A complete travel guide for the Philippines with all the information you need regarding hotels, restaurants, transportation, safety and the best travel tips for those visiting the Southeast Asian country. We’ve also included three different itineraries with everything you should see and do in the Philippines in 8, 10 or 14 days.
A unique blend of native, American and Hispanic influences, shaped by generations of occupation and colonial history, the Philippines stands out as a nation with a very distinct identity. Despite being located in the heart of Southeast Asia, one of the world’s premier tourist destinations, the number of visitors to this island nation remains surprisingly low compared to neighboring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia or Indonesia. Yet, few places in the world can rival the Philippines when it comes to pristine beaches, breathtaking natural landscapes and world-class diving and snorkeling experiences.
After all, considering there’s over 7000 islands scattered across its territory, you’re never too far away from a white sandy beach, a hidden cave or a spectacular rice terrace. However, and no matter how great that is, its vastness and diversity can also make planning an independent trip in the Philippines quite the daunting task. Which islands are worth visiting? Should you swim with sharks or join the famous sardine runs? Are all the boat tours worth the hype? Well, that’s exactly where our guide comes in to help!
So, if you’re planning a trip to this stunning destination, our ultimate Philippines travel guide is here to help. In addition to practical information about hotels, restaurants, transportation and local experiences, we’ve also put together three comprehensive itineraries, including all the places you must see and visit in the Philippines in 8, 10 or 14 days.
Although there are dozens of airports scattered across the Philippines and 8 different international air hubs, if you’re coming from Europe chances are you’ll be landing in the capital Manila, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between the UK and the Philippines, so the only way to fly into the country is by having a layover in one of several European and/or Asian cities. Shenzhen Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Air China usually have the best deals for flights departing from London, offering flights to Manila and Cebu starting from £400,00 (return), with layovers in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing, respectively.
Actually, the Philippines is one of those places where you could easily spend months without ever running out of things to do. Besides, as we mentioned before, there country is scattered across more than 7000 islands! For our longest itinerary, you’ll get to set up base in “just” 5 of them, so one can only imagine how long it would take to get a good grip of the nation, even if you discard the islets where no one lives (about 5000 of them). That said, when it comes to how long one should spend in the Philippines – the more, the merrier!
However, for those with limited time and/or budget, a full week would be the bare minimum to experience the essentials in the islands of Luzon, Palawan and Cebu. Nonetheless, this will definitely be too short and rushed, and wouldn’t really allow you to experience the Philippines in a meaningful manner. Therefore, we highly recommend extending your stay for as long as possible, ideally setting aside enough time and money for a two-week vacation in the “Pearl of the Orient”.
Similar to other destinations across Southeast Asia, the Philippines have both a dry season and a rainy season. Given that temperatures are consistently high throughout the year, the key factor in deciding when to visit is the weather. In the Philippines, as it happens in most of the region, the best time to visit doesn’t match the Summer months in the northern hemisphere. This means that if you visit between June and October, most (if not all) days will be quite rainy, as you’ll be walking right into the monsoon season. There’s even a chance you may come across some more extreme events, such as storms and typhoons!
When you factor in all of this, you’ll come to understand that the best time to visit the Philippines is between November and May, during the so-called dry season. Just try to avoid the Christmas and Easter seasons, when flight prices skyrocket and crowds become a bit too much in the most popular islands.
In order to enter the Philippines, you’ll need to show your passport. The document should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
Fortunately, British and Irish travelers do not need a visa to visit the country, as they can remain in the Philippines for a consecutive period of up to 30 days. On the other hand, all visitors must fill out a form to get an eTravel Card in order to be granted permission to enter the country. This is completely free and must be done within 72 hours of your arrival flight.
Since there is no special agreement in place between the UK and the Philippines regarding international communications and roaming fees, using your regular phone plan is a big no-no!
Therefore, our recommendation is that you get a SIM Card when traveling to the Philippines, which you can do immediately upon landing. However, keep in mind internet packages at the airport will be considerably more expensive compared to the ones you’ll find at official stores in the cities. Sometimes, the same package at the airport can cost 3x more! Nonetheless, it’s your call! Currently, there are two major telecom companies in the Philippines: Smart and Globe.
With the Philippine Peso (₱) as the country’s official currency, any withdrawal using a UK bank card might incur in the payment of several different fees. Besides the percentual fee referring to the currency conversion, some UK banks may also charge a flat commission for withdrawals made outside the UK. In some instances, you may well end up paying 5%-6% of your original withdrawal in banking fees.
On the other hand, exchanging money before your trip is not a viable solution either. Besides not being any cheaper, it’s also not safe or wise to carry so much money on you during your trip. As such, we recommend using the services of online banking fintech companies such as Revolut, N26 or Monzo.
Although each have their own limitations and fees, they allow you to withdraw a certain amount in foreign currency without any fees involved. And even after that threshold is reached, costs are much smaller when compared to traditional banks. Keep in mind, though, this does not apply to fees issued by local banks for withdrawals made with foreign cards. In the Philippines, HSBC is the only bank that doesn’t charge such fees, while all the others will take ₱200 to ₱250 per withdrawal. Be that as it may, a message will always pop up every time there is a fee, so you will never be caught unaware. Sign up for Revolut for free >> to get 3 months of Premium.
Regarding payments, more and more businesses have started taking card over the last few years, especially around the main tourist areas. However, outside those clusters and in less popular islands, the Philippines is still very much a cash-based society, so always make sure to have some pesos on you. On the other hand, if you prefer to take cash and exchange your money in the country, here are 6 exchange offices we can recommend in Manila, El Nido, Boracay and Cebu:
Unsurprisingly, and much like their fellow Southeast Asian neighbors, the Philippines are a safe place with low crime rates and a relaxed atmosphere. While there are certain islands where the risk of terrorist activities is quite high, as well as some slums in Manila that are considered no-go zones, as a tourist you won’t be getting anywhere near these places! However, and much like you would do in any other country, using your common-sense is key. That means no taxis whose drivers refuse to start the meter, no accepting help from strangers when you’re using an ATM and always keeping an eye out for your stuff when you’re walking through busy areas. To sum up: don’t do anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing anywhere else!
This is especially relevant during your time in Manila, known for being one of the most dangerous cities in this part of the world. Try to be discreet and do not flash huge sums of cash and other valuables. This may sound a bit scary, but if you keep your wits about you and don’t become a giant, walking target, you’ll be just fine! As for the touristy islands, there are no safety concerns. Regarding money, if you plan to exchange currency when you get there, compare rates from several offices to ensure you’re getting a fair deal (and don’t even think about exchanging money from strangers on the streets).
While not a direct danger, Southeast Asia’s famous street food can also pose health risks. Once again, you just have to use common sense. If meat or fish is left out in the open, dishes were already prepared when you got there or a specific stall isn’t particularly popular with locals… well, you better skip it, even if the food smells and looks good. Also, avoid eating raw/uncooked foods (except for fruit, preferably unpeeled) and never drink tap water or ice made from it. Additionally, since the Philippines are located in an area often hit with violent storms and typhoons, adhere to authorities’ instructions in the event of a natural disaster – after all, they’re the experts!
If you’re looking out for a place to stay on our Philippines travel guide, then we got you covered!
Much like the rest of Southeast Asia, the Philippines is also quite the budget-friendly destination, allowing you to enjoy meals, hotel stays and tourist experiences that could easily cost triple (or more) in the West. And when it comes to accommodations, you will certainly feel spoilt for choice! From modern apartments with shared amenities (like a gym or a pool) to iconic hostels, chain hotels, family-owned places, guesthouses or beachfront bungalows, you can be sure that your money will stretch further than you might expect here!
That being said, here are some options based on the cities we recommend you to stay at:
Located just 10 km away from the downtown area, the best way to travel between the Ninoy Aquino Airport and the center of Manila is through the UBE Express shuttle, a bus service that connects the country’s main airport to several different areas of the capital city. There are 7 lines but if you’re staying near Intramuros (the Old Town), you’ll want to hop on a bus heading to Robinsons Place Manila. Just keep in mind this route only starts from Terminal 3, meaning you’ll need to figure out a way to get there if you’re landing in a different terminal. Luckily, there are free shuttles (hourly) transporting passengers across all of the airport’s terminals. As for the bus line running towards Robinsons Place Manila, the service operates from 03h30 to 20h30, with one bus leaving every 60 minutes. It takes between 30 to 60 minutes to get there and passengers can get their tickets online for ₱160 (paid with Paypal). If you prefer to get your ticket from one of the company’s stands upon arrival, the price goes up to ₱300.
Alternatively, you may always rely on a taxi (not recommended) or a ride-sharing app. In the Philippines, Grab is the most popular service. Curiously, for those who don’t have immediate internet access upon landing, the company have their own office inside the airport. Rates will obviously depend on your destination, although you can expect to pay between ₱600 and ₱900 if you want a lift to the city center.
When getting to the island of Palawan, you’ll have to decide where you want to flight to. While you’ll set up base in El Nido, the region’s biggest airport can be found in Puerto Princesa, almost 300 km away. El Nido does have its own domestic airport with flights to/from Manila, but these cost 4 to 6x what you’ll pay for a regular flight to Puerto Princesa. That said, if you don’t mind spending a bit more for commodity and choose to land in El Nido Airport, just ask for a cab to any of the surrounding towns. Although prices will still be absurdly inflated, it’s a short ride that probably won’t cost you more than ₱600.
On the other hand, if you prefer to save up and fly to Puerto Princesa International Airport, the best way to get to El Nido is to hop on a bus or van upon arrival. Fortunately, there are countless companies running this route, with ticket prices for the 5/6-hour trip ranging from ₱600 to ₱700 (yeah, the same you’d pay for a cab to drive you for 4 or 5 km from El Nido Airport). You may even book your tickets in advance from 12GoAsia.
Considered the second busiest airport in the country, the best way to travel between Mactan-Cebu Airport and the center of Cebu City – the island’s main urban center – is to rely on the local bus network. Operated by a company called My Bus, you’ll want to find line R4 running between the airport and SM City Cebu, just 3 km away from the heart of the city. This line operates every day from 07h00 to 22h00, with a new bus leaving every 30 minutes. The journey will only take half-an-hour, and you can get your ticket directly from the My Bus stands inside the airport for just ₱80.
Alternatively, just use Grab. You’ll end up paying around ₱300-₱400 for the trip between the airport and the center of Cebu City.
Actually, the island of Boracay is so small (it takes less than 10 km to walk from one end to the other) it doesn’t even have its own air hub. Therefore, the best way to get there is to fly into Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, located in the neighboring island of Malay. Funny enough, and despite being located on a completely different island, this air hub is internationally promoted at Boracay Airport. Be that as it may, you just need to walk for about 10 minutes upon landing and you’ll be at the Caticlan Jetty Port, where you can find boats leaving towards Boracay. The trip only lasts some 15 minutes and tickets range from ₱50 to ₱80, depending on whether you’re traveling on a pump boat or an actual ferry. You also need to pay an additional ₱100 port fee and an environmental fee of ₱300. Tickets can be bought in the terminal, where you can find boats running 24/7 (though ferries only operate from 05h00 to 20h00).
Once you make it to Boracay Jetty Port, just get a taxi or a trike to wherever you’re staying on the island.
Considering there’s over 7000 islands in the Philippines, it’s quite obvious that planes and ferries/boats play a pivotal role in the country’s transportation system. That means you can expect to board multiple domestic flights throughout your stay in the country. On the other hand, if you need to travel within the same island you can count on buses/vans and semi-private modes of transport, like taxis or the iconic jeepneys! There’s also a small railway network, but it only runs in the outskirts of Manila and in the region of Bicol, so it’s pretty much useless for tourists.
As such, and for those heading to the Philippines soon, here’s a little overview of how you can move around in the country!
Due to the extremely limited train network in the Philippines, traveling around each island without relying solely on taxis will likely require you to use buses. On the bright side, buses in the country are generally known for being quite comfortable, though there’s always a chance you might get unlucky and end up choosing a company with an older fleet.
Unlike many other countries, in the Philippines there are no big players in the road transportation market. Instead, the country has dozens (or even hundreds) of small local operators spread across different regions. As a result, in many towns there’s no centralized bus terminal, so buses and vans usually depart from the offices or depots of each individual operator (always pay attention to the boarding address when buying a ticket). Obviously, this is way less common in larger cities like Manila or Cebu City. This also means that it’s often more convenient to book your seat online rather than going from place to place to consult schedules and purchase tickets. So you don’t waste any time visiting multiple company websites, we recommend using the aggregator 12GoAsia, where you can find trips offered by bus operators, informal vans and tourist tours.
As we usually do in all other travel guides, here is a brief overview of some of the most popular bus routes in the Philippines:
Given the size of the Philippines, it’s easy to see why pretty much every single travel itinerary includes (at least) a couple domestic flights. While there are also loads of ferry services, the journeys are so excruciatingly long it doesn’t really make sense to waste that much time when taking a 1 or 2-week long vacation. Plus, flying is much cheaper as well! Fortunately, the country is served by almost one hundred domestic airports, and airlines like Cebu Pacific, Philippines AirAsia, Philippine Airlines and AirSWIFT help connect most destinations across its territory. This is especially useful for those wishing to travel across different islands, as taking an internal flight may very well save you a day or two.
Here are the most commonly used domestic routes by tourists visiting the “Pearl of the Orient”:
As an alternative to flights, ferries are a vital mode of inter-island transportation in the Philippines. While the journeys themselves are pretty scenic and memorable, they can be incredibly time-consuming, which often doesn’t suit most people’s short vacation periods. After all, why spend 22 hours on a ferry when you can take a 90-minute flight? It’s not the most practical choice!
That said, the country’s maritime transport network is absolutely gigantic, with numerous operators and a variety of vessels to suit different distances and budgets. For shorter routes, many companies use Bangkas and ROROs. While the former are little more than simple wooden boats, the latter are larger vessels capable of even carrying motor vehicles aboard. For longer trips that require faster vehicles, passengers can opt for Fastcrafts, modern, air-conditioned boats, or Passenger Liners, which offer overnight services with private cabins (depending on class) and sleeping berths.
While there are frequent daily departures for shorter routes, making it easier to buy tickets on the day of travel, the same cannot be said about longer journeys, requiring you to book ahead (some routes only depart one a week, for example). If you can’t visit the terminal a few days ahead, you can purchase your tickets online. As previously mentioned, there are lots of different companies, though the likes of 2Go, Oceanjet or SuperCat stand out as the biggest and most popular in the business. You can also use the popular aggregator 12GoAsia to check other companies operating specific routes and find the best options.
Here are some of the most popular ferry routes in the Philippines:
NOTE: All prices refer to the cheapest class available.
NOTE 2: Due to the popularity around the axis Manila-Coron-El Nido, prices for these routes are a lot more expensive.
To be completely honest, ground transportation within cities or between nearby towns in the Philippines kind of sucks. Considering just how informal and disorganized everything seems to be, coupled with the misinformation one often finds online, one thing is certain – you can always count on taxis, tuk-tuks (locally known as Tricycles or Trikes) and ride-sharing apps (like Grab) for short-distance travel. And of course, we can’t leave out the legendary jeepneys! Originally repurposed from military jeeps left behind by the Americans when they left the country, these vibrant, quirky vehicles are cheap, uncomfortable and utterly bizarre! The epitome of informality – nothing is regulated or official!
However, while getting a taxi is as simple as raising your hand or using a ride-sharing app, jeepneys often have designated terminals depending on their route. Plus, some even cover longer distances between neighboring cities, allowing you to travel between Banaue and Sagada (just a quick example). The tough part is actually knowing where to find them. When visiting smaller towns, you can usually ask around at your hotel and someone will point you in the right direction. In large cities like Manila, however, we recommend using the Sakay.ph app, an excellent resource for navigating the complex transport system.
Lastly, a quick note regarding the journey between Sagada and Vigan City, which will be covered in our longer itinerary (15 days). In this case, we suggest hiring a taxi or a private transfer (₱3000) instead of taking two buses, which could easily take up an entire day.
True to its history and multicultural character, Filipino cuisine is slightly different from what you’ll find in other Southeast Asian countries. Yes, rice and noodles are still an integral part of the diet, but Spanish and American influences are clearly present. And while these influences may give some dishes a sense of familiarity to Western visitors, it’s undeniable that Filipino cuisine – though delicious – is probably one of the least healthy in East and Southeast Asia. That said, we recommend kicking off your culinary adventure with Adobo, probably the country’s most famous dish! In fact, “Adobo” refers to the process of marinating meat (usually chicken) in vinegar and soy sauce, before frying it and serving it with rice.
However, there’s so much more to try in the country formed by more than 7000 islands! Dishes like Kare-Kare, a beef stew with a thick peanut sauce; Pancit, noodles mixed with meat and vegetables than can be cooked in dozens of different versions; Sinigang, a tangy vegetable soup with meat or seafood, known for its distinct tamarind paste flavor; Arroz Caldo, a hearty chicken rice porridge similar to Chinese congee; Lechon, the roast suckling pig that rivals Adobo as the national favorite; Silog, panfried meat served with rice and a fried egg, typically eaten for breakfast; or Sisig, a sizzling dish made with onions, chilies, chicken liver and chopped meat from the pig’s head and belly, topped with a raw egg yolk. It may not sound like the most appealing thing ever, but it’s absolutely delicious! For quick meals and street snacks, you should try Lumpia, the Filipino version of spring rolls; Chicharones, crispy fried pork rinds; and Inihaw, skewered meat grilled over an open flame.
When it comes to desserts, it’s impossible not to mention Ube, a naturally sweet purple yam used to make Ube Halaya, a type of jam/paste that’s incorporated into many Filipino sweets such as ice cream, cakes and puddings. You can also enjoy it as a mousse, or as an ingredient in the famous Halo-Halo, the country’s most iconic dessert. Served in a large bowl or glass, Halo-Halo is a mix of coconut milk, shaved ice, fresh fruit, candied fruits, sweet beans and jams. There’s no specific recipe for Halo-Halo, but it’s universally accepted that Ube ice cream has to feature as a topping! Other desserts you can try include Cassava Cake and Leche Flan, a caramel and milk pudding derived from Spanish cuisine.
Luzon: Far from being the most popular destination for visitors seeking the country’s trademark pristine beaches, Luzon is a place everyone inevitably passes through – even if just to land! Although most travelers breeze through Manila before heading elsewhere, the northern part of the island hides some of the country’s most captivating spots, such as the Banaue Rice Terraces, the Hanging Coffins of Sagada and the historic city of Vigan.
Palawan: A true piece of heaven. This is the picture-perfect Philippines often seen on social media, with its sprawling beaches, turquoise waters and lush, green landscapes. The highlights can be found up north, around the town of El Nido, home to some of the country’s most idyllic beaches and a great place to go on boat tours to explore the surrounding islands.
Coron: Part of the Palawan archipelago, the island of Coron is a Meca for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, hailed as one of the very best destinations for underwater activities in all of Southeast Asia. The easiest way to get there is by taking a ferry from El Nido. The trip will take 3h30.
Boracay: The ideal place for those wanting nothing more than to relax and unwind without any care in the world, Boracay is the perfect spot to cap off your trip once your body starts feeling the effects of travel fatigue. Plus, considering the island stretches for just 10 km, you can never really go too far!
Cebu: An extremely popular destination, Cebu is often bustling with tourists. Whether you base yourself in Cebu City or Moalboal, you can explore all around the island, from its waterfalls and hiking trails to water activities that might have you swimming with sharks or witnessing a sardine run.
Bohol: One of the most versatile islands in the Philippines, despite its small size. Beyond the famous Chocolate Hills, probably Bohol’s most prominent feature, visitors to the island can join a boat tour along the Loboc River, see the adorable Philippine Tarsier, explore one of Asia’s oldest churches and hit the beach on Panglao Island.
Siargao: With its popularity on the rise due to the growing number of digital nomads settling here, Siargao is a great alternative to the more touristy islands, as many casual visitors tend to flock elsewhere. It’s also the Philippines’ most famous surf destination!
Negros: Despite being the third most populous island in the Philippines, Negros is still a relatively hidden gem. However, its secret is slowly being uncovered as more and more visitors are coming in to explore the island’s waterfalls, lagoons, marine reserves, historical ruins and excellent diving opportunities.
So that this blog post doesn’t turn into an encyclopedia, we’ve decided to create separate articles for each itinerary.
You can check them through the following links:
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