- a state in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, lying on the Philippine Islands, which are part of the Malay Archipelago. In the east it is washed by the Philippine Sea, in the south - by the Celebes Sea, in the west - by the South China Sea. The state is located on more than 7100 islands, but most of them have an area of \u200b\u200bless than 2.5 km2.
The country is named after King Philip II of Spain.
Official name: Republic of the Philippines (Pilipinas)
Capital:
The area of \u200b\u200bthe land: 300 thousand sq. km
Total population: 92 million people
Administrative division: Divided into 74 provinces.
Form of government: Republic.
Head of State: President elected for a term of 6 years.
Population composition: 80% are Filipinos, 10% are Chinese, Malays, Americans, Indians, Spaniards, as well as representatives of local peoples: Tagals, Ilokans, Moro, mestizo.
Official language: Filipino (Tagalog or Tagalog), English and Spanish are also used.
Religion: 83% of the population are Catholics, 9.5% are Protestants. The more traditional religions for this region: Islam and Buddhism account for 5 and 3% of the population, respectively.
Internet domain: .ph
Mains voltage: ~ 220 V, 50 Hz
Country dialing code: +63
Country barcode: 480
Climate
In general, the climate of the Philippines is tropical, monsoon, but due to the strong dissection of the relief, different exposure of slopes in relation to wet monsoon currents and paths of tropical cyclones, the degree of distance from the ocean, it is heterogeneous.
The air temperature in the Philippine Islands is stable all year round. The difference between the hottest and coldest months in the north is 4 ° C, and even less in the south. The average annual temperature in the plains is approx. 27 ° С. Geographic latitude, in contrast to the factor of absolute height, does not significantly affect the temperature regime.
Thus, in the northern part of Luzon Island, the climate is slightly cooler than on the islands of the Sulu archipelago located 1600 km closer to the equator. Meanwhile, in the summer on the same island, there is a sharp contrast between the hot, humid climate of the Central Lowlands and the cool, temperate climate of the Cordillera Central, where the city of Baguio, the country's former "summer capital", is located.
The annual rainfall in the Philippines usually exceeds 2000 mm. According to the moisture conditions (the amount and seasonal distribution of precipitation), four areas are distinguished. 1. In the eastern regions of the Philippine archipelago (east coast of Luzon, Bohol and Leyte, central and western parts of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago) precipitation falls evenly throughout the year. 2.
In the western regions of the country (in the west of the islands of Luzon, Mindoro, Panay, Palawan, Negros) there are two seasons: winter-spring dry - 50-200 mm of precipitation (October - April) and summer-autumn wet (intense rains from April to October caused by strong south-westerly winds). 3. In the northeast of Luzon, Samar Island, in the east of Leyte and Mindanao islands, precipitation falls all year round, but their maximum falls on November - January. In the summer and autumn months, typhoons periodically hit Luzon and the Visayas from the east and northeast.
Catastrophic floods are associated with prolonged torrential rains. Annual precipitation in this area is 2000–4000 mm. 4. The region, which includes the eastern regions of the islands of Mindoro, Panay, Negros, Cebu and the northwest of Minandao Island, is characterized by an average annual rainfall of 1300–1500 mm and a relatively short dry period.
Geography
State in Southeast Asia, located on the Philippine Islands, stretching from north to south in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. In the north it borders on Taiwan (Bashi Strait), in the south with Malaysia (Balabak and Alis straits) and Indonesia, in the east it is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, in the west - by the South China Sea. The entire territory between the Philippine islands is occupied by numerous inland seas and straits. The total area of \u200b\u200bthe country is 300 thousand square meters. km., the area of \u200b\u200binland water areas - more than 1.8 thousand square meters. km.
The country includes more than 7.1 thousand islands, of which about 1000 are permanently inhabited, and more than 2500 are not only not inhabited, but do not even have a name. The islands are located in three groups - the northern island of Luzon and adjacent islands, the central Visayan group (about 6 thousand islands) and southern Mindanao with the surrounding islands.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
In the Philippine Islands, the floristic composition is rich and diverse and includes more than 10 thousand species. Includes about 3 thousand trees, 1 thousand ferns and ferns, 900 species of orchids. About 60 species of tree species are of commercial value. Forests cover more than 40% of the country's territory.
The Philippines is dominated by humid evergreen rainforests in the north and equatorial rainforests in the south. In areas of constant moisture up to a height of 500-800 m, multi-tiered dipterocarp forests are widespread, in which there are many valuable tree species (tanhile, mayapis, guizo, almon, white and red louan, large-flowered dipterocarpus, yakal, narra, erythrophleum).
Epiphytes are numerous - orchids and rafflesia (the diameter of its flower reaches 1 m). In the lower tier and along the forest edges, palm trees grow, including those of great economic importance sugar (or feathery), fan, areca (or betelny), rattan liana. Where there is a winter-spring dry season, monsoon deciduous forests are common.
Evergreen oak forests with palm undergrowth, alternating with oak-maple-myrtle forests entwined with lianas and with mosses, lichens and orchids on tree trunks grow in the upper part of the designated belt and slightly above it.
At altitudes of 1000–2000 m, pure pine (with island pine and Merkuza) grow, in which such a valuable tree species as white agathis is found.
In some places in the coastal strip there are mangrove forests, consisting of pointed rhizophora, small-flowered brughier and soneration. The nipa palm grows along the periphery of these forests. As a result of anthropogenic activity, significant areas of virgin forests were destroyed, as a result of which many soils were severely eroded or overgrown with the hard tropical grass Alang-Alang (Imperata cylindrica), which the locals call "kogon".
Animal world
In general, the fauna of the Philippines is characterized by high endemism and a small number of mammalian species. Of the large mammals in the Philippines, there are two subspecies of the Asiatic buffalo - carabao and tamarau (the latter is found only in the central regions of Mindoro Island).
Smaller mammals are represented somewhat more widely. These include five species of macaques, tarsiers (a representative of semi-monkeys), rodents, numerous bats (about 60 species, including fruit bats, causing great damage to gardens) and shrews, as well as the Javanese deer (or dwarf musk deer) and a porcupine living on the island of Palawan, Filipino woolly wing, pangolin lizard. Among predators, there are such small animals as short-footed mongoose, binturong (from civet), and strange tail.
The abundance of reptiles (crocodiles, snakes, turtles, lizards, including geckos) is characteristic.
Several hundred bird species have been recorded in the Philippines. The avifauna is similar to the Malaysian and Australian ones. More than 300 bird species nest in the Philippine Islands, including a rare bird of prey from the hawk family - the harpy (lives in the forests of Mindanao, feeds on macaques).
The species diversity of insects is huge, among which there are many carriers of diseases (for example, mosquitoes) and agricultural pests (cicadas, etc.). The variety and beauty of butterflies is striking.
More than 2 thousand species of fish are found in the seas, many of which are of commercial importance (sardines, mackerel, tuna, etc.). In the shallow waters of the Sulu archipelago, there are large colonies of molluscs, including pearl mussels.
sights
- Boracay
- Villa Escudero
- Miagao Church
Banks and currency
The monetary unit of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP code 608). 1 Philippine peso equals 100 centavos.
In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos, as well as coins in denominations of 5, 10, 25 centavos; 1, 5 and 10 pesos.
In addition to the national currency, US dollars are widely used in the Philippines. Prices for goods and services are often quoted in both pesos and dollars.
You can exchange currency in the Philippines at banks, hotels and some shops. In addition, you can use the services of private money changers, which are easy to find in shopping centers and department stores. Money changers, as a rule, offer a more profitable exchange rate than in banks, but when working with them there is a risk of fraud.
Mainly US dollars, euros and pounds sterling are accepted for exchange in the Philippines. It is difficult to exchange any other currency, especially outside large cities.
Banks in the country work from Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 15.00 / 16.00.
Major credit cards are accepted in major cities in shops, restaurants and hotels. At the same time, credit cards are practically not used in the province.
Useful information for tourists
It will be useful to know that taxi drivers in the capital never give change. On the islands, a tip is accepted - 5-10% of the amount of the bill for taxi, hotel and restaurant services. Major shops and hotels accept credit cards from major world systems and traveller's checks; in the provinces, their use is unlikely.
Time: 5 hours ahead of Moscow time. From the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September - plus 4
- Entry rules. From September 19, 2007, no visa is required for Russian tourists entering the Philippines for a period not exceeding 21 days. An increase in the visa-free period of stay is possible, however, for this you must submit a corresponding request to the Immigration Bureau in Manila.
- Currency. Philippine peso \u003d 100 centavas You can exchange money at the airport, where the rate is more favorable than in hotels. Any convertible currency is accepted for exchange.
- Climate. In the Philippines, it is hot and humid throughout the year, the average annual temperature is + 26.5 C. In the Philippines, there are three seasons: Taginit - the local summer, the hottest season (from March to May), Tagulan - the rainy season (June-November) and Tag-lamig - cool "winter" (December-February). From May to October, the islands have a southwestern habakat monsoon, and dry winds in November-April. The best time to visit is from December to May, in December-February the largest influx of tourists. October-November is windy, rainy and cloudy.
- Mains voltage is mainly 220 V. House Keeping of the hotel will provide an adapter, ironing boards and an iron in the room at your first request.
-Water from the tap is not recommended to drink, almost all hotels have free bottled drinking water, and there are also sets for making tea and coffee
- Mobile communications - Cellular communications of the GSM 900/1800 standard are intensively developing throughout the country. The largest operators are Smart Communications, Digitel and Globe Telecom. Roaming is available to subscribers of major Russian operators.
SPA in the Philippines.
The Philippine SPA and Wellness industry is gaining popularity in the world thanks to the use of specific techniques and unique environmentally friendly products. The combination of the opportunity to relax on the tropical islands and to carry out procedures for rejuvenation and body cleansing is a unique chance. The most famous spas are San Benito Farm (Manila), Mandala SPA (Boracay), Snangri-La Mactan SPA (Cebu) and Spa on Badian Island (Cebu).
Manila - the capital of the Philippines, full of tourists all year round. Tourists are attracted by comfortable hotels, impeccable service and an interesting excursion.
City tour. A tour of the capital of the Philippines is best started from Fort Santiago, it was here that the fortress of Raja Suleiman, a young brave warrior, built of bamboo, stood four centuries ago. In 1571, the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi arrived here. In the same year, Legazpi founded Manila here, a Spanish architectural monument in the East. Opposite Fort Santiago stands Manila Cathedral, built in the Romanesque style from Filipino adobe. You can also visit the main historic street Calle Real. Nearby there is a complex of reconstructed buildings of the Plaza San Luis, which houses galleries of ancient art, restaurants, cafes, as well as the Casa Manila Museum, dedicated to the life of the local aristocracy. While in Manila, you can visit the Japanese and Chinese gardens and the city planetarium.
Separately, you need to pay attention to the unusual area of \u200b\u200bErmit, located near the Risal Park and Manila Bay. There are all kinds of hotels, eateries, nightlife restaurants, open-air pubs, trendy shops, antique shops, stalls with handicrafts and curiosities. Popular with tourists is the Filipino village of Nyong Pilipino - an open-air exhibition, where all types of village buildings are presented in miniature, reflecting the ethnocultural characteristics of various parts of the archipelago. There is also the Philippine Ethnographic Museum, the exposition of which introduces a variety of arts and crafts of local national minorities. Once here, you get the opportunity to purchase numerous souvenirs.
Tagatai mountain range and Taal volcano. The city of Tagatay is located on a mountain range 2250 feet above sea level. It is a 2-hour leisurely drive south of Manila, surrounded by small villages, gardens and coconut plantations.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the smallest, but deadly, Taal Volcano, as well as the picturesque surroundings of Lake Taal. After lunch of national cuisine - return to Manila. On the way - visit to the church of Las Pinas, where the world famous bamboo organ is located, and a local jeepney factory - the main type
Pagsanjan Falls - the famous waterfalls that tumble down from a height of 100 meters, located 2 hours from Manila. The final scenes of Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now were filmed in these locations. In a canoe, you will sail 7 km upstream to the waterfall and see a picture that is impossible to forget: the roar of the water, the sheer walls of the canyon, sparkling like diamonds, splashes ...
Islands. Each of the islands, where the hotels are located, offer a huge choice for sports, sea cruises, fishing, trekking led by local guides, scuba diving.
ATTENTION: Hotels in the Philippines have no official stardom. The classification we propose is our subjective assessment based on the world standards of hotels and the availability of a range of services.
To spend an unforgettable vacation, visit new places, see the beauty of nature or unusual landscapes - people dream of all this at any time of the year, which is why the question arises where the Philippines is located - a resort paradise consisting of many beautiful island territories that offer excellent weather conditions and many different ways to spend your free time.
When choosing tours or places to travel, some want their vacation to be remembered not only by noisy parties, but also by unusual, romantic minutes that can be spent in secluded and quiet places with a picturesque landscape.
In contact with
Philippines - position on the world map
Have you ever wondered how many Philippine Islands are there? What part of the world is this? Can you show them on the world map? The state represents 7000 island territories located in Southeast Asia. The Philippines on the world map can be found in the west, neighboring territories - Taiwan and Indonesia.
The capital of the Philippines is Manila, the largest city is Quezon City
Largest islands Philippines:
- Visayan;
- Mindanao;
- Luzon (makes up 66% of the entire country).
Resort areas, the most famous all over the world:
- Boracay;
- Bohol;
- Cebu;
- Mindoro (the largest volcano in the state is located here - almost 3000 meters);
- Palawan;
- Negros;
- Mactan;
- Mindanao.
Here the tourist will be able to discover not only the unusual nature, but also enjoy the beaches, which are one of the most comfortable and cleanest in the world. There are hotels and hotels in this country that provide services at the highest level. Local cuisine will delight you with a variety of seafood and fish dishes, due to the geographical location of the islands.
The relief of the islands is mainly made up of mountains, the highest of which is the Apo volcano (2954 m), located on the island of Mindanao
The Philippine Islands are part of the Malay Archipelago. The bulk of the large island territories originated from volcanic activity. For those wishing to admire the large mountain range, it is necessary to take a tour that involves visiting or living on the island of Luzon.
Brief information about the islands
With an area of \u200b\u200bonly 38.55 km², Manila is considered the most populous city in the world
Those who are going on vacation should know the following:
- The capital of the Philippines is Manila.
- The total area of \u200b\u200bthe Philippines, according to Wikipedia, is nearly 300,000 km2.
- The population density is 306 people per km2.
- The form of government in the Philippines is a republic.
- In the ranking, the country ranks 72nd in terms of area.
- The territory of the Philippines is about 2000 km long from north to south and 900 km from west to east.
- The republic includes 81 provinces, which make up 18 regions or, as they are also called, states.
- The national currency of the republic is the peso (Philippine).
- English and Filipino are the official languages.
- The majority of the population is Catholic (81%). There are also other religions: Protestants (about 10-11.5%) and Muslims (4-5%). The rest adhere to the traditional religions of the area.
- Time in the Philippines - +8 hours to Moscow.
- Electricity on the islands is carried out, the main types of outlets are designs A, in rare cases B.
- Visas for tourist stays not exceeding 30 days are not required to enter the territory of the island republic. In the event that you need to stay in the Philippines for a long period of time (31 days or more), you will need to issue documents. Visa applications must be submitted in advance.
- The price for a visa ranges from $ 40 to $ 120.
- The archipelago is washed on the west by the South China Sea, in the east by the Philippine Sea, and in the south by the sea called Sulawesi.
- The ocean near the country is Pacific.
- Fresh water can be found in the Cagayan River (this is a large source), the largest lake in the country is located in Luzon and is called Laguna de Bai.
- Despite the fact that there are from 120 to 175 languages \u200b\u200bin the Philippines, Russian is not spoken here. Therefore, when you travel, try to learn the essential phrases in Filipino.
Climate and weather
The Philippines is a special climatic place, which is located in the zone of the tropical monsoon climate, smoothly transitioning in the southern regions to the subequatorial temperature regime. The differences between these regions are the air temperature in winter.
The coldest month here is January and the hottest is May.
The main features of the climate of the Philippines, which should be considered when choosing the time to travel:
- the average temperature, regardless of the season, is 26-27 degrees;
- air humidity is relatively high and amounts to 77%;
- the average rainfall is 1200 mm / year;
- seasonal typhoons occur several times a year and can vary in destructive power.
It is also customary to distinguish 3 main seasons in the Philippines:
- Dry and relatively cold - 28 degrees on average, with minimal rainfall. Months - from October to February.
- Dry, hot - the average temperature is 33 degrees, little precipitation. The months are from March to May.
- Rainy - the average temperature is 30 degrees, the likelihood of typhoons is high, precipitation of varying intensity occurs daily.
Typhoons often hit the northern regions of the country, tsunamis are possible
Considering the amount of precipitation, there are 4 main zones:
- The eastern coast of the islands - no heavy rainfall, in the rainy season the amount is not too large.
- The eastern part is characterized by heavy rainfall from June to November. The climate is dry in winter.
- In the west of the country, it rains more in summer and autumn than in spring and winter.
- The northwest is characterized by dry weather from late autumn to mid-spring.
- The northeastern coast and Mindanao on the eastern side are distinguished by a large amount of precipitation at any time of the year; typhoons are recorded here more often than the rest of the republic.
Natural world on the islands
A visit to the territory of the island republic is necessary for those who wish to see unusual flora and fauna, since more than 50% of the country is rainforest.
About half of the Philippines is covered with tropical rainforest, dominated by palm trees, rubber plants, banyan tree, apitong, Mayapis, lauan
Accordingly, most of the trees are:
- palm trees;
- lauan;
- banyan tree.
Bamboo, orchids, jasmine and cinnamon also grow on the territory of the islands. At an altitude of more than 1.2 km above sea level, various shrubs grow, as well as meadows.
The Philippine eagle lives exclusively in the local rainforests and is one of the national symbols of this country.
The fauna is no less interesting and diverse. Here tourists have the opportunity to see:
- deer;
- mongoose;
- primates;
- the Filipino eagle;
- many butterflies;
- wild boar (wild);
- various birds;
- variety of species of reptiles.
That is why tourists will be able to create photographs of unusual beauty and picturesqueness.
Philippines - sights and amazing places
The main purpose of a tourist trip is a high-quality and interesting vacation, the opportunity to see interesting places and attractions located on the territory of the state with your own eyes.
Boracay Island White Beach is listed as one of the ten best beaches in the world
In the case of the Philippines, they can be divided into:
- natural;
- material (history and culture);
- intangible (contests, customs, national dances).
The numerous islands that form the country are the main pride and attraction, since each of them has a special natural area - volcanoes, mountains, forests, plains and lakes with magnificent waterfalls.
Take note: the beaches are also a landmark of the archipelago, since many of them have not just golden sand, but pink and even snow-white, unusual for most tourists.
On an area of \u200b\u200b50 square kilometers in the province of Bohol, there are, according to various sources, from 1260 to 1776 "chocolate" hills
A feature of natural attractions are:
- chocolate Hills (Bohol Island);
- underground river (Palawan island).
Note: for their unique data, they are included in the list of the main attractions of the planet.
Volcanoes in the country are very beautiful, in the crater of one of them a small lake was formed (Luzon Island). Mount Apo, which is located on the island of Mindanao, is considered the largest in the state.
Waterfalls are attractions of the whole country as a whole, and of every province where they are available. The gorgeous coral reefs deserve special attention.
The architectural and cultural attractions of the Philippines cover a long historical period - from pre-colonial times to the present and obtaining the status of an independent republic.
Tourists should visit:
- rice terraces (Banaue);
- Intramuros (old part of the capital of the country);
- Manila Cathedral (the largest in the state);
- Luneta Park;
- risal monument;
- cebu City - the oldest city in the Philippines;
- tomb and cross of Magellan;
- colorful Chinese temple in Cebu.
The old buildings have been preserved in Wigan, a small town on the island of Luzon.
Various contests, festivals and even cockfighting held in the country also attract the attention of tourists.
National cuisine of the Philippine Islands
Not only what to see, but also what to eat in the Philippines is of interest to tourists. Filipino cuisine, unusual for most vacationers, conquers with its dishes. She collected all the best from Asia, East, China, Spain and America.
Lechon is a whole pig roasted on a spit. Previously, he was almost the main dish at all big holidays or weddings.
There are also simple dishes, which include seafood, rice, fish, and complex ones - national, but adapted to local characteristics.
The most popular ones are:
- lechon;
- adobo;
- shinigang;
- fish sauce.
At the same time, the local cuisine is not too spicy and spicy. The main product found in a large number of recipes is rice. It is used in first courses, side dishes, with sauce and seafood. Also traditional sauces include sweet and sour, soy and vinegar; shrimps are also used for making gravies.
In cafes and restaurants, people use ordinary cutlery, but ordinary people can eat with their hands. Most desserts are prepared from a variety of fruits.
Accommodation features
The peculiarities of accommodation for tourists are the opportunity to choose between cozy bungalows, which are located on the coast, in picturesque places, and living in modern hotels or inns.
Tourists get everything they need in each of the places chosen for living, including the Internet.
Experienced advice: in order to save time and money, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance or look for accommodation based on feedback from tourists.
You should also take into account the peculiarities of climatic conditions - during the period of precipitation and typhoons, it is possible that the roads will be washed out and there is a possibility that tourists will be at the airport for 1-2 days.
It is worth noting: the staff working in hotels is not rushed, so vacationers should be prepared for this.
Entertainment and recreation
In order for tourists to have fun and interesting during their vacation, there is a varied cultural and entertainment program on the islands, which covers both adults and children. One of the most interesting ways to spend time with benefit is diving, water activities and attractions.
Typical reefs in the Philippines are characterized by a shallow top, covered with barrel sponges, sea fans, rocky and soft corals, among which fish swim with might and main
Also, entertainment should include various national holidays. The main ones that will be of interest to tourists are:
- Christmas (December 25), New Year, Good Friday, All Saints Day, May 1.
- The last day of Ramadan is a weekend for the islands.
- Particularly interesting will be the festive events traditional for the islands - the Manila procession on the Day of the Black Nazarene, which takes place on 9 January.
- The Flower Festival is held in Baguio throughout February.
- On May 15, Pahiyas is held - a holiday held in honor of St. Isidore, on this day residents decorate their houses with fruit and vegetable compositions.
Shopping
Large modern shopping centers attract the attention of tourists, shopping in the Philippines will be successful and varied. You can buy exclusive and expensive products, or high-quality and reliable, but affordable copies.
Small shops offer holidaymakers artisan goods that reflect the local flavor or allow you to decorate your home with a souvenir, completely adapted to Europeans, but made in local production.
Inexpensive, but interesting, which are nice to receive a gift, souvenirs - jewelry with corals and natural pearls, silverware, dishes made of coconuts and wood, rattan wicker furniture - all this can also be purchased in various stores in the country.
Take into account: coconut oil is a product that is in particular demand, as it is an excellent natural cosmetics.
Transport
It is important to take into account, especially when choosing a way to travel in a rented car, that traffic in the country is right-hand. Difficulties and traffic jams often occur on the roads, especially in large cities.
Jeepney is a Filipino invention, the brainchild of local kulibins
Bus routes also help to get to various points. The Philippines has a national mode of transport - jeepney (a hybrid of a jeep and a small bus). Locals and visitors can only travel by this transport on some islands.
In tourist places, tricycles are actively used - compact motorcycles with a sidecar for 2-4 passengers. Numerous taxis are also available. You can move from the island and to the island by water transport in the form of ships.
Communication
Large Russian telephone operators operate throughout the island state. Messages and calls are made while roaming, as is the use of mobile internet.
Safety
Like any foreign country, you shouldn't trust the first comer, especially if you don't know the language well and are in the country for the first time.
All local fruits and vegetables must be washed before use
Tourists should not forget that:
- the country lies in the zone of frequent typhoons and tsunamis;
- there are active volcanoes;
- earthquakes happen;
- cases of floods and multi-day rains are recorded;
- street crime is high;
- it is not recommended to be in cities for a long time in a crowd and large gatherings of people;
- all products that do not undergo heat treatment should be thoroughly washed;
- you will also need to be vaccinated against hepatitis before traveling to the country.
Real estate in the Philippines
Anyone has the right to buy real estate on the islands. Here are the different types of houses and apartments that can be rented or purchased.
An important feature is that a foreign citizen has no rights to the land on which the house he bought is located. It is necessary to draw up a lease agreement (up to 50 years), after the expiration, this period may be extended.
Many religious holidays are a rather unusual mixture of Christian norms and local pagan traditions, which gives them a special charm.
A few more interesting facts:
- shops in the country do not work after 20.00, small shops may close if it is very hot outside;
- Independence Day is celebrated on June 12;
- despite the intense heat, you should not wear short shorts or skirts, open clothing if you intend to visit religious places;
- every hotel has the ability to deposit important or valuable things, as well as documents;
- in restaurants, cafes, hotels, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the amount of the service;
- it is prohibited to leave things for storage at airports.
Conclusion
The Philippines is a fabulous getaway destination, but it requires extra attention.
The nature here is very beautiful, but the climatic conditions can bring unpleasant surprises to vacationers in the form of rains and typhoons. In general, a visit to the country is recommended for those who love hot weather, sea and water activities.
Watch a video in which the user shares his impressions and gives practical tips for resting on Fillipins:
The Republic of the Philippines is an island state in Southeast Asia, located in the western Pacific Ocean, and is part of the Malay Archipelago. It is included in the zone of the Pacific volcanic ring of fire.
The weather on the west and east coast of the same island may be different! In the descriptions of popular tourist places that you will find on the links, this will be mentioned separately, for now it is enough to know that the meteorological service of the Philippines distinguishes four types of climate (on the clickable map on the right you can see the distribution of types by territory):
- 1 - dry season from November to April. The rainy season the rest of the time.
- 2 - there is no pronounced dry season. Maximum precipitation from December to February. The minimum precipitation is from March to May.
- 3 - similar to the first type, but the dry season is much shorter, lasting one to three months, falling from December to February or from March to May.
- 4 - precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year. It is similar to the second type, except that there is no specific month when no rain is expected.
The western part of the country is characterized by the first type of climate, the central one - the third, and the eastern - the fourth and second.
In many countries in the region, travel during the rainy season is not a global problem or disaster, but the Philippines. Around the same time as the rainy season, there is a likelihood of a typhoon. This can result in floods, canceled flights and ferry services. It is worth considering this, especially if you are going on vacation for two weeks or buy tickets from island to island in advance. Typhoons most often come in August. The further north, the more likely this event is, especially for the main island of the country - Luzon - up to three typhoons a year. In the central part of the country - one or two. On the southernmost island, Mindanao, the likelihood of a typhoon tends to zero.
Cities and regions
The Philippines is an island state, unique in its beauty and culture. For many centuries here, one ruler succeeded another. The islands were influenced by European conquerors for many years, but nevertheless, their culture has preserved the amazing distinctive traditions of the local aborigines.
And also, despite the fact that the Philippines has long been considered a true paradise for tourists, the islands are famous for the fact that the unique, pristine beauty of nature has been preserved here, which you can admire for an unlimited amount of time. Below are links to the regions of the Philippines, by going through which you will read more detailed information about a particular region.
- Palawan (and separately about Coron)
- Northern Mindanao (and separately about Camigin)
Philippines landmarks
The Philippines is an extremely multifaceted country, there are both natural beauties and man-made sights left for us by the Spanish conquistadors or the Americans, or by the Filipinos themselves. We decided to break them geographically - the capital of the country, the most popular tourist island of Cebu and the rest of the country.
Other attractions of the Philippines:
Where to go in the Philippines
sights
Museums and galleries
Entertainment
Parks and recreation areas
Leisure
Transport
Things to do
The Philippines is of interest to divers around the world for its coral reefs, wrecks, picturesque underwater islands and sparsely populated bays. Diving enthusiasts can always find interesting places here. As a rule, small boats are used for diving, the length of which is no more than 25 m in length. They are equipped with special balancing floats - outriggers.
The most developed area for diving is the Tubbatah area, at the same time, due to the increased interest in diving, this area is actively developing. Subic Bay attracts divers with its wrecks. This site has been available for diving since 1992, previously the bay was the site of a US naval base. Coron Bay is also interesting for divers.Here you can see sunken Japanese ships that were sunk during the Second World War. American revenge for Pearl Harbor turned into the bombing of a huge number of ships.
Most of the Philippine reefs have a shallow top. It is covered with barrel sponges, various corals, spreading sea fans and hydroids. In all this diversity, you can see many marine life. The most common fish are cesium, pennant fish, Moorish idols, angel fish. Among the underwater animals, you can also find large marine life - sharks, turtles, rays, cave sharks. Also during the dive, you can see nudibranchs, whitetip reef sharks, sea cucumbers, lobsters, ascidians, cirrus worms and starfish.
Many dive sites in the Philippines can be reached by plane. Diving enthusiasts should not forget about decompression sickness when flying after diving. Doctors recommend taking a break between flights and multiple dives for at least a day.
- Detailed material: diving in the Philippines
Getting around in the Philippines
With regard to travel within the country, between the islands, the choice here is limited only to ferries and domestic flights.
Air traffic
The main air companies are, and. The cost of their flights, in general, does not differ much, they all fall under the budget category. For example, Cebu Pacific offers ticket prices to Boracay (Kalibo) from 200 pesos, to Palawan (Puerto Princess) from 800 pesos, to Cebu from 1,100 pesos, and to Bohol from 1,600 pesos.
The main tourist destinations in the Philippines are Boracay, Palawan, Bohol and Cebu. Any of these places can be reached both from Manila and from other islands. It is worth noting the fact that due to the remote location of some airports, you will have to spend additional time traveling by land and / or using the ferry. So, for example, to get to Boracay (from Manila), you need to fly either to Caticlan (upon arrival, you will only need to change to a ferry to Boracay Island and in 15-20 minutes you will be on the spot), or Kalibo (in this case, you will first need to get to Caticlan, where you can change to the ferry). If your goal is Cebu, then the destination will be about. Mactan, where the Cebu-Mactan airport is located, will not be difficult to get from there to Cebu, since there are bridges between the islands.
As for Fr. Palawan, then its airports are based in the cities of Puerto Princess and El Nido, it is worth choosing between them considering where you plan to stay on vacation. You can get to Bohol to see the famous Chocolate Hills by direct flights both from Manila and, for example, from Cebu - the closest popular island to Bohol. The flight time between the islands is from 30 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on the direction.
You can view the schedule of flights within the Philippines and their cost, as well as purchase a ticket at the lowest price, using our page.
Ferry service
All islands are connected by ferry service, which is perfect for those who are afraid to fly or want to save money. It should be borne in mind that ferries are often delayed or canceled due to bad weather (as well as flights). The schedule changes regularly for each direction, so the best option would be to arrive at the pier in the morning, since ferries run, for the most part, up to 6-7 hours, 3-6 times a day, depending on the destination of the direction.
An approximate schedule can be found on the website, where, in addition to everything, the phones and official websites of most of the ferry companies involved in the Philippines are indicated. You can also use the site, where navigation through the islands and piers is quite convenient, by selecting the desired one, you will see the schedule.
Do not forget that the schedule is indicative, as well as the fact that it is best to buy the cheapest tickets, because the seats of the 3rd class are located under a canopy on the open deck, and the 1st class is in the hold. Ferry prices range from 250 to 500 pesos for a non-air-conditioned trip on the most budget-friendly regular ferry destinations. And from 600 to 1000 pesos with all the amenities, on high-speed boats.
Philippine cuisine
Filipino cuisine is primarily associated with dishes of rice, fish, seafood, meat and vegetables, which are unusual for a European pungency and pungency. Most dishes are quick enough to prepare. Eating is a little different from that in Russian life: in the Philippines, snacks are relied on first, followed by soups and hot dishes with a side dish, which is rice and vegetables. The end of the meal ends with a local drink and dessert, which, for example, can be soufflé, jelly or ice cream. By tradition, people eat here mainly with their hands, but in many restaurants tourists can also be offered the usual cutlery. Now let's get acquainted with the dishes of the Philippine cuisine in more detail.
Rice in the Philippines, like in many Asian countries, can be called one of the main national dishes. Rice, which is also referred to here as "white gold", is used in most of the local cuisine. Boiled lightly salted rice in Filipino cuisine is used both as a popular side dish served with fish, meat, poultry or seafood, and simply instead of bread. In the Philippines, rice can be eaten as porridge with garlic and spices, and added cold to salads. Even desserts are not complete without rice - tourists can taste rice cakes and sweets. Rice flour is used to prepare siomai - fish dumplings paired with vegetables in a sweet and sour peanut sauce. Fried rice noodles with meat, seafood, or vegetables are called pansit. And this is just a small part of the Filipino dishes, in the preparation of which rice is involved.
Along with rice, fish and seafood are the most important ingredients in Filipino cuisine. Due to the geographic location of the state, there is a wide variety of marine life. Most often in the Philippines, you can find dishes prepared from fish such as trout, marlin, tuna, mackerel, bangus milkfish, paw-paw, tilapia, catfish, mackerel, shark and stingray. Other marine life here include shrimp, mussels, oysters, octopuses, crabs and squid.
So what kind of dishes do these sea representatives cook? While spending time in the Philippines, try fermented bagoon salted shrimp, fish balls in vinegar sauce, pinakbet shrimp paste, siniganga clam broth, mackerel in coconut milk with various quinilow-on-tankwinkle spices. One of the most popular fish in Filipino cooking is the paw-paw, a type of sea bass that is often steamed. After cooking, the fillet is carefully separated from the bones and then served with a side dish.
Fish or seafood dishes can be found absolutely everywhere: from a restaurant to a small cafe. In luxury restaurants, you can taste real gourmet dishes with dozens of different ingredients and local specialty sauces. Fish dishes can also be served as a snack with slices of kalamansi lemon, unripe papaya or spicy sauce, herbs and rice. In some coastal cafes and restaurants, guests can prepare a dish from seafood brought by the tourists themselves. At home, fish is mainly steamed or grilled, and served with rice or vegetables.
In the Philippines, meat dishes are no less popular than fish dishes. Due to the mixing of culinary traditions, here you can find both European or Asian familiar to everyone and traditional local dishes. The local specialties include adobo - pieces of chicken, pork or even squid stewed in a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar, well seasoned with pepper, garlic and bay leaves. No less popular is "lechon" - a suckling pig stuffed and roasted on a spit or "crispi patu" - a pork leg fried with garlic until crispy golden brown. Quite an unusual meat masterpiece is "Chicharon", which is a pork skin, fried to a crisp. Here you can also try morcon and embutido meat rolls. If this is still not enough, then you can go on to truly exotic dishes by trying, for example, “caret-caret” - buffalo tail soup; "Carabao" - a buffalo meat dish fried over coals; "Cake" - an omelet made from eggs and minced meat or "asso" - a dish made from dog meat.
Traditional sauces in Filipino cuisine include sweet and sour, soy, and vinegar. Patis is a popular sauce produced as a by-product of bagoon shrimp paste. Arros caldo porridge is a very popular tourist dish served with patis. On the dining table, patis often replaces salt. Apart from sauces, one of the key ingredients is vinegar, which comes in many varieties. Food in the Philippines is mostly cooked in palm oil, without being subjected to intense heat treatment, unlike other Asian countries.
One of the final stages of the meal is a dessert, which, as you might guess, is mostly made from local fruits: bananas, pineapples, oranges, guava, mango, papaya, kalamansi, ube and others. They make salads, sauces, jams, add to cakes, pastries, ice cream, soufflé or jelly. In addition to fruits, the familiar eggs, flour and gelatin are used in desserts, as well as coconut milk, brown sugar, sweet corn and all the same rice. Among the most popular desserts, it is worth noting such desserts as "halo-halo" - ice cream made from a mixture of pulp of various fruits, crushed ice and condensed milk; Leche - fruit pie; "Puto" and "bibinka" - rice cakes; "Ginataan" - a dessert made from fruits and coconut milk; durian sweets and fried bananas topped with sweet sauce. If you want to try something else unusual, then you should try "balut" - this is a boiled egg with a duckling embryo inside.
Eating, perhaps, in all cuisines of the world ends with some kind of drink. Popular soft drinks in the Philippines include lemonades, fresh juices, buko coconut milk, iced tea and local baraco hot coffee. Among alcoholic beverages, tourists can be advised of local beer, Tanduay rum, as well as Lombonac palm wine and Tuba wine made from fermented coconut milk.
Safety
Filipinos are a good-natured and calm people. But, like every locality, the Philippines has its own behaviors.
When planning to visit the Philippines, every tourist should take into account the fact that there is a high level of theft in this country, especially in large cities, but in rural areas this is out of the question. Everything is quiet and calm there. A favorite feature of local residents is begging the guests of the country for "presents". So you have to be ready for such a turn. However, the Filipinos are not very persistent. In general, the local population is distinguished by its friendly behavior towards guests from other countries, amazing cheerfulness and the famous slowness, about which there are whole legends.
You need to be careful with strangers, albeit good-natured people. There are many small scammers and pickpockets here. You need to watch your belongings and not rush to "free" food and drinks, so as not to become a victim of "divorce".
If you overlooked things and were stolen, then you should contact the embassy. But hoping that things will be found is not an option. So it's best to be vigilant in advance.
The Philippines has seen an increase in crime over the past ten years. A difficult criminal situation has developed not only in the capital of the state of Manila, but also in almost all large cities. Armed attacks on tourists followed by robbery are not uncommon. To minimize the risk of such a situation, tourists should not wander the streets at nightfall, especially alone.
It is no secret that the Philippines is considered a sex tourism mecca. Prostitution here is on a grand scale, and child prostitution simply flourishes. In the center of Manila, dubious comrades are ready to offer guests more than one catalog with girls for every taste and color. In order not to find yourself in an awkward situation and not to get a bag of troubles, go away from such dealers immediately.
The police are involved in maintaining public order in the Philippines. She exercises control over what is happening imperceptibly but thoroughly. They treat tourists with special awe, although at times it seems that they are doing it too intrusively.
For Filipinos to treat you well, you need to treat them the same way. No one has canceled etiquette and tolerance even in such remote places.
If you have a falling out with a Filipino, then try to work it out. Did not work out? Then just walk away. Shouting won't help matters, especially with phlegmatic Filipinos.
Also, some household safety issues cannot be ignored. Tourists are advised to avoid drinking unboiled water right up to brushing their teeth. In addition, you should avoid eating thermally unprocessed foods (fish, meat, milk, and so on) with the exception of fruits. They just need to be washed and peeled.
Otherwise, security in the Philippines is good. Therefore, if you adhere to basic precautions and norms of behavior, then the rest in this country will be safe.
