Travel The Philippines

The Philippines consists of more than 7.000 islands and has 85 million citizens. It's situated between Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan. It's got a hot and humid climate throughout the year. Due to its typhoons (jun-dec), earthquakes and active volcano's it's probably one of the most natural disaster prone countries on this planet. For the traveller, scuba diver and beach bum it's got some interesting things to offer like volcanos, beautiful islands and very friendly people.

In general the Filipinos are very friendly, hospitable and easy to get along with. The Filipino 'culture' is a mixture of mainly American and Spanish influences. The American influences are noticeable everywhere, the common jeepneys, basketball courts and barbeque stands are just some of these. Apart from these influences and the widely spread worship for the US, the Filipino loves cock fights, roasted pig (lechon baboy) and alcoholic drinks. You can find reasonably good and very, very cheap alcohol (e.g. San Miguel Beer, Tanduay Rum) on every corner of the street and every get-together, it's truly heaven for alcoholics..

Unusual international links:
Indonesia: from Manado you can take a flight to Davao with Merpati Airlines. Bouraq Air is bankrupt apparantly and the last I heard is that Merpati is only doing charter flights. I am not sure whats the real deal, but they still do have flights.
Malaysia: from Sandakan you can take a boat to Zamboanga with Aleson Shipping (every Monday & Thursday from Zamboanga and everyTuesday & Friday from Sandakan, 17 hours, approx. 50US/OW/AC shared). It's better to take the Monday/Tuesday ferry; it's bigger, more comfortable and has cabins. Be sure to have your passport 'chopped' in Zamboanga (exit stamp). The rumors are that starting 2005 there will also be a flight connection available for around 100US/OW.




The Philippines consists of more than 7.000 islands and has 85 million citizens. It's situated between Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan. It's got a hot and humid climate throughout the year. Due to its typhoons (jun-dec), earthquakes and active volcano's it's probably one of the most natural disaster prone countries on this planet. For the traveller, scuba diver and beach bum it's got some interesting things to offer like volcanos, beautiful islands and very friendly people. In general the Filipinos are very friendly, hospitable and easy to get along with. The Filipino 'culture' is a mixture of mainly American and Spanish influences. The American influences are noticeable everywhere, the common jeepneys, basketball courts and barbeque stands are just some of these. Apart from these influences and the widely spread worship for the US, the Filipino loves cock fights, roasted pig (lechon baboy) and alcoholic drinks. You can find reasonably good and very, very cheap alcohol (e.g. San Miguel Beer, Tanduay Rum) on every corner of the street and every get-together, it's truly heaven for alcoholics.. Unusual international links: Indonesia: from Manado you can take a flight to Davao with Merpati Airlines. Bouraq Air is bankrupt apparantly and the last I heard is that Merpati is only doing charter flights. I am not sure whats the real deal, but they still do have flights. Malaysia: from Sandakan you can take a boat to Zamboanga with Aleson Shipping (every Monday & Thursday from Zamboanga and everyTuesday & Friday from Sandakan, 17 hours, approx. 50US/OW/AC shared). It's better to take the Monday/Tuesday ferry; it's bigger, more comfortable and has cabins. Be sure to have your passport 'chopped' in Zamboanga (exit stamp). The rumors are that starting 2005 there will also be a flight connection available for around 100US/OW.

	Cebu City The busy & small capital of Cebu Island.

	Malapascua Island A beautiful small island in the northern top of Cebu, famous for it's thresher sharks and white sand beaches.

	Moalboal A green and easy getaway from Cebu City.

	Camiguin Island A small green and lush island with 7 volcanoes squeezed on it.

	Zamboanga A city of contrasts.

	Various Various shots taken on other locations.


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