Travel Guide
Philippines
Envision secluded islands adorned with palm trees gracefully bending over immaculate, ivory-colored sandy shores, surrounded by waters so clear they reveal the vibrant underwater world beneath.
The Philippines comprises 7,641 islands, each not only boasting tropical beaches but also showcasing rice terraces, hiking trails, surfing spots, and exceptional diving opportunities.
The amalgamation of Spanish, American, and Chinese influences has shaped Filipinos into the incredibly hospitable and warm people they are today.
Uncover the finest experiences the country has to offer with this comprehensive Philippines Travel Guide.
Things to do
How to visit
Best time to visit
Cost of living
Visa
Philippines Travel
Itinerary
Exploring the Philippines demands time, given that the archipelago's islands are separated by vast expanses of ocean. Covering the entire country in a mere three weeks proves impractical.
Nevertheless, the proposed three-week itinerary in this Philippines Travel Guide encompasses key highlights, acknowledging the additional time required for travel between destinations.
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is where your incredible journey starts. Most people have a love-hate relationship with this city and spend one or two nights here.
Tip: Grab Taxi is a great way to get reliable transportation around the city.
Hotels in
Philippines
Makati is the perfect locale for your overnight stay, offering a plethora of trendy restaurants and bars. Explore all the hotel options available in Makati for your accommodation needs.
In the quaint fishing village of Coron, the essence lies in exploring breathtaking islands. Begin day 2 by taking a flight from Manila to Busuanga island, followed by a brief 30-minute drive to Coron town.
Upon your arrival, take some time to unwind, embark on a sunset hike up Mt. Tapyas, and plan for a day of island hopping by boat (reservations can be made online) on day 3. You have the flexibility to arrange this in advance or directly at the harbor.
Tip: Stay in the town center for the most options, though no beach is near your hotel.
Other Destinations
In the Philippines
El Nido
A 4-hour ferry ride from Coron (get tickets) transports you to a breathtaking destination in your Philippines Travel Guide. El Nido, situated on the northern tip of Palawan Island, boasts pristine white beaches and paradisiacal islands, accessible through El Nido Island Hopping Tours.
Book your island-hopping tour in advance here.
Where to reside in El Nido.
Opt for a hostel or hotel situated on the stunning beaches of El Nido, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise waters.
Tip: Consider staying in El Nido town. While it was once somewhat unremarkable, the town has undergone rapid development and now features excellent hotels and restaurants.
Puerto Princesa
Travel from El Nido to Puerto Princesa for an overnight stay before your flight to Cebu.
To reach El Nido, use a van or public transport. While in Puerto Princesa, we recommend exploring the Iwahig Open Prison and enjoying a dinner at Kalui.
Helpful tip: The standard Filipino kitchen may not be exceptional, typically featuring rice, pork, or BBQ chicken. However, at renowned restaurants, the culinary experience is entirely different.
Where to reside in Puerto Pricesa
Puerto Princesa offers a variety of hotels ideal for an overnight stay before your trip to Cebu.
Cebu
Cebu, a key island and transportation hub in the Philippines, is your destination. Arrive by morning flight from Puerto Princesa on day 8, swiftly transitioning to a bus or car journey headed south to Moalboal. On the following day, embark on a thrilling Canyoneering adventure in Badian, leaping from the impressive Kawasan Falls!
Where to Stay in Cebu
For your canyoning experience, consider staying in Moalboal or Cebu City. Moalboal is the most convenient option, being in close proximity to Badian. However, be mindful that this budget-friendly choice may fill up quickly due to limited accommodations.
Alternatively, opt for Cebu City. Despite being approximately a 3-hour drive from Badian, it offers the advantage of complimentary pick-up and drop-off services (courtesy of Island Trek Tours).
Bohol
Explore the distinctive landscapes of Bohol adorned with rice terraces, chocolate hills, and pristine white sand beaches. What sets Bohol apart is the presence of the Philippine Tarsier, tiny monkey-like creatures active during the night. A brief 2-hour ferry ride connects Cebu to Bohol.
Secure your boat tickets in advance.
The endangered Tarsiers are highly sensitive to light and sound. Visit only the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, where touching, talking, or using flash photography is prohibited. If you encounter tarsiers in cages, that is not acceptable. Learn more about responsible wildlife tourism.
If you have an interest in visiting churches, Bohol offers an abundance of them. Fun fact: The Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia.
Where to Stay in Bohol
Bohol’s enchanting beauty transforms it into a hotel paradise. From luxurious spas to charming guesthouses, the island accommodates a variety of preferences.
Siquijor
Discover the enchanting allure of Siquijor with its majestic waterfalls, warm-hearted locals, and picturesque local scenes. Explore the island’s beauty on a captivating 2-hour motorbike drive. Learn about the myriad activities awaiting you in Siquijor.
Travel from Bohol to Siquijor with a swift 1.5-hour ferry ride.
Secure your ferry tickets here.
Where to Stay in Siquijor
Choose from accommodations situated along the western coastline of Siquijor or in the charming town of San Juan, renowned for its delectable dining options.
Siargao
Welcome to the ‘Most Beautiful Island in Asia.’ Siargao exudes the perfect island ambiance, featuring stunning beaches, world-class surfing, picturesque drives, enticing island-hopping opportunities, delectable cuisine, and an overall laid-back atmosphere. A week in Siargao is a delightful prospect.
For a seamless journey, spend the night in Cebu City and catch a morning flight to Siargao. Be aware that evening flights to Siargao are frequently canceled due to the absence of runway lights as of April 2019.
- Embark on a boat voyage from Siquijor to Dumaguete (30 minutes; book your tickets here).
- Subsequently, take a boat from Dumaguete to Liloan Port, Cebu (20 minutes).
- Complete your journey by catching a public bus from Liloan Port to Cebu City (4 hours).
Where to Stay in Siargao
Siargao boasts three main tourist towns: General Luna, Dapa, and Pacifico. While Dapa and Pacifico offer a more serene atmosphere, General Luna stands out for its top-notch restaurants.
Manila
Wrap up your Philippines adventure by spending your final day in Manila. To ensure a smooth departure, we recommend returning to Manila at least 10 hours before your international flight, as afternoon flights are often subject to delays. Based on our experiences (two trips to The Philippines), only a handful of flights have departed on time or, amusingly, even too early, haha.
For a memorable last day, indulge in a visit to Hummus Elijah in Makati for a delightful culinary experience!
Additional Philippines Travel Guide Options
If your schedule allows for more or less time, consider the following options for your Philippines travel itinerary:
1. Explore the rice fields in the north of the Philippines (4-week route).
2. Opt for a more relaxed journey by skipping Puerto Princesa and flying directly from El Nido to Cebu.
3. Choose a more laid-back itinerary by skipping Siquijor and dedicating your time to exploring Cebu and Bohol.
Your Budget
for the Philippines
The Philippines is known for being a budget-friendly travel destination. Transportation is reasonably priced, and there’s a variety of accommodations catering to different budget ranges. It’s worth noting that accommodation prices are slightly higher compared to destinations like Indonesia or Thailand. For those on a tight budget, opting for an overnight ferry instead of a flight and utilizing bus travel can be cost-effective. The official currency in the country is the Philippine Peso (PHP, ₱).
Cost of Traveling
in the Philippines
Explore budget-friendly travel options in The Philippines, ranging from $180 to $350 USD per person weekly for the lower end, $320 to $480 USD for mid-range, and $480 to $720 USD for high-end experiences. Keep in mind that expenses vary based on factors such as accommodation, transportation, and activities. Flight costs are not included; please check flight prices here. Traveling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Card.
How to get around
the Philippines
Jeepneys
in Philippines
Transportation in the Philippines is efficiently organized and economical, though it may take some time. Journey overland using taxis, tricycles, jeepneys, buses, and minivans, while inter-island travel is facilitated by boats or airplanes.
Flights in
the Philippines
In the Philippines, flights are as frequent as buses when it comes to inter-island travel. Given the common occurrence of flight delays, it is advisable not to schedule connecting flights or activities with tight timelines. Always be prepared before booking.
Motorbikes
in Philippines
In popular tourist regions (excluding cities), we suggest renting a motorbike and exploring independently. The cost for tourists typically ranges from 400 to 600 PHP (approximately 9 USD) per day, varying with the season.
Tricycles in
the Philippines
For short distances, a tricycle is a convenient option—a three-wheeled vehicle similar to a tuk-tuk. As a general guideline, we recommend a rate of 100 PHP for two persons, including luggage, for a 10-minute drive.
Visa for
the Philippines
Many nationalities are eligible for a 30-day Visa on Arrival upon arrival in the Philippines. The only prerequisites are a passport validity of at least 6 months and proof of an outbound ticket indicating departure within the allotted 30 days. This standard visa is extendable for up to 60 days. Check online if you need a visa.
