air travel, which you arrange

Expedia.co.uk Travel Book cheap flights, travel, hotels & package holidays Expedia.co.uk Skip Navigation HOME DEALS FLIGHTS HOTELS CARS HOLIDAYS ATTRACTIONS INSURANCE EUROSTAR GUIDES MAPS CORPORATE TRAVEL Welcome - Already a member? Sign in Site Map My Trips My Profile Customer Support Get ideas for your next trip Top 10 Hip Hotels World Cup 2006 Help with Booking Please call 0870 050 0808 Expedia email Best Deals Direct Email Address More info Traveller Tools Bookmark Expedia Arrivals/Departures Flight Timetables Currency Converter World Guide Weather Health & Safety CREATE YOUR PERFECT TRIP Flight Only Hotel Only Car Only Flight + Hotel Flight + Hotel + Car Flight + Car Tailor-make and save! Departing from: Destination: Pick up from: Depart: Pick up: Check-in: Morning Midday Evening Anytime 00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 Check-out: Going to: Going to: Car class: No Preference Mini-car Economy Compact Midsize Standard Full Size Premium Luxury Return: Drop-off: Morning Midday Evening Anytime 00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 Adults: (12-64) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Seniors: (65+) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Children: (0-11) 0 1 2 3 4 5 Please Note: All drivers must have held a full licence for at least one year and be 25 or older. If the driver is over 65, please call Expedia.co.uk on (0870) 050 0808 Specify ages of children at time of travel. Discounts may be offered to children of certain ages. Child 1: -?- 7 8 9 10 11 Child 2: -?- 7 8 9 10 11 Child 3: -?- 7 8 9 10 11 Child 4: -?- 7 8 9 10 11 Child 5: -?- 7 8 9 10 11 Child 6: -?- 7 8 9 10 11 More flight search options: Premium classes, one way trips, multiple destinations... More hotel search options: Hotel details, multiple rooms... More car search options: Need any special equipment? More flight + hotel search options: Multiple rooms, more destinations... More flight + car search options: More destinations... More flight + hotel + car search options: More destinations... January Sale now on! -- City Breaks from £112 Winter Sun from £111 Ski Deals from £173 Family Holidays from £133 -- Family Deals from £133 Last Minute from £102 World Cup from £199 Discover the World London departures Description from Destination Hotel Holiday Rome £44 £158 North America £34 £342 Caribbean £47 £537 Eastern Europe £42 £109 Far East £23 £435 Mediterranean £35 £116 UK & Ireland £35 £89 from --New York flights £253 Explore World Heritage sites Visit the Great Barrier Reef, the Pyramids of Egypt and more... Regional Departures London departures Holidays from Birmingham £148 Manchester £113 Scotland £111 flights | hotels | hotel chains | holidays | car hire | about expedia.co.uk | site map | affiliates | advertising | jobs | privacy policy | terms of use | international sites | ©2005, Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved travel , and travel guides . preferred partners Expedia, Inc., not responsible for content on external Web sites. Travel US | Travel CA | Voyages CA | Voyages FR | Reisen DE | Reis NL | Viaggio IT | Hotels.com | Travel AU Holidays that include air travel, which you arrange on Expedia.co.uk  are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL number 5788. ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom. For all pre-arranged holidays bought from Expedia.co.uk, Expedia, Inc acts as an authorised travel agent .

Vacation Rental, Cottage or

Ultimate Vacation Rentals - Vacation Home Rentals by Owner, Villa Rentals and Condo Rental Properties The Fastest and Most Cost Effective Way to Book Your Next Vacation Rental, Cottage or B&B Inn Welcome to the ultimate vacation rental directory for thousands of vacation rentals (vacation homes, villa, condos, cottages, castles, chalets, etc.), vacation home rentals by owner, bed and breakfasts (B&B), inns and boutique resort hotels on the Internet. Whether you are planning the perfect family vacation or seeking a last minute vacation, your ultimate vacation rental is just a few clicks away. Vacation Rental and B&B Owners - PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE Ultimate Vacation Rentals offers a low risk way to market your vacation rental, resort or bed and breakfast property to the millions of travelers on one of the web's premier vacation websites... Purchase a one-year vacation rental or bed and breakfast property listing for only $9/month and take advantage of our "performance guarantee"! Register now... Translate the UVR site ... advanced find quick find search the web for more results featured property Located just outside Banff, Alberta, Santa Fe is Canmore's most elegantly appointed 3 bedroom condo that regularly attracts repeat guests due to its spacious and welcoming interior... featured destination At the heart of Canada's first national park is the bustling mountain community of Banff / Canmore. A scenic 1.5 hour drive west of Calgary, Banff is an internationally recognized tourist destination featuring four seasons of limitless outdoor recreational opportunities in an unparalleled mountain landscape. ultimate contest Win a 1-week Walt Disney family vacation rental getaway in the Central Florida / Orlando region. Your prize includes a stay in a luxury Orlando vacation rental villa and more... free registration Join our FREE travel club to receive special offers and last minute vacation deals on vacation rentals including villa rentals, condo rentals, vacation home rentals, bed and breakfasts, cottage rentals, inns and boutique resort hotels around the world... Start Your Search with our Vacation Guides Start your search for your ultimate vacation rental homes, vacation condo rentals, bed and breakfasts (B&B), cottages, resort hotels and inns around the globe direct from owners and property managers with our destination guides! These destination guides are the ideal place to start your search for your ultimate Florida vacation rentals, your dream villa rental in Tuscany, your cozy cottage rental in the English countryside, a quaint California bed and breakfast, the perfect beach house rental in the Outer Banks, or your ski chalet in Colorado. Start searching... Hot Vacation Rental Destinations Ultimate Vacation Rentals features private vacation rentals by owner in all the top resort destination around the world. Search thousands of vacation rentals in destinations like Orlando, Miami, Daytona Beach, Florida Keys, Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Gulf Shores, St Simons, Smokey Mountains, Cape Cod, New York, Vermont, Hamptons, Maine, Niagara Falls, Alaska, Muskoka, Ontario, PEI, Cavendish, Brackley Beach, Rustico, Mt Tremblant, Nova Scotia, Montreal, Quebec, Banff, Canmore, Jasper, BC Rockies, Kimberley, Fernie, Panorama, Fairmont Hot Springs, Invermere, Canadian Rockies, Okanagan, Vancouver, Victoria, Parksville, Tofino, Kelowna, Vernon, Whistler, Montana, Whitefish, Big Sky, Jackson Hole, San Francisco, Palm Springs, San Diego, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Santa Fe, Phoenix, Tuscon, Oregon, Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride, Aspen, Steamboat Springs, Colorado Springs, Park City, Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Caribbean, Bermuda, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, US Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Australia, New Zealand, France, Tuscany, Italy, England, Spain, Portugal, Madeira, Scotland, Greece, Crete and more. Check it out... | home | travelers & vacationers | owners & managers | for sale | resources | | about us | contact us | help | site map | links | log-in | © 2002 - Ultimate Vacation Rentals Inc. Web Development: Cityhues New Media Design Group - Powered by Cityhues X-Hunter™

Argentina Travel | 4star

4**** Brazil Travel News and Brazil Tour Info Brazil Travel Info Brazil Travel Brazil Carnival Travel Amazon Rainforest Travel South America Travel Brazil Travel FAQ Brazil Travel FAQ Brazilian Climate Geography Visa Requirements Travel Insurance Immunizations Brazil Travel News & News-letterachive Brazil Travel News and Information Brazil Travel News offers all the information about Brazil you should know before you are travelling there. Right here you find a very informational Brazil-blog , written by an excellent observer, foreign correspondent Shawn Gerald Blore . Here also an Invitation to travel to Brazil , written with love and insight by a Brazilian, explaining why you would travel to Brazil. Brazil Travel News is an informational source for your travel needs. Brazil is the 5th largest country with the 12th largest economy, is multifaceted: The rich and diverse culture of Brazil arises from multiple influences in the country's history (native Indians, European & Asian emigrants, slaves from Africa). Even the spectra of Brazil's nature is immense - from seductive beaches to the unique flora & fauna of the Amazon Rainforest... Additionally, you will find further information about travelling and touring throughout South America including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru. Brazil Travel News publishes a monthly newsletter and makes latest news on Brazil as well as on travel to Brazil available. So you always find the current information on what's happening in South Americas only Portuguese-speaking nation - a country larger than the continental USA! Please help us create the most dynamic site on the web! Send your comments and suggestions to info@BrazilTravelNews.com home | travel FAQ | climate | geography | visa | insurance | immunizations | latest travel news | escorted tours | incentive programme | custom itineraries | airpasses rio de janeiro | s ã o paulo | salvador | manaus & amazon | pantanal | iguassu falls | olinda | recife 4star Argentina Travel | 4star Bolivia Travel | 4star Brazil Travel | 4star Chile Travel | 4star Ecuador Travel | 4star Peru Travel | 4star Flights | 4star Ariau-Amazon-Rainforest-Lodge | 4star South America Travel | Brazil Travel News | Peru Travel News 4star Argentinien Reisen | 4star Brasilien Reisen | 4star Chile Reisen | 4star Ecuador Reisen | 4star Peru Reisen | 4star Amazonas Reisen | 4star Suedamerika Reisen URL.biz - Recreation Brazil Travel Practicals Escorted Tours Incentive Programs Custom Itineraries Brazil Flights & Airpasses Brazil City Info Rio de Janeiro São Paulo Salvador Manaus/Amazonas Pantanal Iguassu Falls Olinda Recife

South America Travel Guide

South America Travel Guide : BootsnAll Travel Network Visit other BootsnAll sites: BootBlog | Bali | London | Australia | Written Road | Travel News Daily Home | Ask an Insider | Members Forum Plane Tickets | Youth Hostels | RTW Guide About Us | Advertising | Contact | RSS | Staff First Time Visitor? Home » South America South America Travel Guide Countries in South America Argentina - Buenos Aires , Patagonia , Bolivia - Brazil - Ceara , Florianopolis , Fortaleza , ... more Chile - Easter Island , Pucon , Puerto Montt , ... more Colombia - Bogota , Ecuador - Galapagos Islands , Quito , French Guiana - Guyana - Paraguay - Peru - Cuzco , Lima , Machu Picchu , ... more Suriname - Uruguay - Venezuela - BootsnAll Newsletters Sign up for any of BootsnAll's community, regional or deals newsletters. Why should you sign-up? Featured Country : Peru Peru Travel Stories Mountains, Ruins, and Recorders - Huaraz, Peru First Impressions of Peru - In and Around Lima, Peru Three Time's A Charm - Cuzco, Peru Cicada Nests Are A Girl's Best Friend - Lake Sandoval, Peru A Tour Etched in Heaven - Nazca, Peru Peru Nutz And Bolts Not so Coy with Cuy - Peru Peru Nutz and Bolts Lima Nutz and Bolts Cuzco Nutz and Bolts Peru Travelogue Peru - Part Seite (7) Peru - Part Cinco (5) Peru - Part Quatro (4) Peru - Part Tres (3) Peru - Part Dos (2) Peru Things To See And Do Lima: A Bargain-Hunter's Wonderland? You bet! - Lima, Peru In Ayacucho, Money Talks, When You Least Expect It - Ayacucho, Peru Inca Roots - Peru Peru Fast Facts - Peru Where is the Deepest Canyon in the World? - Arequipa, Peru Peru Traveller Reports On The Inca Trail - Inca Trail, Peru Discussions Recent South America Travel Stories Life on the Road in Porto Alegre - Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil Carl Winter finds out that life is full of surprises in Brazil. Brazilian Soccer Rules - Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil Carl Winter - and every other Gremio fan in the stadium - KNOWS that ref is a SOB. Mac Love in Brazil - Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil Carl Winter loves his computer - it just doesn't always feel the same way about him. Specialty of the House - Ecuador Conor Grennan represses his memories of his sister's guinea pig and opens his mouth for cuy. The Awkward, Shy Child - Asuncion, Paraguay Paraguay is not unlike the shy, awkward child in a large family where all the others get the attention More South America Travel Stories » Submit your own South America story! Home | Email BootsnAll | Become a Member | Top of page Travel Guides, Stories, Information, and Newsletters Africa Travel | Asia Travel | Pacific Travel | Europe Travel | North America Travel | Central America Travel | South America Travel | Middle East Travel Odds'n'Ends | Travel Book Reviews | Insiders | Travel Blogs | Travel Newsletters Around the World Travel Around the World Tickets | Around the World Travel Guide | Cheap International Plane Tickets | Around the World Travel Tips Airport Parking Reservations Philadelphia Airport Parking | Newark Airport Parking | Oakland Airport Parking | San Diego Airport Parking | Phoenix Airport Parking BootsnAll World Adventure Travel Tanzania Safari | Viet Nam Tours | Thailand Tour | China Tours | New Zealand Adventure | Australia Tours Youth Hostels Europe Hostels | New York Hostels | Paris Hostels | London Hostels | Amsterdam Hostels Eurail Eurail Passes | Britrail Passes | Eurail Travel | Eurail Tips Book Tickets, Hostels, Hotels and more anywhere in the world Search for Hotels | Traveler's Toolkit | Plane Tickets | Rent Cars | Search Youth Hostels | Travel Insurance | Learn Languages | Backpacker Tours | Cheap Tickets | Cruise and Vacation Packages | Cheap Hotels | Cheap Vacation Rentals | World Music Downloads | Travel Bookstore BootsnAll Travel Community websites, blogs and About the Company Press Kit | Advertise with us | Internships | TripPlanner Affiliate Partners | Link to Us | Join Us! | Privacy policy | BootBlog | Bali Travel | Australia Travel | BootsnAll TravelBlogs | Travel Writer's Resource | Travel Gear Blog | Eurail Blog | London Blog | BootsnAll Travel: Australia | UK and Europe Travel | Travel News Daily | World Travel Watch BootsnAll in Other Languages Chercher des Auberges De Jeunesse | Ricercare gli Ostelli di Gioventù | Busque para Albergues Juveniles de Juventud | Suchen Sie Jugendherbergen Suchen Sie Hotels --

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