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The Republic of the Philippines lies of the South-East coast of Asian mainland. It is an archipelago of 7,107 Islands and islets, set in deep blue waters which contain some of the richest marine life in the world.

The islands can be divided into four major island groupings: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao & Palawan.

With so many islands, the Philippines have a wealth of opportunities for diving and snorkelling. Each island offers something very unique.


Favoured locations for reef & wall diving are Puerto Galera, Alona Beach (Bohol), Puerto Princesa (Palawan) and the Island of Apo. If is wreck diving you are keen on, then why not discover the WWII wrecks of Coron.

The Philippines most outstanding feature is its people, with a mixture of Malaysians, Chinese, Spanish and American. This country is blessed with a unique culture. They are a fascinating blend of east meets west, with ancient & modern ways.

The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. The country has a population of approximately 76.5 million. Filipinos are probably one of the few, if not the only, English-proficient Oriental people today. Filipino is the official national language, with English considered as the country's unofficial one. Filipinos are a fun-loving people. Throughout the islands, there are fiestas celebrated everyday and foreign guests are always welcome to their homes.

Moving around the country by land is easy with national highways connecting the major islands and an extensive public transportation system, which includes the exotic Philippine jeepney. Trains, taxis, buses, jeepneys, and trikes are the main modes of public transportation.

The undisputed “King of the Philippine Roads” is the jeepney (half jeep, half bus). Since it first emerged after the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, it has become a fixture in roads all over the country.

Getting You Started
With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is the second largest archipelago in the world. Located
off the southeast coast of Asia, the nation is divided Into three major island groups -  Luzon, Mindanao and Visayas. Each island offers something unique and activities range from visiting the beautiful white sandy beaches of  The Visayas or diving the World War II wrecks of Coron (Luzon).

The international country code for Philippines is
63. Philippines is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Entry & Visa Requirements(subject to change)
Australian Passport holders do not require a visa for stays less then 21 days.

Medical & Health Requirements
Most of the hospitals in the Philippines are private so travel insurance is essential. There are a number of recompression chambers throughout
the Philippines. There are no major health risks in the Philippines but it is recommended to make
sure your hepatitis and typhoid shots are up to date and anti-malarial precautions are best for visits to rural areas. Please check with your physician for the best precautions to be taken.
(For further details please contact Travel Vax on 1300 360 164).

Currency
The currency is the Philippine Peso. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants.
1 AUD = approximately 40.00 Peso (June 2012)

Banking: Travelers cheques in USD and credit cards are the safest way to take money with you on your holiday (proof of identity will be required). ATM’s are available but when travelling to outer island it is recommended to carry sufficient amount of Philippine pesos. Banking hours are 09.00am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday.

Baggage (International flights Ex Australia)
Philippine Airlines-23kg
Domestic carriers are often restricted to 15kg.
(Subject to change without notice)  

Duty Free
The allowance is 400 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, 2 bottles of alcohol of 1 litre each.

Weather
The Philippines offers a warm tropical climate with 3 seasons. The dry/cool season is from December to February, the mainly dry/hot season is from March to May and the rainy season is from June to November with the occasional typhoon from June to September. The majority of tourists visit between November to May. Average temperatures are 25°C to 32°C. 

Clothing
The emphasis is on light and casual clothing but not too brief in public places. Swimwear is not permitted in the public areas of hotels. Remember to cover up with light cotton clothing at dusk and dawn to prevent mosquito bites. Sun protection is absolutely essential.

Electricity  
220 volts AC, Plug A, B & C. (for further details refer to http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm).

Language
The national language is Filipino, a form of Tagalog. English is widely spoken. Over 500 dialects are spoken in the Philippines

Religion
Over 80% of the population is Catholic, approximately 5% is Muslim and the remainder is of other Christian denominations and Buddhist.

Water
Water used for drinking should first be boiled or sterilized. We recommend you drink bottled water in all areas. In the tropics it is important to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration.

Shopping  
The Philippines is rich in handicrafts; each area has its own specialty. A large selection of wood carvings, intricate brass work, hill tribe jewelry and rattan baskets are available. Most shops are open Monday to Saturday, however hours vary.

Tipping
Tipping is expected for many services. The standard practice is 10% of the total bill.

Diving
Stunning coral reefs, walls and drop offs, fantastic wrecks and an endless array of marine life await snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. With 7,107 islands to choose from  there is no shortage of dive sites. 

Water temperatures range from 23°C in winter to 28°C in summer. A 3-5mm wetsuit is recommended. Dive operators supply tanks, weight belts and dive guide services. There will be an extra charge if equipment hire is required.

Departure Tax
A local tax of 750 Peso is payable in cash at the airport for international departures and 200 Peso for domestic departures. (Children under 2 years of age and transit passengers are exempt).