Known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and churches, the Philippines is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia.
There are plenty of possibilities for nature, wildlife, adventure, entertainment, and nightlife.
The people are incredibly kind and welcoming, and they will go out of their way to put a smile on your face. If you are planning to travel to the Philippines any time soon, this is the travel guide for you.
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Based on your preferred temperature range, you may choose a month to visit the Philippines.
The dry season, which lasts from November to April, is the best time to explore the country. Because rainfall is at its lowest during the dry season, even the most isolated places and islands are easily accessible.
The weather is also great for sightseeing and hiking excursions. Temperatures in March and April are greater than in December and January, even during the dry season.
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Meanwhile, the rainy season lasts from June to October and is best avoided due to the increased risk of typhoons. Typhoons are the most devastating, and most trips and activities are cancelled as a result.
The only way to reach the Philippines from Singapore is by using air transportation.
Flights of major airlines departing from Changi Airport arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which is located in Manila City (MNL). Non-stop flight time is between 3 hours 40 minutes only.
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The most commonly used airlines from Singapore are Singapore Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Jetstar, and Philippines Airlines.
By taking Philippines Airlines, you may take only 4 hours 10 minutes from Changi Airport to Manila.
The next operating airline that may take you to the Philippines is Singapore Airlines.
Singapore Airlines operates one time daily, and it will fly you to Manila as well. It has three different times of take off, which is 9:15 am, 12:10 pm, and 7:10 pm. This flight time is on the current updated system, and it may change in future. The average flying hour from Changi to Manila is about 4 hours 40 minutes.
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In addition, you may also take Cebu Pacific to get to the Philippines, specifically Manila. They also provide two different take-off times, which are 1:35 am and 4:05 am. They only operate 1 to 2 times weekly.
The frequency of flight take-off may change from time to time. You need to frequently check their system for the updated information released or updated from the company.
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The Negritos were the first to arrive and establish in this area. The people's primary occupations were farming and fishing. However, after a few years, people began purchasing rice and other products in return for the coconut shell, which was readily available here.
Later, people and families from Panay began travelling here for holidays, and this location quickly became one of the most popular tourist sites.
Boracay is an island located about an hour's flight from Manila and Cebu, both in the Philippines.
With a total length of about 7 kilometres, this island is quite tiny.
This island is flanked on both sides by two beaches and has clean water on all four sides.
This romantic destination attracts visitors worldwide, particularly from China, Taiwan, Korea, and other important Asian countries.
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Boracay was ranked as the second-best island in 2013 and has quickly risen to become one of the top tourist attractions in the Philippines.
Along this stretch of white sand, there are several hotels, stores, and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the deep blue waves as well as the magnificent scenery.
When to visit:
Those wanting to enter Boracay must fulfil the requirements below:
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Manila, the metropolis of considerable trade and the seat of the Philippine national government's executive and judicial institutions, is also the country's capital and has architectural and cultural relics from the Spanish colonial period, such as the Walled City of Intramuros.
In the year 2012, the Globalisation and World Cities Research Network designated the city as a global city.
It is the Philippines' second most populated city, located on the eastern side of Manila Bay.
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When to visit:
Manila is a bustling metropolis that can be visited all year, although the wet season is hot and humid, preventing tourists from seeing the city. During this period, certain Manila streets are also flooded.
Those wanting to enter Manila must fulfil the requirements below:
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Cebu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, with stunning white sand beaches and incredible diving opportunities.
It offers a vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants, and a diverse range of shopping opportunities for all types of shoppers.
Diver’s love diving among turtles and white tip sharks in Cebu's coral gardens. It's the ideal location for anybody looking to relax and unwind on a gorgeous island break.
Islands to explore:
Adventurers will be ecstatic to learn about Cebu's incredible waterfalls, such as Kawasan Falls, where they can go rappelling, rock climbing, and even waterfall jumping.
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The hilly part of Cebu is ideal for trekking through rich vegetation and animals, including the endangered tarsier.
Cebu also offers a variety of gastronomic experiences, including bakasi (saltwater eels), Lechon (roast pig), and tuslob buwa (pig brains). If you're still sceptical, consider this: the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain once declared tuslob buwa to be the greatest pork he'd ever had!
When to visit:
Those wanting to enter Cebu must fulfil the requirements below:
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The capital city of Palawan, Puerto Princesa, is located on the western coast of the island and is the Philippines' second biggest city by area yet one of the least heavily inhabited.
It has been named the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines, thanks to its lush greenery and beautiful white-sand beaches.
Thousands of people flock to Puerto Princesa to see the UNESCO historical monument - the subterranean river - and tourism has evolved to become the principal source of income for the inhabitants.
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Many adventurous activities, scenic beaches, and inexpensive unique products make this city a favourite tourist destination, particularly among Filipinos.
The city is also suitable for budget travellers, with low-cost lodging and a convenient transportation system. It is a safe city to visit, and many single travellers go there.
When to visit:
Those wanting to enter Puerto Princesa must fulfil the requirements below:
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Banaue township is around a two-hour journey from Bontoc or a three-and-a-half-hour trip from Cauayan airport in Northern Luzon (the closest for the time being).
Both local and international visitors travel to the town to witness the spectacular rice terraces, some of which stretch back 2,000 years.
The region features five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant tribal culture, and peculiarities that are exclusively observable in the province of Ifugao.
Food, family, and farming all play essential roles in the lives of the people who live here. Walking around town, you'll frequently hear people carefully listening to country-western music leftover from the American occupation.
Handmade smoked rice wine is frequently shared over a meal, and riding on the top of a jeepney is a common event.
Many rural communities still have traditional Ifugao dwellings, farming traditions are intact, and spiritual rites and superstition are still practised – but headhunting is not.
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Regardless of how intriguing the people are, there is no escaping the reality that the true purpose of coming here is to watch or climb through the breathtaking terraces.
Those wanting to enter Banaue must fulfil the requirements below:
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