this tropical island paradise is just a short plane ride away from Manila and is undoubtedly one of the country’s most popular beach holiday destinations. Stunning beaches are the chief attraction, with Baling Hai Beach, Diniwid and Puka Beach among the best available. If outdoor activities are your thing then mountain biking, horse riding, scootering and hiking can all be enjoyed. The bar and restaurant scene in the island’s main resort is packed with a variety of great venues.
- Davao City: the capital of the Davao region can be reached easily by plane from Manila and, with its stunning mountain scenery and beautiful beaches, is a destination well worth visiting. The city is a favourite with scuba diving enthusiasts but also with fans of hiking and the great outdoors, especially with the mighty Mount Apo and its surrounding national park at its doorstep. There is a variety of museums available for culture seekers plus some interesting buildings for architecture fans. Great weather most of the year makes Samal Beach and others around the city popular locations for visitors.
- Olongapo: on the island of Luzon and only a two-hour drive from Manila, Olongapo can be visited easily on a daytrip from the capital. The city’s list of attractions is varied and includes the Cubi Point Zoo, Enchanted Castle and Rizal Park, among others. For cultural enthusiasts there are the Maritime Museum and Olongapo City Museum, while for lovers of outdoor activities, horseback riding, trekking, swimming and snorkelling can all be pursued.
- Palawan: the appeal of Palawan is its traditional charm and its complete lack of the kind of development and hustle and bustle that is associated with Manila. The only city in this island province, Puerto Princesa, is a charming destination that’s best known for its UNESCO World Heritage site, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. On a sightseeing tour, most visitors try and catch the Santa Isabel Fort, the Tabon Cave and the Iwahig Penal Farm, while for those with cultural interests the Leprosy Museum and the National Museum are good choices. With plenty of undeveloped areas within the province, the opportunities for outdoor activities are significant. An inter-island flight can get you to Palawan from Manila without too much trouble.
- Puerto Galera: this popular getaway can be reached from Manila through a combination of road and sea in four to five hours, making it a good choice for a weekend trip from the capital. The city comes with an array of attractions, one of the best known being its scuba diving scene. With the reefs off the coast of the city enjoying UNESCO protection, the underwater flora and fauna is rich and varied, making diving here a genuinely special experience. With an excellent selection of restaurants, bars and evening entertainment venues, Puerto Galera is also great place to enjoy relaxation and take some respite from the urban jungle environment that Manila presents.
- Other Philippines Highlights: visitors with extra time should check out the gorgeous beaches at Cebu, the rolling mountains of Bohol or the unspoilt rural charm of Pagudpud.
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THE PHILIPPINES HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
- Food and Eating Out: Filipino cuisine is based on a mix of influences including those from China, Spain and the US, giving it a rich variation of dishes and preparation styles. Dining outlets ranging from street vendors to up-market restaurants can be found in all of the big cities. Be sure to try the rich stew known as adobo during your stay if you are keen for a taste of something traditional.
- Entertainment and Nightlife: Manila is crammed with nightlife venues from quiet local bars to booming nightclubs and many of the popular tourist areas are also home to good evening entertainment scenes, although generally on smaller scales. Try a few glasses of the local coconut wine known as lambanog or palm wine known as tuba to get the night rolling.
- Accommodation: The availability and selection of accommodation varies from city to city but the most popular tourist areas offer mid-price and upmarket hotels, while in the capital you’ll find establishments to suit all budgets including those geared toward backpacking tourists.
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THE PHILIPPINES FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
There are no direct flights between the UK and the Philippines.
Most international flights arrive at Manila airport.
Your best option therefore is likely to be flying to Manila via Amsterdam with KLM. The advantage of this is that KLM operate flights from many regional UK airports.
Alternatively, fly with a stop-over in either the Middle East (such as Dubai) or in South-East Asia (such as Bangkok) or Hong Kong.
Try Expedia.co.uk, Lastminute.com or Netflights for flight options to the Philippines. Or visit the KLM website to fly via Amsterdam.
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