Travel and
Holiday Tips in the Philippines
Government officials are
addressed by their titles such as Senator, Congressman or Director.
Otherwise, usual modes of address and levels of politeness are expected.
Casual dress is acceptable in most places, but in Muslim areas the visitor
should cover up. Filipino men may wear an embroidered long-sleeved shirt or
a plain white barong tagalong with black trousers for formal occasions. The
Philippines are, in many respects, more westernized than any other Asian
country, but there is a rich underlay of Malay culture.
Tipping
Usually 10 per cent of the bill.
Hotels generally add a 15 per cent service charge, but it is customary to
leave small change.
International Travel:
Note: All travel to
central, southern and western Mindanao, to Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu
archipelago is advised against.
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Do’s & Don’ts – Things to
Remember
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Most Filipino
visitors are able to speak English.
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Older Filipino
visitors of Chinese descent may not speak English, or understand some of
the facilities available in the room.
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Loyalty to family
or friends comes first.
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Hospitality is a
part of the Filipino character.
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'Face' is important
to the Filipino visitor.
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Age and status
should be recognized and respected.
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Filipinos tend to
be fatalistic (What will be, will be).
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The Philippines is
a "have" and "have not" society.
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High levels of
personal service are expected.
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Conflict is to be
avoided.
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Women are
considered to have equal status.
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Filipinos
(especially the women) tend to be conservative in interpersonal
relationships.
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Physical contact
should be kept to a minimum, especially between sexes.
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Filipinos are used
to bargaining.
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Punctuality is not
a strong point.
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No-smoking rules
and practices may need to be explained.
Places to Go:
The Philippines is composed of
7107 islands (7108 at low tide), with a total coastline longer than that of
the USA. The warm tropical waters offer the attractions of sunbathing and
swimming, while divers and snorkelers can explore coral gardens with
beautiful marine life and dramatic drop-offs on the sea bed. Charter planes
can be hired for reaching some of the more remote islands. Inland, the rich
history and culture of the Filipino people, the dramatic landscapes and
thriving cities will fascinate the visitor. For the purposes of this guide,
this section has been divided into three areas, with the main tourist
attractions listed under Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao and the South.
Recommended Travel
Destinations:
Manila & Area
Capital and hub of the nation, Manila is situated on the east coast of
Luzon. Places of interest include San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral,
from which there is an excellent view of the 2072 sq km (800 sq miles) of
the harbor, and the ruins of Fort Santiago. Outside the Intramuros is
Chinatown, a market in the district of Binondo, crowded with shops, stalls
and restaurants. Luneta Park contains the Rizal Monument, a memorial to the
execution of this great Filipino intellectual of the late 19th century.
Other places of interest are the American Cemetery and Coconut Palace.
Luzon
Luzon is the largest and most northerly of the main islands. Its spectacular
landscape is made up of mountainous regions in the north, the flat vistas of
the central plain, lakes and volcanoes in the southern peninsula, and a
coastline dotted with caves and sandy-beached islands. Manila, the capital
of the Philippines, lies on the island’s east coast
Baguio
To get a way from the summer
heat, this place serves as a cool haven. It’s accessible both by air and
land but should you choose the latter, you will experience the spectacular
views of the country side while driving up Kennon Road. Main attractions
include The Mansion, summer residence of the Philippine president; Bell
Church; Baguio Cathedral; and the Crystal Caves, composed of crystalline
metamorphic rocks and once an ancient burial site.
Banaue
Banaue is an eight hour bus ride north of Baguio. A remote mountain
community lives here, and tourists can visit their settlements. The
beautiful rice terraces are the main attraction of this area.
Hundred Islands
Lying off the coast of Pangasinan and the second largest marine reservation
in the world, the Hundred Islands group is made up of 400 islets surrounded
by coral gardens and white sand beaches. This area is ideal for swimming and
fishing.
The Visayas
The Visayas is a group of islands between Luzon and Mindanao. The main
islands are Cebu, Leyte, Negros, Panay and Samar, the latter famous as the
island first sighted by the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the 16th
century and as the landing point for the American liberation forces in 1944.
Samar and Leyte are linked by the San Juanico Bridge, the longest in the
country.
Panay
Iloilo on Panay is an agricultural province producing root crops,
vegetables, cocoa, coffee and numerous tropical fruits. The attractions
include beach resorts and, in Iloilo City (reached by air), the 18th-century
Miagao Church, a unique piece of Baroque colonial architecture with a facade
decorated with impressions of coconut and papaya trees. Sicogon Island is a
haven for scuba divers, and has mountains and virgin forests to explore.
Boracay Island is another such
island paradise, accessible by air via Kalibo, followed by a bus or jeepney
ride to Malay, and finally by ferry or pumpboat to Caticlan. A survey
considered its powdery-fine white-sand beach to be amongst the best in the
world.
Zamboanga City
In the southwestern tip of Mindanao is Zamboanga City, considered by some as
the most romantic place in the Philippines and a favorite resort amongst
tourists. The city is noted for its seashells, unspoiled tropical scenery
and magnificent flowers.
Elsewhere
Davao province is the industrial center of Mindanao, renowned for its pearl
and banana exports.
Cagayan de Oro is the gateway to
some of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines.
Bukidnon has huge cattle ranches
and the famous Del Monte pineapple fields, and Iligan City is the site of
the hydroelectric complex driven by the Maria Cristina Falls.
The province of Lanao del Sur is characterized by its Muslim community,
which has settled along the shores of Lake Lanao. Besides the lake, other
attractions include Signal Hill; Sacred Mountain; the native market,
Torongan; homes of the Maranao royalty; the various Muslim mosques on the
shores of the lake; and examples of the famous brassware industry centered
in Tugaua.
