philippine voyage blog

18 Days in the Philippines – the Complete Guide to Paradise

The Philippines are one of the most incredible locations one can travel to. The country is made out of 7641 islands, which hold some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Picture in your mind beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, incredible lagoons, colourful corals and palm trees spread over remote islands. And that’s just a little part of what the country has to offer. As visiting every island on the Philippines would take years, this guide offers you an itinerary of the highlights and most spectacular places to visit.

Day 1: Arrival in Manila

Most of the international flights arrive in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, which is located on Luzon Island. As the city is rather chaotic than interesting, we advise you to hop on the next flight immediately. Otherwise, you can spend a day in Intramuros : the historic centre and the oldest district of the capital.

Day 2-5 Cebu

First destination of this Philippines guide is Cebu Island. Arrive in Cebu City, get into your rented car or hop on a bus and head south to Moalboal. People come to Cebu looking for beautiful nature, stunning waterfalls and whale shark watching . All the best things to do in Cebu , Philippines can be found on the south part of the island.

↬ Read : Kwasan Falls canyoning – Afternoon full of Adventure

Day 6-9 Siargao

Siargao island has unique idyllic and worry-free vibe, stunning beaches and a mind-blowing natural beauty just a short boat ride away: Sohoton Cove. It’s truly a paradise on earth .

↬ Read : Sohoton Cove & Island Hopping in Siargao – a Day in Paradise

Day 10 Traveling

As the islands in the Philippines are really spreaded apart and divided by the sea, traveling from one place to another will take time. From Siargao board a plane to Puerto Princessa with stopover in Cebu. From Puerto Princessa take a shuttle van to El Nido. The whole trip will take a day. If you are not on a small budget, see if you can get a direct flight from Cebu to El Nido.

Day 11-15 El Nido

Next in our Philippines Guide: El Nido. It’s without a doubt is one of the most beautiful locations is the Philippines. Do not get discouraged by the small town: hop on a long tail boat that will take you island hopping around the spectacular natural wonders . As you will stay here for a few days, make sure to do a few island hopping tours, but also explore the nearby areas of El Nido. It really is a dream.

↬ Read : El Nido – Top Things to do in the Paradise

Day 15- 17 Coron

On the last day of your stay in El Nido, take a ferry to Coron, the Gem of the Philippines . Known for its impressive gorgeous scenery, secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters of its lagoons, this island will not disappoint you. Here you can scuba dive next to ship wrecks even as a beginner and visit some of the world’s most beautiful natural sites.

↬ Read : Island Hopping in Coron – the Best Spots to Visit

Day 18 Departure

Board a plane from Coron to Manila, just in time to catch your international connection back home.

Additional stops

If you have few more days to spend after the programme of this Philippines guide, you can add Bohol to your route. The island is easily accessible from Cebu with just 2hours of ferry ride. Bohol is known for the chocolate hills, rice terraces and adorable tarsier monkeys. Spend here 3 days to complete your 3 weeks trip in the Philippines.

Philippines are spread over a big part of the globe, therefore the seasons will be different on each island. In general, the best time to travel to the Philippines is from November till March as it’s the dry season. July to October are monsoon season and we do not advise traveling then, as moving from one place to another will be a challenge due to heavy rains and storms.

Most nationalities will receive a 30-day Visa on Arrival when traveling to the Philippines. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months. You might be obliged to show a return ticket with departure date of maximum 30 days later.

Data service

You can get a sim card at the airport in Manila upon your arrival. Globe or Smart are the recommended companies.

Wifi is available in most good hotels and restaurants, but is highly unreliable in the Philippines. The only time we had a good wifi reception was in Kermit and Ocean 101 common area on Siargao Island.

Transportation

Traveling around the Philippines is not complicated, even if it takes time

Most islands are reachable by flights. Planes depart often and are not too expensive. Find the best deal on skyscanner.com

↬ Read : How to save money on your travel bookings

Most busses are comfortable and have AC, unless you board a jeepney: the traditional bus from the Philippines. It will be crowded and slow. Buses depart often and are the cheapest way of transportation. Flying to Puerto Princessa in Palawan and then taking a bus (van with ac) to El Nido will save you a lot of money, in comparison of flying directly to El Nido.

Traveling between islands by ferry is a popular way of transportation. Take a ferry from Cebu to get to Bohol and from El Nido to Coron.

Driving in the Philippines scares lots of people. We rented a car in Cebu to be mobile and not rely on buses and had a great experience. For more info read: ↬ Best things to do in Cebu, Philippines

By motorbike

Arriving at one destination the easiest way of getting around is by motorbike or scooter. The rentals are easy and very cheap, usually 350 – 600 PHP (6-10 EUR).

By tricycle

If you do not want to drive a motorbike by yourself, you always have the option of taking a tuk-tuk. They can be spotted anywhere in the Philippines and the ride will be cheap, even if not the most comfortable.

Food in the Philippines

To be honest, the food in the Philippines is not amazing. But keeping it simple and fresh, you can get some delicious dishes throughout the whole country. Make sure to try the adobo which is a stew meat in soy sauce and vinegar. During the island hopping in El Nido and Coron, you will be served delicious and simple lunch compose of grilled fish, chicken, rice, vegetable and fruits. The prices for food in those cities are pretty low. For example a dinner with fish and rice will cost you 2-3 EUR.

↬ TIP : Mangos are the best fruits in the Philippines!

Accomodation

There is a variety of choices throughout the Philippines and some travel blogs linked in this guide will give you some inspirations. There are many hostels and home stays for those on a small budget, as well as nice hotels with decent prices. It won’t be as cheap as Bali or Thailand, but for 25 EUR a night pp you can have a nice room in a mid range hotel.

↬ TIP : Try glamping in El Nido: camping in style, right next to one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.

↬ Read : El Nido – Top Things to do in this Paradisiac Island

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Philippines Travel Guide: The Ultimate 3-week Itinerary

Imagine remote islands with palm trees leaning over pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The Philippines is a country consisting of 7641 islands that not only offer tropical beaches but also rice terraces, hiking, surfing, and great diving. An interesting mix of Spanish, American, and Chinese cultures formed Filipinos into the extremely welcoming people they are today. Discover the best of the country in this Philippines Travel Guide.

Philippines Travel Itinerary

Traveling in the Philippines takes time because all islands are divided by the ocean. Experiencing the entire country in 3 weeks is impossible. However, this 3-week route takes you along some of the country’s highlights. This Philippines Travel Guide includes extra time meant as travel time.

Day 1: Manila

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is where your incredible journey starts. Most people have a love-hate relationship with this city and spend one or two nights here. If you want to explore the city, book a tour visiting the city’s highlights and tasting local food.

Tip: Grab Taxi is a great way to get reliable transportation around the city.

Where to Stay in Manila

Hotels in manila 😴.

Makati is the area where you need to spend the night and find all the trendy restaurants and bars.

Here are all your hotel options in Makati.

Day 2 – 3: Coron

The small fishing village Coron is all about hopping from one stunning island to the other. On the morning of day 2, fly from Manila to Busuanga island, followed by a 30-minute drive to Coron town.

Once you arrive, relax, hike up Mt. Tapyas before sunset, and go island hopping by boat ( book online ) on day 3. You can arrange this in advance or at the harbor.

Must-Try! The Philippines has the most delicious mangos. Don’t miss these!

Where to Stay in Coron

Hotels in Coron are available for every kind of budget, whether you want something more luxurious or something that’s more budget-friendly.

Hotels in Coron 😴

Tip: The best place to stay is in the center of town; this has the most options, with the only downside that you won’t have any beach near your hotel.

Day 4 – 6: El Nido

A 4-hour ferry from Coron ( find tickets ) takes you to one of the most stunning locations in your Philippines Travel Guide. El Nido is located on the northern tip of Palawan Island, offering pristine white beaches and paradise islands. You can visit these places by joining an El Nido Island Hopping Tour .

Book your island-hopping tour in advance here

Where to Stay in El Nido

Choose a hostel or hotel on one of the beautiful beaches in El Nido, with incredible views over the turquoise waters.

Hotels in El Nido 😴

Tip: You could also choose to stay in El Nido town. Although the town itself used to be a little underwhelming, it has been developing fast and now has some great hotels and restaurants.

Day 7: Puerto Princesa

From El Nido, drive down to Puerto Princesa to spend the night before catching your flight to Cebu.

Find your flight to Cebu

Getting to El Nido is possible by van or public transport. In Puerto Princesa, we highly recommend visiting the Iwahig Open Prison and having dinner at Kalui.

Good to know: Unfortunately, the standard Filipino kitchen isn’t that great. Rice and pork or BBQ chicken are the typical dishes. However, at popular restaurants, it is an entirely different world.

Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa has plenty of hotels to choose from that are perfect for spending the night before your journey to Cebu.

Hotels in Puerto Princesa 😴

Did you know? Puerto Princesa is known as ‘the city in the forest’ because of its luscious greenery and tropical atmosphere.

Day 8 – 9: Cebu

Cebu is one of the main islands and transport hubs of the Philippines. Arrive in Cebu by airplane from Puerto Princesa in the morning of day 8. Directly hop into the bus or car and make your way down to Moalboal. The following day, go Canyoneering in Badian and jump off the Kawasan Falls!

Where to Stay in Cebu

You can stay in Moalboal or Cebu City for your canyoning trip. Moalboal is the most convenient as it is very close to Badian, but keep in mind that this cheaper option can be fully booked due to the lack of accommodations.

Hotels in Cebu 😴

Alternatively, stay in Cebu City, which, although quite far away from Badian (around a 3-hour drive), has the option of free pick-up and drop-off (with Island Trek Tours).

Day 10 – 12: Bohol

Discover the unique landscapes of Bohol with rice terraces, chocolate hills, and white sand beaches. But what makes Bohol unique is the Philippine Tarsier. Tiny, monkey-like animals that move during the night. Book a day tour to explore all the highlights of Bohol. It is a short 2-hour ferry ride from Cebu to Bohol.

Get your boat tickets in advance

The endangered Tarsiers are extremely sensitive to light and sound. Only visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, where you’re not allowed to touch, talk to, or photograph them with flash. If you see tarsiers in cages, that’s not OK! Learn more about responsible wildlife tourism .

Philippines

Are you interested in visiting churches? Bohol has plenty! Did you know? The Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia.

Where to Stay in Bohol

Bohol’s beauty makes it a hotel paradise! From luxury spas to cute guesthouses, there’s something for everyone on the island.

Hotels in Bohol 😴

Day 13 – 15: Siquijor

Majestic waterfalls, the friendliest Filipinos, and beautiful local life. The island of Siquijor is stunning to explore by motorbike in a 2-hour drive. Read about all the things to do in Siquijor .

From Bohol, take the 1.5-hour ferry to Siquijor.

Book your tickets for the ferry here .

Where to Stay in Siquijor

Most hotels are located on the western coastline of Siquijor or in the town of San Juan (which has the yummiest restaurants!).

Hotels in Siquijor 😴

Day 16: Travel day

While you’re still buzzing from the incredible last 15 days, it’s time to head back to Cebu to catch a flight to Siargao. Getting back to Cebu is a long trip, but it’s worth it for the next part of your itinerary.

• Catch the boat from Siquijor to Dumaguete (30 min; book your tickets here ).
• At Dumaguete, take the boat to Liloan Port, Cebu (20 min).
• From Liloan Port, catch the public bus to Cebu City (4 hours).

Spend the night in Cebu City and fly out to Siargao the next morning. Please note: If you’re planning to fly to Siargao, keep in mind that evening flights are often canceled. The Siargao runway does not have lights yet (April 2019).

Day 17 – 20: Siargao

Welcome to the ‘Most Beautiful Island in Asia’. Siargao has the perfect island vibe with great beaches, surfing, scenic drives, island hopping, incredible food, and a chilled vibe. You could easily spend a week in Siargao.

Read more: best things to do in Siargao

Where to Stay in Siargao

There are three main tourist towns: General Luna, Dapa, and Pacifico. Dapa and Pacifico are quieter, and General Luna offers the best restaurants.

Hotels in Siargao 😴

Day 21: Manila

Spend your last day in Manila. We recommend you be back in Manila at least 10 hours before your international flight back home leaves. Why? Most flights in the afternoon are delayed. We have been to The Philippines twice and had just two flights leaving on time or too early, haha.

Food rec: On your last day, visit Hummus Elijah in Makati!

Additional Philippines Travel Itinerary Options

If you have more or less time available, use one of the following options in your Philippines Travel itinerary.

• Visit the rice fields in the north of the Philippines (4-week route)
• Skip Puerto Princesa and fly directly from El Nido to Cebu (more relaxed)
• Skip Siquijor and spend your time in Cebu and Bohol (more relaxed)

Your Budget for the Philippines

The Philippines is a budget travel country. It is affordable to get around, and there is accommodation for every kind of budget. However, the prices for accommodation are a little higher compared to Indonesia or Thailand . If you’re on a tight budget, take the overnight ferry instead of an airplane and travel by bus. The currency in the country is the Philippine Peso (PHP, ₱).

Costs of Traveling in The Philippines

Travel on a budget in The Philippines, from $180 − $350 USD weekly per person, mid-range $320 − $180 USD, and high-end from $180 − $240 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hostels: $10 − $15 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $50 USD Book public transport
• Food: $2 − $10 USD
• Activities: $5 − $15 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Wifi and SIM Cards in the Philippines

Wifi is something you cannot relate to in the Philippines. It is unstable, and if they offer it, it’s usually not fast. We always recommend getting a SIM card to use Google Maps or make phone calls in emergencies. It is best to get a GLOBE or SMART SIM card (9GB for 1000 PHP) and top it up once you’re out of data.

Get your Sim Card here

How to get around the Philippines?

Transportation in the Philippines is well-arranged and affordable but time-consuming. Travel overland by taxi, tricycles, jeepneys, buses, and minivans and go from island to island by boat or airplane.

Flights Flights go as often as buses in the Philippines to cross to another island. Flight delays are common, so it is recommended never to book too tight with connecting flights or activities.

Boats and buses Ferries to cross to a different island are very common. Taking an overnight ferry can reduce costs on your travel budget. Booking boats and long bus rides in advance is common.

Book your tickets online in advance

Tricycle To cover short distances, a tricycle is very convenient. The vehicle is kind of a 3-wheeled tuk-tuk. You have to bargain with this kind of transport. Our rule of thumb was 100 PHP for 2 persons, including luggage for a 10-minute drive.

Motorbike In the main tourist areas (not cities), we recommend renting a motorbike and driving around by yourself. The price for tourists is about 400 – 600 PHP (±9 USD) per day, depending on the season.

Best Time to Visit the Philippines

From December to April, during the dry season, is the best time to visit the Philippines. Where March to May are the busiest and most expensive months. It is best to avoid traveling there from July to October when the typhoon season is active.

Always do your research per location. For example, El Nido and Siargao have two completely different seasons at the same time of the year.

Is the Philippines safe to travel?

Through media, the Philippines is commonly illustrated as unsafe and a no-go destination. However, that’s not true. The deep southern tip (Mindanao area) of the Philippines is the only no-go area due to possible terrorism. The rest of the Philippines is safe.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Philippines trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

It breaks our hearts to hear that people don’t visit the Philippines because of these stories. Why? The Filipino people are some of the friendliest in Southeast Asia. Although Tagalog is their first language, everyone understands and speaks English, which makes it even easier.

Visa for the Philippines

Most nationalities will receive a 30-day Visa on Arrival when flying to the Philippines. The only requirements are that your passport is valid for at least 6 months and that you must have an outbound ticket that will show you’re leaving the country within those 30 days. A standard visa is extendable up to 60 days.

Check online if you need a Visa

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Best Things To Do in Coron, Palawan

The most beautiful resorts & hotels in el nido, 9 x best things to do in siquijor (travel guide).

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

It is recommended to only pack in a backpack? We are planning a trip to the Philippines , leave this week. My husband is thinking that us two plus our 10 year old son need to pack in 1 backpack so when we rent a motorbike that we can just have that for luggage and make it easy getting around.

Hi Ashley, we typically travel with a big bag each. There are many taxis, tricycles, jeepneys, buses, and minivans that can transport you and your luggage to your accommodation, then hire a motorbike once you’ve dropped your bags off. Have an amazing trip! :)

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Philippines Travel Guide

From the moment we laid our eyes on the Philippines, it was love at first sight. From Boracay’s white sand beaches , to the seaside cliffs of Palawan , this humble island country has given us more to fall in love with than other place we’ve visited.

With around 7,641 islands in the Philippines, you’ll have a hard time visiting all of it in just a few weeks. We hope this Philippines travel guide will help you spend the most of your limited time in this paradise.

Philippines Travel Guide Contents

Important Info  |  Best Time to Visit   |  Things to Do  |   What to Eat   |  Typical Budget

Travel Tips   |  What to Pack   |  Philippines Articles   |  Book Now

Important Information about Philippines

Philippines at a Glance:  The Philippines has everything you’ll ever want. The country boasts of tropical islands, unique wildlife, white sandy beaches, rice terraces, turquoise blue waters, world class diving and surfing spots and a lot more!

Currency in Philippines:  Philippines Peso | 2018 Conversion Rate: 100 pesos = $1.84 USD

Tipping in Philippines:  In the Philippines, tipping is not required. Wait staff usually don’t expect tips so they are not offended when you do not give any tip. However, some establishments add a ‘service charge’ to your bill.  

 Language & Helpful Phrases:  Filipino

Hello =  kumusta

Thank you =  salamat

Beer =  bir

Delicious =  masarap

Bathroom =   CR (comfort room) / banyo

How much? =  magkano

Too expensive  = mahal

Don’t want =  ayaw

Religion and Culture:  The Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia.  Around 86 percent of the country’s population is Roman Catholic. Aside from Christianity, there are also Muslims mostly found in the southern part of Mindanao. When it comes to culture, the Philippines culture is a mix between Western and Eastern cultures.

Transportation around Philippines:  In major towns and cities, taxis, motorized tricycles, jeepneys and buses are commonly available. Getting around the Philippines is pretty inexpensive.

Transportation Tip:   12go.asia  is a great site is you want to book your transportation in advance or look at the time tables!

Best Time To Visit Philippines

For an in-depth guide on the regional seasons, weather patterns and other factors, check out our complete guide on the best time to visit the Philippines . We’ve also listed out some of the basics below to give you a general idea.

Climate in the Philippines

The Philippines has three seasons namely hot dry season (summer), rainy season and cool dry season.

Hot season:  March to May

Rainy season:  June to November

Cool season:  December to February

Peak season for tourists   is usually from March to May during the summer time. This is usually the most expensive time to visit.

Times to avoid traveling in Philippines

The Philippines is within the typhoon belt so the country experiences around nineteen typhoons every year. It is best to avoid traveling in the Philippines from July to October when torrential rains and thunderstorms are commonly experienced.

Major Festivals in the Philippines

Sinulog Festival,  Third Sunday of January: Celebrated in Cebu, the Sinulog Festival celebrates the Santo Niño or the Holy Child.

Dinagyang Festival,  Fourth Sunday of January: This is another celebration of the Santo Niño which is celebrated with street dance competitions, bountiful food and drinks.

Panagbenga Festival,  February: Panagbenga is a festival that gives tribute to the flower industry of the city. You will see here flower-decorated giant floats parading around the streets.

Masskara Festival, Third Week of October: The Masskara Festival in Bacolod boasts of colorful masks donned by dancers parading around the town.

Top Things to Do in Philippines

Island hopping.

Boatmen all over the Philippines offer island hopping experiences for only around $20 to $100 per boat ride. Some great places to go island hopping are the Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan, Cebu, Iloilo, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Camigiun, Palaui and Siargao.

Scuba diving

All over the world, the Philippines has some of the best scuba diving spots especially since it lies within the “Coral Triangle”. Scuba diving here will blow your mind. The country boasts of 5000 species of snails, mollusks and clams; 488 species of corals, 2824 fish species, and many more!

Some of the best scuba diving spots are Apo Island in Negros Oriental, Monad Shoal in Cebu, Manta Bowl in Masbate, Panglao Island in Bohol, Mactan in Cebu, Verde Island in Batangas, Anilao in Batangas, Tubbataha Reefs in Palawan, and Puerto Galera in Mindoro.

Go beach bumming

It’s hard to find beaches that are as beautiful as the ones found in the Philippines. Don’t miss the chance to see the beaches of Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Siargao, and Bohol.

Eat local food

Eating in the Philippines is cheap. You can buy a meal for as low as $1. Filipinos love to eat food so you can expect to find lots scrumptious dishes all over the country.

Insider Tip:  Research about the different prices of activities and food in the country beforehand. Some locals tend to charge you higher when you are a foreigner.

Do you want more local recs? Work with one of ViaHero’s locals in the Philippines to plan your trip. They’ll create a guidebook packed with food suggestions, as well as things to do and see.

Best Food to Eat in Philippines

When we read that not a lot of people are fond of Filipino cuisine, we were surprised, because we loved it!

Here are some of our favorites:

Sinigang:  Filipino sinigang stew is one of our favorite local dishes. It is a meat based sour stew that has a lot of vegetables.

Adobo:  Chicken adobo is one of the most famous foods to try in the Philippines. In Spanish, Adobo means ‘marinade’ and this is just that.

Kare Kare:  This dish is made with simmered oxtail, peanut-based sauce and vegetables.

Lechon:  If you love to eat pork, you’re going to love this! Lechon is literally a whole pig roasted for a few hours.

Halo halo: This is the must-try dessert in the Philippines. It is a mix of ice shavings, evaporated milk and everything good.

Typical Budget for Philippines

The Philippines is one of the best budget travel destinations in the world. Rum is cheaper than soft drinks and you can sleep in a hammock or camp in a tent for free in most beaches.

Good to know:  If you want to save some money, keep an eye out for Air Asia and Cebu Pacific sales. These are one of the cheapest airlines in the Philippines. Set prices alerts on Skyscanner so you know when the costs drop.

How to Much to Budget in the Philippines Per Day

Budget traveler:  If you’re on a tight budget and want to watch your spending closely, $20 – $30 per day could be sufficient.

Mid-range traveler:  If you want to have a few splurges and stay in nicer accommodation, plan to budget $35 – $50 per day.

Dorm bed = $5-$7

Budget room = $10

Mid-range = $20

Luxury hotel = $40+

Find the best deals on Agoda.com

Street food = $0.5-$1

Mid-range restaurant = $4-$6

Fancy restaurant = $10-$20

Local beer = $1-$2

Domestic flight = $30-$80

Bus = $5 for 3-hour ride

Jeepneys = $0.1-$1

Taxi = $1-$10

Ferry between islands = $5-$20

Snorkeling = $3-$5 

Scuba Diving = $25-$100

Island Hopping = $20-$100

Responsible Travel Tips in Philippines

We’re passionate about sharing tips anyone can use to  travel more responsibly . Here are some easy ways you can travel better in The Philippines.

1. Pack environmentally friendly products

Learn about traveling responsibly. Try your best to only pack environmentally friendly products. Here’s a packing list we made that you can use as reference.

2. Hire a local guide

Not only are you helping the local people feed their families, but you are also discovering more about the landscapes and their culture. After all, the locals know their home the best.

3. Be careful what you buy

Avoid buying products that are made from hard woods, ancient artifacts and endangered species. Corals and shells should stay where they’re supposed to.

Related Article:   Why You Need To Visit The Philippines

What to Pack for Philippines

If you’re planning on going to the Philippines, we have listed the items you need to pack before traveling. Always remember that the lesser you pack, the better. You wouldn’t want to be carrying a lot of stuff in the tropical heat.

Here are some Philippines-specific items we’d recommend packing:

bug repellant (solids are the way to go)

r e ef safe sunscreen

diarrhea tablets

insulated water bottle (We love our Hydro Flasks )

waterproof phone cover

reusable straw &  reusable bag  ( say no to single-use plastic! )

loose, lightweight clothes & layers

reliable power bank

lightweight rain jacket (bring one especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season)

waterproof dry bag (great for beach days or scuba trips)

microfiber quick-dry towel

hiking or water shoes (We have been wearing Chacos for over 10 years now)

universal power adaptor

Philippines Articles

Find all kinds of information on traveling to the Philippines that will guide you plan the perfect vacation. From how to spend less than $50 a day, 2 week itinerary, to things to do, we have it all!

Tip: Be sure to book your flights between the islands before your trip, espcially the flight from Manila to Boracay . We have used 12go.asia  (affiliate link) in the past to find the best deals on transportation in Asia.

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 season to help you determine the best time to visit the Philippines for YOU!

Banaue Rice Terraces: How to Get There and What to Do

When we visited the Philippines, we had a long wish list of places to see and not nearly enough time. The rice terraces in Banaue were the last to be cut because we desperately wanted to see them, but it just seemed too difficult and confusing to get there. Our...

Tranquil Night Stay in the Philippines – Palo Alto Bed and Breakfast

We spent a good portion of our day relaxing around the shaded infinity pool, surrounded by giant trees. I’d say this place is pretty close to paradise!

Freediving in the Philippines with Palawan Divers

Truthfully, neither Ben nor I knew much about freediving before signing up. We are always up for trying something new and challenging, so it seemed to be the perfect way to spend our last day in El Nido.

Complete Review of El Nido’s Best Island Hopping Tours with Caera Travel Tours

The Philippines is a country made up of 7,107 islands, and more than 1,700 of those belong to Palawan. And so it seems fitting that one activity everyone seems to do while in El Nido is to partake in the famous island hopping tours.

Most Magical Night in the Philippines – Kayakasia’s Firefly Kayaking Review

Now we can add this phenomenon to our list: seeing a "firefly tree". It's a rare occurrence, but when conditions are just right, fireflies will gather on one tree and illuminate it in an undulating glow.

Best Place to Stay in Boracay – MNL Beach Hostel Review

This modern hostel is well-located, just a short walk from D’Mall (the main shopping and eating area) and the beach. We stayed in both the dorm and a private room during our time there and were dazzled by both.

Travel the Philippines on Less Than $50 a Day

We are already talking about wanting to return to the Philippines, and for only $50 a day we'd be crazy not to. This budget breakdown spans 15 days and 14 nights or two people, and includes all domestic flights.

Ultimate Philippines 2 Week Itinerary

This itinerary is an adaption of what we followed. We altered it a bit based on some things we would have changed, and came up with what we think is a pretty badass route for a two week itinerary in the Philippines.

Epic Philippines Adventure Video

Come along with us on our two-week adventure in this beautiful, vibrant country!

Things to Do in El Nido, Palawan

Palawan’s turquoise waters and seaside cliffs make this island one of the top hotspots in the Philippines. And the town of El Nido is situated in the perfect spot to base yourself for all sorts of adventures, from island hopping to free-diving to dancing on the beach. Check out our...

Best Things to Do on Bohol Island, Philippines

Most people think of beaches when they imagine a vacation to the Philippines. But this diverse country has much more than sand and surf! If you are looking for motorbike adventures, off the beaten path experiences and jungle treks, you will want to be sure to add Bohol to your...

Top Things to Do in Boracay: Travel Guide to Paradise

With white sand beaches, warm ocean waters, and some of the best sunsets in the Philippines, this island paradise has been re-opened to tourists (after a 6-month shutdown) and is cleaner and less crowded than in years past. Whether you want to snorkel with tropical fish, try your kiteboarding skills,...

Why You Need to Visit the Philippines

Each country we’ve visited has given us different reasons to fall in love. For some it’s the food. For others, it’s the people, the culture, or land itself that draw us in.

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Philippines Travel Guide

The Philippines is a great place for island hopping and scuba diving, with over 7,000 islands full of white sand beaches, rainbow corals, and turquoise waterfalls.

One of the best known islands is Palawan , which has been ranked as the most beautiful island in the world. The island of Bohol is also popular for its exotic scenery and scuba diving.

Read through this complete Philippines travel guide for more info on what to expect!

Quick Facts

Filipino & English

Christianity

Philippine Peso (PHP)

Visa free access for most nationalities

Tropical; hot & humid year round. Dry season is Nov - May

Power Plugs

Type A / B / C

The main airports in the Philippines are Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB), which have direct international flights from many countries in Asia and beyond. There are also domestic airports in popular Filipino tourist spots like Bohol, Coron, El Nido, and Siargao.

You can shop for flights to the Philippines on Skyscanner.

There are a few areas to steer clear of in the Philippines, but according to the UN it has a violent crime rate that is significantly lower than the global average. Some parts of Mindanao can be dangerous due to terrorism and kidnappings.

With that said, I’ve traveled in many parts of the Philippines and haven't witnessed any crime. Popular tourist areas like El Nido and Coron are safe, and attitudes toward foreigners are welcoming.

It's a good idea to wear mosquito spray in rural areas, especially during the rainy season, because some areas have a risk of dengue or malaria.

The climate of the Philippines is tropical, so the weather is warm and humid all year. There's a rainy season that runs from June to October (with the typhoon season generally being September and October), and the sunny season runs from November to May.

It's still possible to visit Philippines in the rainy season, but give yourself some extra days as a buffer in case of bad weather.

The Philippines is a very budget friendly travel destination, with  hostels available from 300 Philippine pesos ($5 USD) and private hotels from 600 pesos . Meals are also cheap, costing about 70 to 300 pesos depending on location.

Transportation in the Philippines is generally by motorbike or car, and these can be rented, but hiring a driver is cheap and often preferable. Transportation apps like  Grab  are great for getting around.

Palawan By Drone

The best Philippines tours & activities

My latest blog posts about the Philippines

Coron vs El Nido: Which Is Better? All Differences Explained

Palawan island has become famous for its tropical scenery and island hopping, but in a head-to-head comparison of Coron vs El Nido which is better? Both of …

Bohol Travel Guide For The Philippines

The island of Bohol Philippines is a unique one, with exotic landscapes like the ‘Chocolate Hills,’ and wild tarsiers, the world’s smallest primate. Bohol may not be …

Coron Palawan Travel Guide For The Philippines

Coron Palawan is one of the most amazing islands in the Philippines, with huge limestone peaks, multicolored lagoons, and great snorkeling or scuba diving. Like other islands …

How To Get To El Nido Palawan In The Philippines

El Nido, Palawan is a pristine, exotic island destination in the Philippines that can be reached by air, van, bus, or ferry. It’s not hard to get …

El Nido Palawan Island Travel Guide For The Philippines

For myself and many other travelers, El Nido Palawan island was the place that put the Philippines on the world map (and our bucket lists). El Nido’s …

El Nido Tour A in Palawan: Big Lagoon & Shimizu Island

El Nido’s famous for having some of the finest island scenery in the Philippines, and the best way to see it is on a shared boat tour. …

El Nido To Coron Ferry: How To Use The Palawan Fast Boat

Coron, Palawan is a scenic island destination located just north of the more famous El Nido, and a lot of tourists nowadays like to visit both places …

Coron Ultimate Island Tour In Palawan: What To Expect

The remote Philippine island of Coron may not be as popular as its cousin El Nido, but the scenery here is just as amazing, and it’s great …

El Nido Tour C in Palawan: Hidden Beach & Matinloc Shrine

El nido tour b in palawan: pinagbuyutan island & entalula beach, el nido tour d in palawan: cadlao island & small lagoon, get in touch.

Feel free to contact me if you have travel questions, comments, or suggestions! I'll try to get back to you!

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Philippines Travel Itinerary for 2021: The Ultimate Bucket List

Once an off-the-beaten-path destination for travelers in the know, the Philippines is now becoming a popular stop on the Southeast Asian backpacking route. From lush rainforests to world class beaches, the landscape is one of the most diverse we’ve ever seen. And with over 7,000 islands you really have to choose your Philippines travel itinerary carefully if you want to take in all of this incredible country. Whether you’re a true adventurer ready to take on grueling hikes up an active volcano, or prefer to spend all your time relaxing on the sand, you will not be disappointed in the Philippines!

Although we stayed in the Philippines for over 6 months, most of our time was spent volunteering with typhoon Yolanda relief in Tacloban, so we didn’t get to see as much as we would have liked. What we were able to see during our three week motorcycle trip through the Visayas, two weeks in Palawan and our weekends off from volunteering was incredible. From the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol to walking one of the country’s longest sandbars on the incredible Kalanggaman Island, we were continually impressed with the Philippines’ natural beauty. There’s no doubt that we’ll return one day (hopefully soon!) to keep exploring.

With all those other locations in mind, to help us craft the best Philippines travel itinerary, we asked our blogging friends to tell us the spots they’d most recommend. And here’s what they said:

Tibiao: Top Ecotourism Spot in the Philippines | Nomad is Beautiful

If you want to experience village life, where locals welcome you with a huge smile and you’re surrounded by lush green forests, then Tibiao won’t disappoint you. Located on the Antique island, not far from the popular Boracay beach, this place has lots to offer to eager ecotourists.

You can learn a lot about local life while walking along the main road. Busy villagers will show you how they build fishing boats, how to produce natural salt on the beach shore or make pottery and bricks, too. If you’re lucky to make some friends in Tibiao, they might introduce you to a local healer, Remedios Maniba, who can show you that miracles are possible.  

Once you’re done with the village experience, we strongly recommend visiting a jungle near Tibiao. There you can try the zipline from above a gorgeous valley with some stunning views! Don’t miss out on jungle trekking to the Bugtong-bato Falls, where you can have a refreshing dip on the top. Tired after hiking? No worries! On the way back there’s a hot kawa bath with some soothing herbs waiting for you. There’s no doubt that Tibiao is a one of the best body and soul retreat in the Philippines.

El Nido’s Secret Beach | Teacake Travels

Far away from the increasing hustle and bustle of El Nido’s main beach there is a way better place that you can escape to! Where the crowds are nowhere in sight and the locals are chilling out in true Filipino style. Apart from one or two tourists who have discovered the secret already, you’ve got this patch of sand to yourself (woohoo!). Tuk tuk drivers are going to try and convince you that to see the best sunset in El Nido you should head to ‘Las Cabanas’. You don’t need to go there.

Skip the ride, use your legs and pop around the corner from the main drag to bid adieu to another amazing day in this tropical paradise. The cheapest beer on the island is also here as well as a lovely table (there’s just one!) where you can pitch your bottom and soak up all the beauty. To find out this location, pop along to Teacake Travels to get the coordinates!

Siargao: A Little Island With A LOT Of Good Vibes | Backpacker Banter

Over the last few years I’ve been island hopping all over the globe – the allure of empty beaches, barefoot living and pumping surf constantly driving my travels. But from the first time I stepped foot on  Siargao Island  in the South of the Philippines, (about an hours flight East of Cebu) I knew I’d found my ultimate island retreat.

Siargao – and in particular the General Luna are – ticks all the boxes for a traveling surfer or anyone looking to kick back on island time. Enjoy world class waves such as Cloud 9 or start to learn on fun breaks like Jacking Horse or Dacu – my personal favourite. The palm tree fringed beaches are near empty and the lagoon surrounding the island is the ideal place for a high tide swim, kayak or SUP in the clear, warm waters. And the best thing about it all? It doesn’t come with a budget killing price tag!

Dedicated surf camps offer great surf and stay packages, restaurants like Mamas Grill and Kityas serve up a range of local and western dishes and there are a few budget hostels kicking around too if you’re really wanting to live on a dime. One part of me wants to tell everyone about it, the other part wants me to keep this slice of Filipino paradise secret a while longer…

Heading to the Philippines and want to know what to pack? Check out our GIRLS and GUYS packing lists for SOUTHEAST ASIA!

Snorkeling in Moalboal |  One Modern Couple

Cebu is an island filled with activity, but between exploring Cebu city and heading north to the beautiful outlying islands, it’s easy to miss out on one of the most amazing experiences the island offers – snorkeling in Moalboal.

Moalboal is a snorkeler’s playground with clear water, a large coral reef and plenty of marine life to be found. By hiring a boat, you can spend several hours in the waters off Moalboal, and around the nearby Pescador Island, observing some incredible underwater life and enjoying island life in the sun. In fact, if you look carefully you’ll most likely see several sea turtles and clown fish up close! The sardine run, one of the most unique and fascinating sights, can also be found in these waters where a huge school of countless sardines swim in one unbelievably large group.

Snorkeling in Moalboal is one of the best experiences to be had while visiting the Philippines. It showcases the natural beauty of the country and its islands, and after a day spent in the water, you can come back to the shore and enjoy some fresh and delicious local cuisine.

Diving in Coron | Travelstache

One of the most unique experiences you can have in the Philippines, and possibly the world, is in Coron. Here you can scuba dive the famous WWII Japanese ship wrecks. These ships have been at the bottom of the sea since a U.S. airstrike back on Sept. 24, 1944. On this day the U.S. sank 24 ships that were part of the Japanese supply fleet, 12 of them are now accessible to diving today.

This is an adventure not for the faint of heart. You’ll be diving down around 100 feet, making your way inside through gaping bombed out holes. Swimming through the narrow passages is like stepping back in time, you get to see the actual supplies still laying as they were. The hundreds of cement bags still intact and ready for delivery and the anchor awaiting deployment. It’s an experience that will send chills through your body and bring you down to the deep dark depths of history.

Off The Grid at Danjugan Island | The Crowded Planet

The highlight of our time in the Philippines was definitely spending three days in Danjugan Island , a tiny island off the coast of Negros Oriental managed by a conservation NGO. We had the chance to meet the president of the foundation, who told us that he purchased Danjugan to save it from overfishing and development. If it wasn’t for them the island would probably be covered in concrete tourist resorts with jet skis buzzing back and forth.

Instead, it’s an Eco paradise. There’s no wifi or electricity and we stayed in a cabana, made with mud from the island, that was powered by solar panels. During the day we walked along the islands trails and visited the ‘bat cave’, or kayaked to a magical lagoon that looked like it was out of Jurassic Park. We watched the sunset every night, in silence, then watched the sky being lit by a million stars. It wasn’t just an amazing holiday and we know that our stay in Danjugan made a difference and helped conserve this fragile environment.

Stand Up Paddling on Loboc River, Bohol | Love and Road

The Philippines is all about pristine beaches and watersports. Within the island life paradise, however, we found a different way to enjoy it! A unique experience we had in Bohol Island was the stand-up paddle on the Loboc River . The river is huge, clean and surrounded by forest, the perfect spot for SUP. We got on the boards and paddled for hours. The water is very calm and you don’t need to be a professional surfer to enjoy it.

It was a perfect afternoon with the birds singing, a few kids playing on the river banks and the sun shining through the green water. The scenery is beautiful, peaceful and you feel like you own the river. We managed to stay dry during the paddling, but afterward Rob decided to overcome his fear of heights and jumped into the river from a swing on the top of the tree. Nothing like an adrenaline rush to end our SUP tour! It was definitely an unmissable experience in Bohol Island. After the SUP, we recommend strolling around the village and trying some local food, especially the malunggay soup and the sweetest mangos you’ll ever eat!

Port Barton, Palawan | Moxie and Epoxy

If you’re looking for some peaceful time away from the crowds, you may want to put Port Barton on your travel list. Located between El Nido and Puerto Princesa, this quiet town is a real escape. While much of the Philippines have been “discovered,” Port Barton sits on the verge, maintaining a rare and sincere charm. I spent more than a couple of nights admiring this appeal with fellow travelers. We wandered down the dark, empty streets finding cozy eateries and commenting on how nice it was to be left alone without tricycle drivers or tour guides hounding us for their next commission.

Boat tours are available daily, and you can find a captain on the beach to negotiate a price – roughly half the price of a tour in El Nido, if done properly. Currently, the town of Port Barton only has electricity from 5pm until midnight, though some of the hotels have generators to supplement. I was told that by the end of 2016 new generators will help to provide the town with electricity 24 hours a day, who knows if that will happen on schedule! Despite the lack of electricity – and therefore wifi – there is plenty of infrastructure to support what is sure to be a growing tourist market in the town. The beach is lined with cool hotels and cafes; I even found this adorable tree house on the beach for $20/night.

Flower Island | Nomadic Boys

We visited the Philippines in 2015 and completely fell in love with it. So so many islands to explore. Our favourite from the ones we visited were the islands just off Palawan, in particular, Flower Island.

Flower Island is a tiny island around 40 minutes speed boat ride from the Tay Tay harbour on Palawan. It is located right in the heart of a pearl farm, which we got to visit during our stay there. The Philippines specialises in producing golden pearls, which is a very complex process taking over 2-3 years to produce the perfect shape and color golden pearl.

There’s only ever a handful of people on the island: a few locals and tourists like us coming to soak up the Robinson Crusoe like feel of the place. The island is surrounded by untouched and very healthy coral, making it a paradise for snorkelling. And the sunsets, every evening…incredible! We loved our time here and definitely want to return.

Under the Waves around Moalboal, Cebu |  Art of Scuba Diving

Diving in Moalboal is something you don’t want to miss. I dove in a lot of great locations around the Philippines, but Moalboal possibly had the greatest diversity! From the incredible and famous Sardine Run, to overloads of turtles, and fun little wrecks, there was always something new and exciting to see. On one single dive just off shore from my dive resort, I counted no less than 20 turtles, some small and some enormous.

There’s even a purposely sunk little air plane in one dive site, that makes it a unique dive, and on the same site there are countless nudibranch sightings and other macro critters. When not diving, the beaches around Moalboal offer some great white beaches, nice bars, and tasty restaurants. To get there, it is about a 4 hour bus ride from Cebu City.

Caramoan Peninsula |  365 Travel Dates

These days the Philippines travel buzz is all about Palawan, especially El Nido, but another deserving part of the Philippines archipelago is the Caramoan Peninsula . Camille and I visited Caramoan two years ago, and on a spontaneous trip with our families we ended up back there earlier this year.

The location of the reality show Survivor helps prove its worth as an off-beaten-track destination with a high dose of raw beauty and empty beaches. The active adventurer won’t be left disappointed, as you can go island hopping, snorkeling, rock-climbing, kayaking, caving, and any other water activity you can imagine.  For those looking for less adventure than Survivor you can pop into one of the many home stays in the Caramoan town. Given it’s remote location, tourism shouldn’t negatively affect the area for years to come, but with that said the best time to come is now.

Swimming with Turtles on Apo Island |  Don’t Forget To Move

We spent six months in the Philippines so we have a long list of recommendations for travelers heading that way. Our all-time favorite spot, however, would have to be Apo Island in Negros Oriental. On the coast of this small island one of our biggest bucket list items came true – swimming with wild sea turtles ! The locals set up a marine sanctuary just off the shore to protect these beautiful sea creatures after the turtle population was decimated by hunting.

We swam side by side with dozens of turtles, watching in awe as they floated around, munching on algae. Although the island itself is tiny (there are no main roads or cars!), it’s a popular day trip for snorkelers and scuba divers. Not as many tourists explore the town on the interior of the island, however, but we highly recommend it. We loved exploring the narrow alleyways, watching the kids fight spiders and chatting with older locals who have been on the island for decades. We couldn’t recommend it more!

Getting a Visa for the Philippines

For the most part travelers visiting the Philippines won’t need to obtain a visa if they intend on visiting the country for 30 days or less. Travelers from Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Western Europe and UAE citizens can enter the Philippines and obtain a 30 day visa on arrival given they have a valid passport with 6 months before expiry, proof of a return flight out, a hotel booked and sufficient funds to sustain their time while in the country.

That said, if you plan on staying in the Philippines for longer than 30 days you will need to get a visa. We recommend researching your specific country to find out the visa requirements before planning a trip. In a lot of cases you might be required to obtain eTA travel permit. For example, the Philippines eTA for UAE citizens is easy enough to obtain, but you’ll need to make sure you organize it before you leave on your trip. Thankfully the wait time is typically only 3 business days.

Don’t forget your swimmers! Check out our GUYS and GIRLS packing list for SOUTH EAST ASIA!

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28 thoughts on “philippines travel itinerary for 2021: the ultimate bucket list”.

Love love the Philippines! Can’t wait to get back. Second El Nido, it’s AMAZING!

We can’t wait either! Especially back to El Nido!

Hey! Everyone says go to El Nido but what was your form of travel getting there? I’ve heard it’s either a 6 hour boat ride or a 6 hour can ride. It sounds worth it though. What was your adventure?

6 hour bus from Puerto Princesa. Is a terrible ride, but would travel for days to get there if i had too. Stunning!

I´ve been on Palawan in June 2015 and fortunately the road to El Nido is paved and much better now. If you’re heading north from El Nido (which i strongly recommend 🙂 ) it was a different story..

Great post with amazing tips. If only we knew all this before… We just returned from the Philippines and it looks like we have to go back. Theee is so much more to see.

We did a few islands in the Visayas. Loved Siquijor and Malapascua.

Oh well, that means you have an excuse to go back again haha. Glad you had fun! We didn’t get to Siquijor, but heard it was really beautiful. Thanks for the comment 🙂

Oh man, I’ve been wanting to go forever and you’ve all just made me even more desperate!

It’s time Katie! So many options to choose from 🙂

Siquijor Island! Stay there and do the day trip to Apo Island. Great places to stay, great sunsets, large enough to explore by motorbike, and amazing waterfalls!

Great suggestion. Next time!

Hey Jules & Christine! As someone who lives in the Philippines, I truly envy both of you for being able to do these adventurous experiences. I’m actually making a promise to myself that I should explore the Philippines more and enjoy what the Philippines can offer.

When you go back to Cebu, you should definitely visit Kawasan Falls. Kawasan Falls is located at Badian, Cebu. What I love about this falls is how clear and how blue the water is! It actually looks like the drink, gatorade. HAHAHAH. To add to this experience, you can even do canyoneering.

Thank you for this suggestion Gene!

Great post and amazing pics. Unfortunately I have never been in the Philippines but it´s on my bucket list. I hope I will visit some of the islands in the Philippines next year.

So much to see in the Philippines! Living in Hong Kong, it’s very convenient to go there, only a couple of hours. So far I’ve only seen Boracay for a weekend, but I’m really looking forward to explore more… Your list is very inspiring!

Good list! Try the islands off the eastern side of Luzon, Jomalig, Polillo and Cagbalete to name a few.

Ahhh I suggest u check out the pristine beaches at Tablas Island, Romblon <3 If ever you find yourself in Bora, it's a 30-minute boat ride from there, but there are also direct flights from Manila. God, it's only slightly short of heaven

I lived in the Philippines for six years and loved every bit of it. The beaches were definitely my favourite, including Coron in Palawan, Tamaraw Beach in Puerto Galera on Mindoro, and the small Island of Romblon. One thing I would recommend if you want to visit but have an aversion to extreme heat is to spend some time up in the mountains. There are plenty of beautiful places like Baguio, Banaue (world famous rice terraces!), and Bagabag which offer genuine Filipino culture, food, and scenery without the typical tourist beach experience.

Thanks Dawn, great tips! Unfortunately we didn’t make it up there, but next time 😀

Nice list! Experiences the Philippines quite some time but still haven’t heard of many of these places before – definitely sound like great places to visit. We particularly enjoyed Palawan a lot – would add the beautiful island of Siquijor here as well 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration.

Great list… I’ve been in the Philippines last year and loved them..

Hi! A proud Filipino here. Glad you enjoyed our country. If you happen to plan another trip to the Philippines, you might want to consider islands in Luzon like Romblon and Marinduque, and Camiguin Island in Mindanao.

Wow great photo’s. The Philippines are on the top of my list! Hope to visit it soon, looks amazing. x

Hi! My fiance and I are thinking of going to the Philippines for our honeymoon this fall. Specifically, Palawan. Do you know the name of the tree house in your post? We would love to stay the night in it but I can’t seem to find it! Loved your post and I think it made the decision for us!

I believe it may have been Ausan Beach Front Cottages in Port Barton. But if you want a really rad place to stay in Palawan, check out The Birdhouse in El Nido. A really awesome place. Tell them Jules and Christine from Don’t Forget To Move sent you and they’ll look after you 🙂 Have a wonderful time in the Philippines!

Thank you for writing about Apo Island. 🙂 and Yes, Siargao is one of the places in the Philippines where you just want to go back. Glad you enjoyed your stay and helping other people decide to have their vacation in the Philippines.

Fantastic list! Philippines sure has lots of gorgeous islands to visit. The only place that I’ve visited in your list are Cebu and Bohol. Too bad though that I haven’t tried board paddling and scuba diving there. But still, I’ve enjoyed their scenic beauty during my stay there. Glad you had an awesome time!

Nice article! I have gone for a holidays to Philippines with my family. It is such a wonder full experience. By reading your blog I am recollecting my holidays trip.

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At Don't Forget To Move we help promote and inspire adventurous, authentic and responsible travel around the world. We show travelers how to see the world authentically through unique stories, engaging photography and videos, honest reviews and practical travel tips.

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Ultimate 10 Day Philippines Itinerary – Updated For 2023

Editorial Note: Earth Curious contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

The Philippines is often overlooked by many traveling to Southeast Asia (largely because it’s outside of the traditional backpacker trail). But, as someone who grew up there and traveled extensively all over the country, let me be the first to tell you… it’s amazing. 

With over 7,000 beautiful islands, nailing down the perfect 10-day Philippines itinerary can be tricky. Luckily, I’ve done all the hard work and put together an epic 10-day adventure using my personal knowledge and experience.

Table of Contents

What to do and see in manila, where to eat in manila, where to stay in manila, what to do and see in el nido, where to eat in el nido, where to stay in el nido, what to do and see in coron, where to eat in coron, where to stay in coron, what to do and see in moalboal, where to eat in moalboal, where to stay in moalboal, what to do and see in boracay, where to eat in boracay, where to stay in boracay, day 10: manila, final thoughts:.

10 days is just about enough time to see some of the Philippines’ top sights, but you’ll be doing a lot of flying between destinations and you may have to take the occasional bus or ferry. This itinerary is also very beach orientated, but hey, with some of the best beaches in the world , can you blame me?

Day 1: Manila

For this itinerary, I’m going to assume that you’ve flown into Manila International Airport (NAIA). If you’re planning on flying into Cebu, this itinerary will still work, just substitute Cebu for Manila on your first and final day, and note that the flight times will be slightly different. 

You’ve probably flown a long way and are quite tired, so you’ve got one night in Manila to relax, but, you can always head straight out to El Nido, your next destination if you wanna skip the city slog!

The traffic in Manila is notoriously bad, so you can choose to stay near the airport, or head into Makati, metro Manila’s economic hub. The best way to travel around big cities in the Philippines is to use Grab (similar to Uber). You can download the app before you arrive, or use a Grab stand at the airport. 

If you do head into Makati, opt to take the NAIA Expressway when your taxi/Grab driver asks. It costs less than 100PHP, and you’ll save loads of time. Today is mostly for downtime, so I’d recommend grabbing some food and just relaxing.

Manila isn’t really known as a huge tourist destination and it’s seen by many as more of a layover destination. However, if you’ve arrived quite early, I’ve got a couple of suggestions on what you could do, again, just bear in mind the awful traffic…

• Fort Santiago, Intramuros – a historic citadel that dates back to 1571 and a reminder of the Philippines’ colonial past. 
• Ayala Museum, Makati – hands down my favourite museum in the Philippines and a great place to learn about the archipelago’s beautiful culture (the Gold Exhibit is particularly incredible, showcasing pre-colonial era gold artefacts).

As the country’s thriving hub, Manila is a great foodie destination. You’ll find everything from cool cafes serving up freshly-baked pastries to high-end restaurants with gourmet cuisine. Here are my personal favourites when I’m in Manila: 

• The Grid, Powerplant Mall – I eat at The Grid at any chance I get. It’s an upmarket food hall, with everything from ramen to tacos (get the ramen). 
• Manam, Greenbelt 2 – Filipino food definitely gets a bad rap, but if you’re ready to expand your taste buds, head to Manam in Greenbelt 2. You’ll find classic Filipino comfort food as well as dishes with a twist. My all-time Filipino favourties are tortang talong, kare kare, sinigang, and sisig. 
• Jollibee – With chains popping up globally, you might even have a Jollibee near you, but nothing beats the real thing. Two-piece chicken joy with rice and gravy, I’ll say no more…
• $$$ – Discovery Primea – my go-to when I’m feeling like a little luxury (watching TV in the bath? Yes please!).
• $$ – Jinjiang Inn
• $ – Z Hostel

Day 2: El Nido

Travel time: Flight – 1h 25m 

It’s time to leave the busy streets of Manila and make your way to the island paradise of El Nido in Palawan. The flight takes around one hour and 25 minutes, and when you arrive, it’s a short tuk-tuk (or tricycle in the Philippines) ride to El Nido Beach or Corong Corong Beach, where you’ll find restaurants, bars, and plenty of places to stay. 

Since all the tours leave at 8 am, you’ll probably have no time for a tour today, but you can still get some beach time after checking into your hotel.

Rent a scooter to get around, or if you don’t have a driving license/aren’t confident driving there are plenty of tricycles milling around ready to take you where you need to go! Here’s what I recommend for today:

• Nacpan Beach – a gorgeous 4km stretch of sand lined by palm trees. 
• Las Cabañas Beach – a fantastic beach to watch the sunset with views of neighboring islands.
• Tahan – This is a great little vegan place tucked away in the town (although it feels like you could be in the jungle). It’s got some serious tree-house vibes and the food is delicious! Currently (October 2022) it’s only available by reservation only, you can find their contact details here . 
• Happiness Beach Bar – A really cool place for healthy meals and cocktails (make sure to take advantage of happy hour).
• $$$ – Maligaya Beach Bungalows
• $$ – Sampaguita Villa – I absolutely loved staying here last time I was in El Nido (we were a group of four). It’s a little out of the way, but if you want a quiet base then it’s fantastic. Just be aware that the second bedroom is a loft, so it can get a bit cramped if you’re a tall person! However, it’s definitely #instaworthy.
• $ – Happiness Hostel

Day 3: El Nido

Today’s the day to hop on one of the infamous El Nido tours. There are four to choose from (more on that below), and as I mentioned earlier they all depart at 8 am, usually from Corong-Corong Beach returning at 4 pm. So, it’s a pretty full day. It’s probably better to arrange the tour the day before to make sure there’s space. 

You can take group tours or private tours, and they all include a delicious buffet lunch usually consisting of grilled seafood, pork, rice, fruits, and Filipino eggplant salad.

You only have time for one tour during this short 10-day Philippines trip, so choose wisely. 

• Tour A – The most popular tour, stopping at Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach.
• Tour B – Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Entalula Beach, Cudugnon Cave, and a snorkeling spot. 
• Tour C – The second most popular tour, stopping at Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Talisay Beach, and Hidden Beach. 
• Tour D – My personal favorite (and normally one of the least crowded tours), stopping at Ipil Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Island, Natnat Island, and Bukal Beach.
• Bella Vita El Nido – If you’re craving authentic Italian food right on the beach, then this is your spot. 
• Sunset at Las Cabañas – Head here for a killer sunset view and some cocktails.

Related: See The Best Of Thailand: The Best 2-Week Itinerary

Day 4 + 5: Coron

Travel time: Flight – 1h 45m or ferry – 3h 30m 

On day four you’ll either be hopping on a flight or ferry to another one of Palawan’s gorgeous islands, Coron. You’ll probably recognize Coron’s azure-blue waters and hidden limestone lagoons from social media, which helped to introduce this idyllic spot to the masses.

Aside from its mystical lagoons, Coron is well known for scuba diving, more specifically, its wreck diving. If you’re an avid diver, then I recommend diving on the same day you arrive (day 4), to make sure you have at least a 12-hour preflight surface interval before flying to Cebu on day 6. 

Unlike El Nido, there are numerous tours and tour operators in Coron, so I’d recommend picking one that includes the attractions you want to see most. Most tours last around 8 hours (or more) and include a buffet lunch. Here are my top attractions and recommendations for Coron:

• Kayangan Lake – Undoubtedly Coron’s most famous attraction, and dubbed the ‘cleanest lake in Asia’. 
• Barracuda Lake – Another lake with astounding blue waters, Barracuda Lake is still highly popular, but tends to be less crowded than Kayangan Lake. 
• Twin Lagoon – A gorgeous spot and another good choice if you want somewhere a little less crowded than Kayangan Lake. 
• Snorkelling at Skeleton Wreck – This is a great choice for someone who wants to see one of Coron’s infamous wrecks, but doesn’t have diving experience. The wreck is relatively shallow, and good visibility means you should be able to see its ghostly remains. 

Scuba Diving at one of the ‘Big 6’ Wrecks – These are known as the best wrecks in Coron, although there are countless other wrecks to choose from. The ‘Big 6’ are: Akitsushima (seaplane) , Irako, Kogyo Maru (cargo vessel) , Olympia Maru (freighter) , Okikawa Maru (oiler) , and a Japanese Freighter without a name.

• Pacifico Coron – Head here for a classic burger and fries washed down with some local craft beers. They also have lots of vegetarian options. 
• Trattoria Altrove – Brick-oven pizza and pasta dishes. 
• Sakura Ramen – Best place to get some ramen if (like me) you need to eat Japanese food on a regular basis.
• $$$ – Paolyn Houseboats Coron Island – Not a 5-star hotel by any means, but the location is unbeatable.
• $$ – Kokosnuss Garden Resort
• $ – Dayon Hostel

Day 6 + 7: Moalboal, Cebu

Travel time: Flight – 1h 40m and bus/van – 3h

It’s time to leave Palawan and fly over to Cebu, where you’ll be spending a couple of days in Moalboal. Moalboal is a chilled-out coastal town known for its sardine run, diving (scuba diving and freediving), plus its proximity to Kawasan Falls.

Once again (like so many destinations in the Philippines) Moalboal is a good diving spot, so if you plan to do some diving, try to do it on the day you arrive. Otherwise, book your flights accordingly. Here are my top things to do in Moalboal and nearby:

• Snorkeling with the sardines off Panagsama Beach – Known as the ‘sardine run’ this natural phenomenon results in thousands of shimmering sardines gathering just off the shore (it’s honestly incredible). Best seen from November to May.
• Scuba diving/freediving off Pescador Island
• Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls – Note: Kawasan Falls was heavily damaged by a typhoon in 2021, and as far as I know the waterfall is still closed (October 2022). However, canyoneering is still possible, and a good way to experience the aqua waters of the area. 

You may have heard of whale shark tours in Oslob, Cebu, or seen them on social media. I do not recommend this as it’s a highly unethical practice that results in harm to the whale sharks. You can read all about it here on LAMAVE’s (an NGO doing research in the area) website.

• Venz’s Kitchen – A great place to try some local Filipino dishes with options for vegans. 
• Hungry Monkeys – Head here for a mixture of Filipino and European dishes, plus nice sunset views from their balcony. 
• Lola Tanciang’s Sutukil Seafood Paluto – Highly recommended for anyone craving seafood, with a blend of local and European seafood dishes.
• $$$ – Dolphin House Resort
• $$ – Cebu Seaview Dive Resort
• $ – Cebu Seaview Dive Resort

Day 8 + 9: Boracay

Travel time: Van 3h and flight – 1h

For your last few days, you’ll be heading to Boracay, a world-renowned island. It got a bit of a bad rep in the last few years due to over-development and over-crowding, but a government-mandated closure in 2018 followed by the COVID-19 pandemic means that there’s no better time to visit the island than now (I went in 2021 and it was a dream). 

Boracay is the ultimate luxury beach destination, with powdery white sand, turquoise blue waters, and lush palm trees. So, get ready for a couple of days chilling out on the beach, eating great food, and doing some watersports.

• Go kitesurfing on Balabog Beach – The kitesurfing season generally runs from November to March. It’s great because while Balabog Beach can get super windy, White Beach on the other side remains calm. You’ll find a few centres along Balabog Beach. 
• Take a sunset cruise on a traditional sailboat – The sunsets on Boracay are legendary, and what better way to see them than from on the water?
• Walk along White Beach – White Beach is around 4km long, and it’s great walking along the beachfront looking for restaurants, bars, and cafes to pop into. 
• Party it UP –  The nightlife in Boracay is great, and you’ll find lively bars on White Beach (Epic and Exit Bar to name a couple).

One of my favorite things about Boracay is the blend of island life and ‘city’ comforts like great food and amazing accommodation. Here are my top places to eat: 

• The Lemoni Cafe – Whether it’s for a coffee and a cake or a delicious breakfast, I adore the Lemoni Cafe and its central location in D’Mall a short walk from White Beach. 
• Trattoria Stella – You’ll find Trattoria Stella near Diniwid Beach, one of the island’s quieter beaches. If you love authentic handmade pasta, this is the place to go. 
• Cafe Maruja – Cafe Maruja is my top pick for a seriously instagrammable cafe with a hipster menu (think smoothie bowls and matcha lattes). It’s right on the beach with awesome outdoor seating under the palms.
• $$$ – Shangri-La
• $$ – Levantin Boracay – I stayed here for three weeks in 2021 and had the best time. It’s on Balabog Beach, so it feels more peaceful, but the hotel bar is lively with tourists and locals. The place is beautiful and the owners and staff are super nice.
• $ – Boracay Backpackers

More travel content: The 15 Best Places To Visit In March: Worldwide

Travel time: Flight – 1h 10m

Today you’re heading to Manila to catch your final flight home. If you’ve got a bit of time check back to my suggestions for day 1 and where I recommend staying if you have another night before your flight.

There’s no denying that the Philippines is a stunning country filled with beautiful scenery and wonderful people. While you could easily spend years traveling around the country (trust me, I have!), this 10-day itinerary covers what I think are the must-sees. 

If you have any more suggestions to add about places to eat that you love or where to stay, feel free to drop us a comment below! Traveling to other countries in Southeast Asia? Check out our itineraries for Cambodia and Thailand .

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Philippines

• Malte et Gozo
• République Tchèque
• Auvergne Rhône-Alpes
• Centre Val de Loire
• Hauts de France
• Nouvelle Aquitaine
• Pays de la Loire
• L’argent
• Le matériel
• Les formalités
• La sécurité
• Le logement
• Les frontières
• Les transports
• Voyager responsable

Les Philippines… Un pays que nous ne pouvons évoquer sans voir un irrésistible sourire monter sur nos lèvres. Un sourire en miroir de ceux reçus par sa population plus qu’accueillante. Un sourire en souvenir des incroyables paysages rencontrés, des moments partagés.

L’archipel des Philippines, c’est bien plus que des belles plages. Si le pays est résolument tourné vers la mer, chaque île possède son caractère. Et regarder vers l’intérieur des terres, c’est découvrir une multitude de trésors cachés…

Nos carnets de voyage aux Philippines

6 itinéraires du classique à l’atypique pour organiser votre voyage aux philippines.

31 janvier 2019

Une journée parfaite à Pamilacan aux Philippines

8 février 2018

La majestueuse île de Bohol : tarsiers, collines et cocotiers

25 janvier 2018

Siquijor, l’île envoutante des Philippines

31 janvier 2018

Port Barton, du matin au soir sous le charme !

25 février 2018

El Nido et l’archipel de Bacuit : une beauté douce et brute

10 mars 2018

L’île de Coron, la perle des Philippines

21 mars 2018

Des rives de Tagaytay au sommet du volcan Taal

1 avril 2018

Le sardine run de Moalboal aux Philippines – un phénomène exceptionnel

17 février 2018

Guide pratique – l’essentiel pour préparer votre voyage aux Philippines

Il y a beaucoup d’infos, alors nous avons organisé le contenu dans les onglets !

Tour d’horizon, Avant de partir…

• Itinéraire - les incontournables
• Climat / Quand voyager aux Philippines ?
• Formalités - visa
• Paysages / faune-flore

Nos idées d’itinéraires pour organiser son voyage aux Philippines

Les Philippines éclatées en un archipel de centaines d’îles n’est pas le pays le plus simple pour organiser un itinéraire. Il faut composer avec les transports en ferry et/ou en avion et avec des îles aux caractères très différents et tous intéressants. Bref, il faudrait plusieurs mois pour espérer avoir un bon aperçu des Philippines !

Alors nous vous donnons nos préférences, en fonction de notre connaissance partielle du pays.

L’itinéraire en deux semaines dans les visayas  :

• Cebu – 1 jour (histoire d’arriver tranquillement)
• Bohol – 3 jours (chocolate hills, tarsier et si possible pamilacan)
• Panglao – 2 jours de plage / activités nautiques
• Siquijor – 3 jours pour se balader en scooter sur l’île et profiter de l’ambiance + farniente et snorkeling
• Dumaguete et ses environs – 2 jours
• Moalboal – 2 jours (sardine run et plongée)

L’itinéraire de 10 jours à 2 semaines à Palawan  :

• Puerto princesa – 1/2 jours
• Port Barton – 3/4 jours
• El Nido – 3/4 jours
• Coron – 3/4 jours

A moduler selon votre point d’arrivée / de départ bien sûr !

Itinéraire de 3/4 semaines, le combo visayas + Palawan

• Reprendre les itinéraires Visayas et Palawan en retirant éventuellement Dumagete et Moalboal selon la durée de votre séjour.

Itinéraire d’un mois à 6 semaines aux Philippines (Visayas, Palawan et Luzon) :

• reprendre l’itinéraire Visayas et Palawan
• prendre le ferry de Coron à Manille
• aller vers le nord Banaue et la région des rizières – 4/5 j
• Puis/ou aller vers le sud Tagaytay et le volcan Taal – 3/4 j
• Retour à Manille – 1/2 j

Pour aller plus loin, retrouvez notre article spécifique sur les itinéraires possibles aux Philippines itinéraires possibles aux Philippines par durée, par thème ou par groupe d’îles

Quand partir à Taïwan ? Les meilleures saisons niveau climat et fréquentation…

Le climat entre le nord et le sud du pays est très différent. Au sud, il règne un climat plutôt tropical avec des températures chaudes. Au nord, le climat est plus tempéré, l’été reste frais et l’hiver la neige n’est pas si rare entre décembre et février.

La meilleure saison pour visiter Taïwan est de septembre à novembre puis février à juin.

Le mois de février semble le plus propice et c’est à cette période qu’à lieu le festival des lanternes, un sublime événement culturel du pays. C’est également le nouvel an chinois amenant une forte fréquentation touristique.

En novembre, le temps est aussi agréable et il y a beaucoup moins de voyageurs.

Si par malchance, vous aviez beaucoup de pluie au nord lors de votre voyage n’hésitez pas à aller au sud pour trouver un climat plus clément.

Les formalités d’entrée aux Philippines et visas

Un visa touristique n’est PAS obligatoire pour entrer aux Philippines pour un séjour de moins de 30 jours.

Ce séjour peut être étendu jusqu’à 59 jours, mais il faudra un visa touristique (L) dans ce cas. Il coûte environ 33 € pour les français.

Pour l’obtenir, vous pouvez vous rendre à l’ambassade des Philippines à Paris (au moins 15 jours avant le départ), faire appel à une agence spécialisée (au moins un mois avant) qui gère l’administratif pour vous, ou encore obtenir le visa à votre arrivée sur place, directement à l’aéroport (comptez un peu de temps pour faire les démarches et assurez vous d’avoir les documents nécessaires, notamment un billet retour et deux photos d’identité). Ou à l’office de l’immigration.

Votre passeport doit être valable pour au moins 6 mois au moment de votre départ. Un billet d’avion retour ou une preuve de continuité peut vous être exigée à l’embarquement (voir notre article dédié à ce sujet si vous n’en avez pas)

Les Philippines sont connues pour leurs plages de rêves (et il y en a un paquet) et les formations de karstes dans l’archipel de Bacuit (Palawan) ou l’île de Coron. Avec ses lagons, criques, lacs et plages, ces ensembles font sûrement partie des plus beaux endroits sur la planète.

Autre paysage scénique des philippines, les rizières en terrasses au Nord de l’île de Luzon.

Enfin les philippines sont aussi un pays volcanique alors il y a aussi côté terre des paysages impressionnants.

Côté faune, il faudra se tourner vers la mer pour vos observations. Les spots de snorkeling ou plongées sont nombreux et permettent d’apprécier toute la biodiversité de ces îles. Apo Island est réputé pour cela. Pour vivre une expérience sensationnelle avec des poissons, filez à Moalboal pour observer un banc de sardines d’environ un million d’individu (je n’ai pas compté, il y en avait beaucoup trop).

Le requin baleine s’observe aussi à Oslob mais nous ne vous conseillons pas d’y aller car les conditions ne sont en rien éthiques et responsables. La pratique qui consiste à nourrir les requins baleines modifie les comportements et la reproduction de ces derniers, ce qui met en péril la survie de l’espèce à moyen terme.

Côté terre, il y a le très fameux tarsier à Bohol.

Marquées par l’influence des colonisations espagnole et américaine, les Philippines sont un mélange culturel subtil entre Asie et occident, ce qui démarque le pays de ses voisins moins emprunts de cette culture occidentale.

La population est en grande majorité chrétienne dans l’archipel et musulmane au sud.

Petite particularité, l’un des sports populaires aux Philippines est le combat de coq. C’est pour cette raison que vous rencontrerez de nombreux coqs chez les gens. Ceux destinés au combat sont particulièrement précieux. Ils sont donc attachés et ont une petite maisonnette ou un reposoir.

• Budget Philippines
• Change - distributeurs de billets - CB
• Négociation - pourboires

Budget pour un voyage en solo aux Philippines

Pour un voyageur solo « économique » il faudra compter pour l’hébergement entre 7 et 15 € la nuit (dortoir ou chambre simple basique).

La nourriture est bon marché, mais pas de très bonne qualité (beaucoup de friture). Vous pourrez manger à partir de 3 euros environ, mais c’est très variable selon les destinations. Ensuite les tarifs dépendent du standing du restaurant bien sûr.

Il est peu coûteux de se déplacer en bus ou en tricycle (appelés trike ou tuktuk sur place).

Les déplacements entre les îles présentent un budget non négligeable, surtout quand les distances sont importantes et en haute saison. Le ferry reste bien sûr moins onéreux que l’avion, mais il y a des grosses différences de confort selon les bateaux.

Pour un voyageur solo, il faut donc compter environ 30-40 €/jour pour voyager en mode économique aux Philippines, en incluant les transports et quelques activités.

Budget pour un voyage aux Philippines en couple

Les indications pour la nourriture et les transports sont les mêmes que pour un voyageur solo, X2 bien sûr !

Pour une chambre double, il faut compter 12-15 € minimum pour des établissements bons marchés (Airbnb est une bonne option dans les grandes villes) et environ 30-50 € pour des établissements de gamme moyenne.

Budget voyage avec enfant(s) aux Philippines : quelques astuces !

Pour la nourriture, vos pouvez vous reporter aux sections précédentes. Pour les ferrys, c’est gratuit pour les moins de trois ans (en général ils ne vérifient pas…), et il y a parfois des réductions jusque 12 ans.

Pour le logement :

Attention si vous voyagez avec un enfant en bas âge, sachez que les philippins pensent généralement que vous allez dormir avec votre enfant. Si la chambre ne possède qu’un lit, il est possible de demander un lit d’appoint qui sera en fonction des établissements facturé ou non.

Si vous désirez une chambre triple ou quadruple avec salle de bain privé, il faudra compter environ entre 20-30 € dans la catégorie économique.

Pour la catégorie moyenne, comptez entre 40-70 €. Au delà, vous aurez des chambres familiales vraiment très sympas et souvent aménagées pour les enfants.

Petite astuce pour économiser sur le logement : on vous parraine !

Sur booking.com, 15 € offerts en vous inscrivant par ce lien .

Changer son argent aux Philippines

1 €uro équivaut environ à 60 pesos philippins. Les banques pratiquent le change, ainsi que des bureaux de change dans les grandes villes, aéroports (plus cher) et lieux touristiques. Il ne sera pas difficile de changer vos euros ou dollars.

Retirer de l’argent aux Philippines dans les distributeurs de billets (ATM)

Les distributeurs automatiques de billets sont assez nombreux, mais malheureusement ils ne sont pas tous approvisionnés et compatibles visa ou master card. Dans certains coins, c’est même assez compliqué. Prévoyez donc en conséquence, en retirant suffisamment dans les grandes villes ou lieux très touristiques. Vous n’aurez pas de soucis à El Nido ou Coron par exemple, mais il n’y a pas d’ATM à Port Barton. A Siquijor, il n’y en a que deux sur l’île, à Moalboal il faut se rendre dans la ville proche à 10-15 min de tuktuk etc.

Dans la plupart des distributeurs (ATM), sauf pour HSBC (présent que dans les grandes villes) des frais de retrait d’environ 3,3 € (200 pesos) seront prélevés à chaque retrait, ce qui est élevé par rapport à ce que nous avons pu observer ailleurs… Prélevez donc au plafond maximum (qui n’est pas celui de votre banque mais du DAB où vous effectuez le retrait), soit en général 100 000 pesos. Dans tous les cas là, des frais inhérents à votre banque s’appliquent. Ils sont très variables d’une banque à l’autre.

Notre recommandation pour payer moins, voire pas du tout de frais bancaires à l’étranger : le compte en banque N26. Rendez vous sur notre article pour toutes les astuces et conseils pour en finir avec les frais bancaires à l’étranger .

Faut-il négocier aux Philippines ? Laisse t’on des pourboires ?

La pratique des pourboires est bienvenue pour les taxis et restaurants, mais pas obligatoire. Un pourcentage de 10 % est une base habituelle.

De manière générale, les prix affichés incluent le service, sauf dans certains établissements touristiques haut de gamme qui ajoutent un supplément…

Concernant le marchandage, il ne se pratique pas beaucoup aux Philippines. Les prix sont fixes en règle générale, sauf peut être pour l’artisanat. Attention à ne pas trop négocier à la baisse, les prix sont déjà très bas aux Philippines. Même s’il faut être vigilant à ne pas se faire avoir, quelques centimes ou euros ne feront pas une grande différence pour vous, mais peut être pour celui qui vend !

Petite exception, pour les transports en Tuk Tuk nous vous conseillons de vous renseigner sur les tarifs pratiqués généralement et de négocier si le tarif appliqué est supérieur (ce qui est souvent le cas).

Trouver des activités aux Philippines

Partir aux Philippines sans faire un tour en bangka, sans faire de snorkeling ou de plongée, sans aller observer les dauphins ou s’amuser dans les cascades, ce serait s’amputer d’une grande partie de l’intérêt d’un tel voyage…

Les possibilités sont infinies, surtout autour des activités liées à l’eau.

Pour vous y retrouver, nous vous suggérons de passer par la plateforme de réservation d’activités getyourguide qui propose un large panel, avec un interface claire, des prix justes et une évaluation des excursions.

Sinon, vous pouvez également voir directement sur place, il y a toujours des agences proposant des excursions dans les lieux touristiques. Attention tout de même en haute saison, les places peuvent être limitées.

Les transports aux Philippines

Se déplacer depuis/vers les philippines en avion.

Depuis la France, de nombreux vols desservent Cebu ou Manille et plus rarement d’autres îles (ce qui signifie des prix plus élevés).

C’est une destination relativement économique en avion vu la distance.

Il existe de nombreux vols internes aux Philippines qui relient les principales îles. Ils sont assez économiques, entre 50 et 100 € l’aller et fiables. Mais le ferry restera dans tous les cas moins cher, plus convivial et écologique !

Nous vous conseillons le comparateur de vols kayak pour rechercher les meilleurs prix selon la date.

Se déplacer en voiture – roadtrip aux Philippines

Attention ! La conduite se fait à gauche.

La location de voiture est possible. Un permis international vous sera demandé.

A moins de rester sur une seule île, nous ne recommandons pas ce mode déplacement. Circuler d’île en île sera plus long et onéreux car nécessitant des ferrys prenant les véhicules. Les transports en commun sont bien développés et économiques, alors ne vous privez pas !

Partir sur les routes de Philippines en scooter

Le scooter est un des moyen idéal pour sillonner les îles des Philippines. La location tourne autour de 250 à 500 pesos la journée en fonction des îles. Les tarifs sont beaucoup plus chers à Palawan qu’à Siquijor par exemple.

A noter, qu’on vous fournira bien souvent qu’un seul casque même si vous êtes deux donc n’hésitez pas à demander. Les casques pour enfants sont très rares.

Utiliser le bus aux Philippines pour se déplacer

Le réseau de bus est très développé aux Philippines, il vous mènera partout.

Ils sont assez rarement très confortables, mais rien de bien méchant ! Il existe plusieurs types de bus, des jeepneys (plutôt en ville, très économique) sortes de grosses jeeps transformées en minibus, aux gros bus en passant par les vans.

Pour les petites distances, il peut être un peu compliqué de s’y retrouver car il n’y a souvent aucune indication. Le mieux est de demander sur place !

Les logements ou agences arrangent souvent des transports privés en van pour leurs clients. C’est plus rapide, simple et confortable, mais beaucoup plus cher. En revanche à Palawan, c’est le mode de transport le plus développé.

Vous pourrez trouver le détail et les tarifs dans nos carnets de voyage.

Se déplacer en bateau / ferry aux Philippines

Les îles surtout quand elles sont proches sont bien desservies en bateau. Dans les Visayas, il est très facile de se déplacer. Il existe parfois plusieurs types de bateau (plus ou moins rapides) pour une même destination. Les bateaux les plus rapides sont souvent plus petits et bougent davantage, donc pour les personnes sujettes au mal de mer ce n’est pas toujours l’idéal.

Retrouvez dans cet article tous nos conseils pour éviter le mal de mer . Aux Philippines, vous en aurez bien besoin !

A noter qu’il est relativement fréquent que des bateaux soient annulés à cause de la météo, mieux vaut toujours être un peu souple dans son itinéraire et prendre de la marge si on a un impératif important qui nous attend (genre vol en avion).

La plupart des trajets entre les îles se font en ferry rapides et sont réservables en ligne facilement via le site 12go .

Pour les trajets très locaux et les RORO, c’est plus aléatoire, il faudra voir directement sur place…

La santé aux Philippines

• Hygiène / maladies / prévention
• Hopitaux / système de santé
• Assurance voyage

Vaccins à faire avant votre voyage aux Philippines

Pour toutes les questions relatives aux vaccins et autres précautions de santé, il vaut mieux s’adresser à un centre de vaccination spécial voyageurs ou à son médecin traitant.

Les Philippines n’exigent pas de vaccin obligatoire pour entrer sur son sol. Les vaccins fortement conseillés sont DTP, ROR chez l’enfant, ainsi que la vaccination contre la tuberculose et l’hépatite A.

A cela et seulement en fonction du type de voyage que vous effectuez, les vaccins de la typhoïde et l’hépatite B sont conseillés.

Plus exceptionnellement, pour des voyages longs, dans certaines régions reculées ou pour des conditions précaires, le vaccins contre la rage et l’encéphalite japonaise peuvent être préconisés.

Quelques conseils d’hygiène et de prévention pour bien profiter de votre voyage aux Philippines

Quelque soit les vaccinations effectuées, il est important de suivre des règles élémentaires d’hygiène !

Pour éviter la fameuse tourista, voici quelques comportement à adopter :

• se laver et désinfecter régulièrement les mains
• boire de l’eau potable (eau minérale en bouteille, eau filtrée ou stérilisée…)
• il est souvent conseillé de ne pas boire de jus de fruits frais, de légumes crus et de fruits, mais je trouve que cela est bien difficile au cours d’un voyage. A vous de choisir des établissements où vous pensez que l’hygiène est davantage irréprochable que dans un autre restaurant ou d’éviter de consommer ces produits (souvent les restaurants avec beaucoup de monde sont plus fiables, pas forcément les plus chers).

Pour éviter les maladies transmises par les animaux (moustiques etc.)

• se protéger des moustiques en portant des vêtements longs et amples dès la fin de journée et en utilisant des répulsifs adaptés (si vous voyagez avec un enfant, choisissez en un adapté). Voir notre article détaillé à ce sujet
• éviter le contact avec des chiens ou tous autres animaux qui peuvent être porteurs de maladies ou vous blesser par des griffures ou morsures

Comme partout dans le monde, nous vous conseillons le port du préservatif pour toutes relation sexuelle afin de vous prémunir des différentes infections sexuellement transmissibles, dont le VIH/Sida.

Les hôpitaux et système de santé aux Philippines

Si les normes de notre système de santé n’est pas applicables aux Philippines, les centres de soins sont disponibles sur tout le territoire et les philippins jouissent pour la plupart d’une couverture santé. Beaucoup de médecins sont très bien formés et il existe même certains hopitaux de classe mondiale.

Vous ne pourrez obtenir des médicaments que sur ordonnance, même en tant qu’étranger.

Nous vous conseillons de prendre une assurance santé lors de votre voyage .

Faut il prendre une assurance voyage aux Philippines ?

Pour les séjours courts, assurez vous d’être bien couverts. Par exemple via votre carte de crédit (attention, souvent les garanties sont minimales) ou votre assurance habitation. Si ce n’est pas le cas ou que les garanties de votre assurance voyage ne sont pas suffisantes (notamment pour des activités spécifiques, sportives par exemple), n’hésitez pas à contracter une assurance complémentaire auprès d’un spécialiste pour voyager aux Philippines.

Pour les séjours longs, nous vous conseillons fortement de prendre une assurance voyage pour les Philippines. Les assurances voyage comprises dans les cartes de crédit, même visa premier ou mastercard gold n’offrent pas des garanties satisfaisantes.

Vous pouvez voir notre article spécifique comparant les différentes assurances voyage selon vos besoins (régulièrement mis à jour).

Voyage en solo, en couple, en famille aux Philippines ?

• Les Philippines en couple
• Les Philippines avec des enfants
• Les Philippines et LGBT
• Les Philippines en solo

Voyager aux Philippines en couple

Nous ne sommes pas spécialistes du romantisme mais sommes convaincus que les Philippines sont une très très belle destination pour les amoureux. Plages de rêves, expériences inoubliables, douceur de vivre et j’en passe, un cocktail assez explosif à siroter à deux !

Voyager aux Philippines en famille avec des enfants, notre avis !

Les Phillippins sont très accueillants et très doux avec les enfants. A l’inverse d’autres pays d’Asie du Sud est où les adultes peuvent être un peu trop directs et intrusifs avec les enfants. Hélio a particulièrement vu la différence par rapport à Taïwan.

Lors d’un voyage en famille avec vos enfants, vous pouvez être sûrs que les Phillippins auront beaucoup d’attention à votre égard et qu’il sera très facile d’engager une discussion.

Les enfants philippins sont particulièrement amicaux et bienveillants. Hélio a toujours trouvé facilement des copains et les enfants jouent ensemble avec une simplicité et un naturel que nous n’avons pas retrouvé ailleurs pour l’instant.

En fonction de l’itinéraire que vous choisissez de faire aux Philippines il est possible de ne pas avoir de trop longs trajets, ce qui est appréciable avec un enfant. Hélio a adoré les tricycles et le bateau et chaque déplacement était donc pour lui un jeu !

Il y a beaucoup d’activités en lien avec la plage et la mer aux Philippines. De ce fait, c’est une destination qui convient mieux aux familles qui ont des enfants à partir de 2 ans et demi 3 ans. A partir de cet âge, il est plus facile de rester à la plage ou de partir une journée entière en bateau.

Si votre enfant n’aime pas trop l’eau en revanche, il ne faut pas trop venir aux Philippines (même si le pays ne se résume pas qu’aux plages bien sûr)…

Côté hébergement, le personnel des hôtels s’attend souvent à ce que vous dormiez avec votre enfant. Il faut donc demander au moment de la réservation ou une fois sur place s’il est possible de rajouter un matelas à terre. Il n’y a souvent aucun problème (au pire, nous avons toujours trouvé une banquette de canapé ou des coussins… Parfois il y a un supplément, parfois non.

Voyager aux Philippines quand on est gay, lesbienne, bi ou trans

Les Philippines sont considérées comme l’un des pays les plus gay-friendly d’Asie. Si les unions civiles ou le mariage ne sont pas possibles, il existe des lois pour prévenir les discriminations ou intimidations. Malgré tout, les LGBT souffrent comme partout dans le monde de discriminations et nous avons eu du mal à nous rendre compte de la réelle tolérance de la population.

Sur l’île de Palawan, nous avons rencontré beaucoup d’hommes travesti ou trans (Lady boy). Ils/Elles travaillent dans les commerces et restaurants. Nous avons essayé d’en savoir un peu plus auprès de philippins pour savoir si ces personnes étaient bien acceptées mais nous avons eu du mal à avoir des réponses. La réponse était invariablement qu’elles sont considérées comme des «personnes homosexuelles ».

Est il facile de voyager en solo aux Philippines ?

Les Philippins sont très accueillants et respectueux. De plus, ils parlent très bien anglais, ce qui facilite beaucoup le voyage et peut rassurer des voyageurs ou voyageuses solo. Il est très facile de se retrouver dans les transports et l’offre touristique est bien développé. Il y a des certains spots où se concentrent les hébergements et donc les voyageurs ce qui peut favoriser les rencontres avec d’autres voyageurs.

Taïwan est le premier pays asiatique a avoir rendu possible le mariage entre deux personnes du même sexe (depuis mai 2017). C’est aussi à Taïwan que la plus grande gaypride d’Asie a lieu. Des signes d’ouverture qui peuvent rassurer les voyageurs LGBT. Des initiatives pour favoriser le tourisme gay à Taïwan se multiplient également.

La sécurité aux Philippines

• Sécurité - vols / agressions
• Sécurité - transports
• Sécurité - risques naturels

Quels risques d’agressions ou de vols aux Philippines ?

Cette question assez sensible ne repose que sur un sentiment, pas des faits objectifs. Entre une réputation et la réalité, difficile de faire la part des choses. Les statistiques étant souvent difficiles à interpréter, nous nous en tiendrons à notre impression.

Pour nous, aucun sentiment d’insécurité durant notre voyage aux Philippines. Manille continue d’avoir mauvaise réputation, il vaut mieux éviter certains quartiers chauds et limiter ses balades la nuit. La vigilance habituelle est de mise, en particulier lors des transports. Gardez toujours un oeil sur vos affaires !

Dans certaines régions reculées des Philippines (sud), des groupuscules extrémistes font parler d’eux pour des attentats. Mais ceux ci n’ont jusque maintenant jamais visé des touristes.

NB : le président Duerte est parti en croisade contre les narco-trafiquants. Ses méthodes sont très décriées au niveau international avec des arrestations arbitraires, voir des exécutions pures et simples. Malgré tout, cette façon de procéder semble très populaire.

La sécurité dans les transports aux Philippines

Les accidents en bateau ne sont pas rares aux Philippines. Soyez attentifs aux compagnies que vous choisissez et ne partez pas par mauvais temps.

Si vous louez un scooter, demandez un casque et soyez vigilant sur la route. C’est de loin la première cause d’accidents pour les voyageurs dans cette région.

En ce qui concerne les transports en bus ou en tuktuk, c’est très variable selon les conducteurs. Malheureusement, il est difficile de prévenir des comportements dangereux. Nous pouvons simplement vous conseiller de vous attacher quand des ceintures sont disponibles et descendre du véhicule quand le conducteur à une conduite manifestement dangereuse.

Se renseigner sur les risques naturels avant un voyage aux Philippines

Les Philippines sont très fréquemment soumises aux typhons, notamment dans la période de juin à octobre. Cependant il peut y avoir des typhons à d’autres moments de l’année. Dans ce cas là, il y a des alertes aux informations et si vous avez une SIM locale, vous recevrez un SMS. En cas d’alerte, la circulation des bateaux est annulée par précaution.

Les Philippines comportent des volcans encore actifs. Pendant notre voyage, l’un d’eux est entré en éruption. De la même manière que les typhons, je pense que vous ne manquerez pas l’info si un tel évènement survenait durant votre voyage. Si vous allez dans un lieu avec un volcan actif, vérifiez la situation avant de vous déplacer.

Côté matériel et communication aux Philippines

• Que mettre dans sa valise / sac à dos ?
• Internet et téléphone
• L'anglais aux Philippines
• Prises électriques

Que mettre dans sa valise ou son sac à dos pour un voyage aux Philippines ?

En plus des affaires indispensables à tout voyage, pensez à prendre vos affaires de baignade, une bonne protection contre le soleil et contre la pluie !

Inutile de se charger avec des affaires trop chaudes, il fait chaud quasiment partout, à l’exception de quelques sommets en altitude (mais quand bien même, il ne fait pas vraiment très froid).

Si vous êtes adepte, prenez un masque et un tuba pour vous adonner au snorkeling. Sinon vous pourrez trouver de quoi faire sur place.

Pour un inventaire plus complet de ce que nous mettons dans notre sac à dos ou valise, vous pouvez lire notre article consacré au sujet .

Acheter une carte sim locale aux Philippines avec datas et accéder à Internet

En arrivant à l’aéroport, vous trouverez des guichets pour acheter une carte sim locale et des datas. C’est le moyen le plus économique pour accéder à internet en dehors du wifi gratuit. La carte sim est gratuite à l’aéroport pour les étrangers. Il n’y a pas de forfait data illimité, mais des recharges de données. On peut trouver ces recharges très facilement partout aux Philippines. La plupart des forfaits comprennent également des sms et quelque appels téléphoniques locaux.

Les opérateurs principaux sont : smart et globe. La couverture 4G est assez variable…

Pour 2Go de données, il vous en coutera environ 300 pesos

Le Wifi est relativement répandu dans les hôtels et restaurants (pour touristes). Parfois la wifi n’est disponible que dans les parties communes. Cependant sur certaines îles comme à Palawan, les connexions sont compliquées. Et même si on vous annonce du Wifi, ça rame sévère.

Ayant besoin d’internet pour travailler, je peux vous dire que les Philippines n’ont pas été pour nous le pays où nous avons été le plus productifs…

Pour aller plus loin, consultez notre article spécifique sur l’ accès à Internet en voyage .

Parler en anglais à Taïwan !

L’anglais est assez pratiqué à Taiwan, vous trouverez souvent quelqu’un pour vous aider à communiquer. C’est un peu plus difficile dans les restaurants populaires et en dehors des lieux touristiques. Mais le langage des signes, ça fonctionne toujours !

Les caractères chinois sont utilisés à Taiwan, dans la version classique. Dans la plupart des lieux touristiques, la traduction en anglais est disponible, mais pas tout le temps… Dans ce cas là, ça se complique, vous pouvez alors utiliser l’application google traduction et son option photo, très pratique (disponible hors connexion si vous téléchargez le disctionnaire) !

Prises électriques : adapteur nécessaire à Taiwan

Vous trouverez des prises électriques du genre « système américain » à 2 ou 3 broches plates. Le Voltage est de 220 volts pour une fréquence de 60 hertz, vos appareils seront donc utilisables en toute sécurité. En revanche, il vous faudra un adaptateur pour les prises électriques.

partir avec une agence de voyage aux philippines

Organiser de A à Z son voyage aux Philippines n’est pas forcément un plaisir pour tout le monde, nous le comprenons aisément : créer son itinéraire, réserver les hébergements et activités, organiser les transports d’île en île etc. ce n’est pas toujours simple et surtout cela nécessite du temps.

Aussi, on peut avoir envie de faire appel à des experts locaux connaissant bien la destination pour créer un voyage sur mesure répondant à ses envies spécifiques, que ce soit en terme d’activités ou de type de logement etc.

Si vous souhaitez vous faire aider dans la création de votre voyage, qu’elle qu’en soit la raison, nous vous conseillons chaleureusement de faire appel aux services d’evaneos. Nous avons eu l’occasion de voyager avec eux. Testé et approuvé !

Les avantages : du sur mesure, des experts locaux francophones, un engagement pour un tourisme plus durable et responsable, pas de tour operator prenant une grosse marge au passage.

Vous avez aimé ? Alors partagez ;)

Besoin d’inspiration de conseils pour préparer votre voyage .

Animaux, paysages, randos... Tout ce qu'on adore

Au coeur des peuples

A la rencontre des Hommes et leurs cultures

Préparer son voyage

Nos guides pratiques pour voyager serein !

Humeurs vagabondes

Le voyage nous invite souvent à la réflexion... Et à la dérision

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Philippines Travel Blog

The Philippines is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia. In fact, the Philippines is one of the most popular destinations in Asia. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc. It’s my favorite country in Southeast Asia for multiple reasons. Filipinos are super nice, the turquoise waters are breathtaking and I love the island life.

The Philippines offers several experiences – from swimming in the waterfalls to jungle trekking, from island hopping to scuba diving, from the epic waves and surfing to the peace and quiet found around the rice terraces – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.

If you’re planning your first trip to the Philippines, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best time to visit the Philippines, the best destinations, recommended itineraries, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.

Best Time to Visit the Philippines

The Philippines is a big country with thousands of islands. Depending on your destination, you may be facing different types of seasons. We decided to split this section into three sections to help you understand the seasons – note that we picked the most popular destinations for travelers:

• Luzon (mainland)

Top Destinations in the Philippines

Philippines Itineraries

Planning your trip to the Philippines? We created Philippines itineraries to help you. You can pick the length of your stay and follow our recommended itineraries. We created itineraries for up to one month including our favorite Philippines islands.

• Three weeks

Philippines

• Manila (1 day)
• Coron (2 days)
• El Nido (2 days)
• Puerto Princesa (1 day)
• Back to Manila (1 day)
• Coron (3 days)
• El Nido (3 days)
• Cebu (3 days)
• Bohol (2 days)
• Port Barton (2 days)
• Puerto Princesa (2 day)
• Cebu (4 days)
• Siquijor (3 days)
• El Nido (4 days)
• Boracay (3 days)
• Siargao (3 days)

Philippines Travel Tips & Costs

In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.

Accommodation

In the Philippines, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a budget traveler or not, you won’t have difficulty to find options. You can find dorms starting at $7 per night. Note that the accommodation situation changes a lot from an island to the other.

When it comes to food, you can find different types of restaurants. If you eat local food, you can eat for less than PHP 200. Obviously, you may find elegant restaurants around the country and you can pay more if you wish. The cheapest options are usually in small local restaurants and markets.

Some activities such as hiking or beach bumming are free. Although, if you’re planning on getting surfing lessons, seeing the whale sharks, going on a snorkeling or a diving trip, you will have to pay for it. You can browse activities in the Philippines here to have an idea of the costs involved.

Transportation

In general, traveling around the Philippines can be a bit complicated. Since we are talking about different islands, some of them are only accessible by boat, or small planes. That said, it can take a while to reach your destinations. You can either fly, take a bus or a van or travel by ferry/boat to reach your destinations.

To book your transport between destinations, you can book via 12GO or via a travel agency. Most of the time, your hotel and hostel may be able to arrange it for you.

Safety in The Philippines

Overall, traveling around the Philippines is pretty safe. Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel .

There are some places in the Philippines that aren’t recommended for travelers. You can check the travel warnings submitted by your country. Violence and even kidnapping have occurred in these places. The southern part of the Philippines; the Mindanao area, the Sulu archipelago, and the Zamboanga Peninsula are considered to be areas to not travel to.

Apart from these places, use your common sense to ensure your safety.

What to Pack for the Philippines

Universal adapter

Mosquito repellent

Quick-dry towel

Waterproof bag

Visa for the Philippines

Most nationalities get up to 30 days for free.  Usually, you may be able to extend for an extra 30 days by visiting the immigration office.

You can verify your visa requirements here .

Preparing Your Trip to the Philippines

Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.

Go To Skyscanner

Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.

Go To SafetyWing

Booking.com

Find accommodation anywhere in the world.

Go To Booking.com

Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.

Go To iVisa

Worldpackers

Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.

Go To Worldpackers

Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.

Go To Viator

Philippines eSIM Plans

It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.

And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.

eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.

If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in the Philippines, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.

$3 OFF with promo code: MELISS2943

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130+ countries and regions

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Philippines Blog Posts

Best SIM Card For The Philippines: What You Need To Know

Visiting the Philippines soon? Learn how to purchase a Philippines SIM card. In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in the Philippines in person and online. We'll also feature some of the best prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs for the Philippines. [box...

The 5 Best Places To Live In The Philippines 

Curious as to where the best places to live in the Philippines are?  For many, the Philippines are what you would call paradise and a dream vacation destination. However, as this archipelagic country has one of the best economies in the East Asia Pacific region,...

The Best Things To Do In (And Around) Cebu 

Cebu is a beautiful island located in the Philippines. It is known for its white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and friendly people. Cebu is a popular tourist destination, and there are many things to do on the island. Here are some of the best things to do in Cebu...

How To Get To Coron, Palawan

Coron, the beautiful island is located in Palawan in the Philippines and boasts of excellent beaches and picturesque scenery. It is, in fact, one of the best places for those seeking a wreck diving and snorkeling experience. There are plenty of other touristic things...

Backpacking Cebu On A Budget

Backpacking Cebu on a budget is possible! Let's talk about itinerary ideas, how to get there, how to get around and where to stay. Right in the middle of the second-largest archipelago in the world, the Philippines lies the city of Cebu. This city is the capital of...

Tips For Backpacking The Philippines

I truly believe the Philippines is the kind of place you can visit – and re-visit and re-re-visit without getting sick of it. I mentioned many times that I can’t wait to go back there. A lot of people are asking me where’s my favorite place in South-East Asia and my...

Perfect Albay Itinerary, Philippines

Planning on visiting Albay while in the Philippines? Here are our favorite destinations in Albay so you can make the most of your trip. Note that these places are ideal if you're into adventures! Sumlang Lake Picture a lake with an amazing background; and yes, Mister...

Trekking In Banaue-Batad Rice Terraces, Philippines

Planning on trekking in Banaue-Batad Rice Terraces while you're in the Philippines? In this post, I'm sharing my experience on a 3-day trek. While in Manila, I met a local blogger who recommended that I take a tour guide as it can be dangerous and tricky to do it by...

Philippines

Lagons bleus et eaux turquoises

Philippines: itinéraires, conseils et infos pratiques 

Notre itinéraire à travers les philippines.

Après un très long trajet depuis les îles Fidji (nous avons tout de même passé la nuit d’anniversaire de Clem dans l’aéroport de Singapour), nous voilà finalement arrivés dans la dernière destination de notre tour du monde, même si nous ne le savons pas encore. 

Cela fait 7 ans que Quentin parle des Philippines, qu’il faut absolument aller les découvrir, qu’il a adoré et que nous devons y aller ensemble. C’était donc impossible de rater cette étape pour notre voyage, et on vous le dit tout de suite : c’est ici que nous avons vu les plus belles plages de notre vie, les eaux les plus bleues, les paysages d’îles paradisiaques les plus incroyables. 

Nous avons adoré ce séjour aux Philippines , où nous avons pris beaucoup plus de temps pour nous poser et simplement profité. Nous y avons cependant découvert des choses magnifiques, dont les rizières de Banaue , qui sont dans notre TOP 3 du tour du monde, à bon entendeur...

De plages en rizières, en passant par des fonds marins incroyables, les Philippines ont tout pour vous assurer un séjour innoubliable, remplis de paysages magnifiques et de souvenirs fabuleux. 

En 3 semaines, nous avons parcourus 4 des principales îles, et on ne compte même plus combien de petits ilots. On vous partage sur cette page toutes les informations pratiques, itinéraires et coups de coeur de notre voyage aux Philippines, en passant par Palawan, Coron, Bohol et Luzon. Ces 4 îles sont si différentes que nous avons l'impression d'avoir découvert 4 pays en un...

Nos articles de blog sur les philippines :

Les rizières de Batad et Banaue aux Philippines : Infos pratiques et conseils

Visiter l'île de Palawan et découvrir le paradis des Philippines

A travel & food blog

15+ TOP Philippines Travel Blogs for 2024

Are you looking for the best Filipino travel bloggers to inspire your wanderlust? Here we’ve compiled the best Philippines travel blogs, authored by local travelers who are passionate in sharing their first-hand experiences, expert tips, and awe-inspiring photographs. From budget-friendly itineraries to must-visit tourist spots and off-the-beaten-path gems, these exceptional blogs provide a treasure trove of valuable information for those who want to explore the Pearl of the Orient.

Whether you seek thrilling adventures, mouthwatering culinary escapades, or immersive cultural encounters, this list of best Philippines travel blogs can help you plan your next escape.

1. Tara Lets Anywhere

2. the poor traveler, 3. our awesome planet, 4. the pinay solo backpacker, 5. travel up, 6. pinoy adventurista, 7. jon to the world, 8. nomadic experiences, 9. a wanderful sole, 10. happy and busy travels, 11. the pinoy traveler, 12. kapampangan traveller, 13. project gora, 14. the queen’s escapes, 15. pinoy mountaineer, 16. the filipino rambler.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katherine Cortes (@taraletsanywhere)

Tara Lets Anywhere (authored by yours truly) is a travel blog by Katherine Cortes, a software engineer who travels on her days off. The blog focuses on destinations in the Philippines — including comprehensive travel guides, itineraries, budget tips, and recommendations on the best places to stay.

Additionally, it features reviews about staycations, including bed-and-breakfasts, beachfront resorts, and secluded getaways where you can unwind for a day or two. It also talks about relevant topics, including sustainable tourism and sustainable travel tips ideal for every travelers.

For collaborations, you can send an email at [email protected] or follow its social pages: Facebook , Instagram , and Tiktok .

The Poor Traveler is one of the most established Philippines travel blogs. It was established by Yoshke Dimen and Vins Carlos, with the aim of sharing free travel guides to fellow travelers who want to make the most out of their trips. The “poor” in The Poor Traveler refers not just to financial burden but also to being “unfortunate or unlucky,” referencing costly mistakes usually done by newbie or first-time travelers.

Aside from huge monthly readership in their blog, The Poor Traveler also has successful following in their Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram.

Our Awesome Planet is written by Anton Diaz, documenting their family’s food and travel adventures in the Philippines, as well as Southeast Asian countries and the rest of the world. The blog’s readers are smart professionals, entrepreneurs, and families who love to travel and eat.

Built in 2010, The Pinay Solo Backpacker is one of the most popular travel blogs in the Philippines. It is authored by Gael Hilotin, a local traveler who’s been to all the provinces in the country. The blog features destination guides, travel narratives, and practical tips for exploring the Philippines as well as other neighboring countries in Asia.

This Philippine travel blog aims to inspire readers to explore the country and also empower solo female travelers.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kara Santos (@karasantos)

The name of this blog is inspired by the video game of “leveling up,” referring to gaining more experiences as you travel new areas and meet new people. Travel Up is written by Kara Santos, a freelance writer and phographer based in Manila, It focuses on local and international destinations, as well as food trips, extreme adventures, and motorcycling.

It is one of the best Philippines travel blogs for adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers.

This travel blog focuses on outdoor adventures: including backpacking, mountaineering, and foodie travels. The author, Mervin Marasigan, has explored all the provinces in the Philippines and aims to inspire people to also discover the beauty of the islands of the country.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jon Espiña (@jontotheworld_)

Jon to the World is one of the best Philippines travel blogs that offer detailed resources for all types of travelers, including must-see tourist attractions, local culture and history, and more. It is authored by Jonathan Espina, a full-time blogger who loves writing not just guides but also stories on the road.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marky Ramone Go (@nomadicexperiences)

Another one of the legacy travel blogs based in the Philippines, Nomadic Experiences is written by Marky Ramone Go, a self-professed travel junkie. He publishes destination guides, as well as travel stories of exploring the Philippines, Asia, and South America. If you want to read articles that goes in-depth into local traditions, cultural immersions, and festivals, this is one of the best Filipino bloggers you should follow.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Keza | ᴅɪʏ ʙᴜᴅɢᴇᴛ ᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟ ʙʟᴏɢ (@awanderfulsole)

One of the best Filipino travel bloggers that you should follow for budget-friendly travel guides is Keza Marie, who writes in A Wanderful Sole. This blog publishes detailed guides about the Philippines, including less-written about destinations in Visayas and Mindanao. It also features numerous hiking destinations that you can visit on weekends.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Happy and Busy (@happyandbusytravels)

Happy and Busy Travels is a couple travel blog by Katrina Tiong and Dave Remulla. It’s a great resource for couples who love to travel, explore, and eat. The blog features travel guides to places in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, as well as resorts and restaurant reviews.

This blog also has a huge following in their Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Pinoy Traveler (@thepinoytraveler)

Dennis Marco Esplana is one of the most popular Filipino travel bloggers, with big following in Facebook and Instagram. Their website publishes budget guides, attractions, travel tips, and gadget and tech reviews. It’s a practical resource for those who want to discover the best places to visit in the Philippines .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by kapampangan_traveller (@kapampangan_traveller)

Pampanga represent! Kapampangan Traveller is a travel blog by Jan Darren Guiwan, a resident nurse and a proud Kapampangan. He writes about destinations , delicacies , and hotels and resorts in Pampanga . He also blogs about backpacking around the Philippines, having visited all provinces and attended numerous cultural festivals in the country.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milet Miranda (@projectgora)

Are you an introvert who loves to travel? Then make sure to add Project Gora to your reading list. This Filipino travel blog is authored by Milet Miranda, an outgoing introvert who wants to explore places and discover cuisines. This blog publishes content about the Philippines, Japan, and other countries that you can travel to even as a solo tourist.

Anne Guimiran will entice you to take risks and dive into the best underwater spots in the Philippines with her travel blog, The Queen’s Escapes. She is an intrepid adventurer and freediver, known for her beautiful photos and videos of underwater sceneries. She also posts lifestyle and other content on her blog and social media channels.

If you love hiking mountains, you are surely familiar with the Pinoy Mountaineer. Pinoy Mountaineer is the #1 blog for hiking in the Philippines. It’s a great resource for both newbie and experienced hikers, as it features detailed guides including personal experiences, expected difficulty, hiking tips, and more. It also publishes compilations of best hiking destinations, gears, and other useful information.

The Filipino Rambler is one of most respected Filipino blogs, covering travel, food, and lifestyle content. It is authored by Allan Gokongwei, a full-time recruitment specialist who enjoys traveling on his free time.

That concludes our list of the best travel blogs in the Philippines! Do you have other Filipino travel bloggers to recommend? Let us know in the comments section below.

Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

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The Philippines

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"Discover how beautiful our country is and how wonderful our people are. Time to fall in love with the Philippines."

– tony meloto, where i've been, palawn: coron + el nido + port barton;           cebu: cebu city + moalboal;           siargao, my experience.

When wanderlust started really hitting me in the early days, photos of the Philippines were some of the first that I saved in my ‘someday’ folders. I stared at the crystal blue water and palm trees, longing to go there. In December 2019, I finally traveled to the Philippines! It was my last country after backpacking through 7, and my last month traveling out of 6 months. What a way to end a trip! The Philippines was everything I expected and more! The natural beauty of the country was jaw-dropping, I met some of my closest travel friends there, and connected with so many locals. In fact, as eager as I was to see my family after being away for so long, when it was time to leave I felt very sad to go. The Philippines felt like home in a lot of ways and returning is not a matter of if but when.

I loved every moment of my trip to the Philippines, but my most fond memories are in Siargao, exploring by motorbike and learning to surf and then in Manila, drinking beer and enjoying Filipino delicacies with some locals whom my friends and I met randomly!

All Philippines Blog Posts

Planning your own visit, keep reading, know before you go.

Tagalog is the official language of the Philippines and many people speak English as a second language.

Philippine Peso/Piso 

ABBREVIATION : PHP

CONVERSION : The currency rate is subject to change but typically 1 PHP ~ 0.020 USD or 1 USD  ~ 50 PHP

The Philippines uses plug types A, B, and C with voltage 220V and frequency 60Hz; This voltage is higher than in the U.S.. As a standard rule of thumb, I suggest traveling with a plug adapter with a voltage converter, especially when using hot tool appliances such as a straightener. 

U.S. citizens can travel without a visa to the Philippines if staying for less than 30 days. Visa information is subject to changes so double check here .

To check health advisories and what vaccinations are needed to travel to the Philippines check the CDC website .

While I ate a ton of street food in the Philippines and never got sick, I would stay away from tap water and raw meat that’s been sitting out in the heat. 

*Before traveling anywhere you should check the U.S. Government Travel Advisory for your own knowledge. 

Overall, the southern region of the Philippines should be avoided, but the northern area is heavily traveled by tourists.

My top safety tips:

• Have a lock on your luggage and make sure your day bag has a zipper or is closed to avoid pick pockets.
• Don’t do drugs, party alone, or walk alone at night.
• Take photos of your motorbike when you rent it to avoid being scammed into paying for already existing damages.
• Wear a helmet and be careful if you do drive.
• Stay away from animals especially stray dogs.
• Practice good hygiene and don’t drink tap water.
• Get travel insurance!

Apps & Websites to Use

Xe currency, hostelworld, booking.com, must haves on your packing list.

• Water shoes for snorkeling and waterfalls
• Waterproof Bag
• Underwater Camera
• First Aid Kit
• Loose clothes for the beach

Best Time to Visit

January & february.

The Philippines has two seasons: wet and dry, although how wet or how dry it is varies depending on which island you’re on. But typically dry season  is from November – May . That being said, a lot of rainy weather can be pushed into those beginning months, (Nov-Dec) and humidity can be higher in those end months (April-May). Therefore the best time to visit the Philippines is January and February when the sun is shining, the air is cooler and there are many festivals. 

However, it is still possible to travel during the more unpredictable months, just be sure to follow the weather advisories and be more flexible in your plans. I traveled to the Philippines in December for a month, and in Coron a typhoon came through canceling plans and causing my ferry to be canceled for 5 days. Then later in Siargao it down poured every single day. But I also had a lot of sunny days! All in all, Philippines weather can be unpredictable, but for this reason, I definitely would not advise traveling right in the middle of typhoon season (June – October).

international airports popular to fly into

Manila – ninoy aquino international airport , palawan – puerto princesa international airport , cebu – mactan-cebu international airport , transportation & getting around.

The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, so getting around takes a lot more planning and thought than other countries; there is also much more travel time added to your itinerary. Below are all the modes of transportation whether going between islands or traveling inland:

• A way to get in between islands
• Some airlines: Cebu pacific air and  Philippine airlines
• I always booked on Google Flights
• A way to travel in between islands, it takes longer but sometimes it is cheaper and better for the environment!
• Can book on Travel.2Go or Barkota
• If you plan to take a ferry from Manila to Coron, arrive on a Wednesday or Thursday because the only ferry for Coron leaves on Friday

Buses and Vans 

• Transportation on islands
• Bus going up and down in Cebu – perfect way to get from Cebu City to Moalboal
• Vans are often available from hostels to get you to next destination (book through your accommodation or on 12Go.Asia ) 
• Independent transportation in an area
• Renting a motorbike is an option, prices differ island to island and can be from 300 – 600 PHP for a 125cc motorbike
• Works like jumping in a taxi, but it’s a motorbike with an attached carriage that can hold around 4-5 people.
• Public transportation, a sort of elongated jeep or bus 
• Apps like GRAB and  ANGKAS
• Typically only in cities

Typical Costs

Accommodation costs can vary in the Philippines depending on the area you’re staying but typically a hostel dorm bed is $5-15 USD per night, a private room in an hotel or Aibnb anywhere from $10 – $60 USD per night, and renting an entire villa or apartment $100-300 USD per night.

The cost of food varies depending on the area you’re in, the type of food you’re looking for, and how much you eat! Street food can vary from 10PHP – 150PHP ($0.20 – $3 USD) per meal. To sit down at a restaurant for a nice meal can be anywhere between 200PHP – 600PHP ($4 – 12 USD).

A flight in between islands can greatly vary depending on when you buy it, but will most likely be between $20 – $100 USD. A ferry between islands farther apart is typically around $20 USD, a shorter ride around $5 USD. The cost of renting a motorbike for a day is $6-9 USD. GRAB or Taxi ride varies but could be around $6 USD. Tricycles vary and you must haggle but could be from $1 – 4 USD.

In the Philippines I would budget at least $50 per day as a backpacker. Although the Philippines is cheap in terms of food and accommodation, a lot of money is spent on transportation and most activities done (such as island tours and scuba diving) rack up your budget.

In cities like Manila and Cebu city, an international credit card could be used. However in the rest of the Philippines, cash is the main payment method. I suggest always having cash on you, and if you decide to go to a more remote/less populated place, to bring as much cash as you may need during your stay in case the one or two ATM’s there do not work.

• ↠ Costa Rica
• ↠ Dominican Republic
• ↠ Western USA
• ↠ Abu Dhabi
• ↠ Philippines
• ↠ Sri Lanka
• ↠ Czech Republic
• ↠ French Islands
• ↠ Switzerland

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 Oui philippines  

Découvrez tout ce qu’il ne faut pas louper aux Philippines

Oui philippines vous file ses meilleurs plans voyages  .

Construire son itinéraire Philippines : 15 jours, 3 semaines ou 1 mois

Cette géniale carte recense les meilleurs destinations Ouiphilippines  

Île par île, classés selon un système de pins, vous y trouverez des fabuleuses rizières en escalier, des langues de sable emblématique, des vagues sur le spot de Cloud Nine, des fonds marins, des collines de chocolat, des volcans…  Et, cerise sur le gâteau, la plage de rêve est là aussi.

Vous allez voir, l'utilisation de cette carte, qui sera enrichie quotidiennement est très simple : vous zoomez un max, vous cliquez sur le pin orange et un lien s'affiche dans la fenêtre pour découvrir les bons plans et les articles de chaque destination. De quoi vous occuper pour plusieurs mois.

Derniers articles  

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Je vous emmène à la découverte de l'autre El Nido, l'authentique

Un road trip reliant le spot requin-baleine de Donsol au Mayon Volcano

À faire à Puerto Princesa et dans ses alentours

De Panglao à Anda : le road-trip pour découvrir l'autre Bohol

Visiter Manille (2-3 jours), une ville qui ne ressemble à aucune autre

Les meilleurs plans à faire sur l’île de Camiguin

Cebu City : guide pratique pour mieux savourer la ville de Cebu

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Les 5 articles destinations les plus lus ce mois sur Ouiphilippines

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Philippines Family Travel Blog

Discover the over 7,000 islands in the Philippines with our Philippines Family Travel Blog.

Explore Our Family Travel Philippines Guide

The Philippines is home to over 7,000 islands. This South Asian nation boasts some of the world’s best beaches, stunning caves, incredible landscapes, and some of the most delectable food you can imagine!

Read on and learn about why the Philippines is the perfect spot for a South Asia family vacation! 

The Filipino focus is heavy on family, and family travel to the Philippines is unquestionably one of our favorite experiences. From the epic food to the incredible culture and landscapes, traveling to the Philippines with kids can be one of the greatest experiences of your life. Whether you want to lounge on one of the best beaches in the world in Boracay or go island hopping among the UNESCO marine parks of El Nido , the Philippines will leave you begging for more.

Some Of Our Most Popular Philippines Family Travel Blog Posts

Family travel in the Philippines is one of the most incredible adventures you can give to children. Here’s how to plan your Philippines family vacation.

While Boracay is the destination of choice for most families in the Philippines, the locals consider Palawan to be the most beautiful. Here’s why.

Boracay is more than just beautiful beaches! Discover some of the best family activities in Boracay to keep your whole family busy.

Tips For Family Travel in the Philippines

The Philippines is a complex county with one of the most diverse language systems in the world. Spread out among the 7,000 + islands of the Philippines is a range of cultures to immerse yourself into. From the thriving metropolis of Manila to the quiet shores of Coron, the Philippines offers something different around every corner.

To get started, I highly recommend that you read through our trip-planning resources . It lays out many of our well-researched family travel hacks.

Our Philippines guide will help you sort out what you need to know before traveling to the Philippines with kids. From the landscapes to the food that inspired me to write about my favorite Filipino recipes , here is what you need to know before traveling to the Philippines.

• Philippine currency is the Philippine Peso. The average value of the Philippine Peso is approximately $0.020 USD. You can check out the current value here .
• The Capital of the Philippine Islands is Manila. Manila and the surrounding area is home to over 22 million people and is one of the most densely populated cities on Earth.
• The Philippines uses 220V standard sockets. You may need a voltage converter, depending on your electronics.
• Cell phone service is readily available throughout Urban areas of the Philippines. Sim chips are cheap and can be added to unlocked phones. Access in rural areas or smaller islands can be spotty, and wifi is often unreliable. I have used the Airalo eSim app for all of my international travel.
• Mass transit is not readily available in most Philippine cities. Transit is normally done by car, tricycle (motorcycle with a sidecar), or Jeepney (a large jeep with an open back used like a bus).
• International driver’s licenses (IDPs) are accepted in the Philippines.
• Driving in the Philippines is safe. However, traffic rules can be difficult to decipher, and traffic, especially in metro areas, is nothing short of mind-blowing.
• Roads in the rural Philippines can often be in poor repair and prone to floods. The terrain is mountainous, and although towns may seem close together, it can require long driving times to commute between them.
• Family travel in the Philippines is incredible. With so many beaches and incredible island life, the Philippines is an incredible family destination. Filipinos are known for their love of children, and young children especially will often be doted on here. Don’t be surprised if they are offered treats and small toys.

Important Words And Phrases To Know For Family Travel In the Philippines

There are nearly as many dialects in the Philippines as there are languages throughout the rest of the world. And we aren’t talking about small local slang changes. Some Filipino dialects are completely unrecognizable from others. Around my wife’s family, this makes for pretty funny chatter. Whenever my mother-in-law wants to say something that her husband won’t understand, she just switches from Tagalog to Ebanog, and it’s completely different.

But for the sake of ease, I’ll focus here on the main Philippine language of Tagalog. Most Filipinos speak Tagalog, so will understand what these Filipino words and phrases mean. It’s good to remember that Tagalog is a phonetic language. So, each letter is pronounced rather than the combined sounds.

Important Filipino Words To Know:

Yes:  oo (pronounced oh oh)

Thank You: Salamat or Salamat Po when showing respect to an elder.

Thank You Very Much:  Maraming salamat

You’re Welcome:  Walang anuman

Please: Mangyaring

Excuse Me: Pasensya na sa akin

Hello:  Kamusta

Goodbye: Paalam

Bathroom: Banyo

How To Stay Connected And Get Internet And Phone Service In the Philippines

Most major cities throughout Asia have excellent cellular service. If you have an older phone, I highly recommend purchasing a sim either at the airport or as one of your first stops on your travels.

If you have a newer eSim capable phone, you can save yourself time by purchasing an eSim ahead of time and having it activated before you arrive.

There are many companies that offer this service. I have used Airalo for years . It has been seamless in over ten countries. They have World, Regional, and Country-Specific eSims available. The price goes down the more specific you get. The regional sims allow for easy country-hopping if you are visiting multiple destinations.

Read Our Latest Philippines Family Travel Blog Posts

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The Best Things To Do In Palawan For Families: From Beaches To Caves And Everything In Between

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Top Things To Do In Puerto Princesa Palawan: Discover The World Wonders In The Philippines

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Awesome Things To Do In Coron: Experience The Gem Of Palawan For Yourself

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Should You Skip Boracay and Head To San Vicente Palawan?

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Top Things to do in El Nido Palawan for the Whole Family

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Daluyon Beach and Spa Mountain Resort: Puerto Princesa Palawan Hotel Review

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How to Experience the Best Caves in Palawan, Philippines

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Boracay Hotel Review: Movenpick Resort and Spa Boracay Philippines

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Best Things To Do In Boracay For Families: The Best Beaches To The Best Restaurants

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Philippines Travel Blog

With over 7,500 islands, our Philippines blogs cover everything you need to know about this archipelagic country. A detailed guide on all the possible information you’d need, if you’re planning a trip to the Philippines.

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Philippines Travel Blog

The Philippines have drawn a lot of attention not only to westerners but even with its neighboring countries in Asia. Popular for its 7,000+ islands, warm all-year-round season, history with Spanish and American colonization, accommodating citizens, and appealing natural attractions.

It is no doubt one of the go-to destinations of foreign travelers who want to escape the bustling world of working. And we couldn’t agree more. Why? With the country’s rich and beautiful natural wonders, you’d totally be mesmerized. If you’ve never been to this archipelago, then all these Philippines Travel Blog articles that we have will help you get to know more about it. 

What To Learn From a Philippines Travel Blog

From the name itself, Philippines Travel Blog is consists of articles related to traveling to the Philippines. From the places to visit, things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and even travel tips that you should remember, you can find them here!

Furthermore, the Philippines is known to have a lot of islands to explore and stunning beaches to visit. So we also provided you articles about the best beaches and islands to go to when traveling to this country. 

Places to Visit in The Philippines

If you ask any traveler around the world if what place in the Philippines do they want to go to, they’d probably answer either Cebu, Boracay, or Palawan. And it’s not surprising! Those three are the top tourist destination in the country. With Cebu’s rich marine life, stunning beaches, and amazing history, people really love going here. And of course, Palawan, the most beautiful island in the world. The gorgeous lagoons and several islands, you would be impressed by how these islands look more picturesque in person than in photos (and photos are already beautiful!)

Boracay, on the other hand, offers not only water activities, but this is also the ideal place to socialize and meet new people. Although you can also do that with both Cebu and Palawan, Boracay can make that easier for you. You don’t have to travel from place to place just to go to bars and restaurants because they’re all located on the island itself which is near the beach! 

There is more to explore in the country other than those two. Batanes, the northernmost province in the country, is considered the “Switzerland” of the Philippines. With a very beautiful view, amazing people, and rolling hills, Batanes is the perfect place to unwind. This province is actually near to Taiwan than in Manila. And the whole island is protected that’s why the number of tourists who plan to go here is limited. But once it’s your turn to visit, you would want to stay here for a longer time!

Another place you should explore is Ilo-Ilo. The city and its wonderful people would make you feel at home. Visit historical places, and explore its very beautiful city. Ilo-Ilo deserves to be on your bucket list! ​

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in the Philippines

Kach, twomonkeys travel celebrates the 2023 nelson mandela day with the south african embassy, manila last eighteenth of july, top 3 reasons to move to philippines as an expat, diy travel guide to mount binacayan, rizal [rizal travel guide], ultimate food & travel guide to angeles city, pampanga @tourismphl, best hostels in boracay, philippines – for as low as $6, customs and traditions in celebrating christmas in the philippines @tourismphl, diy travel guide to batad, ifugao, philippines: terraces and tappiya falls, 6 awesome things to do in kabayan, benguet @tourismphl, 5 life lessons i learned in surfing, german traveler: discovering the philippines hidden gems, 15 incredible places you’ll find in the province of laguna, philippines, best budget hotels in batanes, philippines – for as low as $21, diy travel guide to surigao del sur, philippines [with suggested tours], awesome things to do in ilocandia, philippines, ultimate travel guide to calayan island, cagayan, list of the best budget hotels in davao city, philippines, diy travel guide to tuguegarao and palaui island, philippines, subscribe to our newsletter.

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This is an Adventure Travel & Lifestyle Blog to inspire you to discover & explore the Philippines.

The Philippines

The Philippines is an amazing country with much to offer travelers in search of fun and adventure.

7,000+ Islands

150+ Cities & Towns

Hundreds of Beaches

Crystal Clear Oceans Filled with Marine Life

Flavorful Food

300+ Volcanoes

Hundreds of Waterfalls

Infinite Adventures

Destinations

There are many different amazing destinations to explore in the Philippines.

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Latest posts from the blog.

Iligan City Visitors Guide

This brief guide to Iligan City will let you know how to get there, what to do, eat, and drink...

What To See and Do in El Nido

From island-hopping adventures to hidden beaches and lagoons, discover what you can see and do in...

Where To Go in the Philippines in April

Experience the Philippines in April, where tropical beaches and magnificent landscapes await your...

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