Country Information

Country Information – The Philippines

The Philippines is one of South East Asias best kept secrets, offering friendly people, incredible beaches, great diving and a culturally rich warrior history.

Location

The Philippines is located on the eastern part of South East Asia, set out in the South China Sea before it turns to the Pacific, the location of the Philippines has shaped the culture and development of the nation for hundreds of years.
The Filipinos have been attacked and occupied by just about everyone, from Chinese to the Spanish in the 1500´s, to the Americans and Japanese in the 1900s. The genetic mix shows on the faces of the people you meet and the different cultures hvbe all left their mark. From the America Jeepneys used as mass transport all over, to the Spanish words littered thought their language.

The friendliest people you can ever hope to meet

Tourism is important to the Filipinos, but certainly not mainstream. This shows in the way Filipinos come across, obviously this is a generalisation, but on the whole, the Filipinos are genuinely interested in what you have to say and where you are from. It is not uncommon to get approached by complete strangers who want to ask you questions about your home and culture, even just to practice their English. While this may be a little unnerving at first especially to seasoned travellers who instantly wonder what the catch will be, or leave you wondering what the person will attempt to sell you in a few moments, invariably the sales pitch never materialises, Filipinos are genuinely interested in hearing about you and your background.

Thousands of Islands, beaches and diving

The Philippines is made up of thousands of Islands spread out through the country. The islands possess some of the finest beaches in Asia, some rated as the nicest in the world. Islands like Palawan are particularly popular with people looking to the perfect beach, incredible dive sites in Malapascua and through out the country are also excellent draws.
 

Filipino Fling

Although the Philippines is a poverty-stricken country in comparison to most of the western world, and despite its awkward location in China’s shadow, the Philippines is certainly not a place to be forgotten. If you want to spend your gap-year in a place that is truly one of this planet’s unsung joys, then the Philippines is the country for you.

Beaches in the Philippines are rated as some of the best in the world - and with the white sands and clear waters of beaches such as Panglao and Boracay, it’s easy to see why. While the Philippines are often regarded as a destination to visit only because of its beaches, you will uncover so much more about this chain of islands when you spend your gap-year here. The beaches are obviously beautiful, but immersing yourself in these islands will reward you with cultural experiences with a friendly, lively people – and what better setting to spend your gap-year in?