best places to visit in philippines in april

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April in the Philippines: Weather, Events, Places and More

In April , the Philippines welcomes travelers with its ideal weather , vibrant cultural events , and stunning destinations . Whether you’re seeking beach relaxation, immersive cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, April offers an array of options to suit every traveler’s preferences.

The weather in April is perfect for enjoying the Philippines’ pristine beaches and outdoor activities. With average daytime maximum temperatures of 34°C and 9 hours of sunshine per day, you can soak up the sun and indulge in water sports or simply relax on powdery white sands. April marks the end of the dry season, ensuring clear skies and favorable conditions for beach vacations.

During this time, the Philippines hosts various events and festivals that showcase its rich culture and traditions . From the Allaw Ta Apo Sandawa festival, honoring the sacred Mount Apo , to the Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival, where local and international teams compete in thrilling races, there is no shortage of cultural excitement in April. Additionally, if Easter falls in April, expect to witness captivating processions and passion plays with a local Catholic flavor.

With its diverse landscapes and attractions, the Philippines offers numerous must-visit destinations in April. Explore the historical sites and vibrant city life of Manila , marvel at Bohol ’s unique Chocolate Hills , or indulge in the beauty of Coron Island’s limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. El Nido and Siargao Island are also highly recommended for their breathtaking scenery and opportunities for adventure.

When traveling to the Philippines in April, it is advisable to book accommodations and flights in advance, as this is a peak season for domestic travel. Additionally, pack lightweight and breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the hot and humid weather . Stay hydrated and be prepared for occasional rainfall by carrying an umbrella or raincoat.

Key Takeaways:

• April in the Philippines offers ideal weather conditions for beach vacations.
• Experience vibrant cultural events and festivals , especially during Easter season.
• Discover diverse destinations , from historical Manila to the natural wonders of Bohol and Coron Island.
• Book accommodations and flights in advance due to the peak season.
• Pack lightweight and breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat for the hot and humid weather.

Weather in the Philippines in April

In April, the Philippines experiences hot and humid weather, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 34°C during the day. The country has 9 hours of bright sunshine per day, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities. The average sea temperature is 29°C, perfect for swimming and water sports. However, there are usually 4 days of rainfall in Manila , with the average monthly rainfall being 34mm.

To help you plan your visit, here’s a breakdown of the weather conditions in the Philippines in April:

As you can see, the temperature remains consistently warm throughout the country, providing an ideal climate for outdoor adventures and beach activities. While there may be some rainfall, it is usually brief and does not hinder travel plans significantly.

Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Manila , diving into the crystal-clear waters of Boracay , or trekking through the lush landscapes of Palawan , April offers favorable weather conditions for an unforgettable journey in the Philippines .

Events in April in the Philippines

April in the Philippines is a month filled with vibrant events and festivals that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the country. From religious processions to exhilarating races, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you happen to visit in April, be sure to check out these noteworthy events:

Easter Parades and Passion Plays

If Easter falls in April, you can witness the elaborate parades, soul-stirring performances, and passionate reenactments of the Passion of Christ. These events are deeply rooted in the local Catholic traditions and offer a unique insight into the religious fervor of the Filipino people.

Allaw Ta Apo Sandawa Festival

In Kidapawan City, the Allaw Ta Apo Sandawa Festival takes place to honor the sacred Mount Apo . This festival is a celebration of the indigenous tribes that call the area home. Experience traditional music, dance, and rituals that pay homage to the mountain’s spiritual significance.

Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival

The Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival is an exhilarating competition that brings together local and international teams to race in long wooden canoes. Watch as the paddlers synchronize their strokes, showcasing their strength, skill, and teamwork in this thrilling sporting event.

Turumba Festival

The Turumba Festival held in Pakil, Laguna, is a unique festival that spans over seven consecutive weekends. It commemorates the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary through a series of processions, vibrant street performances, and cultural showcases. Immerse yourself in the colorful traditions and religious rituals of the local community during this festival.

Participating in these events provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural fabric of the Philippines . Whether you choose to witness the religious fervor of Easter, celebrate the indigenous heritage of Mount Apo , cheer on dragon boat racers, or join in the sorrowful reverence of the Turumba Festival, April in the Philippines promises a memorable experience.

Best Places to Visit in the Philippines in April

With its numerous islands, the Philippines offers a variety of destinations to explore in April. Whether you’re seeking historical sites, natural wonders, or stunning beaches, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit :

Manila , the bustling capital city, is a must-visit for its rich history and vibrant city life. Explore Intramuros , the historic walled city, and visit landmarks like Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church. Experience the bustling markets of Divisoria and Quiapo. Don’t forget to indulge in the local cuisine and street food.

Bohol is famous for its unique geological formations, including the iconic Chocolate Hills . Get up close to adorable tarsiers, one of the smallest primates in the world. Enjoy a relaxing river cruise down the Loboc River and visit the centuries-old Baclayon Church.

Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, Cebu is a tropical paradise. Explore the historic sites of Cebu City, such as Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro. Head to Mactan Island for world-class diving and snorkeling. Don’t miss out on the famous lechon , a succulent roasted pig dish.

4. Coron Island

Coron Island is a dream destination for nature lovers. Marvel at the stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lakes, and hidden lagoons. Snorkel or dive in the vibrant coral reefs and discover sunken World War II shipwrecks. Take a dip in the enchanting Kayangan Lake , often hailed as the cleanest lake in Asia.

El Nido is a paradise for island hopping and beach enthusiasts. Explore the awe-inspiring Bacuit Archipelago with its towering limestone karsts and turquoise waters. Discover hidden beaches, secret lagoons, and picturesque snorkeling spots. Marvel at the stunning sunset views from Nacpan Beach.

Boracay is renowned for its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife. Relax on White Beach, often hailed as one of the best beaches in the world. Try water sports like parasailing or kiteboarding. Indulge in delectable seafood and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the famous D’Mall.

7. Siargao Island

Siargao Island is a surfer’s paradise and a laid-back destination. Catch the perfect wave at Cloud 9 , one of the world’s best surf breaks. Explore the mesmerizing rock pools of Magpupungko. Immerse yourself in the island’s relaxed vibe and enjoy fresh seafood by the beach.

These are just a few of the incredible destinations to visit in the Philippines in April. Each offers a unique experience and a chance to discover the beauty of this tropical paradise. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, or simply taking in the stunning natural scenery, you’ll find it all in the Philippines .

Travel Tips for Visiting the Philippines in April

When planning a trip to the Philippines in April, it’s essential to consider some travel tips to make the most of your experience. This peak season for domestic travel can bring about crowds and higher prices, particularly if your visit coincides with Easter. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, here are some practical tips:

• Book in advance: Given the popularity of April as a travel month, it’s advisable to book accommodations and flights well in advance. This will help secure your preferred options and possibly enjoy early-bird discounts .
• Pack light and breathable clothing: With the hot and humid weather in April, it’s crucial to pack lightweight and breathable clothing to stay comfortable throughout your trip. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong sun.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to stay hydrated in the warm climate. Carry a refillable water bottle with you and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
• Be prepared for rain: While April is generally a dry month, there is still a possibility of rainfall. Pack an umbrella or a lightweight raincoat to stay prepared for any sudden showers.
• Respect local customs: Familiarize yourself with the local customs and traditions of the Philippines . Be mindful of appropriate behavior, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and always show respect to the local culture .
• Protect the environment: The Philippines boasts stunning natural beauty, and it’s essential to preserve and protect the environment. Avoid littering, follow designated trails, and be mindful of eco-friendly practices during your visit.

By following these travel tips , you can have a memorable and enjoyable visit to the Philippines in April. From exploring beautiful beaches to immersing yourself in the rich culture , this tropical paradise has something to offer every traveler.

A Closer Look: Local Customs in the Philippines

The Philippines is known for its warm and hospitable people, and respecting their customs is essential. Here are a few key customs to keep in mind:

• Pasalubong : In Filipino culture , bringing gifts or souvenirs for friends and family after a trip is customary. It’s a gesture of goodwill and thoughtfulness.
• Po and Opo: When addressing elders or those in authority, the terms “po” and “opo” are used to show respect. It’s a way of acknowledging their wisdom and seniority.
• Bayanihan: Bayanihan is a Filipino concept that means community unity and cooperation. It emphasizes helping one another and working together for the common good.
• Filipino Time: It’s common for events and gatherings in the Philippines to start a bit later than the specified time. This doesn’t mean you should be late, but rather be prepared for a more relaxed approach to punctuality.

By being aware and respectful of these customs, you can better connect with the local people and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Philippines .

April Weather Forecast for the Philippines

In April , visitors to the Philippines can expect hot and humid conditions, with daytime maximum temperatures reaching 34°C. The average daily sunshine duration is approximately 9 hours, providing ample opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the country’s natural beauty. While the weather is generally dry, there may be some rainfall, with an average of 4 rainy days and a monthly total of around 34mm. Travelers should pack lightweight and breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the heat, as well as carry an umbrella or raincoat for any unexpected showers.

April Weather Overview

With hot temperatures and limited rainfall, April is a great time to visit the Philippines and soak up the sun on its stunning beaches, explore vibrant cities, or embark on thrilling outdoor adventures. However, travelers should stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. It is also advisable to check the local weather updates and plan activities accordingly. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, a cultural exploration, or an eco-adventure, the Philippines in April  promises to offer a memorable and enjoyable travel experience.

Must-Visit Destinations in the Philippines in April

When planning a trip to the Philippines in April, there are several must-visit destinations that offer a diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re seeking vibrant city life, stunning beaches, or natural wonders, the Philippines has something for every traveler. Here are some of the top destinations to consider:

Experience the bustling capital city of Manila , where you can explore historical landmarks such as Intramuros , the walled city, and the iconic Rizal Park. Indulge in a shopping spree at modern malls like SM Mall of Asia or explore the vibrant nightlife in the Makati district. Manila offers a mix of cultural heritage, modernity, and a taste of Filipino urban life.

Known for its unique geological formations, Bohol is home to the famous Chocolate Hills and the adorable tarsiers, one of the world’s smallest primates. Explore the stunning beaches in Panglao Island and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary. Bohol offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural sites, and diverse marine life.

Voted as one of the world’s best beaches, Boracay is a paradise for beach lovers. Relax on the powdery white sand beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, and indulge in various water sports activities. Experience vibrant nightlife at Stations 1, 2, and 3, where you can find a wide range of restaurants, bars, and live entertainment.

4. El Nido, Palawan

Located in the province of Palawan , El Nido offers breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear waters. Embark on island-hopping tours to picturesque lagoons, hidden beaches, and towering limestone cliffs. Snorkel or dive to explore the diverse marine life and stunning coral reefs. El Nido is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

5. Siargao Island

Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines , Siargao Island attracts surfers from all over the world. Ride the famous Cloud 9 wave or explore the other surf spots around the island. Apart from surfing, Siargao offers a laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and lush palm forests, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and outdoor adventures.

When planning your itinerary, consider your interests and the type of experience you are seeking. Whether you choose to explore the vibrant city life in Manila , relax on the stunning beaches of Boracay , or dive into the natural wonders of El Nido and Siargao Island, the Philippines promises unforgettable experiences.

Travel Deals and Discounts for April in the Philippines

If you are planning to travel to the Philippines in April, you’re in luck! This is the perfect time to take advantage of fantastic travel deals and discounts that can help you save money while exploring this beautiful country. Whether you’re looking for discounted accommodations, affordable flights, or package deals, there are plenty of options to suit your budget and preferences.

Affordable Package Deals

One of the best ways to save money on your trip to the Philippines is by booking package deals. Reputable travel agencies, hotels, and airlines often offer all-inclusive packages that include accommodations, flights, and even tours or activities. These packages allow you to enjoy significant savings compared to booking each component separately. Look for deals that include popular destinations like Manila , Cebu , or Palawan to make the most of your trip.

Discount Codes and Flash Sales

Another way to score great deals is by using discount codes or taking advantage of flash sales. Many travel websites and booking platforms offer promotional codes that can give you additional discounts on accommodations or flights. Keep an eye out for flash sales where prices are significantly reduced for a limited time. By being flexible with your travel dates and staying updated on these promotions, you can snag amazing deals that will make your trip even more affordable.

Local Promotions and Offers

Don’t forget to explore local promotions and offers when planning your trip to the Philippines . Hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions often have exclusive discounts or special offers for visitors. Check the websites or social media pages of local businesses to see if they have any ongoing promotions or loyalty programs that can help you save money. It’s also worth reaching out directly to hotels or tour operators to inquire about any current deals or packages they may have available.

Research and Compare

To ensure that you find the best travel deals and discounts for your trip to the Philippines in April it’s essential to do thorough research and compare prices. Take the time to explore different options, compare prices, and read reviews from other travelers. Look for reputable travel websites or booking platforms that offer transparent pricing and reliable customer service. By doing your due diligence, you can find the best deals that suit your preferences and ensure a memorable and affordable trip.

So, start planning your trip to the Philippines in April and take advantage of the incredible travel deals and discounts available. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway, a cultural adventure, or a nature retreat, you can make your dream trip a reality without breaking the bank. Stay updated on the latest promotions, be flexible with your travel dates, and consider package deals to maximize your savings. With a little bit of research and planning, you can create unforgettable memories while exploring the beauty of the Philippines .

Safety and Travel Advice for April in the Philippines

When planning your trip to the Philippines in April, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and well-being. By following these travel tips and advice, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

Stay Updated with Travel Advisories

Before your departure, stay informed about the latest travel advisories for the Philippines . Check reliable sources such as the U.S. Department of State or your country’s foreign affairs office. Stay alert to any potential security concerns or political unrest in the region you plan to visit.

Take Precautions for Your Health

April brings hot and humid weather to the Philippines . It is essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and carrying a reusable water bottle with you. Additionally, practicing proper hygiene, including regular handwashing, can help prevent illness. Consider packing a small bottle of hand sanitizer for convenience.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

While exploring the Philippines , it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings. Exercise caution, particularly in crowded areas or unfamiliar locations. Keep an eye on your personal belongings and be vigilant against any signs of potential theft or scams. If you’re unsure about the safety of a particular area, consult with local authorities or trusted sources.

Obtain Travel Insurance

No matter where you travel, having travel insurance is a wise decision. It provides financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. Be sure to carefully review the coverage options and policy details to ensure they meet your specific needs.

Respect Local Customs and Laws

Every destination has its unique customs and laws. Before your visit, take the time to familiarize yourself with the local customs and traditions of the Philippines . Show respect for cultural practices, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of appropriate behavior. Remember that you are a guest in the country and should follow local laws and regulations.

By following these safety and travel advice , you can have a memorable and worry-free trip to the Philippines in April. Take the necessary precautions, stay informed, and be respectful of the local culture to make the most of your visit.

Exploring the Unique Culture of the Philippines in April

April is a great time to immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Philippines . This vibrant Southeast Asian country has a rich history and diverse traditions that come to life during this month. One of the highlights of April is experiencing the religious traditions and festivities surrounding Easter.

During this time, you can witness the solemn processions and reenactments of the Passion of Christ, which are deeply rooted in the Catholic faith of the Filipino people. These processions take place in various towns and cities throughout the country. It’s a remarkable experience that allows you to witness the local traditions and devotion firsthand.

To truly experience the culture of the Philippines , it’s important to engage with the local communities and learn about their customs and traditions. Take the opportunity to interact with the locals, ask questions, and listen to their stories. This will give you a deeper understanding of their way of life and the values they hold dear.

Another way to immerse yourself in the culture is by exploring traditional arts and crafts. The Philippines is known for its intricate weaving, woodcarving, and pottery. Visit local artisans and workshops to witness the craftsmanship up close and maybe even try your hand at creating your own masterpiece.

Food plays a crucial role in Filipino culture , and April is the perfect time to taste local delicacies. From the iconic adobo and sinigang to mouthwatering street food like halo-halo and balut , there is a wide array of flavors to explore. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in authentic Filipino cuisine and savor the unique blend of flavors.

Participating in cultural activities is another way to fully immerse yourself in the Filipino culture . Whether it’s traditional dances, music performances, or traditional festivities, these activities showcase the vibrant spirit of the Filipino people. Check for local events happening during your visit and join in the celebrations.

Throughout your cultural journey in the Philippines , you will come to appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people. Take the opportunity to connect with locals, exchange stories, and make new friends. The genuine friendliness and openness of the Filipino people will make your experience even more memorable.

April Travel Recommendations for the Philippines

For a memorable trip to the Philippines in April, consider the following recommendations:

1. Plan Your Itinerary in Advance: To make the most of your time, it’s advisable to plan your itinerary ahead of time. Research the destinations you want to visit and check for any specific events or festivals happening during your travel dates.

2. Take Advantage of Local Guides and Tour Operators: Enhance your experience and gain insights into the local culture by taking advantage of local guides and tour operators. They can provide valuable information about the best places to visit , hidden gems, and authentic experiences.

3. Be Open to Trying New Foods and Experiencing Different Activities: One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Philippines’ rich culture is through its diverse cuisine and unique activities. Be adventurous and try local dishes, street food, and delicacies. Take part in activities like island hopping, snorkeling, or exploring vibrant local markets.

4. Relax and Enjoy the Natural Beauty: The Philippines is known for its stunning natural landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush mountains . Take time to relax and appreciate the beauty around you. Whether it’s lounging on a white sand beach, hiking to scenic viewpoints, or discovering hidden waterfalls, embrace the tranquility and marvel at the wonders of nature.

Follow these travel recommendations to create lasting memories and make the most of your trip to the Philippines in April.

In April, the Philippines welcomes travelers with its perfect weather and abundant sunshine. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or a beach lover, this month offers a wide range of experiences to suit your interests. Explore the vibrant festivals and events that grace the country during this time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local traditions and create meaningful connections. And when it comes to natural beauty, the Philippines boasts breathtaking places like Manila , Bohol , Boracay , El Nido , and Siargao Island that will leave you in awe.

However, to make the most of your trip, it’s essential to plan ahead and consider travel deals and discounts that can help you save on accommodations and flights. Additionally, prioritize your safety by staying updated with travel advisories and taking necessary precautions. By doing so, you can fully enjoy your visit to the Philippines in April and make lasting memories.

So pack your bags, get ready for some sunshine, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of the Philippines . April awaits with its perfect weather, vibrant events, and breathtaking places . Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this beautiful country and discover its rich culture, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes. Your adventure begins in the Philippines !

What is the weather like in the Philippines in April?

What events and festivals are held in the philippines in april.

April in the Philippines is marked by various events and festivals . If Easter falls in April, there are parades, performances, and passion plays with a local Catholic flavor. Other notable events include the Allaw Ta Apo Sandawa, a festival in Kidapawan City that honors the sacred Mount Apo , and the Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival, where local and international teams race in long wooden canoes. The Turumba Festival in Pakil, Laguna, is held over seven consecutive weekends and commemorates the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary.

What are the best places to visit in the Philippines in April?

With its numerous islands, the Philippines offers a variety of destinations to explore in April. Manila , the capital city, is a popular choice for its historical sites and vibrant city life. Other recommended destinations include Bohol , famous for its Chocolate Hills and tarsiers; Cebu , known for its beautiful beaches; Coron Island, home to stunning limestone cliffs and turquoise waters; El Nido , a paradise for island hopping; and Boracay , renowned for its powdery white sand beaches. Siargao Island is also worth a visit for its surfing spots and laid-back vibe.

What are some travel tips for visiting the Philippines in April?

When visiting the Philippines in April, it is advisable to book accommodations and flights in advance, especially if Easter falls within this month. This is a peak season for domestic travel, so expect crowds and higher prices. It is also important to pack lightweight and breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the hot and humid weather. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and bring an umbrella or raincoat for any potential rainfall. Be mindful of the local customs and traditions, and always respect the environment.

What is the weather forecast for April in the Philippines?

The long-term weather forecast for April in the Philippines predicts daytime maximum temperatures of 34°C, with an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day. There may be 4 days with some rainfall, and the monthly rainfall is expected to be around 34mm. The minimum night temperature is projected to be around 23°C. Travelers should prepare for hot and humid conditions during their visit in April.

What are some must-visit destinations in the Philippines in April?

In April, there are several must-visit destinations in the Philippines . Manila , the bustling capital city, offers a mix of historical landmarks, shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife. Bohol is known for its unique geological formations and diverse marine life. Boracay , often voted as one of the world’s best beaches, is a paradise for beach lovers. El Nido in Palawan offers breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear waters. Siargao Island is a top destination for surfers. Plan your itinerary based on your interests and the type of experience you are seeking.

Are there any travel deals and discounts for April in the Philippines?

If you are planning to travel to the Philippines in April, be sure to take advantage of travel deals and discounts. Look for package deals from reputable travel agencies, hotels, and airlines. Consider using discount codes or booking during flash sales to save on accommodations and flights. It is also worth exploring local promotions and offers to get the best value for your money. Research different options and compare prices to find the best deals for your desired destinations and activities.

What safety and travel advice should I follow when visiting the Philippines in April?

When traveling to the Philippines in April, it is important to prioritize your safety. Stay updated with the latest travel advisories and follow the guidelines provided by reliable sources. Take precautions against potential health risks, such as staying hydrated and practicing proper hygiene. Be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution, especially in crowded areas or unfamiliar locations. It is always recommended to have travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances. Research local customs and laws to ensure respectful and responsible behavior during your visit.

How can I explore the unique culture of the Philippines in April?

April is a great time to immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Philippines . Experience the religious traditions and festivities surrounding Easter, such as the processions and reenactments of the Passion of Christ. Engage with the local communities and learn about their customs and traditions. Explore traditional arts and crafts, taste local delicacies, and participate in cultural activities. The Philippines is known for its hospitality, so take the opportunity to connect with the locals and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

What are some travel recommendations for visiting the Philippines in April?

For a memorable trip to the Philippines in April, consider the following recommendations. Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time. Research the destinations you want to visit and check for any specific events or festivals happening during your travel dates. Take advantage of local guides and tour operators to enhance your experience and gain insights into the local culture. Be open to trying new foods and experiencing different activities. Take time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Philippines , whether it’s lounging on a pristine beach or exploring lush mountains .

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• The Philippines In April 2024: Best Experiences For A Delightful Vacay

The Philippines is the perfect island-hopping destination that offers tourists with over 7000 tropical islands to pick from. A year-round destination, the Philippines experiences warm weather throughout the year and is almost every beach bum’s first choice. The country has a wet and dry climate and April being the last of the drier months here, sees a lot of tourists. If you are planning to visit the Philippines in April , then book well in advance!

Weather In The Philippines In April In 2024

The Philippines is warm throughout the year and April is the last of the drier months here following which one can expect rains in the country. The average temperatures during this month range from 23°C to 34°C and it is a perfect time to get a tan at the beach or enjoy various outdoor activities here.

Why Visit The Philippines In April

• April is the last of the dry months which makes it a perfect time to head to the Philippines.
• Also, the schools are closed during April which results in less traffic in the cities, making it easy to explore them during this month.
• It is also a great time to avail of summer offers and promos while shopping in the malls in the Philippines.

Events And Festivals In The Philippines In April

If you are headed to the Philippines in April, then these are a few events and festivals to be a part of. Have a look.

• Allaw Ta Apo Sandawa: Celebrated in the second week of April, it is a festival in which the highland tribes gather in Kidapawan City and pay respects to Mount Apo, the highest peak of the country and which is considered to be sacred. One can join this climb festival and climb the highest mountain in the Philippines via the Mandarangan Trail. The views are magnificent and the environs lush green. There are trekking groups that scale the mountain and one can climb with these groups if they do not wish to do it solo.

When: 2nd week of April Where: Kidapawan City, North Cotabato

• Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival: This is yet another vibrant festival that one can enjoy in April in the Philippines. Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival is the local version of the famous Hong Kong dragon boat races. There are both international and local teams that compete in this exciting festival. So, are you excited to watch long wooden canoes racing off the White Beach?

When: April Where: Boracay

• Turumba Festival: This is the longest religious festival celebrated by the people of Pakil in the Philippines. The festival is celebrated seven times during the months of April and May to honor the seven sorrows of the Blessed Virgin of Turumba. The best part of this festival for the tourists to enjoy is the dancing procession during this festival. Also, visit the Pakil Church while you are around for this festival.

When: April & May Where: Laguna area

• Moriones Festival: This festival takes place a week before Easter and is quite a colorful one where locals can be seen dressed up as Roman soldiers wearing colorful costumes and masks. It is a beautiful festival to be a part of and is celebrated in Marinduque, in its towns namely Boac, Gasan, and Morpog. The highlight of the festival is the parade by locals in these eye-catching costumes, dances, sword fights and more.

When: Saturday, 4 April – Sunday, 12 April Where: Boac, Philippines

Suggested Read: 8 Philippines Travel Tips For An Easy And Fun Journey Of The Place!

5 Best Places To Visit In The Philippines In April

April is a great time to spend time at the beaches and explore cooler regions of the Philippines. Read on, to know the top places that should be on your list for April.

One of the places to visit in the Philippines in April is Donsol for whale sharks sightseeing. April and May is the best time to go snorkeling here and enjoying this once in a lifetime opportunity. The weather is great during this month and so is the visibility. Known for having the largest school of whale sharks, you are sure to spot a few at Donsol. Excited to head here?

Things to do: Spot whale sharks

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2. El Nido Beach

No trip to the Philippines is complete without spending time on its beaches. El Nido is a beautiful beach to visit on one’s trip to the country. Try to hit the beach at the beginning of April as the temperatures begin to get warm. And if it’s too hot to sunbathe, dive in for a swim! The warm sea temperatures are excellent to enjoy swimming here in April. Do not forget to pack sunscreen!

Things to do: Sunbathing and swimming

3. Mount Batulao

Image Source

If the weather begins to feel too warm, then you can head to the cooler parts of the country and plan a hike up to Mount Batulao in April. It is one of the favorite destinations with hikers and quite an easy 2 to 3-hour hike. The highlights are the route through the rolling grasslands and finally the panoramic views of Batangas and Tall lake from atop.

Things to do: Enjoy spectacular views

The Philippines usually invokes images of beaches and the sea upon hearing its name, but another beautiful part of this country is its lush green environs and Apil is just the perfect time to head to the rice terraces of Banaue. The months of March and April are the best for exploring the rice terraces which are the greenest during these months.

Things to do: Explore rice terraces

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Another cool haven for April in the mountains of Cordilleras is Baguio. Famously known as the summer capital of the Philippines, this is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. Some of the top tourist attractions here are the Session Road, Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, and Mines View. Head here to enjoy the cooler temperatures during April.

Things to do: Sightseeing

Suggested Read: 10 Exotic Beaches Near Manila To Visit On Your Tropical Philippines Vacation

5 Best Things To Do In The Philippines In April

The Philippines is a great country to visit in April as there are a number of activities to indulge in here. Have a look at the ones that you shouldn’t miss on a trip to this country.

1. Snorkeling And Scuba Diving

With the water temperature being perfect, ranging from 24°C–30°C during April, it is a great time to try snorkeling and scuba diving in the Philippines. The best places to try these thrilling activities are Cebu and Bohol. Boracay is another great place where one can view an exotic underwater life.

Where: Cebu, Bohol, Boracay

Though the Philippines has a laid back vibe, there are a number of exciting water sports that one can enjoy here. If adventure sports are your way of relaxing and unwinding then April is a perfect time to surf here. Surfers from around the world come here to surf on some magnificent waves. The offshore winds in April offer a great swell which makes it an ideal time to go surfing. The prime spots to enjoy surfing are Baler, Bacnotan, and Zambales.

Where: Baler, Bacnotan, Zambales

3. Mountain Biking

One of the best ways to explore the remote areas of a destination are by going biking. And mountain biking is a common sport to enjoy in April in the Philippines. There are a lot of tracks available and one can choose from single day easy rides to comparatively difficult ones which are more than a day or might even be a week long. Bike your way to the arduous uphills and enjoy the spectacular views of the place.

Where: Cordillera, Bataan, Palawan

4. Sea Kayaking

April in the Philippines is all about adventure activities and another one on the list is sea kayaking. The islands offer enthusiasts with almost an endless length of crystal blue water to go kayaking. Enjoy exploring the various beaches and beautiful reefs that you would come across while kayaking. One of the best places to try this activity is Northern Palawan. Other areas that offer one sea kayaking are Camarines Sur and Cebu.

Where: Northern Palawan, Camarines Sur, Cebu

5. Trekking

Another thrilling activity for those looking to explore the Philippines in April is trekking. And due to the festival, one of the prime places to explore here is the mountains of Apo. Other than this one can also scale the heights of Halcon and Pulag. The experience of trekking only gets better with a night of camping and stargazing! Wander into the jungles, and explore the remote places of this country. The clear water rivers and plunging waterfalls on the way won’t leave you disappointed!

Where: Mount Apo

Further Read: 7 Cafes In Makati City For A Trip To Good Times In The Philippines

The Philippines in April has quite a lot to offer to the tourists. From an array of adventure activities to some of the most beautiful places, there is quite a lot to explore and enjoy here. The colorful festivals add on to one’s experience. So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip to the Philippines , and have an amazing time island hopping, swimming with the whales, unwinding at the beaches and more.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Philippines In April

Is April a good time to visit the Philippines?

April is the last of the dry months in the Philippines and a good time to head to the country.

What can I do in April in the Philippines?

There are a lot of outdoor activities that one can enjoy in April in the Philippines like sea kayaking, trekking, surfing, diving, and more.

Are there any festivals in the Philippines in April?

Yes, one can enjoy a couple of festivals here in April like Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival, Turumba Festival, Moriones Festival. All these festivals provide a cultural insight into the lives and traditions of the Filipinos and are amazing festivals to be a part of.

Which are the top beaches to explore in the Philippines?

Boracay White Beach and El Nido beach are the top beaches to explore in the Philippines in April.

Which is the cheapest month to fly to the Philippines?

June is the cheapest month to fly to the Philippines.

Is the Philippines safe?

Yes, the country is pretty safe for traveling but one should prefer taking guided tours when exploring the remote locations or going trekking and hiking here.

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Travelling to Philippines in April: what to expect?

Why should you visit Philippines in April?

It is actually a great time to explore the beauty of the Philippines. During this month, you’ll experience an ideal combination of warm weather, perfect for various activities, and breathtaking vibrant views. In this article, we will explore what awaits you when you travel to the Philippines in April , including insights into the weather, the best places to visit, and activities to make the most of your holiday.

From the sun-kissed beaches of Boracay to the enchanting landscapes of Palawan, April provides a canvas for unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re a water enthusiast, culture seeker, or nature lover, the diverse offerings of the Philippines in April cater to every traveller’s preference. Get ready to pack your bags and prepare for fascinating experience in this tropical paradise.

Philippines Weather in April

April marks the onset of the dry season in the Philippines, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 34 degrees Celsius (77 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes it a fantastic time to enjoy the sun and explore the diverse landscapes without worrying about heavy rainfall. However, it’s advisable to stay hydrated and use sunscreen to protect against the tropical sun.

The Philippines weather in April also enhances the appeal for tourists, making it an opportune time to participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, island-hopping, and beach outings. Famous tourist destinations experience a surge during April, so it’s recommended to plan and book accommodations in advance to ensure a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience. The dry conditions also provide ideal circumstances for capturing stunning photographs, adding to the allure of your Philippine adventure.

Best Places to Visit in the Philippines for April

April in the Philippines unfolds as a captivating time when nature is in full bloom, and the archipelago’s tropical beauty shines with unrivalled splendour. From serene beaches to lush landscapes, the country offers a diverse range of destinations that come alive during this month. Below are some best places to visit in the Philippines for April .

Boracay: Remains a sought-after destination in the Philippines in April , renowned for its immaculate beaches and lively nightlife. This month provides an excellent opportunity to partake in water activities, unwind on the renowned White Beach, and witness mesmerizing sunsets. Conveniently situated south of Manila, Boracay offers an easily accessible getaway for both local and international travellers. The crystalline waters surrounding the island are perfect for snorkelling and diving, allowing enthusiasts to delve into the vibrant marine ecosystem. As day turns to night, Boracay undergoes a lively transformation, with beachfront bars and restaurants creating an inviting atmosphere for socializing and embracing the island’s dynamic vibe.

Palawan: Explore the captivating landscapes of Palawan , which include the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River. April boasts excellent weather for indulging in island-hopping and snorkelling adventures in El Nido. In El Nido, immerse yourself in the vibrant marine life and picturesque scenery, enjoying activities like kayaking through hidden lagoons, hiking to stunning viewpoints, and savouring fresh seafood by the beach. For a serene experience, visit the Nacpan Beach, known for its long stretch of golden sand and clear waters, providing a perfect sea-escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy daily life. Don’t miss the chance to explore the vibrant local markets, where you can sample Palawan’s unique culinary delights and pick up handmade crafts as souvenirs.

Bohol: April is an ideal time to explore Bohol, famous for its Chocolate Hills and the adorable tarsier. Cruise along the Loboc River (also called Loay River) , absorbing the picturesque landscapes as you glide gently over its seemingly greenish waters. Uncover the historical significance of Bohol by visiting the well-preserved Baclayon Church, an architectural gem that narrates the island’s cultural heritage. For an exhilarating experience, partake in an ATV ride along the iconic Chocolate Hills, where you can traverse the rolling terrain and marvel at the unique geological formations. Tourists can as well venture into the intriguing Hinagdanan Cave, known for its enchanting stalactite formations, providing an extra layer of exploration to your Bohol adventure.

Cebu: Explore the vibrant culture of Cebu, where historic sites and lively festivals offer a glimpse into the island’s cultural legacy. Unwind on the sun-kissed beaches of Mactan, known for their pristine shores and crystal-clear waters. Roam the bustling streets of Cebu City to experience its dynamic street food scene, indulging in local delicacies, like Lechon, Inasal, and Sutukil, that tantalize the taste buds. Don’t miss the opportunity to venture to Oslob, a coastal town famous for close encounters with gentle giants-  whale sharks. Here, witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, creating a memorable and awe-inspiring experience during your Cebu adventure .

Siargao: Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is perfect for water enthusiasts. April provides favourable conditions for surfing and exploring the breathtaking landscapes. Apart from its renowned surfing spots, Siargao boasts pristine white-sand beaches that offer a tranquil escape for sunbathers and beach lovers. The island’s vibrant coral reefs make it a haven for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, showcasing a stunning array of marine life. Additionally, Siargao’s laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals contribute to the overall charm, creating an inviting environment for travelers seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation.

Hidden among the coastal formations, Siargao is also home to enchanting rock pools that emerge during low tide. These natural wonders provide a unique experience for tourists. Exploring these rock pools adds a fascinating dimension to the island experience, allowing travellers to connect with the intricate ecosystems that thrive along Siargao’s shores.

Activities to Enjoy:

Snorkelling and Diving: The clear waters in April make it an excellent time for snorkelling and diving. Explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs that the Philippines is famous for.

Island-Hopping: Take advantage of the pleasant weather to go island-hopping. Discover hidden gems, secluded beaches, and picturesque landscapes across the archipelago.

Festivals: Immerse yourself in local culture by participating in April festivals. The Moriones Festival in Marinduque and the Panaad sa Negros Festival are cultural extravaganzas you wouldn’t want to miss.

Nature Treks: Go on nature treks to witness the lush greenery of April. Whether it’s hiking to the Chocolate Hills or exploring the Enchanted River in Surigao del Sur, the options are endless.

Travelling to the Philippines in April offers a perfect combination of favourable weather and diverse experiences. From relaxing on pristine beaches to exploring cultural festivals and indulging in thrilling water activities, your April holiday adventure in the Philippines promises memories that will last a lifetime. Pack your bags and get ready to discover the magic of this tropical paradise.

Get ready to turn your Philippines adventure dreams into reality? Book your flights with Mabuhay Travel today and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, and beyond. Our Filipino travel consultants are here to tailor your experience, ensuring a seamless and enriching exploration of the country’s vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and unique experiences.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories – reach out and connect with our travel experts and secure your ticket to the Philippines now!

Call Us Now!

Adventurous! Daring! Bold! Open-minded! A bit crazy but a calm and sweet lad, that is how I describe Maya. Ang isa sa mga tagapag bahagi ng kaalaman at tagapag sulat para sa Mabuhay Travel Blog! Sharing places and experiences is her hobby that helps us more to know, appreciate and understand how beautiful the country is. Giving ideas and insights, helpful tips to different places, food, festivals, historical sights, beaches, that will guide us in our future travel holidays. Come travel and be mesmerized, be captivated by this amazingly beautiful country, Pearl of Orient Seas, the Philippines.

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32 Things to do in The Philippines + Tourist Spots

After visiting 69 of 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve had countless beautiful experiences in this archipelagic country of over 7,600 islands. If you’re looking for places to add to your Philippines Itinerary, then this guide is for you!

Let’s start with a list of top destinations that are both easy to reach and exceptionally beautiful. If you’re traveling to the Philippines for the first time, these are the highlights you don’t want to miss. You fit  all these places into a two-week itinerary.

Next, I’m going to share the stand-outs. They may not be as easy to get to, but I highly recommend visiting if you’re adventurous and want to see places that truly stand out.

Lastly, I’ve included a long list of popular and interesting destinations in the Philippines so you can enjoy a virtual tour of what my home country has to offer. Consider visiting if you have an extended trip planned in the Philippines or if you’re a fellow Pinoy looking for places to go on your next holiday.”

The Philippines Tourist Spots

What to do & where to go in The Philippines? I got you! Here are places to visit, interesting attractions & things to do in The Philippines for your bucketlist/itinerary.

5. Boracay Island & Aklan

6. balabac islands, 7. batanes islands, 9. banaue, ifugao, 14. puerto princesa, 15. iloilo & guimaras, 16. clark & pampanga, 18. cagayan de oro & beyond, 19. dumaguete & negros oriental, 20. legazpi, bicol & mayon volcano, 21. tacloban, leyte, 22. baguio & benguet, 23. subic bay, 24. tagaytay & taal volcano, 25. lake sebu, 26. laoag & ilocos norte, 27. siquijor, 28. port barton & san vicente, 29. caramoan, 30. calaguas, 31. biri islands, samar, 32. enchanted river & surigao del sur.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

View more travel tips in:   Singapore ,  ALL Destinations .

Find this guide helpful? Share the love & follow Detourista for travel inspo on:  Instagram ,  Facebook ,  Tiktok ,  Pinterest .

Top Spots For First-Timers

Cloud 9 Boardwalk sunset in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Siargao made its first claim to fame as the Philippines’ surfing capital, and recently as the “Best Island in the World” (awarded by Condé Nast readers for 2018).This paradise has been on my favorites list ever since my first trip to the island a decade ago. What impressed me the most were the enchanting lagoons of Sohoton Cove, a natural wonder that’s well worth the 2-hour detour from the Cloud 9 surfing beach. The main island is filled with pristine natural spots as well, including white sand beaches, stunning islets, vast coconut forests, cool tidal pools & more.If you want to enjoy a laidback island lifestyle, Siargao is one of the best places that tourists can go to. You’ll find a mix of “foreign” and “local” here. It is remote yet accessible, and not too crowded despite the coming of new developments in recent years.

Location  — Surigao del Norte province, Caraga Region, Northeast Mindanao. Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Located along the eastern coast of the Philippines (facing the Pacific Ocean), Siargao is best reached by air. Fly direct to Sayak Airport (IAO) in Siargao Island from Manila, Cebu, or Clark. Flight duration is 2 hours from Manila or 1 hour from Cebu. From the airport, the land trip to Cloud 9 beach, the main tourist area, takes around 45 minutes. You can also reach Siargao by taking a flight to Surigao Airport (SUG), found in mainland Mindanao. Then, hop on a 1.5-hour fastcraft ferry to Dapa Port in Siargao Island.

Siargao Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts Check Fares

Top discounts

Sohoton Cove & Siargao Island Hopping Day Trip

Siargao Land Tour (Daily) – Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko, Maasin River

Siargao Surfing Lessons

Marcos at Magpupungko Rock Formation in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Magpupungko Rock Formation, Siargao Island

Cloud 9 surfing in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 surfing, Siargao Island

Cloud 9 Beach in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 beach, Siargao Island

Sohoton Lagoons in Bucas Grade Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Sohoton Lagoons near Siargao Island

Cloud 9 Boardwalk surfers in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 Boardwalk, Siargao Island

See more : Siargao travel tips

Matinloc Island in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

You came to the country to see spectacular beaches and island views. El Nido in Palawan province will not disappoint. In terms of spectacular “over-the-water” sea views, El Nido is my favorite in the Philippines. Imagine hidden lagoons, uninhabited white sand beaches, and massive forest-covered limestone mountains rising out of pristine tropical waters. The “SEAnery” here rivals popular destinations in Asia like Phi Phi/Krabi Islands (Thailand) and Ha Long Bay (Vietnam).The experience of spending a whole day out on the islands is nothing short of incredible. The area of Bacuit Bay is spread over a large area, so spend at least two full days for the island hopping tours (Tour A & Tour C are the best).

Location  — Northern Palawan province, MIMAROPA Region (West Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Most travelers arrive in El Nido on a 1.5-hour flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS), followed by a 5 to 6-hour shuttle ride to El Nido town proper. If you want to skip the long land journey, fly directly to El Nido from Manila (1 hour), Cebu or Boracay-Caticlan. This is the fastest but more expensive way.

El Nido Travel Essentials

El Nido Tour A – Lagoons and Beaches Island Hopping

El Nido Tour C – Hidden Beaches and Shrines Island Hopping

Puerto Princesa – El Nido Shuttle Transfers

Secret Lagoon Beach in Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Secret Lagoon Beach in El Nido, Palawan

Calitang Beach, at Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beaches, in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Calitang Beach, El Nido

Overlooking Bacuit Bay Islands of El Nido from Taraw Peak, in Palawan, Philippines Overlooking El Nido from Taraw Peak

Umbrella Beach in Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Umbrella Beach in Miniloc Island, El Nido

See more : El Nido travel tips

Pro-tip:  To make your trip planning easier, I’ve added links to the pin locations on Google Maps. Use the ‘save’ feature on the app to see all your saved locations on one map, visualize your itinerary, and know the best areas to stay near the places you want to go.

Philippines Travel Essentials

Before we go with the rest of the list, here are travel essentials you might need for a hassle-free trip. Click below to see discounts & read traveler reviews.

Where to stay in The Philippines:

Book here Compare rates

Recommended The Philippines Hotels:

Money-saving tip : Use promo code “ KLOOKDETOURISTA ” to grab 5% OFF hotels and 3% OFF tours/activities next time you book on Klook.

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

Island Hopping in Boracay

Siargao Island Hopping (Daily) – Daku Island, Guyam Island, & Naked Island Day Tour

Enchanted Kingdom Admission Ticket

Manila Ocean Park Attraction Pass

Cebu Ocean Park Ticket

Tours + discounts Flights Airport transfers WIFI Internet/Data SIM

Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan, Philippines. Photo by David Köhler .

In contrast to El Nido’s amazing “over water” views, go to Coron for spectacular underwater views. Here, you can see colorful coral gardens, pristine waters, lots of marine life, and even sunken WWII Japanese shipwrecks. Don’t get me wrong, Coron can hold its own when it comes to scenic views over the water as well. This paradise is home to hidden emerald/blue lagoons surrounded by limestone cliffs. There’s no shortage of incredibly beautiful fine white sand beaches in Coron either.

How to go —  Coron Airport is located on the north side of Busuanga Island. Travel time by plane is around 1 hour from Manila. For adventurous travelers who want to maximize their trip in Palawan, you can travel by ferry between Coron and El Nido (mainland Palawan). Travel time is around 4 hours by fastcraft (high-speed ferry).

Coron Travel Essentials

Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour

Coron-Busuanga Airport Shuttle – Shared and Private Transfers

Coron Ultimate Tour

See more : Coron travel tips

Marcos at Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu

Cebu is the country’s #1 most visited tourist destination, and for good reason. It is unrivaled in offering the widest range of things to do and attractions. Cebu is like the “Jack of all trades” among tourist spots in the Philippines.You can enjoy scenic natural sites (waterfalls, beaches, mountain views etc.), have exciting wildlife encounters, join a colonial heritage tour, shop at some of the World’s largest malls, or indulge yourself in local food including the prized Cebu Lechon! You can do all of these easily while staying at a luxury resort in Mactan Island, centrally located hotel/airbnb in the city, or a peaceful beachfront resort in the countryside. Your choice!If that’s not enough, you can easily hop to nearby islands like Bohol, Negros (Dumaguete) or other major cities. Take full advantage of Cebu’s strategic location in Central Philippines and well-connected flight/ferry network.

Location  — Central Visayas (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Cebu-Mactan International Airport in Mactan Island serves direct flights from all major cities in the Philippines as well as international flights from Asia and North America. Flight duration is 1h30m from Manila, 3h 40m from Singapore and 2h50m from Hong Kong. From the airport, the ride to Cebu City center usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour (or more, depending on traffic conditions).

Cebu Travel Essentials

Cebu-Tagbilaran, Bohol OceanJet Ferry Ticket

Cebu Airport Private Transfers – for Cebu City, Mactan & more

Bohol Day Tour from Cebu

Shangri-la Mactan Resort in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines Shangri-la Mactan Resort, Cebu

The Heritage of Cebu Monument in Cebu City, Philippines The Heritage of Cebu Monument

Canyoneering near Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu, Philippines Kawasan-Badian Canyoneering in Cebu

Santiago Bay Beach in Camotes Islands, Cebu, Philippines Camotes Islands, Cebu, Philippines

Sirao Flower Garden in Cebu City, Philippines Sirao Flower Garden, Cebu City

See more : Cebu travel tips

Marcos at White Beach, in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

Boracay is a vacationer’s paradise. Taking center stage is 4-kilometer White Beach, prized for its incredibly inviting blue waters, fine white sand, and perfect sunsets. This island is the place to go if you want to take it easy and you’re looking forward to enjoying a tropical resort experience. As you can expect, Boracay caters to a more upscale crowd, but don’t fret, there are many budget-friendly options available.Boracay is small but packs a lot of attractions. Here you can find excellent dining, a wide variety of places to stay, souvenir shopping, and lots of fun water activities, and some nightlife all in one sandy stretch.Boracay’s White Beach is a class of its own when it comes to how fine and white the sand is. From my extensive travels in the country, there’s only one lengthy beach that has sand whiter and finer than White Beach. You can find it in the group of islands featured next on this list.

Location  — Aklan province, Western Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at either Boracay-Caticlan Airport (MPH) or Kalibo International Airport (KLO). From Caticlan, the ferry to Boracay only takes less than 20 minutes. Most travelers transit via Kalibo because the airport serves more airlines/flights/destinations and airfares are usually lower. The land trip from Kalibo to Caticlan tales around 1 hour.

Boracay Travel Essentials

Sunset Paraw Sailing in Boracay

Caticlan Airport-Boracay Hotel Shared Transfers – Shuttle+Ferry Ticket

Sunset at White Beach, in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Sunset view from Boracay Island

White Beach in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines White Beach, Boracay

View from Mt. Luho facing White Beach, in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Mt. Luho view

Kite surfing at Bulabog Beach, in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Boracay kite surfing

Ati-atihan Festival warriors in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival in Aklan

See more : Boracay Island & Aklan travel tips

The Standouts

These places take more time to visit but are well worth the journey if you’re up for an adventure.

Onuk Island – Roughton Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines

If you’re looking for the best beaches & most vibrant waters in the Philippines, look nowhere else. Balabac is worth a spot at the VERY TOP of your bucketlist.Balabac is the southernmost group of islands in Palawan. It is so far south that Sabah, in East Malaysia is nearer to Balabac than Puerto Princesa, the provincial capital of Palawan.The main draw here are 31 gorgeous islands still vastly undiscovered by tourist crowds. These islands are surrounded by pristine, crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. Yes, the sandy shores of many beaches here are a blinding white to off-white, many even have a blushed pink hue! The best spots you shouldn’t miss in Balabac are (1) Onuk Island & its crystal blue waters sprawling as far as the eye can see; (2) Bugsuk Island, home to the most powdery, whitest sand beach in the Philippines; and (3) the pink sand beach at Camiaran Island.

Location  — Southern Palawan province, MIMAROPA Region (West Central Philippines)

How to go —  The most convenient jump-off point to the Balabac Islands is Buliluyan Port, located at the southernmost tip of mainland Palawan. From Puerto Princesa Airport (the nearest commercial airport), the land trip to Buliluyan Port takes around 5-6 hours. For a hassle-free trip, arrange your Balabac tour well ahead (before your trip) with a local tour operator. See the list and detailed travel tips at the  Balabac Travel Guide .

Punta Sebaring Beach in Bugsuk Island, Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Punta Sebaring Beach, Bugsuk Island, Balabac

Camiaran “Pink” Island, in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Camiaran “Pink” Island, Balabac

Nasubata Reef – Pulau Bato in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Nasubata Reef – Pulau Bato

Sicsican Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Sicsican Island

Canabungan Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Canabungan Island

Balabac is remote and not easy to reach, which is why I don’t readily recommend the place to first-timers. You must really want to visit this place. It takes time to visit and you’ll have to let go of touristic conveniences.

Batanes, Philippines. Photo by Rexy Quieta .

Previously, many readers have asked me why I did not include Batanes as one of the best places to go in the Philippines. The answer is simple: I haven’t been there yet. It’s still on my bucketlist! But due to popular demand, I am including Batanes now. So, comment below if you have a place in mind that you think should be included! I might have to add it to my bucketlist too.Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines. These remote islands are shaped by volcanic forces and strong typhoons. The natural landscape of Batanes is distinct from other parts of the Philippines. Here, you’ll find vibrant green rolling hills, grazing cows, steep seaside cliffs, sparkling clear blue waters, traditional stone houses, and iconic lighthouses.Travelers often describe its Batanes’ beauty as wild, overwhelming, and incredibly scenic. Looking at pictures and vlogs, I can see why it’s a popular choice among adventure seekers.

Location  — Cagayan Valley region (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Basco Airport, located on Batan, the main island of Batanes. Travel time by plane is 2 hours from Manila or 1h40m from Clark. Airlines that fly to Batanes include Philippine Airlines and Skyjet. Flights to Batanes are a lot more expensive compared to other destinations in the Philippines. Expect regular roundtrip fares to cost upwards of P10,000.

Batanes Travel Essentials

Where to stay Check Fares

Batanes-Basco Airport Shuttle – BSO Private Transfers

3 Day North Batan, South Batan, and Sabtang Island Tour

2 Day North Batan and South Batan Tour

Pongas Falls in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

The Philippines isn’t just all about postcard-perfect beaches. It has cool highland destinations too! If you want to be close to nature and the Philippines’ mountain culture, venture north of Manila and visit Sagada. You can find this small town high in the mist-covered Cordillera (mountain range) of Northern Luzon.Surrounded by spectacular mountain views, Sagada is most-known for the bizarre hanging coffins, a burial tradition that has survived for over 2,000 years. When in town, don’t miss the cave connection tour (Sumaging-Lumiang Cave), sunrise view from above a sea of clouds at Kiltepan Peak, the local coffee (best in PH) & hike to the many waterfalls in the area including Bomod-ok Falls and Pongas Falls.

Location  — Sagada, Mountain Province, Cordillera region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The bus trip to Sagada from Manila takes around 12 hours. Buses usually depart at 9pm (onwards) from Cubao, Quezon City. You can also catch a bus to Sagada from Baguio. Travel time from Baguio to Sagada is 5-6 hours by bus.

Sagada Travel Essentials

Sumaguing Cave, in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines Marcos at Sumaguing Cave, Sagada

Hanging coffins at Echo Valley, Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines Sagada hanging coffins, Mountain Province

Kapay-aw Rice Terraces in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines Kapay-aw Rice Terraces, Sagada

Bomod-ok Falls and Aguinid Rice Terraces, in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines 041 Bomod-ok Falls and Aguinid Rice Terraces, in Sagada-150211-082531

See more : Sagada travel tips

Banaue Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines

Banaue is home to the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, another must-see attraction in the Cordillera region. Hand-carved by the Ifugao people some 2,000 years ago, these extraordinary rice paddies are terraced like staircases for giants and follows the contours of entire mountainsides. Banaue is also the gateway to the Ifugao Rice Terraces, included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.Have a memorable local experience by spending the night at a homestay in one of the small villages like Batad or Banga-an. Get immersed in the culture of the Ifugao people, wake-up to a view of the rice terraces with a hot cup of local coffee, and go on the breathtaking hike to Tappiya Waterfalls.

Location  — Ifugao province, Cordillera Region. Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The bus journey to Banaue from Manila takes around 8-9 hours. Bus departures from Manila are in the late evening hours (8pm to 10pm). So, expect to arrive early morning. You can also reach Banaue easily from other destinations in the Cordillera region. The land journey to Banaue takes around 3 hours from Sagada and 6 hours from Baguio

Banaue Travel Essentials

Tappiya Falls near Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Tappiya Falls near Batad Rice Terraces

Igorot farmers at Kiangan Rice Terraces & Open Air Museum, in Kiangan, Ifugao, Philippines Igorot farmers at Kiangan Rice Terraces & Open Air Museum

Batad Rice Terraces near Banaue in Ifugao, Philippines Batad Rice Terraces near Banaue, Ifugao

Bangaan Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Bangaan Rice Terraces near Banaue

Banaue Rice Terraces viewpoint, in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

See more : Banaue, Ifugao travel tips

Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Vigan is the best-preserved Spanish-colonial town in Asia. If you’re a lover of old cities, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit.You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time (to 16th-century Philippines) as you explore Vigan. This heritage city is filled with cobblestone paths, horse-drawn carriages, centuries-old churches, and buildings. Get the ultimate Vigan experience by booking your room at one of the old Spanish-colonial homes.

Location  — Ilocos Norte province, Ilocos region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The nearest airport to Vigan is Laoag Airport, which serves direct flights from Manila. This journey takes around 2 hours (1-hour flight duration PLUS 2-hour land trip). You can also reach Vigan by bus. The land trip takes around 8-9 hours from Manila.

Vigan Travel Essentials

Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines Calle Crisologo, Vigan

See more : Vigan travel tips

Marcos at Tinago Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines

Iligan the “City of Majestic Waterfalls” deserves a spot on your bucketlist if you’re a lover of waterfalls (like me). This city in Northern Mindanao is home to many of the  Philippines’ most beautiful waterfalls . My favorites in Iligan include (1) Tinago Falls with its incredibly enchanting blue-green pool surrounded by the rainforest, (2) Maria Cristina Falls (massive twin waterfall), and the remote (3) Limunsudan Falls (the highest two-tiered waterfall in the Philippines).

Location  — Lanao del Norte province, Northern Mindanao region (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Cagayan de Oro-Laguindingan Airport (CGY), which serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Clark, and Dumaguete. Flight duration is 1h and 40m from Manila or 1h from Cebu. From Laguindingan Airport, the land trip to Iligan City takes around 1.5 hours.

Iligan Travel Essentials

Where to stay

Limunsudan Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines Limunsudan Falls, Iligan

Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan City

See more : Iligan travel tips

Popular & Easy To Visit

Sharing these major flight gateways and popular tourist destinations. All of these places have their own special set of bucketlist-worthy attractions. This just goes to show that you can find beautiful spots all over the Philippines and how incredibly difficult it is to select just a few, to make this list of best places to visit. The destinations mentioned below are not listed by rank.

Marcos at Fort Santiago, in Intramuros, Manila City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Manila offers many attractions for travelers. Historic Intramuros is a good place to start. This walled city is filled with Spanish-era architecture including the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Meanwhile, Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) are the best places to go to experience the nightlife, hip food scene, and the modern side of the city. Beat the tropical heat & shop at Manila’s massive malls. Metro Manila is home to many of the World’s largest malls including the ever-expanding Mall of Asia. Looking for a place to go near the airport? Visit the entertainment districts such as Newport City, City of Dreams, Solaire Resort, and Okada Manila.

Location  — Metro Manila capital region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main international gateway and domestic flight hub of the Philippines. The Manila-NAIA Airport is located in the cities of Pasay and Paranaque (among the 16 cities that comprise the Metro Manila area). Manila does not have a very good public transport system. For safe and easy rides around the metro, use a ride-hailing app like Grab.

Manila Travel Essentials

Manila-Luzon Shuttle – Tagaytay, Baguio, Laguna, La Union & more

National Museum of Natural History in Manila City, Philippines National Museum of Natural History, Manila

Intramuros Walled City in Manila City, Metro Manila, Philippines Intramuros Walled City, Manila

San Sebastian Cathedral interiors, in Metro Manila, Philippines San Sebastian Cathedral

Dusk view of Makati's skyline, from Top of the Citi by Chef jessie (rooftop bar), in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines Makati Skyline at Dusk

Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines Bonifacio High Street

See more : Manila travel tips

Chocolate Hills sunrise view in Carmen, Bohol, Philippines

Bohol is home to two of the Philippines’ most iconic attractions, often shown on tourism ads: The Chocolate Hills, and the bug-eyed Tarsier, one of the World’s smallest primates. This island in Central Philippines (near Cebu) offers so much more.In Panglao, you can stay at a nice hotel at one of the island’s many white-sand beach areas, go island hopping, enjoy diving, join an island hopping tour, and possibly have a dolphin encounter. If that’s not enough, you can enjoy a relaxing cruise along the pristine Loboc River, see the old Spanish-colonial heritage churches, Can-umantad waterfalls, Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, and remote Anda White Beach.If you plan to visit Cebu, then Bohol should be on your bucketlist too as you can easily see most of Bohol’s major tourist spots on a one-day tour from Cebu City.

How to go —  Touchdown at Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG), which serves direct flights from Manila, Clark, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. Travel time from Manila to Bohol is 1 hour by plane. You can also go by ferry from Cebu. Travel time from Cebu to Bohol is around 2 hours by fastcraft ferry.

Bohol Travel Essentials

Bohol Countryside Tour w/ Buffet Lunch

Bohol Private Car Charter

Cebu-Bohol Supercat Ferry Ticket (One Way or Round Trip)

Dumaluan Beach in Bolod, Panglao Island, Philippines Dumaluan Beach in Panglao, Bohol

Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, Philippines. Photo by Michelle Simtoco Loboc River Cruise, Bohol

Doljo Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines Doljo Beach, Panglao Island

Can-Umantad Falls in Candijay, Bohol, Philippines Can-Umantad Falls, Bohol

Baclayon Church, Bohol

See more : Bohol travel tips

Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, Philippines

Puerto Princesa is the capital and major flight gateway in Palawan. If you’re visiting El Nido, then Puerto Princesa, “The City in the Forest,” is worth a stopover. Start with a trip to Puerto Princesa Underground River, the 2nd longest navigable underground river in the world, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and New7Wonders of Nature. Then, spend a day beach bumming and snorkeling on an island hopping tour around Honda Bay. Don’t leave without going on the city tour and feasting on fresh seafood.

Location  — Central Palawan province, MIMAROPA Region (West Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Puerto Princesa is 1.5 hours southwest of Manila by plane. Princesa International Airport serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Clark, and Davao. You can also go by ferry from Manila or Iloilo (on the RORO ferry-bus).

Puerto Princesa Travel Essentials

Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour w/ Buffet Lunch

Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Sabang Beach near Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan, Philippines Sabang Beach near Puerto Princesa Underground River

Starfish Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines Starfish Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa

The Baywalk in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines The Baywalk in Puerto Princesa

Kinabuch's Seafood dinner, in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philipines Kinabuch's, Puerto Princesa City

See more : Puerto Princesa travel tips

Journey to Heaven, at Garin Pilgrimage Resort in San Joaquin, Iloilo

This is my home, Iloilo! Located at the country’s geographical center, Iloilo is also known as the “Heart of the Philippines.” It is famous for its well-preserved heritage sites, distinct native cuisine, cheap seafood, and pristine natural sites.Bustling yet relaxed Iloilo City is one of the most livable cities in the country. A highly urbanized city that’s keen on preserving its cultural and natural heritage. Within an hour’s travel from the city center, you can find yourself along a peaceful beach in Guimaras Island, home to the World’s sweetest mangoes. Head to the islands of Gigantes, Sicogon, and Concepcion to see the stunning seascapes of Northern Iloilo. A drive to the south takes you to centuries-old Spanish-colonial churches including the Miagao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Iloilo, you can also go on a land trip to other provinces in Panay Island — Antique, Capiz (Roxas City), and Aklan (Boracay).

Location  — Western Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Iloilo Airport, which serves direct flights from/to major airports in the Philippines, as well as Hong Kong and Singapore. Travel time to Iloilo by plane is 1h15m from Manila and 50m from Cebu. The airport also serves direct flights from/to Davao, Clark, Puerto Princesa, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos.

Iloilo Travel Essentials

Bacolod-Iloilo OceanJet Ferry Ticket

Iloilo Airport-Iloilo City Hotel Shuttle – ILO Private and Shared Transfers

Gigantes Islands Day Tour from Iloilo City

Calle Real in Iloilo City, Philippines Calle Real in Iloilo City

Tangke Lagoon in Gigantes Sur Island, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines Tangke Lagoon, Gigantes, Iloilo

Tatlong Pulo Beach in Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines Tatlong Pulo, Guimaras

Miagao Church in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines Miagao Church, Iloilo

Balvan View in Tubungan, Iloilo, Philippines Balvan View, Tubungan, Iloilo

See more : Iloilo & Guimaras travel tips

Puning Hot Springs in Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines

Located within a 2-3 hour drive north of Manila, Clark Airport is a major flight hub and alternative international gateway to the Philippines. Clark is a rapidly developing tourist destination and economic zone. It’s home to Aqua Planet Waterpark, PH’s largest waterpark, and other themed attractions such as Dinosaur Island. From Clark, you can enjoy a heritage tour of nearby Angeles City and sample the famous food of Pampanga, the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.Clark is also a popular jump-off point to explore the Central Luzon provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Aurora. The best things to do in this region include the (1) offroad adventure to Puning Hot Springs, (2) Mount Pinatubo summit crater trek, (3) Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar heritage resort, (4) Zambales’ scenic beaches, (5) Subic Bay, and the (6) surfing town of Baler.

Location  — Clark Freeport, Pampanga region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Clark Airport serves both domestic and international flights. Because of its location near Manila, it often serves as an alternative to congested Manila-NAIA Airport. Travel time from Manila to Clark is around 2-3 hours. Clark Airport is located within Clark Freeport Zone, which occupies part of Angeles City, Pampanga. The drive between Clark Airport & Angeles City center takes around 20 minutes.

Clark Travel Essentials

Dinosaurs Island Clark Admission Ticket

Zoocobia Admission Ticket in Clark

Clark Safari and Adventure Park Ticket

Pampanga Sisig, at Mila's Tokwa't Baboy in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines Pampanga Sisig, at Mila's Tokwa't Baboy

Holy Rosary Parish Church in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines Holy Rosary Parish Church, Angeles City, Pampanga

Aqua Planet in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines Aqua Planet, Clark

Marcos at Mount Pinatubo crater lake in Central Luzon, Philippines Mount Pinatubo crater lake, Philippines

See more : Clark & Pampanga travel tips

Isla Reta beachfront in Talucud Island, Samal, Davao del Norte, Philippines

Considering a trip to Southern Philippines? Start with Davao City, the largest urban center in Mindanao. Located at the foot of Mount Apo, the PH’s tallest mountain, this sprawling metropolis is where you can meet the great Philippine Eagle, get a taste of the infamous Durian fruit, and enjoy day trips to refreshing natural sites like Eden Nature Park and Samal Island. Of course, it is also the gateway to beautiful spots in Davao region and Mindanao.Samal Island is easily reached by ferry from Davao City. Enjoy a luxury stay at Pearl Farm Beach Resort, famous for its waterfront stilt cottages, or wander to the peaceful beaches of Talikud Island.

Location  — Davao region, Mindanao (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Davao Airport is the busiest airport in Mindanao. Travel time by plane from Manila to Davao is 2 hours. From Davao Airport, it typically takes 30 minutes to get to Davao City center.

Davao Travel Essentials

Davao (DVO) Airport to Hotel/City Private Transfer

Davao 24hr COVID-19 RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Testing

Davao COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing

Philippine Eagle Center, Davao City, Philippines Philippine Eagle Center, Davao

Eden Nature Park city view, in Davao City, Philippines Davao City view from Eden Nature Park

Jack's Ridge in Davao City, Philippines Jack's Ridge, Davao City

Monfort Bat Colony in Samal Island, Davao del Norte, Philippines Monfort Bat Colony, Samal Island

See more : Davao travel tips

Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Cagayan de Oro, the largest city in Northern Mindanao, is dubbed as the “Adventure Capital of the Philippines”. This city is famous for its white water river rafting, river tubing, paragliding, nature parks. Cagayan de Oro is also a convenient hub for tourists visiting the majestic waterfalls of Iligan, scenic sites of Camiguin Island, and cool attractions of Bukidnon province.

Location  — Northern Mindanao region (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Cagayan de Oro-Laguindingan Airport (CGY), which serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Clark, and Dumaguete. Flight duration is 1h and 40m from Manila or 1h from Cebu. From Laguindingan Airport, the land trip to Cagayan de Oro City takes around 1 hour.

Cagayan de Oro Travel Essentials

Seven Seas Waterpark Ticket in Cagayan de Oro

Dahilayan Adventure Park Admission Ticket

Philippines Unlimited Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery)

High Ridge in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines High Ridge, Cagayan de Oro

Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon, Philippines Dahilayan Adventure Park, Bukidnon

White Island in Camiguin, Philippines White Island, Camiguin

See more : Cagayan de Oro & beyond travel tips

Swimming with sea turtles at Apo Island, in Dauin, Oriental Negros, Philippines

Extremely chill Dumaguete is the jump-off point to Apo Island. If swimming with sea turtles is on your bucketlist, one of the best places to go is Apo Island, a protected marine sanctuary with sprawling coral gardens. From Dumaguete, you can also visit Siquijor Island and the many waterfalls, lakes & mountain resorts of Negros Oriental province.

Location  — Negros Oriental province, Central Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Dumaguete Airport is about an hour south of Manila by plane. You can also fly directly from Cebu. The flight only takes 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can get to Dumaguete by bus+ferry from Cebu. The bus+ferry journey takes around 6 hours.

Dumaguete Travel Essentials

Manjuyod Sandbar and Twin Lakes Tour

Siquijor Cambugahay Falls and Heritage Day Trip

Twin Lakes Natural Park with Dumaguete City Tour

Siliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines Siliman University, Dumaguete City

Casaroro Falls in Valencia, Oriental Negros Casaroro Falls, Negros Oriental

Dumaguete Boulevard at night, in Dumaguete City, Oriental Negros, Philippines Dumaguete Boulevard at night

See more : Dumaguete & Negros Oriental travel tips

Daraga Church & Mayon Volcano view from Daraga, near Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines

Legazpi is perhaps the most photogenic city in the Philippines. Here, the skyline view is dominated by Mayon Volcano, recognized as the World’s “perfect” cone-shaped volcano.Legazpi serves as the gateway to Bicol, a region famous for the whale shark watching in Donsol, Sorsogon, gorgeous islands of Caramoan (Camarines Sur), and Calaguas (Camarines Norte), Misibis Bay Resort, and of course, delicious Bicolano dishes (Bicol Express!).

Location  — Albay province, Bicol region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The fastest way to get to Legazpi is by air. Flight duration to Legazpi Airport is 1 hour from Manila or Cebu. Alternatively, you can also reach Legazpi by bus from Manila. The land trip takes around 9 to 12 hours.

Legazpi Travel Essentials

Cagsawa Ruins & Mayon Volcano in Daraga, near Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga

Mayon Volcano view near Cagsawa ruins in Daraga, near Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines Mayon Volcano view near Cagsawa ruins, Albay

See more : Legazpi, Bicol & Mayon Volcano travel tips

San Juanico Bridge in Leyte-Samar, Philippines

Tacloban City, the regional capital of Eastern Visayas, is home to the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines and as the site of U.S. General Douglas MacArthur’s landing, a monumental event during WWII.Eastern Visayas is a region blessed with many of the Philippines’ most awe-inspiring natural sights including Kalanggaman Island’s insanely beautiful sandbar, the incredible rock formations of Biri Island, majestic waterfalls of Samar and alluring Sambawan Island in Biliran province.

Location  — Leyte province, Eastern Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Tacloban-Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, which serves direct flights from/to Manila, Cebu, and Clark. Travel time from Manila to Tacloban is 1.5 hours by flight. From Tacloban Airport, the ride to the downtown area takes 15 minutes only.

Tacloban Travel Essentials

Philippines 4G Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery)

Asia 4G LTE WIFI Hotspot (Manila Airport Pick Up)

MacArthur Park in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines MacArthur Park

Sohoton Caves National Park in Basey, Samar, Philippines Sohoton Caves National Park

Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, Philippines Kalanggaman Island

Tinago Falls in Caibiran, Biliran, Philippines Tinago Falls, Biliran

Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran, Philippines Sambawan Island

See more : Tacloban, Leyte travel tips

Wright Park in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines

Visit the Philippines’ summer capital. Baguio City offers a cool climate, urban comforts, pine-filled parks and an exciting food scene. There are a lot of fun day trips beyond the city as well such as the La Trinidad strawberry fields and flower farms in Benguet.

Location  — Benguet province, Cordillera region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Land travel to Baguio is approximately 5-6 hours from Manila, 6 hours from Banaue, and 5-6 hours from Sagada.

Baguio Travel Essentials

La Trinidad strawberry fields in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines La Trinidad strawberry fields near Baguio

Flower farms in Atok, Benguet, Philippines Atok flower farms, Benguet

Camp John Hay Golf Course in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines Camp John Hay Golf Course, Baguio

Burnham Park Lake in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines Burnham Park Lake, Baguio City

Bell Church in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines Bell Church, Baguio City

See more : Baguio & Benguet travel tips

Subic Bay beachfront, near Olongapo City, Zambales

Subic Bay is a popular destination for themed attractions and natural sites. Subic’s top tourist spots include the Pamulaklakin Nature Park, Boardwalk Park, Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure, Inflatable Island & duty-Free shopping malls.

Location  — Zambales province, Central Luzon region (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The land trip to Subic takes around 2-4 hours from Manila or 1.5 hours from Clark. Aside from buses/shuttle that go directly to Subic, you can also get on buses bound for Olongapo (Zamables). Subic Bay Freeport Zone is a short 10-minute ride away from the bus terminal in Olongapo.

Subic Bay Travel Essentials

Zoobic Safari Admission Ticket in Subic

Ocean Adventure Admission Ticket in Subic Bay

Camayan Beach Resort Day Pass

See more : Subic Bay travel tips

Taal Volcano view from Tagaytay Twin Lakes in Batangas-Cavite, Philippines

Tagaytay is a popular go-weekend vacation spot near Manila? Go on a 2-3 hour drive to Tagaytay, enjoy the cool mountain breeze, and see the iconic view of the highly active Taal Volcano.Taal Volcano is famous for Vulcan Point, the world’s largest island within a lake (Crater Lake) that is situated on an island (Volcano Island/Taal Island) located in a lake (Lake Taal) within an island (Luzon) in the Pacific Ocean.

Location  — Cavite-Batangas provinces, Southern Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  You can find Tagataytay-bound buses at Cubao, Buendia or Pasay in Metro Manila. Travel time is around 2 to 3 hours depending on the pace of traffic. Alternatively, you can hop on a shuttle van from EGI Mall near the LRT Gil Puyat Station.

Tagaytay Travel Essentials

Sky Ranch Tagaytay Ride-All-You-Can Day Pass

Paradizoo Admission Ticket in Tagaytay

Tagaytay Day Tour from Manila

See More of the Philippines

Lily Flower Blooms in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines

One of my favorite highland destinations in the Philippines is Lake Sebu, the homeland of the T’boli people. This peaceful town in Mindanao offers a cool mountain climate, beautiful waterfalls, and scenic lake views. When in Lake Sebu, do not miss the 7 Falls Zipline. It’s one of the tallest in Asia and offers a breathtaking view of Lake Sebu’s seven waterfalls. Enjoy an early morning canoe ride to see the fields of blooming lotus greet the sunrise.

Location  — South Cotabato province,Soccsksargen region, Mindanao Island (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  General Santos Airport is around two hours by plane from Manila or around 1 hour from Cebu or Iloilo. Land travel from General Santos to Lake Sebu takes 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, can book a flight to Davao Airport go on a 2 to 3-hour land trip to General Santos.

Lake Sebu Travel Essentials

Hikong Bente (2nd Falls) in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines Hikong Bente (2nd Falls), Lake Sebu

Punta Isla Lake Resort in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines Punta Isla Lake Resort, Lake Sebu

See more : Lake Sebu travel tips

Paoay Church (San Agustin Church) in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Ilocos Norte and its capital city, Laoag, is one of the Philippines’ top heritage destinations. See the Paoay Church, included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, and many other exquisite Spanish-colonial churches. Go farther north to find the iconic windmills, beautiful beaches, surfing, and coastal landscapes in Pagudpud and Burgos.

Location  — Ilocos Norte province, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Traveling by air is the fastest and most convenient way to Ilocos Norte. Laoag Airport is an hour north of Manila by plane. You can also reach Laoag by land from different areas in Luzon. The land trip to Laoag is around 9 hours from Manila.

Laoag Travel Essentials

Kapurpurawan White Rock in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Kapurpurawan White Rock

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Bangui Windmills in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Bangui Windmills

See more : Laoag & Ilocos Norte travel tips

Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor, Philippines

Hop on a ferry from Dumaguete & wander around the mystical island of Siquijor. This island province is famous for its stunning beach coves, waterfalls, and as a home of mountain-dwelling mangkukulam (healers/Filipino witches).

Location  — Central Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Touchdown at Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, which serves direct flights from Manila and Cebu. From Dumaguete Pier, ride one of the frequent ferries to Siquijor. Travel time by fastcraft (high-speed ferry) is 50 minutes. You can also reach Siquijor on a direct ferry from Cebu or Bohol.

Siquijor Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor, Philippines Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor

Lazi Church in Siquijor, Philippines Lazi Church, Siquijor

See more : Siquijor travel tips

Bato Ni Ning Ning in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines

Port Barton is a quiet beachside village in the town of San Vicente. It is popular among backpackers and travelers who want to experience a relaxed rural atmosphere. Here, you can go about and explore many pristine offshore islands and venture to Long Beach in San Vicente Town Proper, reputedly the longest white sand beach in the Philippines. San Vicente/Port Barton is located between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, in mainland Palawan.

Location  — San Vicente, Northern Palawan province, Palawan province, MIMAROPA region (West Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The fastest way is by flying directly to the new San Vicente Airport, which serves direct flights from Clark. From San Vicente Airport / Poblacion, you can charter a boat to get to Port Barton. Travel time by boat takes around 1 hour. You can also go by land from other spots in Palawan Island. Travel time to San Vincente takes around 5-6 hours from Puerto Princesa, 2.5-3 hours from El Nido or 1-1.5 hours from Roxas Bus Terminal.

San Vicente Travel Essentials

Port Barton Island Hopping from San Vicente (Join-In Tour)

Port Barton Beach at dusk, in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines Port Barton Beach, San Vicente, Palawan

Maxima Island in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines Maxima Island, San Vicente, Palawan

San Vicente Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines San Vicente Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan

Marcos at Matukad Island in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Bicol, Philippines

Caramoan rose to fame when the islands became the location of TV reality show “Survivor.” It was featured multiple times not only by Survivor US, but also various international editions of the franchise. After you’ve seen Caramoan, it’s not hard to see why. The islands are blessed with towering limestone cliffs that serve as the perfect backdrop of hidden lagoons and crowdless white sand beaches.

Location  — Camarines Sur province, Bicol region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  Sabang Port in San Jose, Camarines Sur province is the jump-off point to Caramoan. Travel time to Sabang Port by car is 1 hour from Naga City (Naga-Pili Airport) or 3 hours from Legazpi City (Legazpi-Bicol Airport). From Sabang Port, ride a local ferry to Guijalo Port in Caramoan. Travel time is around 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Guijalo, the land trip to Caramoan town proper takes around 30 minutes. From Caramoan town proper, the islands are accessible on whole day island hopping tours.

Caramoan Travel Essentials

Caramoan Islands view from Matudak Island in Camarines Sur, Philippines Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur

Lahos Island in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Lahos Island, Camarines Sur

Tayak Beach in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Tayak Beach, Camarines Sur

Caramoan Church (St. Micheal de Archangel Parish Church) in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Caramoan Church, Camarines Sur

Mahabang Buhang Beach in Calaguas Island, Vinzons, Camarines Norte, Philippines

Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island is perhaps the only beach in Northern Philippines that can rival the likes of Boracay and the best beaches in Palawan when it comes to powdery fine white sand. Despite its remote location in Camarines Norte, it has risen as one of the top places to visit among beach campers and adventure-seeking tourists. The beachfront is shy of one kilometer in length and has a sprawling view of unbelievably turquoise blue and crystal clear waters.

Location  — Vinzons, Camarines Norte province, Bicol region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The main jump-off points to Calaguas Island is are the towns of Paracale and Vinzons in Camarines Norte province. From Manila, the land journey to Paracale/Vinzons takes around 8-9 hours. Paracale is the nearer gateway to Calaguas Island. Travel time by ferry from Paracale to Calaguas is around 2 hours. The nearest airport with commercial flights is Naga-Pili Airport (WNP), which is a 2-hour drive away from Paracale/Vinzons.

Marcos at Magasang Rock Formation in Biri, Samar, Philippines

Biri is one of my all-time favorite “off the beaten path” adventures in the Philippines. Facing the Pacific Ocean, this remote island is home to awe-inspiring rock formations carved over time by nature. Scramble up to one of the peaks for an awe-inspiring view of raging sea waves crashing over the rugged landscape.

Location  — Northern Samar province, Eastern Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The nearest airport to Biri is Catarman Airport, which serves direct flights from Clark. From Catarman Airport, you’ll first need to go on a 1-hour land trip to Lavezares Port, the main jump-off point to Biri Islands. From Lavezares Port, hop on a ferry to Biri. The sea crossing takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, it’s possible to reach Biri from Calbayog Airport or Tacloban Airport. Travel time by land from Tacloban to Lavezares is 6 hours.

Bel-at Rock Formation sunset view, in Biri, Samar, Philippines Bel-at Rock Formations, Biri

Marcos at Magasang Rock Formation in Biri, Samar, Philippines Magasang Rock Formation, Biri

Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Endless stretches of white-sand beaches, not your only image of a perfect island getaway? Surigao del Sur province has many extraordinary sights for the off-beat traveler. See the majestic Tinuy-an Falls and bizarre Hinatuan Enchanted River, a magically clear, deep blue river that seems to spring from nowhere.

Location  — Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur province, Caraga region, Mindanao (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go —  The Enchanted River is located in the coastal town of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur province. The nearest airports are Butuan Airport and Davao Airport. Travel time by bus to Hinatuan is around 4 hours from Butuan and 5 hours from Davao. From Hinatuan town proper, the trip to the Enchanted River takes around 20 minutes.

Where to Stay in Philippines

Click below & search recommended Philippines hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Don’t Stop Here

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Discover more blogs and travel tips in:

• Puerto Princesa
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• Iloilo City
• Gigantes Islands
• Southeast Asia

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August 20, 2015 at 7:12 pm

Thank you for Iligan :) will share!

August 20, 2015 at 10:03 pm

Waterfalls are my weakness. Plus points for the likes of Tinago, where you can enjoy the swimming in the natural pool, and not just appreciate them from a distance. Thanks for dropping by Rain!

August 21, 2015 at 7:20 am

Thank You for featuring Iloilo! The food. The ambiance. It’s a sanctuary! ?

August 21, 2015 at 8:24 pm

My pleasure Jae. More people should discover and explore Iloilo.

August 21, 2015 at 12:01 pm

Should include Batanes in your bucketlist.. ?

August 21, 2015 at 8:22 pm

It already is! I would have included Batanes on this list if I had gone there already. For the next update, I think I’ll be needing help from my travel buddies to convince people why Batanes is worth a go.

August 22, 2015 at 1:02 pm

I definitely agree about Batanes! This may help do some convincing – http://theroadtoneverland.com/the-batanes-great-spaces-list/ :)

February 4, 2016 at 5:27 pm

I’ve been dreaming of going to Batanes too =)

January 17, 2019 at 6:00 pm

I agree. Batanes should be included. Its the most serene and lovely place to go that if you want a peaceful day away from all office tension this is the right place. Not much for food though but the place and people – I’m all thumbs up! Highly recommended!

August 21, 2015 at 1:48 pm

Thanks for featuring Surigao ? You have to visit Turtle Island too in Barobo, Surigao del Sur, with its white beaches, clear sea water, cave, smaller islets around it and its beautiful scenery at the top of it. Brittania beach is so cool too .

August 21, 2015 at 8:21 pm

I love Surigao. Can’t get enough of surfing in Siargao and the lagoons of Sohoton. Thanks for the suggestions. I really want to visit more places in the eastern coast of mainland Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

August 21, 2015 at 5:17 pm

Boracay Island? i know its not that much of a paradise anymore but i think it does deserve to be on this list

August 21, 2015 at 8:19 pm

I will be including Boracay on the next update. Boracay is a rare beauty not only in the PH, but across the globe.

August 21, 2015 at 9:52 pm

Thanks much for including my hometown SAGADA… Have you been to Bumod-ok Falls? ??? Good luck and God bless!

August 21, 2015 at 10:49 pm

Yes, Bumod-ok Falls and Pongas Falls. I <3 Sagada. Thanks Gamay!

August 22, 2015 at 12:45 am

Hello, Best post I have read from browsing FB today! Have gone visited half, obviously there are still more! Keep on traveling and sharing! It really is more fun in the Phils! :) -kathy

August 22, 2015 at 1:49 am

Love your article. Grew up in Baguio City. Was hoping to see Baguio as one of the list. I guess the City had lost its charm.

August 22, 2015 at 4:53 am

You haven’t been to Antique(san jose, antique. In there we have beaches such as malalison beach. We call the virgin island. Malumpati beach, sira an spring in anini-y antique and many more.

March 1, 2017 at 11:49 am

Nice place Antique.. Mauli gid ako sa Antique Ma’am

August 22, 2015 at 10:56 am

August 22, 2015 at 12:33 pm

Nice compilation and awesome pictures! ;)

August 22, 2015 at 6:00 pm

I had an opportunity to visit the Philippines and I only had a week to stay. I chose Boracay. I had the most wonderful and transformative experience there. Not only was it beyond beautiful with countless experiences to be had, the people were some of the friendliest I’ve experienced in my world travels. I have befriended some and keep contact even now. I’d like to thank Marcos for this glimpse at some of what the country has to offer and beautiful photos. I personally now consider the Philippines to be a home away from home and thank the people there for embracing me. Everything is better in the Philippines. ^_^

August 22, 2015 at 8:55 pm

This is a beautifully presented blog. I have traveled the Philippines quite extensively back in the day but obviously, there’s a whole lot more to see, pick up souvenirs and create memories.

August 28, 2015 at 7:30 pm

thank you for bicol:) i think you should also visit calaguas islands in camarines norte its so beautiful.

August 28, 2015 at 9:39 pm

My pleasure Michelle. I’ve been to Calaguas and it’s way up my list of the Philippines’ most beautiful beaches :)

September 3, 2015 at 12:19 pm

I have been to CDO a lot but didn’t make time for Ma. Cristina falls and Tinago falls. Regret! Should make time next time :)

September 12, 2015 at 10:11 am

Good Job, Marcos… nice one. i love it. Thanks…

September 12, 2015 at 5:50 pm

How about syquijor marcos?

September 14, 2015 at 5:01 am

5 down 6 more to go! Gigantes sur Island is sexy!!! Im gonna share this to all of my friends around the world, it’s more fun in the Philippines indeed!! Thanks for the great post sir!

October 17, 2015 at 5:18 pm

So fascinated with the places you’ve pinned on your blog. Visited four places out of eleven.

Please visit Cagayan Valley,too.

We have plenty of waterfalls, lagoon and jaw-dropping cave esp the Bluewater Cave.

November 21, 2015 at 10:05 am

Hey Marcos,

Greetings from the USA. I am a solo traveler going back into the Philippines February 2k16 for a couple of months. I will be visiting: Cebu, Camotes, Bantanyan, Apo, Palawan and then I will head into Thailand (4 my 4th time there).

Do you have any information on the conditions in Camotes and Bantanyan? I have been scouring the blogs but cannot find out current conditions of these islands. Have they recuperated from the typhoons?

Happy trails, Gregg

November 21, 2015 at 11:40 am

I actually visited Bantayan in Cebu earlier this year. The island is a good place as any to visit. The resorts have recovered from any (recent) typhoons. I haven’t gone to Camotes yet, but I’d go out on a limb and say that the resorts there are operating normally, too.

November 23, 2015 at 1:17 pm

What was the Overall Cost of all trips? Or separately cost of each destination? I just want to see what an estimate of the cost would be for all 11. Thank you!

November 30, 2015 at 7:24 am

If you are near the Romblon Province… you are welcome on Sibuyan Island…the Galapagos of Asia Enjoy 100% pure nature…

February 16, 2016 at 3:53 am

Batanes should be on this list! Much more so than the other places in this list! It’s so weird that it was not included. I had to re-read the list to make sure I just didn’t miss it.

February 16, 2016 at 11:49 am

Pangasinan is also an easy to go for first timers. We have lots of beaches there and tourist spots including Hundred Islands. ?

February 25, 2016 at 2:23 am

Very nice to see Dumaguete in the list :-) Kind Regards

PS: I like your picture plug-in for the small images. would you mid sharing which one you use?

February 25, 2016 at 3:41 pm

Thanks Rhoody ^_^

It’s a premium plug-in called is “Justified Image Grid.’

March 10, 2016 at 6:59 am

Awesome and really helpful article you wrote. Came across your article while searching for Gigantes island. You basically gave me so many ideas on where to take my family when we get there in the next few months! P.S. You should check out Sipalay, Negros Occidental out too and try and head over to Danugan Island Sanctuary – http://www.danjuganisland.ph/ – yes it’s not waterfalls but on the way to Sipalay, you can make a stop over at Mag-aso Falls somewhere in Kabankalan City

Have fun travelling! Maria

April 19, 2016 at 2:44 pm

Thanks for sharing this ideas, last yr we visited Calaguas..3 days are not enough to explore all the breathtaking scenery from that place. love it and its really a good place to hideaway and relax. thank u my khush also

April 28, 2016 at 4:55 am

Lovely places.. thanks for listing them. i’m going to visit the Philippines by the end of this year with my better half. i think this is perfect guide.

May 1, 2016 at 4:02 am

Please visit Aliwagwag Falls, Cateel, Davao Oriental.

May 1, 2016 at 8:49 am

I’ve already been to Aliwagwag! It was very beautiful. I’ve included it on my list of must-visit waterfalls in the Philippines .

May 2, 2016 at 10:59 pm

Can you suggest a 4 days tour in bangkok thailand beside visiting the temples,floating market.thanks

May 4, 2016 at 12:54 pm

Hey Jessica :) You can find my Thailand blogs, guides, and travel tips on this link: https://www.detourista.com/x/search/network/?q=thailand

May 27, 2016 at 11:20 am

Thanks for spending your time traveling around our country and giving people ideas what we can offer here it will helps our tourism industry and most of all thanks for featuring my home city Iloilo.

June 26, 2016 at 7:54 pm

Hello there,

How long did you spend on each island and in the Phillipines in total?

June 27, 2016 at 10:52 am

I live in the Philippines and I visited these places on different trips. Visiting the highlights on each stop on the list should take 3-5 days. Many of these places are located in the same (big) islands like Luzon and Mindanao :)

August 16, 2016 at 10:02 pm

Been to awesome Palawan… next is Bicol… Good article man…

August 17, 2016 at 6:47 am

Thanks Armando! Bicol is beautiful, make sure to visit Calaguas or Caramoan Islands if you want to visit beaches. Of course, don’t miss the view of Mayon Volcano and enjoy the delicious food in Bicol.

September 7, 2016 at 2:43 pm

Great tips. Traveling in June 2017 with 4 adult kids. A lot of the activities esp in Palawan and Cebu are for divers. We aren’t divers but my adult kids are active and me not so much due to aches and pains. Will we find a happy medium in going to Coron, El Nido, Bohol? We enjoy good food and wouldn’t mind some time for pampering.

September 24, 2016 at 2:50 am

Cool Theresa! You can enjoy a lot in those places even if you are not divers. In Coron, for example, you can already see the rich marine life just on a snorkeling/island hopping tour. There are also a lot of amazing places to see & experience above water.

September 10, 2016 at 9:43 am

Hi there i am in cebu now. What would be the best circuit to go for flow here to see some of these cool place ? I wanna surf to buy at present no swell so thought if start a citcuit for a couple of weeks then hit the surf island Should i start with palawan? Or would there be an easy flow direction from cebu? Cheers Prem

September 24, 2016 at 2:48 am

Hello Prim! If you want the best surfing, go to Siargao. There’s a direct Cebu-Siargao flight by Cebu Pacific. To go to Palawan, you need to go back to Cebu by plane & take another flight to Puerto Princesa. If it were me, I would visit Siargao first & then do a more chill trip in Palawan.

November 21, 2016 at 11:06 pm

Thanks for sharing these places! Palawan looks beautiful. And Illocos looks very interesting! Ive written them down for when i go to the Philippines x

November 29, 2016 at 2:32 pm

Thanks for the comment Stephanie. Have fun on your future trips in PH!

January 7, 2017 at 1:52 pm

I’m glad South Cotabato and Northern Mindanao are featured in your list. As someone who’s living here in Mindanao, we’re proud of our tourist spots and beautiful natural resources.

January 8, 2017 at 6:43 am

Thanks for the comment Ana. I love visiting these places :) I had gone to more places in South Cotabato and North Mindanao recently. There are a lot more places to visit in the area :D

May 20, 2017 at 8:25 am

After our tour in iloilo city and Boracay , other towns in Panay island would be another bests. See a real MUMMY in Casanayan for the first time, swim in Dayhagan beach, see the biggest bell in Asia, be amazed of the tallest Marian image in Asia found in Pilar, the very high statue of sacred heart and seafood in Roxas city, the Kawa bath in Antique, the caves and super big acacia trees and waterfalls in Pilar, Sicogon island and Gigantes island . all of these are in Panay island ,3 hour bus ride from iloilo city..

May 29, 2017 at 11:31 am

What about Borocay? How does it compare to the places listed above?

May 29, 2017 at 10:59 pm

Boracay is beautiful & one of the top spots in the Philippines. It’s one of the best places to visit for vacationers. You might want to check out this list of the best beaches in the Philippines to compare with other island destinations in the country.

June 8, 2017 at 2:11 am

Why didn’t you include Batanes? Its so beautiful to miss it?

June 8, 2017 at 2:52 am

Check out this list! https://www.detourista.com/guide/philippines-best-beaches/

June 15, 2017 at 8:49 pm

Love Philippines!!

June 17, 2017 at 3:30 pm

I like this side. I want to visit .

June 27, 2017 at 8:39 pm

awesome blog! Just wanna ask what camera and lenses you used on those lovely photos.

June 27, 2017 at 11:09 pm

Glad you like my photo Sean :)

They were taken on different trips over the last decade or so, haha. I’ve used different cameras (& lenses) but mainly these: Nikon D5000 Panasonic Lumix DSLM Sony A6000

Many photos on my blog are also taken with a mobile phone: Huawei P9

November 6, 2017 at 3:19 am

Wat would be the cost for solo trip for 5 days

November 17, 2017 at 10:19 pm

It depends on what places you want to visit, activities & hotel rates. Generally, a backpacker-friendly budget in the Philippines is around USD 20-50 or PHP 1000-2500 per day.

Check out these posts to get an idea of the costs of traveling in the Philippines: El Nido Travel Guide Blog Boracay Travel Guide Blog

November 13, 2017 at 11:58 pm

Interesting list but I would have to say that my first reaction when I was browsing through the places on the list was to disagree. However upon reading the article thats when I noticed that the list would Be for first time travelers who would like to start discovering beautiful places in the Philippines. I guess A more descriptive title would be better for this article. But interesting list.

November 17, 2017 at 10:03 pm

Thank you Blanne. The Philippines has so many beautiful spots to offer beyond these places listed. They are definitely worth seeking.

You’re right, I wrote this article keeping the ease of traveling to & around these spots in mind.

If you have destinations that you think should be on the article, I and my readers would appreciate including them on your next comment :)

November 24, 2017 at 4:36 am

How many days do you suggest to visit Philippines?

November 24, 2017 at 7:18 am

Depends on how many places you want to visit. Two to four week will be enough to visit the highlights. Or, at least 2 to 5 days per destination.

May 1, 2018 at 5:37 pm

Sir whats better to visit in Kalibo, cebu,davao or puerto princesa or legaspi?I went to corn boracay dumaguete and bohol already

May 3, 2018 at 12:08 am

Hi Sweet, I recommend that you go to Palawan!

September 8, 2018 at 4:51 pm

Hi… Can I asked what hotel in Baguio city and in palawan most expensive and worth it to stay..thank you

September 19, 2018 at 1:53 am

Hey Rosie. You can check the list of hotels here . Just enter your travel dates, sort the results by the highest guest reviews, and use the price/star rating filter.

September 11, 2018 at 11:59 pm

Hi, when having to choose to add days somewhere to stay longer you would go with Cebu/Bohol are or Palawan? :)

September 19, 2018 at 2:08 am

It depends on what kind of places you want to visit. For the best beaches & islands, go for Palawan (esp. El Nido and Coron). Explore more of Palawan if you want to visit more off-beat beaches and islands. If you want to have a more diverse experience, extend your trip in Cebu/Bohol (food, waterfalls, heritage sites, urban comforts etc.)

December 15, 2018 at 8:23 am

Totally agree with your list. Having Cebu and Bohol on your top 3 list is indeed the right thing. Palawan is the most popular to me in terms of local and foreign tourists that visits the place and Cebu as the second best places in your list is indeed correct, for me, and I also agree with your number 3. All in all, I agree with your list. These are indeed the best places in Philippines that every tourists shouldn’t miss

January 17, 2019 at 2:49 am

Thank you for this information I’ve enjoyed reading all your advise . We are a couple in our 50’s hoping to spend 3 weeks in the Philippines soon thinking of port Barton, El I do , Bohol what do you think ? Than you

January 18, 2019 at 4:44 pm

Yes, those are good choices! From El Nido, you can take the ferry to Coron as well. From Bohol, you can continue your trip to Dumaguete & Siquijor Island.

January 24, 2019 at 1:31 am

If I have one week to visit the Philipines, what places do you recommend me to go?

January 24, 2019 at 4:00 am

You can maybe limit to one, two or three places on the list. A good combination would be, Cebu & Palawan.

February 26, 2019 at 3:58 pm

What a fantastic, informative post with beautiful pictures! I am considering an 8 day visit in April and am trying to figure out where to go so this is very helpful. I’d love to see beautiful beaches and the whale shark, maybe the Tarsiers too. Any suggestions on where I could go and the order to go in? Thank you!!

March 1, 2019 at 2:37 pm

With 8 days, I recommend that you limit the no. destinations to 2 or 3 spots. I suggest Palawan and Cebu.

In Palawan, you can either go to Coron… or do the Puerto Princesa-El Nido route.

From Cebu, you can base at Cebu City and visit Bohol / South Cebu on day trips.

Enjoy the Philippines!

April 25, 2019 at 7:26 pm

Marcos, i just want to thank you for the awesome info you’ve provided through your pages. I’m heading to the Philippines in a few weeks for fourteen nights, i’m still quite confused regarding where to spend my time but i’m sure that once i look closer at all you have shared that i will be able to make my destination choices and thoroughly enjoy my time!

April 26, 2019 at 11:49 am

Hi Jason, you can start planning by including Palawan (El Nido and/or Coron) and then add more places that pique your interest. Enjoy the Philippines!

June 30, 2019 at 1:02 pm

Wow, that’s an awesome compilation of the best things to do in the Philippines! I’ll definitely share it as a reference with our readers, both travelers and local organizers. Thanks!

July 3, 2019 at 11:09 am

I’ve been to these places especially in most part of Mindanao and it’s such a rare beauty. That’s why whenever my friends would invite me to visit nearby countries in asia, I always tell them to finish exploring the Philippines first because there are literally thousands of places to visit and enjoy. It’s more fun in the Philippines, indeed :)

July 4, 2019 at 11:18 pm

I am so looking forward to reading this in more depth and checking out all the links, before my first trip to the Philippines at Christmas time

August 14, 2019 at 1:38 pm

Its nice have a safe trip always! share more adventures

August 24, 2019 at 2:50 pm

why have’nt you included Leyte or Southern Leyte two of the most interesting historic areas of the phlippines with tons of interesting stories from the second world war and the adventures of Marco Polo

August 28, 2019 at 1:51 pm

Actually, Phillipines is one of the places in my Bucket list which I have not explored yet. I love the city of Phillipines and the places you shared are so beautiful and so amazing. I really wish that someday I will visit this city as soon as possible. I just fall in love with these places. Thank you so much for this great post.

December 3, 2019 at 5:36 pm

From your article stating Palawan and Puerto Princesa at the very top of your best of list of the Philippines, we went extra to these two places to start our trip. What a shame and a big waste of money! Why not mention that Puerto Princesa, Palawan and particularly El Nido are overpriced tourist traps? How about giving a clear account of the greediness of the hotels, guesthouse and restaurants owners for such a low quality of service and infrastructure? (compared to over places in Asia). You do give an extensive list of nicer places in your article but saying that Palawan is the must destination is a big lie. If you want to be honest and help travelers, then weight your arguments, tell that what is special on Palawan is the island hoping and lagoons, for which the boat tours have a cost as well. And if you want to boost these places for some hidden interest of yours, at least be honest and give a realistic account of the prices and quality of services for each place you present. Thank you

January 30, 2020 at 8:00 pm

Hi Elodie! That is exactly my difficulty choosing where to go.. I am going for the first time to Philippines and i am really excited. However i only have 8 days this time as I am going to do a yoga teaching for a month right after.

my question is: If you are first time travelling to Philippines and have only 8 days should I do 1. Port Barton and el Nido or 2. Siargao ?

I am a lot into exploring and ideally less crowded more paradise like. I dont need any ‘luxury’ and I am going by my self end of Feb. any suggestions?

I know El Nido/Coron is like ‘THE’ place but i am not sure about how busy and tourity it might feel nowdays. In the other side Siargao seems really nice but not sure if the beauty would compare to el Nido.

thoughts please? :)

February 1, 2020 at 9:56 pm

Siargao is beautiful too. You can visit Sohoton Lagoons/Bucas Grande Island, which is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to in the Philippines.

December 7, 2019 at 8:59 pm

Thanks for a great article. The Philippines is such an underrated country! I fell in love with the place on my first visit in 2014. I even met my wife in Manila.

December 30, 2019 at 6:37 pm

Amazing info! Question – how wheelchair friendly is Palawan, Manila & Cebu? My fiancé is quite mobile – he can around easily but he’s still in a wheelchair. I know it’s hard to say but is difficult yet do-able or completely forget it and don’t go?

December 31, 2019 at 7:32 am

Hi Terry. It’s definitely doable :)

January 24, 2020 at 1:53 pm

Hello Marcos,

Loved your article! I have two weeks in Philippines and I am flying in to Manila from Bali and onward to Hong Kong. I have only booked tickets from A-B-C .. and not inter city flights. I am planning to do Palawan -el nido, coron, Cebu and Bohol in central and sagada and rice fields in north. so my question- it a best option to come back to manila to catch flight to Hong kong or do you suggest to fly out from any other destination? .Thank you

February 1, 2020 at 10:00 pm

You can consider the direct flights to Hong Kong from Cebu or Puerto Princesa (Palawan) as well.

Here’s a route you can take:

Manila (+Sagada/Banaue) Clark to Palawan (Coron or Puerto Princesa) Flight Palawan to Cebu flight Cebu to Hong Kong flight

February 9, 2020 at 6:25 pm

Wishing to see the true natural beauty of Northern Mindanao;) Extremely loving places just like the article.

February 12, 2020 at 5:05 am

Wow! Thank you for sharing your travel adventures in your truly beautiful country. We are planning a trip for March 2020 and would love your advise on our itinerary if you are happy to give us some guidance :)

March 31, 2020 at 4:52 am

Amazing…Lovely the natural travel adventure.I love travelling the World and i read the article of the your adventure liked it.

April 1, 2020 at 4:00 am

Thanks for giving the great response

March 19, 2020 at 1:52 pm

It is true that one of the places in the Philippines that you must visit is Ilo-ilo. They have lots of beautiful tourist spots that you must see and experience. If you are the type person who loves sea or island hopping then I suggest that you try Islas de Gigantes. I recommend that you book your stay at Solina Beach & Nature Resort Iloilo because they are near the island plus they can arrange and accommodate everything for you. They will provide transportation going to the port, the boat that will take you to the islands, food, water, towels and someone who will be your guide.

March 26, 2020 at 8:42 pm

thanks for sharing

April 3, 2020 at 4:46 pm

I will really go to Palawan and Siargao after this COVID-19! I miss the view and breeze of beach!

April 11, 2020 at 3:29 pm

The Philippines is a wonderful country no doubt and the pics which you have shared, its outstanding and now I would like to see all these places. but would like to know these places are far from each other or they are close enough that you can explore these places at the same day.

May 14, 2020 at 1:24 pm

Maybe you should add Bacolod too, there are lots of great things to do there and neighboring areas like Talisay City, the Lakawon island, and more.

June 14, 2020 at 4:48 pm

I hope one day, you would be able to feature the following:

1. Sta. Cruz Island (Pink Sand) of Zamboanga City 2. Onces Islas of Zamboanga City 3. Malamawi Beach of the Province of Basilan 4. All beaches in the Province of Tawi-Tawi 5. Dakak Resort in Dapitan 6. Balut island in the Province of Sarangani

June 19, 2020 at 4:19 pm

Hello. Thank you for sharing this beautiful places in the Philippines. 😍 I used some of your photos as a model and i paint it for my Art vlogs. Thank youu ❤️

July 21, 2020 at 12:54 pm

Mayon Volcano is such a beauty. Its perfect cone is surreal! Imagining myself back in Bicol after this pandemic. Love this post!

October 3, 2020 at 1:34 am

thank you for the sharing of the post and informative Data in the post that is helpfull for me

December 10, 2020 at 6:50 pm

I want to thanks for your time for this wonderful Article!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

February 27, 2021 at 7:44 am

Most of my friends tell me that the Philippines is one of the best places to travel during summer. For me, traveling is tied in with looking for new experiences. Furthermore, these experiences become considerably more fun when you can share them with an old buddy. Come and visit my article on Top 7 Destinations to Visit During Summer I hope this will guide you as well.

Thanks Nicki

March 25, 2021 at 6:28 am

This article is very informative. It is a valuable piece of information. I wish to now make a travel plan to the Philippines after reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

April 22, 2021 at 8:54 pm

Thank you for such a broad overview of the sights in the Philippines. This is the best place not only in your country, but in the whole world. Friends went and were very pleased. Hopefully, the quarantine will end a hundred and we will also come to visit you.

May 20, 2021 at 11:56 pm

February 10, 2023 at 4:25 pm

Very informative. Thank you for sharing. I love the Ube Jam from Good Shepherd and the beautiful view in Mines View Park. Baguio is one of the top tourist spot in the Philippines. I will definitely go back there.

February 14, 2023 at 5:37 pm

Hi Loved this artical and learned a lot I’m coming over with my GF from June 3rd till the 17th thinking of landing in Manila and heading towards Cebu would really love if someone could suggest the best places to hit as I’ve never been before and don’t know the Philippines

Philippines in April

Located in SouthEast Asia, Philippines remains one to a number of island; thus making it an ideal gateway destination for most tourists. The island is coupled with just the right mix of adventure, nightlife, traditional churches, stunning beaches and much more. We’ve put together a ‘Philippines in April,’ guide just for you. 

Weather In The Philippines In April

April is regarded as the last dry month in the island, following which the island is flooded with showers of rain. The month has to be in a transition period and thus tourists experience the best of weather, with temperatures ranging from about 23°C to 34°C and is the perfect time if you’re looking to explore outdoor activities or probably even get a tan by the beach. 

Why Visit The Philippines In April

• Tourists experience a considerably less amount of traffic during this month, as the schools remain shut during this time of the year. 
• If you’re looking to do a fair bit of shopping or the summer offers is something you’ll be in favour with, during this month. 

Events And Festivals In The Philippines In April

Allaw ta apo sandawa.

The ‘Allaw Ta Apo Sandawa,’ is a festival wherein the tribes of the island gather together and pay their due regard to ‘Mount Apo,’ widely recognised as the highest mountain peak in the country. Tourists interested in a climb through the ‘Mandarangan Trail,’ all the way up to the highest peak – can do so during this time. There are a wide array of trekking tours that happen during April and tourists are welcome to be part of any one of them. The lush green environment and scenic beauty of the mountain peak, is what awaits you at the top.

Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival

Much similar in culture to the famous Hong Kong ‘Dragon Boat Races,’ the ‘ Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival,’ happens during the month of Apri and is considered to be a common forum – where both International/ Local teams come together and participate. Tourists witness wooden canoes speeding their way through the white sandy beaches of the island.  

Turumba Festival

Celebrated in honour of the ‘Blessed Virgin of Turumba,’ and known to be the longest festival in the Philippines, the ‘Turumba Festival,’ happens about seven times between the months of April / May. Tourists can be part of the traditional dancing that takes place and can also pay a visit or two to the ‘Pakil Church,’ during the festival. 

Moriones Festival

The ‘Moriones Festival,’ celebrated in the region of ‘Marinduque – within the towns of – Boac, Gasan, and Morpog.’ The festival is performed about a week or so before Easter and is one of the most vibrant and colourful festivals on the island. Tourists witness the sight of many locals resembling Roman soldiers – in their bright costumes. The locals also parade together in their costumes, thus making for an epic sight to be part of or witness altogether. 

5 Best Things To Do In The Philippines In April

Snorkelling and scuba diving.

If you’re looking to explore the underwater beauty that the island has to offer, April is just the month to do it. It’s the perfect time for tourists to consider ‘Snorkeling’ And ‘Scuba Diving,’ with the water temperature being just right at about 24°C–30°C. Tourists visit the regions of Boracay ,  Cebu and Bohol ; to experience some of the best views of the stunning underwater world. Tourists can be part of a surreal experience all together, as they swim through the blue waters of the ocean and take in the mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. It’s extremely essential for tourists to keep in mind, that the instructions provided to them by the guides need to be followed to the tee. The waters are beautiful but they may also be dangerous, so ensure you’ve got your equipment and rulebook sorted before you head into the waters.

The Island sees tourists and surfers from across the world to be part of some of the most magnificent waves.  The month of April, not only has the perfect temperature but, also favours the offshore winds – that make for some great waves. Tourists visit the surfing spots of – Baler, Bacnotan, and Zambales and enjoy some amazing surfs. 

Mountain Biking

The best and most ideal way for tourists to explore the island is through, motorcycling their way through the island. Given the favourable weather conditions, ‘Mountain Biking,’ becomes an enjoyable and relaxed experience. Tourists have a wide array of tracks to choose from, ranging from the singly easy tracks to the week-long tracks, depending on the kind of experience you’re looking for. 

Sea Kayaking

The crystal clear waters of the island, coupled with the amazingly scenic beaches and reefs that the Philippines has to offer – makes the island the ideal destination for tourists to hop onto a kayak or two. The most popular and famous kayaking spot remains the ‘Northern Palawan ,’ while some other areas include the – Camarines Sur and Cebu, as well. The endless waters and breathtaking backdrop makes it the right time of the year to sort out on an adventurous trip of your own. This is one of the best things to do in the Philippines .

A trek all the way up to the ‘Mountains of Apo,’ is yet another thrilling activity tourists could look to explore. Another hike you could consider would be to explore the trails of – ‘Halcon and Pulag.’ If you’re into star gazing or camping through the night; a trek is a definite must-do activity while in the Philippines. 

Thus, there are endless reasons that outnumber why you wouldn’t want to go ahead and kick-start your bookings to this vibrant island today. 

We at Pickyourtrail would love to craft an amazing Philippine vacation just for you. Customise your own Philippines holiday package and book your Philippine vacation today!

107 Posts Published.

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The Most Beautiful Places To See In The Philippines

Uncover the most beautiful places in the philippines, from pristine beaches to its lush jungles — your tropical paradise awaits..

By: Shubhanjana Das Published: Nov 09, 2023 05:00 PM UTC

The tropical haven of the Philippines is blessed with some of the world’s most enchanting destinations and is an unparalleled tropical paradise worth experiencing for every beach bum. From the sun-kissed beaches of Boracay to the renowned beauty of Palawan, this archipelago is a canvas painted with nature’s finest strokes.

Here, turquoise waters caress sandy shores, inviting you to explore vibrant coral realms beneath. Yet, beyond the coastal charm lies a tapestry woven with cultural threads and echoes of a storied past. Wander through Spanish-influenced streets, traverse emerald rice terraces, and savour the symphony of flavours in Filipino cuisine. Explore some of the most beautiful places in the Philippines — an odyssey that promises not just a visit but a lasting connection to this tropical paradise .

Best time to visit scenic & beautiful places in The Philippines

The optimal months for Philippines travel are December to April, with temperatures 24°C to 31°C. During this period, the country, including its stunning islands and remote locales, is easily accessible.

Read our ultimate Philippines guide here .

Most beautiful and scenic tourist places in The Philippines

Palawan, the largest province in the Philippines, beckons with its stunning archipelago. Renowned as one of the world’s best islands, Palawan boasts white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and towering limestone cliffs spread across 1,700 pristine islands and islets scattered in its three main destinations: El Nido, Puerto Princesa, and Coron. El Nido, with its mesmerising rock formations and caves, stands out as a must-visit.

Coron, part of Busuanga and Calamian Islands, offers snorkelling and picturesque landscapes, including the pristine Kayangan Lake. Puerto Princesa, the capital, boasts the UNESCO-listed subterranean river, once voted as one of the seven wonders, with underground caves and limestone karst mountains. Palawan is a paradise for island-hopping and exploration, making it one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines.

How to reach: By air: Puerto Princesa International Airport is the nearest airport, 89.3 km away

Best places to stay: Frangipani El Nido, Maligaya Beach Bungalows, NoaNoa Island

Best time to explore: February to March

Book your stay at Maligaya Beach Bungalows via Booking.com

Book your stay at Maligaya Beach Bungalows via Agoda.com

Boracay, a gem in the Philippines, ranks among the country’s top destinations. Famous for its powdery white sand and vibrant nightlife, Boracay captivates with its spectacular sunsets. Despite its modest size — approximately 7 km long — the island boasts one of Asia’s finest beaches — The White Beach. This popular tourist spot is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and offers a spectrum of water activities, from jet skiing to scuba diving and snorkelling. Boracay, a top among the beautiful places in the Philippines, is a must-visit for those seeking absolute tropical paradise pleasure in the country.

How to reach: By air: Godofredo P. Ramos Airport is the nearest airport, 6.5 km away

Best places to stay: Shangri-La Boracay, Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay

Best time to explore: March to May

Book your stay at Shangri-La Boracay via Booking.com

Book your stay at Shangri-La Boracay via Agoda.com

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Banaue rice terraces.

Nestled in the Ifugaos mountains, the Banaue Rice Terraces, a Philippine National Cultural Treasure, boast a 2,000-year legacy. Likely hand-carved, these terraces were ingeniously crafted to address the challenge of cultivating rice on steep terrain.

Towering at 1500 m above sea level, their remote Luzon location requires a trek, dissuading conventional tourists. Serving as both a scenic marvel and crucial farmland, these terraces are vital to locals. The Sunrise Viewpoint, a popular spot offers a picturesque view amid scarlet wildflowers and vibrant rice plantings, making Banaue one of the unmissable and most beautiful places in the Philippines.

How to reach: By air: Cauayan City Airport is the nearest airport, 131 km away

Best places to stay: Hiwang Native House Inn & Viewdeck

Best time to explore: April to July

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Spread across a 20-square-mile (51.79 square kilometres) region in central Bohol, the Chocolate Hills, numbering around 1,700 mounds, captivate with lush greenery in the rainy season and transform to chocolate brown in the dry months, earning their name. These iconic hills are a must-see in the country, displaying a magical transition of hues between wet and dry periods.

Recognised for historical significance, the Chocolate Hills charm with rolling landscapes is a testament to nature’s artistry. Adorned with jungles and rivers suitable for kayaking , Bohol emerges as a diverse destination for nature enthusiasts, one of the many beautiful places to visit in the Philippines. Bohol, beyond the hills, shelters endangered tarsiers, adding to its allure.

How to reach: By air: Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the nearest airport, 85.7 km away

Best places to stay: Solea Mactan Resort, The Bellevue Resort

Best time to explore: March to June

Book your stay at The Bellevue Resort via Booking.com

Book your stay at The Bellevue Resort via Agoda.com

Also Read – Things You Need To Know About The Philippines Before Visiting

Pangasinan, a hidden gem just a 3-4 hour drive from Manila, falls among the (yet) undiscovered beautiful places in the Philippines. It boasts pristine cream-coloured beaches, islets with encircling sandbars, magnificent waterfalls, caves, heritage towns, and a rich gastronomic culture. Named “place of salt,” it’s a major salt producer, known for its unique local products like bagoong (shrimp paste) and alamang (krill). While many visit the famed Hundred Islands National Park, comprising 123 limestone islets, the province’s untouched beauty unfolds in deserted Salomague beaches. Snorkelling unveils a vibrant giant clam population, a result of ongoing conservation efforts.

How to reach: By air: Clark International Airport is the nearest airport, 105 km away

Best places to stay: Sirom Beach House, Oldwoods by the Sea Eco Resort

Best time to explore: December to May

Book your stay at Oldwoods By The Sea Nature Resort - Pangasinan via Booking.com

Book your stay at Oldwoods by the Sea Nature Resort via Agoda.com

Nestled at Luzon’s southern tip, Bicol, with provinces like Camarines Norte and Masbate, offers an adventurous escape. From January to May, encounter and swim with majestic whale sharks, the world’s largest fish. Bicol’s dynamic landscape features active volcanoes, led by the iconic Mount Mayon, secluded beaches, and off-grid bays.

Delight in the region’s spicy cuisine, highlighting coconut and chillies in dishes like Bicol Express and Laing. Explore pristine beaches, island-hop on a bangka, and immerse in vibrant local festivals. With such beautiful places in Bicol, Philippines, this region unfolds as a lesser-explored haven, inviting travellers to discover its natural wonders and unique cultural flavours.

How to reach: By air: Naga Airport is the nearest airport, 27.4 km away

Best places to stay: Residencia Del Hamor, Misibis Bay Resort

Best time to explore: January to May

Book your stay at Misibis Bay via Booking.com

Book your stay at Misibis Bay Resort via Agoda.com

Discover the diverse wonders of Calabarzon, offering historical sites, scenic landscapes, and world-class dive spots, all among some of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. Tagaytay, a charming town, serves as a gateway to Corregidor Island’s panoramic views. Laguna beckons with hot springs and waterfalls, perfect for canoeing or hiking. Heritage-rich Batangas is also a diver’s paradise and gives visitors a peek into the Verde Island Passage’s biodiversity. Also worth visiting are Taal Volcano, and Fortune Island, as well as the many scenic hikes Calabarzon offers. Unwind on white-sand beaches or Laguna’s famous hot springs. Calabarzon emerges as an eco-tourism haven, emphasising sustainable nature resorts.

How to reach: By air: Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the nearest airport, 67.2 km away

Best places to stay: Escala Tagaytay, Tierra Verde

Best time to explore: November to March

Book your stay at Escala Tagaytay via Agoda.com

Zamboanga City, the “City of Flowers,” is a vibrant port city with a rich cultural tapestry. Derived from the Malay word “Jambangan,” meaning “flower garden,” it’s also dubbed “ Asia ‘s Latin City” due to Hispanic influences seen in colonial structures. Chavacano, the main language, is a Spanish-based Creole. The landscape boasts wetlands and forests, inviting motorcycle exploration. Nature enthusiasts flock for bird-watching and encounters with giant bats. In Zamboanga del Sur, Santa Cruz Islands offer eco-friendly initiatives and interactions with the Sama-Bangingi community. Embark on a lagoon tour to marvel at diverse bird species.

How to reach: By air:  Zamboanga International Airport is the busiest airport in the city

Best places to stay: Garden Orchid Hotel & Resort Corp

Book your stay at Garden Orchid Hotel via Booking.com

Also Read – Discover the Unexplored Philippines’ Tropical Island Paradise of MIMAROPA

Nestled at the northern frontier of the Philippines, Batanes is the smallest province, both by land area and population. Aptly named the “Home of the Winds”, Batanes Island offers a secluded escape from the bustle, embraced by rolling hills and azure seas. Here, a tranquil atmosphere prevails, complemented by the amiable nature of the locals and an exceptional safety record. This hidden gem, celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, caters to diverse travellers with mountains, sea, and delectable local cuisine. Batanes promises a retreat to simplicity — an idyllic haven where peace, quiet, and a back-to-basic lifestyle await, making it one of the hidden beautiful places in the Philippines.

How to reach: By air:  Basco Airport is the busiest airport on the Island

Best places to stay: Residencia du Basco, Fundacion Pacita

Best time to explore: January to April, December

Vigan, a UNESCO Heritage Site, stands as a meticulously preserved testament to 16th-century Spanish colonial planning in Asia. Its architecture, a fusion of Filipino, Chinese, and European influences, creates a unique townscape unmatched in East and Southeast Asia . This historical gem captivates not only with its ranking among the Philippines’ top 20 tourist destinations but also as a paradise for history enthusiasts. Delight in the Spanish cultural tapestry woven into Vigan’s cuisine and architecture. The stone streets echo with the clop of kalesas, horse-drawn carriages, passing beneath old-fashioned street lamps, guiding visitors to colonial houses-turned-museums. Truly, Vigan epitomises the many beautiful places to visit in the Philippines.

How to reach: By air: Vigan Airport is the busiest airport in the city

Best places to stay: Ciudad Fernandina Hotel, Le Casa Blanca Hotel Vigan City

Best time to explore: January to May, November and December

Shop the best travel experiences here

(Hero image credit: saiko3p/Shutterstock, feature image credit: DmitrySerbin/Shutterstock)

Related: Explore The Pearl Of The Orient: Things To Do In Manila, Philippines

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What makes Palawan, specifically El Nido and Coron, so special? Palawan’s El Nido and Coron boast pristine beaches and captivating landscapes.

– Why is Boracay considered one of the most picturesque beach destinations in the world? Boracay charms with powdery white sands and breathtaking sunsets worldwide.

– What is unique about the Banaue Rice Terraces, and why are they a scenic attraction? Banaue Rice Terraces amaze with ancient hand-carved agricultural marvels.

– What can visitors expect to see at the Chocolate Hills in Bohol? Chocolate Hills in Bohol offers iconic rolling landscapes, changing their lush green colours to brown with the change of seasons.

– Is Mayon Volcano safe to visit, given its volcanic activity? Mayon Volcano’s safety depends on its current volcanic activity status.

– Are there hidden gems in the Philippines for travellers seeking scenic beauty? Zamboanga, Batanes, Bicol, Pangasinan, among others.

– When is the best time to visit these scenic destinations in the Philippines? The optimal months for Philippines travel are December to April, with temperatures 24°C to 31°C. During this period, the country, including its stunning islands and remote locales, is easily accessible.

-Are these scenic places suitable for families and travellers of all ages? Most beaches are accessible to families and travellers of all ages, but it is advised to double-check the access and health conditions of the visitors beforehand.

• Philippines
• Philippines travel guide
• Travel Guide

Shubhanjana Das

An English Major, Shubhanjana is an independent culture and lifestyle journalist with extensive experience in fashion and travel writing. Her bylines have appeared in Vogue, Vice, FirstPost, and Mint Lounge, among others. She is a wannabe wine-taster and given the chance, wants to travel for a living and treats true crime podcasts like her lullaby. .. Read More An avid reader, Shubhanjana loves reading magic realism and surrealism literature. Read Less

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Philippines Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Best Time to Go to the Philippines

• January to March | Ideal Months to Travel in the Philippines
• April to June | Summer and Peak Season in the Philippines
• July to October | Rainy and Off-Peak Season in the Philippines
• November to December | Holiday Season in the Philippines

Geography of the Philippines

• Arriving at Manila Airport: What You Need to Know

How to Get Around the Philippines

Hotels in the philippines, best hotels and resorts in luzon, best hotels and resorts in visayas, best hotels and resorts in mindanao.

• Best theme hotels and resorts in the Philippines

Must-Visit Tourist Spots in the Philippines

• Manila | The Capital of the Philippines
• Palawan | Gateway to the Best Islands in the Philippines
• Boracay Island | Tropical Paradise
• Cebu | Islands, Diving, Historical Sites, and More
• Bohol | Countryside and Island Tours
• What to Eat in the Philippines
• Suggested 2-Week Itinerary in the Philippines
• Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to the Philippines

Discover the treasures of the Philippines from beaches and islands, highlands, historical spots, and must-try food and fun activities. Find out the best time to visit and the best tourist spots. Learn how to get around from the Manila airport. Discover the best places to eat. Take inspiration from a 2-week itinerary that will take you around the best destinations in the country. Read this article for an introduction to traveling around the Philippines. 

It can be difficult to decide where to travel first in the Philippines. There are so many beautiful, postcard-worthy white sand beaches and pristine islands all over the Philippines, complete with crystal clear waters and rich and diverse marine life.

• Explore the widest collection of Philippine tours for your vacation
• Check out flights to the Philippines

Travelers who love swimming would find it hard to leave, as idyllic  beach trips , exciting  island-hopping adventures , and incredible  diving tours  are abundant here. The Philippines' beaches are among the best in the world as well, whether it's white sand, black volcanic sand, or even pink sand in some places. 

See our popular Top Tours in the Philippines

Boracay island hopping shared tour with lunch, kawa hot bath & snorkeling package, coron island hopping tour to kayangan lake & barracuda lake | palawan super ultimate package, shared puerto princesa underground river tour in palawan with lunch & hotel transfers.

• Find the best Philippines vacation packages for a hassle-free trip
• See destinations for solo travel in the Philippines

You can also take your pick from the Philippines' best festivals  that showcase the locals' culture and experience unique food trips that will get you craving for more Filipino food . 

If you're traveling to the Philippines soon, this ultimate guide has everything you need to know to plan your trip. 

The Philippines has two distinct seasons, wet and dry. The dry season starts from November until June. These months are considered the best time to travel to most destinations in the Philippines .

The wet season, on the other hand, is from July to October. During this time, an average of nine typhoons hit the Philippines and may cause flooding and landslides in some areas. While not all typhoons make landfall, the heavy rains may still affect your trip, so make sure to check weather forecasts. 

• Check out our  2-week Philippine itinerary packages

Note, though, that it doesn’t rain every day, nor does it rain the whole day during the wet season, unless there is a typhoon. It's still best to check the weather forecast for your Philippine destinations when planning a trip. Weather-wise, here’s what you can expect when traveling in the Philippines and where to go.

See our popular Best Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

January to march | ideal months to travel in the philippines.

January to March is usually the ideal period to travel to the Philippines. Even if there are bigger chances of precipitation, these are the months of the year when the temperature is cooler. The month of March also signals the upcoming festivals and the long weekend of Holy Week (Easter).

These months also highlight some of the biggest and grandest festivities:

The province of Aklan, where Boracay Island is located, commemorates the Ati-Atihan Festival in the second week of January. Check Boracay tours  and Boracay tour packages with hotel and airfare for your island getaway.

The highly anticipated annual Sinulog Festival   in the province of Cebu is celebrated every third Sunday of January. Check Cebu activities  and Cebu packages  for your trip.

Millions of devotees gather in Quiapo in  Manila City to join the procession during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival is usually every February or March. For 2024, it will be held in New Clark City, Tarlac. Read our Philippine Hot Air Balloon 2024 guide to learn more.

See our popular Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Tickets & Packages

3-day relaxing boracay package at feliz hotel with airfare from manila or clark & breakfast, hassle-free 4-day el nido palawan package at lime resort with airfare from manila or clark, incredible 4-day coron palawan package at two seasons coron bayside hotel with airfare & tours.

The Summer Capital, Baguio City , parades beautifully-adorned floats with flowers during the Panagbenga Festival in February. Check Baguio tours  and Baguio package deals with hotel  to make your trip more fun and hassle-free.

There are weeklong religious activities during Holy Week (Easter) in March or early April all over the country, but more specifically in Pampanga . Check Pampanga experiences  to make the most of your vacation.

April to June | Summer and Peak Season in the Philippines

During this time, the temperature and humidity levels are highest. This marks the summer season in the Philippines. Locals plan beach getaways or vacations in their hometowns. Expect that beach resorts will most likely be fully booked and have higher rates. 

The sun is the strongest from April to June, so precautions are needed when spending most of the time under the sun. Lather sunblock every two hours to avoid sunburn.

See our popular Island Hopping Tours

Boracay island hopping package private tour with lunch, snorkeling gear & kawa hot bath, palawan coron malcapuya, banana & bulog dos islands shared tour with lunch & transfers.

Some popular summer destinations in the Philippines include:

The natural, scenic, and hidden gems of Palawan. Check some Palawan activities  and learn more about the province in this Palawan travel guide . 

The white beaches, crystal clear waters, and extreme water sports of Boracay . 

The surfing paradise of La Union , Baler, Zambales, and Siargao. Check  Siargao adventures  and   learn more about Siargao in this guide . Book Siargao tour packages with airfare . 

The beaches and diving spots in Batangas . Explore the marine life of Batangas through an Anilao diving tour. Check other Batangas escapades .

• Check out our article on the Best Beaches to Visit in the Philippines

Aside from beaches and  island hopping tours in the Philippines, here are other summer season activities you can try:

Watch the Moriones Festival in Marinduque and how the people in Pampanga  celebrate the season during Holy Week. Check some activities in Marinduque and tours in Pampanga .

Taste the freshest catch in Dagupan City during Bangus Festival every April.

Head to Quezon Province and witness the colorful Pahiyas Festival, a thanksgiving festival held every 15th of May.

Witness the festivities and watch the beautiful women of the country all dressed up during Flores De Mayo.

Take part during the different pistang bayan (town fiestas) in the provinces of Batangas and Bulacan. 

In June, take part in the combined Pintados-Kasadyaan festivals of Tacloban City that features a sailboat race, the Subiran Regatta, and the religious rite Balyuan. Join a Tacloban city tour to get the full experience.

Join the celebration of St. John the Baptist's feast day, where locals get doused with water on June 24th. It’s officially called the Wattah Wattah Festival or Basaan Festival in Filipino. It's usually celebrated in Batangas, Bataan, and Nueva Ecija, to name a few.

July to October | Rainy and Off-Peak Season in the Philippines  

The volume of rainfall in the Philippines increases from July to August . These months are considered the wettest months, although it does not necessarily mean that it will rain all day long.

When typhoons hit, most of the islands in the country are affected, making trips around the country (depending on where the typhoon hits) difficult. Expect flight delays and even cancellations in some cases.

Philippine flights to different islands and beach resorts are cheaper during these months. Go to the beach, enjoy a food trip, or visit museums and historical places. Here are some other rainy season activities in the Philippines that you can try:

Go surfing and island hopping in Siargao . Browse our Siargao tour packages with airfare . 

Watch the dramatization of the blood compact between Sikatuna and Legazpi in Bohol during the Sandugo Festival. Check some  Bohol activities  and Bohol package deals for your escapade.

Catch the colorful Pagoda Festival in Bulacan.

Witness the street parades and dances in the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City . Check Davao activities to best experience the province.

Observe the Fluvial Parade of the Nuestra Señora Peñafrancia in Naga City.

Watch the elaborate and colorful MassKara Festival in Bacolod City. Check some Bacolod tours and learn more about the province in this Bacolod travel guide .

For Filipinos, Christmas or the holiday season starts as early as September or the beginning of the -ber months. Some establishments start to decorate their stores with Christmas ornaments as early as September 1st.

November to December | Holiday Season in the Philippines   

November marks not only the beginning of the dry season but also the start of the long holiday celebration in the Philippines. These are the best months to visit Philippine cities because of the night markets, light and sound shows, and Christmas bazaars.

• Read our article on the Top Philippine Christmas holiday destinations

November to December are the best months to do your holiday shopping, as most malls are on sale and extended operating hours. However, there are other things you can do too:

Watch the Higantes Festival (giant paper effigies) in Rizal. 

Appreciate a grand Christmas experience in San Fernando, Pampanga, and its Giant Lantern Festival. 

Enjoy the cold weather and admire the views of Banaue Rice Terraces while sipping a hot cup of tea or coffee in Benguet . 

Choosing the best time to visit the Philippines depends on what kind of activity you want to do. Come at different times to appreciate everything the country has to offer.

See our popular Sagada-Banaue Tour Packages

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The Philippines' geography  is divided into three island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Before planning a trip to the Philippines, it's important to know where your chosen destinations are. Your transportation, schedule, and budget will depend on the distances between each place. You can also book all-inclusive Philippines vacation packages that will take you around the top tourist spots in the country. 

If you're outside the Philippines, your first destination will most likely be Manila , the Philippine capital located in Luzon.  Most connecting flights to other destinations in the countries continue from  Manila Airport .

The Luzon island group also includes other big islands and island groups like Palawan, Batanes , Baguio, and Vigan . Top Luzon activities include city sightseeing, beach adventures, and some island-hopping trips. Check out the top Luzon tourist spots that you should visit. 

See our popular Luzon Tour Packages

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Visayas   is located   in the central part of the Philippines. Cebu is the main gateway to other Visayas destinations. Visayas is home to destinations like Boracay, Bohol, Iloilo, Negros Region, Leyte, and Siquijor. The top activities and best tourist spots in Visayas include idyllic beaches, island-hopping, outdoor adventures, and food tours.

See our popular Visayas Tour Packages

Mindanao is located in the southern part of the Philippines. Davao City is the main gateway to other destinations in this island group, which includes Siargao, Camiguin, Zamboanga, and Cagayan de Oro, to name a few. Top things to do and best tourist spots in Mindanao include outdoor adventures, beach escapades, and island-hopping.  Check out our Davao tourist spots itinerary if you're exploring Davao City and Samal Island .

• Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to the Top 15 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in the Philippines

Given the number and variety of things to do here, filling your itinerary for a week or so when traveling in the Philippines won’t be a problem. 

See our popular Mindanao Tour Packages

Arriving at manila airport: what you need to know      .

Like any metropolitan city, Manila can be confusing for first-time visitors with flights to Manila , starting with arriving at the airport. Manila international airport, officially known as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or Manila Airport , has four terminals, which are not connected via airport rail link. Consider this when booking your flights, as inter-airline transfers may be complicated.

• Dubai to Manila flights
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However, there are now Point-to-Point (P2P) shuttle buses that you can board to transfer airports in the Philippines , or you can book a taxi or Grab car via the Grab App (like Uber) if you have connecting flights. You can also book rent a car in Manila services. These transport options take public roads, so allot sufficient transfer time if you plan to transit between airlines. Here's a rundown of these four airport terminals:

NAIA Terminal 1

Terminal 1 serves all the international flights from and to Manila except for the ones operated by airlines in NAIA Terminal 2 and NAIA Terminal 3.

NAIA Terminal 2

Terminal 2 houses the domestic and international flights of the country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, and its affiliate PAL express. Starting July 2023, AirAsia and Royal Air domestic flights have been transferred to Terminal 2. This terminal is also known as the Centennial Terminal to commemorate the centennial declaration of Philippine independence.

NAIA Terminal 3

Terminal 3 caters to international flights operated by Cathay Pacific Air, AirAsia, Emirates Airline, Cebu Pacific Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Delta Air Lines, All Nippon Air, and Singapore Airlines, as well as all some domestic flights of Cebu Pacific Air. It has a transit lounge (airport hotel) and a massage place.

NAIA Terminal 4

Terminal 4, the smallest of the four, serves domestic flights from CebGo, AirSwift, and SkyJet.

See our popular Manila Transfers

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• Cebu to Manila flights
• Davao to Manila flights
• Tacloban to Manila flights
• Iloilo to Manila flights

Outside Manila: Clark International Airport

A secondary international airport nearest to Manila is Clark International Airport. It takes two to three hours to travel from Manila to Clark, which is 93 kilometers away. One transport option is through the Premium point-to-point (P2P) Bus Service. This bus service has a station at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City, which is ideal if you come from the southern part of Metro Manila. If you're coming from the northern part of Metro Manila, take the P2P bus from its North EDSA MRT / Trinoma Station in Quezon City.

You can also hire a car rental service from Clark to Manila  for a more comfortable and private transportation. Just make sure you have the requirements to rent a car in the Philippines .

Currency Exchange and ATMs

All airport terminals have money changers open 24/7 in both the arrivals and departure areas. There are ATMs as well that accept foreign-issued cards though fees may apply. Read our guide about money exchange in the Philippines .

Source: https://currencyrate.today/converter-widget

Free SIM Card

Once you arrive in Manila airports, take advantage of the free SIM cards given by the Philippines' major telecommunications companies: Globe and Smart. You can top up your credit in convenience stores like 7-Eleven all over the country.

Transportation to and from the Manila airports

All Manila airports have taxi stands. You can get a coupon taxi (white) that’s dispatched by airport personnel and charged a fixed price or a yellow taxi that’s metered. Both are more expensive than regular white taxis but relatively safer to use.

There are also shuttle buses that will take you to the nearest metro station. However, if it’s your first time in the Philippines, taking this route is not as comfortable as taking either an airport taxi or booking an accredited taxi/cab, hire Manila car rental  services, or carpool through the Grab App .  If you are traveling in a big group and have a lot of luggage, booking a van rental in the Philippines  or a budget car rental in the Philippines may be advisable. 

For a hassle-free arrival or departure, check out our Manila airport transfers . 

The primary way of getting around the Philippines is by buses, planes, and ships/ferries. Boat rides are great for inter-island trips with short distances; for everywhere else, flights are recommended.

Depending on when you visit, you can find a lot of cheap flights in the Philippines . In fact, sometimes it’s cheaper to book a flight than a ferry. The biggest flight carriers are Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and AirAsia.   

Within small towns and cities, the primary modes of transport are bus, jeepney, or tricycle (like Thailand’s tuk-tuk or India’s auto-rickshaw, but smaller). In addition, major cities have taxi cabs and the Grab app. Only Manila has the metro system. If you want to go around the country in style, you may book an SUV rental in the Philippines or  luxury car rental in the Philippines .

You can also book self-drive car rentals in the Philippines if you want to explore on your own. Read our article on the best cars to rent for a road trip in the Philippines .

For inter-island transportation, sea transfers such as ferries are the best option. Secure your Philippines ferry ticket booking  in advance for a hassle-free trip. 

See our popular Sea Transfers & Ferries in the Philippines

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It is not hard to find accommodations in the Philippines . In top destinations, you would find various options, from 1- to 5-star hotels, ranging in price from budget to luxury. 

For budget travelers, there are numerous hostels, guesthouses, and homestays all over the country. Note that budget places are less likely to have a hot shower available, and in some places, there would be no Wifi.

It's highly recommended to book at least one night (or more) in advance, especially in popular destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Puerto Galera during peak season (e.g., summer and holidays).

Read our article guides on the best hotels and resorts in top destinations in the Philippines: 

• Best hotels in Manila
• Best serviced apartments in Metro Manila
• Best beach resorts near Manila
• Best hotels near Manila Airport
• Best glamping resorts near Manila
• Best hotels in BGC Taguig Metro Manila
• Best hotels in Makati City
• Best hotels and resorts in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in El Nido, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Coron, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in San Vicente, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Port Barton, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Antipolo
• Best hotels in Baguio
• Best resorts in Baler
• Best resorts in Batangas
• Best affordable Batangas resorts
• Best pet-friendly resorts in Batangas
• Best Batangas resorts with pool
• Best resorts in Bataan
• Best resorts in Bulacan
• Best resorts in Cavite
• Best resorts in Laguna
• Best hotels in Laoag Ilocos Norte
• Best resorts in La Union
• Best hotels in Legazpi City Albay
• Best resorts in Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Pampanga
• Best resorts in Pangasinan
• Best resorts in Puerto Galera
• Best resorts in Quezon Province
• Best hotels and resorts in Sorsogon
• Best hotels and resorts in Subic
• Best hotels in Tagaytay
• Best Tagaytay hotels with a view of Taal Lake
• Best hotels in Vigan, Ilocos Sur
• Best resorts in Zambales
• Best resorts and hotels in Boracay
• Best beachfront resorts in Boracay
• Best budget-friendly resorts in Boracay
• Best Boracay Station 1 resorts
• Best Boracay Station 2 resorts
• Best Boracay Station 3 resorts
• Best Boracay hotels and resorts for families
• Best Boracay workation resorts
• Best resorts in Bohol
• Best beachfront resorts in Bohol
• Best hotels in Bacolod City
• Best hotels and resorts in Cebu
• Best beachfront resorts in Cebu
• Best luxury hotels and resorts in Cebu
• Best budget-friendly hotels in Cebu City
• Best hotels near Cebu airport
• Best hotels in Iloilo City

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• Best hotels in Davao City
• Best resorts in Siargao
• Best beachfront resorts in Siargao
• Best Siargao hotels and resorts for groups
• Best Siargao budget hotels and resorts
• Best resorts in Samal Island

Best theme hotels and resorts in the Philippines

• Best beach resorts in the Philippines
• Best spa and wellness resorts in the Philippines
• Best glamping resorts in the Philippines
• Best farm stays & resorts in the Philippines
• Best treehouse resorts in the Philippines
• Best pet-friendly hotels and resorts near Manila
• Best mountain resorts near Manila
• Best budget-friendly quality resorts near Manila
• Best private resorts near Manila
• Best teambuilding resorts near Manila
• Best hot spring resorts in Laguna
• Best Bali-like resorts in the Philippines
• Best Maldives-like resorts in the Philippines
• Best Santorini-like resorts in the Philippines
• Most unique hotels and resorts in the Philippines
• Best natural hot spring resorts in the Philippines
• Best historic hotels and houses in the Philippines
• Best honeymoon resorts in the Philippines
• Best luxury resorts and hotels in the Philippines
• Best eco-friendly resorts in the Philippines
• Best PWD-friendly hotels and resorts in the Philippines

With over 7000 islands, you will definitely need to prioritize when deciding on the places to visit in the Philippines. Much depends, of course, on how long you will have in the country and what you are interested in doing. For starters, you can check out our article on the top tours in the Philippines .

Here are some of the most popular destinations in the Philippines that you shouldn't miss out on: 

4-Day Fascinating Culture & Nature Tour Package to Cebu & Bohol with Accommodations & Transfers

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It has, for example, the old Spanish fortress in Intramuros  that provides you with a glimpse of what the city used to be under over three centuries of Spanish rule. Nowhere is the Spanish influence seen more clearly than in the Walled City, from the cobbled streets to the restored houses. Make sure to join Intramuros tours to get the full experience.

• Check   Manila activities  that you can add to your itinerary

Highlights in Intramuros include the old churches of San Agustin, built in 1587, and the Manila Cathedral, originally built in 1571 and governed by the Archdiocese of Mexico. Outside Intramuros, there’s also the historic Quiapo Church, whose annual Feast of the Black Nazarene every January attracts millions of devotees.

See our popular Manila Tours & Activities

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You can also try some of the trips around Binondo , the oldest Chinatown in the world. You can also watch one of the best sunsets in the Philippines along the Manila Bay at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex.

When booking a hotel in Manila , we recommend booking accommodations either in Manila City or in Makati City . Both of these destinations have plush hotels, high-end shopping malls, and various bars and restaurants that offer a range of local and international cuisines.

See our popular Binondo Tours

Palawan | gateway to the best islands in the philippines.

You’ll see beautiful powdery, white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, towering limestones, hidden lagoons, and even a safari. 

See our popular Palawan Tours and Activities

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Puerto Princesa , the capital of Palawan, is often the first place that travelers go to, as it has frequent and affordable flights to and from Manila and Cebu. It is home to the Underground River , one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines . The city is the jump-off point for Honda Bay island hopping ,  Underground River tour , and several Palawan destinations like El Nido and San Vicente.

• Learn more in our article on the top attractions and activities in Puerto Princesa

Coron is another popular destination in Palawan. There are direct flights and boats from Manila to Coron (via Busuanga Airport, an hour from Coron town proper), making it a possible first destination for the Palawan leg of your Philippine itinerary.

If you’re into water activities, Coron is the getaway you might be looking for. It is best known for wreck diving and snorkeling, island hopping to hidden lagoons surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, and the iconic Kayangan Lake. Check out our Coron tour packages with airfare .

Google Coron, Palawan, and the first photo you'll see is of the view going to the freshwater lake. It's why Coron island-hopping  is popular with both locals and internationals.

See our popular Coron Tours and Activities

Coron is the best place for wreck diving because it has a handful of sunken ships hidden beneath its waters, some of which are big enough to be explored inside, while some are shallow enough to be seen by snorkelers. If you're not a certified diver, dive shops in Coron have Discover Scuba activities too.

• Learn more in our article on the top activities and places to see in Coron

El Nido is another well-known destination in Palawan. Over the years, the town has transformed from one that doesn’t even have an ATM and 24-hour electricity into a popular holiday destination.

There are regular island-hopping trips in El Nido that take you to various islands and beaches such as the Hidden Beach, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Hidden Lagoon, Paradise Beach, and Natnat Beach, among others.

• Read our guide on the top activities and attractions in El Nido  

See our popular El Nido Tours and Activities

Boracay island | tropical paradise.

Boracay became a popular destination for local and international travelers because of its fine, white sandy beaches (led by the famous White Beach ), its combination of Boracay nightlife scene and family-friendly atmosphere, and its many accommodations across budgets.

Watching sunsets may be cliché to some, but the sunset in Boracay is definitely one of the best you’ll see in the country. The silhouette of sailboats, the shadows of people walking along the shore, and the sky turning from blue to a fiery red and into a faint orange is an image you won’t quickly forget.

• Browse our Boracay tour packages with airfare

See our popular Boracay Vacation Packages

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Most Boracay hotels are lined up in White Beach grouped into Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. However, you can easily visit the other beaches there during your stay. Puka Beach, for example, may not have sand as fine as White Beach, but if you go early enough, you can avoid the crowds and have a relaxing hour or two by the beach.

Bulabog Beach is becoming a popular destination for kitesurfers. The winds here are strong enough for those who want to try something new or improve their skill. There are several shops offering lessons and provide rental gear too. 

You’ll have plenty of options in Boracay when it comes to food, as there are markets, budget restaurants, Western food, buffets, and bars that cater to different kinds of tastes. Read our article on the best restaurants in Boracay  to learn more. There are fun activities like Boracay pub crawls too! Indeed, Boracay is the destination to be if you want a bit of everything in one place.

• Read our guide on the top things to see and do in Boracay

See our popular Boracay Tours and Activities

Cebu | islands, diving, historical sites, and more.

The province of Cebu is another popular place to visit because of the range of natural, historical, and cultural attractions. 

Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island in the north are famous beach destinations because of their pristine beaches and sky-blue waters. Visitors usually combine a trip to these two destinations. Both islands provide a laid-back atmosphere if you want to just spend the whole day relaxing. 

See our popular Cebu Tours and Activities

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Malapascua is best known for its thresher sharks. It's the only place in the world where this species is consistently seen almost every day. 

Bantayan Island, on the other hand, is more for beach bumming and snorkeling. It has a healthy coral garden you can explore and a long coastline of white sandy beaches.

Make sure to go to the south of Cebu as well and include Moalboal in your Philippine itinerary. This is where you can experience the famous sardine run tour . Seeing the hundreds of thousands of sardines swimming beneath you (or above you if you choose to dive) is definitely an awesome experience unique to Cebu.

A must-try during your visit to Cebu is the fun canyoneering experience . It is an adrenaline-pumping activity where you jump into a pool of water from around 25 meters high. You’ll also get to trek and enjoy some moderate hiking activities and take the plunge at the azure waters of Kawasan Falls . 

See our popular Kawasan Falls Tours

Other places of interest in Cebu province include hiking Osmeña Peak, trekking to Tumalog Falls, lounging in Tingko Beach, Lambug Beach, and Basdaku Beach, just to name a few.

• Check our article on the  Top Tourist Spots in Cebu  

Cebu City, the capital of Cebu province, is cosmopolitan and developed. You can join a historical tour in Cebu that will take you to sites like Magellan’s Cross, as well as old churches and museums, among others. There is a variety of restaurants offering local and international food, too.

If you’re a meat-eater, never miss the famous lechon (suckling pig) that Anthony Bourdain called “the best pig ever.” There are countless bars and shopping malls for entertainment as well.

The Queen City of the South has the second busiest airport in the Philippines located in Mactan , flying to 25 domestic and 22 international destinations. From here, the best beaches in Cebu are easily accessible by private transportation and public buses. 

You also have several options for accommodation, whether you want to splurge or stick to a tight budget.

See our popular Cebu Vacation Packages

3-day cebu ultimate budget vacation package with hotel, transfers & add-on tours, bohol | countryside and island tours.

The island of Bohol is another must-include in your Philippine itinerary. There are endless tourist spots in Bohol that you can visit. You can do a countryside day tour of Bohol, but why spend only one day in one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Philippines?

Bohol has many beaches and activities for those who want to see more of the region. Make sure to explore Panglao Island to make your trip more fun and exciting! Start your trip by trying Alona Beach activities such as fly fish, UFO, parasailing, banana boat ride, and many more.

A trip to Bohol is incomplete without joining  Chocolate Hills tours . These green hills that turn brown during the summer months will remind you of Hershey’s Kisses, hence the name. The viewpoint was affected by the major earthquake in 2015, but it has since been restored.

See our popular Bohol Tours and Activities

• See our guide on how to go to Chocolate Hills

Another must-see is the tarsier, a tiny primate (around 3.5 to 6 inches long) with huge eyes that can only be found in Southeast Asia. You can visit tarsier sanctuaries in Bohol, where you can see these tiny and cute creatures (do not hold or touch them, though).

While in Bohol, try the Loboc River Cruise experience . It provides you with a relaxing and scenic way to see the countryside while feasting on Filipino cuisine and being serenaded by local performers.

Bohol also has relics of Spanish colonial times; you’ll see several old churches that provide you with a glimpse of the province’s historical and cultural heritage. While some of these churches were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake, most of them have been restored, including Baclayon Church.

These destinations are only some of the best places to visit in the Philippines. The country has plenty more to offer travelers with various budgets and preferences for their trip. 

See our popular Bohol Vacation Packages

4-day premier bohol beach club resort package with breakfast & airport transfers, what to eat in the philippines  .

Filipino food is one of the most underrated in Asia. Most international visitors know what to expect from Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese food but are usually totally clueless about the Philippines' local cuisine. 

Filipino cuisine is actually one of the most diverse in the world. Because of its colonial past, it has influences from the west as much as it has oriental roots. Note, though, that the cuisine is meat-heavy. Vegetarian or vegan guests traveling outside major cities may find it hard to look for restaurants that provide vegetarian or vegan options.

If you are a first-time visitor in the Philippines and don’t know what Filipino food to try, here are some of the best food in the Philippines that you should keep on the lookout for in your culinary and food trips .

See our popular Food Tours

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The name adobo was given by the Spanish due to the similarity to adobo or adobar, a cooking practice that also uses vinegar and soy sauce indigenous to Iberia. It is considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines due to its popularity across all regions.

Sisig is a favorite pulutan (food eaten with alcohol) accompanied by a local beer. The dish is made of chopped parts of a pig’s head and liver. Onions, chopped chili peppers, eggs, and calamansi are added. It is normally served in sizzling plates.

This appetizing dish originated from Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines. Hundreds of sisig variations are available today, such as tuna, squid, tuna, milkfish, and mussels. If you are looking for a vegetarian version of Sisig, some restaurants serve mushrooms and tofu sisig. Read more about it on our travel guide to Pampanga .

3. Lechon 

The pig is roasted for hours with occasional basting. It is served with a local sauce in some regions. One of the most famous foods in the Philippines, lechon is a must-try for anyone coming to the country. The best lechon in the Philippines are from Cebu. Read our travel guide to Cebu to learn more about it.

4. Sinigang

Sinigang is a Filipino soup or stew characterized by its sour and savory broth. A classic Filipino dish, sinigang is what most Filipino kids ask their moms for if they are sick. The sour taste is from the use of tamarind to flavor the broth.

This traditional food in the Philippines has evolved so much that several tamarind alternatives are being used these days. It includes guava, mango, kamias, santol, and even watermelon.

5. Caldereta

Caldereta is another classic Filipino dish and stew. This savory dish is cooked originally using goat meat, but beef, chicken, or pork can also be used these days.

Tomato sauce, liver spread, vegetables, bell peppers, and cheese are added to the meat. The name of the dish is derived from the Spanish word caldera or cauldron in English. 

6. Crispy Pata

Crispy pata or pork knuckles is a famous Filipino pork dish among Filipino family dinners.

This dish is made by boiling the entire pork knuckles with seasonings for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender. It is then frozen overnight with another batch of seasonings and then deep-fried until the skin is crispy. 

7. Chicken Inasal

8. Dinuguan

The name dinuguan derives from the word “dugo” or blood; hence the word dinuguan means “to be stewed with blood.” It is made of pig’s blood and offal.

Dinuguan is similar to the Irish black pudding except that it is a stew instead of sausage. Aside from being eaten with rice, Filipinos also pair it with puto (steamed rice cake).

9. Fish Kinilaw

Fish kinilaw is the ceviche of the Philippines. Made of raw fish, this appetizing dish is denatured using vinegar as a primary ingredient. Onions, ginger, chili peppers, black peppers, and calamansi are added for flavoring.

Popular fish used for kinilaw includes yellowfin tuna, mackerels, and marlins. 

10. Halo-Halo

Halo-halo is a Filipino favorite snack or merienda . This cold snack and dessert consists of crushed ice, evaporated milk, and various ingredients such as beans, jellies, tapioca pearls, mixed fruits, leche flan, purple yam, and even ice cream.

Halo-halo is extremely popular, especially during the summer months, to cool off from the heat. You can find a lot of food stands selling halo-halo in the local neighborhoods.

Taho (soy pudding) is a popular street food in the Philippines . This healthy snack is made of soft tofu, caramelized brown sugar, and tapioca pearls. It is comfort food that you can buy from street peddlers, usually in the morning. In local neighborhoods, local peddlers walk or bike around houses. When you hear a deep voice shouting "taho," just shout back "taho" to call the peddler's attention to buy a cup. 

For non-Filipinos, you might have heard of balut from your adventurous friends who keep telling you that you have never been to the Philippines if you haven’t tried this Filipino street food.

Balut is a boiled fertilized egg embryo that is eaten from a shell. Don’t let it scare you, though; balut tastes like an ordinary egg with a tasty soup. It's usually sold in the streets at night, with some vendors going around local neighborhoods at night shouting "balot."

Suggested 2-Week Itinerary in the Philippines        

Creating an itinerary for a trip to the Philippines can be difficult, especially for a first-time visitor. This 2-week itinerary in the Philippines will give you an idea of how to maximize your time in the country.

See our popular 2 Weeks Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

2-week stunning islands & beaches tour to coron, puerto princesa & el nido palawan from manila, amazing 2-week island hopping & nature tour to palawan, cebu & boracay from manila, best 2-week islands & adventure tour to el nido & coron in palawan, cebu, siquijor & boracay package.

• 10 days Philippines itinerary tour packages
• 1-week Philippines itinerary tour packages
• 8 days in the Philippines itinerary tour packages
• Philippines 1-month itinerary tour package

Day 1: Manila

If you only have 2 weeks, a day tour in the capital city Manila is enough. If you're spending more time here, check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Manila .

Things to do in Manila for 1 day:

Explore Intramuros . It used to be the center of government during Spanish times.

Visit Rizal Park. It’s a favorite leisure spot for the locals.

Watch the Manila Bay sunset along Roxas Boulevard.  

Go on a Binondo food tour and enjoy authentic Chinese food at the oldest Chinatown. 

Read our article on Manila layover activities for more ideas. 

Ride a night bus going to Baguio and travel to Banaue.

Day 2-3: Banaue 

The mountain province of Banaue is famous for its iconic rice terraces. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Located at around 1500 meters above sea level, it uses an ancient irrigation system where water comes from the rainforest above it. 

Things to do in Banaue for 2 days:

Walk around the rice terraces.

Check out the local village and watch an Ifugao cultural show.

Trek to Batad and check out Tappiya Waterfalls. Depending on when you go, you can swim there, too.

If you have more time to spare, go to Buscalan in Kalinga and get a traditional tattoo from Apo Whang-Od . 

Take a night bus going back to Manila so you can arrive early the following day. 

Day 4: Layover in Manila + Fly to El Nido

If you have time to explore Manila before your flight, head to the bustling city of Makati , where you can explore shopping malls or parks, and treat yourself to a good meal or a bit of shopping. You can go to Poblacion Makati and have some drinks , get a relaxing massage , or join a game night in BGC .

Make sure to withdraw enough cash for El Nido, Palawan. The ATMs in El Nido don't always have enough cash. Many places don’t accept credit cards yet, so you might want to plan just in case.

Day 5-7: El Nido, Palawan

Things to do in El Nido for 3 days:

Join an El Nido island hopping trip  which runs for a full day. Each tour has a different itinerary, so it’s up to you to select which sites you would like to visit. You can allot 1 tour a day.

Do the Taraw Cliff via ferrata canopy walk and see the stunning view of the town and the islands. 

Drink beers or cocktails and watch the sunset of El Nido in Las Cabanas.

Day 8-9: Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Things to do in Puerto Princesa for 2 days:

Explore the  tourist spots in Puerto Princesa  City or go island hopping in Honda Bay . 

Book a tour of the underground river for Day 9 (you should book this in advance). The whole tour will take 5-6 hours.

See our popular Puerto Princesa Tours and Activities

Day 10-12: Bohol

You can’t fly directly to Bohol from Puerto Princesa, but you can fly to Cebu and then take a ferry to Tagbilaran, Bohol . The flight takes about an hour while the fast ferry takes about 2 hours.

Several fast ferries travel between Cebu and Bohol, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding transport to Bohol.

No advance booking is necessary. Just go to the ferry terminal in Pier 4 North Reclamation Area.

Things to do in Bohol for 2 days:

Do the  Bohol countryside tour  where you can visit most top Bohol attractions like the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Bilar Man-Made Forest, Baclayon Church, and Blood Compact Shrine. 

Join Bohol island hopping tours where you can have the chance to see dolphins and snorkel at the incredible Bohol diving sites like Balicasag Island . 

Explore Alona Beach in Panglao Island. There are several bars and restaurants there if you need a break from lounging in the beach.

For more adventurous activities, a trip to Danao Adventure Park is where you can experience the Plunge (canyon drop) as well as other exhilarating activities.

Bohol Chocolate Hills Countryside Private Tour with Transfers & Add-on Loboc River Cruise Lunch

Bohol countryside tour chocolate hills to loboc river cruise lunch with hotel transfers, bohol island hopping private tour to balicasag & virgin islands with dolphin watching & transfers.

Day 12-14: Cebu

Things to do in Cebu for 2 days:

When you arrive, go around Cebu City or book Cebu tour s and check out its top attractions, including the Magellan’s Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño.

Alternatively, you can go directly to Moalboal, around 2 hours from the city, where you can go island hopping and swim with the sardines if you book Moalboal tours .

From Moalboal, head to Alegria and Badian for the canyoneering and the Kawasan Falls adventure .

There are several flights from Cebu to Manila , so going back to Manila on Day 14 won’t be a problem. Just make sure to check your flights and allot extra time for delays so you won’t miss your flight out of the country! An easier way to a multi-destination itinerary in the Philippines is by booking all-inclusive Philippine tour packages . 

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to the Philippines 

Now that you know which destinations you should add to your trip to the Philippines take note of these helpful tips: 

Is it safe to visit the Philippines?

Generally, yes. But it's always best to be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure at all times and be wary of strangers. If you're planning to do outdoor activities, check out our guide on travel insurance in the Philippines .

What are the Philippine citizens called?

We are called Filipinos (not Philippinos).

What languages are spoken in the Philippines?

The Philippines has two official languages: English and Filipino. This makes it easier for travelers to get around since English is widely understood and spoken.

While Spanish was the country's official language in the 19th and early 20th centuries, only a very small percentage of the population speak or understand it now.

A lot of words, however, derive their origin from Spanish. All over the Philippines, around 180 languages (and dialects) are spoken, 12 of which are used by at least one million people.

Do I need a visa to visit the Philippines? 

Passports holders from any country except the following either don't need a visa or can pay for a visa on arrival:

Afghanistan

Bosnia and Herzegovina

North Korea

Sierra Leone

South Sudan

Taiwan (have to apply for an ETA online)

Timor-Leste

If unsure, double-check with your embassy.

Is Wifi widely available all over the country? 

Most hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in major cities would have Wifi connectivity, but the connection's quality varies widely, depending on location. You can use data but note that the signal can be weak to nonexistent in many islands. 

Can I use my credit card? 

Cash is still king in the Philippines. You can use credit cards in shopping malls and restaurants in major cities, but once you go out of the major cities, and especially in the islands, credit cards are not usually accepted.

Before leaving Manila or other major cities, make sure to acquire enough cash. A lot of destinations do have ATMs and money changers, but check before you leave.

Discover what the Philippines has to offer. With so many destinations to travel to, start planning your trip now!  Read our travel guides  to learn more and explore our collection of  Philippine tours and activities  for your trip. 

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The best of the Philippines

By Trisha Andres

When I think of childhood holidays in the Philippines , the first thing that comes to mind is the soundtrack, like a scratchy old mixtape. Filipino love ballads blaring from jeepneys airbrushed in blues, oranges and pinks. Vendors bellowing ‘puto at kutsinta’ at the top of their lungs, hawking their glutinous rice and cassava cakes for merienda, a light afternoon snack. And the rising ding-a-ling of a bell as the mamang sorbetero, or ice-cream man, approaches with his little banana-yellow cart. As a child in the 1990s, I’d visit Boracay, not yet overrun by partying tourists, when the fine sand would turn to 18-carat gold in the post-dawn golden hour, and palms would sway to the lazy rhythm of amihan winds.

We’d hike in the hills of Tagaytay, south of Manila – my mother, father and two sisters, plus all 15 aunts, uncles and cousins. ‘Don’t forget to say tabi-tabi po (excuse me) to the gnomes,’ my mum would warn, half in jest, if we stumbled upon one of the mounds where she swore magical creatures lived (Filipinos remain resolutely superstitious). At the summit, we’d celebrate with a picnic overlooking the Taal Volcano caldera in the middle of the shimmering Taal Lake. On visits to Palawan and its surrounding islands , we’d ride on small, wooden bangka boats through blue-green waters so limpid I could make out tiny luminescent fish nibbling coral on the seabed. I’ve lived and worked as a journalist in London since 2006, but the Philippines has always been where my soul lies. I’m now working on my first novel, which will be set in Manila and Palawan in a 1980s dominated by Ferdinand Marcos. My home country fascinates me more as I get older, despite disappointment that politically it has again succumbed to cynical populism and nationalism.

(Pictured above: Amanpulo in Palawan)

It is a rare cultural mish-mash; many of the 7,641 islands have their own quirks, dialects and dishes. Add to this the countries that colonised the archipelago before it declared independence after World War II, such as the Spanish, the Americans and, briefly, the Japanese. The result is a lively mix of Hollywood, Catholicism and Orientalism, in a country whose ethnicities already form a pie chart like a squiffy wheel of fortune. As a traveller, my perspective has changed over the years.

It’s become clearer to me that not everywhere in the world has such a ready supply of milky-white sand, lagoons and empty, reef-rimmed islets whispering to be explored. That other places don’t have green sea turtles quite as large and languorous as the ones that drift around Palawan. That not everywhere can you watch the shadows lengthen as the sun sets over Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, a quirk of geology or something greater. And that not in all corners of the world do families routinely welcome strangers and insist on feeding them to bursting point.

I’ve watched as Siargao, the teardrop-shaped island on the Philippines’ Eastern fringes, has developed a surf buzz to rival Bali ; and as Manila has dialled up its food and art scenes while never remotely threatening to become neat. Yet this is still the curious, cacophonous country of my early memories and it still has my heart.

WATER WORLD

EL NIDO AND CALAMIAN ISLANDS

The spotless beaches , lagoons and tiny islands of this archipelago inspired Alex Garland to write The Beach , and there’s still a certain travellers’ spirit here that has been lost to overtourism elsewhere. With around 1,780 isles off the main Palawan island sliver, it’s hardly a secret: Bond and Bourne have been filmed on its beaches, and many a photographer has flown a drone over its deserted sandbars. The northern El Nido region and Calamian Islands do fill up in high season from October to May. Yet most of the key hotels exist on their own private slices of land, and all that’s required for total solitude is to clamber barefoot onto a bangka and ask the driver to take you to yours, where he may well cook you up fresh crab and green mango in banana leaves. Every time I visit, I take a boat along Bacuit Bay, swimming in the famous Big and Small Lagoons – the latter of which is reached through a small opening in the limestone – encircled by dramatic karst cliffs. I’ll always stop, too, at Snake Island, a narrow S-shaped sandbar floating in the sea. Other places are more secluded still, such as the turquoise atolls off Balabac to the south, or the secret lagoons around Taytay. All around Palawan, I’ve snorkelled with coasting hawksbill turtles and watched bottlenose dolphins leap out of glassy waters. On land, I’ve slept beneath fruit bats and woken to strutting peacock-pheasants. After all this time, it remains my favourite island anywhere.

(Pictured above: a hidden Beach, El Nido, Palawan)

The private island stays

PALAWAN ISLAND

I have spent many summers on the four Palawan private islands run by El Nido Resorts: Miniloc, Lagen and Pangulasian off El Nido, and Apulit off Taytay. My go-to is Miniloc, on its own lagoon. It’s rustic and feels the most authentically Filipino, with its traditional overwater nipa huts, thatched roofs and woven-bamboo walls. Every night, yema custard candies and a hand-written bedtime story based on local myths are left at the foot of the bed. Meanwhile, Pangulasian, on a little U-bend of sandy beach, is reopening this December after a smart renovation. But none of these retreats match the level of Amanpulo, still the grande dame, reached by a turboprop plane and surrounded by the atoll-studded Sulu Sea; or Banwa, which opened this year, with prices as high as the jungle trees. There are more affordable stays on Palawan itself, such as Panorama (pictured above) , which feels modern and almost Balinese, with its brushed-concrete walls in evocative thatched huts that resemble split coconuts.

Manila-based blogger and photographer Kimi Juan

INSIDER TIPS

‘In El Nido, I tend to stay on the mainland at Frangipani, a cute boutique run by a friend that’s filled with glass walls and greenery. There are places to eat along the beach, and boatman will often barbecue fresh shrimp beside the water. Meanwhile, Siargao has become the new Bali so fast; there’s a strong sense of community and it’s very sustainable. Lotus Shores is great for a blissed-out yoga retreat, and Mama’s Grill, a roadside shack that grew to become a restaurant , is a brilliant place to eat. The locals keep the best surf spots, mangroves and cliff jumps a secret, so visitors must ask nicely if they want to find them. My go-to under-the-radar island is little Sicogon, off unheralded Panay, which is tricky to get to but home to some of the best beaches in the world . It's so pristine, with white beaches and sand mites, a sign that hardly anyone’s been here. I take a boat to the tiny Gigantes Islands, which have one of the most magical lagoons I’ve ever seen and where you can follow the monkeys up the rocks for incredible views.’

These thatched, stilted structures, or bahay kubos, are legendary across the Philippines, and include the lonely fishing shack on a small beach off Palawan’s Busuanga Island that is often seen tagged along with a dreamy, aspirational quote on Instagram. It’s a romantic, Robinson Crusoe take on the nipa: usually, the space underneath is used as a storage area for food or a shelter for livestock.

Lily Bonesso

Mary Lussiana

Sophie Heawood

Monica Mendal

BOAT TRIP EL NIDO TO CORON

It makes the most sense to reach Palawan on the water, and ideally by bangka or paraw, the latter a double-outrigger sailing boat. Tao Philippines offers a classic trip: a five-day sail between El Nido and Coron on a 74ft wooden paraw that looks as if it were assembled by the Swiss Family Robinson. Even the crew are barefoot, catching supper as you float serenely past empty atolls, snorkel over World War II shipwrecks and immaculate reefs and sleep at four different island bases, including an organic farm and a hidden jungle lodge.

(Pictured above: Crew aboard a Tao Philippines sailboat off El Nido)

Filipina-American model Kelsey Merritt

‘Siargao has become my happy place. It’s maybe not quite as beautiful as Palawan, but there’s more of a vibe; lots of my friends are moving here from Manila. I like staying at the fun Harana Surf shack or the slightly more slick Bayud Boutique, owned by my surfer friend Niño Barbers. We’ll often eat at Kermit, another surf spot where fresh fish is reeled in straight from the boats and is either grilled or left raw as kinilaw. For a less expensive alternative to Palawan’s Amanpulo and Pangulasian, I love the reef-fringed Club Paradise north of Coron, where you can sleep and eat in little cabanas right on the beach, and eerily beautiful resident bats flutters away at sunset. When I stop off in Manila before heading home to Pampanga, I always stay at the Shangri-La at the Fort. I had my graduation party at Raging Bull Chophouse – I’m a sucker for its truffle pasta and grass-fed rib-eye. Otherwise, the street-food platter at the casual, semi-industrial Locavore is awesome, with great versions of Filipino classics, such as kikiam pork rolls and kwek-kwek, or battered quails’ eggs.’

THE SURFING VIBE IN SIARGAO

A decade ago, this teardrop-shaped island, pronounced ‘shar-gow’, sitting lonely on the eastern fringes of the Philippines, didn’t have concrete roads. Back then, a trickle of surfers would bump along its sandy tracks to ride the whispered-about Cloud Nine break or the sharply barrelling Stimpy’s. But today, the island is buzzing, energised by the launch of direct flights from Manila in 2017, and Europeans and Manileño cool kids are opening eco-aware beach shacks, coffee roasters and surf-yoga retreats. Wave riders cram into Loose Keys (pictured above) , a thatch-covered garage near Cloud Nine that serves kinilaw, the Filipino answer to ceviche, and hosts live bands (Marlon, my Siargao surf instructor, regularly plays the blues).

The surfer-yogi crowd tends to stay at the palm-frond cottages at Harana Surf or the gypset Soultribe Beach Retreat (pictured above) , with its glamping tents in the trees, but there are smarter stays – most notably the Nay Palad Hideaway, a rattan paradise with a swimming pontoon off the beach. It was opened in 2012 by charismatic Belgian Bobby Dekeyser, who played in goal for Bayern Munich before launching an outdoor-furniture business and stumbling across this remote Filipino spot. Siargao is blessed away from the surf, too. The Magpupungko rock pools are where locals cliff-jump into a splash of turquoise that reveals itself at low tide; and there’s the emerald Sugba Lagoon on Caob Island, surrounded by limestone cliffs and forests, with its wooden diving board.

There are also castaway isles to rival Palawan’s, including tiny, coconut-tree-covered Guyam (pictured below) , or Naked Island, an aptly named little blob of fine sand. Whether it’s like Bali was 30 years ago or not, Siargao is in the midst of a wonderful moment.

BUCAS GRANDE, SURIGAO DEL NORTE

Dubbed the Palawan of the south, this island is a maze of shallow waters a two-hour boat ride from the main Siargao town of General Luna, and has a warm lake where it’s possible to bob around with non-stinging orange jellyfish. Plus, there’s a rickety wooden 16ft platform at Magkukuob Cave, a beautiful spot that looks like a Mexican cenote.

The arty stopover

This isn’t a destination with obvious appeal. The city’s elegant colonial architecture was largely destroyed by World War II bombs, to be replaced by skyscrapers and shantytowns, with the walled Spanish colonial city of Intramuros one of the few districts to be spared. Now, Manila is packed with malls, snarling traffic, frenetic wet markets and vendors selling kwek-kwek. But there is a new creative energy to be found, especially in the contemporary art scene. At The Alley at Karrivin in central Makati, a series of small galleries, boutiques and cafés fill whitewashed spaces off a shaded garden hallway. The Drawing Room represents some of the best local artists, while Lanai concept store is the place to buy Filipino jewellery and homeware with the same glam-vintage aesthetic as its owners, Manila society girls Bianca Zobel-Warns, Natalia Zobel and Maria Parsons. But the best thing at The Alley is Toyo Eatery (pictured below) , a concrete space named one of Asia’s 50 best restaurants, where The Fat Duck-trained chef Jordy Navarra whips up the most inventive Filipino plates around. The garden vegetables are a must-try, served like a pot of soil with a tiny sprout. A mix of textures and flavours, the dish uses all 18 vegetables mentioned in the Tagalog folk song ‘Bahay Kubo’, which the waiter sings while serving it.

Stay at the Fifties-era Henry Hotel (pictured above) in Pasay City, with mid-century shutters, verandhas and palmera-dotted gardens styled by interior designer Eric Paras, who runs the Artelano 11 homeware and coffee shop next door, a trove of the best Art Deco-inspired Filipino pieces. By night, Poblacion (pictured below) – once the red-light district – buzzes with microbreweries and speakeasies. It’s smartening up, but still has that fizzing Manila spirit.

The calling card

The bright, blingy, faintly comic yet ubiquitous form of public transport was originally re-crafted from abandoned American military Jeeps left over from the war. Today, jeepneys rule the roads. Mad, acid-wash paint jobs and steel horses on bonnets turn heads, but it’s the blaring sound effects, such as cow moos and parrots repeating ‘I love you’, that are truly great. The Peninsula Manila hotel has a fancy racing-green version, but the real deal is to cram into any passing jeepney and do as the locals do: hand your pesos to your fellow travellers to give to the driver.

Chef Jordy Navarra of Manila’s Toyo Eatery

THE INSIDER TIPS

‘First of all, don’t rush to leave Manila. Stay centrally in Makati or Bonifacio Global City and get to know the food scene. Explore Negrense dishes from the sugar and farming island of Negros: JT’s Manukan Grille, a group founded by Filipino actor Joel Torre, is the place to eat like a local, where every part of the chicken is charcoal-grilled, including gizzards and hearts; or head to modern Sarsa for crispy-pork sisig, a stew. For drinks, one of my go-to places is The Curator, hidden in a wine shop, which is an artisan-coffee spot by day and serves great cocktails after 6pm. And Oto, a Japanese-inspired listening room in Poblacion, is where the party tends to be these days. Another place I’d recommend is Balay Dako, a grand house a few hours south of Manila in Tagaytay, with an amazing view over Taal Lake, with a volcano in the middle. It cooks an amazing bulalo, a beef-bone-marrow broth from nearby Batangas. Aside from the hotspots of Palawan and Siargao, the weekend break for cool Manileños is La Union, a four-hour drive north, where there’s a creative little surf and party scene around the Flotsam and Jetsam Artist Beach Hostel.’

The dive sites

PALAWAN, MALAPASCUA AND DONSOL

The Philippines has some of the most diverse diving in the world. In the warm waters of Palawan’s Coron Bay, the evocative wrecks of half a dozen Japanese warships lie in close proximity, fuzzy with coral. On Coron itself, Barracuda Lake offers dives in a limestone wonderland, which oddly gets warmer as you paddle deeper. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a protected area in the Sulu Sea that can only be accessed on a liveaboard boat, has turtles, reef sharks and manta rays bobbing among unspoilt and colourful underwater gardens. Malapascua, an island north of Cebu, is one of the few places on the planet where there are regular sightings of rare, silver-tinged thresher sharks; while Donsol, to the south of the main island of Luzon, has near-guaranteed glimpses of polka-dotted whale sharks from November to June .

Global jet-setter Jeremy Jauncey

‘Watching the sunset over the Chocolate Hills is like nothing I’ve ever seen. Another highlight is canyoning at the Kawasan Falls on Cebu, where visitors wear a helmet and life jacket to jump off waterfalls; it’s like a natural water park. Amanpulo, on tiny Pamalican Island, might be the most incredible spot in the world, with its private plane and drifting hawksbills. Lagen, run by El Nido Resorts, isn’t quite at the level of Aman, but it’s still amazing, on its own little turquoise lagoon that can only be reached by boat – you feel like James Bond sailing to it. It’s a great starting point for a trip to the two stunning El Nido lagoons (pictured below) ; get up before sunrise to beat the crowds and escape for a private sandbar breakfast.’

The tinkling of the sorbetero street vendor’s handheld bell is music to every Filipino child’s ears, and can be heard across the country. It heralds the arrival of a vibrantly painted wooden pushcart selling sorbetes. Also known as dirty ice cream, they are prepared using natural ingredients, puréed and mixed with either coconut or carabao’s milk. Flavours tend to be purple yam, chocolate or – the most divisive – queso, which comes topped with specks of cheese.

The other islands

BOHOL AND BATANES

South-east of Cebu, Bohol is home to one of the most legendary spots in the Philippines: the Chocolate Hills (pictured above) , more than 1,200 grassy mountains that look like crafted bowls and pyramids. One legend has it that they were formed by a giant who wept over the death of his mortal beloved; another tells of two feuding beasts who spent days hurling boulders at each other until they grew weary and fell into each other’s arms. Bohol is also one of the best places in the world to see tarsiers, the bug-eyed primates who bear a passing resemblance to gremlins. For a more remote trip, the northern Batanes archipelago is halfway to Taiwan and has been described as the Scotland of the East, with its romantic rolling hills, lighthouses and traditional fishing villages.

Like this? Now read:

Things to do in the Philippines

A guide to the best Philippines islands

Where to eat, drink and stay in Manila

Scroll down for more images of the best of the Philippines...

Toyo Eatery

Tambai restaurant, Manila

Nay Palad Hideaway

Nay Palad Hideaway, Siarga

Beach kiosk in Siargao

Pearl Farm retreat on Samal Island in Davao

A dish at Amanpulo

Bedroom at Amorita Resort on Panglao Island

Coconut farm near Pacifico surf spot

Room at Panorama

Panorama bedroom wall art

Surf instructor in Siargao

Lobby at the Henry Hotel Manila

Coron coast

Miniloc Island hotel walkway

Bedroom at Henry Hotel

Hidden corners on Coron

Stuffed-squid dish at Toyo

Best things to do in the Philippines

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updated 18.04.2023

Separated from its Southeast Asian neighbours, the Philippines has always been a little different. The variety of the best things to do in the Philippines is astonishing. You can surf, island-hop or dive pristine coral reefs in the morning, and on the same day visit Indigenous villages, ancient rice terraces, historical cave systems and jungles mothered peaks. Here is our pick of the best things to do in the Philippines.

1. Boracay Beach

2. ati-atihan festival, 4. marvel at the banaue rice terraces, 5. try filipino cuisine, 6. vigan — one of the oldest towns in the philippines, 7. swimming with whale sharks - one of the most thrilling things to do in the philippines, 8. coron island by bangka, 9. chocolate hills, 10. tarsiers, 11. san agustin church, 12. spend a day at manila ocean park, 13. dive at tubbataha reef, 14. puerto galera, 15. sail along puerto princesa underground river, 16. mount mayon, 17. mount pinatubo, 18. go island hopping at the hundred islands national park, 19. take a historic tour of corregidor island, 20. discover the falls.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to the Philippines , your essential guide for visiting the Philippines .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Philippines, created by local experts

4 days  / from 1250 USD

Tropical Escape to Palawan

Only have a few days to discover the island paradise of El Nido? Fly into Manila and take a domestic flight the next day to enjoy the white sandy beaches. Take a full day boat tour to discover the Bacuit Bay before enjoying a last dinner on the island and heading out to Manila on Day 4.

13 days  / from 2385 USD

Island Paradise Palawan

Explore the island paradise of Palawan: From the Underground River in Sabang to feeling like Robinson Crusoe on Flower Island to the popular dive and beach hang-out El Nido, this itinerary shows you the variety Palawan has to offer.

9 days  / from 2750 USD

Paradise Islands: Boracay & Palawan

Discover two paradise islands in the Philippines: world-famous Boracay and El Nido on Palawan. Enjoy luxurious hotels, white sandy beaches, a fascinating underwater world and the hospitality of the local population.

Tailor-made trips for   Philippines

While in the Philippines, you will want to visit the 4km powdery sand strip of white beach that is Boracay. Here there is a carnival of activities for travellers. A short walk along the beach takes you past restaurants serving a veritable United Nations of cuisines, including Greek, Indian, Caribbean, French, Th ai and more.

The beach is also dotted with interesting little bars and bistros, some of them with no more than a few chairs and tables on the beach, and others where you can sit in air-conditioned luxury eating Chateaubriand and smoking Cuban cigars.

Discover two paradise islands in the Philippines with our tailor-made trip to Boracay & Palawan . Enjoy luxurious hotels, white sandy beaches, a fascinating underwater world and the hospitality of the local population.

Where to stay on Boracay Island:

• For ambience: 7Stones Boracay
• For a stay on the beach: The Piccolo Hotel of Boracay

Find more accommodation options to stay on Boracay island

White beach in Boracay, the Philippines © Shutterstock

Ati-Atihan is a quasi-religious mardi gras held every January in Kalibo on Panay Island . The culmination of the two-week event is a procession through the streets on the third Sunday of the month, a sustained three-day, three-night frenzy of carousing and dancing.

Throw in the unending beat of massed drums and the average Filipino’s predisposition for a good party, and the result is a flamboyant alfresco rave that claims to be the biggest and most prolonged in the country. The Ati-Atihan mantra Hala Bira, Puera Pasma translates as “Keep on going, no tiring.”

Ati-Atihan Festival, Philippines © Hagen Production/Shutterstock

With its scruffy beach, narrow, tricycle-choked streets and unplanned rows of concrete hotels, the small but booming resort town of El Nido, in the far northwest of Palawan , comes as quite a surprise for somewhere that’s marketed as paradise. But though the town makes a poor first impression, visiting El Nido is one of the best things to do in the Philippines - the surroundings are jaw-dropping.

The town is the departure point for trips to the mesmerizing Bacuit archipelago, where the El Nido marine sanctuary is the largest such reserve in the Philippines. The archipelago’s striking beauty has not gone unnoticed by developers, who have established a number of exclusive resorts on some of the islands.

A fascinating underwater world is ready to be explored. Coron is known for its wreck diving while El Nido has one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, hidden lagoons, and hundreds of species of coral and marine life. This tailor-made diving adventure in Palawan allows you to discover both places, above and below the water.

Where to stay in El Nido

• For couples: The Funny Lion - El Nido
• For amazing views and tranquillity: Cadlao Resort and Restaurant

Find more accommodation options to stay in El Nido

El Nido, Philippines © Antonio V. Oquias/Shutterstock

The rice terraces around Banaue are among the great icons of the Philippines and were hewn from the land two thousand years ago by the Ifugao people using primitive tools. Called the “Stairway to Heaven” by the Ifugaos, the terraces would stretch 20,000km if laid out end to end. Not only are they an extraordinary sight , but they are also an object lesson in sustainability.

The terraces are on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and they will not last forever if they are not protected. They have always been subject to constant deterioration, due to erosion, imperfect irrigation systems and the actions of earthworms. Strict measures have been taken in recent years to protect and revive the paddies, and young farmers are slowly returning to work in the fields.

Rice terraces, Batad village, Luzon, the Philippines © Tappasan Phurisamrit/Shutterstock

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Filipino food is a delicious and unique blend of Malay, Spanish, Chinese and American traditions. Dishes range from the very simple, like grilled fish and rice, to more complex stews, paellas and artfully barbecued meats. Many dishes use local fruits such as calamansi, coconuts and mangoes. Seafood is especially rich – expect anything from meaty crabs and milkfish to grouper and stingrays on the menu.

Most meals are served with San Miguel, the local beer, and are followed by sumptuous tropical fruits and decadent desserts.

Halo-halo - a mouthwatering blend of shaved ice, evaporated milk and various toppings © Shutterstock

One of the unmissable things to do in the Philippines is to visit Vigan - one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. Lying on the western bank of the Mestizo River, it was in Spanish times an important political, military, cultural and religious centre. The old town is characterized by its cobbled streets and some of the finest colonial architecture in the country, mixing Mexican, Chinese and Filipino features.

Many of the old buildings are still lived in, others are used as curio shops. A few have been converted into museums or hotels. The attractions are within walking distance of one another, with Plaza Burgos the most obvious reference point. Adding to the old-world atmosphere, some streets are open only to pedestrians – unusual in the Philippines – and romantic horse-drawn kalesas.

Where to stay in Vigan

• For a central but quiet location: Paradores de Vigan
• For vintage atmosphere: Hotel Veneto De Vigan

Find more accommodation options to stay in Vigan

Vigan, Luzon, Philippines © Daniel Andis/Shutterstock

Swimming alongside a giant but gentle whale shark off the coast of Sorsogon , in southern Luzon, is among the unforgettable things to do in the Philippines. The area around the sleepy town of Donsol is best known for one of the greatest concentrations of whale sharks in the world. The number of sightings varies: during the peak months of January to April there’s a very good chance of encountering these gentle creatures.

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Swimming with these colossal sharks as they sedately glide through the clear waters is a truly unforgettable experience, but remember that you need to be a good swimmer and a decent snorkeller to get into the water with them. Outside of whale shark season, there’s not much here for travellers, and most of the accommodation options and even some restaurants are closed.

Swimming with the whale sharks is one of the most thrilling things to do in the Philippines © Leith Holtzman/Shutterstock

One of the best things to do in the Philippines is to stay in Coron Town to explore the spellbinding islands and coves scattered around Coron Bay – also a fantastic destination for wreck-diving. Bangka trips are easy to arrange, but it’s worth comparing the various packages on offer. Coron Island is the most popular destination, but you should also try to spend some time on the smaller, less-visited islands.

Most hotels and tour operators in Coron Town offer day trips to Coron Island, an enchanting cluster of jagged limestone cliffs and peaks just fifteen minutes across the bay. The island offers truly spectacular landscapes and some rich snorkelling sites, though visitors are confined to the northern coast.

Where to stay on Coron Island:

• For boutique stays: The Funny Lion
• For price and quality: Bay Area Lodge

Find more accommodation options to stay on Coron Island

Coron, Palawan, Philippines © Kasia Soszek/Shutterstock

Soak up the bizarre landscape of Bohol ’s iconic Chocolate Hills, conical brown-green mounds said to be the calcified tears of a broken-hearted giant. Renowned throughout the country , hiking in the surreal Chocolate Hills is one of the best things to do in the Philippines.

What you think of the hills will depend largely on the time you visit. During the glare of the day, the light casts harsh shadows and the hills lose their definition. But at dawn or dusk, they look splendid, especially during the dry season (Feb–June) when the scrub vegetation covering the hills is roasted brown.

Most visitors head for the 360-degree viewpoint at the government-run Chocolate Hills Viewpoint. Built atop one of the unearthly formations, it’s reached by a winding road and a steep climb up two hundred or so rough-hewn steps.

Chocolate hills, Bohol island, Philippines © Eva Mont/Shutterstock

Admire these tiny primates with their enormous, sorrowful eyes at their protected sanctuary in Bohol. Ten kilometres northeast of Tagbilaran outside the village of Corella, the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is dedicated to protecting what is left of the native population of tarsiers.

Often mistakenly referred to as the world’s smallest monkey, the cuddly tarsier – all 10–15cm of it – is more closely related to the lemur, loris and bushbaby and has been around for a staggering 45 million years.

After a brief induction at the base camp, knowledgeable guides lead visitors into the jungle, but spotting the sanctuary’s hundred-or-so free-to-roam residents among the foliage can be challenging, especially as the creatures are nocturnal and rarely move.

Where to stay on Bohol Island:

• For river views: Fox & The Firefly Cottages
• For luxury: South Palms Resort Panglao

Find more accommodation options to stay on Bohol island

On this tailor-made Total immersion in Visayas you will get to know Cebu with its waterfalls and some of the best islands in the Philippines before heading to Dumaguete to swim with turtles and over to Bohol: known for its chocolate hills and tarsiers, this island never ceases to amaze. A few more beach days in Siquijor conclude this trip.

Tarsier in Bohol, the Philippines© Shutterstock

This elegantly weathered Spanish pile in the heart of old Manila is the oldest stone church in the archipelago and the resting place of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Dominating the southern section of Intramuros, San Agustin Church boasts a magnificent Baroque interior, trompe l’oeil murals and a vaulted ceiling and dome.

Access to the church is via the adjacent San Agustin Museum, a former Augustinian monastery that houses a surprisingly extensive collection of icons and artefacts, though the handsome two-storey building itself and the tranquil central cloisters are just as appealing.

San Agustin Church in Manila, the Philippines © Richie Chan/Shutterstock

At the far western end of Rizal Park, along the bayfront, lies Manila Ocean Park, one of the best things to do in the Philippines with kids. The undoubted highlight is the Oceanarium, a huge saltwater tank viewed via a 25m-long walkway, packed with some twenty thousand sea creatures.

Depending on what entry package you choose, it may include spectacular light shows, musical fountains, sea lion shows, birds of prey exhibit, a trippy jellyfish installation and a penguin park.

Where to stay in Manila

• For modern stays: Citadines Salcedo Makati
• For luxury: Conrad Manila

Find more accommodation options to stay in Manila

Jellyfish aquarium in Manila Ocean Park © Shutterstock

Located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, 181km southeast of Puerto Princesa, Tubbataha Reef Natural Park has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to its huge number of marine species. Unsurprisingly, it has become a magnet for scuba divers, who reach it on liveaboard boats – most departing from Puerto Princesa between March and June.

The reef is one of the finest in the world, with sightings of sharks, manta rays and turtles a daily occurrence. Dive operators in Manila, Puerto Princesa and Coron Town can arrange one-week trips, which include onboard accommodation and meals, the conservation fee, and up to four dives a day.

Diving at Tubbataha Reef - one of the best things to do in the Philippines for divers © Dudarev Mikhail/Shutterstock

One of the country’s most popular resorts, Puerto Galera (meaning “Port of the Galleons”) boasts some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia and gorgeous, sugar-sand beaches, as a result of which the whole area is often mobbed during national holidays. Arriving by ferry is a memorable experience, the boat slipping gently through aquamarine waters past a series of headlands fringed with haloes of sand and coconut trees.

Brilliant white yachts lie at anchor in the innermost bay and in the background looms the brooding hulk of Mount Malasimbo, invariably crowned with a ring of cumulus cloud.

Where to stay in Puerto Galera

• For families: Blue Crystal Beach Resort
• For an upscale holiday: Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa

Find more accommodation options to stay in Puerto Galera

White-eyed Moray eels in Puerto Galera, the Philippines © Oksana Golubeva/Shutterstock

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and voted as one of the “new Seven Wonders of Nature” in 2012, the Puerto Princesa Underground River is a unique underwater river system that cuts through the limestone hills before emptying out into the sea.

The caves are completely natural and unlit, ranging from low-lying passages to vast, cathedral-like caverns. Because of the site’s popularity and fragile ecosystem, visitor numbers are restricted to a daily quota of nine hundred visitors, which is reached every day during peak season. Make sure you book your visit ahead of time.

Explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River and admire the natural beauty of Palawan on a full-day trip . Sail along the world's longest navigable underground river and enjoy an authentic lunch.

Puerto Princesa cave, Underground river in Palawan, the Philippines © Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock

The almost perfectly symmetrical cone of volcanic Mount Mayon, near Legaspi , makes for a challenging but thrilling climb. The elegantly smooth cone of Mount Mayon may look benign from a distance but don’t be deceived. The most active volcano in the country, Mayon has erupted more than forty times since 1616, the date of its first recorded eruption.

The traditional window of opportunity for an ascent of Mount Mayon is February to April, and even then you’ll have to be well prepared for cold nights at altitude and the possibility of showers. At any other time of year, you could be hanging around for days waiting for a break in the weather. Though the slopes look smooth, it takes at least two days to reach the highest point of the trail.

Explore one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Philippines, Mayon Volcano, known for its perfect cone shape. Take the ATV tour to fully enjoy the nature around it and be mesmerized by its breathtaking views.

Mount Mayon, the Philippines © Shutterstock

Nothing has quite been the same around Mount Pinatubo, 25km east of Clark, since 1991, when the volcano exploded in one of the largest eruptions of the twentieth century worldwide. Today, visits to the resultant moonlike lahar landscape and the lake is one of the country’s top activities, though independent hikes to the top are not permitted.

Organized trips to the volcano leave from the small town of Santa Juliana, about 40km from Clark, where you register. From here, a 4WD takes you for an hour or so across flat lahar beds and over dusty foothills to the start of a gentle hike to Lake Pinatubo. The lake itself is stunning, with emerald-green waters and spectacular surrounding views. Bring a packed lunch. Swimming and boating on the lake are now banned.

Embark on a journey to the “Beautiful Disaster” , the local’s name for the active volcano Mount Pinatubo. Take a 14-kilometre hike before stopping by an Aeta indigenous tribe village.

Pinatubo crater lake in Philippines © posztos/Shutterstock

The tiny islands of Hundred Islands National Park – there are actually 123, but that doesn’t have quite the same ring to it – cover almost twenty square kilometres. Some islands have beaches, but many are no more than coral outcrops crowned by scrub. Sadly, much of the underwater coral in the park has been damaged by a devastating combination of cyanide fishing and dynamite fishing along with typhoons.

The authorities are, however, going all out to protect what coral is left and help it regenerate, meaning you can only snorkel in approved areas. Unless you want to camp, the closest base is the small town of Lucap, accessible from Alaminos, where day trips set off. The town, however, is pretty dull and not recommended as a place to stay. It’s far nicer to base yourself at one of the resorts near Bolinao.

Hundred Islands National Park, Philippines © Pixabay

The tadpole-shaped island of Corregidor, less than 5km long and 3km wide at its broadest point, is a living museum to the horrors of war. Lying 40km southwest of Manila, it was originally used by the Spanish as a customs post. In 1942 it was defended bravely by an ill-equipped US and Filipino contingent under continual bombardment from Japanese guns and aircraft.

The island was abandoned after the war, and was gradually reclaimed by thick jungle vegetation – it wasn’t until the late 1980s that the Corregidor Foundation began to transform it into a national shrine. If you visit Corregidor on a day trip you’ll be restricted to a guided tour. Japanese tourists also come here in numbers to pay their respects to the dead on both sides.

Artillery Emplacement Corregidor, Philippines © Shutterstock

The Philippines also boasts a wide variety of waterfalls. One of them is Kawasan Falls - the most popular place to swim in Moalboal. Made up of a series of cascades – some as high as 20m – this jungle-fringed waterfall is a great place for a taster of Cebu’s interior.

If you travelling to Boracay, note the Cambughay Falls on Siquijor island. These are the island’s most accessible and popular waterfalls. Steep steps lead down to the pretty falls, which are a pleasant spot for a picnic or a swim.

Manila’s main claim to fame these days is as the staging point for the dazzling Pagsanjan Falls, chosen by Francis Ford Coppola as the location for the final scenes in Apocalypse Now in 1975. Most tourists come not for the Hollywood nostalgia value, however, but to take one of the popular “shooting the rapids” trips along the Bumbungan River to the falls and back.

Kawasan waterfalls located on Cebu Island, Philippines © oneinchpunch/Shutterstock

Looking for some more exotic destinations for your trip? Read our guide about the best things to do on the Fiji islands or explore the most exotic places to travel in the world .

Ready for a trip to the Philippines ? Check out the snapshot of The Rough Guide to the Philippines .

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When & Where to Visit the Philippines: A Month by Month Guide

Guide for the best places to visit in the Philippines month by month. 

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

When to visit the Philippines?   That is the question we are most often asked. 

The answer to this question varies depending on the month of the year and your interests.   

Since the Philippines is an archipelago, its climate and the weather varies geographically from month to month. 

Weather aside, there are other reasons to visit the Philippines … natural wonders, beaches & islands, contemporary cities with modern conveniences & shopping, exciting outdoor activities & adventures,  colorful & fun festivals, delicious food, and of course the Filipino people.

JANUARY:  Quiapo and Western Visayas

January is the best time to visit the Philippines if you are into big and colorful festivals.  During this month, most celebrations in the country are religious and cultural in nature.  After the big New Year’s welcome, the next biggest event is the Feast of Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila every 9th of the month.  The procession, referred to as Traslación (transfer), is flocked by thousands of devotees and can last more than 20 hours.  The other three popular events in January are celebrated in honor of Santo Niño (Child Jesus).  In the third week of the month, you can either be in Cebu for the Sinulog Festival or in Kalibo, Aklan for the Ati-Atihan Festival.  You can then fly to Iloilo for the Dinagyang Festival which takes place the last week of the month.  All three festivals are celebrated almost the same way, having similar activities including holy mass, procession, street dancing, tribal dances, music and food festivals, pageant, and many others.

READ MORE:  Cebu Island Visitors Guide | Where To Go in the Philippines in January

FEBRUARY:  Pampanga and Iloilo

Sometime between January and February, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta takes place in Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles , Pampanga .  This biggest and longest-running aviation sports event in the Philippines features not only hundreds of hot air balloons but also skydiving, flag jumps, remote-control airplane and helicopter flying exhibitions, aerobatics, and other equally interesting and thrilling events.  If you are in Iloilo for the Dinagyang Festival, you can stay longer and wait for Paraw Regatta Festival, the largest sailing event in the Philippines.  The event features a sailboat called Paraw, a Visayan double outrigger sailboat.  For the last week of February, you may want to be in Baguio City for the highlight of Panagbenga Festival (Flower Festival).

READ MORE:  Pampanga Visitors Guide | Iloilo City Visitors Guide | Where to Go in the Philippines in February

MARCH:  Palawan

The country is gearing up for warmer temperatures during the month.  You may wish to remain in Baguio or travel further to Banaue to continuously enjoy colder temperature or make the most of the weather by exploring the thousands of islands and beaches spread throughout the country.  You can spend the whole month in Palawan exploring the magnificent beaches, rich marine life, and lush greenery of El Nido , Coron , and Puerto Princesa or the laid back vibe of Port Barton .

READ MORE:  Palawan Island Visitors Guide | Where To Go in the Philippines in March

APRIL:  Sorsogon, Mt. Pulag, and Mt. Apo

With the temperature getting warmer by the day, people continue to flock the beaches and other outdoor destinations and activities.  Bohol Island is known to have the best diving and snorkeling spots while Donsol, Sorsogon   is a great destination to see the gentle giant whale sharks.  If you can’t be near the sea, trekking or mountain climbing are equally interesting activities to enjoy during this month.  Mt. Pulag is a popular destination even to first-timers while Mt. Apo , the highest peak in the Philippines, is at the bucket list of probably every mountain-climbing enthusiast.

READ MORE:  The Complete Guide to … 

MAY:  Boracay

May is the best month to be in Boracay.  The biggest parties, particularly the famous Love Boracay (formerly La Boracay), happens during end of April to Labor Day.  However, wild beach parties are no longer allowed and the number of tourists entering the island daily has been greatly decreased after its re-opening following its six-month closure in 2018.  Nevertheless, it’s still the most favorite destination of both local and foreign tourists during this time.

READ MORE:  Boracay Island Visitors Guide

JUNE:  Iligan City

While some prefer to travel to weatherproof destinations or not travel at all since the weather can be unpredictable during this time, June is actually a good month to see the waterfalls.  As the season transitions from dry to rainy, waterfalls more likely have a lot of water and the surroundings more lush.  When talking about waterfalls, there’s no other place to be than Iligan, the City of Majestic Waterfalls.  Home to more than 28 waterfalls, this city in Northern Mindanao is definitely worth exploring.

READ MORE:  Iligan City Visitors Guide

JULY:  Bohol

The province of Bohol is a good choice during this month.  Bohol’s Sandugo Festival happens every 3rd or 4th week of July in Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol.  Aside from the grand festival which features street dancing, trade and food fairs, and concerts among others, Bohol is blessed with white sand beaches, interesting diving and snorkeling spots, caves, and of course, the famous Chocolate Hills which are starting to turn green after months of being brown caused by lack of rain.

READ MORE:  Bohol Island Visitors Guide

AUGUST:  Davao City

Best to go to Davao in August to catch their Kadayawan Festival.  One of the most popular festivals in the country, this weeklong celebration takes place every third week of the month and features various activities including street dancing, live performances, and fairs.  If you’re not into such activities, you can explore several tourist attractions in Davao such as Eden Nature Park, Crocodile Farm, and Samal Island .

READ MORE:  Davao City Visitors Guide

SEPTEMBER:  Siargao

Rainy season is at its peak in September.  Sea travel may not always be comfortable due to rough seas but this month is a great month to go surfing in Siargao not only because the waves are usually high and strong.  Siargao Cup, an international surfing competition, is held during this month too.  Dubbed as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, this little haven for both local and foreign surfers attracts non-surfers as well for its beaches, caves, and natural pools.

READ MORE:  Siargao Island Visitors Guide | Top Surfing Spots in the Philippines

OCTOBER:  Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin

The neighboring places of Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin are great destinations in October.  Experience thrilling activities such as whitewater rafting, river tubing, zipline, kayaking, and paragliding in Cagayan de Oro.  In addition to being home to several adventure parks, Cagayan de Oro is also a gateway to smaller yet equally beautiful province, the island of Camiguin which is known for its islands, volcanoes, springs, waterfalls, and sunken cemetery.  The province’s Lanzones Festival also happens every October as it is in season during this month.

READ MORE:  Camiguin Island Visitors Guide | Cagayan De Oro Visitors Guide

NOVEMBER:  Dumaguete City and Siquijor Island

While some of the biggest typhoons in the country occur in November,  Dumaguete City  and  Siquijor Island  should be safe to visit during this month.  Known for Silliman University which is the first American university in Asia, Dumaguete is a favorite retirement destination among expats and a gateway to many natural attractions including  Apo Island , Manjuyod Sandbar, Casaroro Falls , and the enchanting Siquijor Island.  Siquijor is home to a number of whitesand beaches, cliff diving spots, and cold springs.

Sandurot Festival is celebrated every second week of November in Dumaguete City.

READ MORE:  Dumaguete City Visitors Guide | Siquijor Island Visitors Guide

DECEMBER:  Manila

The already bustling and crowded Manila comes even more alive as the holiday season approaches.  Most of the biggest establishments in the country’s capital have their own Christmas activities, shows, and displays that usually last the whole month of December.  SM Mall of Asia ‘s Grand Festival of Lights, the giant gingerbread at Okada Manila, Ayala Festival of Lights, and Tiendesita’s Christmas tunnel are some of the many attractions to feast your eyes into and feel the Christmas spirit in Manila.  In addition to that are the biggest Christmas sales, parties, and concerts that will surely make your Christmas experience in Manila an unforgettable one.  Just be prepared for road traffic as it is usually bad during the holidays.

READ MORE:  Metro Manila Visitors Guide

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About the Author

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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• Philippines Weather in April 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

April is one of the last truly dry months in the Philippines and this results in the Southeast Asian nation and its more than 7,500 islands remaining an ever-popular travel destination during this time. You can expect an average temperature range of 25°C (77°F) – 33°C (91°F) in the Philippines during April.

April continues to be a very popular time to visit the Philippines, even if it is less crowded than it would be during January or February. Tourists want to make the most of this drier month before the rains arrive, so don't expect your favorite beaches to be deserted. It's also important to remember that Easter falls in March or April every year and this extremely important holiday can be a particularly busy time in the country. If you're traveling around the Philippines around Easter time, keep in mind that hotels are likely to be booked up, businesses can remain closed, and prices are bound to surge, so it's best that bookings are made far in advance during this time.

Keeping the gradual increase in temperatures during April in the Philippines in mind, it's advisable to sport light colored, loose-fitting, clothing made of breathable and light fabrics like linen and cotton. These will help keep you cool, especially during those peak afternoon hours. Remember to pack plenty of cotton or linen shorts and tops, summer dresses, formal wear if you plan on going out to some fine dining establishments, dress shoes, walking shoes, sandals or flip-flops, swimwear, reef shoes, sunhats, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.

To better understand what the Philippines is like when it comes to climate and weather conditions during the month of April, continue reading below.

• 1. Weather Overview
• 2. Best Places to Visit
• 3. Crowds and Costs
• 4. What to Wear

The Philippines Weather in April: Overview

• Average temperature range: 25°C (77°F) – 33°C (91°F)
• Rainfall: 20 mm (1 inch) in Manila; 40 mm (1.5 inches) in Palawan; 35 mm (1.5 inches) in Cebu; 65 mm (2.5 inches) in Boracay.
• Rainy days: 4 in Manila; 9 in Palawan; 8 in Cebu; 7 in Boracay.

Rainfall continues to be scarce throughout most of the Philippines during April, and you can expect days of travel not blemished by any precipitation. Although typhoons are not common during this month, it's always wise to check local weather reports and forecasts to remain informed of any storms developing in the surrounding area.

Temperatures will differ from region to region in the Philippines during April. For example, the average daytime high during this month will be 33°C (91°F) in the capital, Manila, 30°C (86°F) in Palawan, 30°C (86°F) in Cebu, and 32°C (90°F) in Boracay. The nighttime low is 25°C (77°F) in Manila, 26°C (79°F) in Palawan, 25°C (77°F) in Cebu, and 26°C (79°F) in Boracay.

April is a wonderful time of the year to spend many an endless hour sunbathing and spending time on one or several of the country's innumerable pristine beaches, before cooling off with a nice, refreshing, swim. If you're okay braving the heat, it might also be worth considering hiking in the rice terraces in northern Philippines while the weather remains largely dry. Just be careful and avoid the peak afternoon hours.

Weather of the Philippines' Major Cities in April

Best places to visit in the philippines in april.

Cebu ought to be a must-stop if you're looking to dive, snorkel, or swim under gorgeous waterfalls. It's also full of accommodation ranging from fancy beach resorts to cute boutique options, so there's something for everyone in this paradise.

The presence of Whale Sharks in the area results in many divers and snorkelers visiting the region. However, there have been reports that these Whale Sharks are actually overfed by tour companies as a way of making sure they don't leave the area and migrate which is part of their natural behavior. This makes the Whale Sharks overly dependent on humans for food, prevents them from reproducing, and negatively affects the long-term prospects of the species. All this is not to say you shouldn't dive with companies offering Whale Shake tours, just take the time to understand the situation and ask plenty of questions before you sign up for anything.

Siquijor may be the third smallest province in the country but it's also home to some of the best beaches and waterfalls in the Philippines, like Paliton Beach and Cambugahay Falls. While it's a well-known destination among Filipinos, known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, mystic energy, and traditional healers. It's also a great place to be if you're in the Philippines around Easter as it's not as crowded as some of the other islands in the country.

April Crowds and Costs

Although not as crowded as it is during January or February, April continues to be a popular time to visit the Philippines. Travelers want to make the most of this month to spend time on the beach, as it's one of the last months before it starts raining frequently around the country. Schools in the Philippines also give time off come April and May, and this adds to the increase in domestic tourism.

Easter takes place during March or April every year, and this holiday, along with the week leading up to it can, however, be especially crowded. It's a very important festival in the Filipino calendar and you can expect hotels to be booked up, businesses to stay closed, transportation to be affected, and prices to be a lot higher than what you'd be expecting. It's best to book flights and accommodation far in advance if you know you'll be traveling around the Philippines around Easter time.

April Events in the Philippines

Easter: Easter is one of the most important religious festivals celebrated in the Philippines. Filipinos spend Easter day, and the weeks leading up to it, with family and friends. Nationwide processions and vigils are common, and some malls even organize egg hunts for children. The days of Easter Triduum (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday) are all holidays during which businesses either remain closed or limit their operating hours.

Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival: Known for its beautiful beaches and lively party scene, Boracay also plays host to the International Dragon Boat Festival. The Dragon Boat Festival is an important Chinese holiday with origins dating back thousands of years. During this day, different teams compete in dragon boat races as a mark of tribute to the Chinese poet Qu Yuan, whose death is remembered on this day.

The Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival brings together teams from all over the globe to show off their skills and compete. You can enjoy the races and check out the different food stalls that are set up, enjoy the music and traditional dances that are organized, and cheer for your favorite team!

Allaw Ta Apo Sandawa: Allaw Ta Apo Sandawa is an annual festival held in Kidapawan City in southern Philippines during the second week of April to honor the country's highest peak, Mount Apo. Different tribes in the area consider Mount Apo, or Apo Sandawa, to be sacred grounds wherein their ancestors reside and on this day, rituals by shamans are performed at these holy grounds.

What to Wear in the Philippines in April

Considering the average temperature range in the Philippines during April is 25°C (77°F) – 33°C (91°F), it would be most suitable to opt for loose-fitting clothes made of either cotton or linen. These are light and breathable, thereby ensuring maximum comfort during the peak afternoon hours. Lighter colors are also preferable, as they're better reflectors of heat and will help keep you cool.

An extensive packing list for your trip to the Philippines in April should include plenty of cotton or linen tops and shorts, summer dresses, formal wear if you plan on stepping out for fancy dinners, comfortable sandals or flip-flops, a pair of comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, reef shoes, sunglasses, sunhats, and plenty of sunscreen.

In addition, don't forget to carry along a scarf or two with you when visiting churches or temples. These will come in handy for covering your shoulders and legs.

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When to go to the Philippines

Apr 15, 2021 • 7 min read

It's never a bad time to grab a beach towel and head to the Philippines © John Seaton Callahan / Getty Images

With over 7000 islands spread over 300,000sq km, there’s never a bad time to grab a beach towel and head to the Philippines . The country is renowned for its strips of golden sand, and even during the height of the rainy season you’re still likely to find an island where the sun is shining. On top of this is a calendar chock-full of fiestas and events, offering a unique cultural highlight for visitors whichever month they visit.

Whether you’re looking for the best time to hit the beach, dance up a storm at a festival, or simply avoid the worst of the tourist crowds, here’s our guide to the best time to visit the Philippines.

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel and opening hours may vary. Check the latest guidance in the Philippines before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice.

High season: November-April

The high season is dry season for most of the country, with December, January and February the coolest, most pleasant months for travel, which brings crowds to popular beach areas like El Nido and Coron , and competition for hotel beds.

Celebrations around Christmas, New Year and, notably, Holy Week, in the build up to Easter, make it a colorful and fascinating time to visit the country, but many resorts triple rates around these popular periods.

Shoulder season: May-October

Shoulder season tends to be short and sweet in the Philippines, often just a month either side of the popular dry season and quieter rainy months. Accommodation savings are available if you time it right and tourist crowds are thinner; however, end-of-term school holidays in April and May bring high levels of domestic tourists during this period.

Exciting events like the month-long Magayon Festival in Legazpi in May, with nightly street markets, pop-up bars and live music, and MassKara Festival, which brings flamboyant outfits and frenzied dancing to Bacolod in late October, add extra incentive for a shoulder season trip.

Low season: June-September

Low season means less crowds and cheaper accommodation prices, but rougher seas and a greater chance of bad weather, with passing typhoons sometimes causing days of torrential rain. This won’t, however, dissuade seasoned boarders, with big wave surf season starting at Siargao ’s Cloud Nine (the country’s most famous break) in August.

For the best chance of beach lounging weather, head to the Eastern Visayas , which are often dry when almost everywhere else is drenched – though this region is susceptible to tropical storms so keep an eye on the forecast. 

New Year is a ‘superpeak’ period, and hotel rates can quadruple in resort areas. Away from the eastern seaboard, the weather is usually pretty good – relatively cool and dry, although rain can linger into January. It’s also party season: Ati-Atihan Festival , a week-long mardi gras in Kalibo on Panay , is one of the Philippines’ most famous and riotous festivals and peaks in the third week of January, while Sinulog Festival , the granddaddy of Cebu ’s fiestas, brings dancing and processions on the third Sunday of the month. Key events : Ati-Atihan Festival, Sinulog Festival

It’s peak season for foreign travellers, so book ahead. The Christmas winds continue to howl, thrilling kite-surfers, while surf season continues in San Fernando (La Union) and butanding (whale shark) activity picks up in Donsol . On-land, the Chinese lunar new year in late January or early February is celebrated with gusto even among non-Chinese Filipinos, with dragon dances, street parties and fireworks in Manila . Up in the northern mountains of Luzon (the largest island in the Philippines), a more serene celebration takes place as the Panagbenga Flower Festival sees spectacular flower-covered floats meander through the streets of Baguio . Key events : Chinese New Year,  Panagbenga Flower Festival

Temperatures start to rise significantly in March, making city-sightseeing tough but beach-lounging ideal. Tourist numbers are not as high as January or February but things are still pretty busy.

Everything shuts down during Holy Week, which leads up to Easter, when sinakulo (passion plays) and pasyon (a recitation of the Passion of Christ) are staged throughout the country. This is a fascinating time to be in the country, though resort prices again hit ‘superpeak’ levels, during what is the last month of the typical high season. For a less conventional Easter experience, head to the island of Siquijor , where faith healers and witch doctors gather around a big pot on Holy Saturday, preparing a medicinal concoction some say cures all that ails you. Key events : Easter, Lenten Festival of Herbal Preparation

Though shoulder season means a drop in price for accommodation, scorching heat, beaches packed with vacationing locals (April and May are school holidays in the Philippines) and light winds can make this an uncomfortable time to travel. Consider cooler highland destinations such as the Cordillera of North Luzon. Festivals include the traditional Flores de Mayo which sees girls around the country strewing flowers around images of the Virgin Mary, and the month-long Magayon Festival in Legazpi, Bicol region, with nightly street markets, pop-up bars, music stages, dance performances, chilli-eating contests and more. Key events : Flores de Mayo, Magayon Festival

The onset of the wet season brings welcome respite from the heat. June also marks the start of typhoon season, so check the radar and reroute if there’s a big red blob heading your way. But it’s not all doom and gloom, Baragatan Festival sees residents of Puerto Princesa , Palawan, flood the grounds of the Provincial Capitol Building in a massive display of merrymaking, while Pintados-Kasadyaan in Tacloban celebrates pre-Spanish traditional tattooing practices, albeit using water-based paints for the festival’s body decorations. Tourist crowds and accommodation prices drop around the country. Key events : Baragatan Festival, Pintados-Kasadyaan

Slap bang in the middle of low season with few large-scale festivals to speak of, July is not the most popular month to visit the country. Savvy travellers, however, make their way east to spots like Samar and Leyte , which remain dry when the rest of the country is getting drenched. Around the country, scenery is lush and green and crowds are thin.

It’s the rainiest month (except for on the eastern seaboard, where it’s the driest), so you’ll get fabulous discounts on accommodation. Durian season begins in Mindanao and surf season launches in Siargao . The third week of August also sees Davao ’s showcase its Muslim, Chinese and tribal influences during the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival with parades, performances, and fruit and flower displays. Key events : Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival

Heavy rain continues, particularly in the north of the country. Visitors who chance it could get lucky with a break in the rain, and be rewarded with low accommodation prices and quiet beaches. The Eastern Visayas are still mostly dry.

Things start to dry out after the heavy rains of August and September, but typhoons are still common. The early part of the month is a good time to travel with lower accommodation costs and fewer crowds, but high-season prices kick in towards the end of the month. Christmas music is already ubiquitous in the malls. On the streets of Bacolod , capital of Negros Occidental , mischievous masked men in feathery outfits stir the masses into a dancing frenzy as part of the MassKara Festival during the weekend closest to 19 October. Key events : MassKara Festival

November marks the return to high season with the arrival of good, dry weather for most of the country. Families laden with food gather at the local cemetery on the first day of the month to spend Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) remembering their departed loved ones. It’s a surprisingly festive occasion. Key events : Todos los Santos

High season is in full swing as the Christmas music reaches a crescendo and the northeast Christmas winds ramp up, launching kite-surfing season in Boracay and surf season in northwest Luzon. In Cotabato on the island of Mindanao , Shariff Kabungsuan Festival celebrates the arrival of Islam in the region and includes river parades of decorated boats from 15 to 19 December. The end of the month is a super peak period, which lasts across Christmas and New Year. Key events : Christmas, New Year, Shariff Kabungsuan Festival

You might also like: The 12 best beaches in the Philippines Five alternatives to Boracay Top Filipino dishes everyone should try

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15 Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Sep 16, 2022

The Philippines is a destination that is easy to visit multiple times due to its more than 7,000 islands. The most difficult decision you make as a traveler, is figuring out which places to visit first. The Philippines is divided into the three main island groups of Luzon , Visayas, and Mindanao , representing different regions in the country.

The scenery in each region of the Philippines ranges from mountainous and tropical to metropolitan. You can enjoy a day of walking the historical colonial streets of the capital city of Manila or catch a rare glimpse of tiny tarsier monkeys at a private sanctuary on the island of Bohol . The steep, plush mountains provide unforgettable hiking experiences.

Since you are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, it's not surprising the Philippines has some of the best beaches in Asia , and the scuba diving opportunities are outstanding.

Plan your travels around this tropical island nation with our list of the best places to visit in the Philippines.

7. Davao City

9. coron island, 11. puerto princesa, 13. apo island, 14. el nido, 15. siargao, map of places to visit in the philippines.

There is a reason that Boracay Island is considered the beach capital of the Philippines because there are more than 12 beaches. This tiny island in the west Visayas region is ideal for beach-goers who are after simple relaxation in the sun or water activities. White Beach , on the west side of the island, is one of the best beaches in the Philippines .

Puka Shell Beach is on the tip of the island and is a favorite spot for shell collectors. Cagban Beach is a quiet spot with nearby caves that are rumored to still contain treasure chests. Diniwid Beach is a tiny beach at the north end of White Beach that has the best view of the island from a platform rock located there.

This island is known for its many resorts, so finding a place to stay is easy. For a panoramic view of the island, take a day trip to Mount Luho , its highest point.

The island of Bohol in the Philippines' central Visayas region runs at a slower pace, and it's a destination that showcases the country's natural beauty. One of the most unique natural wonders on the island is the Chocolate Hills in Carmen . This UNESCO -protected site is a collection of 1,200 geological formations that turn brown in the dry season, resembling a landscape of chocolate candy kisses.

Bohol is home to a family-owned sanctuary for the tiny tarsier primate, known for its large engaging eyes. For a small fee, you can take an intimate walk through the grounds, and stand inches away from the small nocturnal mammal.

The top draw of Bohol is the beach. Panglao Island features some of the best beaches in Bohol: Alona Beach and Danao Beach , which have fantastic diving; Dao Beach and Bingag Beach , which are popular resort areas; Bolod Beach, which has a large stretch of shoreline; and Doljo Beach , which is fairly remote but fantastic for finding seashells.

The island of Cebu, in the central Visayas region, is considered the port to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Philippines. If you are an underwater enthusiast, Cebu is one of your best options for excursions that get you up-close to whale sharks, coral reefs, and sea turtles.

Some of the most spectacular scenery from the water near Cebu are the sea caves that attract photographers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for unique diving and snorkeling sites. The Sudlon National Park , located approximately an hour from Cebu City, is a breathtaking park to explore and hike.

While Cebu's greatest draw is its water, Cebu City is a metropolitan area, with tourist attractions like museums and cathedrals that will interest history buffs.

The rice terraces of Banaue are one of the most striking things to see in the Philippines. The emerald-green terraces are an agricultural wonder in this area. Some of the terraces are estimated to have been hand-carved into the mountainside more than 2,000 years ago.

The Batad Rice Terraces and the Bangaan Rice Terraces are protected UNESCO World Heritage sites .

For a deeper taste of this region, take a stroll through the Banaue Ethnic Village or the Hiwang Village to mingle with the Indigenous people who farm the rice terraces.

Your most impressive view of the terraces is at sunrise, when clouds and fog lift off the mountain to reveal the intricate landscape of the terraces. You can base yourself in the town of Banaue and hike or drive to the Batad rice terraces, or arrange a stay in a native hut of the Ifugao people for a more authentic experience.

The historical city of Vigan in the northern Philippines is one of the most charming towns to visit in the Luzon region. Its culture is a fusion of Chinese and Spanish influences originating from settlers to the area.

Take a ride in a horse-drawn kalesa through the streets and admire the colonial architecture, courtesy of the Spanish who colonized the area in the 18th century. Vigan is a city with many nuances to explore.

The best view of the area is from the Bantay Bell Tower , which is also a noted landmark in the area. The Calle Crisologo historic district is a walkable district, where you will encounter many local craftsman and see historical architecture.

A visit to the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral is breathtaking and a perfect spot to sit and people-watch as you take in the local culture.

The Philippines capital of Manila, on the island of Luzon, is a bustling city with non-stop activity. Hop on board one of the colorful jeepneys, the main form of public transportation, to get a taste of local life while you visit Manila's top attractions .

Usually over-packed with locals, the bumpy ride through the streets on the iconic and kitschy jeep/bus hybrid vehicles will be one of the highlights of your visit.

Plan stops to the main park in the city, Rizal Park , and the San Agustin Church , which was built in the 16th century. Buy local fruits and handmade gifts at the public market at Quiapo Church , where you are likely to see several thousand people show up on Fridays for worship.

For a city scene outside of Manila, head to Davao City, which has a large metropolitan area. Davao City is the main city in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao .

Despite its malls and large population, Davao City features many natural elements, including the Eden Nature Park , Philippine Eagle Center, and the Davao Baywalk near the sea.

One of the best places to visit in Davao City is Mount Apo , the highest mountain in the Philippines. Davao City is a prime location for shopping, as there are several large malls, including Abreeza Mall and SM Lanang Premier Mall . For a peek into Davao City history and culture, the tiny Davao Museum of History and Ethnography is worth a visit.

One of the most unique experiences you can have in the Philippines is in the northern tribal region in Sagada. Nestled in the rugged and remote Cordillera Mountains are tribes that embrace the occasional visitor.

This area is a paradise for the advanced outdoor enthusiast. The steep mountains and high elevation enhance the thrill and skill level required for outdoor adventure. Hiking is popular in Sagada, particularly to Mount Ampaco , which has the highest peak in the region or through Echo Valley , which has steep and rugged terrain.

One of the best places to visit in this region of the Philippines is the hanging coffins that hide deep in the mountains . It is best to connect with a local guide to take you to this incredible site because this is not a tourist area, but rather an authentic tribal region hiding an experience worthy of bragging rights.

One of the top diving destinations in the world , Coron Island is a tropical paradise, with electric blue and green water that almost seems unreal. The mountainous island sits on the tip of the Palawan island region, the western-most section of islands in the Philippines.

The island is popular for diving because of the numerous wrecks here. Many of the preserved shipwrecks are located in depths ranging from shallow water at just three meters to deep water at 42 meters.

Some of the wrecks require more than one dive to explore due to their size, but you can easily spend a week diving in this area. For non-shipwreck diving, check out Barracuda Lake, a former volcano with many unusual rock formations and fish.

Baguio is a city tucked away in a mountainous region on Luzon Island. Though it is a city, Baguio is intimate and reminiscent of a cottage-type environment. Baguio is called the City of Pines for the rich pine forests and cooler temperatures that surround it.

You can explore one of the many hiking and biking trails or take in a round of golf at one of the resorts in the area. Baguio is unique to other destinations in the Philippines because the city is surrounded by trees and not water.

Parks like Mines View and Burnham let you enjoy some of the flora and fauna that are special to this region. Be sure to spend some time along Session Road , which is the main drag through Baguio, where you can take in a slice of local life.

The rock islands, caves, and natural parks of Palawan Island are the hidden paradise of the Philippines. The coastal city of Puerto Princesa is where you should base yourself in order to explore some of these natural gems of the country.

The Subterranean River National Park is a great first stop to see a five-mile underground river and impressive limestone caves. The UNESCO World Heritage site has boat tours that take you through the national park.

Other must-see spots in Puerto Princesa are Honda Bay , which is popular for snorkeling, and Ugong Rock , where you can try ziplining and caving.

On Samal Island, also called Garden City of Samal, hiking, diving, and kayaking are a way of life. One of the top things to do on Samal Island, besides relaxing at the beach, is visit the Monfort Bat Sanctuary , which is home to millions of bats in the caves.

An enjoyable day trip away from the beach is to Hagimit Falls , where you can walk on the nature trails and cool off in one of the pools below the tropical waterfalls. Samal Island is a short distance away from Davao City, which makes a great change of pace when you want a more metropolitan scene or a broader range of dining.

If a swim with sea turtles sounds like the experience of a lifetime then you will want to head to Apo Island in the Philippines. The reason this location lends itself to swimming with turtles and other sea life is because of the protected marine sanctuary. The Apo Island Marine Reserve is where you can take guided trips to see the sea turtles up close and snorkel at the coral reefs.

The island is an eco-traveler's dream. The protected landscape is some of the most untouched in the country. For great views of the island and the water go to the Apo Island View Deck . To get a sense of life on the island for the locals take a stroll on the Lagoon Trail through the Apo Village to see the local flora and fauna and engage with those who live on the island.

El Nido is a stunning place to visit in the Philippines for its clear water lagoons, marine life, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. You can even take part in cliff climbing excursions, or go to Taraw Peak to experience a canopy walk with the best views of the landscape.

El Nido is also known for its pristine beaches, like Nacpan Beach and Lio Beach , and as the launch point for island-hopping adventures. Island hopping excursions to places like El Nido Big Lagoon or Snake Island to experience the cliffs and caves from the water are a memorable way to experience El Nido.

Travelers that enjoy making an itinerary up as they go should put Siargao Island on the agenda. The small island is big with experiences, from sought-after surfing waves to unusual rock formations and stunning waterfalls.

Surfing is what Siargao is most known for. The famous Cloud 9 break is here, but there are many coastline spots that bring in large waves. So, even if you do not surf, watching some of the championship surfers that come to the island is a fun activity.

Deep sea fishing is popular out of Siargao as anglers try year-round for sailfish and mahi-mahi. Another trip option when you visit Siargao is to do a bit of island hopping to places like Bucas Grande , where you can see the Sohoton Caves and the non-sting jellyfish.

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Best Time to Visit the Philippines: When to Go & When to Avoid

Home » Blog » Travel Tips » Best Time to Visit the Philippines: When to Go & When to Avoid

The Philippines is an excellent destination with so much to offer travelers. However, each season has its unique draws and drawbacks. We’re going over the pros and cons of each of the seasons in the Philippines to help you determine the best time to visit for YOU!

This island archipelago in the western Pacific has everything you could possibly want in a vacation. The Philippines has plenty of tropical islands with white sand beaches. Jungles that play host to myriad of different wildlife species. Mountains to climb, freshwater lakes to dive into, and even a large coral reef system beneath the sea.

In fact, this humble island nation gave us more to fall in love with than most places we’ve traveled.

Planning a trip here can be a bit confusing when trying to figure out when the best time to visit the Philippines is. There are two distinct seasons in the Philippines: the rainy season and the dry season.

This may sound pretty straight forward… you want to visit the Philippines during the dry season right?? Well, we think the answer is just a bit more complicated than that.

There are pros and cons to visiting during both seasons and as with any destination, the weather is never as predictable as we’d like it to be.

So this begs the question…

What time of year is best to visit the Philippines?

In short, you’ll have the best chance of comfortable weather during the coolest months of the dry season, December – February. It is advisable to avoid visiting from August through mid-October as this is Typhoon season.

Our personal pick would be to visit the Philippines during the shoulder season months of May and November as it is less crowded, but the weather is still good. 

Truthfully, as with all questions of this nature, there is no correct answer. Each month has its own unique draws (and  drawbacks  too).

But fear not…

We’re going to go over the pros and cons of visiting the Philippines during each month to help you decide which time of year is ideal for YOU.

Answer these questions to get started:

• Do you mind a bit of rain?
• Are you easily bothered by crowds?
• Are you negatively affected by high humidity?
• Do you prefer to spend your time outdoors hiking and cycling?
• Are you into water sports such as scuba diving or surfing?

Thinking about your answers to these questions is going to help you start to determine when to visit the Philippines.

Guide to seasons in the Philippines

Our experience.

• Geography overview

Weather in the Philippines

• Dry season months
• Rainy season months
• What to pack for the Philippines

Overall BEST time to visit the Philippines

Want a quick recommendation? Jump down to see our personal advice for the best time to visit the Philippines. Plus, we’ll share what times of year we’d avoid visiting!

• Our Recommendation…

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for Southeast Asia !  It’s packed with good suggestions and  insider tips  to help plan your Mexico vacation. And it’s completely  FREE , so why not!?

We visited the Philippines in January

When: January (2015)

Our experience:

• We had perfect weather on our 2-week trip!
• We traveled to 3 islands, and had amazing weather on all! Bohol was the only one where we experienced (just a tiny bit of!) rain.

Would we recommend visiting the Philippines in January? 

Absolutely! It is one of the best months to visit!

Geography overview of the Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia, filling the space between the South China and the Philippine seas of the western Pacific. It’s the 5th largest island nation in the world, made up of more than 7,600 islands. However, only 11 of these islands make up 95% of the landmass of the entire country.

The country is part of a system in the western Pacific characterized by active volcanos and also prone to earthquakes. Aside from the 22,500+ miles of coastline and narrow coastal plains, the vast majority of the country is mountainous jungles and forests with rivers that run south to north.

While the land plays hosts to an impressive number of exotic and endemic species, there is also an exciting world resting below the surface just off shore.

The Philippines sits within the “Coral Triangle,” also known as the global center of marine biodiversity. This makes the Philippines one of the  best places to go scuba diving in the world !

The Philippines enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year that can be roughly divided into a dry season (November – April) and rainy season (May – October).

Temperatures in the Philippines don’t fluctuate much throughout the year. However, you will experience more extreme heat from the months of March – May, and slightly cooler temps in December – February.

There is also a significant chance of typhoons during the rainy season because the Philippines is within the typhoon belt. The country experiences around nineteen typhoons every year, particularly during the months of August – October.

Stats on Philippines Weather & Seasons

• Warmest months in the Philippines:  March/April/May
• Coolest months in Philippines:  January/February
• Rainiest months in Philippines:  July/August
• Driest month in Philippines:  February
• Most crowded months in Philippines:  December/January
• Least crowded months in Philippines:  June, July, August

Dry Season in the Philippines

The dry season in the Philippines runs from November through April and this is by far the most popular time for tourists to visit the region. December through February will be the coolest months, while temperatures reach their peak in May.

With unpredictable weather (likely due in part to the impact of climate change), it’s important to note that typhoons can occur sometimes as late as January. Although this is not typical.

Dry season months at a glance

November:  Officially the start of the dry season in the Philippines, however, there is still a chance of typhoons as weather can be unpredictable. 

• Average daily temp: ° F (30-31° C)  

December:  Cooler temperatures and mostly clear skies (with the slightest chance of a typhoon) mark the start of the peak travel season. 

• Average daily temp: ° F (29-31° C)  

January:  One of the coolest months in the Philippines means that temperatures will be cooler, without getting too cold. Peak of dry season means you’ll have great weather.

• Average daily temp: ° F (29-31° C)   

February:  Less crowded than January but with slightly warmer temperatures throughout the month. 

March:  Temperatures are starting to get hot, but conditions are still great for travel around the Philippines his month. Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter) is busy and best avoided if possible as accommodation will be scarce. 

• Average daily temp: ° F (32-33° C)  

April:  This is the hottest and final month of the dry season, so temperatures will be at their peak. 

• Average daily temp: ° F (32-34° C)  

Best places to visit in the Philippines during dry season

• Panay Island:  in January for Ati-Atihan festival
• Cebu:  for the Sinulog festival in January
• Clark, Pampanga:  They host the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in February
• Boracay Beach :  one of the best beaches in the world and a popular tourist draw to the Philippines. 
• El Nido  in Palawan
• Sorsogon:  to go swimming with whale sharks (November – June)
• Apo Island  for scuba diving

Best things to do in the Philippines during dry season

• Go island hopping around some of the Philippines best island destinations: Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan, Cebu, Iloilo, Palawan, Boracay,  Bohol , Camiguin, Palaui and Siargao.
• Go scuba diving: the Philippines is within the “coral triangle” and has some of the  best scuba diving in the world .
• Try a new water sport: Whether it’s surfing, SUP boarding,  free diving , or snorkeling, there are so many fun water sports to try in the Philippines.
• Ati-Atihan Festival (usually the second week of January): This is the largest festival in the country. Celebrating an ancient land pact between settlers and the indigenous Atis people with street dancing and wild costumes. 
• Dinagyang festival (fourth week in January): A modern celebration of Ati-Atihan, including a parade on the Iloilo River. 
• Sinulog (3rd Sunday in January): The largest festival in Cebu, celebrating Santo Niño. There is a huge street parade, live music and food and drinks.
• Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival (April): Modeled after Hong Kong’s dragon boat races, this festival includes local and international teams competing in a course off White Beach. 

Pros of visiting the Philippines during the dry season

• Less likelihood of rain
• Humidity is bearable
• Mosquitoes/insects aren’t as big of a concern
• Lots of festivals and events happening

Cons of visiting the Philippines during the dry season

• Peak tourism season (particularly December – February)
• Accommodation prices will be higher, and harder to come by
• Major tourist attractions such as beaches will be very crowded 
• The hottest months of the year are March – May

Rainy Season in the Philippines

The rainy season in the Philippines runs from May – October, and vegetation is often at it’s most lush during the months of May – June. The majority of typhoons occur during the months of August – October and can cause road closures and flight cancelations. So its not ideal to be traveling during this time. 

The wet season doesn’t mean a constant rainfall and you will still have the chance of sunny skies and warm weather during these months.

Rainy season months at a glance

May:  Although its the technically the first month of the wet season, there is still a likelihood that you will encounter nice weather. The temperatures during the month are at their highest, so it’s a good time to visit the mountains or stay near the ocean. 

• Average daily temp: ° F (33-36° C)  

June:  The rains begin to make their way through the country this month. Starting in the north and making their way down. However areas around the central part of the country (Cebu) will still be dry for the most part. 

• Average daily temp: ° F (31-32° C)  

July:  Rainfall gets heavier, especially in the north. However, the central region (around Cebu) is still mostly dry. 

August:  Typhoon season begins towards the end of the month and heavy rainfall can be expected. Best to avoid this month if you are hoping for clear skies on your holiday. 

September:  Typhoon season is in full swing and it is unadvisable to travel during this month. 

• Average daily temp: ° F (30-32° C)  

October:  Most of the rains will have cleared up by the end of the month, however there is still the chance of the occasional typhoon. It would be best to avoid traveling in the beginning of the month. 

Best places to visit during the rainy season in the Philippines

• Mindanao:  This region sees the least rain during wet season, so it’s a good time to go without the crowds.
• Visayas  and  Palawan  are less prone to the dangers of typhoons than other areas in the Philippines.
• Banaue:  Visit the rice terraces  during May when it’s too hot in the lowlands, but temperatures are reasonable in the mountains and the vegetation is lush.
• Bacolod:  For the Masskara Festival in October.

Best things to do during the rainy season in the Philippines

• Take a  cooking class
• Get a massage, or go full-out and pamper yourself with a spa day!
• Flores de Mayo (May): A religious celebration of the coming rains. Processions happen all over the country, sometimes lit by candle light after dark.
• Masskara Festival (third Week of October): This festival in Bacolod boasts of colorful masks donned by dancers parading around the town.

Pros of visiting the Philippines during the rainy season

• The possibility of rain deters some travelers from visiting, so the Philippines tends to be less crowded.
• Typical tourist attractions such as beaches will be less crowded than in dry season.
• Traffic on the roads won’t be quite as busy as the typical hustle and bustle of high season.
• The weather is still fairly good and you can have plenty of rain-free days, particularly in May.

Cons of visiting the Philippines during the rainy season

• Torrential rains and thunderstorms are commonly experienced July – October
• The country experiences around nineteen typhoons every year during the rainy season
• Mosquitos…eek!
• Decreased visibility at dive sites due to weather makes it not the optimal time for diving

In our opinion…

In our opinion, the best time to visit the Philippines would be during the “shoulder season” months of May and November. Here are our primary reasons for choosing this time:

• Accommodation prices are not at peak rates
• Weather is mostly dry and less humid than the peak of rainy season
• Not too crowded
• Good sea conditions for diving/surfing/snorkeling
• Reasonable airfare can be found (Hint: Use these  hacks for booking cheap flights !)

What to pack for your trip to the Philippines

We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating this super helpful PDF just for you.

In this free SE Asia packing list PDF download , we’ve provided packing checklists for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women and men!) to what shoes to pack and extra medicines you may want to have on-hand just in case.

Plus, we’re sharing tons of packing hacks and tips for traveling in SE Asia that you won’t find anywhere else!

Are you planning a trip to the Philippines?

We have ton of resources on travel in the Philippines and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Ultimate Philippines 2-Week Itinerary
• How to Travel the Philippines on Less Than $50 a Day
• Top Things to Do in Boracay
• Things to Do in El Nido, Palawan

Save this article for later on Pinterest!

We want to hear from you!

We hope this article has helped you decide which is the best time to visit the Philippines for YOU. If you are planning a trip to the Philippines and still have questions, comment below and we’ll do our best to find you answers!

Comments (8) on “ Best Time to Visit the Philippines: When to Go & When to Avoid ”

Where would you suggest starting on 3 week trip to the Philippine’s? I’m travelling with my husband, hopefully in June, if not next April.

Many thanks, Zoe

Your suggestion about the shoulder season months to visit Philippines is very nice. Is it possible to save money on these bookings like I did on kuwait airways by booking through Cleartrip. I am a prudent soul and always enjoy saving money on travels. The images you have shared are colorful and energizing. Loved perusing your blog.

Beautiful country with a lot of beaches.

Hello, can you please share an updated version of the 2 week itinerary? I am sure post pandemic much has changed. Thanks

Yes going in August On the 13th hoping to have a good time still even tho it still will be the raining seasons I am also traveling with my son whom is Autistic want to go and get married out there Im just looking for a good time in shopping and and eating some many good different foods..Praying on the weather to just enjoy my life and my to be…Thanks…

How was the weather in august?

Still undecided when to go on vacation to the Philippines

Thanks! Great Info!

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Best 17 Places To Visit In Philippines For A Breathtaking Experience

The Philippines, a scenic wonder on Earth, is a land that is characterized by the presence of paddy fields, the volcanos, and the roads with jeepneys, turquoise beaches with clear and crystalline water. The mountain and beaches here are best places to visit in Philippines where the plethora of natural beauty and the sporty vibes attract tourist across the globe to witness its magnificence. Lying close to Southeast Asia, Philippines is an island destination that is known for its aesthetic charm. The country houses more than 7000 islands adorned with a white sandy beach and a gleaming seashore where the divers can discover the fascinating underwater life, the marine creatures and corals.

Top 17 Places To Visit In Philippines

The Philippines can be rightly called an archipelagic land where there are thousands of beaches and all those vibrant cities to make your holiday interesting than ever. Focusing on its attractions and places that can lure you out of your homes, the country is blessed with the panorama that lists it out from most of the holiday destinations. The island country with its volcanic hills and the chaotic streets laced the culture and art are some of the tourists attractions in Philippines while going offbeat to explore the mystical glamour is always an addition to your itinerary.

Well, before you plan your complete holiday around the beaches, here are the top picked hotspots that you can add on your bucket list some amazing things to.

1. Manila- The Pearl Of The Orient

Situated on the eastern shores of Manila Bay, Manila is the capital city referred as one of the best holiday destination for tourists. Housing cultural and architectural landmarks, Manila is a one-stop destination for avid travelers. The city is acknowledged as the second-most populated center in the Philippines and attracts travelers from all corners of the globe. Being the heart and soul of the nation, Manila is sure to make your stay memorable and worthwhile. With gleaming skyscrapers, picturesque surroundings, malls, modern parks and hotels, Manila is listed among the topmost places to visit in Philippines.  

An amalgamation of Spanish colonial artefacts of archaeological remains and modern buildings, Manila showcases an exclusive image of its vibrant city. The Spanish were the one who organized the city in the 16th century, conquered by the USA by the 19th century, and lastly occupied by the Japanese during the period of World War II. From the plethora of activities and places, Manila has a lot in store for enthusiast visitors. Be it the selection of sports, open spaces, underwater scenery or the endless adventure activities, you will never be bored with this fascinating tourist attraction in Philippines .

Best time to visit: January to April

How to reach: Ninoy Aquino International Airport is approximately 7 km from the city center of Manila. The airport is connected to 30 destinations via direct and connecting flights.

Ideal Duration: 3 Days

Nearest Airports: Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Top attractions in Manila: Fort Santiago, Manila Ocean Park, San Augustin Church, Manila Bay, Divasoria’s Shopping Mall, National museum

Things to do in Manila: Explore the famous Intramuros, Visit Rizal Park, Shopping at Greenbelt Mall

Places to Stay: Eurotel Pedro Gil Manila, JMM Grand Suites, Kabayan Hotel Pasay, Stone House Hotel Pasay

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2. Cebu- Queen City Of The South

Famously known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is yet another famous tourist attractions, one can explore during holiday in Philippines. It is the most populated cosmopolitan area and is established in the Central Visayas province of the Island destination. Boasting of more than 150 islands and islets, it ranks on top among the best places to explore in Philippines . Attracting two million vacationists every year, Cebu is a hugely popular tourist destination that can make your holiday worthwhile. A chain of mountains runs along the heart of the island, with Cebu City lying along the southeastern coast in the center. For the delicious local cuisine, the perfect blend of mountains and sea provides an abundance of fresh ingredients.

For adventure enthusiasts, Cebu is quite the right place as it allows endless activities that will keep you enthralled throughout your holiday in the town. It is best to be the port for diving and snorkelling the entire Philippines. The city not only brings you closer to the marine life as sea turtles and the coral reefs but also to the giant whale sharks which you can experience at this fascinating tourist place in Philippines . And with the superb diving spots and picturesque white beaches, Cebu will quench your thirst for the fun that you are searching for.

Best time to visit: December to May

How to reach: Board a flight to Mactan Cebu International that is the main airport in the city. The cities like Manila, Butuan City, and Zamboanga are connected with the city through waterways.

Ideal Duration: 3Days

Nearest Airports: Mactan Cebu International Airport

Top attractions in Cuba: Basilica del Santo Nino, Cebu Monument, Magellan’s Cross, Bantayan Island, Taoist Temple, Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary.

Things to do In Cuba: Hike at the Osmena Peak, Swim in Kawasan Falls, Relax at Spa Esc

Places to Stay: Bai Hotel Cebu, One Central Hotel & Suites, Quest Hotel, and Conference Center, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

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3. Puerto Princesa City, The Philippines Tourist Spot

The Puerto Princesa, one of the best places to visit in Philippines is a hub for tourists where there are not just beaches but the best eateries, hotels and yes, a dazzling nightlife. Now, what makes it rank top on best cities in the Philippines is its quick escape way to other major attractions. The city is the main gateway to reach the El Nido offering a leisure break in between your long journey.

Apart from being a miracle of nature in terms of its panoramic beauty, the city houses 2nd longest underground river that is navigable. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is registered as the UNESCO world heritage site and is known to be the newest spot in the list of 7 wonders of the world. The capital city of Palawan, Puerto Princess is a majestic destination where you can appreciate the scenic vibes and experience the thrill of snorkelling or Beach Bumming. Once uncivilized and laid back, today the city houses a preponderance of the Philippines community and is an example of the well-urbanized city welcome tourist to relax in those 1,780 islands that lie close to its boundaries. The seafood at Puerto Princesa should be in the bucket list during your travel in Philippines .

How to reach: You can reach Puerto Princesa City from cities like Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao. Flights to Puerto Princesa International Airport are available from major airports in the Philippines. You can even board an underwater taxi to reach Puerto Princesa City.

Nearest Airports: Puerto Princesa International Airport

Top attractions in Puerto Princesa City: Puerto Princesa, Sabang Beach, Honda Bay, Tubbataha Reef, Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park

Things to do in Puerto Princesa City: Island Hopping at El Nido, Ziplining at Ugong Rock, Visit Crocodile Farm, Palawan Heritage Center Tour

Places to Stay: Aziza Paradise Hotel, Hue Hotels and Resorts, Deep Forest Garden Hotel, Deep Forest Garden Hotel

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4. Bicol- A Land Of Volcanos

Bicol region, the best place to visit in Philippines, is one of the major attractions that is known for its active volcanos and spicy food. The region houses six provinces with the spectacular beauty of nature and some friendly people. While Bicol might not be a typical holiday destination but the plethora of natural wonders makes it an ideal escape to witness the surreal nature. Don’t miss out the whale shark residing in Donsol and Sorsogon islands.

The three major provinces of the Bicol region are the main attractions for every traveler in Philippines, where they can find several landscape to engage their day. Starting from the Albay to the Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, the Bicol region lends the travelers an ultimate thrill and breathtaking experience. The Mayon Volcano with their perfect shape is a pride to explore in Albay while the Camarines Sur is a place for water adventure and fun. The city is a hub for entertainment where you can either chose to rest in your luxury resort or can move around and challenge yourself with wakeboarding and other games. You can capture the site of Caramoan peninsula and the Gota Beach in this Philippines holiday destination, Camarines Norte, Bicol.

Best time to visit: December to February

How to reach: There is no airport in Bicol but buses are operating from Manila. You can board a flight to the international airport in Manila and later board a connecting bus. The journey may take 10 to 12 hours.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days

Top attraction in Bicol Region: Cagsawa Church, Mampurog River, Mt Isarog National Park, Ligñon Hill, Sleeping Lion Hill, Calabidongan Cave

Things Do To In Bicol Region: ATV ride near Mayon Volcanos, Visit  Legazpi Museum, Hike at Kawa-Kawa Hill

Places to Stay: The Oriental Legazpi, Hotel St. Ellis, The Pepperland Hotel, Villa Caceres Hotel, Carmen Hotel

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5. Tacloban, Leyte- A Getaway To The Eastern Visayas

Tacloban is one of the largest cities of the Philippines that houses the famous San Juanico Bridge. Earlier the city was used as a port but today, it is one of the recommended places to visit in Philippines . Hiding the secrets of naval battle and the world-war two, Tacloban in Leyte is a significant destination when it comes to political and cultural history. Blessed with some enthralling landscape the place, makes a great escape to discover the Eastern Visayas.

It was back in 2013 when Tacloban was left damaged by a deadly Typhon, destroying everything that made it a scenic destination. Everything from the museums, the cities and infrastructure were ruined taking the city back to ground zero. The efforts and hardship of Filipinos remade the city with its glory. Today this destination is famous attraction in Philippines with its charm and enticing beauty of art and architecture. Everything from the restaurants to the hotels, resorts, the museums, and historic sites are restored and opened for welcoming the people from all walk of life. While the citizens of the nation played their part in re-establishing this tourist spot, nature had always blessed the city with mesmerizing beaches.

Best time to visit: March to September

How to reach: The closest airport to Tacloban is Ninoy Aquino International Airport. As you reach the international airport in Manila, board a connecting bus to Tacloban. Manila is 70 km from the city.

Ideal Duration: 2 Days

Top attraction in Tacloban: Calanggaman Island, Tulaan Falls, San Juanico Bridge of Philippines, Lake Danao National Park, Sambawan Island, Burgos Street

Things to do in Tacloban: Ride a habal-habal, Sohoton boat tour, Trekking at Sohoton Natural Bridge Natural Park

Places to Stay: Hotel XYZ, Rosvenil Hotel, RedDoorz @ Downtown Tacloban, Hotel Rodolfo, Tacloban Plaza Hotel

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6. Coron Island- Best Beach City In The Philippines

Adorning a magical skyline, the crystalline beaches and the greenish-blue sea, Coron Island is a paradise and a the best Philippines attraction for beach lovers. Overlooking the mountains the island sits on the westernmost end of the nation, housing the mesmerizing lakes and some wrecks. Inhabited by the Tagbanua group, the island is a rich cultural site where you can learn about the lifestyle and occupation of these indigenous tribes.

Another amusement that cannot be missed here in Coron is the lakes in the mountains that are enclosed with the green scenic panorama and the brackish saltwater. Now, this is the Philippines tourist spot that attracts the divers to discover all those underwater mysteries where you can find ships destroyed by the time. If you are not a diver, the Coron island offers a great leisure site, the photogenic landscape of Twin Lagoon and the Barracuda Lake that is known for the unusual rocks that were formed due to the volcanic activities there.

There are the limestone cliffs, the emerald lagoons and the coral garden that has made Coron Island an attraction to admire the beauty and experiences the best beach vacation here in Philippines. From a quiet escape to an adventurous holiday, the Island is exemplary for every traveler here.

Best time to visit: November to January

How to reach: The best of getting to Coron Island is to reach Manila airport and later board a flight to Busuanga airport in Palawan. From Busuanga airport, you need to take a jeepney to reach the Coron.

Ideal Duration: 4 Days

Top attraction in Coron Island: Fort King George, fish village, Charlotteville, Kayangan Lake, Skeleton Wreck, CYC Beach

Things to do in Coron Island: Birdwatching in Kingfisher Park, Hike up Mount Tapyas, Coron Bay Boating, Coron Island Hopping Tour

Places to Stay: Vienna Hotel, Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel, Corto del Mar Hotel, Coron Soleil Garden Resort, MO2 Westown Lagoon Coron

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White beaches, the magical beauty, and the pristine coastline make Boracay island, one of the best islands in Asia. This Philippines attraction is rightly called the beach capital as the island houses a number of small beaches for you to explore.

Get thrilled by the water adventures or spend some leisure time at the famous white beach that has some finest resorts and restaurants. The party vibe of the beach is its major attraction. You can enjoy some of the best seafood and traditional cuisine while spending your beach vacation in the Philippines.

Best time to visit: November to April

How to reach: As the nearest airport to Boracay is Manila, you can board a flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. From there you can get a domestic flight to Boracay to hop-on a ferry.

Ideal Duration: 3-4 days

Best Attraction: White Beach, Crystal Cove Island, Mount Luho, Bulabog Beach, Diniwid Beach, Crocodile Island

Best Things To do: Cliff diving at Ariel Point, Ziplining, Kite Srufing at Bulabog Beach, Island Hopping, Parasailing at White Beach

Places to Stay: The Piccolo Hotel of Boracay, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay, The Lind Boracay

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The Philippines is a fascinating honeymoon destination in the world because of its hidden islands and beaches. Among the other places to visit in the Philippines, Samal is one of the best places to visit in Philippines to enjoy a romantic holiday.

Adventures here can be experienced at their best. From snorkeling to kite surfing and diving. The caves and wild trails make it a destination for hikers. You can plan a tour of every small and enthralling beach at Samal that makes it a destination for all. There are resorts and boutique cafes where you can relax while admiring the panorama of this lush green island.

How to reach: From Manila international, board a flight to Davao International Airport or Francisco Bangoy International Airport. Reach the Sasa Wharf or Santa Ana Wharf Port and get a ferry ride to the island.

Ideal Duration: 4 days

Best Attraction: Hagimit Falls, Monfort Bat Sanctuary, Vanishing Island, Talicud Island, Wishing Island

Best Things To do: Hiking Mount Puting Bato, Visit the Baga Cave, Bike riding, Sabang Cliff Jumping

Places to Stay: Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Paradise Island Park & Beach Resort, Chema's by the Sea

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The wild beauty of Bohol is the best attraction in the Philippines that is not to be missed. If you are looking for a holiday destination in June, this unique island of the Philippines can be the right getaway for your vacay. Bohol is a UNSECO preserved land that is known for its widespread panorama and unique geography. With more than 1,2000 geological formations and rich biodiversity, Bohol is home to a plethora of exotic wild flora and fauna.

There are a number of wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves that are its major attraction. Explore the caves, the terrains, and every untamed beauty that makes Bohol unique.

Best time to visit: January to June

How to reach: Domestic flights to Bohol are operating from cities like Manila or Cebu. From any international airport in Philippian, you can board a flight to Bohol. Cruise and ferry are also available from Cebu to Bohol.

Nearest Airports: Philippines International airports

Best Attraction: Tarsier Conservation Area, Blood Compact Monument, Chocolate Hills, Baclayon Church

Best Things To do: Visit the Habitat Conservation Conservatory, walk across the bamboo bridge, paddle boarding

Places to Stay: Alona Vida Beach Hill Resort, Alona Vida Beach Hill Resort, Hotel Gabriella, Kew Hotel, 717 Cesar Place Hotel, Ocean Suites Bohol Boutique Hotel

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10. Apo Island

Would you like to swim with the sea turtles? Or discover the magnificence of the marine world? Well, all your fantasies can now get real at Apo Island, the best tourist attraction in the Philippines. It is the plethora of marine creatures and coral colonies that have made Apo Island, one of the best holiday place in November for your island vacation.

This is another protected region in the Philippines that is preserving aquatic life. Apo Island Marine Reserve allows tourists to observe the beauty and diversity that is being preserved here. The flora and fauna at Apo Island are something that you won't find elsewhere in the world.

Best time to visit:   October to July

How to reach: Flights to Dumaguete airport are operational from the airport in Manila and Cebu. From Dumaguete City, board a bus to Malatapay. There are ferries available from the port to Apo Island.

Ideal Duration: 1 day

Nearest Airports:  Philippines International airports

Best Attraction: Apo Island Marine Reserve, Apo Island View Deck, Lagoon Trail, Apo Village

Best Things To do: Hiking, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Boating

Places to Stay: Allura Resort Dive and Spa, Discovery Island Resort, Coron Westown Resort, The Funny Lion

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The world heritage site of the Philippines, Vigan is one of the most visited attractions you can add to your holiday list. With the rich history and myriad of attractions to explore, it is surely the best place in the Philippians to understand its heritage.

Discover the fusion of Chinese and Spanish culture in its architecture that is there since the origin of this tourist spot in Philippines . Major landmarks here include old monuments, forts, castles, and more. Explore the old districts and their iconic buildings that will let you dig deeper into their local values.

Best time to visit: November to March

How to reach: Flights to Vigan are available from Manila that makes it easier for every traveler to reach. Many international flights are operating to Ninoy Aquino International Airport from almost every other destination.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days

Nearest Airports:  Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Best Attraction: Calle Crisologo, Pagburnayan, Baluarte Zoo, Ilocos Regional Museum Complex, Syquia Mansion

Best Things To do: Museum tours, Visit Plaza Salcedo, Tour of Hidden Garden, Admire the architecture, steps of national heroes at Calle Crisologo

Places to Stay: Hotel Veneto De Vigan, Casa Marita Vigan, Ovemar Resort Hotel, Ciudad Fernandina Hotel, Hotel Veneto de Vigan

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Just a mile away from Cebu, Oslob is one of the most scenic tourist attractions in Philippines you can visit on your holidays. What has made the city so popular among travelers is its magnificent waterfalls, the natural beauty, and of course, the whale sharks. Oslob is just 3 hours from Cebu and is well connected by local transportation.  You can see the oldest buildings from 1690 or the Church, built in 1848. There is a rich heritage preserved in the city.

You can either plan a day trip to Oslob or stay for a night to discover all its attractions. Adventure enthusiasts can get ready for some adrenaline rush as the city offers an endless thrilling action to enjoy like paragliding.

How to reach: Board a flight to Mactan Cebu International that is the main airport close to the city. Oslob is well connected with Cebu via buses that are headed to Bato Oslob.

Ideal Duration: 1-2 Days

Best Attraction: Barangay Tan-Awan, Sumilon Island, Municipal Heritage Park, Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church

Best Things To do: Swimming with Whale, Scuba diving, Paragliding, Visit the old ruins of the city, Eat sutukil on the beach

Places to Stay: Seafari Resort Oslob, Malonzo Pension House, Gingging Hotel & Resort Oslob, Ocean View Lodging House

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13. Siargao

There are islands and beaches that have made Philippian, the best honeymoon destination in Asia . The luxuriating beauty and the romantic charm of Siargao island is just perfect for a honeymoon. This attraction in the Philippines is marked by deep blue seas and unique geography. There are rocks and waterfalls, scenic beaches, and a plethora of marine life to admire.

While you are at Siargao island, one thing that you cannot miss is surfing. Siargao is among the places in Philippines that is famous among the surfers, and Cloud break 9 is one of the most popular points for this breathtaking adventure. The large waves and the enthralling energy of the beaches make it an ideal vacation spot for a memorable holiday. You can even try island hopping to discover every corner.

Best time to visit: February to October

How to reach: The Sayak Airport is the main airport in Siargao that is connected to Cebu via many airlines. You can fly to Mactan Cebu International Airport from any international destination and later board a connecting flight to Siargao Island in the Philippines.

Best Attraction: Naked Island, Dako Island, Pacifico Beach, Magpupungko Beach, Alegria Beach, Secret Beach, Doot Beach, General Luna

Best Things To do: Cloud break 9 surfing, Island hopping, swimming in Tayangban Cave Pool, Maasin Village palm tree swing, Cycling in the island

Places to Stay: DaRosa Del Mar, Kaimana Resort Siargao, Daluyong Beach Resort, The Hillside Resort Siargao, Tropical Temple Siargao Resort

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14. El Nido

Get ready to be stunned by this destination, which is a gateway to the enchanting  Bacuit archipelago in Philippines. You'd be swooning over the mesmerizing landscape and verdant greenery of this place merging with the azure waters. This location is accentuated by the huge limestone cliffs in the middle of the ocean. You can also explore other Philippines tourist attractions , such as gorgeous caves and islets. The Nacpan Beach and Lio Beach are quite popular here.

Indulging in adventure activities here should also be on your bucket list because cliff climbing, canopy walk, etc. are a favorite of adventure junkies. You can even go island hopping to truly soak in the beauty of this place.

How to reach: The best way to reach El Nido is by taking a flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa International Airport, and then taking a taxi to El Nido.

Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days

Nearest airports: Puerto Princesa International Airport

Best attractions: Nacpan Beach, Lio Beach, Duli Beach, Nagkalit-kalit waterfalls, Balay Cuyonon, Shimizu Island, Marimegmeg Beach

Best things to do: Island hopping, kayaking, ziplining, hiking, shopping

Places to stay: La Españolita Resto & Rooms, Focus Rooms, Cuna Hotel, Maligaya Beach Bungalows, ZEN Rooms La Soledad El Nido, One El Nido Suite

Suggested Read: Public and Private Qatar Beaches: Let the Tropical Vibes Whisk You Away

15. Tagaytay

Tagatay is a serene and gorgeous town in Manila, and the reason it's one of the places to visit in Philippines is because it's located on Taal Volcano's ridge. If you're looking for an escape from the dizzying pace of the city, then this destination is the ideal choice. The magnificent views of the volcano, which is situated in the middle of a lake, is among the smallest active volcanoes. You'll be swept off your feet by the glorious beauty of this town.

Best time to visit: March to May

How to reach: You can take a bus, taxi, or drive to Tagaytay on your own from the Manila Airport.

Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days

Nearest airports: Manila Airport

Best attractions: Taal Volcano, People’s Park in the Sky, Taal Lake, Puzzle Mansion, Sky Ranch, Pink Sisters, Museo Orlina

Best things to do: Watch a cultural show, plan a picnic, visit Sky Ranch amusement park, shopping

Places to Stay: The Perfect Get away, Aviatrix Travel Concierge Services, Taal Vista Hotel, Quest Hotel Tagaytay, Sang Yoo Mountain View Tagaytay, Containers by Eco Hotel

Suggested Read: The Pearl Qatar: Attractions And Things To Do On This Man-Made Island

16. Batan Island: A Historically Significant Island

One of the reasons why Batan Island should be on your list of places to visit in Philippines is because of its connection with World War II. The attractions here consists of shipwrecks, destroyed armories, and other Japanese belongings. It'll feel like stepping into a time warp as the history unfolds in front of your eyes. However, this island is also an excellent location for lazing around, sunbathing, and strolling around on the white sand. The lush greenery paired with the blue waters and white sandy shores makes this a picture perfect destination.

Best time to visit: March to June

How to reach: Take a flight to Kalibo International Airport and then hire a taxi or drive to the island on your own.

Ideal duration: 2 to 3 hours

Nearest airports: Kalibo International Airport

Best attractions: Valugan Boulder Beach, House of Dakay, Basco Lighthouse, Chawa View Deck, Tukon Chapel

Best things to do: Trek to Mt. Iraya, take an island tour, visit Chadpidan Beach, shop at local markets, boat to Sabtang Island

Places to stay: Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge, Amboy Hometel Batanes, Bernado's Hotel, Residencia du Basco

Suggested Read: Katara Beach: A Fun-Filled And Pristine Beach In Doha

17. Antipolo: Witness an Abundance of Natural Beauty

This city in Philippines is famous for its magnificent natural beauty and cultural attractions. The mesmerizing views from its many gorgeous tourist locations, such as Hinulugang Taktak Falls, Boso-Boso Highlands, etc. are a sight to behold. It also houses a 650 years old shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. This pilgrimage site witnesses a huge footfall of tourists visiting to seek blessings of the Lady of Antipolo. Its vibrant nightlife is also one of the reasons why it's a popular tourist destination.

Best time to visit: April to June

How to reach: Book a flight to Manila Airport and take a taxi from there to this city.

Ideal duration: 1 to 2 days

Best attractions: Antipolo Cathedral, Pintô Art Museum, Hinulugang Taktak National Park, Immaculate Heart of Mary

Best things to do: Explore the mystical cave, nature walks, seek blessings at the church, savor local cuisine

Places to stay: Loreland Farm Resort, LeBlanc Hotel and Resort, Mount Purro Nature Reserve, Cloud 9 Hotel Resort

Suggested Read: Nightlife in Goa: Witness the Wild Side of this Vibrant Destination

With its surreal beauty, the natural wonders and iconic beaches, the Philippines has become a famous vacationist stop. While these are remarkable places to visit in Philippines that are worth a visit, explore the hidden paths and secret places in the Island that can make your holiday memorable for the lifetime. There are fancy retreats, lodges and hotels in the Philippines to enjoy the leisure stay and cafes where you can dive in the delicious taste of Philippian cuisine. Make sure you are planning the tour during the ideal time as the country experiences storms and typhoons during certain months. The dry season from December to April is considered the best time to visit Philippines . Flights are available from major destinations that make Philippian Island an easily accessible destination for vacationers.

There are around thirteen international airports in the Philippines,

• Clark International Airport
• Puerto Princesa International Airport
• Mactan–Cebu International Airport
• Bacolod-Silay International Airport
• Subic Bay International Airport
• General Santos International Airport
• Iloilo International Airport
• Ninoy Aquino International Airport
• Bicol International Airport
• Kalibo International Airport
• Laoag International Airport
• Francisco Bangoy International Airport
• Zamboanga International Airport

The dry season from December to February is the best time to visit the Philippines.

The Philippines have thousands of beaches so you can explore some of the famous like,

• Paradise Beach
• Palaui Island
• Alona Beach
• Dumaluan Beach
• Caramoan, Camarines

Cebu is a popular destination in the Philippines to enjoy a holiday.

The Philippines offers several adventurous activities like,

• Mud Karting
• Scuba Diving
• Paragliding

The Philippine peso is the official currency of the Philippines (currency code: PHP)

Cebu can be explored in a day or an extended itinerary for 8 days is enough to discover the major attractions here.

Yes, Philippines is an excellent holiday destination for tourists because of the gorgeous islands, breathtaking views, and rich biodiversity.

Philippines is famous for its mesmerizing beaches, verdant greenery, and volcanoes. You'll find a variety of landscape in this country, which makes exploring it even more delightful.

Philippines nightlife is as vibrant as this country, where you can explore the brightly-lit street markets, dine in authentic restaurants, and stroll around the exuberant cities.

Anjali Bisht

Anjali is a passionate travel blogger and an enthusiast photographer travelling around the mountains to capture the best moments, discover and learn more about every nook and corner of the world.

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7 best places to visit in the philippines in 2024.

We LOVE the Philippines and it's rapidly becoming one of the world’s hottest destinations for backpackers and travellers, both young and old.

Because it is possibly the most beautiful country in the world!

I’ve said a few times now how magnificent the waters are in the Philippines, and this makes for some of the best snorkelling and diving opportunities on the planet.

But there are so many other things to do in The Philippines that make it such a great place to visit; including meeting friendly locals, eating great food, drinking cheap booze and discovering scenic waterfalls.

There’s a lot (LOT) more as well, but we’re not here to talk about how much I love the Philippines.

We’re here instead to talk about the best places to visit in the Philippines and which islands you should consider adding to your own Philippines itinerary .

Well, after 4 weeks spent discovering numerous islands, I’ve whittled my personal Philippines bucket list down to these 7 places.

I’ve left out a few stops that I don’t think stacked up; and by visiting each of these 7 Philippines destinations, you will have ample chance to see all of the country’s best sights and to uncover your own love for this nation made up of more than 7,000 islands.

So, in reverse order, here’s what I believe to be the 7 best places to visit in the Philippines this year...

Travellerspoint

7. Port Barton

Based on our experience backpacking this amazing country, it seems, though Port Barton is quite up and coming, it is still one of the most undiscovered beautiful places in The Philippines.

Despite being just a few hours south of El Nido , it has remained for years a relatively unknown spot.

I’m not sure why it’s suddenly started getting more popular, perhaps new roads have recently been built which have made it accessible.

Either way, there are new resorts, and homestays cropping up every month in order to cope with the sudden growth in tourists.

Getting 24 hour electricity at the end of 2018 may have also increased its popularity, though WiFi is still far from stable (even by Philippines standards!)

Here, you’ll discover a quaint little town, filled mostly with small wood-built houses and a gorgeous beach area; perfect for swimming, relaxing and enjoying sunsets.

Port Barton is perfectly situated, close to a number of sand bars, small islands and coral reefs, meaning it offers wonderful day trips.

What we loved about Port Barton compared to other places in Palawan is how relatively less busy it is and how much more pristine the reefs are.

You also have the chance to swim with turtles!

Update*** Unlike during our visit back in 2019, Port Barton do have a few ATM machines now although we'd still recommend bringing plenty of cash with you as many establishments don't take card (well they certainly didn't during our trip).

Read Also: Our Ultimate Palawan Itinerary

What are my 3 favourite things to do in Port Barton?

• Swimming with turtles - tours like this island-hopping boat trip offer the perfect opportunity to spot and swim with sea turtles
• Getting amazing coffee at Milano Cafe (honestly go there if you love coffee like us!)
• Enjoying a sunset meal on the beach

Where should you stay in Port Barton?

As Port Barton is still very much up and coming, new accommodation is constantly being built and you’ll find plenty of new homestays and resorts to stay at each and every month.

We stayed at Eashanti's Place and I would highly recommend it, as it was clean, well-priced and the staff were very friendly.

It’s just a very short walk into town and the air conditioning is decent.

Aside from this, Airbnb and Booking.com are good places to start your search for accommodation in Port Barton.

6. Badian, Cebu

Though Badian is small, it is one of the best cities to visit in The Philippines and is well situated close to a number of the best things to see and do on Cebu.

In particular, a whole string of incredible waterfalls, with the pinnacle being Kawasan Falls (just be aware that this wonder shuts at 6 pm).

These are some of the nicest falls anywhere in The Philippines and truly are Instagram-worthy with their pure blue pool at the base.

However, all around the area you’ll find other lovely waterfalls and the most popular tours here are canyoneering tours where a guide takes you further and further down through a string of waterfalls and allows you to climb and jump in a number of them.

The second best reason to visit Badian is to head to nearby Moalboal where you can participate in The Sardine Run .

For some reason it is here, just off the coast, that hundreds of thousands of sardines gather in great shoals.

All you need is a snorkel and fins and you can head a dozen metres out and swim among this great hoard of sardines. ‍

What are my 3 favourite things to do in Badian, Cebu?

• The Sardine Run in Moalboal - the best time to see this phenomenon is between November and May
• Swimming in Kawasan Falls - this canyoneering and cliff jumping tour at Kawasan Falls is perfect for adventure lovers!
• Diving into Cambais Falls - the falls typically shut at 5 pm

Where should you stay in Badian, Cebu?

Most travellers seem to stay in Moalboal, which is a lot better developed than the Badian region and has more choices.

However, what makes Badian nice is that it’s far less crowded and you are much closer to Kawasan Falls, which you should get to nice and early.

We stayed at “TGH” The Guest House Badian and I would highly recommend them.

There is little other choice for accommodation nearby and these guys had clean rooms, very good WiFi and great food!

They also helped us out by hiring a moped and sorting our transport across to Cebu City.

Of course, if you’re looking for a livelier area and the chance to meet more people, then Moalboal would be a better shout.

For other accommodation options in Moalboal, try out Booking.com or Airbnb .

Read Also: Getting Around The Philippines: Everything Explained!

El Nido has been a popular place to visit in the Philippines for a long time, perhaps the MOST popular tourist spot in the country.

For this reason you’ll discover a well developed tourist industry, with the main attraction being a selection of day long island hopping tours ( like this one ).

You have the chance to sail deep into the ocean, discovering snorkel points, wide canyons and truly breathtaking surroundings.

In the port, there are literally dozens of boats that go out every day and tours are all still relatively cheap.

You also get to enjoy a freshly made Philippino BBQ for lunch.

There really are so many great things to do in El Nido , including visiting Nacpan Beach, believed by many to be the best beach in Asia.

The only issue I had with El Nido is that there doesn’t seem to be very much to care for the corals, much less so than in Port Barton or Coron.

They senselessly let their anchors drag along the corals, and with dozens of ships doing this constantly every day, you can see that at many of the points, corals are all but dead near the shores.

Read Also:  3 Day El Nido Itinerary

What are my 3 favourite things to do in El Nido?

• A sunset walk along Nacpan Beach
• Volleyball on Seven Commado’s Beach
• Snorkelling on an Island hopping tour - This full-day island hopping tour will take you to some beautiful spots including Bacuit Bay and the Secret Lagoon

Where should you stay in El Nido?

We stayed in 2 places in El Nido, and as we left it late for choosing accommodation, we were very limited in choice.

That being said, the first place we stayed in, Mountain Side Inn , was superb!

They had fast WiFi (fast enough to stream the final season of Game of Thrones), really friendly staff and nice rooms.

It’s nothing fancy but is very affordable and well located close to town.

If you’re booking further in advance, then you will be able to find a much wider variety of hotels and other accommodation on Booking.com .

El Nido has long been one of the Philippines most popular places to visit so there’s plenty of options to choose from. 

Read Also: Our Epic 4 Week Philippines Itinerary

4. Siquijor

Siquijor is the furthest south of theses places to visit in the Philippines and a destination that you really can’t miss!

It is a relatively small island, meaning you can drive it and see many of Siquijor’s best attractions in less than a day.

Which is perfect, as it gives you plenty of time to slow down, relax and enjoy the stunning beaches.

Many people who visit go snorkeling and diving off the coast, however, by far the best attraction in Siquijor is Cambugahay Falls.

These are now my favorite waterfalls from anywhere in the world, and are a series of beautiful milky blue pools in sequence.

Gorgeous falls flow into each one, but what makes Cambugahay so unique is that the locals have built bungee rope swings into them!

In the main pool there are 2 large swings, and I had hours of fun doing flips and tricks into them.

It is basically a massive playground and you will also see perhaps a dozen local children playing there every day.

On the island, you’ll also find some other nice waterfalls, though if you visit in the dry season (like we did) a lot of these will be dried up!

My other favourite thing to do in Siquijor is to go diving in the ocean from platforms built into the rocks at Lugnason Falls.

What are my 3 favourite things to do in Siquijor?

• Rope swinging at Cambugahay Falls (check out my full guide)
• Diving in the ocean at Salagdoong Beach
• The hidden springs at Lugnason Falls

Where should you stay in Siquijor?

Once again, we were very happy with where we stayed in Siquijor and AMK Traveller’s Hub ended up being well-located, offering great rooms and with very friendly owners.

It also backs onto a local playground/community area where you can play basketball with the locals.

Siquijor is apparently still growing in popularity and new choices are cropping up every year.

We met an Italian guy while we were there who was staying a few months and looking for land upon which to build his own hostel.

You’ll find loads of affordable accommodation in Siquijor through Booking.com .

Read Also: Our 3 day Siquijor itinerary

Compared to El Nido, Coron is still relatively new, despite being just a short ferry ride around.

Perhaps it was because we stayed on Paolyn Houseboats (more on that below), but I really fell in love with Coron.

It is home to a number of beautiful snorkelling spots and lakes, with nearby Kayangan Lake supposedly the clearest and cleanest of any lake in the world.

To visit these, you go on a day long island hopping tour ( like this one ).

During the middle of the day, a number of these spots get very busy, so it’s good to go on a tour that leaves early and allows you to escape the hordes (again, more on this below).

Once again, you get to enjoy a fresh BBQ lunch on a pristine beach and there are endless chances to swim and enjoy the beauty of Coron.

What are my 3 favourite things to do in Coron?

• Staying on board Paolyn Houseboats - Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places we've ever stayed, with a stunning location
• Snorkelling over pristine reefs - This Coron boat tour offers plenty of snorkeling opportunities, as you'll visit five popular destinations
• Kayaking to hidden beaches

Where should you stay in Coron?

100%, the best place to stay in Coron has to be Paolyn Houseboats .

Simply put, nowhere else ever has the chance to compare, as Paolyn Houseboats is entirely unique and one of a kind.

They are the only place that has the legal right to offer accommodation on the water so close to Coron Island, as the island and surrounding water is owned by the indigenous tribes that occupy it.

Here, you have the opportunity to completely escape the masses and stay in a secluded, paradise-like cove complete with your own private snorkelling, paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities.

Also, it’s perfectly located next to many of the best things to do in Coron , so you get to all of the busiest spots before tourists do.

It also helps that they are able to offer tours starting at least 2 hours earlier than those from Coron town.

Of course, it is a bit pricey and not everyone can afford it; if not then we found that the best way to find half decent and affordable places in Coron town was through Airbnb.

Read Also: Our In-Depth Review of Paolyn Houseboats

So, my second favourite place to visit in the Philippines is Bohol.

This fairly large island needs at least a few days spent there if you wish to get out of the main touristy area of Panglao.

Here, inland you will discover a strange phenomenon known as the Chocolate Hills.

Literally hundreds of large brown hills that cover the landscape in all directions.

As well as this, you have all the other things you’ve come to know and love in the Philippines, including white sandy beaches, hidden waterfalls, rice terraces, gorgeous rivers and day trips to other islands.

You also have the chance to see dolphins, swim in cave pools, have lunch sailing down Loboc River and possibly even swim with sardines!

It’s too much to talk about right now, but I recommend you check out my guide on the best things to do in Bohol to learn more about why I loved this place so much!

What are my 3 favourite things to do in Bohol?

• Exploring secret waterfalls with a local guide
• Driving through the Chocolate Hills - there's also a cool adventure park located here, where you can enjoy hiking, mountain-biking, ziplining and more!
• Getting lost near Loboc River - this awesome full-day tour includes a paddle boarding activity along the scenic Loboc River

Where should you stay in Bohol?

In Bohol, the majority of people stay in the southwest of the island in an area called Panglao.

We stayed for 3 nights in Palm Rise Resort and it was a great choice, away from the hectic nature of town and with modern rooms and an awesome swimming pool.

All around this area, Booking.com has loads of great hostel and hotel deals .

However, if you read my 3 day Bohol itinerary post , you’ll see that I think the best way to visit Bohol is to stay in a few different locations across the island.

This saves you a lot of time driving and gives you a better chance to experience all that it has to offer.

That being said, if you are there to party and meet lots of young people, then yes staying solely in Panglao would be your better choice.

Okay, it was pretty tough choosing my number one favourite place in the Philippines, but Siargao just squeaked the victory!

For a few reasons.

Number one is that it is home to some of the world’s best surf locations.

Located on the far western edge of The Philippines, you have the chance to surf here at locations suited for beginners right through to expert surfers.

They even host professional surf competitions here every year because the waves get big enough.

I really enjoyed our island hopping day trip here as well, because the islands nearby are simply stunning, as are the snorkelling spots.

Plus, I think the 6 or 7 rum and limes we had on the boat probably helped!

Back on Siargao, you have the chance to do a number of day trips around the island, where you’ll find untouched beaches, snorkel spots and endless bamboo forests.

There are some cool clubs in the main town area, as well as restaurants and bars, making this a cool spot to party and meet people as well.

With so many adventurous and exciting things to do, Siargao really does have it all (almost!).

Check out my guide on island hopping in Siargao to book the perfect tour.

What are my 3 favourite things to do in Siargao?

• Surfing incredible waves
• An island hopping tour to paradise islands
• A day trip to the mangroves

Where should you stay in Siargao?

Once again, there is a particular area in Siargao that everyone stays, and this is called General Luna.

As Siargao is a relatively small island, you can easily do a day trip of the entire island without being on a moped for hours on end.

So it’s best to find somewhere to stay here.

We spent 2 nights in KC’s Place 1 (which was an Airbnb but looks to have since been taken down) and then 3 nights in Nine Clouds Homestyle Accommodation .

The latter of which I would recommend more as it’s much closer to the action and still in a fairly secluded and beautiful part of the island.

What’s great is that there's a “fixed” rate for taxis around town, so getting to clubs, bars and restaurants is pretty cheap no matter where in town you stay.

As we booked so late, it was hard finding a big array of accommodation, so I would recommend booking far in advance and having a good look on Booking.com or Airbnb .

Bonus tip! There is a shortage of mopeds and helmets in Siargao, so I advise booking at least a couple weeks in advance and then messaging your chosen property and asking them to reserve you a moped and helmet.

Read Also: Our 4 Day Siargao Itinerary

Planning where to visit in The Philippines, what next?

Luckily for you, Cazzy and I have gone ahead and put together some awesome, in-depth guides on all of the best places to visit in the Philippines for couples, families and solo travellers alike.

In each one, we offer up the best things to do, as well as added tips like itineraries and how to get there.

They are as follows:

• Coron --> Best Things To Do In Coron: Island Tour Packages & More!
• El Nido --> Best Things To Do In El Nido (Philippines)
• Siargao --> Epic Siargao Itinerary: The Best Things To Do In Siargao
• Bohol --> Best Things To Do In Bohol {+ Ideal 3 Day Itinerary}
• Siquijor --> Awesome Things To Do In Siquijor: A 3 Day Siquijor Itinerary

And for planning the rest of your Philippines adventure, make sure you check out Our Ultimate 4 Week Philippines Itinerary and our complete guide to getting around The Philippines .

If you have any more questions with planning where to go in The Philippines, just drop a comment below and I will help however I can.

Similarly, if you’ve visited The Philippines and think I’ve missed anywhere then let me know.

We will definitely be returning one day and I’d be happy to find more places to visit.

Need help planning your trip ? 

Our Philippines backpacking guide will help! 

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

Best Time to Visit the Philippines: Month by Month Breakdown

The Philippines is one of the most beautiful and diverse archipelagos in the world, but its tropical location close to the equator also ensures that this is a country that’s very much at the mercy of the changing seasons.

The Filipino year is predominantly split into a wet and a dry season, which for travel purposes conform to the low and the high season.

The best time to visit the Philippines is the dry season, which falls between November and April, while the wet season, between May and October, is not the best time to be in the country. 

Plan carefully, because the wet season brings dangerous typhoons, landslides and disrupted travel, whereas the dry season brings clear skies and sunshine. 

To help you to plan your trip, here’s our guide to the best time to visit the Philippines.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Philippines (Country Guide)  

Table of Contents

Philippines Dry Season

The dry season is easily the best time to visit the Philippines, because this is when the weather is absolutely glorious, and the sun is always shining. 

Generally speaking, the dry season runs from November through to April. However, the typhoon season can be notoriously unpredictable and it’s not uncommon for storms or even fully-fledged typhoons to hit the Philippines as late as December. 

To be guaranteed clear skies and no rain you’ll want to travel between January and April.

This though, is peak season, while March and April are the Filipino summers when the weather can be unbearably hot. 

November in the Philippines

November is seen as the start of the dry season in the Philippines, but be warned that the weather can still be unpredictable. 

Typhoons can still ravage the coast, although they are much rarer than in the wet season. If a typhoon does hit later in the year, it tends to be more dangerous, as people are less prepared. 

This is a good shoulder month though, as the crowds are still thin, and it’s not quite as humid or hot as other times of the year.

If you don’t mind the odd rainstorm, and if you keep an eye on the typhoon warnings, then November is a great time to visit the most popular destinations in the Philippines, as there will be fewer people around. 

Take a trip to Coron or El Nido for the start of the island hopping season, or visit Bohol or Cebu for the first dives of the dry season. 

December in the Philippines

December is one of the best times to be in the Philippines if you love a good fiesta because as a predominantly Catholic nation, Filipinos go absolutely crazy for Christmas. 

In fact, Filipinos start to prepare for Christmas as early as September – yes, really, September – and it all comes to a head in December.

Expect things to be incredibly busy though, as locals and tourists alike are moving around for the holiday season. It’s hectic, but it’s a lot of fun wherever you go in December. 

January in the Philippines

January is peak season in the Philippines, and weather-wise it’s possibly the best time to visit the Philippines. 

Conditions are beautiful, and it’s not too hot yet, while there’s also little chance of rainfall. The skies are clear and you won’t have to worry about typhoons. 

Popular islands such as Palawan, Coron and Cebu are going to be busy and expensive in January, although there’s no better time to be snorkeling or scuba diving. 

If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy the weather then there are plenty more islands to explore.

Head south, and visit Camiguin, just a boat ride away from Bohol but with none of the crowds. Brave Mindanao for an offbeat experience or head to Romblon or Mindoro for beach getaways. 

February in the Philippines

February is peak season too, although generally, it’s a little quieter than January. While the weather is wonderful for classic destinations such as Siargao, Cebu or Palawan, again it’s going to be busy. 

Take the chance to go snorkeling and diving, and to explore lesser-known destinations in February.

Visit Malapascua Island to dive with friendly Thresher Sharks, or head to Donsol for an ethically minded outing with Whale Sharks, as they pass through the region. 

March in the Philippines

March is busy and it’s hot, and locals will tell you that this is not the best time to visit the Philippines.

This is what locals call the Filipino Summer because temperatures can rise well above 40 degrees Celsius in parts of the country. 

It’s hot and it’s dry, so be careful in the sunshine. It’s great weather for a traditional beach holiday in Cebu or Bohol, while underwater conditions are great in Coron where you can find old sunken shipwrecks from World War II.

Head to the mountains though, if you want to cool down and escape the heat. 

April in the Philippines

April is just as hot, if not hotter than March, and it can be exceptionally busy if you are here during the Easter Holidays. 

There are lots of fiestas in April so it’s a fun time to be here, but some fiestas, like the Crucifixion in San Fernando, aren’t for the faint of heart. 

While the coast is hot and dry, the mountains of the Cordilleras, in Central Luzon, are at their best.

Head to the summer capital, Baguio, for cooler climes and intriguing history, before traveling to an even higher altitude, where you can find the spectacular Rice Terraces of Banaue. 

Philippines Wet Season 

The wet season usually begins in May, and ends in October, however, the rainy season can be entirely unpredictable in the Philippines. 

You might have exceptional weather in May and June, with the rains not arriving until later in the year, or you might find yourself in the midst of a typhoon as soon as the wet season begins. 

While things are cheaper in the wet season, travel around the Philippines can be fraught with danger, especially between June and August. 

This is not the best time of the year to visit the Philippines, because with the storms and rain can come canceled flights and ferries, blocked roads and landslides, and dangerous typhoon warnings. 

In the wet season, always keep an eye on the weather conditions, because natural disasters in the Philippines can be deadly. 

May in the Philippines

May could well be the best time to visit the Philippines because although it’s technically the start of the rainy season, you’ll be extremely unlucky to be caught up in typhoons or even rainstorms. 

You might experience clouds towards the end of the month, but it’s going to be dry for most of May.

The crowds will be thinning out now too, so head to Palawan and Coron for Island hopping. The snorkeling will still be superb because the water will be wonderfully clear still. 

Travel to Cebu and Bohol too, where prices are dropping. You can enjoy the beaches and the islands, while the Chocolate Hills will be at their most chocolaty and brown, as it’s the driest part of the year. 

June in the Philippines

By June though, it’s going to be rainy, and this is when the wet season really starts to kick off in earnest.

While flights and accommodation are going to be much cheaper in June, you need to be careful. 

The wet weather brings a huge array of dangers, and if there’s a typhoon warning you can be in trouble, as evacuations can be common.

Keep a close eye on the weather, and if you do decide to visit in June then keep to the west coast. Typhoons tend to hit the east coast first and move westwards. 

You can chance Palawan and Coron, or still enjoy much of Luzon too. 

July in the Philippines

July can be just as bad as June, weatherwise, and again it’s not the best time to visit the Philippines. 

Prices will be lower and there are none of the dry season crowds, but that’s because this is the middle of the typhoon season. 

You can head to the western islands, such as Palawan or Coron, but even here you’ll be experiencing rain, if not typhoons too. 

August in the Philippines

In August, the bad weather just keeps on coming. This is one of the worst times to be in the Philippines. 

It’s going to be rainy and there’s likely to be typhoon warnings all through the month.

You can still visit certain parts of the west, as you’ll have more warning of typhoons, but don’t go too remote as you’ll have difficulty getting out in the event of bad weather. 

September in the Philippines

The weather begins to calm down in September, although it can still be unpredictable. 

There are fewer typhoons, but again, these can always hit without warning in the rainy season. 

You’ll be enjoying the Philippines with fewer crowds around and lower prices, and it’s a good time to visit popular islands such as Cebu and Palawan before the dry season tourists begin to arrive. 

October in the Philippines

October is the last month of the rainy season, but it can go either way. You’ll either have beautiful sunny weather and clear skies, or lots of rain.

Typhoons are rare but don’t ignore the warnings and keep an eye on the weather still. 

Head to the beaches if it’s sunny, and start island hopping around El Nido or Coron before the crowds show up in the dry season. 

More on the Philippines:

• 20 Beautiful Places in the Philippines for your Bucket List
• 15 Incredible Islands in Coron You MUST Visit
• 30 Must Visit Tourist Spots in the Philippines
• 25 Amazing Drone Photos of the Philippines
• 24 Bohol Tourist Spots & Things to Do
• Coron Palawan: Itinerary & Best Things to Do
• 15 Awesome Things to Do in Manila (Itinerary for First Timers)
• Philippines: How to Get From Manila to Puerto Galera
• Travel Recap: 4 Weeks in the Philippines

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

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The Top 15 Beaches in the Philippines You Need to See in 2024

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

When it comes to beaches, you simply can’t talk about paradise without mentioning the Philippines.

Made up of over 7,641 islands with seemingly endless shorelines, the Philippines truly is a beach lover’s dream.

From the famous white-sand beauty of Boracay to the hidden coves and bays waiting to be discovered, the country has some of the most stunning beaches not just in Southeast Asia, but all over the world!!

In this post, I’ll be sharing my personal list of 15 must-visit beaches that should not be missed when you travel to the Philippines.

These beaches have stood out to me as some of the best for clear waters, soft powdery sand, lush backdrops, and overall natural beauty and vibrancy.

Let’s get right to it and I’ll tell you why each of these spots is a true tropical paradise found.

15. Lambug Beach, Badian, Cebu​​

Lambug Beach in Badian, Cebu, is a secret beach spot perfect for anyone who loves the ocean but doesn’t want crowds. It’s tucked away in a small Barangay Lambug area, close to the Cebu International Golf and Resort.

This beach is all about stunning white sand and clear blue water. What’s great about Lambug Beach is that big resorts haven’t taken over, so it still has that chill, local vibe. Like cottages, you can find cozy places on the beach.

It’s also the place to be if you’re into exciting activities like canyoneering. Plus, you can rent tents, hang out all day at the beach, snorkel, or just relax and watch one of the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever see. Lambug Beach is definitely a go-to for a calm yet adventurous beach day away from the usual touristy spots.

14. Alegria Beach, Siargao

Alegria Beach in Siargao is another hidden treasure for beach lovers. It’s about an hour and a half drive from General Luna, and it’s totally worth the trip. It’s a long stretch of soft white sand, about 5 kilometers, where you can see breathtaking views everywhere.

What makes Alegria Beach special is how untouched it feels—there are no big hotels or shops, just a few simple picnic huts, and cottages under the shade of tall coconut trees. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, or chilling in the sun.

The best part? If you find a cottage, you can stay there without anyone asking you to pay. Just remember to bring your own snacks if you plan to hang out for a while.

13. Subic Beach, Sorsogon​

Famous for its unique pinkish-white sand. This beautiful spot is where you can find crystal-clear blue waters, meeting the soft sand that gets its pink hue from crushed red corals.

The beach is split into two parts: Subic Laki (Big Beach), where you can find simple accommodations, and Subic Liit (Small Beach), a quieter area perfect for swimming or relaxing under the shade of trees.

Getting there is pretty easy, just a half-hour boat ride from the mainland, but it’s a good idea to go when the weather’s nice and sunny. Subic Beach’s stunning scenery and calm vibe make it a perfect spot for anyone looking to unwind at a beautiful beach.

12. Bitaog Beach, Dinagat Islands​​

Bitaog Beach, nestled on an island within Basilisa Municipality of the Dinagat Islands, stands out as one of the region’s finest.

This beach is a picturesque blend of white sandy shores, waters that meld shades of blue and green and rows of coconut trees framed by impressive limestone cliffs similar to those in El Nido and Coron, Palawan.

It’s a haven for activities like swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, thanks to its natural beauty. The beach is accessible and most enjoyable from December to May when the sea is calm, perfect for island hopping tours.

For the adventurous souls, Bitaog Beach also offers rock climbing, trekking, and the option for overnight camping.

11. Puka Beach, Boracay​

Unlike the busy White Beach, Puka Beach is known for its peaceful vibe, making it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds. The beach is named after the plentiful puka shells mixed into its fine white sand, creating a unique and beautiful shoreline.

Surrounded by tall coconut trees and tropical forest, this beach stretches roughly 800 meters and is free from the usual beachfront hotels, resorts, and clubs. Visitors often enjoy the calm atmosphere, taking leisurely walks or joining guided tours to fully experience this natural beauty.

The best time to visit Puka Beach is from November to May when the weather is ideal for soaking in the sun and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of one of Boracay’s quieter beach spots.

10. Bonbon Beach, Romblon

Bonbon Beach in Romblon is a stunning beach paradise that’s a must-see. It’s known for having one of the most beautiful stretches of sand you’ll ever witness.

Bonbon Beach stands out because of its incredible sandbar that reaches a nearby island, especially during low tide. This makes for a breathtaking view and a unique experience as you walk along it, making the scene absolutely spectacular. The beach has super fine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters that will make you feel like you’re walking in a dream.

The best time to visit is from January to May when the sea is calm, making it safer for day trips and booking a island hopping tours. This place is not just a beach in Romblon but a jaw-dropping spot perfect for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Philippines.

9. Banol Beach, Coron, Palawan

Banol Beach in Coron, Palawan, is a slice of paradise with some of the softest, whitest sand and waters in stunning shades of blue and teal that seem to come straight out of a painting.

Surrounded by impressive karst cliffs, this beach is perfect for those who love to pose, swim, kayak, or simply relax in a nipa hut by the shore. To reach this breathtaking beach, you can join a day trip from Coron or a private ferry for a more exclusive experience.

8. Paliton Beach, Siquijor

Paliton Beach in Siquijor, close to the small town of San Juan, is a beautiful spot famous for its bright white sand and palm trees right by the water. It’s an amazing place to watch the sunset and enjoy the clear, turquoise sea. You can swim, chill in a hammock or just enjoy a sunbathing at the beach.

This peaceful beach is always open, making it a great place to visit any time you’re on the island. The best months to go are from November to April, when it’s sunny and dry. Paliton Beach is quieter than other busy beaches, offering a calm, picture-perfect setting that feels like your own private piece of paradise.

7. Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan​​

Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan, is a breathtaking spot that boasts the title of the Philippines’ longest beach. Stretching over 14.7 kilometers, it’s a vast expanse of powdery white sand that’s three times the length of Boracay’s famous White Beach.

This makes it a fantastic choice for those who love to explore, relax on the beach for hours, or go island-hopping. Food lovers will appreciate the variety of restaurants offering both local and international dishes.

The surrounding area is as charming as the beach itself, with green landscapes and small villages that give you a glimpse of a simpler, tranquil life, away from the noise and rush of the city. It’s beautiful!

6. Dahican Beach, Mati, Davao Oriental

Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental, is a surfer’s paradise located about 10 kilometers from the downtown area of Mati City. It’s just a 30-minute ride from my place, making it my favorite spot whenever I need to relax and unwind.

Framed by tall coconut trees, the beach exudes a tropical vibe. It caters to thrill-seekers who enjoy skimboarding and surfing, thanks to the powerful waves that can soar up to 10 feet high.

Even though I’m not much of a surfer, I love swimming and playing in those big waves and just walking along the 7-kilometer stretch of gorgeous cream sand, which offers the perfect spot to chill, soak up the sun, and enjoy some music and cold beers.

This beach isn’t just about fun—it’s also a sanctuary for sea turtles and, occasionally, dolphins, which you can sometimes spot early in the morning. For those looking to stay overnight, there are plenty of resorts, such as Dahican Surf Resort, offering cozy accommodations and tasty food close to the beach.

Dahican is an active community surrounded by nature, where life is laid-back, and the ocean views are unforgettable. The people in Davao Oriental are incredibly welcoming and full of good vibes, making your visit feel like you’re part of a big, happy family. Whether you’re riding the waves or just enjoying the beach, the warm hospitality of the locals here is sure to make your experience even more special.

This is where I find my peace and joy, a place where I can just be me, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature.

5. Mahabang Buhangin Beach, Calaguas

Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte has captured the hearts of campers and backpackers alike.

Known for its expansive stretch of powdery white sand that reminds many of Boracay, this beach is called “Mahabang Buhangin,” which translates to “long beach.” It’s a place for those seeking adventures in and out of the water, offering activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.

Because the area is still relatively untouched, visitors should remember to bring their own food and camping gear since the amenities are quite basic.

Despite its growing popularity, the beach retains its peaceful and pristine nature, boasting some of the clearest and bluest waters in the Philippines against a backdrop of dense greenery — a true retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Plus, the weak cell phone signal offers a perfect opportunity to unplug and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

4. Hidden Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Tucked away in the breathtaking landscape of El Nido, Palawan, and recognized as one of the world’s 50 best beaches, Hidden Beach is known for its unmatched beauty and serenity.

This paradise, concealed behind majestic limestone cliffs, presitine white sand, shimmering waters in shades of green and blue, and stunning natural formations that seem straight out of a dream.

Here, you can enjoy kayaking or swimming in peace, far from the crowds, with the chance to spot clownfish among the corals. To reach this hidden beach, you can book a guided tour or take a ferry ride from El Nido Town.

Hidden Beach isn’t just an ordinary “beach”, it’s a unique, jaw-dropping paradise where the natural beauty of the Philippines shines through, offering a peaceful oasis that’s hard to find elsewhere.

3. Malcapuya Beach, Coron​​, Palawan

Just a two-hour boat ride from the bustling Coron town lies the paradise of Malcapuya Beach, another beautiful spot in the breathtaking landscape of Palawan.

Known for its 1.5-kilometer stretch of dazzling white sand and turquoise waters, Malcapuya is not just a place to soak up the sun, it’s an underwater sanctuary perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, boasting marine life and colorful coral gardens. The beach, fringed with palm trees, offers a peaceful escape where you can enjoy the simple pleasure of sipping fresh coconut water.

Beyond its soft sandy shores, you’ll find hidden coves and stunning rocky cliffs, creating a picturesque backdrop for your tropical getaway. With its proximity to other island attractions like Banana Island and Bulog Dos, Malcapuya is the ideal starting point for an unforgettable island-hopping adventure in Coron.

Whether you rent a private boat or join a guided tour, a visit to Malcapuya Beach promises a blend of relaxation and exploration in one of Palawan’s most breathtaking settings.

2. Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Nacpan Beach, just a 45-minute drive from the heart of El Nido, Palawan, is a breathtaking expanse of cream-colored sand stretching over 4 kilometers, framed by lush coconut trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Voted as the world’s 10th best beach in 2016 by TripAdvisor, this spot maintains its charm by staying relatively untouched and uncrowded ideal for those seeking calmness. Nacpan Beach invites you to spend your days swimming, sunbathing, surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

For the adventurous, a hike to a nearby hill reveals the stunning view of the Twin Beaches, Nacpan, and its lesser-known sibling, Calitang Beach. Alongside the natural beauty, a handful of local restaurants dotting the shoreline promise a taste of various cuisines, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day under the sun.

1. White Beach, Boracay

As I write this, I’m singing along to one of my favorite lines from a Taylor Swift song, “This scene feels like what I once saw on a screen~” … which perfectly captures the moment because Boracay is truly beautiful — beyond words.

White Beach in Boracay attracts numerous tourists from various countries, drawn to its amazing beauty, romantic and peaceful atmosphere. Known not only as one of the finest white sand beaches in the Philippines but it’s also highly regarded worldwide.

The beach’s sand is exceptionally soft, white and pure, remaining cool even under the most intense sunlight.

Along the shoreline, you can find upscale resorts and hotels such as Shangri-La and Crimson Boracay that offer everything you could want. There are also many restaurants on the beachfront, serving a variety of dishes that will satisfy any taste.

The real beauty of White Beach, though, is its untouched nature — there’s nothing quite like sitting on its clean sand and watching the mesmerizing sunsets of Boracay.

Adventure seekers will find Boracay’s island-hopping tours an exciting opportunity to discover hidden islands and snorkeling spots, showcasing the island’s rich marine life.

This lively, picturesque destination, with plenty of activities, makes White Beach Boracay the number one choice for those seeking the ultimate beach vacation in the Philippines.

Read more about the Romantic Places in the Philippines.

So there you have it, the 15 best beaches in the Philippines that you absolutely can’t miss! From the crystal clear waters of Boracay to the secluded paradise of El Nido, from the lively atmosphere of Siargao to the tranquil beauty of Coron, these beaches offer something for every type of traveler. And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering food, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes that make this country truly special.

So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen and book your next trip to one (or all!) of these amazing beaches. Trust me, you won’t regret it! The Philippines is truly a destination like no other and every beach on this list will leave you with unforgettable memories and a longing to come back for more. 

Until then, happy travels! 🌴

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