The Philippines, a hidden gem in Southeast Asia, is a place brimming with beauty and discovery. Its pristine beaches beckon visitors to unwind on soft, palm-fringed shores, while the crystal-clear waters offer world-class diving and snorkelling opportunities. Beyond the coastlines, the archipelago offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences that are as unforgettable as they are diverse.

Visitors typically fall into one of two categories: those who seek the convenience of a package tour, eager to relax at well-known beach resorts in Boracay, Bohol or Puerto Galera; and the independent adventurers, drawn to explore the islands in search of excitement and thrill.

Regardless of travel style, the Philippines offers experiences that simply can't be missed. Manila, the vibrant capital, pulses with energy, a city of contrasts where chaos meets charm. The historic Intramuros, with its Spanish colonial architecture, transports visitors to another time, while Binondo, one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, buzzes with life, colour and flavour.

For nature lovers, the Philippines is nothing short of a paradise. The Chocolate Hills of Bohol, with their smooth, symmetrical peaks, are a marvel to behold. Equally mesmerising is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a stunning natural wonder that holds a place among the New 7 Wonders of Nature. With lush landscapes and breath-taking vistas at every turn, the Philippines promises a journey of discovery like no other.

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

The Philippines, a mesmerising archipelago of thousands of islands, offers an extraordinary blend of bustling cities, serene underwater landscapes, and lush, unspoilt beauty. From world-renowned surf breaks and pristine dive sites to sun-drenched beaches perfect for lounging, this Southeast Asian paradise promises an unparalleled adventure. Yet beyond its natural wonders, the destination boasts a rich cultural tapestry, waiting to be explored.

Manila is the bustling gateway to the islands and embodies a dynamic energy where modernity and history converge. Here, Spanish-colonial architecture graces the streets alongside museums that allow a deep dive into the country's storied past. Island-hopping excursions reveal a breath-taking sight as sailors glide over turquoise waters toward lush, jungle-covered beaches, a scene straight out of a dream.

For those seeking solitude and adventure, the Philippines' remote regions serve as a sanctuary. With untouched landscapes and hidden trails, they provide a haven for explorers, adventurers and hikers alike. Whether along the coastline or through the mountains, each wonderland holds a unique, magnetic pull.

Philippines travel info

Electricity

The 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 two official languages of the Philippines are Filipino (which is based on Tagalog) and English. While Tagalog is widely spoken and serves as the foundation for Filipino, many other languages are 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, but it's recommended to carry some cash for smaller establishments. ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, though access may be limited in more remote locations. While US dollars are accepted in some tourist areas such as Manila, it's usually best to exchange them for pesos. Euros and pounds sterling can also be exchanged at banks and hotels, though the exchange rates may not be as favourable.

In more urbanised areas and tourist destinations, digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly accepted in larger businesses, restaurants and high-end stores. However, their use isn't universal, especially in smaller shops or rural areas where cash remains the preferred payment method.

Most banks in the Philippines operate from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but ATMs are open 24 hours. It's a good idea for travellers to carry pesos when travelling outside of major centres or areas with more limited payment options.

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's a risk of malaria and dengue fever in more rural areas; tap water isn't safe to drink and ice in drinks should be avoided. There's also a risk of cholera and the Zika virus.

Medical care is good in Manila, though 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's needed.

Safety

The Philippines is a big country and most of it's 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, but 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. Travellers 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

In Filipino culture, the concept of hiya (shame) is crucial, as personal behaviour reflects not only on the individual but on their family as well. It's best to avoid causing embarrassment or offending anyone, especially in public. Filipinos are polite and prefer harmony, so they often communicate indirectly. Being too direct can seem impolite, meaning it's best to pay attention to subtle cues in conversation.

Hospitality is another hugely important part of the culture. When offered food or drinks, accepting them shows respect and warmth, while refusing can be seen as disrespectful. Filipinos love sharing, and accepting these gestures makes visitors feel like part of the family.

Family is central, and respect for elders is vital. Greeting older individuals with a mano (pressing their hand to one's forehead) shows respect. It's also common to defer to authority figures, such as elders or bosses.

Religion plays a large role in Filipino life, with Catholicism being dominant. Visitors should be respectful of religious customs, especially in churches. Public displays of affection can be inappropriate in rural areas.

When visiting someone's home, a modest gift is a kind gesture. Filipinos appreciate thoughtfulness, but prefer modesty. Visitors should dress casually, but be modest in religious or formal settings.

At the heart of Filipino culture is respect, warmth and community. Embracing these values will help visitors feel welcomed and show appreciation for Filipino customs.

Doing business

Third-party introductions are highly valued when conducting business in the Philippines, and face-to-face communication is essential. Emphasis is placed on building good working relationships and getting to know one another personally. Business is typically conducted in a formal manner. While punctuality is important, meetings may not always begin on time. Dressing conservatively is recommended: suits and ties are common, although many Filipino men opt for the barong tagalog, a lightweight, traditional shirt that's more comfortable in the humid climate. English is widely spoken in business circles, and standard business hours are from 8am to 5pm, Monday through 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 gaming machines (such as arcade or pinball machines) that accept coins or tokens; 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. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, convenience stores, or mobile network provider stores. However, different networks offer 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 remote islands, though quality may vary depending on the location.

Passport & Visa

Everyone entering the Philippines must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival. All visitors must also have return or onward tickets, any necessary documents for further travel, and sufficient funds. A visa is not required for stays of up to 30 days, provided these requirements are met. Visa extensions are possible and should be arranged with the Bureau of Immigration. Visas may also be issued on arrival.

Entry requirements

United States citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days, and visitors can apply for extensions if they wish to stay longer.

UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after their date of arrival. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days, and visitors can apply for extensions if they wish to stay longer.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after their date of departure. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days, and visitors can apply for extensions if they wish to stay longer.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after their date of departure. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days, and visitors can apply for extensions if they wish to stay longer.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after their date of departure. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days, and visitors can apply for extensions if they wish to stay longer.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after their date of departure. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days, and visitors can apply for extensions if they wish to stay longer.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months after their date of departure. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days, and visitors can apply for extensions if they wish to stay longer.

Useful contacts

Philippine Department of Tourism, Manila: beta.tourism.gov.ph

911 (Fire and Rescue, Medical Emergencies), 117 (Police).

Climate in Philippines

The Philippines has a tropical climate with clear rainy and dry seasons. From May to October, heavy rains pour in with the summer monsoon, while cooler, drier air rolls in from December to February during the winter monsoon. The hottest months are April and May, with temperatures sometimes climbing to around 99°F (37°C), especially in places such as Manila and other lowland areas. But overall, temperatures stay pretty steady year-round.

Different parts of the country can experience their own climate quirks. For example, the eastern seaboard tends to get its rains from December to March, while the rest of the country is usually drier. The sea temperature rarely drops below 80°F (27°C), so swimming is always an option as long as the ocean's calm. Tropical storms and typhoons can show up between July and October.

The best time to visit is between November and April, though visitors should keep in mind that this is when the country sees the most tourists, meaning flights and hotels can be pricier. It's also extra busy around Easter. Lately, however, the weather has been a bit more unpredictable.