Island of the Philippines

OVERVIEW
The Philippines is an archipelagic nation made up of 7,107 islands spanning 1,840 kilometers north to south.
The three main Philippine Island groups are Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Luzon is the island of contrasts. The most modern districts in the Philippines, including the capital city of Manila,
are in Luzon, but so are some of the oldest tribal communities in the nation like the Ifugao of the Cordilleras.

The Visayas is famous for its charm, a trait shared by many other southern regions in the world, but here seems to
run deeper among a people who are intrinsically connected to their sun soaked island home. The Visayas is also
famous as a seat of history, being one of the earliest landfalls of western voyagers. It has also gained a reputation
as being a cradle of the nation's future, if the unprecedented economic growth of Cebu City continues.

Mindanao is our offering to the Guinness Book of Records with the world's largest clam, the world's largest Eagle,
the nation's highest peak and the world's largest city. Mindanao is also home to the Philippines' Muslim population.

HOW TO GET THERE
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) & Centennial Terminal 2 (for Philippine Airlines flights) are
the major airports that handles most of the international flights, it serves the city of Manila and the sorrounding
metropolis. The second international airport can be found to the south of Manila, in the province of Cebu.
Mactan International Airport (MIA) handles mostly international flight originating from other asian countries
as well as domestic flights. It is also known as the gateway to the south, a hub for domestic air carriers that
have routes to the central and southern most cities of the Philippines.

All international airports have adequate facilities for travelers : duty-free centers, souvenir shops for
outgoing passengers, tourist information centers, and car rental services. The NAIA has banks, postal service,
medical clinic, and a baggage deposit area.

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WEATHER AND CLIMATE
March to May is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 22-32 degrees Centigrade.
June to October is rainy. November to February is cool; temperatures range from 22-28 degrees Centigrade.

Average humidity year-round is 77%

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DOMESTIC TRANSPORT
Air - Philippine Airlines provides daily services to and from 42 local destinations. Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific,
Asian Spirit and Sea Air also flies to major domestic destinations.

Sea - Interisland ships connect Manila to major ports. Ferry services connect the smaller islands.
Departure schedules from the Port of Manila can be found in the local newspapers.

Land - Jeepneys and buses are inexpensive ways of getting around most places. Metered taxis generally cruise
for hire.

In Manila, the elevated Light Rail Transit (LRT) provides a fast, efficient rail system along a 15-km line
from Baclaran in the South to Caloocan City in the North. There are 15 stations spread 800 meters
apart and situated at major intersections. Travel time from end to end is 30 minutes. There's also the
Metro Rail Transit (MRT), from SM North Ave. to Taft Ave.in the South.

Cars and air-conditioned tourist buses are also available for hire from licensed tourist transport
operators in major cities. Most hotels have limousine service.

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