Philippine tourism started to flourish in the 1970s up to 1980's, but in the mid 1980’s, the growth of the Philippine tourism started to slow down. One of the major evidence of the slow growth is the average length of tourist stay of 8.9 days in 1988 down from 12.6 days. In 1987, this growth was slower compared to other countries in Southeast Asia.

Philippines Vacations

Philippines Tourism and Vacations Information

The Philippines comprises 7,107 islands grouped into three regions, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, covering a land area of 115,739 m². (300,000 km²). The capital city is Manila, and the time zone is GMT + 8 hours.

How to Travel - Philippines

The Philippines has different means of transportation. Jeepneys, taxis, and buses are on every main and sub thoroughfares that includes pedicabs and the thrifty tricycles that roam the city streets. MRT (Metro Rail Transit), and LRT (Light Rail Transit) are also accessible in the main commercial districts. Sea and air transport are the most popular means of transportation getting to other parts of the country. The Philippines has its airports and seaports situated throughout the country. The Philippine government is currently spending more to improve Philippine infrastructure to boost not only tourism, but also trade and commerce.

Popular Philippines Vacations and Tourism

Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills are limestone hills that turn brown during the summer. Chocolate Hills are found in the island province of Bohol, which is also the home of one of the smallest primates in the world—the Philippine Tarsier. Bohol's many other natural attractions such as the majestic Iwahig River, Dagohoy Peak and virginal caves in the town of Danao, as well as the beaches of Panglao Island must not be missed.

Hanging Coffins of Sagada

The Hanging Coffins of Sagada and the Banaue Rice Terraces are worth a visit in the Northern Philippines. The rice terraces were carved out of mountains thousands of years ago and by far the most extensive of its kind in the world (longer and bigger than those in Indonesia) with sophisticated irrigation and engineering that was unthinkable during the time it was built.

Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano, one of the smallest active volcanoes in the world, sits on a lake and is just an hour away from Manila. The fresh cool air off the Tagaytay Ridge provides a spectacular view of the lake and the volcano. Visitors should confirm whether hiking to the crater is safe or not before attempting to do so.

Mount Pinatubo

North of Manila, take the rough road and go to Mount Pinatubo, the volcano which caused a massive eruption in 1991. Now you can marvel at the volcano up close and swim inside its crater. The last eruption was one of the biggest during the last century and lowered the global temperature by at least a degree.

The Hundred Islands

The Hundred Islands, also located in the Northern Philippines, is a group of more that 400 islets with coral reefs surrounding the islets. These islands are famous for their beaches and the coral reefs, which can be explored by snorkeling.

Banaue Rice Terraces

About two thousand years ago, mountains in Northern Luzon were carved by indigenous people to form what is now the Banaue Rice Terraces. The rice terraces cover 4,000 square miles (10,000 km²) of mountainside. The Banaue Rice Terraces is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is said to be the 8th wonder of the world.

Palawan - Tubbataha Reef

The province of Palawan is one of the most beautiful islands in the South China Sea. Palawan has natural gas fields on the northeastern part of the island but the beautiful beaches around the island remain pristine. The island is home to the spectacular Tubbataha Reef and the breathtaking Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Boracay Island Destinations

Boracay Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The island boasts a 4-kilometer stretch of white sand beach, considered to be the best beach in Asia and one of the top ten beaches in the world.

Philipines Tourism and Vacations Map

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