Made up of over 7,000 islands with just 11 of them inhabited, the Philippines is a place of mixed cultures where East meets West. Adventure lovers adore the Philippines for its diverse culture; it is a mixture of native and foreign influences. More than 60 different ethnic groups are scattered throughout the country producing a variety of languages and more than 80 dialects.

Getting Around

Moving around the country by land is easy because of national highways connecting the major islands. Many tourists take taxis, because the fare is rather affordable. If you want to feel like a local, you can take the public buses. The majority of city buses travel via Epifanio delos Santo Avenue (EDSA), while provincial bus lines have put up various terminals all across the country. One of the most popular transportation methods is a jeepney, which is a converted bus that was left behind from former American military occupation. Jeepneys are exclusive to the Philippines and are part of the local culture. Adorned with colorful designs that distinguish them from one another, most jeepneys have themes ranging from the serious to the outright silly. Riding in a jeepney is a must for anyone visiting the Philippines.

The Philippines is a place of natural wonders. Because it's below sea level, the Philippines has some of the world's best diving and snorkeling areas, including wreck diving around Coro, and swimming with the whale sharks off Donsol. The country is renowned for its beautiful islands, golden beaches, astonishing volcanoes, numerous diving spots, and exotic wildlife. Manila, the capital city, is also a unique, bustling place with a mix of modern and old-world culture.

Now that you've saved money on your cheap flight to the Philippines, you should do some shopping. Most shopping activity in the Philippines is based in Manila and Cebu where visitors can buy beautiful handicrafts, woodcarvings, and jewelry. The Quaipo Bridge in Manila is also a must for anyone looking to find tourist shops and markets. The Philippines has lavish gourmet restaurants as well as affordable restaurants serving up good food with a Chinese and Spanish flair. The Philippines offers nightlife that rivals that of Thailand. There are nightclubs, discos, and many bars for visitors to have a good time.

• Philippine Airlines 81% recommend
• Air Philippines 25% recommend
• CEBU Pacific Air 53% recommend

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The top flight destination for Philippines is Manila

• Los Angeles to Manila $807
• San Francisco to Manila $862
• New York City to Manila $1,166

• There are 71 airports in Philippines and the 5 biggest are
• Ninoy Aquino Intl Airport (Manila, Philippines)
• Right now, 40 airlines operate out of Ninoy Aquino Intl Airport.
• Ninoy Aquino Intl Airport offers nonstop flights to 81 cities.
• Every week, at least 2,142 domestic flights and 1,183 international flights depart from Ninoy Aquino Intl Airport.
• Mactan Intl Airport (Cebu, Philippines)
• Right now, 11 airlines operate out of Mactan Intl Airport.
• Mactan Intl Airport offers nonstop flights to 26 cities.
• Every week, at least 798 domestic flights and 119 international flights depart from Mactan Intl Airport.
• Mati Airport (Davao, Philippines)
• Right now, 6 airlines operate out of Mati Airport.
• Mati Airport offers nonstop flights to 7 cities.
• Every week, at least 259 domestic flights and 7 international flights depart from Mati Airport.
• Clark Field (Angeles City, Philippines)
• Right now, 9 airlines operate out of Clark Field.
• Clark Field offers nonstop flights to 12 cities.
• Every week, at least 112 domestic flights and 105 international flights depart from Clark Field.
• Mandurriao Airport (Iloilo City, Philippines)
• Right now, 4 airlines operate out of Mandurriao Airport.
• Mandurriao Airport offers nonstop flights to 5 cities.
• Every week, at least 203 domestic flights and 0 international flights depart from Mandurriao Airport.