- Weather in the Philippines
- How to get there?
- Why travel to the Philippines?
- Exotic typhoons
- Excursions in Manila
- Natural beauty
- Diving and surfing
The Republic of the Philippines, consisting of more than 7 thousand islands, is washed by several tropical seas. Wide white beaches, lush greenery, a rich underwater world, comfortable bungalows, in which, if you have imagination, you can feel like a real Robinson Crusoe, however, having access to all the benefits of civilization - this is what awaits tourists in the Philippines.
For the sake of the excursion program, no matter how rich and interesting, no one will go here. Of course, it is possible and even necessary, in between sunbathing, to see the sights of the island on which your hotel is located. But the main thing in this country is the sun and the sea, as well as carefree holidays and incredible photos, after viewing which all your friends will ask: "When is the best time to relax in the Philippines?" The answer is simple: in high season.
Weather in the Philippines
Most travelers try to be in the Philippines during the dry season, that is, from November to April. Although it can be called dry only conditionally: the islands located in the equator zone are distinguished by high humidity (about 80%). But at this time there are almost no torrential rains, which means that the rivers do not overflow the banks, which is fraught with all sorts of cataclysms. The rainy season begins in the summer in the Philippines. The humidity level reaches its limit. It is difficult to be outside, even on the seashore, because of the stuffiness and heat. Typhoons often hit the islands at this time.
The best time to travel to the Philippines is the end of December - early January. New Year's holidays are celebrated here for three weeks, so there will be no time to be bored. The weather is good in November and March. The air temperature drops from 30 degrees to a comfortable 25. During these months you can go diving or explore the surroundings of the resorts.
How to get there?
The flight to the Philippines is long, difficult and expensive. We'll have to fly at best with one change in some Asian metropolis (Hong Kong, Singapore). Getting to the island where the hotel of your choice is located also takes some effort. There are two options: use the services of a local air carrier or go to the desired island by water by ferry. Domestic flights shouldn't be a problem. Each tourist island has a small airport where the planes of the local airline are received, and international air terminals are located on seven islands.
Ferry connections between the islands are good. But the speed of movement of ships depends on the number of stops provided and on the type of ferry.
Despite all the difficulties, thousands of tourists come to the Philippines every year.
Why travel to the Philippines?
What attracts travelers to the islands, lost at the end of the world, the road to which takes about a day? Local residents can immediately name several reasons at once:
- exotic: the Philippines offers its guests marvelous landscapes: the austere outlines of volcanoes are replaced by soft outlines of rice terraces, megacities with high-rise buildings are in harmony with cozy coastal resorts, underground rivers, along which descents are arranged, compete with their beauty with the boundless ocean;
- warm seas, where the water is soft, moderately salty. It has an amazing shade of light turquoise;
- a lot of entertainment. If you are a fan of active sports, then you definitely need to go to the Philippines. Golfers, divers, climbers, cavers, hiking and cycling enthusiasts, and basketball players find something to do here.
Exotic typhoons
Typhoons are not uncommon in the Philippines. It happens that in one low season, three dozen typhoons hit the islands. Local residents act in an orderly and well-coordinated manner when a hurricane approaches. On the eve of the rampant elements, they remove all small items from street cafes, which, being blown into the air by a strong wind, cause damage to other property. These are chairs, tables, lamps, flowerpots. Coconut palms are freed from nuts and broken branches, and small trees and shrubs are surrounded by sturdy fences. All the most valuable things are taken out from the first floors of hotels. It is believed that a typhoon can cause flooding. Tourists are advised not to leave their rooms.
Typhoons are very rare on islands that are separated from the Pacific Ocean by other land areas. The islands of Boracay, Mindanao, Coco Loko and some others are relatively safe.
Excursions in Manila
Many travelers begin their acquaintance with the Philippines from the capital of the state - the city of Manila. This is where most international flights arrive. Manila is a huge Asian city with many historical sites. They are concentrated mainly in the Intramuros area, which was built by the Spaniards.
Spring or autumn are ideal for excursions in Manila, that is, it is better to relax in the Philippines when comfortable, cool weather sets in on the islands. Particularly interesting is the old fort of Santiago, on the territory of which you can now find museums, cafes and a local aquarium. The city has several churches, including the majestic Manila Cathedral. In Risal Park, both adults and children will love the butterfly pavilion, the local history museum, and the greenhouse with tropical flowers.
Natural beauty
The most interesting natural attractions of the Philippines can be found on the islands of Bohol and Palawan. The so-called "Chocolate" hills are considered the main decoration of Bohol. They get their name from the color of the grass they are covered with. At the end of summer, it burns out and turns into a swaying sea of chocolate shade. There is also a grove of red trees and several national parks with lakes and waterfalls. The cutest lemurs, which are listed in the Red Book, are considered the visiting card of Bohol. Here they are kept in a special reserve.
Palawan, which once served as the backdrop for images from Tomorrow Never Dies, is actually a small archipelago of small islands. Some of them are fully occupied by hotels, others are protected areas. In the city of Puerto Princes, located on the main island of the archipelago, an 8 km long underground river begins, along which you can sail by canoe. The river flows through beautiful caves.
Diving and surfing
The most popular activities in the Philippines are diving and surfing. Tropical seas have always been famous for their vibrant underwater world. There are nine such seas in the Philippines (four external and five internal). The Sulawesi Sea is especially attractive for divers.
Even novice divers can explore the underwater world, look at bright fish scurrying between corals, and be surprised at the huge shells of bizarre shapes. On the islands, especially in the famous resorts, there are diving schools and dive centers where you can rent equipment.
Surfers in search of high waves go to the islands of Catanduanes, Shiragao or Luzon, where Manila is also located. The best time for boarding is early fall. Shiragao was chosen by professionals. It even hosts a surfing championship in September. For novice surfers, the Zambales spot in Luzon can be advised.
