Sightseeing, Activities and Adventure
The Philippine archipelago is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Having so many islands to visit, there are so many top attractions and things to do in addition to the spectacular scuba diving. Many tourists come to explore the stunning beaches.
Boracay is famous for its powdery white sand and vibrant nightlife. Palawan is home to
El Nido and Coron, both known for their limestone cliffs and island-hopping adventures.
Siargao is a haven for surfers, with Cloud 9 being a top surf spot.
Panglao in Bohol is another popular beach, from which you can take tours to visit the
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary to see the world's smallest primates in their natural habitat, and the
Chocolate Hills - a unique geological formation of over 1,200 grassy mounds that turn chocolate brown in the dry season.
Other natural wonders include the
Underground River, near Puerto Princesa in Palawan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning cave formations. It is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The country is dotted by volcanoes such as
Mayon in Albay, and Mount Apo in Davao; you can visit them on hikes, bikes, or quad-bike tours. The
Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan is another popular excursion to explore unique islands and hidden beaches, near to Manila. There are some very picturesque waterfalls too, including
Kawasan Falls (Cebu), Pagsanjan Falls (Laguna), and Tinuy-an Falls (Surigao del Sur).
Cultural highlights include the
Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao. Often referred to as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', these hand-carved terraces are over 2,000 years old and showcase sustainable farming practices. When staying in Manila, you could take a walk through the
historic walled city of Intramuros, and see San Agustin Church, an ancient Spanish church. Or visit
Vigan (Ilocos Sur), a well-preserved Spanish colonial town with cobblestone streets. Filipinos love their
festivals too, showcasing music, dance, and local traditions. The Sinulog Festival in Cebu celebrates the Santo Niño with colorful parades and street dancing. Other famous festivals include the Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan, the Pahiyas Harvest Festival in Quezon, the Kadayawan Tribal Festival in Davao, MassKara (Masked) Festival in Bacolod).
For guests that take a
Dumaguete dive package, the 'City of Gentle People' offers a variety of attractions that cater to different interests. Rizal Boulevard is a scenic promenade along the waterfront, perfect for leisurely walks, dining, and enjoying the sea breeze. At night it comes alive with many restaurants, bars and clubs. There are 2 nearby waterfalls - the Pulangbato Falls is a picturesque waterfall known for its reddish rocks, offering a refreshing natural swimming area, and the Casaroro Falls is a stunning waterfall nestled in a lush forest, popular among hikers. The Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park is a great choice for nature lovers, offering activities like trekking, boating, and bird watching. And Malatapay is a vibrant local market held every Wednesday, offering a glimpse into the local culture and cuisine.
For those that book a diving package in
Puerto Galera, there are some diverse attractions. Being a beach resort, there are a variety of water sports on offer, including kayaking, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides. These activities offer fun ways to explore the coastal areas. There are some dedicated island-hopping tours to discover secluded beaches and snorkeling spots. Destinations like Haligi Beach and Long Beach are known for their pristine beauty. White Beach in particular is one of Puerto Galera's most popular spots, known for its white sand and clear waters. It's an ideal place for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the lively nightlife with bars and live music. Nature seekers can visit Tamaraw Falls, a series of picturesque cascading waterfalls. It's a spot perfect for picnics and nature appreciation. For a refreshing experience, trek to the Aninuan Falls and Talipanan Falls. These waterfalls offer cool waters and tranquil surroundings. Other attractions include the golf course at Ponderosa, with its breathtaking views of Puerto Galera and the surrounding seas. There is also a local cultural village, where visitors learn about the indigenous Mangyan people. Observe traditional weaving and gain insights into their way of life.
Anilao is celebrated for its exceptional scuba diving but there are other things to here too. Visitors can explore nearby islands such as Sombrero Island and Sepoc Beach. These spots are perfect for beachcombing, swimming, and picnicking. For adventure seekers, hiking Mt. Gulugod Baboy offers panoramic views of Batangas and the surrounding seas. The trail is suitable for beginners and provides a refreshing experience. Consider a day trip to the nearby Taal Volcano. It's one of the world's smallest active volcanoes and offers hiking experiences with stunning views. The waters around Anilao are ideal for windsurfing and jet skiing. Many resorts offer equipment rentals and lessons for those seeking thrilling water sports.
For more information and ideas on what to do, visit:
The Philippines Tourism website.
Time Zones
The time throughout the country is 8 hours ahead of Universal Coordinated Time (UTC +8). This is the same time zone as China, Malaysia, Singapore, Western Australia, Brunei, and central Indonesia.Business Hours in the Philippines
Banks are open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. Some branches may operate on Saturday mornings. Government offices open Monday to Friday only, 8 am to 5 pm. Shopping malls typically operate every day from 10 am to 9 pm. Some supermarkets and restaurants in urban areas are open 24-7.Electricity
Most hotels and dive resorts in the Philippines use 220 volt AC at 60 cycles. Power outlets typically use Type A (2 flat parallel prongs) and Type B (2 flat parallel prongs with a grounding pin) plug types. If you're visiting from a country with a different voltage or plug type, you may need a voltage converter and/or a plug adapter. Always check your device specifications to see if they support 220V and 60 Hz before use.Communications
Little know fact: The Philippines has over 170 languages, with Filipino and English as the official languages. The 3 main cellular network providers are Globe, Smart, and Dito. Globe and Smart having the largest market shares. Dito is growing quickly, especially in urban areas. Buying a SIM card and low cost data bundles in the Philippines is straightforward and can be done at airports, malls, convenience stores, or dedicated kiosks. The international country code for the Philippines is '63'. To make an international call, dial '+' or '00' and proceed with the number.
Many cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, and airports offer free Wi-Fi to customers, though sometimes with limited time access. Internet cafes are still common, though their prevalence has decreased with the rise of mobile phones and Wi-Fi.
Postal delivery services in the Philippines include the government-run PhilPost and private couriers like LBC, Xpressman, and J&T Express. PhilPost offer a regular mail service, registered mail, and express mail (EMS). EMS is the fastest option, taking 3-7 days for most countries.Codes of Behaviour
Filipinos are known for their strong sense of hospitality. It's common to offer guests food, drinks, and a comfortable place to rest. Refusing an offer of food or drink can be seen as impolite. The family institution is central to Filipino culture, and many social behaviors revolve around familial ties. It is expected that individuals show loyalty, care, and responsibility toward their family members. Children are expected to support their parents and elders, especially in their old age. In return, elders are expected to guide and support the younger generation.
Politeness and courtesy, and respect for elders is very important. You will often hear the words "Po" or "Opo" being used. These are polite expressions to show respect when speaking to elders or authority figures. A traditional Filipino gesture of respect for elders is the 'mano', where younger people take the hand of an elder and place it on their forehead as a sign of respect. Filipinos often address elders, authority figures and tourists with formal titles such as 'Sir' or 'Maam'. Filipinos tend to avoid direct confrontation. Instead, they may use subtle hints, non-verbal cues, or third parties to resolve conflicts. This is due to the importance of maintaining harmony and avoiding loss of face.
The Philippines is predominantly Roman Catholic (apart from the Muslim regions of the south), and religious observances play a significant role in social life. It's important to be respectful of religious beliefs, practices, holidays, and rituals. Likewise, respect for authority figures such as teachers, government officials, and religious leaders is emphasized through polite speech, adherence to rules, and deference.
Tipping and bargaining
Tipping is generally appreciated in the Philippines, although it is not always mandatory. Many restaurants in the Philippines automatically include a 10% service charge in the bill. If there is no service charge, it is customary to tip between 5% to 10% of the total bill. For casual dining spots or street food vendors, tipping is not expected. In hotels a small tip is appreciated for bellboys and concierge services, and housekeeping.
Bargaining is common in markets, street vendors, and some tourist areas, but it is not expected in larger, fixed-price retail stores or chain establishments. Start low and be polite and friendly. Bargaining can be done in a light-hearted way, with a smile or a friendly attitude, which can help you get a better deal. If the vendor doesn't meet your price, it's okay to walk away. And ff you're buying multiple items, ask for a discount for buying in bulk. In major cities like Manila, taxis use meters, so bargaining is not necessary. However, in more rural areas or for special requests, you may need to negotiate the price before getting in.
Clothing
In urban areas, men typically wear T-shirts, polo shirts, shorts, or lightweight trousers. Flip-flops, sandals and sneakers are common for casual settings. Women often wear dresses, skirts, or pants paired with blouses or casual tops. Swimwear (bikinis, board shorts, etc.) is fine while at the beach, poolside, and resorts, but it is expected that people cover up with a towel, sarong, or cover-up when walking around public spaces, restaurants, or shops outside of the water. Nude sunbathing and topless bathing are generally frowned upon in the Philippines.
When visiting government offices or attending formal meetings, more conservative attire is expected. Men should wear collared shirts and long pants, while women should avoid sleeveless tops or revealing clothing. Entry may be denied if you do not meet these requirements.
Criminality in the Philippines
Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas such as markets, malls, public transportation (especially jeepneys and buses), and tourist spots. Pickpockets tend to target distracted individuals or those who are carrying valuables in easily accessible pockets or bags. Snatching (theft of bags, mobile phones, or other valuables) is another common crime in cities. Common scams might include overcharging for services (e.g., taxis, restaurants, and goods), fake tour operators, and street vendors selling counterfeit goods.
Violent crimes such as murder and armed robbery do occur but tend to be more prevalent in areas with political instability or economic disparity. Kidnapping is a concern, especially in certain parts of Mindanao, where criminal groups may kidnap individuals for ransom. The Philippines has a significant problem with illegal drug use, primarily methamphetamine (locally known as shabu). This often results in shootings, raids, and violent incidents in areas where drug trafficking is rampant. The country has also been identified as both a source of and destination for human trafficking, particularly for sex trafficking. Vulnerable individuals, especially women and children, are trafficked into sexual exploitation, both within the country and abroad.
Officials
Corruption is a persistent issue in the Philippines, affecting various levels of government, law enforcement, and public services. Bribery and other forms of corruption enable the corrupt practices to persist. Try to stay away from situations that involve the police, and be respectful in your dealings with them. Don't be surprised if the passing of a little money seems like the easiest solution to issues with authority.
