Philippines – Travel Guide
This enchanting archipelago of over 7,000 islands in the heart of Southeast Asia, captivates with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. Explore the bustling streets of Manila, where history meets modernity in a dynamic urban landscape. Journey to the pristine beaches of Boracay or Palawan, renowned for their crystal-clear waters and powder-white sands. Dive into the rich marine biodiversity of Tubbataha Reef or snorkel among colorful coral gardens in Apo Island. Immerse yourself in Filipino hospitality and warmth as you savor the flavors of local cuisine, from adobo to sinigang. With its breathtaking landscapes and welcoming people, the Philippines offers an unforgettable adventure for every traveler.
All about Philippines
Philippines FAQ
What are the Philippines known for?
The Philippines is made up of over 7,500 islands, making it the world`s second-largest archipelago. As a result, many things it`s well-known for relate to the islands. Travelers find it easy to island-hop, with the number of ferries and bangka boats connecting islands with one another. The Philippines is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and sparkling crystal blue waters in the world, including nationally protected ecosystems and extensive coral reefs. You can enjoy a fun-in-the-sun getaway on one of these many beaches, and perhaps on a private island you can call your own for a few days. The Philippines has its history on display in every city and town and on every island via its varied architecture and monuments, ranging from World War II memorials to ornate Spanish colonial-era cathedrals and buildings.
What are the best places to visit in the Philippines?
If you are visiting the Philippines for the first time, we recommend visiting the capital, Manila; the country`s first capital, Cebu, settled by Ferdinand Magellan; and the island getaway of Boracay, situated in between the two in the Philippine archipelago. We also recommend visiting idyllic El Nido on Palawan Island; the sun-kissed Chocolate Hills of Bohol; and Siargao in the southeast of the country.
How many days should I spend in the Philippines?
We recommend approximately 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in Manila and major tourist centers.
What is the best way to get around the Philippines?
We recommend that you travel between cities and islands in the Philippines by air and by ferry. The Philippines is a large country and many places of interest to tourists are on different islands. While it is quite possible to visit just Luzon and use road-based transportation from Manila, if you want to see places like Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, and others, you must fly. Philippine Airlines is the flag carrier and connects every part of the country with jet and/or charter flights. PAL`s hubs are located at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Clark International Airport near Angeles, and Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Ferries connect most provincial capitals in the islands with one another; there are regular ferries from Cebu to Bohol and other islands in the Visayas. Hundreds of ferry routes criss-cross other islands across the country as well.
By Bus: The country has a complex network of private bus companies that crisscross the country and cover the most popular tourist routes.
What is the currency of the Philippines?
The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine peso (₱). U.S. dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for pesos upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at many locations throughout the country. For more information, see Tipping in the Philippines.
Do people speak English in the Philippines?
English and Filipino (Tagalog) are official languages of the Philippines. English is understood nearly everywhere in the Philippines and even if the person you are currently conversing with may not speak much of it, there will almost always be someone nearby who can assist you further. We suggest you learn a few common phrases in Tagalog such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10. To say `Do you speak English?` in Tagalog, say `Nagasasalita ba kayo ng Ingles?`
Best time to visit Philippines
Due to the Philippines being located in the tropics, the country has a tropical climate with little variation in seasons. The temperatures are warm throughout the year with humidity all year round, the hottest month is May with temperatures in the triple digits and the coldest month is November with the lowest temperature recorded at 57 F.
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There are two typhoons seasons in the Philippines, the southwest monsoon or Habagat, which runs from May through October bringing very wet weather that can spring up very fast. The northeast monsoon or Amihan runs from November through April with the hot, dry and humid weather.
The beginning months of the year are the coolest times to visit the country with refreshing weather and bright sunny days. March, April, and May become very hot and humid and the wettest months are July and August. High season starts in December and runs through April with holy week taking place in March.
January – February
The start of the year brings cooler weather to most of the Philippines, making it a great time to travel and explore without being too hot. It is also the dry season with very minimal rain, this can still be a busy time of year after the holiday season. The month of February starts to bring warmer weather than the month of January but still very comfortable and the crowds start to thin out. The first few months of the year up to April are some of the best times to visit the country`s remote areas and spectacular beaches.
Events and Festivals
-Ati-Atihan (second week of January) – Kalibo and Aklan features a large festival with street carnivals, dancing, and music.
-Feast o the Black Nazarene – (January 9th) – Crowds gather outside the Quiapo Church in Manila to touch the Black Nazarene which is carried through the streets.
-Sinulog (3rd Sunday in January) – A large even celebrated in Cebu City with a street parade, music, and food.
-Pamulinawen – (first two weeks in February) – The largest annual event held in the capital city with parades, floats, and flowers.
-Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (February) – A four-day event with balloon rides, skydiving and aerobatics celebrated in Clark, Pampanga.
March – April
March and April bring much warmer temperatures, as well as crowds with the celebration of the Easter Holy Week. Accommodations and travel can be scarce during this time of year, it is best to book way in advance if you plan to visit during the Holy Week. The humidity levels start to rise during this time of year and it is the last months of the dry season, still a great time to visit the tropical islands.
Events and Festivals
-Moriones (Easter Weekend) – This religious festival has locals re-enacting the story of a Roman centurion who was blind in one eye. The festival includes people wearing masks.
-Bangkero Festival (beginning of March) – A 5 day festival on the Pagsanjan River dedicated to `boatmen` with races, dancing, and parades.
-Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival (April) – Dragon boat races put on by domestic and international teams in long wooden canoes.
May
The month of May is the start of the wet season and when the temperatures start to really heat up throughout the country. The lowland regions, especially Manila, get extremely hot at this time of year with daily average temperatures reaching 90 degrees along with high humidity. The mountain areas such as Baguio and Cordillera and coast can be a great destination to visit with cooler temperatures due to the altitude. The days are filled with sunshine and hot weather with fewer crowds and beautiful vibrant scenery. Traveling can be cheaper during this time of year with more affordable flights and available accommodations. Any rainfall this time of year can be a welcomed relief from the heat and provide spectacular verdant vegetation, especially in the Banaue Rice Terraces.
Events and Festivals
-Flores de Mayo (May) – A religious celebration of the coming of the rains held throughout the country, with candles and processions held after dark.
-Pahiyas (May 15th) – Harvest Festival with vibrantly decorated houses featuring fruits and vegetables held in small towns.
June – September
The Philippines tropical location brings very hot and humid summer months with the start of typhoon season. The rains tend to start in the north and make their way down south as the months go on with serious tropical storms and typhoons from August through October. The monsoons tend to be westerly during the summer months and easterly in the winter time. Travel prices can be low during the summer months with cheaper airfare and accommodations with up to 40% savings on hotels.
Events and Festivals
-Kadayawan sa Davao (third week of August) – A week-long harvest festival celebrated in Davao City with parades, street dancing, and horse fighting.
October – December
The last few months of the year see the end of the rain and typhoon season and bring welcoming cooler temperatures. This is a pleasant time to visit the country for the upcoming holiday season with events and celebrations.
Events and Festivals
-Kansilay (October 19th) – A festival held in Silay that commemorates Silay`s charter day with lots of eating and drinking, beauty pageants and parades.
-Lanzones Festival (third week in October) – An outdoor party and festival held in Lambajoa, where locals celebrate the island`s crop of lanzones, a tropical fruit.
-MassKara (third week in October) – A food festival held in Bacolod with contests, music, and a Mardi Gras parade.
Tipping in Philippines
The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Philippines
What is the currency of the Philippines?
The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine peso (₱). U.S. dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for pesos upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at many locations throughout the country. For more information, see Tipping in the Philippines.
Top cities in Philippines
What to expect while traveling
