Philippines Travel Guide: Places, Activities, and Tips

The Philippines in a Nutshell

Before we name destinations, let this section of our Philippines travel guide provide some background.

The Philippines is a Southeast Asian nation in the Pacific Ocean. Around 2,000 of its 7,640 islands are inhabited.

The republic has three major island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Luzon sits in the country's northernmost area and is the biggest of the three. It also houses the capital city, Manila.

Visayas sits in the central area and is famous for its beaches.

Lastly, Mindanao is in the southernmost portion and is a biodiversity haven.

The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation. But even with Roman Catholicism as the dominant faith, numerous ethnic groups still exist around the country. Visitors will notice a mixture of various influences, resulting in a rich and complex culture.

As mentioned in the introduction, the country is a tourism hotspot. With its countless attractions, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. But it's not just the places; the locals are also why many tourists love the country.

Often, visitors will find themselves welcomed throughout their stay. Hospitality is an ingrained trait among many locals. Should you pursue your trip, this is among the many things to look forward to in your Philippines travel adventure.

Planning Your Trip to the Philippines

There are plenty of places you’d want to see and activities to try during your trip. Organize the details. Here are the things you should remember when planning:

#1: Bookings

There’s nothing wrong with having flexible travel plans. You might be a free spirit who functions better with less structure. However, a little efficiency won’t hurt you.

Transportation fares and other booking fees vary and may change without prior notice. They may also experience occasional shortages. For instance, a shipping line may sell out ferry tickets earlier than expected. Your preferred hotel accommodation may be fully booked, leaving you scrambling to find other options.

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Avoid potential problems by booking things ahead of time. This will also save you a ton of time and money.

#2: Philippines Travel Requirements

Let’s say you’re traveling to the Philippines from the USA. There aren’t many requirements for your trip. You only need these two things:

First, you should have a passport with a validity of six months and enough space for a visa stamp. No tourist visas are necessary for trips under 30 days.

Second, you should have a ticket to your country of origin or your next destination.

For travelers outside the USA, requirements may vary. Before buying your plane ticket, check online to see if you have Philippines travel requirements that need fixing. The last thing you want is for airport staff to hold your departure because of missing documents.

#3: Weather Conditions

The Philippines has a tropical climate. Expect warmer temperatures than what you’re used to.

March to April are the hottest and peak tourist months, with Airbnb’s 2023 statistics stating a 400% surge in searches for accommodation in the country compared to 2022.

Meanwhile, November to February are the coldest months. You can expect light rain, but it’s nothing to worry much about.

Let’s say you want to visit the country for a beach trip. Here’s a recommendation: go somewhere between November and April for better weather. You won’t have to worry about rain showers for that portion of the year.

However, check the country’s weather conditions, even if you haven’t made the trip yet. You don’t want to miss out on changes. Also, keep up to speed with news and current events that may affect your travel plans.

#4: Budget

Set a reasonable budget and stick to it. While you should enjoy your trip to the fullest, you shouldn’t overspend and risk emptying your wallet abroad.

Fortunately, the Philippines is a relatively affordable destination. However, prices vary depending on the location. One city may have more costly dining and accommodations, while another has cheaper choices.

Do due diligence and scout rates. Most accommodation, activity, and restaurant rates are easily accessible online. Look up potential options and compare their prices. Choose those that will give you the most value for your money.

Where to Travel in the Philippines

You’re in an archipelago; your options are endless! But having plenty of choices can be overwhelming.

Here’s a list of some of the best places to visit in the Philippines, categorized according to their respective island groups.

Luzon

As stated in the first section, Luzon is the country’s biggest island group. If you want to begin exploring the Philippines, it’s a great starting point. Here are some cities you should consider visiting:

Manila

This city often appears first if you search “where to travel in Philippines,” and for a good reason.

Manila is more than just a concrete jungle. There’s a ton to see and do, from markets to museums. Get your fill of culture by visiting Intramuros—a must for history buffs.

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Some places take you back in time to different eras. Vigan is among them, with its cobblestone streets and Spanish-inspired architecture.

Ride a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) at Calle Crisologo. Or, learn pottery at Pagburnayan Jar Factory, a homegrown establishment.

El Nido, Palawan

As you scroll through various Philippine travel blogs, you’ll notice one island that never leaves the list of recommendations—Palawan.

Within that island is El Nido, with powder-white sands, clear waters, and breathtaking cliffs.

Visayas

This island group may be the smallest among the three, but it draws just as many visitors as Luzon. These destinations are the ones that attract countless tourists:

Cebu City

According to a Department of Tourism report, Cebu is a Visayan titan. In its February 2024 Inbound Tourism Update, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport had 104,439 tourists. This number comprised 18.19% of the Philippines’ total visitor arrivals for that month.

Aptly nicknamed the Queen City of the South, Cebu offers people the best of both worlds: big-city living and island paradise. The beaches are near the metropolis, making getaways more feasible.

Chocolate Hills, Carmen, Bohol

This geological wonder is, perhaps, Bohol’s most iconic landmark. It has been a National Geological Monument since 1988. You can’t climb the hills. However, you can marvel at them from the observation deck, which takes 214 steps to reach.

Kalanggaman Island, Leyte

If you find yourself in Eastern Visayas, you may want to list this destination. Kalanggaman Island isn’t as polished as others, but its unassuming charm still draws sizable crowds.

This bird-shaped sandbar has a sanctuary underneath its shores. You’ll see beautiful corals teeming with marine life.

Mindanao

Mindanao is called “The Land of Promise” due to its rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources. Here are some stops that show the best of the island’s offerings:

Davao City

This city strikes a balance between urban living and natural sanctuary. Spend a night at Malagos Garden Resort and take in its lush greenery. If you have a more adventurous spirit, conquer Mount Apo—the Philippines’ highest mountain.

Dahilayan Adventure Park, Bukidnon

If you’re a fan of adventurous activities, Dahilayan is the place for you. Make your way to this family-friendly Bukidnon park for ziplining and bungee jumping. Do you want to take things to the extreme? The Dropzone—a 120-foot free fall—will get your adrenaline pumping.

Siargao Island

This island is a surfer’s paradise. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, it’s one of the best places to catch waves.

If you want a more relaxed vacation, you can also find it in Siargao. The island is a highly recommended place to travel in the Philippines due to its laid-back nature. Enjoy the sun, sand, and waves in this slice of tropical heaven in Northern Mindanao.

Things to Do in the Pearl of the Orient Seas

No travel guide to the Philippines is complete without a list of recommended activities. Make the most of your trip by adding these to your itinerary:

#1: Food Tasting

Filipino cuisine is a storyteller about the country’s identity. A small bite of a delicacy is a small taste of tradition. Moreover, no Philippines travel adventure is complete without trying local food.

Don’t be afraid to open your tastebuds to new flavors—they may pleasantly surprise you. Feel free to go for beloved icons like adobo or dive into regional specialties.

#2: Local Festivities

Every city or town holds its unique fiesta (festival) every year, often in celebration of a religious or historical person or event. If you happen upon a fiesta in the middle of your trip, join the celebration and see another side of your surroundings. Locals will be glad to help you learn the ropes.

#3: Historical and Cultural Immersion

Museums aren’t just display venues for artifacts; they’re a preservation of history. Each piece tells something about a place’s background. If you have the time, visit one and admire its exhibits.

A painting or a sculpture can provide enough context for a specific custom or tradition. For in-depth learning, ask the museum for a Philippine travel guide to accompany you.

#4: Island-hopping

Considering that the Philippines is an archipelago, this activity makes total sense. Some accommodations even offer it as part of their packages. That said, don’t miss out on exploring hidden gems.

Philippine Travel Tips

Make your trip less stressful and more comfortable with these sensible pointers:

#1: Travel light.

Prioritize your essentials (appropriate clothing, documents, etc.) and save some space for possible purchases. You don’t want to exceed your baggage allowance and pay extra fees. Moreover, hauling heavy suitcases will only stress you out.

#2: Prepare enough cash.

We’re in modern times, and many are switching to cashless transactions. According to Visa’s 2023 Consumer Payment Attitudes study, 43% of the surveyed Filipinos bring less cash with them because of habitual cashless transactions.

However, not every establishment accepts cashless payments. So don’t rely on one mode of payment. Ensure you carry enough cash, even if you don’t plan on buying anything.

#3: Leave enough space for travel time.

Delays, cancellations, weather conditions, and natural calamities are unpredictable elements. Leave as much travel time as possible to ensure timely arrivals and departures and manageable movement.

Here’s an example: long-haul travel to the Philippines from the USA consumes a significant portion of your trip. Dedicate an entire day to that to space out your activities.

#4: Befriend locals.

Another great thing about the Philippines is its people and their hospitality. For some tourists, it keeps them coming back for more. Others get so enamored to the point of moving and settling down here, giving their lives a reset.

When traveling to the Philippines, get to know some locals. Many Filipinos are proficient in English, so language gaps won’t be much of an issue. Not only will you be able to get help with navigation, but you’ll also gain new connections.

Make Your Way to the Philippines

The Pearl of the Seas has more than just beautiful beaches. The country has something for everyone: cultural splendors, natural wonders, and historical marvels. What’s not to like about that?

Every day during your stay in the Philippines will be eventful. You’ll always find something to do—even in quiet moments. From the places to see, things to do, and dishes to eat, you won’t get bored in your exploration of the country.

This Philippines travel cheat sheet should cover everything you should know about the country. Good luck and have fun on your trip!