Philippines – Pre Arrival Information
- “Planning a trip to the Philippines?
- An organized trip? A private trip that combines nature, beaches, and breathtaking landscapes?
- Looking for useful information about this wonderful country?”
On this page, we’ve gathered the most important things for you to know before traveling to the Philippines! The major cities, the most popular places, the beaches, nature reserves, wildlife, and of course – the islands! The team at ‘Tourismo Filipino’ is here to assist you – we are based in the Philippines!
Worth watching! A short video showcasing the most beautiful places in the Philippines.
Traveling in the Philippines – Some Background
The Philippines is comprised of 7,107 islands, offering diverse landscapes and vast territories that promise numerous pleasures and over 7,107 different ways to explore. The Philippines is considered one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, encompassing numerous sites and a country rich in culture and natural resources. The combination of a rich culture, pristine nature, and exceptionally friendly locals ensures an enjoyable and exciting journey for every traveler.
The Philippines was introduced to the world in the 16th century by Ferdinand Magellan during his global expeditions. Magellan himself was killed during this visit, and his crew was the one to return to Spain with the news.
The majority of the Philippine population is Christian, and the Church plays a dominant role in the country. Aside from Christianity, one can find a minority Muslim population, primarily in the southernmost island of Mindanao and in isolated communities in the Quiapo, Manila.
During trips in the Philippines, you can encounter unique wildlife, visit pristine and secluded beaches, island-hop among small islets, and even dine on a remote island. You can also choose to stay in luxury resorts if you wish to pamper yourself after a long day of exploring the stunning destinations of the Philippines…
The Islands of the Philippines – Thousands of Dreamy Islands Await You!
Among the 7,107 islands of the Philippines, there are several that have captured headlines in recent years, both locally and globally. Among them, Boracay Island received the prestigious title of “World’s Best Island” for the year 2012 and continues to garner acclaim year after year. Another noteworthy island is Palawan, home to the underground river that was recently recognized as one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature.” Additionally, the El Nido region within Palawan has received numerous highly praised articles for its stunning accommodations, breathtaking lagoons, and the incredible beauty of its local paradise.
Several sites and islands in the Philippines have earned international accolades. For instance, Boracay Island, mentioned above, Palawan with its renowned underground river, the town of Vigan which recently earned a well-deserved title, and the Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO-listed site famously known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
These are just a few examples of the remarkable beauty and recognition that the Philippines and its islands have received on a global scale.
The Philippines – Breathtaking Views
Every visitor to the Philippines will encounter the warmth and hospitality that envelops them, with Filipinos always ready to extend a welcoming hand and a smile. The beautiful beaches and the archipelago as a whole, the popular diving sites, the lush mountain ranges, and numerous waterfalls adorn every corner. Moreover, there are the wonders of nature that can only be found in the Philippines.
Manila – A City That Never Sleeps and Vibrant Nightlife
The capital city is Manila, and it’s worth knowing that it’s the third-largest English-speaking country in the world. Manila is a city that truly never sleeps! In Manila, you can find historical sites for day trips that will take you back hundreds of years, to both the painful and joyful past of the Philippines. After long and enjoyable days exploring Manila, you can enjoy vibrant nightlife in clubs that cater to every budget and style.
Enjoyable Day Trips Around Manila
The Philippines is divided into three main geographical island groups:
The Philippines is divided into three island groups known as ‘Luzon,’ ‘Visayas,’ and ‘Mindanao,’ which are further subdivided into 17 regions. Within these regions, there is a division into provinces, barangays (sub-regions within provinces), and so on. The attached map illustrates the division into island groups and different regions in the Philippines, with the majority of well-known tourist sites concentrated in the ‘Luzon’ and ‘Mindanao’ island groups. It’s worth getting acquainted with the Philippines map.
Trips in the Philippines – The Must-Visit Destinations You Shouldn’t Miss…
The “hot” destinations in the Philippines included in most travel itineraries are:
Banaue / Batad Rice Terraces: Located in the province of Ifugao in northern Luzon, these stunning rice terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site known for their breathtaking beauty, Sagada: A small and charming town about a two-hour drive from Banaue, famous for its unique burial caves and natural beauty, Kalinga: Located north of Banaue, Kalinga is home to the legendary tattoo artist Apo Whang Od, the last mambabatok (traditional tattoo artist) of her province. You can also experience excellent white-water rafting here, especially after the rainy season in the Philippines.
In addition to these, on the island of Luzon, you can also find other notable attractions such as Mount Pinatubo, Taal Volcano, Pagsanjan Falls, the Hidden Valley, and the famous diving spots in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and Puerto Galera.
A magical place known as Palawan
Palawan, the stunning island, is also part of the Luzon island group within the Mimaropa region. There, you can find the famous underground river, El Nido, with its breathtaking beauty, and the island of Coron, located to the north of Palawan.
In the Visayas group of islands, you can find the famous Boracay Island, the pristine Iloilo area where Guimaras Island is located, known for its sweet mangoes, Cebu Island, Bohol Island, Negros Oriental, and more!
In the Mindanao group of islands, you can find Davao, a relatively isolated and preserved area in Mindanao known for its white sandy beaches, Mount Apo, the tallest mountain in the Philippines, and the famous Pearl Farm in the area. In Mindanao, you can also explore Camiguin Island, which is considered an emerging tourist destination with its white sandy beaches and several volcanoes on the island.
Trips in the Philippines – breathtaking views, natives in hidden villages, and sweet relaxation
The tours offered on our website are very diverse. In the Philippines tour packages that we offer, you will have the opportunity to see the famous and popular sites in the country. There are several excellent options for tours in different regions, with different styles and price ranges, all according to your preferences. If you have a short time to visit the Philippines, you can choose tours of 10-16 days that cover stunning areas in the Philippines, including the well-known ones.
For those with longer periods, we assist in building a suitable package based on your budget, the nature of the trip, and the desired attractions. “Tourismo Filipino” works with partners on various islands, carefully selected after years of working closely with local authorities. With their help, we offer tours in different regions of the country.
Planning a trip to the Philippines
When planning a trip to the Philippines, it’s important to remember that the country is vast in size, and infrastructure is still underdeveloped in many regions. Public transportation can be somewhat challenging, so it’s essential to carefully plan your travel itinerary, consider the means of transportation between places, and more.
It’s crucial to plan your travel itinerary in advance, thoroughly research the various destinations and attractions, understand the distances involved, and allocate sufficient time for moving from one place to another, whether by ferry, land transport, or air travel.
In most cases, traveling between the islands is best done by air as it is usually the fastest and cost-effective way. However, when landing in Manila, which is often the case, it’s important to note that there are multiple terminals that may be quite distant from each other, taking around 5-10 minutes without traffic or 30-45 minutes with traffic to transfer between terminals.
If you have an international flight from a specific terminal and a domestic flight from another, consider the transfer time, check-out, and check-in procedures at each terminal.
Visa to the Philippines
For Israeli citizens, there is no need for a visa in advance for Filipinos. We have the privilege of receiving up to 59 days from the moment of entry into the country. If you wish to extend your stay in the country, you can obtain an extension at one of the various immigration offices.
Vaccinations and Hospitals
It is advisable to consult with a travel clinic before traveling to the Philippines, preferably at least a few months before your arrival. Vaccination requirements and recommendations may change over time.
Throughout the Philippines, you can find hospitals and private clinics. In fact, on every island, you can find small hospitals, but it is highly recommended to check in advance with people who are familiar with the area whether the hospital is adequate for treatment and, of course, for emergencies if the need arises.
The map of the Philippines (with links to selected destinations in the country)
