Philippines

Popular tourist destinations in the Philippines

• Bohol • Boracay • Cebu • Manila • Panglao • El Nido, Palawan • Ifugao Rice Terraces • Taal Volcano • Mayon Volcano • Puerto Galera • Zamboanga City

General information

The Philippines comprises 7,107 islands grouped into three regions, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, covering a land area of 115,739 m². (299,764 km²). The capital city is Manila, and the time zone is GMT + 8 hours.

Climate

March to May is hot and dry while June to October is rainy, and November to February is cool. Average temperatures are 78°F (25°C) to 90°F (32°C); average humidity is 77%.

Population

The May 2000 national census counted 76.5 million Filipinos, over half of whom live in Luzon. Population growth is estimated at 2.36% annually.

Language

There are two official languages: Filipino (based on Tagalog) is the national language, but English is the medium of instruction in higher education and is widely spoken. Other languages widely spoken include Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bikol, Waray, Kapampangan, and Pangasinan.

Religions

Some 83% of Filipinos are Catholic and 9% Protestant. About 5% are Moslem. The rest are made up of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhist.

Unit of measurement

The metric system is used in most trade and legal transactions.

Electricity

220 volts a/c is the common standard. 110 volts a/c is also used, especially in major hotels.

Currency

The official currency is the peso. Foreign currency may be exchanged at hotels, banks, and authorized money changing shops accredited by the Central Bank of the Philippines. International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, Bank Americard, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted at major establishments.

Ski resorts

Beach resorts

Bantayan, Batangas, Boracay Island, Camiguin, Malapuscua, Puerto Galera, Boracay Island, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Nigi Nigi Beach Resort, The Orchids Resort, Willy's Beach Resort, Palawan, Alegre Beach Resort, Bohol Tropics Resort, Nagarao Island Resort, Atlantis Dumaguete, Matabungkay Beach Resort, Caylabne Bay Resort, la Laguna Beach, Bohol, Cavite, Zambales

Spa resorts

Mandala Spa & Villas, Badian Island Resort & Spa, The Pan Pacific Hotel Manila, The Peninsula Manila, Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa, Hilton Cebu Resort Spa, Plantation Bay resort & Spa

Golf regions

ANGELES CITY: Mimosa Golf & Country Club; BAGUIO: Camp John Hay Golf Course; BAGUIO CITY: Baguio Country Club; CEBU: Cebu International Golf and Resort; BATANGAS: Calatagan Golf Club, Evercrest Golf Club and Resort; BUKIDNON: Del Monte Golf Club; CAVITE: Puerto Azul Golf Course, Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, Masters Course, Legends Course; DAVAO: Apo Golf & Country Club; INTRAMUROS: Club Intramuros; LAGUNA PROVINCE: Canlubang Golf & Country Club, North Course, South course; LAOAG: Fort Ilocandia Golf Club; MAKATI: Fort Bonifacio Golf Club, Manila Golf & Country Club; MANDALUYONG: Wack Wack Golf & Country Club; MUNTINLUPA: Alabang Country Club; SAN ANTONIO: TAT Filipinas Golf Club; NEGROS OCCIDENTAL: Bacolod Golf and Country Club, Inc., Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club; NEGROS ORIENTAL: Dumaguete Golf and Country Club; NEWCOAST: Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf & Country Club; OLONGAPO: Subic Bay Golf Course; PAMPANGGA: Air Force Golf Course; PASAY CITY: Villamor Air Base Golf Course; QUEZON CITY: Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club, Capitol Hills Golf & Country Club, Veterans Golf Course; RIZAL: Eastridge Golf Club, Valley Golf Club; SAN REMIGIO: Verdemar Golf; TAGAYTAY CITY: Tagaytay Highlands International Golf Club; TARLAC: Luisita Golf & Country Club; ZAMBOANGA: Zamboanga Golf & Country Club