PHILIPPINES
Activities
The incredible mountainous landscape
of the Philippines offers many appealing
climbs including Mayon, a 2450 metre
active volcano in Bicol, Southern Luzon
which takes several days to climb.
The Philippines has some of the finest
golf courses in the world, or there's bird
watching, cave exploration and photo
safaris. History buffs will enjoy exploring
the museums, the century-old colonial
monuments and churches.
Mt Taal, in Tagaytay, described as the
smallest and most dangerous volcano in
the world, is one hour from Manila. You
can also explore Mt Pinatubo's crater
in Zambales as well as the Philippines'
highest peak, Mt Apo. There are
wonderful trekking opportunities along
Luzon's Pacific Coast, especially in Bicol
and Quezon provinces.
Climate
March to May is hot and dry with
temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C.
June to October is rainy and November to
February is cool with temperatures from
22°C to 28°C.
Philippine
waters
are
attracting
growing numbers of scuba divers,
especially at Boracay, Bohol, Palawan
and Apo. The Camsur Watersports
Complex in Camareines Sur offers
international standard wakeboarding
facilities. Canoeists can shoot the
rapids in Pagsanjan, featured in the film
Apocalypse Now.
Light casual garments are recommended.
Warmer clothes are needed for the
mountain regions.
Currency
Philippine peso is the local currency. Most
foreign currencies are easily exchanged
in the cities. Outside Manila, Philippine
pesos for payment are preferred.
Tipping is generally expected, the
standard practice is 10 percent of the
total bill.
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