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There’s no question that the Philippines is a little more challenging to visit than some other Southeast Asian countries. For starters, it’s separated from the Southeast Asian mainland by several hundred kilometres of ocean. Then there’s the somewhat chaotic scene that greets you at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (where most people enter the country). But for the traveller who makes the effort to get there, the Philippines is usually a very pleasant surprise. The people of the Philippines are as warm and friendly as you’ll meet anywhere, and the island and mountain vistas are truly superb – some of the best in Southeast Asia. And with over 7000 islands in the archipelago, it’s easy to get that off-the-beaten-track feeling, something that’s getting harder to do in most other parts of Southeast Asia.
DON`T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT...
Travelling light is the only way to travel, especially in the Philippines. Let’s face it: unless you intend to engage in specialist activities like surfing or rock climbing, you can travel in the Philippines with a large knapsack. You really don’t need a full-size backpack. And, if you decide that you really should have brought that chess set, ham radio or three-piece suit, well, you can always buy what you need in Manila or Cebu (and if it’s just a T-shirt or pair of flip-flops, you can buy these just about anywhere). Thus, for travellers planning a trip to the Philippines, we recommend that you don’t leave home without…
A headlamp or flashlight (electricity is an on-again-off-again affair in the Philippines).
A sarong (this will double as a sheet, beach towel, bag and so on).
A fleece for air-con buses and ferries.
Earplugs (roosters are everywhere in the Philippines, and you’ll also have to deal with karaoke, noisy boat engines and so on).
A strong zip-lock bag or other fully waterproof container for your camera (useful on boat rides).
Tampons.
Medication if you suffer from sea sickness.
Lightweight mosquito nets or netting (coils are available if you don’t like nets)
Lonely Planet recommends World Nomads Travel insurance
