The Southeast Asian nation of the Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Its official languages are English and Filipino (a language based on Tagalog), and Manila serves as its capital. A combination of indigenous, Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences has shaped the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage. With a population of over 110 million, the Philippines is renowned for the variety of its natural landscapes, which include beaches, mountains, and rainforests.
Thanks to the tourism industry, which contributes billions of dollars in revenue to the country’s economy, millions of Filipinos have access to employment opportunities. The Philippines is home to a number of well-liked tourist destinations, such as Boracay Island, Palawan Island, Cebu City, Manila, and the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. These locations provide a variety of activities, including beach and island hopping, diving and snorkelling, cultural tours, and action sports like mountain biking and hiking. Like the MassKara Festival in Bacolod, the Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan, and the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, the Philippines also hosts a number of festivals and events that draw visitors from all over the world.
For a secure and safe journey, it is necessary to gather information regarding Philippines visas for UAE residents. Visa requirements are quite lax in the Philippines. Several nations’ passport holders are eligible for visa-free travel to the Philippines. Fortunately, UAE citizens with passports can visit the Philippines and remain there without a visa for up to 30 days.
UAE residents may enter the Philippines for travel and business without a visa as long as their stay doesn’t exceed 30 days. You can apply for a tourist visa if you want to travel around the Philippines for longer than 30 days. For travel, sightseeing, and unscheduled visits, this visa is valid for up to six months. If you intend to stay in the Philippines for more than 30 days, you must obtain a transit visa.
Filipinos are known to be hospitable, with friendly people at the airport and cab drivers who can give suggestions on what to try and where to visit. Upon arriving at their destination, locals will make friends with them and invite them to events like fiestas, birthdays, and even gatecrashed weddings. As they go, they will give them packs of food to take to their hostel, and they will wave goodbye with their friendly faces and happy smiles.
Breathtaking Islands
The Philippines is an archipelago with more than 7,000 islands and islets, each of which is endowed with a distinct beauty. Depending on the distance, you can take a boat or a plane to get to the remote ones. However, if you want to visit the must-see locations, we unquestionably suggest partying on Boracay Island in Aklan, camping and scuba diving in the Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur, island hopping in the Calaguas Islands in Camarines Norte, and skydiving off Bantayan Island in Cebu City.
Food
Food is a great way to learn about a culture, and Filipinos are unquestionably skilled chefs. Try the top-notch lechon from Cebu, the mouthwatering sisig from Pampanga, or the Pancit Habhab from Quezon Province, which you can eat with your hands. Adobo, balut, halo-halo, and, of course, Davao City’s durian are some dishes you simply must try.
Adventures
Climbing in the Philippines has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the highest peak in Davao being Mt. Apo at 2,954 metres. Travellers can also try Mount Dulang-Dulang and Mt. Pulag. In Batangas City, there are a variety of mountains to choose from, including Mt. Batulao, Mt. Gulugod-Baboy, and Mt. Maculot.
Beaches
The Philippines has every kind of sand you can imagine, including pink, brown, grey, and sugary cream. White sand that almost looks like powder is found on beaches in Boracay Island, Palawan, and Cebu City. You will also be astounded by the beaches in Pangasinan, a province of the Philippines located north of Luzon and a few hours from Manila.
Whale sharks
You can dive in the Philippines with friendly sharks as well. The main draw in Oslob, Cebu, where tours can include whale shark watching, is this. Just remember to take safety precautions.
Get a tattoo
Obtain a tattoo as a memento of your time spent in the Philippines. Getting a tattoo from the last Mambabatok Apo Whang Od, based in Buscalan, Tinglayen, Kalinga, is one artistic way to express yourself. Many people wait in line each day to get tattoos from Apo Whang Od, who is currently 100 years old.
Find hidden caverns
There are countless caverns waiting to be found between majestic islands and towering mountains. When in the north, you can visit the hanging coffins at the Sumaguing Cave in Sagada as a side trip. You can also visit Palawan to see the renowned Underground Subterranean River.
Lurk in lakes
Lakes should be visited after visiting caves. You can visit all seven lakes in San Pablo, Laguna, in a single day. But if you want to see more, visit Coron and the renowned Kayangan Lake in Palawan, where you can meet members of the Tagbanua tribe.
Relive history
The nation is a historic location with a varied culture originating from various colonisers. You can take a day trip to Intramuros or the Walled City in Manila. It served as a haven during the Spanish dictatorship. Before getting to Manila Bay, there is an island called Corregidor, where you can take a day trip and learn about the history of American colonisation. In Ilocos Sur, the Calle Crisologo in Vigan offers a trip down memory lane with its preserved examples of Asian and Spanish colonial architecture.
World-renowned Banaue Rice Terraces
Ifugao Province’s Banaue Rice Terraces ought to be on your list. The area’s indigenous people’s forefathers used only their bare hands to carve the terraces, which date back 2,000 years. According to UNESCO, it is the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Party life
The Philippines is a better place to party! It can take place in a Filipino home, a bar in Quezon City or Boracay, or even just a casual get-together. The karaoke machine, which has become the focal point of every event because Filipinos love to sing, is one thing that is guaranteed to be present at every gathering.
Beer and wine
Philipinos enjoy getting together with friends while sipping beer or wine. The province of Quezon is proud of its lambanog, or coconut wine. Additionally, you can sample the regional rum produced at the base of Mount Kanlaon in Negros Occidental or the regional craft beers produced in Baguio City.
Cultural heritage
Indigenous tribes, Spanish colonisers, and other cultures have all had an influence on the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. The Intramuros in Manila, the Vigan Heritage Village in Ilocos Sur, and the Batad Rice Terraces in Ifugao are a few of the country’s must-see cultural landmarks.
Boracay
Bohol
Banaue
Vigan
Manila
Davao City
Puerto Princesa
Samal
Siargao
Batanes
Cebu
Finally, it should be noted that the Philippines is a stunning nation with a wealth of tourist attractions. The Philippines is a place that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on any traveller, from its breathtaking beaches and natural wonders to its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. There is something for everyone in the Philippines, whether they are looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, so getting a Philippine tourist visa for Indians will be beneficial. Top tourist destinations in the nation, including Manila, Palawan, Boracay, Siargao, Batanes, Cebu, and Banaue Rice Terraces, highlight the beauty and diversity of the archipelago. A trip to the Philippines offers the chance to experience a distinctive and vibrant culture while making lifelong memories.