Country guides
Asia
The Philippines Travel Guide
The Philippines archipelago is one of Southeast Asia's less explored tourist jewels. Visitors will find plenty to see and do in the gorgeous island chain, from lazing on palm-fringed beaches to world-class scuba diving and snorkelling sites. They will also encounter a wealth of great cultural attractions.
Visitors generally fall into two categories: package-tour holidaymakers, visiting one of the country's excellent beach resorts (found in Bohol, Boracay or Puerto Galera); and independent adventure travellers, keen on criss-crossing the archipelago in search of excitement.
Whichever way visitors decide to experience the Philippines, they'll come across several tourist sights and activities they simply can't afford to miss. The capital, Manila, is a chaotic yet compelling city, with plenty to keep travellers occupied. Intramuros, the historic walled enclave full of Spanish-colonial architecture, and Binondo, one of the oldest and most vibrant Chinatowns in the world are among the many wonderful places on offer.
Regarding natural wonders, the Philippines abounds with unforgettable excursions, such as the marvellous Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (one of the New 7 Wonders of the World). Nature-lovers will delight in the country's lush, captivating landscapes.
Best time to visit the Philippines
The Philippines has a tropical climate characterised by distinct dry and rainy seasons. Weather-wise, the best time to visit is between November and April. However, this is also peak tourist season, meaning flight and accommodation prices will be higher.
What to see in the Philippines
-Fort San Pedro offers some fascinating insights into Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.
-The Chocolate Hill, a vast plain consisting of between 1200 and 1800 conical hills formed from grass-covered limestone.
-The Taal Volcano is a must-see natural attraction, and is accessed from the holiday hotspot of Tagaytay City.
-The enclave of Intramuros, Manila's oldest district. Visitors will be amazed by the thick walls and rich history surrounding Fort Santiago.
What to do in the Philippines
-A trip to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, located on the island of Palawan, is a must for visitors to the Philippines.
-Visitors can explore the archipelago's incredible coral reefs and rich marine life by going diving at world-class sites in Boracay, Cebu, or Palawan.
-Tourists can go shopping in Binondo, Manila's Chinatown, before eating in one of the district's famous converted movie theatre restaurants.
-Numerous island hopping tours are available in the Philippines.
Getting to the Philippines
Cheap flights to the Philippines are easy to find from American and European destinations, although the only direct flight from the US to Manila is from San Francisco. Tourists who plan to visit the central or southern Filipino islands (such as Palawan, Bohol, Boracay and Mindanao) should think about purchasing an 'open jaw' ticket, which will see them fly into Manila and then out of Cebu.
Read
Dusk by F. Sionil Jose, Dogeaters by Jessica Hagedorn, and Cebu by Peter Bacho.
Watch
Amigo (2010)
Eat
Lechon (whole-roasted suckling pig), puchero (beef prepared with banana and tomato), kare-kare (oxtail cooked in peanut sauce) and adobo (chicken, pork or squid stewed in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, peppercorns and bay leaves), or try balut: the national delicacy.
Drink
Tanduay Rum, mixed with fresh fruit juice.
What to buy
Hand-woven bags, baskets and mats, embroidered shirts and skirts, hammocks and bamboo flutes.
What to pack
Visitors should pack sunscreen and lightweight clothing, as well as a small, ideally waterproof, backpack that can hold items such as bottled water, toilet paper, insect repellent and antibacterial hand-soap while they're on day excursions.
What's on in the Philippines
The Sinulog Festival takes place on the third Sunday of every January, and celebrates one of the country's most famous historic relics: the Santo Nino de Cebu. Celebrations last for the first three weeks in January, culminating with the big dance parade. Travellers should also visit the island of Marinduque for the 200-year-old Moriones Festival (April), where locals recreate the story of Saint Longinus. Cebu's Fete de la Musique (June) is another fantastic event, which features 150 bands playing on seven different stages. The annual 'Black Nazarene' procession takes place in the second week of January, when devotees follow the Christ statue through Manila (usually the Quiapo District). They believe the statue will protect them from harm and bring health, wealth and happiness in the coming year.
Did you know?
-The Filipino flag is the only flag in the world that is flown upside-down during times of war.
-About 350 to 400 million text messages are sent every day in the Philippines, which is more than the US and Europe put together.
-The Philippines has more than 200 volcanoes, although many are not active.
A final word
An archipelago blessed with great weather and astounding natural scenery, the Philippines is emerging as a great destination for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, as well as an all-action stop on the southeast Asian backpacking circuit.
Things to do in Philippines
Thousands of islands make up the Philippines, where bustling cities, underwater gardens and lushly beautiful landscapes await travellers who seek a textured Southeast Asian adventure. Lovers of surfing, world-class dive sites and the perfect setting for carefree, beach-flopping days can expect all of the above, along with the richest of cultural experiences.
Manila is the gateway to the country, and is home to a fascinating urban energy, as well as marvellous, Spanish-colonial buildings and cathedrals. Visitors will also find wonderful museums. Island hopping around the archipelago carries a storybook feeling, brought on by the delight of sailing teal seas to gorgeous, jungle-like beaches. The country's many remote, unspoilt regions have a different sort of magnetism, and will speak to hikers and adventure seekers.
All things considered, the Philippines has much to offer, though tourists should follow the safety advice of travel experts when visiting.
Philippines travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachments and two-pin round plugs are used, with round two-pins being the most common.
Language
The official language of the Philippines is Filipino (a standard variant of the Tagalog language), but English is widely spoken. Tagalog is the most predominant of the many dialects or local languages spoken throughout the islands.
Money
The currency of the Philippines is the Peso (PHP), which is divided into 100 centavos. Major credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist destinations. ATMs are available in the major cities and in main centres on some islands. US dollars are widely accepted in Manila and other tourist areas, and are the easiest currency to exchange. Otherwise, euros and pounds sterling can also be exchanged in banks and hotels. Most banks in the Philippines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but their ATMs are open 24 hours. It is best for travellers to carry pesos when travelling outside of major centres.
Tipping
Tipping is expected for most services in the Philippines. The standard practice is 10 percent of the total bill, although in some cases it can be only PHP 20-50. Tipping is optional on bills that already include a 10 percent service charge.
Health
No special vaccination certificates are required for the Philippines, except by travellers arriving from an area infected with yellow fever. There is a risk of malaria and dengue fever in more rural areas, while tap water is not safe to drink and ice in drinks should be avoided. There is also a risk of cholera and the Zika virus.
Medical care is good in Manila, although expensive. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised. Travellers should take along any prescription medication they require, in its original packaging, along with a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what the medication is and why it is needed.
Safety
The Philippines is a big country and most of it is perfectly safe for travelling. Filipinos are also among the world's most hospitable people. Visitors should be wary of certain regions, though, as they host criminals and terrorist groups.
Cebu City and Manila are big cities where travellers may encounter scams and petty theft. Hold ups and violent crimes are rare. Central and southern Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago have less government control, and are consequently more open to crime, kidnappings and a terrorist presence. Travelers should avoid the Sulu Archipelago and the Zamboanga Peninsula in particular. Southern Palawan can also be risky, though the rest of the island is safe for travelling.
Local customs
The concept of 'shame' is very important in Filipino culture and visitors should avoid offending or embarrassing anyone in public while visiting the country. Failure to live up to accepted standards of behaviour brings shame not only on themselves, but also on their family. Any food or drink offered should be accepted, as this is a sign of hospitality.
Doing business
Third party introductions are useful when conducting business in the Philippines and face-to-face communication is key. Emphasis is placed on building good working relations and getting to know each other. Business is conducted formally, and although punctuality is important, meetings may not begin on time. Dress should be conservative: suits and ties are the norm, although many Filipino men wear a shirt known as a barong tagalog, which is a far cooler option in the humid environment. English is widely spoken in business circles and business hours are usually from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Duty free
Travellers to the Philippines over 18 years of age do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, and 2 litres of alcoholic beverages.
Prohibited items include firearms or parts thereof, explosives and ammunition; printed material that contains subversive, obscene or pornographic content; drugs, gambling machines, lottery sweepstake tickets, or coin-operated video machines; gold, silver and other precious metals that do not have authentication of quality; non-identifiable brands of medicines or foodstuffs; coca leaves and any prohibited drugs, plants or parts thereof; as well as fruits and vegetables.
Communications
The international access code for the Philippines is +63. Pre-paid sim cards can be bought at the airport and at convenience stores. However, different networks have better coverage on certain islands so visitors are advised to choose a network best suited to their destinations. Wifi access is increasingly common, even on the islands.
Passport & Visa
Everyone entering the Philippines must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival in the country. All visitors must have return or onward tickets, documents necessary for further travel, as well as sufficient funds. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days provided these criterion are met. Extensions for visas are possible and should be made with the Bureau of Immigration. Visas may be issued on arrival for stays of up to 59 days for a fee, and multiple extensions up to one year total are possible. Regarding COVID-19, foreign nationals who are not fully vaccinated are not able to enter the Philippines.
Entry requirements
United States citizens must have a passport valid on arrival. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days. Stays can be extended by 59 days multiple times, for a maximum stay of one year. No visa required for former nationals of the Philippines with proof of former Philippines nationality (old Philippines passport, birth certificate or foreign naturalization papers showing former Philippines nationality), for a maximum stay of 1 year.
British citizens must have a passport valid on arrival. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days. Stays can be extended by 59 days multiple times for a maximum stay of one year. No visa required for former nationals of the Philippines with proof of former Philippines nationality (old Philippines passport, birth certificate or foreign naturalization papers showing former Philippines nationality), for a maximum stay of 1 year.
Canadians must have a passport valid on arrival. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days. Stays can be extended by 59 days multiple times for a maximum stay of one year. No visa required for former nationals of the Philippines with proof of former Philippines nationality (old Philippines passport, birth certificate or foreign naturalization papers showing former Philippines nationality), for a maximum stay of 1 year.
Australians must have a passport valid on arrival. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days. Stays can be extended by 59 days multiple times for a maximum stay of one year. No visa required for former nationals of the Philippines with proof of former Philippines nationality (old Philippines passport, birth certificate or foreign naturalization papers showing former Philippines nationality), for a maximum stay of 1 year.
South Africans must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days. Stays can be extended by 59 days multiple times for a maximum stay of one year. No visa required for former nationals of the Philippines with proof of former Philippines nationality (old Philippines passport, birth certificate or foreign naturalization papers showing former Philippines nationality), for a maximum stay of 1 year.
Irish citizens must have a passport valid on arrival. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days. Stays can be extended by 59 days multiple times for a maximum stay of one year. No visa required for former nationals of the Philippines with proof of former Philippines nationality (old Philippines passport, birth certificate or foreign naturalization papers showing former Philippines nationality), for a maximum stay of 1 year.
New Zealand nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days. Stays can be extended by 59 days multiple times for a maximum stay of one year. No visa required for former nationals of the Philippines with proof of former Philippines nationality (old Philippines passport, birth certificate or foreign naturalization papers showing former Philippines nationality), for a maximum stay of 1 year.
Useful contacts
Philippine Department of Tourism, Manila: +63 2 459 5200 or www.tourism.gov.ph
911 is the new national emergency number, along with 8888 for public complaints.Embassies / consulates in other countries
Philippines Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 467 9300.
Philippines Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7451 1780.
Philippines Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 1121.
Philippines Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6273 2535.
Philippines Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 346 0451.
Philippines Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 890 3741.
Embassies / consulates in Philippines
United States Embassy, Manila: +63 2 301 2000.
British Embassy, Manila: +63 2 858 2200.
Canadian Embassy, Manila: +63 2 857 9000.
Australian Embassy, Manila: +63 2 757 8100.
South African Embassy, Manila: + 63 2 889 9383.
Honorary Consul of Ireland, Manila: +63 2 896 4668.
New Zealand Embassy, Manila: +63 2 234 3800.
Climate in Philippines
The country's tropical climate divides clearly into a rainy season and a dry season. The summer monsoon brings heavy rains to most of the country from May to October, and the winter monsoon brings cooler and drier air from December to February. The hottest time of year is April and May, although there is little variation in temperature all year round. Manila and most of the lowland areas are hot and dusty from March to May, when temperatures can rise to around 99°F (37°C).
However, there are variations in climate according to region, such as along the eastern seaboard, where the rainy season generally runs from December to March. Also, it's generally dry when the rest of the country is at its wettest. Average sea-level temperatures rarely drop below 80°F (27°C) so swimming is possible year-round, providing the ocean is calm. Tropical storms and typhoons are possible between July and October.
The best time to visit the Philippines is between November and April. However, this is also the peak tourist season, meaning flight and accommodation prices will be higher. The country is particularly crowded during Easter. Travellers should note that weather has become less predictable in the Philippines in recent years.