The Philippines / Republika ng Pilipinas – Let’s explore here

What’s it like. in the Philippines?

The Philippines is a stunning country that consists of over 7,600 islands in South East Asia. The islands are aligned over 1,150 miles (1,850 km) north to south, and unsurprisingly, the combined coastline is one of the largest in the world. It’s about the same size as Italy. Just off the coast lies the amazing Philippine Trench, which is 820 miles (1,320 km) long and 34,580 ft (10,540 m) deep!

There are 23 active volcanoes, which cause the whole area to experience multiple earthquakes on a daily basis – although most are too small to be felt. It has no land borders, and the highest point is the volcano, Mount Apo, on Mindanao island, at 9,692 ft (2,954 m) above sea level.

The population of the Philippines is around 109 million people (2020), about 25 million people of whom live in the metropolitan area of the capital, Manila.

A bit about the history of the Philippines

Early History and Indigenous Cultures

The Philippines’ history dates back thousands of years. Early settlers of the archipelago, likely Austronesian-speaking peoples, began arriving around 5,000 years ago. These indigenous groups formed small, independent communities, developing their own cultures, languages and customs. The archipelago was known for its trade and cultural exchanges with neighbouring south east Asian regions, China, and even the Middle East.

Spanish Colonisation

In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines, claiming the islands for Spain. However, Spanish colonisation officially began in 1565 when Miguel López de Legazpi established the first permanent Spanish settlement in Cebu. Over the next few centuries, Spain consolidated control over the islands, converting many Filipinos to Christianity and introducing European-style governance. The Spanish established Manila as the capital in 1571, making it an important hub in the Spanish East Indies.

During this period, the Philippines became a critical part of the Spanish empire, particularly in the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, which linked the Philippines to the Americas. Despite Spanish rule, there were numerous uprisings and rebellions by Filipinos seeking independence or protesting Spanish policies, including the 1896 Philippine Revolution led by figures such as Andrés Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo.

American Period

The Spanish–American War in 1898 resulted in Spain ceding the Philippines to the United States under the Treaty of Paris. The transition was marked by conflict, as Filipino revolutionaries fought to establish independence. After a brutal conflict known as the Philippine-American War (1899–1902), the US successfully suppressed resistance and established control over the archipelago.

Under American rule, significant changes were made to the country’s political, economic and educational systems. The US introduced a new constitution, and public education was expanded, including the introduction of the English language. However, tensions remained, and Filipino nationalism continued to grow. In 1935, the Philippines was granted self-governing status, and the Commonwealth of the Philippines was established under President Manuel L. Quezon.

World War II and Japanese Occupation

In 1941, during World War II, Japan invaded the Philippines, which was still a US territory at the time. The Japanese occupation was brutal, marked by atrocities like the Bataan Death March, where thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were forced to march to prison camps. The US and Filipino forces launched a successful campaign to reclaim the Philippines in 1944–1945, culminating in the Battle of Manila. The country was left devastated, and the war caused significant loss of life.

Post-War Independence and Early Republic

Following Japan’s defeat, the Philippines gained full independence from the United States on July 4, 1946. The new nation faced many challenges, including rebuilding the economy, addressing widespread poverty, and recovering from wartime devastation. The first president of the independent Philippines was Manuel Roxas. The political scene was dominated by the two main parties: the Liberals and the Nacionalistas.

In the 1950s, the country experienced some economic growth, aided by American military and economic assistance. However, political instability and corruption were common, and this contributed to the rise of President Ferdinand Marcos in 1965. Marcos initially implemented reforms but gradually became more authoritarian, declaring martial law in 1972. The regime was overthrown in 1986 after the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. and the People Power Revolution.

Return to Democracy and Political Struggles

In the early 2000s, the country faced a series of challenges, including political scandals, economic setbacks, and continuing insurgencies. In the 2010s, the Philippines shifted its foreign policy and strengthened its ties with various global powers, while also dealing with issues such as drug-related violence and internal conflicts.

Philippines road trip

Map the Philippines

What’s it like to drive in the Philippines?

They drive on the right hand side of the road in the Philippines. In the main, roads are quite good, although many are unsurfaced dirt tracks. Driving standards are quite poor however.

Do you require an international driving permit in the Philippines?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

Can you use your UK driving license when driving through the Philippines?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in the Philippines?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

What currency do they use in the Philippines?

In the Philippines they use the Philippine peso. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted in major cities only. Travellers cheques are not readily accepted. There are ATMs in cities, although not guaranteed.

You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.

What language do they speak in the Philippines?

They speak Filipino and English in the Philippines, although hundreds of other languages are spoken, including Tagalog (which is almost the same as Filipino, Chavacano and Spanish.

What time zone is the Philippines in?

Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.

Do I need a visa to visit the Philippines?

We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!

Is wild camping legal in the Philippines?

Yes, wild camping is fine in the Philippines.

What plug / socket type do they use in the Philippines?

In the Philippines they use plug / socket types C and E.

Health issues in the Philippines

Is it safe to drink water in the Philippines?

No, it is not safe to drink tap water in the Philippines. Bottled water is readily available throughout the country.

What vaccinations are required for the Philippines?

This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in the Philippines.

Phones in the Philippines

What is the country calling code for the Philippines?

The country calling code for the Philippines is +63

What are the emergency phone numbers in the Philippines?

• The emergency number for police in the Philippines is: 911 / 112
• In the Philippines, the emergency number for ambulance is: 911 / 112
• The emergency number for fire in the Philippines is: 911 / 112

If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know! 

And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!