Philippines Travel - Hotels, Attractions, Information

However, most of the Philippines is laidback, stable and relatively safe. The locals are, by and large, an exceptionally friendly and helpful bunch. On top of this, transport is cheap, the food is good, accommodation is plentiful and English is widely spoken.

The Philippines has been dogged by trouble. In 2000 a Brussels-based research centre declared the Philippines the most disaster-prone country on earth. It named typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, garbage landslides and military action against Muslim insurgents as just some of the problems both locals and tourists have had to deal with.

Pearl of the Orient

The Philippines were ceded by Spain to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. They attained their independence in 1946 after being occupied by the Japanese in World War II. The 21-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986 when a widespread popular rebellion forced him into exile. In 1992, the US closed down its last military bases on the islands. The Philippines has had two electoral presidential transitions since Marcos' removal by "people power." In January 2001, the Supreme Court declared Joseph ESTRADA unable to rule in view of mass resignations from his government and administered the oath of office to Vice President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO as his constitutional successor. The government continues to struggle with ongoing Muslim insurgencies in the south.

THE PHILIPPINES stands at the crossroads of the developed western world and the Orient. It lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, stretching more than 1,840 kilometers. Composed of 7,107 islands, the Philippines is readily accessible to the different capitals of the world. Its three main islands are Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The South China Sea washes its western shores. Taiwan, China and Hong Kong are northern neighbors and further north is Japan. To the west lie Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. An arm of the archipelago reaches out towards Borneo and at its feet stands the chain of Indonesian islands. To the east and south, the waters of the Pacific Ocean sweep its headlands, looking out towards Micronesia and Polynesia. Its unique location has made the Philippines the commercial, cultural and intellectual hub of Asia from the dawn of history.

Facts for the Traveler

All visitors to the country must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period they plan to stay. Everyone, except for the stateless persons, nationals from restricted countries and those originating from countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic ties are allowed into the country without visas. They are permitted to stay for up to 21 days provided they hold tickets for onward or return journeys. Visas and special permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies or consular offices overseas.

Extensions of Stay Visitors intending to extend their stay from 21 days to 59 days should contact the Immigration Office (Commission on Immigration and Deportation; CID), Magallenes Drive, Intramuros, Manila, and its offices in Angeles, Cebu City and San Fernando (La Union).

Upon arrival at the Immigration Office, all you have to do is present your extension application and passport to the various immigration officials with which these documents will remain with the Immigration Office (Regular Service) for processing. Fees for a 38-days visa extension range from P1,000 to P2,000 depending on whether the application for extension by the visitor was filed before or after the 21 days limit. If you are planning to apply for a visa extension, do remember not to dress in shorts and flip-flops (thongs) or else you can expect to be refused service.

When to Go

January, May and December are the best months to visit the Philippines if colorful celebrations and fiestas are on your list of 'purpose for making the trip'. If your itinerary includes visits to the rice terraces in North Luzon, the best time to do this would be in March and April as the weather is pleasantly warm. Apart from that, these warm summer months are also ideal for island hopping. Do be advised that for those who can't take the heat, the month of May can be quite an experience of warm discomfort.

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