Philippines Overview

Affectionately referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient Seas', the 7,107 Filipino islands span the South China and Philippine seas like scattered pearls. After more than 300 years of Spanish rule, the islands have cultivated a unique blend of Southeast Asian and European traditions. In fact, local exuberance is often compared to the Latin zeal for life. more...

Philippines Activities

Children’s Play Centres Kids’ Station in Robinson’s Galleria and Kids at Work in Mega Mall (both located in Manila) are great places to take the kids when bad weather bars outdoor activities. Here children can have fun mingling with other children from around the world, and regularly planned activities are held throughout the day. Pixie Land in Festival Mall is another good place to entertain children indoors. With a two-storey merry-go-round, small children’s cars, and an indoor train, children can pass an entire afternoon inside. more...

Philippines Events and Festivals

Chinese New Year: the date of this holiday shifts with the lunar phases. Pockets of Chinese across the Philippines observe New Year festivities with the greatest fanfare in Manila's Chinatown. Fireworks, traditional dance and plenty of Chinese delicacies put Chinatown at the top of tourists' priorities during this time of year. more...

Philippines Sightseeing

Bicol To the satisfaction of many travellers, the entire region of South Luzon doesn’t make it on most tourists' itineraries. The result is an unspoilt haven for trekkers or those simply seeking respite from the country’s often crowded cities. The conical volcanic peaks that characterise the landscape here are remarkable. Marine tours around the fishing village of Donsol lead tourists to the whale sharks that frequent this area. more...

Philippines Transport

The vast majority of the Philippines' visitors arrive via Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which is located in Manila. Flights frequently connect to Indonesia, China, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, while international connections service Europe, the Middle East and North America. There are a number of other international airports strewn across the archipelago, with secondary terminals at Cebu and Davao. more...

Philippines Travel Tips

Comprehensive medical facilities are available throughout major cities in the Philippines. While primary government-run hospitals are typically adequate for travellers' needs, some visitors prefer opt for privately-run clinics, especially when travelling in less-developed regions. Pharmacies are usually fully-stocked and well-located around most tourist destinations. more...