Philippines

The Philippines archipelago of more than 7,000 islands is sandwiched between Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, and flanked by the South China Sea. All her neighbours have magical tourist appeal, but the Philippines, even though the sea is just as blue and clear and the myriad coral islands just as alluring, seems to have missed the boat when it comes to fully marketing its attractions.

Bad press in recent years, after some high-profile terrorism and kidnapping incidents, have not helped matters. The country has also laboured under a turbulent political reputation and is still overcoming the effects of martial law. Its poor infrastructure, dilapidated roads and unsafe ferries, have also all played a role in deterring potential travellers and the country has been overlooked as an eco-tourist destination because of local disregard for its natural resources (such as fishermen dynamiting coral reefs). While resources are being channelled into education to prevent such practices a great deal of damage has already been done to the environment.

The good news is that Filipinos themselves are warm and welcoming - as underscored in the country's tagline - 'where Asia wears a smile'. Apart from some beautiful, remote tropical islands and legendary scuba diving spots, the archipelago's best resource is the friendliness and laid-back attitude of the Filipino people. Their hospitable and embracing attitude is enough to put a smile on any visitor's face; and this is even more the case in country's rural areas. The Philippines has some superb all-inclusive luxury resorts spread around the islands which cushion visitors from the general degradation and safety risks of the cities and towns, and a major plus is that the country is amazingly cheap for foreign tourists who have dollars, pounds or euros to spend. Also, the food is delicious, and English is widely spoken.

Independent travellers who like to wander off the beaten track, and do not mind doing without the conveniences of running water and the like, will find plenty to fascinate them in the countryside and coastal parts of the Philippines; albeit without the assistance of guide books. The Philippines is one of the few places left in the world where adventurers can wander through tribal lands, unfettered by modern interferences. Travellers are however advised to follow the current safety advice on areas to avoid.

Climate

The Philippines has a tropical marine climate dominated by a rainy season and a dry season. The summer monsoon brings heavy rains to most of the country from May to October, and the winter monsoon brings cooler and drier air from December to February. Manila and most of the lowland areas are hot and dusty from March to May, when temperatures can rise to around 99°F (37°C). Average sea-level temperatures rarely drop below 80°F (27°C). Monsoons are possible between July and October. Weather-wise, the best time to visit the Philippines is between January and May; however, be warned that this is also the high tourist season, and so accommodation and flight prices will be higher.

Money

The currency of the Philippines is the Peso (PHP), which is divided into 100 centavos. Major credit cards are widely accepted in the cities and tourist destinations. Banks do not always accept travellers cheques, but a receipt of purchase is useful. ATMs are available in the major cities. US dollars are widely accepted in Manila and other tourist areas and are the easiest currency to exchange; otherwise Euros and Pounds Sterling can also be exchanged in banks and hotels. Banks open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, but their ATMs are open 24 hours. It is best to carry pesos when travelling outside of major centres.

Passport Visa

Everyone entering the Philippines must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay. All visitors must have return or onward tickets, documents necessary for further travel, as well as sufficient funds. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 21 days provided these criterion are met. Extensions for visas are possible and should be made with the Bureau of Immigration. Visas may be issued on arrival for stays of up to 59 days for a fee of USD 59, and multiple extensions up to one year total are possible.

Entry Requirements

• United States citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of departure. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days. On arrival, a visa can be issued for up to 59 days.
• British citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of departure. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days, unless passport is endorsed British National (Overseas) issued in Hong Kong, in which case no visa is required for a maximum stay of seven days. On arrival, a visa can be issued for up to 59 days.
• Canadians must have a passport valid for six months after date of departure. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days. On arrival, a visa can be issued for up to 59 days.
• Australians must have a passport valid for six months after date of departure. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days. On arrival, a visa can be issued for up to 59 days.
• South Africans must have a passport valid for six months after date of departure. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days.
• Irish citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days. On arrival, a visa can be issued for up to 59 days.
• New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for six months after date of departure. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days. On arrival, a visa can be issued for up to 59 days.

Health

No special vaccination certificates are required, except by travellers entering the Philippines from an area infected with yellow fever. Recommended vaccinations include typhoid as there are frequent outbreaks of typhoid fever. There is a malaria risk in parts of the Philippines and visitors should seek medical advice before travelling; urban areas are generally considered risk-free. Dengue fever is a risk throughout the country; the best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites. Tap water is not safe to drink and ice in drinks should be avoided; cholera is a risk in the country and precautions are advised. Sea snakes can be highly venomous; travellers should be cautious in remote coastal waters, lakes and rivers, as anti-venom may not be readily available. Medical care is good in the major cities, although very expensive, however it is limited in the remoter areas. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

Embassy Consulates

• Philippines Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 467 9300.
• Philippines Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7451 1800.
• Philippines Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 1121.
• Philippines Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 2535.
• Philippines Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 346 0451.
• Philippines Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 407 4040.
• Philippines Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 472 9848.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Manila: +63 (0)2 301 2000.
• British Embassy, Manila: +63 (0)2 858 2200.
• Canadian Embassy, Manila: +63 (0)2 857 9000.
• Australian Embassy, Manila: +63 (0)2 757 8100.
• South African Embassy, Manila: + 63 (0)2 889 9383.
• Honorary Consul of Ireland, Manila: +63 (0)2 896 4668.
• New Zealand Embassy, Manila: +63 (0)2 891 5358.