Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is a beautiful and diverse country known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and welcoming people. Whether you’re focused on diving only or wish to enjoy other activities as well, there are a few key things you should know before visiting to make the most of your trip. By being knowledgable about a few practical points – such as visa requirements, transportation options, cultural norms, and health precautions – you can make the most of your trip while staying safe and respectful.
Visiting the Philippines can be an unforgettable experience, with its welcoming people, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. In addition to diving, you may want to enjoy a relaxing beach vacation, explore the bustling cities, and venturing into the mountainous regions.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Manila, lounging on the white sands of Boracay, or diving in the clear waters of Palawan, the Philippines has a lot to offer for both short-term and long-term visitors.
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities can enter the Philippines without applying for a visa in advance if they present a valid passport at the border and have a return or onward ticket. Well before your trip, visit the Philippines’ embassy website or contact your closest Philippine consulate to verify the visa requirements based on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries can stay as tourists for up to 59 days, while others are limited to 30 days, and some must apply for a visa in advance.
If you plan to stay longer that the alloted time, you can apply for a visa extension at one of the Bureau of Immigration offices scattered across the country.
Language
The official languages of the Philippines are Filipino (Tagalog) and English. English is widely spoken, especially in cities and tourist areas, making it relatively easy for English-speaking travelers to communicate. In rural areas, however, English proficiency may be lower, so learning a few basic Filipino phrases can be helpful and appreciated.
- Hello = “Kamusta”
- Thank you = “Salamat”
- How much is this? = “Magkano ito?”
In addition to Filipino (Tagalog), there are 19 other recognized regional languages in the Philippines, and 130-195 languages (depending on how you classify a language) are spoken throughout the country. Almost all of the languages belong to the Malayo-Polynesian language group, but there are also local varieties of Chinese spoken here, and several Spanish-based creole languages collectively known as Chavanco.
Filipino, which is a standardized version of Tagalog, serves as a lingua franca within the country.
Currency and Payment Methods
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP).
While credit cards are widely accepted in larger cities, malls, and tourist areas, it’s a good idea to carry cash, especially when traveling to rural areas, small towns, or islands where ATMs and card payment options are limited.
ATMs are available in cities and towns, but in more remote areas, they can be hard to find. Plan accordingly, and always have some cash on hand.
Exchange rates at airports are usually less favorable, so it’s better to exchange money at banks or exchange counters in malls. You can also use ATMs that accept international cards and withdraw PHP from them.
Staying Connected
Staying connected in the Philippines is relatively easy with a local SIM card. The two main mobile providers are Globe and Smart, both offering data plans for tourists. Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities. However, in rural areas and islands, internet access can be limited and slower, so plan accordingly.
When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit the Philippines?
The Philippines has a tropical climate, with three main seasons: dry, rainy, and typhoon season. Which season you prefer depends on your preferences, but generally speaking, visitors – including dive tourists – have a stronger fondness for the dry season, i.e. between December and May, and particularly March to May when the weather is both warm mand dry.
The rainy season, which runs form June to November, can reduce visibility for divers, and is generally less popular for diving, snorkling, beach activities, boating, etcetera. The rainy season brings frequent rain showers and thunderstorms, especially in the months of August and September. Still, some tourists like this season, as it is much less crowded in popular tourist locations, and you may be able to negotiate favorable rates for accommodation and activities. Just be prepared to handle occasional disruptions due to weather. Peak typhon season is between July and October, and the Philippines is sometimes hit very hard by strong typhons.
Transportation within the Philippines
Getting around the Philippines can be both an adventure and a challenge. While cities like Manila and Cebu have developed transportation systems, rural areas often rely on more traditional forms of transport, such as jeepneys, tricycles and motorbikes.
The iconic jeepnyes are colorful buses that serve as the most common form of public transport in cities and towns. They are inexpensive but can be very crowded. For short distances, you may be more confortable using tricycles or motorbike taxis; they are common in both smaller towns and rural areas.
Another option is taxis and ride-sharing. In larger cities, taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are available. Always ensure that the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand.
Last but not least, flights are available within the Philippines, which comes as no surprise as this country consists of over 7,000 islands. Domestic flights are often the most efficient way to travel between islands, especially for longer distances. Major airlines include Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia.
Understanding the Geography of the Philippines
Having a least a basic understanding of the geography of the Philippines will make it easier for you to both plan your trip and get around once you have arrived.
This is an archipelago
The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,600 islands scattered from the South China Sea in the north to the Celebes Sea in the south. Only about 2,000 of the islands have a permanent population.
The islands that make up the Philippines are clustered into three major island groups: Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
Which are the biggest islands?
The 11 largest islands are Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Mindoro, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, and Masbate. Together, these 11 islands account for roughly 95% of the contry´s total land area.
Location
The Philippines lies between 4°23′ and 21° North (N) latitude and between 116° and 127° East (E) longitude.
How big is the Philippines?
- The islands cover a combined land area of roughly 300,000 square kilometers, if we include inland bodies of water.
- The northernmost island is roughly 1,850 km away from the southernmost island.
- The country´s exclusive economic zone covers 2,263,816 km2.
Regions
The Philippines is divided into 18 regions and 82 provinces. As of 2020, Calabarzon was the region with the largest population, but the National Capital Region (NCR) was more densely populated.
Highest peak
The highest mountain in the Philippines is Mount Apo, with an altitude of 2,954 metres above sea level. It is located on the island of Mindanao.
Longest river
The longest river in this country is the Cagayan River, which flows for roughly 520 km in northern Luzon.
Largest lake
The largest lake in the Philippines is Laguna de Bay. The Pasig River connects the lake to Manila Bay, the bay where you´ll find Manila – the capital of the Philippines.
Safety
The Philippines is generally safe for tourists, but like any country, there are areas where extra caution is advised. Certain regions within the Philippines, including parts of Mindanao and Sulu, are considered risky due to insurgencies and terrorist activity. Always check travel advisories from your government.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, can occur anywhere, but the risk is higher in crowded places and touristy areas. Always be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure, and avoid flashing valuables.
The Philippines is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Stay informed about weather conditions and safety protocols, and be prepared to change your travel plans to reduce risk. There are 20+ active vulcanoes in the country, with Mayon, Taal, Canlaon, and Bulusan having the largest number of recorded eruptions. While typhoons typically come with plenty of warnings if you follow the news, seismic activity is unpredictable and can happen at any time of the year. The Philippines is located on the western fringes of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and on average, there will be five earthquakes recorded per day – but most are way too small to be noticed.
As always, it is important to have comprehensive travel insurance. If you plan on scuba diving in the Philippines, make sure you know the terms and conditions of your policy regarding scuba diving, as some policies will consider it an excluded “high risk activity”, at least if your venture outside the scope of classic low-risk tourist diving with acknowledged dive centres.
Health and Vaccinations
Larger cities have good hospitals and clinics, but health care facilities can be limited in remote areas. It’s a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including emergency transport and evacuations.
Before traveling to the Philippines, ensure that you’re up-to-date with routine vaccines, such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and tetanus. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid are recommended, especially if you’re traveling to rural areas. Some travelers may also consider vaccinations for Japanese encephalitis and rabies, depending on the length and type of stay.
While the risk of malaria is low in most parts of the Philippines, it is higher in some rural areas, particularly in the Palawan region. Dengue fever, spread by mosquitoes, is more common, so it’s advisable to use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves in mosquito-prone areas. While profylaxis is available for malaria, there is none for dengue. Note: Chikungunya and zika are also present in the Philippines.
Filipino cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with plenty of local dishes worth trying, such as adobo, sinigang, and lechon. However, it’s important to take precautions regarding food and water safety. Making sure the food is freshly cooked and served hot can reduce the risk of health issues. Tap water is generally not safe to drink in the Philippines, so it’s recommended to drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice made from tap water.
Population
By 2020, the Philippines had a population exceeding 109 million people. Of them, over 60% lived in coastal areas.
The capital of the country is Manila, while the most populous city is Quezon City. Both of them are located within the Metro Manila Area, and roughly 13.5 million people live in this metropolitan area.
At the 2020 census, the largest ethical groups in the Philippines were Tagalog (26%), Visayans (14.3%, excluding the Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and Waray), Ilocano (8%), Cebuano (also 8%), and Hiligaynon (almost 8%).
The Philippines is a secular state with freedom of religion. Nearly 90% of the population are Christians, making the country home to one of the largest Christian population in Asia. At the 2020 census, 78.8% of respondents identified as Roman Catholics. Examples of other notable Christian denominations in the Philippines are Iglesia ni Cristo, the Philippine Independent Church, and Seventh-day Adventistism. The second-largest religion in the country is Islam, with 6.4% of the respondents identifing as Muslim at the 2020 census. A majority of the Muslims live in Mindanao or on nearby islands, and are Sunni Muslims. Buddhism is practised chiefly by Filipinos of Chinese descent. Indigenous religions are rare in the Philippines, and when they are practised, they are often syncretized with Christianity or Islam.
Cultural Etiquette
Filipinos are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Being aware of cultural norms and showing respect can help enhance your experience.
- Greetings: A friendly smile and a simple “hello” or “kamusta” goes a long way. Filipinos value respect, and it’s common to address older individuals with titles like “po” and “opo” to show politeness.
- Dress Code: While the Philippines is generally casual, dressing modestly is appreciated, especially when visiting churches or rural areas.
- Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 10% tip is common if service charges are not already included. Tipping small amounts is also appreciated for taxi drivers and hotel staff.