Forests in the tropics have a rich biodiversity. More than half of all the plants and animals in the world are to be found in the rainforests. More than 3500 species of plants and animals! The constantly high temperatures and the continuously high humidity in the tropics make this biodiversity  possible. The temperature is in most tropical rainforests between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius. 

SAFETY AND SECURITY: U.S. citizens contemplating travel to the Philippines should carefully consider the risks to their safety and security while there, including those risks due to terrorism. While travelers may encounter such threats anywhere in the Philippines, the southern island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago are of particular concern. Travelers should exercise extreme caution in both central and western Mindanao as well as in the Sulu Archipelago.

 Crime is a significant concern in urban areas of the Philippines. Though U.S. citizens are not typically targeted for kidnapping, kidnappings and violent assaults do occur in Metro Manila and elsewhere. U.S. citizens should remain aware of their surroundings and exercise good judgment. the filipina mafia is becoming very active ,confidence games, pick pocketing, internet scams, and credit/ATM card fraud are common. U.S. citizens should be wary of unknown individuals who attempt to befriend them, especially just after arrival in the country. It is best not to accept food, drink, or rides in private vehicles from strangers, even if they appear legitimate.

Take this information seriously or be prepared to be a victim.

Taxis are the recommended form of public transportation. However, the following safeguards are important:  do not enter a taxi if it has already accepted another passenger and request that the meter be used. If the driver is unwilling to comply with your requests, please wait for another cab. It is also a good idea to make a mental note of the license plate number should there be a problem. When driving in the city, make certain that the doors are locked and the windows rolled up. All other forms of public transportation, such as the light rail system, buses, and “jeepneys” should be avoided for both safety and security reasons.

Visitors should also be vigilant when using credit and debit cards. One common form of credit/ATM card fraud involves the illicit use of an electronic device to retrieve and record information, including the PIN, from the card's magnetic strip. The information is then used to make unauthorized purchases.  To limit your vulnerability to this scam, never let your card out of your sight.  When using an ATM, be aware of your surroundings.  Avoid ATM locations in dimly lit areas.  Exercise caution when entering your ATM personal identification number (PIN) code, to prevent observance by others.  Avoid ATM’s with unusual coverings attached to the card receiver.  The Philippine Banking Association has warned the public in press articles of criminals attaching electronic scanners to ATM card receivers, also designed to illicitly retrieve and record information from the credit/debit card’s magnetic strip.  A continuing problem is the commercial scam or sting that attempts to sell or to seek negotiation of fraudulent U.S. securities. Visitors and residents should be wary when presented with supposed Federal Reserve Notes or U.S. securities for sale or negotiation. For further information, consult the Federal Reserve System's web site.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.

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INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the top of this sheet or see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates).  This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. 

Housing

With less financial possibilities the architecture and visible construction materials are more simple and more derived from the natural surroundings. Wooden planks, board, bamboo and straw are the basic materials for the traditional houses. Geographically, the more remote the region is, as mountain areas are, the more the natural environment delivers the construction materials for the houses.

What has Cebu to offer to tourists?

For tourists the island Cebu, its capital Cebu City and the nearby smaller islands have a lot of attractions. Many things to do and to see.

 Cebu and mactan island

 Many tourists from abroad will directly fly to Cebu's airport. From Cebu they spread out by boat to the many islands in the Visayas or they stay on Cebu island.

 On Mactan island tourism is well developed. Many dive centers and dive resorts (more than 75) arrange day excursions and diving safaris to  the surrounding dive sites. Not only in the  nearby waters, but especially to the nearby small islands. Cebu became the country's top tourist destination.

Transportation from one island to another

Most of the time Filipinos will take the boat to travel from one island to another island in the Philippines . The relative short distance between islands and the price of the ticket makes that understandable. For this reason even tourists will make use of the boat. Moreover, for tourists travelling by boat from one island to another island, "island hopping", is attractive because it offers more possibilities to communicate with Filipinos and Filipinas. 

Once decided  to make a trip through the Philippines, the choice has to be made which boat and which company  (or still airplane?) you want to make use of! 

Island hopping by boat the boats can be dangerous and commonly sink

There are three types of boats. The traditional type is the pump- boat. Nowadays most bigger pump-boats are motorized. The pump-boats are normally used for the shorter distances. The price of the ticket is cheap. For really short distances between islands close to each other, the smaller un-motorized pump boat is used.  These un-motorized boats are mostly used for fishing. 

 Information for those gong to the Philippines to meet a women is on this link Philippine girls

Philippine culture  Philippine scammers  Tips for the Philippines  Philippines customs

Map and information on Cebu travel  How to find a Philippine wife without being scammed.