You can check online for Philippines travel advice. You will get more out of your vacation if you research places to visit and how to get there. Outside Manila and major tourist locations, credit cards and travelers checks are not accepted. There is a 3,000 dollar limit on cash brought into the country, without declaring it on arrival.

Most flights will be connections. Manila is the most common arrival point. But international flights are also increasingly going to Cebu. In an archipelago with in excess of 7,000 islands, island hopping is natural. Both near its shoreline and in the hinterlands, the country is naturally beautiful. It has a rich ancient and colonial history. Its friendly population is familiar with English, which it speaks with a lilting accent.

There is a 20,000 mile shoreline and more than 40 per cent of the global marine life can be found here. The whale shark, the largest fish in the world, swims off the coast. On any trip you get glimpses of striking contrasts across regions. There are many destinations awaiting exploration. Getting there will involve planning and effort, but it will be well worth the effort.

The Philippines maybe the only predominantly Catholic country in Asia, but, it retains much of its pagan heritage. Reflected in its festivals are remnants of the past in the evident mixture of Christian and animist traditions. The beguiling charm of the islands is their unique blend of ancient and Latin traditions. The Spanish, who were colonial rulers for 400 years, left their imprint in fiestas, siestas and Catholicism. Americans brought the universally spoken English, spoken with a native accent.

A trip through the mountains of the largest island, Luzon, reveals native culture and natural beauty. Tattooed tribal people, verdant rice paddies and the Pinatubo volcano are some of the sites here. Ifugao province is famous for its mountainside lime colored rice terraces. Streams and waterfalls cascade through them to leave a stunning impression. This is an ancient construction of the ancestors of the native people. Visitors will find that these natives have not abandoned their ancient customs.

Boracay Island is a renowned tourist haven often mentioned when a Philippines vacation is discussed. You can arrive by boat from neighboring Panay island. Beach bars and bamboo huts may appeal to budget vacationers, but, more luxurious accommodations beckon those with a bigger budget. It is one of the more developed islands. As a result, you will find numerous shops, snorkeling centers, and eateries representing many international cuisines.

On Palawan Island, you will find a popular yet less developed environ. This is where the famous underground river system is located. St Pauls Subterranean National Park is the longest system of its kind. Visitors will come away with an exceptional experience.

Natural wonders near Cebu city have raised its profile. Bohol is a close by attraction. Some will come to enjoy its tarsier refuge. Travelers may arrive by flight to the airport at Bohol or take a ferry from Cebu. The 17th century stone church of Baclayon is here and the egg like Chocolate hills are nearby. Resembling gigantic eggs, they turn brown when the grass covering them changes color during the dry season. At this time they look like giant chocolate eggs. For the moment, Bohol is not a developed tourist center. But, for many of its visitors that enhances its natural charms.