The Philippines: The capital and other cities

About the Philippines

Keep reading for a general overview of the country and its history!

• It is believed that the archipelago was first inhabited around 30,000 years ago through migrations from the Indonesian archipelago and elsewhere and then, over subsequent centuries, from China. Islam was introduced in the 13^th century by traders and missionaries from the Indonesian islands; by the 16^th century, the religion was well established in much of the country. 
• Ferdinand Magellan, from Spain, is believed to be the first European to have landed in the country. The Spanish, claiming the area as a colony, set up the capital in Manila, in 1571. They named the country after King Philip II of Spain.
• Although the Philippines had declared independence during the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Treaty of Paris ceded the territory to the United States. The Philippines gained its independence on July 4, 1946.
• The population of the Philippines is 114 million as of 2023.

Where is the Philippines?

The Philippines is a Southeast Asian archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It comprises 7,641 islands; 95% of the population lives on the three main island groups of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The best time to visit the Philippines

The Philippines has a generally tropical climate although conditions – especially in terms of rain – vary depending on the topography. The rainy season runs from May to October, while the dry season – hot and sunny – extends from November to April.

Getting to the Philippines

Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Istanbul Airport to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, with connecting flights available to Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Iloilo, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Roxas and Tagbilaran. Flights from Istanbul to Manila take around 11 or 12 hours. Please visit the Philippines flights page for more information.

Manila, the capital, and other cities in the Philippines

On the island of Luzon, Manila is the capital of the Philippines and the country’s largest city and economic, cultural and political center. Some of Manila’s highlights include Intramuros, the city’s old Spanish district, the Fuerte de Santiago (Fort Santiago) Castle, San Agustin Church and Rizal Park, the city’s largest park, as well as Malacanang Palace and Baguio City.

Cebu

On the island of Visayas, Cebu, the second-most populous city in the Philippines is an important trade and tourism center. Cebu City, the center of Cebu, is certainly among the places to visit in the Philippines, featuring a number of historical buildings along with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Fort San Pedro, in Cebu City, is among the popular historical places to see in the Philippines, as is the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, one of Cebu City’s oldest cathedrals. Cebu is also home to the island of Malapascua, considered one of the best diving, shark diving and snorkeling destinations in the world.

Popular islands in the Philippines islands: Boracay, Bohol, Palawan, Siargao

With more than seven thousand islands, the Philippines is also known for its beaches and landscapes.

Boracay

The most popular vacation destination in the Philippines, Boracay is famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant nightlife.

Palawan

Palawan, the largest island in the Philippines, is renowned for its natural beauty, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as El Nido and Coron.

Bohol

Bohol, one of the largest island in the Philippines, is home to the Chocolate Hills, consisting of more than 1,700 dome-shaped hills on an area of fifty square kilometers. The hills are made of limestone but covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season.

Dining in the Philippines

Something to keep in mind: the local dishes can be quite spicy! Some of the specialties in the Philippines include the following dishes.

• Adobo – a type of dish made with meat, seafood or vegetables first browned in oil and then simmered with vinegar, garlic, and salt and soy sauce.
• Pancit – stir-fried rice noodles with meat and vegetables.
• Kinilaw – a dish of marinated raw seafood, similar to ceviche.
• Lumpia – a popular street food similar to a spring roll. Usually fried, lumpia can be sweet or savory.
• Sinigang – a tamarind-based soup stew with meat and vegetables.
• Cassava cake – a sweet, custard-like cake made with grated cassava, condensed milk, grated coconut, and coconut milk and cream.
• Halo halo – a sweet dessert made with shaved ice, coconut and condensed milk, and various candied fruits and beans.

Practical information about the Philippines

Capital of the Philippines: Manila

Official language of the Philippines: Filipino. English is the second official language. 

The currency of the Philippines: Philippine Peso (PHP)