Philippines by the numbers

7,107 is the number of islands the Philippines has, with a total land area of 30 million hectares and peaks ranging from 1000 to almost 3000 meters.

105,000 sqm is the size of the Philippines' largest island, Luzon. Mindanao comes next at 95,000 sqm and Samar third at 13,000 sqm.

10,000 meters is how deep the Philippine trench is. To be found north east of Mindanao., it is one of the greatest abysses in the world.

2,954 meters high is Mount Apo. To be found in Mindanao, it is the countries highest peak.

20,000 km is how long the Philippine coastline is.

1,000 is how many species of orchids can be found in the country.

22,000 years old is how ancient the Tabon Man is, the oldest human relic to be found in the country, off the caves of Palawan.

38 degrees Celsius is how hot it gets during the month of May.

20 is the numbers of typhoons that visit the country every year (But thanks God Bohol gets the edges every once in a while only).

Travel advices and other helpful information's

Language
Filipino is the national language. English is the business English and widely spoken.

Climate
The Philippines only has two seasons, wet and dry. March to May is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 32 degrees Celsius. June to October is rainy but this doesn't mean it rains every day. Here in Bohol we have sometimes rain showers every day or only once or twice a week. November to February is cool with temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius.

Entry regulations
All visitors with valid passports may enter the country without visas and may stay for 21 days provided that they have tickets for onward journey. The exception are stateless people and those from countries which the Philippines has no diplomatic ties. Hong Kong and Taiwan passport holders must acquire special permits from Philippine embassies and consulates.

Health regulations
A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required of travelers arriving from an infected area. Travelers with infectious diseases are subject to quarantine.

Custom regulations
Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage and Currency Declaration Form before disembarking to facilitate customs examination. Visitors are allowed to bring in the following items duty-free: Reasonable number of clothes, jewelry and toiletries, 400 cigarette sticks or two tins of tobacco, and two bottles of wine or spirits of not more than a liter each.

Currency regulations
Visitors carrying more than US$3000 are requested to declare the amount at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter located in the customs area. Foreign currency taken out upon departure must not exceed the amount brought in. Keep all exchange receipts for record purposes. Departing passengers may not bring out more than Peso 1,000 in local currency.

Business & Banking Hours
Private and government offices are open either from 8am to 5pm or 9am to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays. Banks are open from 8am to 3pm. Most shopping malls, departments stores and supermarkets are open from 10am to 9pm. Automated teller machines (ATM) and convenience stores are open 24 hours.

Currency
The peso (P) is the unit of currency. One peso equals to 100 centavos (c). Bank notes comes in denominations of P10 (facing out), P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1000. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 25c, P1, P5 and P10.

Foreign Exchange
Banks and money changers may be found in malls, resorts, travel offices and popular tourist destinations. Changing US dollar, British pounds, Euro, Canadian and Australian dollars, and Japanese Yen is not a problem in any major City especially at tourist destinations.

Cash
Make sure you have an adequate amount of pesos before embarking on your trip. It's also a good idea to have bank notes lower than P100 handy for taxi fares, meals and snacks, and other purchases.

Travelers Cheques
Travelers Cheques from American Express, Thomas Cook, Citibank, and Bank of America are accepted. This is probably the safest way to handle your travel allowance.

Credit Cards
International credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, and American Express in major establishments in key cities. You also may use your credit card to make cash advances from ATM's. Small town establishments may not be able to facilitate credit card transactions. Cash is best specially if you're traveling to remote areas.

Bank Accounts
If you're planning on an extended stay, it's best to open an bank account for convenient money transfers. Requirements for opening an account include identification cards such as passport, driver's license, credit card and a minimum deposit of P2000 to P5000 depending on type of account.

Communication Facilities
Facilities of international direct dialing, fax, cell phone, internet, email and worldwide express delivery are widely available. The postal system is quite efficient.

Domestic Transport
By air, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific provide daily services from Manila to Bohol, Tagbilaran City. Please find the schedules under Flight-Schedules. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, Asian Spirit and Seair provide also daily services to other major towns and cities. Chartered flights to major domestic destinations are also available. By sea, inter island ships like Negros Navigation, WG&A, William Lines, Gothong and Aboitiz connect Manila to major ports. Fast Ferries like SuperCat and Oceanjet ply the smaller islands. Please find the schedules under Boat-Schedules. By land, bus lines traverse the countries different provinces and cities. Metered and fixed rate taxies are widely available in major towns and cities. Anywhere else, jeepneys is the most popular and most inexpensive way to go around. In Metro Manila, the fastest way to commute is via the elevated railway systems. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) goes to Calloocan City's Monumento in the north to Pasay City's Taft Avenue in the south. The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) goes to Taft Avenue to North Avenue in Quezon City.

Airport Facilities
International airports have adequate traveler facilities such as tourist information and assistance centers, duty-free and souvenir shops, hotel and travel representatives, car rental services, banks, postal services, national and international direct dial telephone booths, medical clinics and baggage deposit areas.

Porterage
Passengers arriving at Manila NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), baggage carts and porterage are free. Tipping is optional.

Airport Transfers
There are available accredited fixed rate and metered taxis at the NAIA. All airports have counters for hotel transport and limousine service.

Airport Fees
A P550 is charged for international departure and P100 for domestic departure.

Accommodations
In Metro Manila, key cities and major towns throughout the country, a wide selection of de luxe, standard, economy and pension-type accommodations available. In island destinations, there is a proliferation of resorts ranging from"AAA", "AA" and "A" to "SIR" (special interest resort).

Dining charges
Most hotels and restaurants charge a 12 to 13.5% government tax as well as a 10% service charge of the total cost. If no service charge tips are about 5 to 10% of the bill.

Photographs
Always ask permission before taking pictures of locals. One-hour photo shops are virtually at every major town and city.

Voltages
Electricity is at 220V, except for Baguio where 110V is the norm. Some hotels and resorts offer both 22oV and 110V outlets. Plugs are the US-style flat 2-pin variety.

Weights and Measures
The Philippines is under the metric system. Weight is given in kilograms and distances in kilometers.

Clothing
Keep cool. Since its mostly hot in the country, cotton tees and denim jeans are the norm. Khaki shorts are best for traveling. Bring a light jacket or a sweater when traveling to cooler climes or going on ferry rides. A sarong is a most versatile and useful piece of clothing.

Laundry
Most hotels, lodges and resorts offer laundry services. In cities, there are laundry shops that can take care of your clothes by the kilo. Anywhere else, you'll have to do it yourself.