Famed for its golden sand beaches, vibrant cities and sumptuous dishes, the Philippines is ranked high on many people’s bucket list destinations. If you are not sure where to start with your trip, we’ve put together the Philippines travel guide to help you on your way.
A trip to the Philippines might involve checking out the street food markets in Manila, learning how to dive in El Nido, or relaxing on the soft white sands of Boracay. So, when you’re working out how many days to spend in the Philippines, it’s worth setting aside at least two weeks for a complete experience.
The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry months between January and May. The period is marked by plenty of sunshine and little to no rainfall, making it also the peak season for traveling. If you want to grab the shoulder season travel deals, consider visiting the Philippines in December. If you’re on a budget, you can also plan a trip to the Philippines in November, although you might have to contend with the tail end of the monsoon rains.
From family-friendly cruise packages to historic walking tours around Manila and perfect beach outings in Boracay, there are plenty of amazing tours in the Philippines. With a local guide, you can really make the most of this beautiful country.
Top Destinations in the Philippines
Discover the highlights of the Philippines.
Explore nature in Bohol
From the green rolling hills to spectacular coral reefs and interesting wildlife, the beautiful island of Bohol has it all. It is also home to the mighty Chocolate Hills. A multi-day tour of Bohol would involve visiting the world’s smallest primate, the Tarsier, hiking up lush mountains, and snorkeling in crystal clear waters around Alona Beach. View Tours
Try water sports at Puerto Princesa
Famed for its stunning dive sites where you can see turtles, manta rays and dolphins, Puerto Princesa is ideal for water sports and ocean lovers. If you are visiting the coastal city, make sure to make time for a boat tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is home to amazing cave systems and even an underground river. View Tours
See the bustling city of Manila
A trip to the Philippines is incomplete if you don’t spend a few days in beautiful Manila. Embark on a sightseeing tour of the capital city and enjoy visiting places like Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and the Manila Ocean Park. As the sun goes down, join a street food tour with a local at Tutuban Night Market. View Tours
The Philippines at a Glance
Quick facts about the Philippines.
The capital of the Philippines is Manila. One of the interesting historical facts about Manila is that it was actually one of the first ports to connect Asia with the Spanish American hubs many centuries ago.
300,000 km². The Philippines is made up of around 7,641 islands, so the best ways to travel are often by boat or seaplane.
+63. Add an area code after this for specific destinations such as 2 for Manila.
The currency in the Philippines is the Philippine peso. It’s important to bring cash with you since many small vendors and businesses do not accept cards, especially on remote islands.
The main airport in the Philippines is Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. It’s located 12.5 kilometers (30 minutes taxi ride) from the city center. CODE: MNL CLOSEST CITY: MANILA
Most foreign travelers can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days. For this, they need to register on their e-travel system with the proof of onward travel (plane ticket) within 72 hours of departure. But remember the visa regulation may vary depending on your home nation, so it’s always best to check with your local embassy before booking your trip.
The official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and English. Filipino is a standardized version of Tagalog so there is a lot of crossover here. You might also find some signs and references to Spanish as a result of centuries of colonialism.
The number to call in a police or fire emergency is 911.
One of the most popular forms of public transport in Manila is Jeepneys, a combination of jeep and bus, and they are always super busy and crowded.
When to visit the Philippines
Read the below travel guides to find the best time to visit the Philippines.
Philippines in January: Weather, Crowds and More
The picture-postcard beauty of the Philippines truly comes alive in January. The weather is pleasant and there is a low chance of rainfall—perfect setup for sightseeing, beach visits and outdoor activities. The only downside (if you can call it that ...Read more
Philippines in February: Weather, Attractions and More
Beaches brimming with vibrant activities, landscapes at their most lush and great weather — the Philippines in February is the most scenic of all months. No wonder this is the peak travel month when everything is all go. Tourist hotspots are busier ...Read more
The Philippines in March: Weather, Events and More
A trip to the Philippines in March makes for a busy time as the country enters the high travel season. It’s going to be quite hot and humid for daytime sightseeing, so it’s best to plan your tours before noon or closer to the evening. Set asid ...Read more
Philippines in April: Weather, Activities and More
From attending the Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival in North Cotabato to joining a whale shark sighting excursion in Donsol and beach-lounging in El Nodo, visitors can enjoy tons of coastal adventures in the Philippines in April. This is also th ...Read more
Philippines in June : Weather, Tips and More
June sees the start of the monsoon season in the Philippines, but that doesn’t mean it’ll rain non-stop every day. More likely, you’ll get a heavy downpour over a few hours in the afternoon, then warm, sunny weather for the rest of the d ...Read more
Philippines in July: Weather, Rates, and More
The Philippines in July is humid and rainy, but the gentle rain breeze and the calmer weather with sparse crowds can be attractive to some. Frequent showers also unleash the verdant beauty of the islands for picturesque views everywhere you look. You can ...Read more
Philippines Tour and Holiday Packages
Select the tour type that you are looking for.
FAQs for the Philippines
Read the most frequently asked questions and answers about traveling to the Philippines below.
- Where should I go if I am visiting the Philippines for the first time?
- How many days are enough to travel in the Philippines?
- What is the best time to visit the Philippines?
- How much does a Philippines trip cost?
Sustainable travel — How to travel through the Philippines responsibly
In line with Bookmundi’s vision, we wish to provide our travelers with a sustainable travel experience through the Philippines. As part of this effort, we carbon offset any Philippines tour that you purchase through us. You can read more details about our carbon offsetting efforts.
Here’s what you can do to travel the Philippines more responsibly:
- Carbon offset your travel emissions by flying to the Philippines with airlines like Cebu Pacific, which is committed to decarbonization, mainly through its fleet modernization program. The airline aims to transition to a fuel-efficient new engine option (NEO) fleet by 2028.
- The moment your tour starts in the Philippines, and provided that you have purchased your tour through Bookmundi, we will carbon-offset your tour from its starting point to its ending point.
- Enjoy a Bambike tour around the Intramuros area. Bambikes are locally-made bamboo bikes that operate on fair-trade labor and sustainable resources in the heart of the Philippines. This way, you can cut your emissions and contribute to community-driven enterprises.
- If you want to support oceanic wildlife conservation in the Philippines and have a once-in-a-lifetime dive experience, jump on a tour with the Whale Shark Interaction Eco-Tourism Project, where you can swim with whale sharks and learn more about this misunderstood creature.
The Philippines travel tips and insights
- Jeepneys were made from the Jeeps left behind by American soldiers following World War II. They are now an affordable mode of transportation.
- The Philippines is generally a safe country to visit but you can avoid the southern region of the country.
- The Philippines is the fifth largest English-speaking nation in the world so getting around should be fairly easy.
- The Philippines has some of the best fruit juices and shakes in the world, and they are available almost everywhere.
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Russell RiTravel Expert in Philippines
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