The second-largest archipelago in the world with three of the world’s largest shopping malls, The Philippines is a bucket list destination. This awesome country has an island, Camiguin, that boasts more volcanoes than townships. Don’t worry; dormant for many years, the volcanoes have become tourist attractions that shows off bubbling hot springs and white-sand beaches.
The Philippines is one of five countries in Asia that recognizes English as an official language. English is in addition to Filipino, a standardized version of Tagalog. (The other countries are India, Singapore, Nepal, and Pakistan) There are 175 languages spoken within the border of The Philippines.
On arrival, British citizens are granted a 30-day visa. Travelers from the US are granted entry into The Philippines for 30 days without the need for a visa. Travelers from more than 30 eligible countries can get a 59-day visa if they apply in advance. You must have a valid passport, complete visa application form, and pay the visa fee.
If you’ve ever been to Mexico, you might notice the currency of The Philippines shares the same name. The Filipino Peso is the official currency of this country. As of 2022, 50 Filipino Pesos equates to $98 USD.
An island in The Philippines, Boracay, was shut down for six months because of dire sanitation needs. The Philippines has since then been accelerating their recycling efforts. Tourists who do not abide by the new anti-pollution efforts are punished by local officers (if caught).
Either for cheaper transportation, or simply because of a “When in Rome” mindset, take a moped ride! More locals drive mopeds and scooters than cars, so you’ll fit right in. More swiftly navigate traffic by weaving yourself among the vehicles. Glide down narrow streets that trucks couldn’t fit in. Adventure to off-beaten paths and feel the wind blow through your hair.
Philippines offers boat rides between islands, which is often the best way to get from one to another. Instagrammers and Influencers alike agree that the sailing trip from Coron to El Nido in Palawan is one you’ll never forget. St. Paul’s Mountain Range in Palawan is home to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park that hosts the world’s longest underground river. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Palawan is a must-visit.
Filipinos are a very musical people. Most locals grow up learning how to sing and play instruments from their aunts, uncles, and grandparents. You will find karaoke bars lining the streets of Manila. However, if you want the authentic Filipino experience, sing with local families. Try to get invited to a family gathering and join in on the songs they sing after dinner and dessert. Harmonize with their voices and use your feet as a beat. You’ll be welcomed like family in no time.
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,641 islands. Surrounded by seawater, it makes sense that locals eat lots of seafood. A tourists’ diet will consist mostly of fresh fish and white rice. Special food tours are available all over The Philippines, especially in Manila.
All international airport locations in The Philippines offer business class travel.
The Philippines’ weather is not broken into the same four seasons that America experiences. Instead of winter, spring, summer, and fall, The Philippines, like many other Southeastern Asian countries, has only two seasons: wet and dry. Unless you enjoy daily downpours, it is recommended you travel to The Philippines during dry season which falls between November and April. The streets may be more crowded, but they’ll certainly be more dry.
Manila has jokingly been nicknamed The Philippines’ very own New York. A flight from one NY to the other NY is roughly 16 hours and 50 minutes. There are business class flights with options of: nonstop flights, one-stop flights, and multiple-stop flights.
Voyagu does not rank its valued airline partners, but we do provide a list of airlines that offer both discounted business class airfare and last-minute business class deals to The Philippines. Some of these may not have direct flights while instead arranging comforting connections:
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