Philippines Travel Guide

Philippines

The Travel Consultant Guide

Philippines
Contents / Index
Introduction

p.2

Location

p.3

Climate & Seasonal factors

p.4

Geographical features

p.6

History

p.8

People & Culture

p.13

Major Cities & Attractions

p.18

Other Tourist Areas

p.21

Man-made Attractions

p.23

Natural Attractions

p.26

Transports & Gateways

p.29

Health & Safety

p.35

Regulatory Information

p.39

Updating Information

p.41

Sources

p.43

S40029545 Inês Pinto

1

Philippines
Introduction welcome
Not only geographically but also culturally and spiritually, The Republic of the Philippines is a land
apart from mainland Southeast Asia. The result of about 350 years of Spanish colonisation
becomes obvious through the infinite amount of Catholic churches all over the country. Vestiges
of the Spanish era include exuberant town fiestas (festivals) like Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan, unique
Spanish-Filipino colonial architecture as well as its currency, the Philippine Peso. On the other
hand, malls, fast-food chains and widespread spoken English contrast with Spanish influences and
give us the American ‘side of life’. “Despite these outside influences, the country remains very
much its own unique entity”.

«The people are, simply, Filipinos
– and proud of it.
Welcoming, warm and
relentlessly upbeat, it is they
who captivate and ultimately
ensnare visitors.»
Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines?destination_tag_id=357304

2

Philippines
Location
«The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands lying on the western rim of the
Pacific Ocean and north of the equator. The northern part of the country is separated from
Taiwan by the Bashi Channel. It is bounded on the east by the Philippine Sea, on the south by the
Celebes Sea, and on the west by the South China Sea.»

It is approximately
6,290 kilometers
away from Australia
or, seven hours by
plane from Sydney to
Manila, the capital
city of the
Philippines.
The total land area is
about 298,170
square kilometers
(114,830 square
miles).

Source: http://www.philembassy.org.au

3
2

Philippines
The Climate of the Philippines is either tropical rainforest, tropical savanna or tropical
monsoon, or humid subtropical (in higher-altitude areas) characterized by relatively
high temperature, oppressive humidity and plenty of rainfall. There are two seasons in
the country, the wet season and the dry season, based upon the amount of rainfall.
This is dependent as well on the location in the country as some areas experience rain all
throughout the year. Based on temperature, the seven warmest months of the year are
from March to October; the winter monsoon brings cooler air from November to
February. May is the warmest month, and January, the coolest.

The months of April and May, the hot and dry months when schools are on their long,
between-years break, is referred to as summer while in most of the Northern
Hemisphere those months are part of spring.
Source: http://kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/cab/statfram.htm

4

Philippines
Graphically the seasons can be represented this way:

Typhoons have a great influence on the climate and weather conditions of the
Philippines. A great portion of the rainfall, humidity and cloudiness are due to the
influence of typhoons. They generally originate in the region of the Marianas and
Caroline Islands of the Pacific Ocean which have the same latitudinal location as
Mindanao.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_the_Philippines

5

Philippines
The Philippines is composed of three major islands known as Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
The largest island is Luzon, followed by Mindanao and the Visayas group. The Visayan
region is composed of about 6,000 islands, including Panay, Samar, Cebu, Leyte and Bohol.
Mindanao encompasses about 400 islands.

Of volcanic
origin, the
Philippines is
generally
mountainous.
Mountain ranges
extend north to
south, running
parallel to the
coasts and, in
many places,
bordering them.


6

Philippines
Seismic disturbances are often experienced in the islands that include 20 active volcanoes. The
most recent volcanic eruptions were in 1993 (Mayon Volcano in the Bicol Region, southeastern
Luzon, dormant for 600 years) and in June 1991 and July 1992 (Mount Pinatubo, central Luzon).

The mountains in
Luzon include the
Sierra Madre,
Cordillera Central,
the Caraballo
Mountains and the
Zambales
Mountains. In the
second largest
island, Mindanao,
are the Diwata
Mountains and the
mountain ranges in
southern Mindanao
including Mount
Apo (a volcano)
which, at 2,954
meters, is the
highest point in the
Philippines.


7

Philippines
History: a deeper understanding
Early History
30 000 Years ago
“Tribal Period”

The Negritos are believed to have migrated to the
Philippines some 30,000 years ago from Borneo,
Sumatra, and Malaya. The Malayans followed in
successive waves. These people belonged to a primitive
epoch of Malayan culture, which has apparently
survived to this day among certain groups such as the
Igorots. The Malayan tribes that came later had more
highly developed material cultures
A Tagalog couple of
the Maginoocaste
depicted in the 16th
centuryBoxer Codex.

14th Century
“Tantric Period”

Arab traders from Malay and Borneo introduced Islam
into the southern islands and extended their influence
as far north as Luzon.

16th Century
Year 1521

The first Europeans to visit (1521) the Philippines were those in the
Spanish expedition around the world led by the Portuguese explorer
Ferdinand Magellan. Other Spanish expeditions followed, including one
from New Spain (Mexico) under López de Villalobos, who in 1542 named
the islands for the infante Philip, later Philip II.

16th Century
Year 1571

Only in1571, when López de Legaspi (another expedition from New Spain)
established the Spanish city of Manila on the site of a Moro town he had
conquered the year before, the Spanish foothold in the Philippines was
secure.

17th Century

By the end of the 16th cent. Manila had become a leading commercial
center of East Asia, carrying on a flourishing trade with China, India, and
the East Indies. The Philippines supplied some wealth (including gold) to
Spain, and the richly laden galleons plying between the islands and New
Spain were often attacked by English freebooters.

19th Century
Year 1896

There was also trouble from other
quarters, and the period from 1600 to
1663 was marked by continual wars
with the Dutch, who were laying the
foundations of their rich empire in the
East Indies, and with Moro pirates.
One of the most difficult problems the
Spanish faced was the subjugation of
the Moros. Intermittent campaigns
were conducted against them but
Spanish warships bombarding theMuslim
without conclusive results until the
pirates of the southern Philippines in 1848
middle of the 19th cent.
Spanish injustices, bigotry, and economic oppressions fed the movement,
which was greatly inspired by the brilliant writings of José Rizal. In 1896
revolution began in the province of Cavite, and after the execution of
Rizal that December, it spread throughout the major islands.

Source: http://pinas.dlsu.edu.ph/history/history.html

8

Philippines
History: a deeper understanding
19th Century
Year 1898

Revolution was brewing when the Spanish-American War broke out in
1898. After the U.S. naval victory in Manila Bay on May 1, 1898,
Commodore In 1899, George Dewey supplied Aguinaldo with arms and
urged him to rally the Filipinos against the Spanish.
Aguinaldo led a new revolt, this time against U.S. rule. Defeated on the
battlefield, the Filipinos turned to guerrilla warfare, and their subjugation
became a mammoth project for the United States—one that cost far more
money and took far more lives than the Spanish-American War. The
insurrection was effectively ended with the capture (1901) of Aguinaldo
by Gen. Frederick Funston, but the question of Philippine independence
remained a burning issue in the politics of both the United States and the
islands.

20th Century
Year 1913

When the Democrats came into power in 1913, measures were taken to
effect a smooth transition to self-rule. The Philippine assembly already
had a popularly elected lower house, and the Jones Act, passed by the
U.S. Congress in 1916, provided for a popularly elected upper house as
well, with power to approve all appointments made by the governorgeneral. It also gave the islands their first definite pledge of
independence, although no specific date was set.

20th Century
Year 1921

When the Republicans regained power in 1921, the trend toward bringing
Filipinos into the government was reversed. Gen. Leonard Wood, who was
appointed governor-general, largely supplanted Filipino activities with a
semimilitary rule. However, the advent of the Great Depression in the
United States in the 1930s and the first aggressive moves by Japan in Asia
(1931) shifted U.S. sentiment sharply toward the granting of immediate
independence to the Philippines.

The
Commonwealth
Year 1935

A constitution, approved by President Roosevelt (Mar., 1935) was
accepted by the Philippine people in a plebiscite (May); and Quezon was
elected the first president (Sept.). When Quezon was inaugurated on
Nov. 15, 1935, the Commonwealth of the Philippines was formally
established. Quezon was reelected in Nov., 1941. To develop defensive
forces against possible aggression, Gen. Douglas MacArthur was brought
to the islands as military adviser in 1935, and the following year he
became field marshal of the Commonwealth army.

World War II
Year 1941

War came suddenly to the Philippines on Dec. 8 (Dec. 7, U.S. time),
1941, when Japan attacked without warning. Japanese troops invaded
the islands in many places and launched a pincer drive on Manila. The
Japanese occupied Manila on Jan. 2, 1942.

Source: http://pinas.dlsu.edu.ph/history/history.html

9

Philippines
History: The Republic
20th Century
Year 1945

Many atrocities and war crimes were committed during the war such as
the Bataan Death March and the Manila massacre that culminated during
the Battle of Manila. Allied troops defeated the Japanese in 1945. By the
end of the war it is estimated over a million Filipinos had died.

20th Century
Year 1946

Manuel Roxas became the first president of the
Republic of the Philippines when independence was
granted, as scheduled, on July 4, 1946. In Mar., 1947,
the Philippines and the United States signed a military
assistance pact (since renewed) and the Philippines
gave the United States a 99-year lease on designated
military, naval, and air bases (a later agreement
reduced the period to 25 years beginning 1967). The
sudden death of President Roxas in Apr., 1948, elevated
the vice president, Elpidio Quirino, to the presidency.
Meanwhile, disgruntled remnants of
the Hukbalahap communist rebel army that had
previously fought against and resisted the
Japanese continued to roam the rural regions.

Manuel Roxas

5th President of the Philippines
3rd President of the Commonwealth
1st president of the Third Republic

20th Century
Year 1953

This threat to the government was dealt with by Secretary of National
Defense and later President Ramon Magsaysay, but sporadic cases of
communist insurgency continued to flare up long afterward.

20th Century
Year 1965
Dictatorship

In 1965, Ferdinand Marcos was elected president. Nearing the end of his
second term and constitutionally barred from seeking a third, he
declared martial law on September 21, 1972. By using political divisions, the
tension of the Cold War, and the specter of communist rebellion and
Islamic insurgency as justifications, he governed by decree.

20th Century
Year 1983

On August 21, 1983, Marcos' chief rival opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy"
Aquino, Jr. ignored warnings and returned from exile in the United States.
He was assassinated as he was taken off the plane at the Manila
International Airport (now called the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in
his memory). With political pressure building, Marcos eventually called
for snap presidential elections in 1986.

20th Century
Year 1986

Corazon Aquino, Benigno's widow, was persuaded to become the
presidential candidate and standard bearer of the opposition. The
elections were widely considered rigged when Marcos was proclaimed
the winner. This led to the People Power Revolution, instigated when
two long-time Marcos allies – Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chiefof-Staff Fidel V. Ramos and Secretary of National Defense Juan Ponce
Enrile – resigned and barricaded themselves in Camp
Aguinaldo and Camp Crame.

Sources: http://pinas.dlsu.edu.ph/history/history.html & http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines#History

10

Philippines
History: The Republic
20th Century
Year 1986

20th Century
Between 1990
and 1999

In 1986, charges of massive fraud and violence were leveled against the
Marcos faction. Marcos’s domestic and international support eroded, and
he fled the country on Feb. 25, 1986, eventually obtaining asylum in the
United States.
Corazon Aquino’s government faced
mounting problems, including coup
attempts, significant economic
difficulties, and pressure to rid the
Philippines of the U.S. military presence.
In 1990, in response to the demands of
the Moros, a partially autonomous
Muslim region was created in the far
south. In 1992, Aquino declined to run
for reelection and was succeeded by her
former army chief of staff Fidel Ramos.
He immediately launched an economic
revitalization plan premised on three
policies: government deregulation,
increased private investment, and
political solutions to the continuing
insurgencies within the country.
His political program was somewhat successful, opening dialogues with the
Marxist and Muslim guerillas. However, Muslim discontent with partial rule
persisted, and unrest and violence continued throughout the 1990s. In
1999, Marxist rebels and Muslim separatists formed an alliance to fight the
government.

21st Century
Between 2001
and 2013

Several natural disasters, including the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo on
Luzon and a succession of severe typhoons, slowed the country’s economic
progress. However, the Philippines escaped much of the economic turmoil
seen in other East Asian nations in 1997 and 1998, in part by following a
slower pace of development imposed by the International Monetary Fund.
Joseph Marcelo Estrada, a former movie actor, was elected president in
1998, pledging to help the poor and develop the country’s agricultural
sector.
In 2001, amid charges of corruption and a stalled impeachment process,
Ramos' successor Joseph Estrada was ousted from the presidency by
the 2001 EDSA Revolution and replaced by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Her administration that lasted 9 years was tied with graft and
corruption and numerous political scandals. As a result of the May 2010
elections, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III was elected president and he is
today the 15th President of the Philippines

Sources: http://pinas.dlsu.edu.ph/history/history.html & http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines#History

11

Philippines
History: Today
Since March 2010, the Philippine territory was divided into 17 regions, 80 provinces, 138 cities,
1,496 municipalities, and 42,025 barangays (the smallest administrative division in
the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village,district or ward).

Benigno S. Aquino III, the current
and 15th president of the
Republic of the Philippines

Source: The Lonely Planet]

12

Philippines
People & Culture
«The Filipino is basically of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish and Arab
blood. From a long history of Western colonial rule, interspersed with visits of merchants and
traders, evolved a people of unique blend of east and west, both in appearance and culture.
The Filipinos are divided geographically and
culturally into regions and each regional group is
recognizable by distinct traits and dialects. Tribal
communities can be found scattered across the
archipelago.»
The most important numerically are the Visayans, who live primarily in the central portion of
the archipelago and the Tagalogs, who live primarily in central Luzon. The Moslem groups
live mainly in the southern portion of the archipelago -- particularly in western Mindanao,
the Sulu Archipelago, and southern Palawan island. The non-Malay groups are composed of
people of Spanish and Chinese descent.
Filipinos are a fun-loving people. Throughout the islands, there are fiestas celebrated
everyday and foreign guests are always welcome to their homes.

Source: http://www.philembassy.org.au/the-philippines/the-filipino-people.html

13

Philippines
People & Culture
According to the CIA World Fact Book the Philippine population is estimated in about
105,720,644 (July 2013 est.). The medium age is 23.3 years and the demographic structure is
divided like you can see below:
0-14 years: 34%
15-24 years: 19.1%
25-54 years: 36.8%
55-64 years: 5.7%
65 years and over: 4.4%
(2013 est.)

Languages
It is estimated that there are 111 linguistic groups or dialects spoken in the country. The
national language is Filipino, which is based on Tagalog. Both Filipino and English are being
used for official communication and instruction. The eight major dialects are: Tagalog,
Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan

Religions
Most of the people belong to the Roman Catholic religion: Roman Catholic 80.9%, Aglipayan
2%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%,
unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)
Ethnic groups: Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 3%

Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rp.html

14

Philippines
People & Culture
Philippine Cuisine
The style of cooking and the food associated with it have evolved over many centuries from
its Austronesian origins to a mixed cuisine of Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American, as well as
other Asian and Latin influences adapted to indigenous ingredients and the local palate.

Dishes range from the very simple, like a meal of fried salted
fish and rice, to the elaborate paellas and cocidos created for
fiestas, of Spanish origin. Popular dishes include: lechón (whole
roasted pig), longganisa (Philippine sausage), tapa (cured
beef), torta (omelette), adobo (chicken and/or porkbraised in
garlic, vinegar, oil and soy sauce, or cooked until
dry), kaldereta (meat in tomato sauce stew), mechado (larded
beef in soy and tomato sauce), puchero (beef in bananas and
tomato sauce), afritada (chicken and/or pork simmered in a
peanut sauce with vegetables), kare-kare (oxtailand vegetables

Chicken Adobo

cooked in peanut sauce), pinakbet (kabocha squash, eggplant,
beans, okra, and tomato stew flavored with shrimp paste) crispy
pata(deep-fried pig's leg), hamonado (pork sweetened in
pineapple sauce), sinigang (meat or seafood in sour
broth), pancit (noodles), and lumpia (fresh or fried spring rolls).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_cuisine

15

Philippines
People & Culture

Local Customs

«One patent Filipino trait that immediately commends itself to the foreigner is his hospitality. All
peoples the world over are hospitable in their own way, but Filipino hospitality is something that
is almost a fault. Are you a stranger who has lost your way? Knock at the door of even the
humblest rustic and he offers you his home. In other climes you might be suspected of being a
hoodlum or a poseur. Consequently you might be looked upon with suspicion. Call it naiveté but
the Filipino opens his heart to you, a complete stranger, and offers you the best in his house. He
makes the bed for you and asks you, usually with a profusion of apologies, to make you feel “at
home”, while he, the host, sleeps on the cold floor. (...) The Filipino has very close family ties. The
family has been the unit of society and everything revolves around it. (...) The father is the head of
the family, but while he rules, the mother governs. For it is the mother that reigns in the home:
she is the educator, the financial officer, the accountant, the censor, the laundrywoman, and the
cook.»

«But over and
above the “ruler”
and the
“governor” are
the grandparents,
whose opinions
and decision on
all important
matters are
sought. Respect
for elders (...) has
remained in the
book of
unwritten laws.»

Source: Philippines Country Guide Study, 2007 – p.109

16

Philippines
People & Culture

“The Fiesta Islands”

«The Philippines has a diverse musical culture that blends Eastern and. Western influences.
Traditional Philippine music is made up of the indigenous music of pre-Hispanic times and music
derived from the Spanish era. (...) Filipinos have an innate sense of rhythm and music is a very much
part of their daily lives.»
The Filipinos are happy and joie de vivre type of people.
They are satisfied with life and love to laugh and tend
to love people with humor, which most festivals
represent. Most of the festivals are vibrant and
energetic and many are of Hispanic influence.
Because of the uncountable number of festivals, the
country is often dubbed as, "The Fiesta Islands".
Among all festivals Christmas is the biggest, widest and
longest celebrated in the Philippines, which starts from
September and lasts till January perhaps the longest
Christmas celebration in the world.

Sources: Philippines Country Guide Study, 2007 – p.113 & WikiTravel

17

Philippines


1. Quezon City – population 2 761 720 (2010)
Former capital of the country (1948–1976).
Largest city in Metro Manila in population and
land area. Hosts the House of Representatives
of the Philippines at the Batasang Pambansa
Complex and the metropolis' largest source of
water, the Novaliches Reservoir.

2. Manila City – population 1 652 171 (2010)
Capital of the country (from 1571-1948 and
1976–present). Historically centered around the
walled city of Intramuros, by the mouth of the
Pasig River. Host to the seat of the chief
executive, the Malacañang Palace. By far the most
densely populated city in the country.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cities_of_the_Philippines#Largest_cities & Google Maps

18

Philippines


3. Caloocan City – population 1 489 040(2010)
Historic city where Andres Bonifacio and
the Katipunan held many of its meetings in secrecy.
Much of its territory was ceded to form Quezon City,
resulting in the formation of two non-contiguous
sections under the city's jurisdiction. Caloocan is the
third most densely populated city in the country, lying
immediately north of the city of Manila. It serves as an
industrial and residential area inside Metro Manila.

4. Davao City – population 1 449 296 (2010)
The largest city in Mindanao. Davao is also
the largest city in the Philippines in terms
of land area. It has an estimated
population of 1,530,365 as of 2011.
The City Mayors Foundation ranks Davao
City as the 87th fastest growing city in the
world, and it has been listed by
the FDi magazine as the 10th "Asian City of
the Future".


19

Philippines


5. Cebu City – population 866 171 (2010)

Popularly nicknamed as "The Queen City of the South." First capital of the country. Capital of the
province of Cebu and regional center of Region VII. Most populous city in the Visayas. Core
of Metro Cebu. Cebu City has been honored as the 8th Asian City of the Future owing to its
expansive business districts, premier entertainment destinations, and its pristine waters which
attracts tourists worldwide. The city is home to the most popular Sinulog festival celebrated every
January which attracts tourists and Filipinos alike.


20

Philippines

Other tourist areas

Laoag/Vigan
Ilocos Norte, the northwestern tip of

Laoag/Vigan

Luzon, is wedged between the steep
Baguio/Banaue

Grand Cordillera Central in the east, the
rugged Ilocos Mountains in the northeast,
and the Ilocos Range in the South. The
centuries old churches that dot every
town of Ilocos are testimonies to the

Subic/Clark

colonial past. They formed part of the
nucleus of the plaza complex town
planning instituted by the Spanish

Boracay

colonizers. With a coastline that stretches
to 90 statute miles, Ilocos Norte is blessed
with rich marine life (shells, giant turtles,
seaweeds, starfishes, tuna, and a variety

Palawan

of more fishes).
Baguio/Banaue
A mountainous topography of towering
peaks, plateaus, and intermittent patches
of valleys, the Cordillera mountain range
has a history as vast and as beautiful as its
mountainous curves. Populated by the
Ifugaos, a gentle yet fiercely proud ethnic
community, the Cordillera enjoys
abundant mineral reserves.

Subic/Clark

The Subic Bay Leisure Zone, a 37,000-acre virgin triple-canopy rainforest with wildlife and rare marine
life, is a destination one should not miss. The former US Navy facility was vacated in 1992 and is now
among Asia's emerging tourist destination. Trekking through the tropical rainforest on foot or on
horseback accompanied by native guides is both a challenge and delight. One can enjoy the numerous
beaches, or go camping, or just take a tour around the zone.
Source: http://experiencephilippines.org/tourism/destinations-tourism/

21

Philippines

Other tourist areas

Boracay

Laoag/Vigan

Boracay, also known for its colorful AtiBaguio/Banaue

Atihan festival , is a paradise for certified
sun-worshippers all over the world. In fact,
local and foreign tourists have made
Boracay their yearly destination. Others
have chosen to live on this haven.

Subic/Clark

Boracay's thousand-hectares boast of all
the elements of a tropical heaven - crystal
blue waters, powder white sand, liberal
doses of tropical palms and flowering

Boracay

plants, and a healthy and diverse marine
life. Boracay has three little communities Yapak in the north, Manoc-Manoc in the
south and Balabag in between. Hilly

Palawan

elevations of up to 100 meters above sea
level characterize Yapak and ManocManoc. Intertwining trails link the small
villages and lead to lush tropical jungles.

Palawan
Known as the country's last frontier, Palawan has managed to preserve its fascinatingly natural
habitat through the years. Situated north of Mindoro and north of Malaysia's Sabah Island, Palawan
is the country's largest province spanning 1.5 million hectares. An ideal breeding ground for tropical
flora and fauna, Palawan has more than a thousand islands and islets where monkeys, squirrels,
bear cats, and zebras thrive with wild tropical plants and corals.
Palawan's population follows the same pattern. The province has attracted peoples of all
backgrounds and it is said that today's Palawenos are a fusion of 81 different cultural groups.
Foreigners, too, have grown to love this quiet province.
Source: http://experiencephilippines.org/tourism/destinations-tourism/

22

Philippines

Man-made attractions

«The Philippines has a rich history beginning from its

Laoag/Vigan

earliest days as one of the busiest trading posts in South

Baguio/Banaue

East Asia and later, in the trans-Pacific galleon trade. A
period of Spanish colonization spanning three centuries
then made an indelible impression on the country. This

Subic/Clark

mercurial era, along with the American occupation, played
a vital role in shaping the Philippines and its people. A vivid
past has left its mark all over the archipelago in many

Boracay

different forms that present-day visitors to the country are
now discovering.»

Rice Terraces of the

Palawan

Philippine Cordilleras
Location: Ifugao, near Banaue
Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage
«The 2,000-year old Banaue Rice
Terraces – the most extensive
anywhere in the world – were
carved into the mountains of Ifugao
by ancestors of the Batad
indigenous people. The terraces are
located approximately 1,500

They are fed by an ancient irrigation system, an

meters (5,000 feet) above sea level

ingenious complex of bamboo pipes and canals,

and cover 10,360 square kilometers

drawing water from streams created by bubbling

(about 4,000 square miles) of the

springs located in the mountain rainforests.

mountainside.

Considered as a monument to man’s genius in turning a

Known as the “eight wonder of the

rugged and forbidding terrain into a source of sustenance,

world,” the terraces were carved

the rice terraces stand to be the most awe-inspiring man-

with only simple tools and bare

made landscape in the Cordilleras. They are also invariably

hands.

called “The Stairway to the Sky.”»

Source: http://experiencephilippines.org/heritage-historical-tourism/

23

Philippines


Historic Town of Vigan

Laoag/Vigan

Location: Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Baguio/Banaue

«The 16th century town of Vigan is “an exceptionally

Subic/Clark

intact and well-preserved example of a European trading
town in East and East Asia.” Its architecture reflects the
fusion of cultural elements from the Philippines, China
and Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that

Boracay

has no parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.

Palawan

Seemingly impervious to time, spared
from rebellion and the ravages of war,
Vigan has remained unchanged and its
many preserved historic sites – more
than 180 edifices – make it look like “a
piece of Spain.” With its grand
cathedral, massive mansions with redtile roofs and spacious balconies,
narrow cobblestone streets, horse
drawn carriages, and friendly faces
peering out of large windows, Vigan is
a place where “time stood still.”»

24

Philippines


Baroque Churches

Laoag/Vigan

Location: Manila

Baguio/Banaue

«Built in 1587, the San Agustin Church is the oldest stone

Subic/Clark

church in the Philippines, the only one that remains as
the original evidence of the 16th century Spanish
architecture. It has defied several earthquakes and the
heavy shelling of both Japanese and American forces in

Boracay

1945 and now stands as a reminder of the grandeur of
the past.
Palawan

The structural design of the church is extraordinary. It boasts of the only example in the country of a
barrel vault, dome and arched vestibules, supporting its choir loft, all made of stone. Its façade is
notable for its two pairs of columns – the lowest pair in Doric style, the upper pair in Corinthian
topped by a pediment surmounted by a Cross. The main door, carved out of Philippine molave, has a
bas-relief of St. Augustine and his mother, Santa Monica. San Agustin Church represents the art and
technology of Spanish, Chinese, and native cultures fused together “to suit human sentiments and
faiths that found expression in customs and traditions that were evolved through the centuries.”»

25

Philippines

Natural attractions

Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park
Location: Middle of the Sulu Sea, 181 kilometers southeast

Laoag/Vigan

of Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Baguio/Banaue

«The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park covers 33,200
hectares including the north and south reefs. It is a

Subic/Clark

marvelous marine wilderness and a special ecosystem
much appreciated for its beauty as well as its scientific
value.

Boracay

Palawan

It is a unique example of an atoll reef
with a very high density of marine
species, with 80% coral cover of 46 coral
genres and 376 fish species. The site is
an excellent example of a pristine coral
reef with a spectacular 100-meter
perpendicular wall, extensive lagoons
and two-coral islands.Tubbataha’s north islet is a nesting site for sea birds of all kinds and
hawksbill sea turtles; aendangered
diver’s paradise with gorgonian seafans, soft corals, and gigantic sea sponges
serving as home to turkey fish, anemone crab, banded seasnakes, nudibranchs, starfish, catsharks,
surgeon fish, batfish, and butterfly fish. The rare, unusual looking fox-faced rabbit fish can also be
found in the marine park. Marine turtles, including the critically endangered hawksbill and green
turtle, nest on some of the beaches.»

26

Philippines

Natural attractions

Puerto Princesa Subterranean

Laoag/Vigan

River National Park

Baguio/Banaue

Location: Saint Paul Mountain Range on the northern coast
of Palawan

Subic/Clark

«The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with its
underground river. The river is unique because it flows

Boracay

directly into the sea, and its lower portion is subject to
tidal influences. The area also represents a significant
habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a

Palawan

whole ecosystem --- from mountain to the sea; and
protects forests, which are among the most significant in
Asia.
A highlight of each visit is a ride through its 8
km-long underground river which runs
through a dome of stalactites complemented
by stalagmites running the entire length of

The park is a popular destination for bird

the cave.

watching and is known for regular sightings of
threatened bird species of Palawan peacockpeasant and Philippine cockatoo and the
endemic birds Palawan scopsowl, swiftlet,
hornbill, flyeater and blue flycatcher, tit and
flowerpecker. It is blessed to have the
Palawan flying fox, Oriental small-clawed
otter, stinkbadger, binturong, flying squirrel,
mountain tree squirrel and porcupine. The
park also features an exciting Monkey Trail
with its series of wooden paths to the forest.»


27

Philippines

Natural attractions

Chocolate Hills

Laoag/Vigan

Location: Bohol, near Cebu

Baguio/Banaue

«The Chocolate Hills is a geological formation in Bohol
Province, Philippines. There are at least 1,260 hills but

Subic/Clark

there may be as many as 1,776 hills spread over an area
of more than 50 square kilometres (20 sq mi). They are
covered in green grass that turns brown (like chocolate)

Boracay

during the dry season, hence the name.
Bohol

The Chocolate Hills is a famous tourist attraction of
Bohol. They are featured in the provincial flag and seal to

Palawan

symbolize the abundance of natural attractions in the
province.

The Chocolate Hills form a rolling terrain of haycock hills – mounds of a generally conical and
almost symmetrical shape. Estimated to be from 1,268 to about 1,776 individual mounds, these
cone-shaped or dome-shaped hills are actually made of grass-covered limestone.»
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate_Hills

28

Philippines


By Air
Airports & airlines
We recommend you to book well in advance if you plan to arrive in the Philippines during
December - expat Filipinos flood the islands to visit their families during Christmas and New Year. If
you're flying into Cebu, the lead-up to Lunar New Year in late January or early February can also
get congested, as the city's sizeable Chinese population prepares to celebrate.
Most people enter the Philippines at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). This is a
dismal introduction to the country: lines are often long at immigration, and the entire facility is in
need of a facelift. That said, once you clear the lines immigration is usually straightforward. You
may be asked to show an ongoing ticket, and most nationalities are issued a 21-day visa on the
spot.
Since most people fly to the Philippines and most flights
land in Manila, Ninoy Aquino International Airport in
Parañaque, is likely to be your first taste of the
Philippines. Too bad, but don't despair - most of the
country is a lot better run than decrepit old NAIA.
Doubtless as an incentive for people to fly with
Philippine Airlines (PAL), the national carrier, its
passengers get exclusive use of the nicer Centennial
Terminal (NAIA II).
Cebu City's Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the country's second-busiest airport and is much
better. Depending on your itinerary, Cebu's airport may also be a more practical entry or exit point.
The biggest advantage of flying into Cebu is that it saves you having to deal with the chaos
of Manila (and its unscrupulous taxi drivers). Cebu has international connections to Hong
Kong with Cathay Pacific, Kuala Lumpur (via Kota Kinabalu) with Malaysian Airlines, Singapore with
SilkAir, and Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul with Philippine Airlines. Since all these cities are well
served with international connections, it's easy for the determined traveller to arrive
in Cebu rather than Manila.

Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/transport/getting-there-away

29

Philippines


By Air
Another airport in the Philippines with regular international connections is Francisco Bangoy
International Airport (DVO) in Davao on Mindanao, which has flights to and from Singapore with
SilkAir. Previously confined to cargo, the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA,
formerly Clark) in Angeles City now handles international flights by AirAsia (to and from Kota
Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Tiger Airways (to and from Singapore), and CR Airways (to
and from Hong Kong).
Qantas and PAL offer the only direct flights from Australia to the Philippines (Sydney to Manila);
otherwise, it's necessary to fly via cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong.


30

Philippines


By Sea
It's possible to travel by sea between the Philippines and nearby parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.
However, schedules and routes are very liable to change so it's best to be flexible in your plans.

From Indonesia
EPA Shipping Line (083-380 3591) has ferries that sail between General Santos in Mindanao and
the deep-water port of Bitung, 55km from Manado, Indonesia (P1800, 36 hours, twice weekly). The
office is inside the port compound at Makar, near General Santos. This is a cargo boat that takes
passengers; officially, foreigners should be able to make this trip, but you may want to check with
the tourism office in General Santos first. You will need to get your visa requirements in order with
the Indonesian consulate in Davao before you leave.
There is also a boat that sails between Bitung and Davao's Sasa Pier (via General Santos) every
Friday, but trip details change often so it's best to check with Davao's city tourism office.

From Malaysia
Aleson Lines (062-991 2687; PPA Terminal, Port Area, Zamboanga) boats leave Zamboanga
in Mindanao for Sandakan in Malaysian Borneo twice weekly (cabin P3600, 16 hours).
SRN Fastcraft (992 3765) has two Weesam Express boats a week between Zamboanga
and Sandakan (P5400, eight hours).


31

Philippines


Getting around
Boat
«Spend any length of time in the Philippines and you're bound to find yourself on a boat. Boats
range from the high-class multideck WG&A ferries and highly efficient luxury passenger
catamarans (known as fastcraft or fast ferries) to the smallest of outriggers (called bangka or
pumpboats), which shuttle between myriad beaches and piers. Ferries of all descriptions and levels
of seaworthiness ply the waters between islands. They are often overcrowded; cramming every
inch of leaky tubs with passengers doesn't make them watertight, but it does increase the
probability of the ship sinking, especially in heavy seas. You often have options as to which boat to
travel on, so ask around about reliable companies and ferries and plan accordingly. Fastcraft are
becoming an increasingly common sight between islands. These are smaller, lighter and newer
than the ferries, and are well fitted, reliable and safe. They aren't called fastcraft for nothing, as
they can cut long rides by half. One modern convenience used to excess on these spiffy ships is airconditioning, which is permanently set to 'arctic' - take a sweater or fleece.

Though service on the main routes is pretty reliable, you'll need to be prepared for changes in the
itinerary. Adverse weather conditions (especially during the typhoon season) or renovation of a
ferry can totally alter the sailing times and boats used for various trips. As with planes, boats fill to
overflowing during Christmas, New Year, Holy Week and All Saints' Day/All Souls' Day, as well as to
the locations of major festivals.»
Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/transport/getting-around

32

Philippines


Getting around
Hitching
«Hitching is never entirely safe in any country in the world, and we don't recommend it. Travellers
who decide to hitch should understand that they are taking a small but potentially serious risk.
People who do choose to hitch will be safer if they travel in pairs and let someone know where
they are planning to go. And, needless to say, hitching in the guerrilla territory of Mindanao is
positively suicidal. The cost of transport in the Philippines is generally so low that hitchhiking isn't
worth the trouble; you're seldom left stranded without a cheap and willing jeepney in sight. A
hitchhiker is such an unusual sight in the Philippines that most regular drivers will probably ignore
you if you stand on the roadside with your thumb out; the only ones who might stop are truck or
jeepney drivers, who would expect a few pesos if they gave you a lift.»

Car & Moto
«If time is short, driving
yourself is a quicker option
than relying on jeepneys and
other public transport, but it
does come with caveats.
Philippine driving is possibly at
its most manic in and
around Manila, and in Luzon's
central mountains. It's less lifethreatening elsewhere, though,
and verges on pleasant in and
around cities such as Cebu.
Whatever you do, don't try to emulate the local style - driving in the Philippines is one area of
cultural difference where the 'when in Rome' principle doesn't apply. Philippine law requires that
you have third-party auto insurance with a Philippines auto-insurance company when you drive in
the Philippines. If you rent a car, this can be arranged with the rental agency. You are required to
carry a minimum of P750,000 of insurance. »

33

Philippines


Getting around
Bus & Tram
«An enormous number of bus services cover the Philippines and generally do it quite cheaply and
reliably. Island-hopping on a bus is even an option; in fact, you can travel all the way from the
northernmost tip of Luzon to the southernmost corner of Mindanao without getting your feet wet.
Departures are usually quite frequent, but take care if there's only one bus a day - drivers
sometimes decide to leave earlier than scheduled if the bus is full! Many Filipinos like to travel
early in the morning or after nightfall, when it's cool, so there are often more buses at this time.
As in most countries, it pays to mind your baggage while buses load and unload.
Costs: You can roughly calculate the fare and the time a bus journey will take based on distance.
Regular buses generally cover a bit under 2km per peso and the average speed is about 50km per
hour. Voilà! A 100km journey costs P50 or so and takes two hours.»

Train
«The route south
from Manila to the Bicol
region in southeast Luzon
is the only railway line in
the country. Although it's
old and none too speedy,
it's a viable option for
travel down to Naga and
Legaspi and points along
the way.»


34

Philippines
Health & Safety
Medication & Travel warnings advice
«We strongly recommend that you take out
comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any
overseas

medical

costs,

including

medical

evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your
insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be
away and check what circumstances and activities
are not included in your policy. Remember,
regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you
can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to
travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a
traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical
evacuation costs.
It is important to consider your physical and mental health before travelling overseas. We encourage you to
consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an
appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans
and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition. The World Health
Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our health page also provides useful information
for travellers on staying healthy.
Medical facilities in the Philippines are adequate
in major cities but are very limited in provincial
regions and remote islands. Major private
hospitals, particularly in Metro Manila, are well
equipped and internationally accredited. Most
hospitals will require up-front payment or
guarantee of payment prior to commencing
treatment, which can be expensive. In the event
of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation
to a destination with the required facilities may be
necessary.

Medical

evacuation

costs

are

considerable.»
Source: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Philippines

35

Philippines
Health & Safety

Medication & Travel warnings advice
«Malaria is endemic in many provincial regions of the
Philippines but does not affect the capital Manila. Dengue
fever has been on the rise in Manila and neighbouring
provinces along with outbreaks of other mosquito-borne
diseases (including Japanese encephalitis and filariasis) in
many areas particularly during the rainy season between
June and November. There is no vaccination or specific
treatment available for dengue. We encourage you to
consider taking prophylaxis against malaria where necessary.
You should take measures to avoid insect bites, including
using an insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose
fitting,

light

coloured

clothing

and

ensuring

your

accommodation is mosquito proof.
Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious
diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis,
tuberculosis, measles, meningitis and rabies) are prevalent
with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time.
We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled
water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food.
Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain
water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis) and
leptospirosis.
Following flooding, travellers should be aware of the
potential for outbreaks of leptospirosis and gastro-related
illnesses. You should be aware that the high risk of
contracting a water-borne disease continues after floods
recede. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are
suffering from diarrhoea.
Avoid temporary 'black henna' tattoos as they often contain
a dye which can cause serious skin reactions. For further
information, see the Australasian College of Dermatologists'
website.»

36

Philippines
Health & Safety
Terrorist threats
«This Advice was last issued on Thursday, 01 August 2013. It contains new information under
Safety and security: Terrorism (as of 1 August 2013 the restriction on travel by Australian
embassy staff to Davao City, Cotabato City and Zamboanga City has been lifted). We continue
to strongly advise you not to travel to central and western Mindanao, including the
Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago, due to the very high threat of terrorist attack,
kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups. We continue to advise
you to reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao.»

• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for
information about possible new safety or security risks.
• Violent crime is a significant problem in the Philippines.
• On 29 May 2013, the US Embassy in Manila issued a message to warn its citizens in the
Philippines of a credible kidnap threat against foreigners in Zamboanga in Mindanao.
• There is a danger of kidnapping throughout the Philippines, particularly in the southern
Philippines, including coastal and island tourist resorts, dive sites, and live-aboard dive boats
including in remote locations in the Sulu Sea. Terrorists have kidnapped foreigners from these
areas in the past. If you decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of
kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek
professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.
• The typhoon season normally runs from late May to early December. This is also the rainy
season when tropical storms, flooding and landslides may occur.

37

Philippines
Health & Safety
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
«Typhoons usually occur in the Philippines between late May and early December and can
result in substantial loss of life. This is also the wet season when tropical storms, flooding and
landslides are common. Australians are encouraged to monitor bulletins issued by the
Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council and the Philippines Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and to take appropriate safety
measures. You can also check the weather updates at typhoon2000. Telephone and internet
communications, services and transport may be disrupted in affected areas. The direction and
strength of typhoons can change with little warning. You can check the latest typhoon
information from the World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre
and Asia Pacific Disaster Alerts. For typhoon and other weather alerts in the Philippines, visit
the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) or the Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) website or call its hotline on
+63 2 4338526.»
«Earthquakes and volcanoes: Parts of the Philippines are subject to earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions. The Mayon, Taal and Bulusan volcanoes have a permanent danger zone (PDZ)
established around their summits by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(PHIVOLCS). Mayon volcano in Albay Province has a PDZ of six kilometres, Bulusan volcano has
four kilometre PDZ and the entire volcanic island of Taal is a PDZ. You should avoid areas
surrounding these volcanoes. In the event of major volcanic activity, you should follow the
advice of local authorities and monitor warnings issued by the Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).»
«Tsunamis: All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and
Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of
the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches.»


38

Philippines

Visas

«Tourists can visit the Philippines without a visa if staying in the country for 21 days or less;
provided tourists have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months and a return ticket or a
ticket to another destination outside the Philippines. If you wish to stay longer you must
obtain a Visa Extension either before your trip from a Philippine Consulate or Embassy. Or,
once in the country, you may obtain it from the Bureau of Immigrations. »

Customs
«Upon arriving; Visitors are allowed to bring in duty free personal belongings, two cartons of
cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobacco and up to one liter of alcohol. “Balikbayans” have
separate rules and should check with the Embassy or Consulate in their home city.
You may bring in unlimited amount of foreign currency. Upon Departure; any antiques you
may have acquired during your stay must be accompanied by a certificate from the National
Museum. You may not take more than PhP5,000.00 (five thousand Philippine pesos) out of
the country.»

Travel tax & Airport fees
«Philippine Nationals are expected to pay for the Philippine Travel Tax upon departure from
the Philippines. It is usually paid at the airport upon departure or; oftentimes, already
included in the cost of the ticket when purchased. US Nationals and Permanent Residents
(Green Card Holders) are exempt from the Philippine Travel Tax. US Permanent Residents
need to secure a Travel Tax Exemption Certificate from the Philippine Tourism Authority at
the Department of Tourism Building at TM Kalaw Street, Ermita Manila. The Philippine Travel
Tax is PHP1,620.00 (approximately $35.00).
All passengers departing from the NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) are expected to
pay the Airport Terminal Fee of PHP750.00 (approximately $17.00). No one is exempt from
paying the Airport Terminal Fee.»

Source: http://experiencephilippines.org/about-the-philippines-department-of-tourism/

39

Philippines

Other Immigration laws

«The Philippine Government strongly enforces immigration and entry laws. You should ensure you
have proper and valid visas and remain aware of your visa status while in the Philippines.
Immigration authorities may require travellers to show proof of an onward or return ticket. Your
passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into the Philippines. You
should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport
while overseas.
Australians have been detained for having improper visas or violating immigration laws. Offenders
can expect jail sentences, fines, and/or deportation and may also be prohibited from entering the
Philippines in the future. If you have any concerns about the status of your Philippine visa or if you
want to extend your visa, you should refer to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website.»

Currency
«The currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PHP) and
the Centavo. 100 centavos = P1. Coin denominations
are: 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos, P1, and P5. Bill
denominations are 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1, 000
Pesos.
Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel,
and in most of the large department stores, banks
and authorized money changing outlets. Exchanging
money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are
strictly enforced.
Most large stores, restaurants, hotels and resorts
accept major credit cards including American Express,
Visa and Master Card. Traveler' s checks preferably
American Express are accepted at hotels and large
department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign
banks are generally not accepted.»

40

Philippines
Suggested updating source
& Information
There are many different ways one can use to update travel related information. Far from
simply following a single source, from our perspective, the key is to follow as many sources
(official & non official) as possible, and cross the different information inputs to get the most
realistic picture of the country, its culture, its people or simply its weather.
Besides following the news daily to see any new events or happenings in a specific
destination, when

updating the information about the Republic of Philippines, we

recommend to start for the official Philippine based (local) institutions like:

Philippine Department of Tourism
http://experiencephilippines.org/

Philippine Tourism

http://www.tourism.gov.ph/sitepages/people.aspx

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration
http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

Climatology and Agrometeorology

http://kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/cab/statfram.htm

DOST Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards
http://noah.dost.gov.ph/

Then we recommend the travel consultant to check the official institutions based on the
departure country (or the traveler's nationality), in this case, Australia n citizens:

Philippine Embassy in Australia

http://www.philembassy.org.au/the-philippines/map-of-the-philippines.html

Smart Traveller Australian Government

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Philippines

41

Philippines
Suggested updating source
& Information
After checking the official sources the next step for updating and confirming the inputs from
the initial research would be to check specific travel guides (which include real life traveler’s
experiences in the destination) like:

Lonely Planet

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines

Trip Advisor

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Tourism-g294245-Philippines-Vacations.html

Wikitravel – The free travel guide

http://wikitravel.org/en/Festivals_and_Events_in_the_Philippines

Other good ways to update your information or at least to get new inputs about a certain
destination is to get some travel brochures (either on paper either online) from other travel
players in the market like :

Infinitiy Holidays

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/063f82ed#/063f82ed/96

Intrepid Travel

http://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/philippines

More fun in the Philippines

http://www.morefuninthephilippines.com.au/home.html
http://www.morefuninthephilippines.com.au/brochures/Breakaway/index.html#/2/

Though not valued by many travel consultants, we also recommend a more alternative way of
understanding and knowing more about the Philippines which is as simple as meet and talk
with a Filipino 

42

Philippines
Sources
CIA: The World Fact Book

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rp.html

Climatology and Agrometeorology
http://kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/cab/statfram.htm

DOST Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards
http://noah.dost.gov.ph/

Lonely Planet

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical
Services Administration
http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

Philippine Center for Masonic Studies
http://www.philippinemasonry.org

Philippine Department of Tourism
http://experiencephilippines.org/

Philippine Embassy in Australia

http://www.philembassy.org.au/the-philippines/map-of-the-philippines.html

Philippine History

http://www.philippine-history.org/

Philippine Tourism

http://www.tourism.gov.ph/sitepages/people.aspx

Philippines Country Study Guide, 2007

By Ibp Usa, USA International Business Publications
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=J8VkaWS6xiMC&lpg=PA111&dq=%22Philippine+Cuisine%22+influ

43

Philippines
Sources
Pinas

http://pinas.dlsu.edu.ph/tourism/tourism.html

Smart Traveller Australian Government

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Philippines

Wikitravel – The free travel guide

http://wikitravel.org/en/Festivals_and_Events_in_the_Philippines

Wikipedia - Philippines

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_the_Philippines

World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/ith/en/

44

Philippines
Research assessment
This research assessment was built according to Australian Pacific College guidelines
displayed below:
«You are required to prepare a destination reference file for your office. You will be
demonstrating your ability to source, collect and interpret destination information.
Your file will be a source of information for all travel consultants in your office and must
include the following:
Sources for each item of information (eg website, tourist office, tour operator ect)
Methods of updating information about the destination (ie to retain currency of info)
Updates using Magazines, official websites, tourism bureaus, brochures, ect
Location of the destination and the region in which is located; include a map
Brief local history (up to now)
Local customs
Climate and seasonal factors (graphic)
Major geographical features
Culture: this should include religions, languages, food
Health and safety risks in the destination or region:
Regulatory information, such as visa requirements for Australian Passport holders
Features of the destination:
Major cities, towns, tourist areas
Major man-made tourist attractions
Major natural tourist attractions
Major gateways of transport networks within the region and destination»

Course: Tourism Diploma
International Attractions & Destinations
Teacher: Sue Freshwater
Student n. S40029545 Inês Pinto
45

Philippines Travel Guide

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