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Switzerland Travel Community: Jungfrau Region Tourism Home Browse: -- ---Destination--- Adelboden Airolo Aletsch Andermatt Anzre Appenzellerland Arosa Ascona Bad Ragaz Baden Basel Belinzona Bern Berner Oberland Bettmeralp Biel Braunwald Brienz-Meiringen Brig Brissago Celerina Centovalli Charmey Chteau-d'Oex Chur Crans-Montana Davos Disentis-Sedrun Einsiendeln Emmental Engelberg Estavayer-le-Lac Flims Laax Falera Fribourg Geneva Gimmelwald Glarus Grchen Grindelwald Gruyres Gstaad Interlaken Jungfrau Region Kandersteg Klosters La Chaux-de-Fonds Lago Maggiore Lausanne Lauterbrunnen Lenzerheide-Valbella Les Diablerets Leuk Leukerbaad Leysin Liestal Locarno Ltschberg Lucerne Lugano Martigny Mendrisio Montreux Morges Mount Pilatus Mt. Rigi Murren Murten Nendaz Neuchatel Nyon Pays du Grand-St-Bernard Pontresina Rapperswil Rheinfelden Riederalp Romont Saanen Saas-Fee Sainte-Croix Samedan Samnaun San Bernardino Sntis Savognin Schaffhausen Schwyz Scuol Sierre Sils-maria Silvaplana Sion Soglio Solothurn Splgen St. Gallen St. Moritz Thun Thurgau Thusis Ticino Toggenburg Torgon Vaduz Val de Illiez Verbier Villars Visp Region Weggis Wengen Winterthur Yverdon Zermatt Zug Zurich ---Region--- Basel Bernese Oberland Central Switzerland Eastern Switzerland/Liechtenstein Fribourg Geneva Graubnden Lake Geneva (Vaud) Neuchtel / Jura / Jura Bernois Schweizer Mittelland Ticino Valais Zurich Switzerland Game Log in Email Address: Password: Remember Me Problems logging in? Not a Member? What is the Switzerland Travel Community? Join the community to discover Switzerland through firsthand travel reviews and photos, to meet other Swiss travelers, earn valuable rewards, and much more! Switzerland > Jungfrau Region Journal Name: The real Swiss Alps Member Name: Europe_lover (Register or Login to see this member's profile!) Type of Trip: Pleasure Date Created: 10/8/2000 Description: When you think of the Swiss Alps, this is the country. Tall mountains with steep valleys and cow bells ringing in the distance. With views of three great mountains; the Eiger (Oger), Munch (Monk) and Jungfrau (young lady) this region sees plenty of tourists for its natural beauty. Entry Category Member Recommendation Content Rating The real Swiss Alps Overview N/A Sleep in the Straw Lodging Highly Recommended Jungfraujoch Popular Sights Somewhat Recommended Pension Gimmelwald Dining Recommended Gimmelwald...still a village Experiences N/A Cheap eats with a great view Experiences N/A Murren, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald. Experiences N/A Community Jungfrau Region Members With Jungfrau Region Journals Alan Ingram minky Invicta73 Europe_lover Scoot Jungfrau Region Photos See All Most Recent Jungfrau Region Journals Reclaim Your Youth and Virginity The best of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau Region - Switzerland's most outstanding beauty spot? The most beautiful mountain valley in Europe The beautiful mountains of the Jungfrau region See All Return to Home Information about Swiss Quality Switzerland Tourism : About Us : Privacy Statement

Family Vacation Vegas has

Guide to Vegas HOME HOTELS AIR-HOTEL SHOWS My Account | Customer Support Gambling Tours Dining Golf Weddings Spas Attractions Nightlife Vegas Guide More Inside the Guide: - Insider Tips - Vegas' Popular Holidays - L.A.Drive Tips - Weddings You Also Might Be Interested In: - Dining - Sports Books - Spas - Shows - Transportation For your Vegas Vacation: - Book a Room - Book an Air/Hotel Package - Buy a Show Ticket - Book a Tour - Buy a Nightclub Ticket - Buy a Tee Time Vegas Guide Occasion: Family Vacation Vegas has something for everyone, even the kids. So Mom, Dad and the kids can enjoy the G-rated attractions in Vegas. Q: Where can I safely drop off my young children in Vegas while I gamble away their college fund? A: Hey, we would never recommend dropping off kids anywhere or gambling away their college fund, especially when there are a number of attractions for the whole family in Vegas, including GameWorks and Circus Circus' Adventuredome . Kids can kill a lot of hours at these places (and considering the prices of some new games, they might kill their own college fund). You also can spend a relaxing hour taking in the IMAX movies at the Luxor. If you do want to gamble, though, there are a handful of hotels that offer child-care facilities on property. Q: My sister and husband are coming to Vegas with their 1-year-old. Will we be allowed in the casinos? Where can I take them? We want to show them at least one casino, but we have baby considerations, such as feeding, napping, strollers, etc. What can you recommend? A: They'll be allowed to bring the baby into the casino if they're just passing through (to get to a restaurant, shopping, etc.) But babies and blackjack don't mix, so don't plan to sit down with a toddler at the tables. Also, the Bellagio does not allow children inside unless they're registered hotel guests, attending a show or dining with the family at one of the restaurants. Take it from us, the best places to take a baby would be shopping or to the many attractions Vegas offers. Try the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay (kids under 4 are free), the Forum Shops at Caesars or gardens at the Flamingo with live African penguins, Chilean flamingos, Mandarin ducks and Koi fish. Youngsters will definitely get a kick out of the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. Q: We are coming to Vegas with our 8- and 12-year-olds. What is there to do for kids this age that will still be fun for us? A: Vegas may be Sin City, but there are still plenty of things that the whole family can enjoy: magician Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo, " Tournament of Kings " dinner theater at the Excalibur, the World's Largest Permanent Circus at Circus Circus, buffets , hiking at Red Rock Canyon , the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay and the IMAX Theater at the Luxor. If you want to get some shopping done, Caesars offers something for the whole family. Stop and shop at the Forum Shops where the kids can enjoy the Fall of Atlantis and Festival Fountain shows and aquarium . Some kids also enjoy seeing the Hoover Dam . Q: What is the best hotel to stay in with our kids? A: Location rules in this category. Check out New York-New York for its Manhattan Express roller coaster , Excalibur ( Merlin's Magic Motion Machines and Fantasy Faire midway),Luxor ( IMAX Theater , arcade), Mandalay Bay ( Shark Reef ) and finally Circus Circus , which has the most kid-centric activities per square foot. Q: What is the best free stuff to do with our kids in Vegas? A: There are so many free attractions in Vegas, it's hard to know where to begin. First, you have the sheer wonder of just wandering around the Strip. There also are the gardens at the Flamingo , the erupting Mirage volcano , the Fountains at Bellagio , the "Masquerade Show in the Sky" in the Masquerade Village at the Rio and the high-flying Circus acts at Circus Circus. You also won't want to miss M&M's World at the Showcase Mall, Mount Charleston , MGM Grand Lion Habitat , Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat (kids under 10 free) and White Tiger Habitat at the Mirage. For more, check our free attractions page. That ought to keep you busy. Q: We want a fun place to take the kids to eat. Any suggestions? A: Vegas boasts a lot of dining alternatives that are great for the kids. The themed Rainforest Cafe lets you dine among a 10,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and animatronic animals, and movie memorabilia is on display at Planet Hollywood . If your kid is a picky eater, you can't go wrong with a buffet . You might want to call ahead to find out children's prices and special offers. Back to the Vegas Guide VEGAS.com guards your privacy and security. We're certified by Verisign . Advertise | Employment | Privacy and cookies policy | About VEGAS.com | Site map All contents © 1998 - 2005

Taiwan Travel Guide @

Taiwan Travel Guide @ TravelNotes.org Car Hire Cruises Flights Hotels Tours Vacations About Travel Notes™ Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Search Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Taiwan Taiwan Travel Guide @ TravelNotes.org Language and Culture , Map of Taiwan , Republic of China , T'ai-nan , Taipei , Taipei Sightseeing . Round The World Flights - Free TravelNotes e-mail Flag of Taiwan Taiwan was also called Formosa (beautiful island) by the Portuguese; the first Europeans to pay the island a visit, in 1590. Local Currency Convert your currency into Taiwan dollars. Buy a Map of Taiwan National Anthem of Taiwan. Food Travel Fiction Health Kids Bios Humor Mags Software Gifts Tech Business Other Your Ad Here Travel Notes Mailing List News Headlines World News Directory of newspapers and news sources from around the world. Hotel City Search : Republic of China Following most of Chinese mainland's occupation by Communist armies, General Chiang Kai-shek moved the Nationalist government of China's headquarters to T'ai-pei, on December 8, 1949. During the 1950s, the United States vowed to take military action against the Chinese mainland if Communist forces attacked Taiwan or the Pescadores. With extended financial and military aid from the US, during the early 1960s, Taiwan was able to build its economy. The mainlanders who had taken refuge in 1949 continued to dominate the political stage, but Taiwan was becoming isolated as countries sought to strengthen ties with the larger market in mainland China. Neither of the Chinese governments would have formal relations with any nation recognising the other. The Democratic Progressive party (DPP) continue to campaign for Taiwan's independence from mainland China, while Beijing threatens military action if this ever happens. The People's Republic of China claim Taiwan as one of its provinces and some native Taiwanese resent the claims. Posturing and flexing of navy muscle is not uncommon in the South China Sea . Language and Culture The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin, although other Chinese dialects are also spoken. The Taiwanese are mostly descendants of the Chinese who emigrated from Fujian and Guangdong provinces during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Taiwanese celebrate many ancient Chinese customs and holidays, especially the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Feast of Lanterns. Taipei You can also call it T'ai-pei or Taibei; whatever, it's the provisional capital of the Republic of China, or Taiwan. Located on the Tanshui River, near the north coast of Taiwan, you will fly into T'aoyan International Airport. Immigrants from mainland China's Fujian Province first settled here in the 18th century, but not a lot was happening. The Japanese brought sushi to the island between 1895 and 1945, until they surrendered the island to China after World War II. Alexander's Taiwan Travel Page : Alex and Carrie have made a few trips to Taiwan. Here's the resulting travelogues; with photographs, recommended restaurants and related links. Taipei Sightseeing Among all the neon light, there are some Buddhist shrines of interest in the city. The Memorial Hall to Chiang Kai-Shek is a large white marble structure with an enormous blue-tiled roof, surrounded by an impressive garden. Museums : The National Palace Museum contains Chinese art treasures from the 2nd millennium BC to the 20th century, and the Hwa Kang Museum has displays of folk and modern Chinese art. T'ai-nan The Chinese pirate, Koxinga, made the city his capital due to its convenient position on the south-west of the island. It remained the capital of the island until 1885, when the government was transferred to T'ai-pei. Asia Travel Forum : From Afghanistan to Vietnam, Islam to Buddhism, you're sure to find a place for your soul in Asia. Join us in the travel forums if you have a question about Asia or would like to share your experiences about travelling or living in Asia. The Internet TravelNotes.org Lonely Planet Taiwan Flight Tickets : Save money on Round The World flight tickets. Travel News : Get the inside scoop with the latest travel features and tips. Past Articles . Airlines & Airports : This travel article points you to airlines and the three letter airport codes with links to their websites. Cyber Cafes : The Internet Caf Guide. Travel Guides : Travel guides are a Godsend and a tremendous amount of research has gone into them; but which one is best for you? Weather Outlook Car Hire Cruises Flights Hostels Tours Vacations Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Meta-Travel Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Travel Directory : Asia : Taiwan Travel Guide -- Submit to Travel Notes | Advertise on TravelNotes.org | Favourite Destinations | Magun'sCompass | Travel Articles | Writers | | Airlines | Airports | Car Hire | Cruises | Flights | Hotels | Online Reservations | Vacation Rentals | | Casinos | Olympics | World Cup | General Disclaimer | Meta-Travel | Search Resources | | TravelNotes is a Trademark of TravelNotes.org | Travel Notes Blog | Add URL | Add to Favorites The URL for this page is: http://www.travelnotes.org/Asia/taiwan.htm

Asia Travel

PHILIPPINES TRAVEL INFORMATION Philippines Country Information The Land || History || The People || First-time Traveler Tips || Visas || Customs || Currency || Weather Clothing || Utilities || Newspapers & Media || Business Hours || Language || Getting Around Modes of Transport || Weather Conditions || Things to Know || Sightseeing || Museums and Art Further Information The Land The Philippines is an archipelagic nation made up of 7,107 islands spanning 1,840 kilometers north to south. It is part of the East Indies, a vast island group lying south and east of mainland Asia, with Taiwan at its northernmost coast and Borneo on the 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. Luzon is also where a visitor can see the latest model luxury cars overtaking a carabao sled or modern skyscrapers within driving distance of primordial volcanos. 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. With a land mass of 300, 780 square kilometers, the Philippines is considered a medium-sized nation, about two- thirds the size of its first colonizer, Spain, and a little larger than the British Isles. Manila is only one hour and 40 minutes from Hong Kong by jet; Sydney only 7 1/2 hours away. Flights to Europe take 17 hours and to the American west coast 15 hours. The Philippines has many things to offer the visitor: a mixture of the old and the new, a diversity of art and culture and a warm, friendly people. Blessed by nature, the Philippines has something to offer every sportsman too . . . extraordinary dive sites, forests to roam, mountains to climb, caves to explore. Top History Situated on the crossroads of Asia, on the eastern rim of the China Sea, the Philippines has hosted voyagers, migrants and traders since the dawn of history. That it was the center of lively Asian trade route that stretched all the way to China and Japan can be seen from the relics these early visitors left behind. Among our archaeological treasures is a Neolithic spirit boat typical of early Southeast Asian culture. The West discovered the Philippines when Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who sailed for Spain, landed in Cebu in 1521. However, colonization didn't actually begin until 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established a Spanish base in the town of Manila. Because Philippine society was loosely organized, without a central government, the Spanish conquest was rapid and total. Only the Muslims in the south and some inaccessible hill tribes were able to resist Spanish influence. Along with the Spanish conquerors came a new religion, Christianity, a new language, new laws and the galleon trade. Despite several uprisings against Spain, including the Katipunan, a revolutionary movement inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal and led by Andres Bonifacio, it was the United States of America that broke the Spaniard's grip on the Philippines. Unfortunately, that began the nation's second period of colonization. Once again there was resistance, this time led by Emilio Aguinaldo; but his rag-tag army was no match for Admiral Dewey's forces. In 1901, with Aguinaldo's capture, the Americans were entrenched. The Americans brought over their educational system, their legal system and planted the seeds of their own style of government. In 1935, the Philippines became an American commonwealth country with Manuel Luis Quezon as president. The status quo ended with the Japanese Occupation; and it wasn't until 1946, after the end of the Pacific war, that the Philippines finally regained true independence as the Republic of the Philippines under the presidency of Manuel Roxas. Still one of the strongest democracies in Asia, the current president is Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Top The People Halo-halo is a Filipino word that means mixture. While it describes a popular dessert, it could also describe the Filipinos. They look like Asians, write and speak English like Americans, worship like Spaniards, and have an outlook that is international. Like the Southern Chinese, the Thai, Malay, Indonesian and Burmese, the modern-day Filipino traces his remotest genetic lines back to an Australoid and Mongoloid stock. You will also find a touch of Caucasian, Chinese, Indian and Arabic in their gene pool as well. But to truly understand the Filipino, you have to look at the land. The historic isolation between islands and the topographic isolation on each island, become the primary influence governing regional traits and societal behavior. This diversity makes Filipinos all the more interesting. However, what is apparent isn't how different they are from each other, but rather how alike they are. Brought together by a common history, and looking forward to a common future, it is not surprising to find a sharing of certain traits. Their warmth, graciousness and hospitalityall part of the Filipino psychewill make your stay a delight. Top Tips for First-time Philippine Travelers Generally speaking, it is important to travel light. Bring only what's necessary. Avoid the extra baggage. You don't want to pay exorbitant fees for your luggage service. As in any foreign place, be careful with pickpockets. Some might act as a helpful stanger, but they're out to get something from you! It's good to be cautious at all times. Whenever going outdoors, being in a group is recommended. If you're bringing kids with you, make sure to bring all the things they would need, like medicine, bottles of potable water (although many bottled water is available, it is always recommended to bring one), and one of your kids' favorite toys for their own receration. Top Visas If you are coming from America, Asia or Europe with a valid passport, and either a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside the Philippines you may enter without a formal visa and stay for 21 days. If you wish to stay longer you must obtain a Visa Extension either before your trip from a Philippine Consulate or Embassy. Or, once here, you may obtain it from the Bureau of Immigration. Customs Upon Arriving: Visitors are allowed to bring in duty free personal belongings, two cartons of cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobacco and up to one liter of alcohol. Balikbayans have separate rules and should check with the Embassy or Consulate in their home city. You may bring in unlimited amount of foreign currency. Upon Leaving: Any antiques you may have acquired during your stay must be accompanied by a certificate from the National Museum. You may also not take more than PhP5,000.00 (five thousand Philippine pesos) out of the country. Currency The currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PhP) and the Centavo. 100 centavos = P1. Coin denominations are: 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos, P1, and P5. Bill denominations are : 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1, 000 pesos. Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks and authorized money changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are strictly enforced. Most large stores, restaurants , hotels and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express , Visas and MasterCard. Traveller' s checks preferably American Express are accepted at hotels and large department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted. Top Weather The Philippines is tropical with just two seasons--hot and dry from November to June, and rainy from July to October. Filipinos will tell you that it is cool from December through February and they themselves will wear jackets. Clothing People in the Philippines dress for the weather (HOT!) Casual attire during the day for women are light blouses and shorts. For men collared T- shirts worn over slacks. In the evening skirts are substituted for shorts and the T-shirts are tucked in. For Men Only: If you expect to have to attend any occasion which would usually require a jacket and a tie (which is torture in this weather) there is a wonderful substitute. Go immediately to a department store and buy a barong tagalog. It is an embroidered shirt that is considered a formal dress. It will cost more or less PhP1,000.00, but it is worth every centavo. Utilities Electricity is 220 volts a/c. Many of the major tourist hotels also have 110 volt a/c outlets. Water supply in Metro Manila and in all the other major cities are considered potable. Bottled purified water, spring water or mineral water is often supplied by hotels and resorts, and sold in all grocery stores. Telephone service is modern and you can direct dial anywhere in the world. Public phones are plentiful. Public phones require a minimum of two one-peso coins for a local call. Some Important Telephone Numbers: (24-Hour Hotline) Police & Fire: 757 or 116 Emergency No.: 501- 650 or 501- 728 Directory Assistance: 114 National Operator: 109 International Operator: 108 For other emergency numbers, please refer to Directory . NOTE: It is advisable to always have the telephone number and the address of your embassy or consulate with you. Top Newspapers & Other Media The newspapers in the Philippines have been called the freest in the world, as you will see for yourself, with more than 24 different morning papers to choose from, most of them in English. There is also a wide selection of magazines printed in English including Time, Newsweek and Asiaweek. In Metro Manila you can buy the Asian Wall Street Journal, The International Herald Tribune and USA Today. Television is "on the air" from early morning to midnight, showing American programming as well as local programming. The standard channels are 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, and 23. If you need more channels, most of the major hotels are with Cable TV bringing in TV programs from all over the world. There is also AM and FM radio broadcasting with the pop stations primarily on AM in Filipino and the English language programs on FM. Top Business Hours Most businesses are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and 8:00 AM till noon Saturdays. Banks are open from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. When banking in the Philippines, it is advisable to have your passport with you for identification. The post offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays only. Stamps for postcards are frequently available from the Concierge Desk at most major hotels. The Philippines uses ZIP codes, please include them in addressing local mail. NOTE: The Standard lunch hour is noon to 1:00 PM. Most businesses and government offices are closed. Language While there are over 100 regional languages in the Philippines, the national language is Filipino, with English as the most widely spoken second language. All business, governmental and legal transactions are conducted in English. Top Getting Around There are four modes of public transport in Metro Manila and surprisingly, they are easy to use. Buses : Both air-conditioned and regular buses travel most of the major routes in Metro Manila. On an air-con bus a short ride costs PhP 9.00, adding a few peso for every succeeding kilometer. The regular bus' minimum fare is PhP 4.00. Just tell the conductor where you are going and he will tell you how much it costs. Keep your bus receipt as it is your proof of payment. Jeepneys : Called "folk arton wheels," jeepneys ply most of Manila's secondary roads and even a few major thoroughfares. They're as much fun to ride on as they are to look at and you have to try one. Although there are regular stops, you can often just flag one down and hop on. Call out "bayad" (bah-yhad) and pay the driver. If you are too far back, pass your PhP 4.00 (minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers; 1 peso additional for every succeeding 500 meters) down. When you are ready to get off, call out "para" (pah-rah); wait till he slows down and jump. The LRT : It's a fast, cheap way to go to downtown Manila. A token can take you between Monumento (the northern end of Edsa) and Baclaran, travelling first along Rizal Avenue and then Taft Avenue. Many of the tourist maps have the route of the LRT marked. The MRT : After it's somewhat unsuccessful opening, the MRT is now enjoying a fair share of passengers plying EDSA. This is definitely the fastest mode of transport, this side of the metropolis. The MRT runs from the North Avenue Station in Quezon City up to Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City. Passengers would enjoy the traffic-less route, clean stations and coach, with a good view of Metro Manila's landscape. The only problem is that some stations have very high stairways. Although a number of elevators is operational, not all stations have one. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes end to end. Taxis : Air-conditioned taxis cost PhP25.00 on the meter and an additional PhP 2.00 is added for every succeeding 200 meters to the final cost. Non-airconditioned taxis do not ply anymore. Taxis are always lined up at the major hotels and tourist restaurants and can be hailed on the street. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. If he gives you a story that it is broken, get out and take another taxi. Unless you are taking a long trip or the traffic is unusually horrible, most taxi rides should be well under P100. At least a 10% tip is expected. Top Other Modes of Transport Most of the major car rental agencies, including AVIS, Budget, and Hertz have offices in Metro Manila and carry a full line of vehicles from jeeps to limousines. All vehicles may be rented with or without a driver. If you wish to do your own driving you must have a valid foreign or international license. Inter-island transportation is provided by either airplane or ferry boat. Philippine Airlines services most of the major provincial airports. Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit, SeaAir, Air Philippines, and Pacific Airways are smaller carriers servicing more remote tourist destinations. For information about boat schedules, check with the Department of Tourism on T.M. Kalaw Street, Manila (63-2-5267652, 5267653, 5267655). Top WEATHER CONDITIONS & GEOGRAPHY Climate: Tropical (two seasons) Dry Season: March -May (warm) 33-34 C Wet Season: June- October (monsoonal) November -February (coolest) 29-31C Coastline: 334,539 km. Terrain: Many of the islands in the Philippines are extinct volcanoes and atolls. On the larger islands, many mountains, rainforests, rich valleys and swamp regions. The Philippines still does have thermal activity consisting of active volcanoes and hot springs. Top THINGS TO KNOW Language: Filipino (based on Tagalog dialect) is the National Language. The American occupation was responsible for teaching the English Language. The Philippines is currently the third largest English speaking country in the world. Currency: Peso(PhP). Notes are issued in denominations of , PhP 10, PhP 20, PhP 50, PhP 100, PhP 500, and PhP 1000. Coins are issued for 5c, 10c, 25c, PhP 1, PhP 5. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized exchanged dealers. Outside of Manila payments are preferably made in pesos. Major Travellers Cheques are widely accepted. Major Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club) can be used to pay for most goods and services. Bank Hours: Banks are open 9am-3pm Mon-Fri (except public holidays). Shop Hours: Most shops operate 10am-7.30pm daily (except public holidays). Time : Local time is GMT plus 8 hours. Business English is the language used. Sexual equality is more widespread in the Philippines than in other Asian countries. Make sure you have business cards. Top SIGHTSEEING Casa Manila: A replica mid 19th Century house, recreating the Intramuros lifestyle of upper class Filipinos at this time. Corner Real and General Lunar Streets, Intramuros, Manila. Luzon Chocolate Hills : Bohols most famous attraction: the area is named thus, because of the rich grass which covers them turns brown in summer. Carmen Town, Bohol. Visayas* Colon Street: The oldest street in the Philippines located in the heart of Cebu. Cebu. Visayas* Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery: The only underground cemetery in the Philippines; it served as a meeting place for the revolutionary leaders in Laguna. Laguna, Luzon Island Magellans Cross: The most historically-famous landmark in Cebu. Planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, it marks the place where the first Christian Filipinos were baptized. Cebu. Visayas* Top PARKS & WILDLIFE Katibawasan Falls: These 250-foot falls cascade down to a pool surrounded by orchids and other rich tropical flora- 4 km from Mambajao. Camiguin. Mindinao* Maquinit Hot Springs : Located on a scenic beach corner, this is the premium hot spring in the Philippines. Palawan. Luzon* Hidden Valley: A natural recluse is created within this 90-meter crater . A haven for lush jungle life, natural springs and still water pools. Accommodation available. Alaminos, Laguna. Luzon, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife: Quezon Avenue. Quezon City. Luzon. Rizal Memorial Park: Within the lush park there are monuments, a skating rink and adventure playground. Free concerts every Sunday. Ermita, Manila. Luzon. Top MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES Museums & art galleries Ateneo Art Gallery Quezon City Tel: (02) 998 721 Metropolitan Museum of Manila Tel: (02) 832 3645 National Museum Manila Tel: (02) 494 450 Villa Escudero San Pablo City, Quezon City Tel: (02) 521 8698 Top VISAS AND PASSPORTS Visa and Passport No Visas are required for foreigners entering the country for a stay no longer than 21 days provided that you have valid passports and tickets to leave the Philippines. Visas are required only for stateless persons and citizens of countries with which the Philippines have no diplomatic relations. A temporary visitor's visa is required for those who are planning to stay up to 59 days. Vaccination certificates may be neccesary for long term stays. Holders of Hongkong and Taiwan passports need special permits. All visas and permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates. Duty Free Items: Two 1-litre bottles of alchohol, and two cartons of cigarettes are allowed. Air Travel to the Country : Ninoy Aquino International Airport (7 km from city centre) Ninoy Aquino Avenue Manila, Philippines: Mactan International Airport Cebu, Philippines: (Most major airlines have flights to the country). Top FURTHER INFORMATION Department of Tourism: T.M. Kalaw Street Rizal Park Metro Manila P.O. Box 3451 Tel: (02)523-8411 Fax: (02) 521 7374 Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporatiom: 4th Floor, Suites 10-17 Legasi Towers 300 Roxas Boulevard Metro Manila Tel: (02) 525-93-18-27 Fax: (02) 521-61-65/ 525-33-14 Top

Japan travel Travel Go

Packing tips for Japan - Japan travel  You are here: About > Travel > Japan for Visitors > Japanese Penpal / Chat > Packing tips for Japan - Japan travel Travel Go Japan Essentials Clickable Map of Japan Japan Pictures Japan Travel Tips Japanese Geisha Japan 101 - Fact about Japan Articles & Resources Japan Maps Picture of Japan / Web cams Best of Japan / Attractions Hotels/Accommodations Tokyo / Cities / Regions Japanese Translators Japanese Culture Etiquette / Living in Japan Japan Weather / Geography Japan History / Samurai Japanese Penpal / Chat Plan Your Trip to Japan Air Travel / Train Travel Restaurants / Japanese Food Japanese Gift / Japan Books Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Japanese Gifts Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Japan for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Japan for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading When to Go to Japan Where to Go in Japan Japan Photo Gallery Recent Discussions Japanese Cooking School in Tokyo Need help with gift new U.S. business Most Popular New Year Cards Japanese Geisha Christmas in Japan Japanese Tattoos Free Japanese postcards - Japanese new year cards - japan fr... What's Hot Japan Postcard - Japanese free email postcards - New Year's ... Japan Map - Nagano Prefecture Map - Map of Japan Universal Studios Japan Odaiba Photos Pictures of Japan - mount fuji picture - mt. fuji Photo Related Topics Japanese Cuisine Japanese Language Asia for Visitors Anime PlayStation Games Packing for Japan From Shizuko Mishima , Your Guide to Japan for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Pcking Tips You might be wondering what to bring for your trip to Japan. I will give you some packing tips and a list of items. Tip 1: Money Many Japanese stores don't accept credit cards and traveler's checks, especially in small cities. I recommend bringing traveler's checks to Japan and exchanging them to yen in a bank. Be sure to carry Japanese yen in cash while you are in Japan. It's usually safe to carry cash in Japan. Be careful of pickpockets if you are taking a crowded train or going to an event where you can expect a large crowd. It's still convenient to bring a major credit card, such as MasterCard or Visa. You can use them when you shop at major department stores, hotels, and restaurants. Tip 2: Appliances The electricity in Japan is 100 volts, and there are two cycles (50/60). In Tokyo and areas northeast of Tokyo, the electricity is 50 cycles. In the southwest Japan, it's 60 cycles. Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya are in the southwest side. If you need to bring any appliances from your country, make sure to bring a converter or plug. American appliances can be used in Japan without a converter although they will have less power. If your appliances are three-pronged, you need a plug since Japanese appliances are two-pronged. You can buy converters and plugs in the airports or travel equipment stores in Japan. But since it could be a hassle for you to find a store that sells the converters, it's better to purchase them in your own country. It shouldn't take much space in your luggage. If you want to email your family or friends from Japan, you might want to take your laptop. You can connect to the Internet from major hotels and public phones although Internet access can be expensive in Japan. Tip 3: Luggage Compared with westerners, who often travel with large suitcases, it's not common for Japanese people to travel with a large suitcase around the country. Consequently, there isn't usually a wide space to store large luggage in trains, and the coin lockers aren't large enough to hold them either. I recommend keeping your luggage small when you travel around Japan. You might want to bring several small bags so that you don't have to carry a large suitcase. Tip 4: Shoes Since it's a Japanese custom to take off your shoes indoors, you might have to take off your shoes often in Japan. I recommend bringing a pair of shoes that you can slip off and on easily. Make sure to bring, and wear, a nice pair of socks or pantyhose to avoid any embarrassment when you take off your shoes. Tip 5: Handkerchief and Pocket tissue It's important to carry a handkerchief in Japan. Many restrooms in Japan don't have paper towels. Be sure to bring a handkerchief in your pocket to dry your hands! Also, pocket tissues are good to carry, since they are often needed while traveling. Tip 6: Gifts While you are in Japan, you might be visiting a Japanese home. If you are wondering what to bring for gifts, former travelers to Japan share good ideas in the forum. Check List: Passport and Visa (If you are staying in Japan more than 90days) Airplane Ticket Japan Railpass purchasing order Traveler's check Japanese yen in cash if possible Travel Insurance Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) Photocopy of all these documents Small suitcase or extra bags Camera (film is cheap in Japan) Umbrella Small calculator Dictionary (Japanese Conversation book) / Guidebook Sewing set Walking shoes First Aid Kit / Prescription / OTC Medicine Alarm clock Glasses and Contact lenses Jackets / Night wear / Socks / Underwear Shaver (cordless would be good) Laptop if you need Plastic bags (can be trash bags) Pen / Memo note Cosmetics and your amenities Packing Tips from Japan for Visitors Forum Money Exchange in Japan Using Internet in Japan Baggage on Shinkansen Suggestions for Gifts More Articles about Japan / Japan Photo Gallery        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . 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