Jason A. Martin asked:




Before you rush out that door to enjoy your vacation in the Philippines, I have ten quick tips you should know. The Philippines is a great place to vacation, but plan poorly and your dream can quickly turn into a nightmare. Preparation is the key to any successful vacation.

Ten Quick Tips:

1. The temperature of the Philippines stays warm year-round. The range is from 78F to 90F.

2. If you have any questions about your visit, contact the Department of Tourism.

3. While the Philippines is one country, there are many regions–each with its own culture. Each culture has its own spin on food.

4. Don’t be a miser. When services are provided, don’t forget to tip. 10% is a common tip amount.

5. The Philippines’ monetary unsit is the peso (PhP). Get some of these and travel around with them. It makes dealing with local commerce much easier.

6. As mentioned in point #3, the country has different regions. There are 16 of them to be exact. Take the time to know the difference and you might find locals warming up to you.

7. If you want to see traditional festivals, celebrations and events then you need to go during the summer. This is the best time to see these attractions.

8. There are many ways to get around the Philippines including jeepneys, tricycles, pedicabs, and air-conditioned taxis. Explore and enjoy yourself.

9. Get to know some common Tagalog phrases. Many in the Philippines speak English, but they light up when someone is trying to speak their language.

10. Have fun, be nice and take lots of pictures. Don’t be shy about mixing with the locals. You might find some hidden gems that way.

There you have it; 10 great tips for traveling to the Philippines. All that’s left is for you to go and enjoy yourself.

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Randy C. asked:




Long known to local residents, but largely a secret outside of the Philippines, Samal Island is poised to become a favored world wide destination. The newly developed upscale vacation resorts and high end residential subdivisions that line the gold coast of Samal are the cause for this current enthusiasm. Of course the beautiful white beaches, lush green tropical vegetation and multitude of adventure activities are what have provided the encouragement for all this development to begin with.

The Island Garden City of Samal, the official name for Samal Island, is just a RORO ferry or bangka ride from Davao City, the largest (geographically speaking) city in the Philippines. Surrounded by land and located in the heart of the Gulf of Davao, Samal Island is in a protected, virtually typhoon free zone. The weather therefore is typical of a tropical paradise, balmy with the usual downpour of rain in the evening to cool(?) things down.

There are nearly 40 resorts offering a wide range of comforts and luxuries on the island. To date the best known of the many Samal Island resorts would undoubtedly be Pearl Farm Beach Resort. This is a world class resort that has earned a well deserved reputation. It might have soon have competition, though. So much in fact that some wonder if this island can handle the rapid expansion that awaits it. Local government has stated that they are intent on the island keeping it’s garden namesake. That may be a difficult task, but one that is surely worth the effort.

Those looking for a vacation or retirement home also have many options. Large and medium sized residential subdivisions can be found from the northern tip of the island and continuing down all along the coast. Don’t expect bargain prices for these prime locations, but compared to a similar site here in the states (is there such a place?) the prices are very affordable. The subdivisions range from residential only to large complexes that include resorts, wellness centers and a marina. If those don’t meet your tastes, land is still available to purchase to build your own, more private dream home. Be aware though that a foreigner can not purchase land outright in the Philippines. If you are married to, or plan to marry, a Philippine citizen then the land must be titled in their name.

As to adventure, scuba diving remains extremely popular due to the magnificent marine life, luscious blue waters and beautiful coral reefs that encompass Samal Island. Water sports such as kayaking, water skiing, and windsurfing are also very popular activities to partake in. Mt. Puto, the highest peak on the island, allows for some challenging hiking and rappelling. For a more relaxed time, you can venture to such sites as the Monfort bat cave, one the various falls or possibly visit a historic site such as the Moncado White House.

What makes it all work is the feeling of relaxation with being away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. With no bridge connecting Samal Island to the larger cities, you really experience the tropical paradise feeling.

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Rhoda Millende asked:




Boracay, Philippines is a tropical paradise isle popular for its lovely stretched beaches and azure ocean water. This well-liked location is located roughly 200 miles south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Islands inside the western Visayas region. The island’s narrowest point is around 1 kilometer wide and is seven kilometers in long compromising 1,083 hectares. Boracay Isle offers dozen of coves and beaches. Its most famous beach is located four kilometers away called because the White Beachfront which may be declared on quite a few occasions as 1 from the finest beaches in Asia. Whilst its fine white sand beaches and azure cool h2o provides as being the islands primary attraction, possibilities for endless pleasure and adventure is seemingly possible when you’re in here.

Boracay Philippines provides a broad array of attractions that keeps most of its visitors busy all day and night.

• Scuba Diving
If you really like Scuba diving, you will find around 20 Dive Centrals along its white beaches. This dive centers operate a cartel and rates depend on agreed regular expense generating rates exact same to all diving centers.

• Boat Tours
A single from the biggest methods in seeing the Boracay’s accurate white and blue beauty is by riding native outrigger boat. You will find actually dozens of boat tours that operates from morning right up until midnight. Boat tours also supply the chance of seeing stingrays and sharks.

• Bat Cave
This well-liked tourist attraction wherein a large number of fruit bats may be witnessed is situated within the western-end from the island. Giant boulders guard the entrance on the cave, it is extremely slippery inside without handrails, no visible path with majority of its stone covered with slimy bat guano.

Boracay Philippines is truly a beautiful place you’ve to encounter oneself. In fact, nearly all of its foreign tourists who’ve been to the isle have currently produced Boracay their yearly travel location.

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John Grant asked:




Donsol used to be sleepy coastal town in Sorsogon-a province in the southernmost tip of Luzon. Nobody knows Donsol except for, of course, its local inhabitants until a few years ago when tourists from all over the world began to flock this remote place to get a look-see at the largest fish on earth: the whale shark.

Before, fishermen in Donsol were ignorant of the ecological (and tourist) value of whale sharks. They used to hunt, slaughter and sell the poor gentle sea creatures to Japanese traders. Local folks call them “butanding” or “big fish” in the vernacular. Early sightings of the butandings were reported in the Visayan seas in Bohol further south. It was said that massive slaughtering caused their migration to Donsol waters.

Although, according to stories, the first butanding that was netted out in the area was also butchered. A marine biologist witnessed it and instantly recognized the fish as a rare marine specie. The biologist immediately reported the incident to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an international organization promoting the preservation of the wildlife.

WWF wasted no time and launched an education campaign about the giant creature. After coordinating with the Department of Tourism, whale-watching soon became a tourist activity that allowed extra income for the people of Donsol.

Whale sharks can grow up to 50 feet in length. It has a rather wide mouth with hundreds of pointed teeth. It usually comes in grey or greenish brown color with white or yellow spots all over its body.

It earned the label gentle giant of the sea because of its harmless nature, considering it is of the shark family. It has nothing in common with whales except for its size, thus the name. Divers can swim and interact with them and are only known to sink deeper into the ocean when it gets upset. There has been no known attack on humans of whale sharks.

Scientists are still baffled with the large migration of whale sharks in Donsol. These fishes are known to prefer the cold waters, not the tropical seas that we have. One explanation would be the flourishing of planktons in the area. Planktons are organisms that fill the diet of the whale sharks. It is also hard to record the number of whale sharks that now thrive in Donsol. But early studies show that whale sharks can travel 14,000 miles in 40 months and is capable of breeding in different sea environments.

Whale sharks swim on the surface of the water especially during the morning and early afternoon. It opens its mouth rhythmically when feeding on the planktons and visitors may be treated to this wondrous sight if they spot the fish at the perfect time. But don’t expect them to jump up and down the water like the whales or dolphins. That’s actually another beauty of the whale shark experience because this makes it perfectly east and safe to get near them.

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Allan Merin asked:




A heart-shaped island in the Southern Tagalog Region is a certified tourism magnet come the Lenten Season. The province has been making waves in the travel sector behind a colorful event (odd for some) called the Moriones Festival. Aside from this religious occasion, the island is known as an alternative destination to Boracay and Palawan, as it is blessed with beautiful sand beaches, enchanting caves, unspoiled diving sites, and rejuvenating hotsprings. The place, which is commonly included in the list of recommended vacation getaways in most Philippine travel guides, is called Marinduque.

Marinduque is located at the geographical center of the Philippines. Covering an area of 952.6 square kilometers, the province is situated south and west of Quezon, east of Mindoro, and north of Romblon. It is home to around 230,000 people as of 2007, with the majority of the populace earning a living by farming and fishing.

The Marinduquenos are known to be hospitable and friendly. First-time tourists are usually welcomed with a big smile and a heart-warming putong, a traditional song-and-dance ritual performed by local folks. Putong, or tubong, in some parts of the island, also means the crowning of a guest or an honorary with flowers or gaily-decorated crowns. This practice adds to the appeal of Marinduque to both local and foreign holidaymakers.

Getting to Marinduque is not as problematic compared to other travel destinations in the archipelago. Some local airlines offer direct flights from Manila to Marinduque several times a week. As a travel tip, make reservations in advance to avoid any inconvenience. For tourists who are afraid of flying, there are buses and ships bound for the province.

The best time to go to Marinduque is during the Holy Week, when the province is all systems go for the Moriones Festival. The event is highlighted by a parade participated in by people, usually God-fearing men, wearing colorful masks and garbs replicating that of the biblical Roman soldiers. The main attraction in the festival is a show reenacting the event when, Longinus, a blind soldier, punctures Jesus with his spear and the blood droplets from the wound enables him to regain his sight.

Marinduque is also an ideal place for beach bummers. The island is dotted with unspoiled white-sand beaches and tranquil islets that are perfect for swimming and other water recreation activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, and diving. Boac, the provincial capital, is famous for the white sand of the Poctoy Beach. Not to be outdone are the beaches in Maniwaya Island in the town of Sta. Cruz.

Accommodations vary from the very simple to the extravagant. One of the famous vacation rentals in Marinduque is the Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa, which is located on an excluded island several minutes away from the mainland. Its location makes the resort an ideal place for travelers looking to escape the hassles of the city life.

With the growing interest in nature, Marinduque has joined the bandwagon for promoting the “green” thing. The province is being promoted as a premier ecotourism destination in the Philippines. The must-see sanctuaries and protected areas in the island include the Balagbag Mountain Range, Tres Reyes Marine Sanctuary, and Malindig Volcano. The chance of tourists getting bored in Marinduque is very unlikely. Spelunking enthusiasts can explore Bathala Caves in Sta. Cruz and Tarug Caves in Mogpog while travelers looking to get their body recharged with new energy can soak in the hot springs of Malbog in Buenavista.

With so many things to do and see in Marinduque, it is no wonder, then, that the province is close to the heart of travelers.

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Stan Debohol asked:




The Philippines is composed of 7,107 islands stretching as far as the tip of Borneo and Sabah, and in the northern part of the Philippines, one can travel to Japan by boat in less than 10 hours because Batanes Island is just a couple of hundred miles away from the territorial sea border of Japan.

Practically, boats, mostly old, dilapidated, are the mode of getting from one Philippine island to another. Because islands are situated relatively close to each other, taking a medium-sized boat is the best option for tourist travelers and Filipino commuters. A trip from Manila, the capital city of the country, to one of the islands in the Visayas region will take 24 to 26 hours. That is quiet a hassle for those who are traveling with small kids.

In recent years there have been many sea tragedies that hit the Philippine sea waters. The deadliest one was the sinking of a Sulpicio passenger boat off the cost of Romblon and Masbate which claimed nearly 2,000 lives. The Philippines is facing the vast Pacific Ocean. Understandably the country is a recipient of south monsoon winds from the Pacific. Typhoons always pass by the central part of the Philippines before they proceed to Taiwan or Vietnam or Japan.

Before the arrival of low budget airlines, people had no choice but to take the long torturous boat journey. It was like a monopoly for the traditional big boat operators, mostly Filipino-Chinese businessmen. They lord over the seas and they raise the ticket price without public announcement and as often as they want. Still, Filipino travelers would take the boat since a plane ticket will cost two or three months of an ordinary employee’s salary.

But in the last five years, traveling in the Philippines has significantly been revolutionized. There are now low budget airlines such as Cebu Pacific Air, Air Philippines, Zest Air, or Sea Air that will connect you from one island to another in less than an hour. The flag carrier, the Philippine Airlines, the first airline in Asia, has been forced to slash down its rate as it can no longer compete with low budget airlines. This is good for all Pinoy and foreign travelers. They now have an option. Taking a boat will cost the same as traveling by plane. Why take the boat when you can have the comfort of a plane ride?

What follows is a bit odd. Boat operators are now trying to compete with low budget airlines. They too slash down their fare rate and they have been aggressively advertising their travel offers.

It seems that the era of the shipping industry in the Philippines would be best left for cargo and logistics purposes only.

As for most travelers today, getting around the country’s thousands of islands has been made easier without hurting their pocket. Thanks to low budget airlines. People now have a choice.

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Jason Martin asked:




If you’ve traveled at all, you know that packing for a trip can be time consumer and perhaps a worrisome ordeal. If you’re traveling a far distance, to some exotic land, the pressure really cranks up.

But, fear not. Today, I’ll give you a list of items you should think about packing for your next excursion to the Philippines. The last thing anyone wants is to being a vacation on a bad note. One pre-visit tip is to check the climate for the area(s) you’ll be visiting. The Philippines is a tropical paradise, but the climate changes from region to region.

Here’s a quick list of some good items to bring on your Philippines vacation:

1. Lightweight cotton shirts (to be comfortable).

2. Tank tops (again, comfort is key).

3. Shorts & jeans (mixture for climate and activity changes).

4. Camera with extra memory cards (capture everything).

5. Power adapter

6. Insect repellant (especially if you require a specific type/brand).

7. Sunglasses

8. Tagalog phrase book or cheat sheet.

I’d also recommend brining an extra suitcase, so you have plenty of room for souvenirs. You’ll definitely want to bring stuff home with you. In the Philippines, they call gift items “pasalubongs.”

While most Filipinos speak English (less in the more remote parts), knowing just a handful of key phrases in Tagalog (their language) will help you blend in more (they’ll appreciate it) and you’ll be able to navigate better. There’s no need to learn the whole language, but bring at least a sheet with 15-20 phrases/words on it.

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Ruel Hinaloc asked:


Explore Paradise Philippines. Take a peek at Filipino’s culture and history as mirrored in century-old churches, ancient forts and modern museums. Paradise Philippines have the top of nature’s paradise pictured thru white-sand beaches and three-layered virgin forests.

Paradise Philippines is blessed with an extensive coastline, ringed with unspoiled beaches and first-class resort facilities. Paradise Philippines’ deep-blue, crystal-clear waters offers about 40,000 square kilometers of coastal reefs teeming with a variety of marine life.

Top Philippine Destination and Paradise Spots

Paradise Philippines is endowed amid a tropical climate offering perfect paradise treat to enjoy the sunlight. Lying in Southeast Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Paradise Philippines boasts of unsullied beaches, spectacular sunsets, luxuriant pastoral lands, cool mountain weather, brilliant man-made paradise resorts, and dazzling 7,000+ islands.

Paradise Philippines boasts of one or two of the best beaches and scuba diving waters in the world. Witness the vast expanse of nature’s paradise Philippines’ splendor underneath the spell of cool paradise Philippines mountain breeze.

Here are some featured destinations and paradise regions that is living proof of Paradise Philippines reputation of being referred to as Paradise Philippines.

Alona Beach, Paradise Philippines

Panglao Island, Bohol (May 6, 2007) – The Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano has inaugurated the first age of a P600-million upscale resort complex that is riding on the tourism boom in this province. Durano said, referring to the 16-hectare Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa, which is making 70 luxurious villas catering to the rich Filipino tourists and visitors from Europe, the United States, Australia, Japan and Korea.

Donsol, Whale Shark Capital, Paradise Philippines

Once a sleepy coastal village located at the northwestern tip of Sorsogon province, this town now eyes to be a first-class municipality, thanks to giant sea creatures that are now attracting hordes of foreign and local tourists who infuse millions of pesos to the local economy.

Boracay Paradise, Paradise Philippines

Widely known as one of the best swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal simple waters are best for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. Boracay in addition boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches. Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea.

Captivating Guimaras, Paradise Philippines

Nueva Valencia, Guimaras – An Italian couple on a two-month holiday in the Philippines chose to include the present paradise in this itinerary and stayed at the Raymen Beach Resort in December 2006, unperturbed by to know about the oil spill that brought the island province to world attention in August of the same year. “We are just here to see good beaches,” said the Boldo couple, who are just among the hundreds of intercontinental guests who kept coming to Guimaras even in the aftermath of the infamous oil spill.

Wonderful Palawan, Paradise Philippines

The exotic beauty of Palawan remains undefiled. Branded as the country’s survive frontier, Palawan is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of exotic flora and fauna which are found nowhere else. With more as opposed to a thousand islands and islets, Palawan boasts of white-sand beaches, scenic rock formations, underwater rivers and magnificent caves. Palawan is additionally structure to Tubbataha Reef, the only nationwide marine park that made it to the World Heritage List and whose grandeur is comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Banaue Rice Terraces, Paradise Philippines

Traversing the rugged terrains of Cordillera highlands in a duration of one week is an adventure in itself and could be an immense learning experience for someone who has the guts to be on the look down to the depths of mountain cliffs to get a good view of the rice terraces. With tall rice terraces at the backdrop and cool breeze shuttling between mountain peaks, a journey across the Cordillera heap ranges exposes one to an atmosphere strangely different from the daily offering of Manila and its suburbs.

Amazing Coron, Paradise Philippines

Coron, a town in the Busuanga Island in Northern Palawan, can charm much the most insensitive amongst men. Its natural beauty can only be described as seductive, giving first-time visitors and repeaters alike a sense of wonder so is hard to shake off.

Cebu City, Paradise Philippines

Cebu City drew 403,326 worldwide visitors in 2005, making the “queen city of the south” the top provincial destination of worldwide travelers. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) also showed such a Cebu City attracted 1,813 distant Filipinos and 712,938 domestic travelers.

Pagudpud, Paradise Philippines

If Aklan has Boracay, Ilocos has Pagudpud, its northernmost town bordering the South China Sea. The coastal town of Pagudpud is the perfect setting for panoramic movies and photoshoot for travel magazines cover. The town’s main attractions are Saud Beach, famous for its fine white sand stretching for hundreds of meters and Maira-Ira Point, which hides a secluded beach called Blue Lagoon. Other breathtaking landscapes in Pagudpud include Bantay Abot-abot, a natural sculpture carved by the wind and sea, the Mabogabog Falls and the Patapat viaduct that treats motorists to a scenic view of red lushes and green waters of South China Sea.

Bohol, Paradise Philippines

Bohol is one of the loveliest islands in southern Philippines. It is situated at the heart of Visayas and with coastline skimmed by gentle coves and white-sand beaches. Many highways snake along sparkling beaches or leafy rivers where one can stop at any point and jump in. With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, the province of Bohol is a picturesque province replete amidst ancestral structures and centuries-old churches.

Dan Eggers asked:

When traveling to any other country, may it be the Philippines or Holland or Zimbabwe, you’re sure to come across all kinds of hassles and obstacles that could give you a pressing headache and make you wish that you’re back at home sweet home. But it’s really not necessary to go all through that with the right amount of preparation and research. When traveling to another country, you should always expect the unexpected and make sure you have a contingency plan for each situation you might find yourself in. And in your trip to the Philippines, here are a few suggestions you could take to make your trip to the Philippines hassle free.

Philippine Travel Tip #1 – Weather This, Weather That

When you’re in Dubai, you’re sure to expect extreme heat during the day and extreme cold during the night. In the Philippines, however, there are no extremities in temperature to watch out for. If you’re going to travel to the Philippines between the months of March till May, be sure to bring lots of light clothes because it’s the hot and dry season. During the months of June till October, it’s the rainy season that would greet you on your Philippine travel. Lastly, the months of November till February are possibly the best times of the year to travel in the Philippines because it’s cool but dry. But to be more specific, if you want your trip to the Philippines unmarred by the occasional typhoon, set your travel date between the middle of December till mid-May.

Philippine Travel Tip #2 – Everything’s Within A Call Away?

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is also dubbed as the texting capital of the world because everyone, and I do mean everyone, has got a cellphone – or two! – in their name. That’s why if you’re lost, you need not worry about looking for the nearest public phone because cellphones are able to work in almost all places in the Philippines. Quite a convenient thing for anyone traveling, isn’t it?

Philippine Travel Tip #3 – Party Time!

One of the most unique and enjoyable experiences you could have when you travel to the Philippines is being part of the fiesta season. The whole town or city usually participates in a fiesta and each and every house is open to all, natives and foreigners alike. Filipino delicacies are prepared in each household and colorful banners are hung everywhere so that you’d know when there’s a fiesta going on. You could also try participating in one of the native games that’s usually played like climbing a tree slick with oil or being blindfolded and try hitting the “palayok” or pot filled with candies and coins for children.