Manila

The dry period between November and April is the peak tourist season in the Philippines. Hidden areas and remote islands are fully accessible, and temperatures are very mild, especially from December to February. During the wet season, from May to October, you can still enjoy sunny days, but bear in mind that typhoons can occur. The months of May and November are considered low season, which means smaller crowds and lower prices for flights and accommodation. The weather is still pleasant, nonetheless.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), also known by the abbreviation NAIA, is 7 kilometres from the centre of Manila, located south of the city, and southwest of Makati City's Central Business District. A taxi is for sure the quickest, most efficient and safest way to travel to and from the airport. You can book a taxi at an official desk at the airport or grab a taxi outside the terminal. The journey can take between 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the time of day and the traffic. There are two types of taxis: yellow and white. The yellow taxis are the officially registered and certified taxis at the airport and one of the best and safest means of transportation. The white taxis (street taxis) are not allowed inside the airport's arrival (only arriving at the departure level) and if you decide to take one of these, be careful, the driver can give you a higher fixed price without using the meter. Another option is to arrange for a hotel transfer to pick you up. This you should arrange in advance, but it is one of the most expensive options.

Jeepneys, originally made from converted US military jeeps, are a popular and colourful mode of transport in Manila. These 16-seat vehicles operate on pre-set routes with a fixed fare. Routes are displayed on the front of each jeepney. To ride, simply flag one down and let the driver know when you'd like to disembark.

Taking a taxi in Manila is an affordable way to navigate the city. You can hail a taxi on the street or book one by phone, but it's important to ensure that it is registered and metered. If a taxi driver claims the meter isn't working, it's advisable to find another cab. Also, carrying small peso notes is wise to avoid overpaying; drivers may claim they don’t have change even when they do. The best app for summoning a taxi in the Philippines is Grab.

The Philippines uses American-style power sockets with two flat prongs as well as European-style sockets with two round prongs. Expect 220 volts at 60Hz.