Philippines

The Philippines is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean quickly emerging as a powerhouse on the world stage. From unreal nature, bustling mega-cities, and incredible food, the Philippines is a destination and culture worthy of a visit.

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Language

The Philippines has a rich and complex cultural history. Once made up of hundreds of separate island nations, the country is home to over 150 indigenous languages, many of which are still spoken. Tagalog, a language that existed long before Spanish colonization, was significantly influenced by Spanish vocabulary during the 16th century. This eventually became the foundation of Filipino, one of the country’s two official languages. The other is English, introduced during the American occupation. As a result, the Philippines has a high level of English proficiency, and it’s safe to say that most people speak English very well.

Demographics

The Philippines is a vast archipelago of over 7,000 islands located in the tropics of Southeast Asia. With a population of 117 million, it is one of the most populated nations in the world. The country’s population is spread across over 140 cities located on every major island. In recent years, the Philippines has experienced notable improvements in various aspects of life, including a growing economy, declining poverty, falling crime rates, and rising GDP per capita. These positive changes make it an increasingly appealing destination. The Philippines offers a wide variety of places to explore. From urban hubs like Manila and Cebu, and hundreds of serene island locals.

Weather

The Philippines is located just above the equator, and therefore experiences consistently hot days and warm nights year round. However, there is a typhoon season from July to October where rain is significantly increased. The Philippines sees more typhoons than any other country in the world, the majority of which spawn during this time.

Public Transit

Public transportation in the Philippines varies by region. Manila has a metro train, and cities like Cebu have modern bus networks. Jeepneys are common but can be intimidating. Grab Taxi is available in populated areas, offering an affordable and hassle-free option. In more isolated areas, you’ll need to hail taxis or trikes and pay in cash, but rates are usually negotiable and fair. To travel between islands, flying is the most convenient option, so plan for extra travel time if visiting multiple islands.

Philippines FAQ

The Philippines is one of the more affordable locations in South East Asia. Recent increases in tourism post-covid have inflated some prices, especially in very tourist-focused areas. Specifically hotels and Airbnb’s have seen a price increase. The are remain significantly lower than those in North America and Europe. Budget-conscious travelers can enjoy food, transportation, and excursions at very reasonable prices.

The Philippines often faces an unfair and inaccurate reputation as an unsafe country. However, as of 2024, it ranked highly in safety, with levels of petty and violent crime comparable to those in the USA, Australia, and Western Europe. By exercising the same level of caution and awareness you would in these countries, you can expect a safe and enjoyable visit to the Philippines, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as Boracay and Palawan. Keep track of personal belongings in crowded spaces, and stay in main areas and you will have no problems.

Yes, the Philippines has one of the highest English proficiency rates in the world. Especially in cities and popular destinations, it can be safely assumed that people will have conversational comprehension. Most services are offered entirely in English.

The weather in the Philippines is always very hot and humid, however July to October experiences much more rain and typhoons. Additionally, the tourist season is roughly from December to April, so the best time to visit could be from late April to early June, with low crowds and before typhoon season. The peak of Typhoon season is in August, but any other month should be fine to visit.

The Philippines has greatly modernized in the past few centuries, therefore many businesses especially in large cities will accept cards like Visa and Mastercard. Smaller islands and destinations like El Nido do not accept card in many cases, so if you intend to visit a resort or leave the city, we highly recommend you bring cash with you. Small islands and remote locations often run out of cash at ATMs which can lead to stressful situations as you hop around town looking for a place to get money. Thankfully the Philippines is quite affordable so it’s not hard to acquire enough cash for your visit if you are traveling reasonably.

The Philippines is widely known for its incredibly island nature. We agonized over the decision of whether to go to Boracay, Palawan, or elsewhere. In the end, you simply can not go wrong. The Philippines contains some of the most incredible lagoons, beaches, and resorts. Rather than worrying about every offering of each location, we recommend you find one specific activity or site you want to see, and everything else will come naturally. If you just want to experience beautiful beaches and don’t care much, just plan around ease of flights.

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