Philippines travel guide
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, with limestone lagoons, coral reefs, rice terraces and some of the friendliest people in Asia. Most visitors combine a city stop with island-hopping in Palawan, the Visayas or Siargao. It suits beach lovers, divers and travellers happy to plan around ferries, flights and the weather.
Places worth the trip
El Nido and Coron, Palawan
Limestone cliffs, lagoons and white beaches in northern Palawan. Island-hopping boats from El Nido visit the Big and Small Lagoons, while Coron has clear lakes such as Kayangan and Second World War Japanese shipwrecks for diving.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
A navigable river that flows through a cave system into the sea, explored by paddle boat past huge chambers and rock formations. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and permits are limited each day.
Banaue and Batad rice terraces
Terraces carved into the mountains of the Cordillera by the Ifugao people over generations, part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. Batad's amphitheatre of terraces is reached by a hike.
Bohol
Known for the Chocolate Hills, more than a thousand grassy mounds that turn brown in the dry season, and for the tarsier, one of the world's smallest primates, seen at protected sanctuaries.
Siargao
A teardrop-shaped island off Mindanao known as a surfing centre, with the Cloud 9 reef break, coconut-palm roads, lagoons and island-hopping.
Manila
The capital's walled district of Intramuros has the San Agustín Church, a UNESCO-listed baroque church, and Fort Santiago. Binondo, often described as the oldest Chinatown in the world, is a good place to eat.
Vigan
A UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial town in northern Luzon, with cobbled streets, ancestral houses and horse-drawn carriages (kalesa) on Calle Crisologo.
Moalboal and Malapascua, Cebu
Moalboal is known for a sardine run of millions of fish close to shore and for turtles. Malapascua island is one of the few places where thresher sharks are regularly seen by divers.
Interesting facts about Philippines
- The Philippines is named after King Philip II of Spain.
- Jeepneys, the colourful shared minibuses, began as converted American military jeeps left after the Second World War.
- The country has one of the largest English-speaking populations in the world, and English is an official language alongside Filipino.
- Taal Volcano, south of Manila, sits on an island in a lake, which is itself inside a larger volcanic caldera.
- Christmas celebrations in the Philippines start in September, when shops and radio stations begin playing Christmas music.
Best time to visit Philippines
The dry season, roughly December to May, is the best time for island-hopping and beaches. December to February is cooler and the busiest, while March to May is hot. The wet season, from about June to November, brings rain and typhoons, especially to Luzon and the eastern Visayas, and ferries and flights can be cancelled. Weather varies by region, and some areas, such as parts of Mindanao, lie largely outside the main typhoon belt. Check forecasts and build in spare days when travelling in the wet season.
Getting around
Domestic flights are the fastest way between islands, with Manila and Cebu as the main hubs. Ferries and fast boats connect many islands and are part of the experience, but schedules change with weather. On land, buses, vans and jeepneys run between towns, and tricycles (motorbikes with sidecars) cover short trips. In Manila and Cebu, ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get around; Manila's traffic is notoriously slow, so allow plenty of time.
Practical details
- Capital
- Manila
- Currency
- Philippine peso (PHP)
- Languages
- Filipino, English
- Plug types
- A, B, C
- Voltage
- 230 V, 60 Hz
- Emergency
- 911
- Driving side
- right
- Tipping
- Not obligatory but appreciated. Many restaurants add a service charge; otherwise around 10% is usual, and tip boat crews and guides.
Staying online in Philippines
4G coverage is good in Manila, Cebu, Davao and most towns, with 5G in parts of the big cities. Speeds and coverage drop on small islands, in mountain areas and at sea between islands, and some beaches and resorts have weak signal. Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafés and malls but can be slow in remote places. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so you can book a ride from the airport.
Philippines eSIM plans
1 GB
1GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Philippines, V2
Ilimitado
Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day for Philippines, V2
Ilimitado
Unlimited Plus eSIM Data for 1 Day for Philippines, V2
3 GB
3GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Philippines, V2
Useful apps
- Grab: Book cars and order food in Manila, Cebu and other cities.
- Google Maps: Navigation and ferry port locations; download islands offline.
- Klook: Book island-hopping tours, transfers and activities.
- Windy: Track rain and typhoons, useful in the wet season when boats may be cancelled.
Philippines travel FAQs
At least two weeks to see two or three island groups, such as Palawan, Bohol and Cebu, without spending most of the time in transit. Travel between islands takes longer than the map suggests.
Yes. English is an official language and is widely understood, used on signs and in business. Learning a few words of Filipino, such as salamat (thank you), is appreciated.
Yes. Coverage is good in towns, though weaker on smaller islands. Roaming on a home plan can be expensive, so a travel eSIM gives you local data for maps and Grab while keeping your own number.
Yes, particularly on islands and for tricycles, boats and small eateries. Cards work in cities, malls and hotels, but ATMs on small islands can run out of cash or be unreliable, so bring enough pesos.