Travel to the Philippines


Getting to the Philippines:

The Philippines is a relatively easy travel destination by Southeast Asian standards. English is widely spoken in the Philippines and the country has an endearing. Don’t-worry-be-happy vibe, soothing for first-time visitors. Alas, volatile weather and natural disasters can mess up trips in a hurry, while a menu of 7000-plus islands creates itinerary headaches for even the most seasoned travel planners. Increase your chances of a smooth trip by avoiding the following first-timer fails.

Travel to the Philippines
Travel to the Philippines

Getting around the Philippines by plan, is fairly easy.

Philippine Airlines flies to Manila five times a week from Heathrow. Once in Manila, the cost of domestic flights to get to the different islands can vary depending on what time of year you are flying and where. Local airlines such as Cebu Pacific, Air Asia and Tiger Airways offer seat sales throughout the year, where you can often bag return flights for around $50. Outside of the sales, expect to pay around $100 return.

How you get around and make a travel plan.

Philippine jeepney
Philippine jeepney

Philippines islands and beaches are … Heaven. Paradise. Amazing especially Palawan.  I hard to found better beaches in the world than here. 

The queen of all the beaches is probably White Beach in Boracay, constantly rated as one of the Top 10 beaches of the world. I wouldn’t say it’s the best one, but certainly the most famous one.

If you are into white sandy beaches and turquoise crystal-clear waters, you’re in the right country. Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands. It’s not hard to find your dream beach or a pristine island over there and having it all for yourself… 

How to get from one place to another.

Map of the Philippine islands
Map of the Philippine islands

Article coming soon!! Travel to the Philippines

Wildlife in the Philippines.

Philippines is home of a diverse range of birds, plants, animals and sea creatures. There are nearly 200 mammal species in the Philippines. The Philippine Tarsier is one of the smallest (and cutest!) species of monkeys in the world.

Philippine eagle - Travel to the Philippines wildlife
The Monkey eagle is the world’s largest hawk bird

You will find more than 600 species of birds, over 300 species of reptiles and amphibians and at least 400 coral species. From the giant whale shark to the world’s smallest fish (Pandaca pygmea), everything you can dream of is united in the beautiful islands of the Philippines.

Big-Eyed Primate in Bohol
Big-Eyed Primate in Bohol

Often mistakenly dubbed as the “world’s smallest monkey,” the Philippine Tarsier ranks as one of the smallest primates in the world. Closely related to lemurs, these shy, delicate creatures literally fit in the palm of your hand. This was taken at a viewing/feeding station along the Loboc River. The fun part was feeding them – get a cricket from a jar using a stick, place it in front of the Tarsier, and watch them eat it whole!

Philippine Pangolin
Philippine Pangolin

Pangolin was just as of late depicted as a different animal categories from the Sunda Pangolin. It has the best number of scale lines over its once again of all Asian pangolins. It could be recognized from the Sunda Pangolin by its more diminutive scales and a shorter head and body to tail length ratio.little is thought about the generation of the Philippine Pangolin, however it is comprehended to be like that of the Sunda Pangolin, with one posterity conceived after an incubation time of between 3 and 4 months. Females achieve development in their first year. 


The people.

I don’t feel like a walking wallet in the Philippines and getting in touch with locals and becoming friends with them is much easier over there than in other countries.

The hospitality of Filipinos is incomparable so Travel to the Philippines and enjoy
The hospitality of Filipinos is incomparable.

If I look in my Facebook, I think by now I have more friends from Philippines than from my own country. I’m still in touch with many Filipinos I met during my trips, many of them I met again or even traveled together. They turned out as faithful, kind and caring friends. To sum it up, I love them! 

The hospitality of Filipinos is incomparable, compared to the rest of the world.

In my experience, from all the Asians I have met, Filipinos are the most kind and friendly people, extremely welcoming and curious, but also respectful. They always seem happy and smiling, and they love to sing and to dance whenever there is an occasion to celebrate

Before you travel to the Philippines.

Before you travel to the Philippines.

There are a few things you should know, about the country!

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups. The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao (excluding Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao Islands) due to the threat of terrorism.

Terrorists:

Are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the Philippines. Terrorist groups have the intent and capability to carry out attacks at any time and anywhere in the country, including in the capital Manila and in places visited by foreigners, such as airports, shopping malls, public transport, including the metro system, and places of worship.

The terrorists attacks have been carried out. By using small arms and improvised explosive devices. Including both vehicle and personnel borne. You should remain vigilant at all times and report anything suspicious to the local authorities.

It’s likely that terrorist groups continue to plan kidnap operations against western nationals in the Philippines, both on land and at sea, but this is particularly acute in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.

Martial law:

Is in place across the whole of Mindanao until 31 December 2019. Monitor media reporting and follow the instructions of local authorities. A ‘state of national emergency on account of lawless violence’ remains in place across the rest of the country. Expect random checkpoints, security patrols and a more visible routine security presence. You should co-operate with the Philippine authorities and allow extra time to pass through security checks. Make sure you carry a form of identification with you.

Over 200,000 British nationals visited the Philippines in 2017. Most visits where trouble-free.

Visa and immigration services

No visa required for a stay not exceeding 59 days. Traveller must hold valid ticket for return journey to country of origin or next country of destination and a passport valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the stay in the Philippines. No visa required for a stay not exceeding 21 days.

Visa and tourist visa:

You can enter the Philippines without a visa. For an initial period of 30 days. You can also get a tourist visa before you travel, which will allow an initial 59 day stay. You can always extend your stay, by contacting the immigration office and applying for an extension. When your are in the Philippines! Read more!

Philippine National Police Special Reaction Unit
Members of the Philippine National Police Special Reaction Unit gather as part of a police visibility operation along a main road in Metro Manila, Philippines June 4, 2016.

Street crime and robbery:

There’s a high incidence of street crime and robbery throughout the Philippines. You should take sensible precautions. Always travel with others or local Philippines or Family.

Prison sentences in the Philippines are severe.

The judicial system can result in long-term detention until a court hearing takes place. Detention facilities are far below UK/EU/US standards. Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for importing and using illegal drugs are particularly severe.

Weather, ferry’s and mosquitoes:

The Philippines is in an active earthquake zone and has numerous volcanoes and have around 20 typhoons each year. Most of which occur between June and December.

Medical insurance and help:

The Philippines’ ferry and passenger boat network has a poor record of maritime safety. You should exercise caution when considering travel by inter-island ferries and avoid overcrowded boats. Accidents are more frequent during the rainy season between June and December when storms can develop quickly. When you Travel to the Philippines

The Philippines Department of Health (DoH) declared a national dengue epidemic on 6 August 2019. Continue to follow NaTHNaC advice and take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. But anyway you should avoid being outside, around sunset. Where they are most active. Now the question is? Is it possible to be vaccinated, against these mosquito bites? Read More!

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK/EU(US government, contact the nearest Embassy, consulate or high commission. Because, the consular support is severely limited, in these parts of the Philippines. Where the FCO advise against travel, and limited in these areas. Where the FCO advise against all but essential travel. Full consular support is available in all other areas.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Take out an comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. Be sure to get a heath checkup before you travel and visit your State Departments homepage for more information. Have a nice trip and be safe!

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