Climate and clothing: Except for the mountainous areas of northern Luzon, the climate is usually hot and humid. Cotton and other lightweight clothing is worn all year. If traveling to the popular mountain resorts in northern Luzon, light sweaters are appropriate.

Transportation: Taxis in large cities can be hailed from the street, and the fares are very reasonable. In smaller towns, public transportation consists of Jeepneys and motorized tricycles. Long-distance buses serve all parts of the Philippines. The quality ranges from air-conditioned liners to poorly maintained and overcrowded vehicles. Jeepneys, vehicles built on jeep-type frames, carry 6-11 persons and are used in short city hauls and as transportation between villages and towns.

All populated areas of the Philippines can be reached by automobile. Roads are often overcrowded and poorly maintained.

Some areas of the country are plagued by civil unrest. Check with the Department of State's Office of Citizen Emergency Services in Washington, D.C. at (202) 647-5225 or the American Embassy in Manila for travel advisories.

Philippine Airlines makes scheduled flights to cities and important towns throughout the country, and 1-day round trip flights are possible to some places. Several charter air services operate from the domestic airport in Manila.

Telecommunications: Local and long-distance telephone service is available but not always reliable. International service to the United States is excellent. Manila is 13 time zones ahead of eastern standard time.

Health: For most illnesses and medical problems, facilities in the Manila area are adequate. The Manila water supply is generally safe. Untreated or unboiled water should not be drunk outside the city. Dysentery is endemic in the Philippines, especially outside Manila. Eat only fruits that can be peeled and avoid fresh vegetables, unless certain they have been properly cleaned with safe water. Superficial skin infections are common in the tropics; even the smallest wound should be disinfected and covered with a dressing.

Tourist attractions: Tourist sites are highly diverse, with may opportunities for weekend and day trips from the larger cities. Scuba diving, sailing, and water sports are very popular. Resorts matching international standards can be found around Manila and the central Visayan Islands. Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Baguio have abundant first-class hotels. In smaller towns, accomodations are poor.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, September 1989.