article about philippine culture and tourism geography

Know before you go: the Philippines

Whether you’re visiting a bustling city or chilling out on a beach, prepare for your trip to the Philippines with this eco-friendly guide.

Located in the Pacific Ocean near the equator, the Republic of the Philippines consists of around 7,640 islands — about 2,000 of which are inhabited — that form an archipelago. The country can be divided into three main areas: Luzon (the largest, northernmost island, which includes Manila); a group of islands called the Visayas (including the major islands Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, and Masbate); and Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, found at the southern end of the archipelago.

From bustling cities to stunning beaches and mountains, the Philippines has a lot to offer adventurous explorers. Here are a few tips, tricks, and resources for travelers looking to find fun in the Philippines.

CITIES TO VISIT

Manila Manila, known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, is the nation’s capital city. This bustling historic city is full of things to see and do — including museums, parks, theaters, shopping malls and a plethora of restaurants to choose from. The Philippines is quickly becoming a destination for foodies, and Manila is well known for its varied cuisine and street food markets, like the Legazpi Sunday Market, Quiapo Market, and the country’s very own Chinatown, Binondo.

Sustainable travel tip: Many street vendors sell fresh fruit drinks great for cooling down on hot days, so bring your own metal straw and reusable bottle to prevent unnecessary plastic waste.

Davao City Considered the largest city in the Philippines (by size) and capital city of the Davao region, Davao City is a great getaway. Popular destinations include Eden Nature Park (a mountain resort perfect for relaxation), Malagos Garden Resort (a 12-hectare nature theme park that features the first chocolate museum in the Philippines), and Jack’s Ridge (a dining destination with a spectacular view of the city). Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines and a mountaineer’s dream, is also in Davao City. Its highest point reaches an elevation of 2,954 meters (9,692 feet). Davao is also known as the home to the critically-endangered bird species the Philippine Eagle (also known as the monkey-eating eagle), which was named as the national bird of the Philippines.

Cebu City A perfect balance of island coast and cosmopolitan living, Cebu City is one of the Philippines’ top destinations among both foreign and domestic travelers. It’s also the country’s oldest city and one of the birthplaces of Christianity in the Philippines. Just outside the city’s borders, tourists can enjoy swimming with a variety of species off the coast of the island, or they can try more adventurous activities like canyoneering at Kawasan Falls.

Vigan Dating back to the Spanish colonial era, Vigan sits on the western coast of the island of Luzon, near Manila. Historic Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is full of unique architecture reflecting a fusion of Asian and European design, and cobblestone streets.

Sustainable travel tip: Bring along an eco-bag when you visit the small shops of Vigan to reduce the need for a plastic bag.

Since the Philippines has thousands of islands, visitors are never far from a beach. You might want to try one of these under-the-radar locations that are emerging as popular beach destinations that go above and beyond the Philippines’ most well-known beach, Boracay.

Panglao Island (Bohol) The main gateway to the province of Bohol, Panglao Island to the southwest is a 20-kilometer long limestone island known for its popular diving spots. You’ll also find many white-sand beaches like Alona, Tawala, Dumaluan, and Doljo, all accessed via the newly-built Panglao-Bohol International Airport.

Panglao houses some of Bohol’s premium accommodation establishments offering 5-star amenities and services. The island also serves as the jumping point for other water-based adventures, such as dolphin and whale watching at Pamilacan Island, and diving at Balicasag Island.

Sustainable travel tip: Look for sunscreens labeled “reef safe”, which are formulated without ingredients that can be toxic to coral reefs and marine life.

El Nido El Nido, part of Palawan Island, has white-sand beaches, limestone cliffs, coral reefs, and clear, fish-filled waters, so it’s a popular spot for swimming, diving, and kayaking. El Nido serves as a jumping-off point for island-hopping and exploring the secrets of the Bacuit Archipelago.

Camiguin Known as the Island Born of Fire, Camiguin is a pear-shaped island with 7 volcanoes that formed many of its unique attractions. The island is full of natural wonders, including lagoons and lakes; cold, hot and soda springs; pristine waterfalls; and white-sand beaches on par with the finest in the country.

Siargao If surfing is more your style, this lesser-known location, near the island of Mindanao, is renowned for its quality waves, cool island culture, beautiful reefs, blue waters, and stunning resorts.

Sustainable travel tip: Visiting lesser-known spots such as Siargao doesn't just mean fewer lines and better selfies, but a decreased impact on the environment.

WILDLIFE AND NATURAL BEAUTY

Calauit Island Calauit Island, known for the crystal-clear waters off its shores, offers eco-tourists the chance to swim with dugongs . These animals, which are related to manatees, are believed to have inspired legends about mermaids. Locals on Calauit Island lead conservation-minded tours and teach tourists about dugongs and how they can help ensure their continued survival.

Sustainable travel tip: To ensure the sustainability of the ocean ecosystems, please do not touch the corals. Local vendors have a wide selection of souvenirs.

Chocolate Hills On the island of Bohol, the famous Chocolate Hills look like something from another world as they seem to tumble out, one after another, for as far as the eye can see. The beautiful landscape is actually a natural formation that slowly took shape over eons. In the summer, when the 1,200+ peaked and rounded mounds aren’t covered in green vegetation, they’re said to look like — you guessed it — chocolate. The majestic Chocolate Hills has been designated as a National Geological Monument by the Philippines.

Ifugao Rice Terraces The Ifugao Rice Terraces are another example of the beautiful landscapes that can be found throughout the Philippines. The mountains of the Ifugao province have been cultivated for thousands of years with terraced fields where rice is farmed. Not only are the rice terraces beautiful to behold, but they’re also an example of industry working in harmony with nature.

NATIONAL PARKS

The Philippines is home to more than 30 national parks, including these top-rated ones: Calauit Safari Park, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Aurora Memorial National Park, Biak-na-Bato National Park, Caramoan Peninsula National Park, Libmanan Caves National Park, Mounts Iglit–Baco National Park Fuyot Springs National Park and Minalungao National Park. The parks offer activities like zip lining, boating, camping, hiking, river cruising, wildlife spotting, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Sustainable travel tip: There are dedicated companies that specialize in eco-tourism , and resources, such as Simply Philippines , to help make sustainable adventure more accessible.

BEFORE YOU GO

Travel requirements Travelers from the U.S. will need a valid passport but do not need to secure a visa to visit the Philippines. The World Health Organization recommends the following vaccinations for traveling to the islands: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), T-DAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, and influenza.

When to go The high season for tourism is December to April. The Philippines is a tropical country, and the hotter, drier months (85 degrees F and up) are March through June. July through October brings the potential for typhoons; the “cooler” season runs from November to February, when it remains at around 78 degrees F. The further south you go, the more humid the weather gets, and rain showers are likely regardless of the season.

Sustainable travel tip: Don’t purchase travel-sized toiletries in plastic bottles. Instead, use refillable containers or look for packaging-free alternatives, like shampoo bars. You can also find multi-use products, like Castile soaps, that can be used for washing your hair, body, and even clothing.

What to pack Bring lightweight, comfortable clothing (it can be casual) and make sure to pack a swimsuit if you plan on heading to the beach or doing any boating or diving. You’ll want to have a pair of sunglasses as well as rain gear, and make sure to bring comfortable shoes like sneakers or sandals. A waterproof bag can be helpful for keeping electronics, like phones and cameras, dry. Sunscreen and a mosquito repellent that contains DEET are must-bring items.

Sustainable travel tip: It always helps to bring your own reusable bag or bag-for-life along with your backpack to prevent additional plastic waste.

Getting around Most people traveling to the Philippines from the U.S. will probably fly into Manila’s NAIA airport or the more recently opened Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which was named the Asia-Pacific Medium Airport of the Year in the CAPA 2018 Asia Aviation Awards for Excellence .

If you want to go to multiple islands, you can find flights that connect to smaller airports throughout the Philippines. Traveling by boat is also an option when getting to many of the islands in the region. If you’re in one of the major cities, “jeepneys” — small and colorful buses — are a popular way to get around.

Currency The Philippine Peso is the official currency of the Philippines. Each peso consists of 100 centavos. Bills and coins are used in the Philippines. It’s easy to exchange money at a shopping mall, and traveler’s checks are usually accepted for money exchange. ATMs are readily available in the major cities, but if you’re traveling to smaller islands or more remote areas, it’s a good idea to stock up on cash before your arrival. Credit cards are accepted in the bigger cities and more populated beach areas. Keep your small change for paying jeepney drivers.

Sustainable travel tip: Consider donating your leftover currency at the end of your trip to a local charity dedicated to cleaning beaches or preserving wildlife.

Language and culture Filipino and English are the official languages of the Philippines — but the Philippines is an ethnically diverse country (and was a Spanish colony for 300 years), so more than 150 languages are spoken in the region. Tagalog is a common dialect.

The dominant religion in the Philippines is Catholicism, and churches abound throughout the country. The older generations in the Philippines tend to be quite religious.

DOS AND DON’TS

You might want to purchase travel insurance before heading out on your Filipino adventure. Check with the U.S. Department of State for the latest information on any current travel advisories. As with travel to any foreign region, make sure to remain mindful of personal safety at all times.

It’s considered polite to use respectful terms like “Sir” or “Ma’am.” Familial words like Tito/Tita (Uncle/Aunt) for elders, Lolo/Lola (grandfather/grandmother), and Kuya/Ate (older brother/sister) can be used; the words “Po” and “Opo” are terms of respect. Don’t refer to older people by their first names.

Always be friendly and wave back at anyone who waves to you. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. Don’t lose your temper or be confrontational; do not refuse food or hospitality when it’s offered to you. Don’t walk alone, particularly at night, and keep your belongings close to you at all times. Never insult the Philippines or Filipino people.

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The Philippines boasts a unique and diverse geography

The Philippines | Economy

The Philippines is composed of over 7000 islands, out of which only approximately 2000 are inhabited, lying in the western Pacific Ocean. The nation is south of Taiwan and east of Vietnam, bounded in the west by the South China Sea and in the south by the Sulu and Celebes Seas. Given its complex history, marked by successive waves of human migration and periods of colonisation, the Philippine archipelago has given rise to multiple ethnicities and dialects. In the period since independence, achieved in 1946, the nation has faced successive decades of political instability, internal armed insurgencies and corruption. Since 2010, however, the nation has witnessed a period of sustained economic growth and increased efforts to curb corruption under President Benigno Aquino III. Macroeconomic fundamentals have improved, as has transparency, and the country’s biodiversity, natural resources and young demographics have been increasingly recognised as assets.

The Philippine archipelago, which is positioned in the western Pacific Ocean, is divided into three distinct administrative and geographic regions. The northern region of Luzon, home to the capital city of Manila, is the economic, financial and administrative centre of the country and its industrial base. Visayas comprises the Philippines’ central islands, where much of the country’s abundant biodiversity and tourism destinations are located, whereas Mindanao, the country’s second-largest island, makes up the southern-most region and is a largely rural economy. The country is subdivided into 18 regions, with the Metro Manila area accounting for 17 highly urbanised cities and one municipality.

The nation’s strategic positioning as a gateway between the Pacific and the rest of Asia, in particular its proximity to the region’s two largest economies, China and Japan, provides it with several vital sea routes for trade and commerce. However, China’s expanding footprint in the region and dispute over territory in the South China Sea is putting bilateral trade between the two nations at risk.

The climate in the country is predominantly hot and humid, marked by a rainy season from the months of June to November. During that period, the south-west monsoon brings plenty of rain and can bring several typhoons every year. The other two pronounced seasons are cool and dry weather from November to February, and hot and dry weather from March to May. The El Niño weather phenomenon, which began in late 2015, has had devastating effects on agriculture and water supply, leading to damages estimated at around P4bn ($88.8m) as of February 2016. The Philippines’ location on the Ring of Fire along the Pacific Rim, and its proximity to the equator makes the nation subject to numerous active typhoons and earthquakes year-round. Typhoon Koppo was the strongest to hit the archipelago in 2015. Earthquakes are also common.

The Philippine population is the 12th-largest in the world and the seventh-largest in Asia at an estimated 99.14m in 2014, according to the World Bank; and the Philippine Statistics Authority estimated it hit 101.6m at the end of 2015. The country is also estimated to have entered its “demographic window” in 2015, with 70% of its population being of working age and a current median age of 23.4 years. Population growth stands at 1.9%, a figure that has proved contentious following the controversial approval of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Healthcare Act in 2012, which is aimed at addressing the country’s high birth rate. Additionally, around 12m Filipinos live and work overseas, forming one of the world’s largest diasporas and generating a remittance inflow of $25.76bn in 2015, according to the central bank.

HISTORY: The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan, who landed at Cebu, in the Philippines in 1521 signalled the beginning of over three centuries of colonial rule over the archipelago under Spain. By the 10th century CE, successive groups of Austronesian people had migrated to the island, bringing with them influences from Malay, Hindu and Islamic societies. Additionally, fluid trade with China led to significant cultural influence that has been maintained to this day.

The arrival of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565 initiated permanent Spanish settlements which oversaw the Philippines’ transition into Spain’s stronghold in the region. The Acapulco-Manila route connecting Spanish possessions in Mexico with Asia became the first inter-continental route in the new world. The Spanish colony largely thrived for over three centuries, unifying nearly the entire archipelago and establishing a Catholic culture that remains to this day. As a result of unrest created by widespread oppression under Spanish rule, repeated attempts to overthrow the colonial power were suppressed for years, and the 1896 Philippine Revolution was largely unsuccessful until it received support from the US during the Spanish-American War.

Major Changes

The First Philippine Republic was formally established in 1898, but its time was short-lived as the Spanish-American War ended in the US purchase of Guam, Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Philippines from Spain for $20m through the Treaty of Paris. The subsequent Philippine-American War that ensued ended in 1902, with the Philippine Republic effectively dissolved and marking the beginning of the US occupation. The Philippines would not receive commonwealth status and self-government privileges from the US until 1935. For most of the Second World War the Japanese occupied the Philippines. Only in 1946 did the Philippines become an independent nation through the Treaty of Manila.

Following over a decade of reconstruction, the Philippines gained prominence in the regional economy, resulting in a period of prosperity that largely continued under President Ferdinand Marcos. However, widespread allegations of corruption, authoritarianism, his declaration of martial law in 1972 and the 1983 assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino, Jr led to his ouster through the peaceful People Power Movement of 1986. The movement brought Aquino’s widow, Corazon, to power.

Cyclical economic instability characterised most of the following quarter of a century as the Philippines faced political and social unrest. The May 2010 elections saw Aquino’s son, President Aquino, come to power. His administration’s efforts to stamp out corruption and attract more foreign investment, although not fully realised, have been praised by the local and international business community.

Religion & Culture  

Boasting the 3rd-largest Catholic population in the world, the Philippines sharply contrasts with the rest of South-east Asia. The greatest influence of Spanish rule, Roman Catholicism makes the Philippines one of only two Asian countries with a majority Christian population (the other being East Timor). Over 90% of Filipinos identify as Christian, with the majority (around 81%) saying they are Roman Catholic and the rest split between Protestant and other Christian denominations. Muslims make up around 5% of the population, primarily in and around the south in Mindanao. The vestiges of US and Spanish occupation remain, and have had a distinct influence on the archipelago’s culture.

Although as many as 175 native languages and dialects are spoken throughout the Philippines, only two languages are official: Filipino, which is largely derived from Tagalog, and English. Tagalog belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian group of languages, but its modern-day variant is heavily influenced by Spanish. Filipinos’ generally high level of knowledge of English has been an important asset, keenly sought after by multinational companies.

Having been one of only a handful of countries in the world to have a basic 10-year school system, the K+12 Programme was signed into a law by President Aquino in May 2013 to bring Philippine education up to par with the rest of the world. The new 12-year curriculum will see two additional senior high school years, as well as a mandatory kindergarten year, added to the traditional 10-year model, which included six years of primary school followed by four years of secondary education. The first group of senior high school students are set to enter the labour market by June 2016. By constitutional decree, education receives the largest portion of budgetary spending, with this high-priority status being a legacy of the US having established a system of universal and free basic education. Tertiary education at the country’s 2000-plus higher education institutions normally consists of a typical four-year programme, modelled on the US system.

Natural Resources

Natural resources are plentiful in the Philippines. Named by the Asian Development Bank as the world’s fifth-most-mineralised country in the world, 30% of the country’s total land area of 30m ha are believed to contain metallic mineral deposits, including nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt and copper. The rich minerals found in the country are mostly a result of its volcanic geology and its position along the Ring of Fire. The volcanoes also contribute significant geothermal resources, making the Philippines the world’s second-largest producer of geothermal energy producer, after the US.

Despite abundant resources, mining has remained an underdeveloped sector, with only 1.5% of the country’s land area covered by mining permits, and with the sector contributing only about 3% of GDP. Similarly, while many countries in the region have seen significant development of oil and gas deposits, the Philippines has remained largely dependent on energy imports. With total production of 3.07m barrels of oil at the Galoc oilfield and 130.35bn standard cu feet at Malampaya in 2014, the two projects are the most prolific energy assets developed thus far. Nowadays, coal is the dominant energy type, and several coal-fired facilities are being built throughout the country. However, the Philippines is endowed with renewable energy sources, particularly geothermal.

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The Philippines, officially called the Republic of the Philippines, is an island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean in Southeast Asia between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea. The country is an archipelago made up of 7,107 islands and is near the countries of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia . As of 2018, the Philippines had a population of roughly 108 million people and was the 13th most populous country in the world.

Fast Facts: The Philippines

• Official Name : Republic of the Philippines
• Capital : Manila
• Population : roughly 108,000,000 (2019)
• Official Languages : Filipino and English
• Currency : Philippine pesos (PHP)
• Form of Government : Presidential republic
• Climate : Tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)
• Total Area : 115,831 square miles (300,000 square kilometers) 
• Highest Point : Mount Apo 9,692 feet (2,954 meters)
• Lowest Point : Philippine Sea 0 feet (0 meters)

History of the Philippines

In 1521, European exploration of the Philippines began when Ferdinand Magellan claimed the islands for Spain. He was killed shortly thereafter, however, after getting involved in tribal warfare on the islands. During the rest of the 16th century and into the 17th and 18th centuries, Christianity was introduced to the Philippines by Spanish conquistadores.

During this time, the Philippines were also under the administrative control of Spanish North America. As a result, there was migration between the two areas. In 1810, Mexico claimed its independence from Spain and control of the Philippines went back to Spain. During Spanish rule, Roman Catholicism increased in the Philippines, and a complex government was established in Manila.

In the 19th century, there were numerous uprisings against Spanish control by the local population of the Philippines. For example, in 1896, Emilio Aguinaldo led a revolt against Spain. Revolutionary Andres Bonifacio named himself as president of the newly-independent nation in 1896. The revolt continued until May 1898, when American forces defeated the Spanish at Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War . After the defeat, Aguinaldo and the Philippines declared independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. Shortly thereafter, the islands were ceded to the United States with the Treaty of Paris.

From 1899 to 1902, the Philippine-American War took place as Filipinos fought against American control of the Philippines. On July 4, 1902, a Peace Proclamation ended the war, but hostilities continued until 1913.

In 1935, the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth after the Tydings-McDuffie Act. During World War II , the Philippines were attacked by Japan. In 1942, the islands came under Japanese control. Beginning in 1944, full-scale fighting began in the Philippines in an effort to end Japanese control. In 1945, Filipino and American forces caused Japan to surrender, but the city of Manila was largely destroyed, and over one million Filipinos were killed.

On July 4, 1946, the Philippines became fully independent as the Republic of the Philippines. Following its independence, the Republic of the Philippines struggled to gain political and social stability until the 1980s. During the late 1980s and into the 1990s, the Philippines began to regain stability and grow economically, despite some political conspiracies in the early 2000s.

Government of the Philippines

Today, the Philippines is considered a republic with an executive branch made up of a chief of state and a head of government—both of which are filled by the president. The legislative branch of government is made up of a bicameral Congress that consists of a Senate and House of Representatives. The judicial branch is made up of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Sandiganbayan, a special appellate anti-graft court set up in 1973. The Philippines is divided into 80 provinces and 120 charter cities for local administration.

Economics and Land Use in the Philippines

The economy of the Philippines is growing due to its rich natural resources and overseas workers. The largest industries in the Philippines include electronics assembly, garments, footwear, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, petroleum refining, and fishing. Agriculture also plays a large role in the Philippines, and the main products are sugarcane, coconuts, rice, corn, bananas, cassava, pineapples, mangoes, pork, eggs, beef, and fish.

Geography and Climate of the Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago comprised of 7,107 islands in the South China, Philippine, Sulu, and Celebes Seas, along with the Luzon Strait. The topography of the islands is mostly mountainous with narrow to large coastal lowlands, depending on the island. The Philippines is divided into three main geographic areas: the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The climate of the Philippines is tropical marine with a northeast monsoon from November to April and a southwest monsoon from May to October.

The Philippines, like many other tropical island nations, has problems with deforestation and soil and water pollution. The Philippines' problems with air pollution are especially bad because of large populations in its urban centers.

More Facts About the Philippines

• Filipino is the official national language, while English is the official language of government and education.
• The life expectancy in the Philippines as of 2019 is 71.16 years.
• Other large cities in the Philippines include Davao City and Cebu City.
• “Philippines.”  Infoplease , Infoplease, https://www.infoplease.com/world/countries/philippines.
• “The World Factbook: Philippines.”  Central Intelligence Agency , Central Intelligence Agency, 1 Feb. 2018, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rp.html.
• “U.S. Relations With the Philippines - United States Department of State.”  U.S. Department of State , U.S. Department of State, https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-the-philippines/.
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This course presents comprehensive coverage of the major tourist destinations in the Philippines. Major discussions will be on political structures and subdivisions, geographical characteristics, major attractions, gastronomy, culture and traditions of the various regions of the country leading to the realization of the potentials of the Tourism Industry of the Philippines. Students will also have a comprehensive knowledge about the mechanism, logistics, operations and management of the tourism network system in the Philippines with its inherent physical and cultural resources as seen in the various provinces of the country.

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The Philippines is an emerging tourism destination in Asia. In the last decade, the country’s tourism industry has experienced significant growth in terms of international tourist arrivals and visitor receipts. While sustainable tourism has been institutionalised as a motor for national development, several issues challenging the sustainability and inclusivity of Philippine tourism exist in many destinations in the country today. This introductory chapter provides an overview of the contemporary management issues in Philippine tourism development. The discussion of these issues then articulates the intention and position of this volume. This chapter ends by outlining the intention, parts, and contributions in this volume.

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Barangay or village is the smallest political unit in the country.

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Aquino, R.S., Porter, B.A. (2022). Contemporary Issues in Tourism Management in the Philippines. In: Aquino, R.S., Porter, B.A. (eds) Tourism in the Philippines. Perspectives on Asian Tourism. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-4497-0_1

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