travel guide to philippines

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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10 Best Things To Do in El Nido, Palawan

How to get to el nido in palawan, explore islands around el nido by clear kayak.

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

The Philippines is defined by its emerald rice fields, teeming megacities, graffiti-splashed jeepneys, smoldering volcanoes, bug-eyed tarsiers, fuzzy water buffalo and smiling, happy-go-lucky people.

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In Canapnapan, a barangay of Corella, you can see saucer-eyed tarsiers in the wild at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. Over 100 of these territorial…

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Graced by dazzling beaches, year-round sun and numerous opportunities for diving, island-hopping and surfing, the Philippines has long attracted a steady stream of foreign visitors. That said, if you're looking to get off the beaten track, there are plenty of b eautiful alternatives to the most famous Philippines beaches .

Where to go in the Philippines

Outdoor activities in the philippines, catholic nation, videoke crazy, tailor-made travel itineraries for philippines, created by local experts.

4 days  / from 1250 USD

Tropical Escape to Palawan

Only have a few days to discover the island paradise of El Nido? Fly into Manila and take a domestic flight the next day to enjoy the white sandy beaches. Take a full day boat tour to discover the Bacuit Bay before enjoying a last dinner on the island and heading out to Manila on Day 4.

13 days  / from 2408 USD

Island Paradise Palawan

Explore the island paradise of Palawan: From the Underground River in Sabang to feeling like Robinson Crusoe on Flower Island to the popular dive and beach hang-out El Nido, this itinerary shows you the variety Palawan has to offer.

9 days  / from 2750 USD

Paradise Islands: Boracay & Palawan

Discover two paradise islands in the Philippines: world-famous Boracay and El Nido on Palawan. Enjoy luxurious hotels, white sandy beaches, a fascinating underwater world and the hospitality of the local population.

In addition, there’s far more to these islands than sand and snorkelling. Beyond the coastline are places to visit of a different nature; mystical tribal villages, ancient rice terraces, jungle-smothered peaks and crumbling Spanish churches. Look closer and you’ll see the influence of the island’s rich stew of cultures – Islamic, Malay, Spanish and American – in an exuberant array of festivals, tantalizing food and elegant colonial towns that has more in common with Latin America than the rest of Asia.

Indeed, cut off from the main Southeast Asian overland route by the South China Sea, the Philippines is often misunderstood by travellers and its Asian neighbours, casually dismissed as a supplier of maids, tribute bands, mail-order brides and corrupt politicians, epitomized by the gaudy excesses of Imelda Marcos. Don’t be put off; while poverty and corruption remain serious problems, the Philippines is far more complex – and culturally rich – than the stereotypes suggest.

The Filipino people, who speak more than 150 languages and dialects, are variously descended from early Malay settlers, Muslim Sufis from the Middle East, Spanish conquistadors and friars, and later Chinese traders. It’s an old cliché, but largely true: Filipinos take pride in making visitors welcome, even in the most rustic barrio home.

Equally important is the culture of entertaining, evident in the hundreds of colourful fiestas that are held throughout the country, many tied to the Roman Catholic calendar. Never far behind partying is eating and Filipino food is heavily influenced by Spanish and native traditions – expect plenty of fresh fish, roasted meats (pork and chicken) and a plethora of addictive desserts, many utilizing the vast array of tropical fruits on offer. As delicious as this all sounds, the Philippines is also home to some more unusual food ...

Even the politics in Asia’s first democracy is rich in showmanship and pizzazz. From Ferdinand Marcos to the “housewife President” Cory Aquino to current paparazzi favourite Ninoy Aquino, the country’s leaders have never been short on charisma. But despite impressive economic gains in the last twenty years, all have conspicuously failed to rid the country of its grinding poverty, visible everywhere you go in shanty towns and rickety barrios. Ordinary people somehow remain stoical in the face of these problems, infectiously optimistic and upbeat. This determination to enjoy life is a national characteristic, encapsulated in the common Tagalog phrase bahala na – “what will be will be”.

Most flights to the Philippines arrive in Manila, the crazy, chaotic capital which, despite first impressions, is worth at least a day or two of your time. The city’s major historical attraction is the old Spanish walled city of Intramuros, while the best museums in the country can be found in nearby Rizal Park and skyscraper-smothered Makati. There are also some worthwhile day-trips from the city; top of the list is the island of Corregidor in Manila Bay, which was fought over bitterly during World War II and, with its now-silent guns and ruins, is a poignant place to soak up the history of the conflict.

Within easy striking distance of Manila – about two hours south by road – the province of Batangas features Tagaytay with its mesmerizing views over Lake Taal, the picture-perfect crater lake with Taal Volcano in the middle. Around the small coastal town of Anilao you’ll find the best scuba diving near Manila, while the adjacent agricultural province of Laguna is known for its therapeutic hot springs and luscious buko (coconut) pies.

To the north of Manila the theme parks, beaches and wreck dives of Subic Bay make a tempting break before the long bus ride to the extraordinary attractions and spell-binding mountain scenery of northern Luzon. From the mountain city of Baguio, it’s a rough but memorable trip north along winding roads to tribal communities such as Sagada, known for its hanging coffins, and Banaue, where you can trek through awe-inspiring rice-terrace countryside. Off Luzon’s northern tip are the alluring islands of Batanes, one of the country’s greatest secrets, while along Luzon’s west coast you can surf around San Fernando or explore the ravishing colonial town of Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Head south from Manila through the Bicol region and you’ll reach perhaps the best-known of Philippine volcanoes, Mayon, an almost perfect cone that towers over the city of Legaspi and is a strenuous four- or five-day climb. Around Donsol you can swim with whale sharks, and in Bulusan Volcano National Park trek through lush rainforest to waterfalls, hot springs and volcanic craters. Even further off the tourist trail, Catanduanes offers excellent surfing while Marinduque is a pastoral island backwater that only gets touristy for the annual Moriones festival, held at Easter.

For most visitors, the myriad islands and islets of the Visayas, right at the heart of the archipelago, are top of the agenda. The captivating little island of Boracay, with its pristine beach, is on almost everyone’s itinerary. If Boracay’s a little too touristy for you, try Panglao Island off Bohol, the tantalizing beaches and waters of Malapascua off the northern top of Cebu Island or tiny Apo Island near Negros, a marine reserve where the only accommodation is in rustic cottages. For trekking and climbing make for Mount Kanlaon National Park on Negros, one of the country’s finest wilderness areas. The largest city in the Visayas, Cebu City, is the arrival point for a limited number of international flights – as well as a major hub for domestic flights – making it a good alternative base to Manila. It’s friendly, affordable and has a buzzing nightlife scene, with great restaurants and live music.

If you’re looking for some serious diving (see also Diving in the Philippines), head for Puerto Galera on the northern coast of Mindoro Island. It also boasts some excellent beaches, and trekking through the jungled interior to tribal communities. There’s more world-class diving off the west coast of Mindoro at Apo Reef, although you’ll have to join a liveaboard boat to get here.

To the west of the archipelago, out in the northern Sulu Sea, is the bewitching island of Palawan, most of it still wild and unspoiled. Many visitors come for the superb scuba diving, especially on the sunken World War II wrecks around Coron Town in the Calamian Islands to the north of Palawan proper. Palawan itself is home to the seaside town of El Nido and the Bacuit archipelago, hundreds of gem-like limestone islands with sugar-white beaches and lagoons. From Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s likeable capital, strike out for the laidback beach town of Port Barton or the Underground River, a entrancing cavern system only accessible by boat.

In the far south, the large island of Mindanao has long been the Muslim heartland of the Philippines, with enticing destinations ranging from the surf beaches and secret lagoons of Siargao Island, to the pristine waters of the Enchanted River and tribal homelands of the T’boli people around Lake Sebu in the south. Off the island’s northern coast, one of the area’s major attractions is the wonderfully friendly and scenic island of Camiguin. Mindanao’s biggest city is durian-capital Davao, from where you can head inland to Mount Apo, the tallest mountain in the archipelago and a tough ascent even for experienced climbers. Note that much of western Mindanao, including the Sulu archipelago, is dangerous to visit because of continuing Muslim separatist unrest.

Discover more places in Philippines

• Palawan, Philippines
• Southern Luzon, Philippines
• The Visayas, Philippines
• Philippines history and timeline

There are some superb wilderness areas in the Philippines and dozens of volcanoes and mountains to be climbed, from the tallest in the country, Mount Apo (2954m), to more manageable peaks close to Manila in Batangas and Rizal provinces, some of which can be tackled in a day-trip. The country also offers opportunities for caving, whitewater rafting, surfing and sailing. When it comes to sport, basketball and boxing are among the biggest passions in the Philippines.

But for a sizeable proportion of the tourists who visit the Philippines every year, the main attraction is the scuba diving. The abundance of exceptional dive sites and the high standard of diving instruction available have made the archipelago one of the world’s foremost diving destinations.

Scuba diving

Diving is one of the most popular activities in the Philippines and one of the best dive sites in the world. It’s possible year-round here, with surface water temperatures in the 25–28°C range, the warmest conditions being from February to June. On deeper dives temperatures can drop to 22°C due to the upwelling of deeper, cooler water, so a wet suit is essential. During the typhoon season from June to November, be prepared for your plans to be disrupted if a major storm hits and dive boats are unable to venture out. Visibility depends on water temperature, the strength of the current and wind direction, but generally lies in 10–30m range, as good as anywhere in the world. Popular locations include the coast around Palawan, the wrecks around Coron Town, Puerto Galera, Padre Burgos, Anilao and the more remote but scintillating reefs at Tubbataha and Apo.

Most dives cost around P1800 to P2000, including rental of the boat and equipment such as mask, booties, wet suit, fins, weight belt and air tanks. For night dives and more demanding technical dives, expect to pay around P500 extra. If you’ve booked a package, two dives a day will normally be included in the cost.

All PADI-accredited resorts offer a range of courses run by qualified professional instructors. If you haven’t been diving before and aren’t sure if you’ll take to it, try a gentle twenty-minute “discovery dive”, guided by an instructor for around P1500, or the longer PADI Discover Scuba Diving course for around P3000. The main course for beginners is the PADI Open Water Diver Course (from P18,000) which will allow you to dive at depths up to 18m. You might want to consider doing the pool sessions and written tests before you travel, then doing the checkout dives at a PADI resort in the Philippines. It saves time and means you don’t have to slave over homework in the tropical heat. If you choose this option, make sure you bring your PADI referral documents with you.

Once you’ve passed the course and been given your certification card, you are free to dive not just anywhere in the Philippines, but anywhere in the world. You might also want to take another step up the diving ladder by enrolling in a more advanced course. There are many to choose from, including Advanced Open Water Diver (from P14,000), Emergency First Response (from P6000), which is also suitable for non-divers and Rescue Diver (from P18,000).

Liveaboards

There are two great advantages to diving from a liveaboard (a boat that acts as a mobile hotel) – you can get to places that are inaccessible by bangka and once you’re there you can linger for a night or two. Liveaboards allow you to explore terrific destinations such as Apo Reef off the coast of Mindoro and Tubbataha in the Sulu Sea, arguably the best dive spot in the country. Packages include all meals and dives, but vary significantly according to destination; Tubbataha costs at least US$1200–1600 per week, while trips around Coron start at around US$130 per day. Most of the boats used have air-conditioned en-suite cabins for two. Packages often include unlimited diving and are always full board.

Diving dos and don’ts

Divers can cause damage to reefs, sometimes inadvertently. Be aware of your fins because they can break off coral heads that take years to re-grow. Don’t grab coral to steady yourself and always maintain good buoyancy control – colliding with a reef can be destructive. Don’t kick up sediment, which can choke and kill corals. For more information about reef conservation efforts in the Philippines, check out wwww.oceanheritage.com.ph, the website of the Ocean Heritage Foundation, a local environmentalist group. Below is a list of additional dos and don’ts:

• Collecting aquatic life - Resist the temptation to take home corals or shells, and never take souvenirs from wreck dives or remove anything dead or alive – except rubbish – from the ocean.
• Riding aquatic life - Hard to credit, but some divers still think it’s a great lark to hang onto the back of a turtle or manta ray. Simply put, there are no circumstances in which this is right.
• Spear-fishing - This has been outlawed in the Philippines, and environmental groups are increasingly reporting spear-fishers to the authorities for prosecution.
• Touching and handling aquatic life - For many organisms this is a terrifying and injurious experience. Handling marine life is best left to people who have experience with the creatures concerned.

Trekking and climbing

The Philippines offer plenty of opportunities to explore pristine wilderness areas. Luzon, for example, has the Sierra Madre and the Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park in Kalinga, both rarely visited by tourists and offering exhilarating trekking through dense rainforest and across dizzying peaks. In Bicol there are some terrific volcano climbs (Mount Mayon and Mount Isarog, for instance), while Mindoro, Palawan and the Visayas between them have dozens of national parks, heritage areas, wildlife sanctuaries and volcanoes. Mount Kanlaon, an active volcano in Negros, is one of the country’s more risky climbs, while the nearby Northern Negros Forest Reserve is a raw, mesmerizing landscape of peaks, waterfalls and fumaroles, typical of wilderness areas throughout the archipelago.

The country actually has more than sixty national parks and protected areas, but because funds for their management are scarce, you won’t find the kind of infrastructure that exists in national parks in the West. While the most popular climbs – Mount Apo in Mindanao and Mount Pulag in Mountain province, for example – have trails that are relatively easy to find and follow, it’s important to realize that trails are generally poorly maintained and hardly marked, if they’re marked at all. There are seldom more than a few badly paid wardens or rangers responsible for huge tracts of land. Where accommodation exists, it will be extremely basic. Some national parks have administrative buildings where you might be able to get a bed in a dorm for the night, or where you can roll out a mattress or sleeping bag on the floor. They may also have basic cooking facilities, but the closest you’ll get to a shower is filling a bucket and washing outside. Deep within park territory, the best you can hope for is a wooden shack to shelter in for the night.

This lack of facilities means you’ll need to hire a reliable guide. Often, the place to make contact with guides is the municipal hall in the barangay or town closest to the trailhead. Fees range from P800–1500 per day depending where you are, plus food and water, which you’ll have to bring with you as it’s unlikely you’ll come across anywhere to buy anything once you’re on the trail.

There are some outdoor shops in big cities – mainly Manila – where you can buy a basic frame-tent for P3000 and a sleeping bag for P1500. Other essentials such as cooking equipment, lanterns and backpacks are also available, and you may be able to rent some items, though the range of gear on offer is limited even in the best shops.

It’s hardly surprising that caving – spelunking – is a growth industry, as there are huge caves to explore throughout the country. The largest cave systems are in northern Luzon – in Sagada and in Cagayan province near Tuguegarao, where the Peñablanca Protected Area has three hundred caves, many deep, dangerous and not yet fully explored. The other exciting caving area is the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Samar.

Whitewater rafting

Whitewater rafting is becoming more popular in the Philippines, notably along the Cagayan River and Chico River in northern Luzon and Cagayan de Oro River in Mindanao. Zip lines have mushroomed all over the islands, but some are much tamer than others – some of the best are near Cagayan de Oro and Davao. You can also take a thrilling ride in a microlight near Cagayan de Oro.

Surfing is also becoming popular, with good waves in eastern Bicol, Catanduanes, eastern Mindanao (especially Siargao Island and Tandag), and around San Fernando in La Union. There are also any number of hard-to-reach areas in the archipelago that are visited only by a handful of die-hard surfers, such as Baler in northern Luzon, or around Borongan in eastern Samar.

The Filipinos embraced basketball as they did everything else American, from pizza to popcorn. Every barrio and town has a basketball court, even if all it consists of are a couple of makeshift baskets nailed to wooden poles in the church plaza. The major league – the equivalent of the NBA – is the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA; wwww.pba.com.ph), founded in 1975. Ten teams compete for honours, all of them sponsored by a major corporation and taking their sponsors’ name. You might find yourself watching Meralco Bolts play Powerade Tigers, or San Miguel Beermen take on Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters. PBA games are all played in Manila for details.

The San Miguel Beermen is the most successful team, while the Barangay Ginebra Kings is the most popular. The players are household names to most Filipinos; James Yap (with the Derby Ace Llamados), Jayjay Helterbrand (Barangay Ginebra Kings), Kelly Williams (Talk ’N Text), Willie Miller (Barangay Ginebra Kings) and Dondon Hontiveros (San Miguel Beermen) command huge attention.

Boxing has been big business in the Philippines since the Americans introduced the sport in the early twentieth century. In recent years, one name stands out in particular: Manny “the Pacman” Pacquiao, the poor boy from Mindanao who became world champion. Though you are unlikely to see the great man himself, fights are held almost every week, with major venues in Caloocan (Manila), Cebu City, Mandaluyong (Manila), Tagaytay City, Victoria (Negros) and Taytay in the Luzon province of Rizal. Tickets are cheap and often sell out; whenever there’s a bout of any significance Filipinos gather around every available television set. You can check schedules for fights at wwww.philboxing.com.

In addition to Manny Pacquiao, at the time of writing the Philippines could boast another four world champions: Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Gerry Peñalosa, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and Brian “Hawaiian Punch” Viloria.

Every town and city in the country has some sort of billiards hall, even if it’s just a few old tables on the pavement, where games are played by kerosene lamps, between locals, for the price of a few San Miguels. The sport has always been popular – it’s cheap and reasonably accessible – but has boomed over the past decade because of the success of Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante. Reyes, sometimes called “The Magician”, is one of the pool world’s great characters; a diminutive fellow with a toothy grin, he picked up the nickname “Bata” (“The Kid”) while helping out in his uncle’s pool halls in Manila as a child. He was born in Pampanga province, to the north of Manila, and can still occasionally be found on a Friday or Saturday night shooting pool in his hometown bars around Clark, good-naturedly scalping unsuspecting tourists’ drinks. In 2006, Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante represented their country as Team Philippines and won the inaugural World Cup of Pool by defeating Team USA – a victory of major significance for a country with few global sporting heroes. They repeated the feat in 2009.

Cockfighting

Cockfighting is the Filipino passion few Westerners get to see or understand, for obvious reasons. It’s a brutal blood sport where fighting cocks literally peck and jab each other to death as onlookers make bets on the outcome. The fight begins when the two roosters are presented to each other in the pit. Both have a razor-sharp curved blade three inches long strapped to their leg. The fight is over in a burst of feathers in no more than a few minutes, when one rooster is too bloodied and wounded, or simply too dead, to peck back at its opponent when provoked. To make the evening last, most major cockfights feature seven contests. Anyone who likes animals should definitely stay well away.

If you do attend a cockfight (sabong in Tagalog), you’ll be experiencing Filipino culture at its rawest – at the very least it might make you think again about how much “American influence” dominates the culture. It’s best to start at one of the major cockpits in Manila, or ask your hotel for the nearest place to see one. Entrance fees are minimal, but you’ll rarely see women attending – the cockpit is the exclusive preserve of men, who see it as an egalitarian refuge from the world’s woes, a place where class differences are temporarily put to one side and everyone wears flip-flops and vests. In Manila foreign females should be OK at the main venues, but in the provinces you’ll probably feel more comfortable with a male companion.

Cockfighting and the Filipino

Cockfighting has a long history in the Philippines. National hero José Rizal, martyred by the Spanish in 1896, once pointed out that the average Filipino loves his rooster more than he does his children.

Contrary to received wisdom, cockfighting was not introduced to the country by the Spanish. When conquistadors landed in Palawan shortly after the death of Magellan, they discovered native men already breeding domestic roosters to fight, putting them in shared cages and letting them scrap over small amounts of food.

Social scientists say cockfighting is popular in the Philippines because it reflects the national passion for brevity or a quick payoff, the trait of ningas cogon (cogon being a wild grass that burns ferociously and quickly). Part of the appeal is the prize money. For a P200 entrance fee, a struggling farmer from the backwoods could finish the day with P300,000 in his pocket, all thanks to a trusty rooster he has groomed and trained assiduously for months.

Catholicism was introduced to the Philippines in 1521 with the arrival of Magellan, and today around 80 percent of the population is Roman Catholic; just 10 percent is Protestant, 5 to 10 percent Muslim and the remainder Buddhist, animist and other religions. Every barangay, town and city has its patron saint, for whom grand fiestas are held annually, and churches, many beautifully weathered colonial relics, are well attended. Daily life, too, is shot through with Catholic imagery, whether it’s government announcements in the press urging people to pray the rosary, or television footage of god-fearing presidential candidates appealing to the heavens for guidance.

Millions of Filipinos depend on jeepneys – a kind of informal minibus service – to get to school and the office, or to transport livestock to market. Jeepneys are able to operate where roads are too narrow for regular buses, and as a result most travellers end up using them at least once – despite the discomfort, for many it’s one of the highlights of their trip, a genuine slice of Filipino life.

The original jeepneys, cannibalized from vehicles left behind by departing Americans at the end of World War II, have evolved over the past five decades into the mass-produced versions that you see on the streets today, decorated with chrome trinkets, blinking fairy lights and images of celebrities. Others sport religious mottos, crucifixes and images of saints, perhaps understandable given the high accident rates they rack up.

Videoke - “video karaoke” - is a major fad in the Philippines, with cheap videoke bars in almost every town and neighbourhood. While it can be fun to participate in a Filipino singing session, being regaled by drunken wailings wafting through your hotel window in the early hours isn’t so amusing. Adding to the mix, most Filipino families own one (or more) karaoke machines that are used throughout the week, but especially on special occasions, birthdays and weddings. Incidentally, a Filipino inventor (Roberto del Rosario) actually holds the patent for the karaoke machine.

Travel advice for Philippines

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Philippines

• Culture and Etiquette in Philippines
• Eating and drinking in Philippines
• How to get to Philippines
• Getting around Philippines: Transportation Tips
• Travel Health Philippines
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Philippines
• Shopping tips for Philippines
• Travel Tips Philippines for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Philippines
• How to get a Philippines Visa

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Philippines

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Barangays
• 4.2.1 Under Spanish rule
• 4.2.2 American and Japanese occupation
• 4.2.3 Post-independence era
• 4.4 Culture
• 4.5 Politics
• 4.6 Religion
• 4.7 Climate
• 4.8.1 Dates
• 4.8.2 Festivals
• 4.10 Units of measure
• 4.11.1 History, documentary
• 4.11.2 Literature
• 4.13 Listen
• 4.14 See also
• 4.15 Topics in the Philippines
• 4.16 Tourist information
• 6.1.1 Visas
• 6.1.2 Alien registration and the Balikbayan program
• 6.1.3 Minors
• 6.2 Arrival and customs
• 6.3 By plane
• 6.4 By boat
• 7.1 Finding your way
• 7.2 By plane
• 7.3.1 Ticketing
• 7.4 By train
• 7.6.1 Motorcycle taxis
• 7.7 By taxi
• 7.8.1 Inter-island trips
• 7.8.2 Metro Manila
• 7.10 By jeepney
• 7.11 By tricycle
• 7.12 By bicycle
• 8.1 Historical and cultural attractions
• 8.2 Beaches and islands
• 8.3 Landscapes
• 9.1 Scuba diving
• 10.2 Currency conversion
• 10.3 Banking
• 10.4 Mobile payments
• 10.5 Tipping
• 10.7 Shopping
• 10.8 Supermarkets and convenience stores
• 11.1 Dietary restrictions
• 14.1 Tertiary education
• 14.2 Learning English
• 14.3 Others
• 16.1.1 Police
• 16.1.2 Traffic police
• 16.1.3 Private security
• 16.1.4 Barangay tanod
• 16.3 Road travel
• 16.4 Corruption
• 16.5 Begging
• 16.6 Female travelers
• 16.7 Racism
• 16.8 Homosexuality
• 16.9 Sex and prostitution
• 16.10 Drugs
• 16.11.1 Monsoon rains and floods
• 16.11.2 Typhoons
• 16.11.3 Tornadoes
• 16.11.4 Earthquakes and tsunamis
• 16.11.5 Volcanoes
• 16.12 Civil conflict
• 16.13 Terrorism
• 16.14 Political unrest and protests
• 16.15 Firearms
• 17.1 Food and drink
• 17.2 Diseases
• 17.3 Healthcare
• 17.4 Sexually transmitted diseases
• 18.1 Electricity
• 18.2 Toilets and bathrooms
• 18.3 Religious services
• 18.4 Television and video
• 18.5 Smoking
• 18.6 Embassies and consulates
• 18.7 Plastics
• 18.8 Funds transfer
• 19.1 Things to do
• 19.2.1 Political issues
• 19.4 Eating and drinking
• 19.5 Religion
• 19.6 Animal ethics and the environment
• 19.7 Others
• 19.8 Culture shock
• 20.1.1 Cell phones
• 20.2 Internet
• 20.4 Newspapers

The Philippines ( Filipino : Pilipinas ), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( Republika ng Pilipinas ), is an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands in Southeast Asia .

The country has one of the world's longest coastlines with many fine beaches and excellent diving . There is great cultural diversity due to the many islands, many waves of immigration, and a mixture of foreign influences — the country has been trading with nearby nations for several thousand years and was a Spanish colony from the late 1500s to 1898, then American until 1946. It would take decades to visit and experience everything.

Many locals speak English well and most of the others have at least some English. Food and accommodations are cheap, many destinations have excellent infrastructure, and the people are cheerful and friendly; perhaps the easiest way to recognize a Filipino abroad is to see who has the broadest smile.

Regions [ edit ]

Wikivoyage divides the country into four island groupings:

The Philippine government's administrative system uses three top-level regions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. They treat Palawan as part of the Mimaropa region, administered under Luzon. Below that are 18 lower-level regions, 80 provinces, 120 cities and many rural municipalities.

Cities [ edit ]

With a population of 109 million as of the 2020 census, the Philippines has many cities. Listed below are some of the most important cities for visitors.

• 14.583333 121 1 Metro Manila - the National Capital Region is one of the largest cities in the world and a place of huge contrasts, from ultra-modern buildings and affluent districts to slums plagued with garbage and crime; its pollution, traffic jams, and the scarcity of historical sights may discourage visitors, but the smiling, stoical and resourceful people, and the staggering variety of culture and entertainment, are its saving grace.
• 10.676458 122.950917 2 Bacolod - known as the "City of Smiles" because of the MassKara Festival (Máscara in Spanish) held annually on 19 October, it is one of the gateways to Negros Island and the home of the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal.
• 16.411944 120.593333 3 Baguio - Luzon 's summer capital because of its cool weather, it boasts well-maintained parks and scenic areas, and is the home of the "Igorot", the indigenous peoples of the Cordilleras.
• 8.483333 124.65 4 Cagayan de Oro - known as the "City of Golden Friendship", it is popular for white water rafting and is the gateway to Northern Mindanao.
• 10.293 123.902 5 Cebu City - the "Queen City of the South" was the first Spanish base in the Philippines and is a major center for commerce, industry, culture and tourism; Metro Cebu is the country's second largest urban area, after Metro Manila.
• 7.066667 125.6 6 Davao - the largest city in the world in terms of land area, is known for its Durian fruit and for being the home of Mount Apo , the Philippines' tallest mountain.
• 9.65 123.85 7 Tagbilaran - capital of Bohol , a major tourist area.
• 17.57472 120.38694 8 Vigan - the capital of Ilocos Sur and a UNESCO World Heritage Site ; its city center is the finest example of Spanish colonial architecture in the Philippines with well-preserved, cobbled streets.
• 6.904167 122.076111 9 Zamboanga - known as "La Ciudad Latina de Asia" (Asia's Latin City), it is the melting pot between the Philippines' Christian and Muslim cultures, boasting old mosques, grand churches and historic colonial structures.

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 11.975 121.9225 2 Boracay is a 10-km-long island featuring white sands, one of the country's best-known resort areas.
• 12.908333 123.598056 3 Donsol is the Whale Shark Capital of the world, dive and see whale sharks.
• 11.195556 119.4075 4 El Nido has dozens of limestone islands that form a stunningly beautiful karst topography permeated by crystal-clear bays and lagoons, still relatively unspoiled by mass tourism
• 11.333333 124.116667 5 Malapascua Island features a beautiful white sand shoreline and coral gardens.
• 13.256667 123.685 6 Mayon Volcano , an active volcano which local tourist literature claims has the world's most perfect stratovolcano cone.
• 9.6 123.816667 7 Panglao Island in Bohol Province, a resort island with fine beaches. The rest of the province has other attractions including the Chocolate Hills and wild tarsiers (tiny primates).
• 13.5 120.954167 8 Puerto Galera on Mindoro , a diving destination, and also a favorite getaway for Filipinos during Holy Week because of its white sand shorelines and its amazing flora.
• 14.01 120.9975 9 Taal Volcano is an active volcano with a lake in its caldera, located in another lake that is the caldera of a larger dormant volcano. It is quite scenic, and close enough to Manila to be popular as a weekend trip.

Understand [ edit ]

With over 7,100 islands and 300,000 km 2 (120,000 sq mi) of territory between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea (called the "West Philippine Sea" in the Philippines), the Philippines is the second largest archipelago, after nearby Indonesia. The islands are mostly volcanic in origin, covered with tropical rainforest and fertile soil, but much of the rainforest has been cut down. The terrain varies considerably, but many of the coasts have a lot of bays and headlands, and many of the larger islands have mountainous interiors. The coasts also have many coral reefs.

The climate is tropical, with constantly high humidity and high, stable temperatures, so prepare to change clothes frequently under the sweltering heat. Mountainous areas are the exception to the norm, rather temperate with mildly cool temperatures during the cool dry season from November to March. Frost forms on mountainous areas during the cool months, but there is no snowfall, as temperatures never drop below freezing and peaks do not rise above 4,000 m (13,000 ft).

The country has problems like crime, corruption, poverty, and internal conflicts. There is ongoing conflict between the Philippine government and Islamic separatists in Mindanao , and with Communist rebels (New People's Army) elsewhere. Spillovers of hostilities into large cities have occurred. The red tape, bribery, and excessive patronage associated with Philippines' bureaucracy has been reduced, but some locals still distrust government. Crimes and illegal drugs are commonplace, but you are more likely to encounter them if you venture into rough areas. Western nations have discouraged travel to the country because of safety and security concerns.

Despite the first impressions of the Philippines as relatively economically developed, it remains a developing country struggling with income inequality and poverty. Most Filipinos struggle to live with as little as ₱400-600 (about US$8-12 as of 2019) a day, whether it be a farmer or a salesperson or fast food crew. The sosyal (socialites) and nouveaux riches , on the other hand, will be seen cruising in their luxury cars, owning guarded mansions, and sending their children to prestigious private schools. Some people without work resort to informal work or committing crime to earn a living. The capital, Metro Manila , is suffering from its notorious traffic jams, and slums can be found in many places, sometimes in stark contrast to skyscrapers in its business districts like Makati . Economic and political centralization, often called "Imperial Manila" by critics, remains the cause of the economic plight in many provinces and increased calls for regional self-determination. As with the rest of Southeast Asia , the Philippines is also blighted with uncontrolled development causing urban sprawl, lack of pedestrian- and wheelchair-friendly facilities in many locations, and uncollected garbage.

Barangays [ edit ]

The lowest administrative level in the Philippine system is the barangay , a rural district or an urban neighborhood. Each has a barangay captain, and many have an elected council and/or their own neighbourhood security force called tanod . Nearly all have a barangay hall, often with other facilities like a health clinic, daycare centres or recreation center either in the same building or nearby. Barangays may have basketball courts, some variation of a jeepney stop or kiss & ride and a public/satellite market (that usually runs occasionally).

Addresses or directions in the Philippines usually include the barangay name. Be sure to know it if you will have to direct a taxi or tricycle driver.

Barangay offices issue a variety of permits: criminal record checks, government issued identification, and so on. Filipinos need a barangay clearance form, which serves as a character and neighbourhood reference, as a foundation document for job applications. Barangays also administer programs like free flu shots for seniors (foreigners included), though COVID shots are more often arranged by city or regional governments.

Anyone taking up long-term residence in the Philippines would be well advised to at least visit their barangay office and introduce themselves so that they will be recognized when they need a permit, a flu shot, a waste collection complaint or whatever.

The word barangay may have come from balangay — the type of boat that Austronesian settlers arrived on — or from Spanish barrio , which it replaced as the official term in the 1970s. It is now the standard word in Philippine English, in Tagalog, and in many of the country's other languages.

History [ edit ]

The first major wave of settlers in the Pacific crossed shallow seas and land bridges from mainland Asia starting around 70,000 BCE, and the oldest site so far found in the Philippines is Tabon Man on Palawan, about 45,000 BCE. These were Melanesians , ancestors of some Filipinos, most Papuans, and all Aboriginal Australians. Direct descendants of these people,the Negritos or Aetas , can still be found in Negros Oriental , northern Luzon , and other areas. Today they mostly live in the mountains, having been driven out of the prime coastal areas by later immigrants.

A few thousand years BCE, they were followed by Austronesian settlers travelling the same route but this time over sea in their impressive balangay boats. This word is where the name of the Filipino political institution the barangay came from. The Austronesian ethnolinguistic group includes Malays, Indonesians and Polynesians, and is spread as far as Hawaii, Easter Island, New Zealand and Madagascar. Its origins are a matter of scholarly controversy. One widely held theory has them coming from Taiwan , and travelling south to the Philippines. Other theories put their origins in southern China, in mainland Southeast Asia or in mainland China's Liangzhu Culture .

A large majority of Filipinos today are of Austronesian descent and linguists classify all the Filipino languages as members of the Austronesian family. However, having been a trading nation for thousands of years, a colony for several hundred, and a destination for tourists and retirees for decades, the country includes descendants of many other ethnic groups. The largest non-indigenous minority group are the Chinese, mainly Hokkien speakers whose family origins are in southern Fujian province, and Manila's Chinatown is the oldest one in the world. The Philippines has many religions , most introduced by various traders or invaders; the most important are Catholic Christianity and Sunni Islam .

Under Spanish rule [ edit ]

When the explorer Ferdinand Magellan set foot on the island of Homonhon in 1521, he was the first European to reach the archipelago. His crew were treated to a feast by the welcoming islanders who wore elaborate tattoos. Magellan was Portuguese, but it was a Spanish expedition which he led to the islands. Lapu-Lapu, a native chief of Mactan Island , fought a battle with Magellan; the natives won and Magellan was killed.

In 1565 an expedition under Miguel López de Legazpi arrived to claim the country as a Spanish colony. The colony was named for Crown Prince Philip II of Spain and most of the natives converted to Catholicism. Some Muslims in the south and various animistic mountain tribes, however, resisted Spanish conquest and Catholic conversion.

In the period of Spanish rule galleons brought large amounts of silver from Acapulco to Manila, and this had a large effect on trade across much of Asia. The Manila galleons made contact with Mexico and the rest of the Americas. Mayans and Aztecs settled in the Philippines and introduced their cultures which were embraced by the Filipinos. The Philippines were heavily influenced by Mexico and Spain and the archipelago became Hispanized. Filipinos and other Asians used the Manila galleons to migrate to the West.

The longest revolt against Spanish colonization was led by Francisco Dagohoy in Bohol and this lasted for 85 years covering the period of 1744-1829. There were several other revolts; see Philippine Revolution for one and Mindanao#Understand for resistance by Muslims in the south. During Spanish rule, European powers such as the Dutch, Portuguese and British also tried to colonize the country; none succeeded.

The Philippines remained a Spanish colony for over 300 years until 1899 when it was ceded by Spain to the United States following the Spanish-American War.

American and Japanese occupation [ edit ]

The Filipinos declared independence in 1898 and resisted the American occupation for seven long, brutal years until surrender completed the occupation of the Philippines.

The war was quite controversial in the U.S., and famous writers weighed in on both sides. Rudyard Kipling, an Englishman born in India and very much in favour of Empire, urged America to "Take up the White Man's Burden" while Mark Twain wrote "the United States paid poor decrepit old Spain $20,000,000 for the Philippines. It was just a case of this country buying its way into good society ... like an American heiress buying a Duke or an Earl. Sounds well, but that's all."

The American presence remained until World War II when Japan invaded the Philippines. The retreating American General Douglas McArthur famously promised "I shall return", and did so later in the war. There is a monument on Leyte Island where he landed and various other wartime ruins or monuments around the country; Coron is famous for wreck diving because the U.S. Navy sank a number of Japanese ships there in 1944.

On 4 July 1946, the Philippines was granted independence by the U.S., becoming the first country in Asia to gain independence from a colonial power. The U.S. continued to maintain a significant military presence until the early 1990s, especially in the Subic Naval Base in Zambales and Clark Air Base in Angeles City . Both were quite important during the Vietnam War .

Post-independence era [ edit ]

Until the 1960s, the Philippines was widely considered to be the second most developed country in Asia after Japan. Several decades of misrule by the corrupt dictator Ferdinand Marcos then plunged the country into deep debt. Poverty became widespread and infrastructure for development was severely lacking. In 1986, the People Power uprising overthrew the Marcos government during so-called the EDSA Revolution. He was replaced by Corazon Aquino , widow of murdered opposition leader, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr.

In the late 20th century, corruption was one of the main problems of the country. The country suffered slightly in the 1997 Asian financial crisis; that led to a second EDSA revolt which overthrew President Joseph Estrada; the vice-president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (daughter of one of the former presidents), took his place. After her term ended in 2010, Benigno Aquino III (nicknamed "Noynoy" and "Pnoy"), son of Corazon and Benigno Aquino, Jr., was elected president.

In mid-2016, a new president was elected, Rodrigo Duterte . He had been mayor of Davao , and earned the nickname "the punisher" by cleaning up the gang warfare that plagued that city in the 1990s. Critics claim he did that largely by encouraging police and vigilantes to execute gang members without trial. In the presidential campaign, he vowed to clean up corruption and the drug trade (especially shabu , or crystal methamphetamine, which is a serious problem in the country) and critics now accuse him of using similar tactics nationwide. Western media sources put the death toll around 1,000 a month since he became president, though the numbers are neither precise nor undisputed. On September 30, 2016, Duterte stated that he would like to emulate Hitler's Holocaust by exterminating 3 million drug users and dealers in the country, so it is safe to assume the killings will continue as long as he is in office. Despite much condemnation from the West, Duterte remains popular among Filipinos, many of whom are weary of having to deal with drug dealers and violent crime on a daily basis, and appreciate Duterte's efforts to deal with those problems. Moreover, Duterte has also invested substantially in improving infrastructure, leading to an improvement in the standard of living of many regular Filipinos. Duterte left office at the end of his term in 2022, and was succeeded by Bongbong Marcos, the son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, while Duterte's daughter Sara Duterte was elected vice president.

Things have been improving slowly on the economic front but the Philippines is still largely a poor country. According to the Philippines Statistical Authority, in 2018 16.6% of Filipinos had income not sufficient to meet their basic food and non-food needs. This would mean monthly income of less than ₱10,727 for a family of five. 5.2% of Filipinos had income that was not enough to meet just the basic food needs, e.g. monthly income for a family of five less than ₱7,528 . These rates improved from 23.3% and 9.1% respectively since 2015. As a result, one of the major exports is labor: around 10% of Filipinos live abroad, either as immigrants or as contract workers, and remittances from those people account for over 10% of the nation's GDP.

People [ edit ]

The Philippines has population of approximately 109 million people in 2020, and is second most populous in Southeast Asia, behind Indonesia, and the eighth in Asia, ahead of Japan. The population is concentrated in regions like Metro Manila , Central Luzon , Calabarzon , and Cebu . Most of the population is along the coasts, and the mountain areas are more sparsely settled.

Filipinos are a multicultural people hailing from over 175 ethnic groups and tribes, mostly defined by language, and are mostly of Austronesian origin. In terms of religion, Filipinos are majority Christian, with significant Muslim and animist minorities. Trading, colonization and globalization also brought immigrant populations that contributes to the Filipino melting pot; there is a significant number of Filipinos with Chinese, Arab, Hispanic, European, and American mixtures.

The largest ethnic groups of the Philippines are the Tagalogs (24.4%), the Visayans (11.4%), the Cebuanos (9.9%), the Ilocanos (8.8%), the Hiligaynon or Ilonggos (8.4%), the Bicolanos (6.8%) and the Waray (4%). The remaining 26.3% of the population goes to the Muslim Filipino (Moro) ethnic groups, the Kapampangan, the Pangasinenses, the Ibanag, the Ivatan, and a hundred more ethnic groups, plus indigenous peoples and immigrants. Indigenous peoples like the Igorot of the Luzon Cordilleras , the Mangyan of Mindoro , the Lumad of Mindanao , and the various Negrito ( Aeta / Ati / Ita ) tribes scattered throughout the archipelago compose about 3% of the population.

Immigrants form about 1-2% percentage of the Philippine population, with the largest being the Filipino Chinese (~2 million). Most of the Chinese immigrants to the Philippines come from Fujian and Guangdong , though there have been Chinese migration been back in the precolonial and colonial eras. While retaining a distinct identity, most Filipino Chinese have assimilated into mainstream Filipino culture, intermarried with Filipinos, and became successful business owners, politicians and entertainers. Other major immigrant populations are Koreans, Japanese, Americans, Indians, British, Canadians, Spaniards, Germany, Jews and Arabs. They mostly live in the large cities to varying degrees of assimilation and are either entrepreneurs, students, retirees, immigrants or foreign spouses of Filipino citizens.

Culture [ edit ]

The Philippines has a diverse culture blending East and West; you will find a unique blend of local customs, Chinese traditions, Hispanic religiosity, machismo and romance, and Western ideals and popular culture. There is no single Filipino culture per se , but there are over a hundred ethnic and regional cultures; be prepared for wild variations in the local culture as you enter another region, island, or province.

Filipino traits are a confluence of many cultures. Filipinos are famous for the bayanihan or spirit of kinship and camaraderie taken from their Austronesian forefathers. They observe very close family ties. Roman Catholicism comes from the Spaniards who were responsible for spreading the Christian faith across the archipelago. The Spaniards introduced Christianity and succeeded in converting the overwhelming majority of Filipinos; at least 80% are Catholic today. The Philippines is one of only two countries in Asia with a majority Roman Catholic population (the other being East Timor ).

The genuine and pure expression of hospitality is an inherent trait in Filipinos, especially those who reside in the countryside who may appear very shy at first, but have a generous spirit, as seen in their smiles. Hospitality, a trait displayed by every Filipino, makes these people legendary in Southeast Asia. Guests will often be treated like royalty in Philippine households. This is most evident during fiestas when even virtual strangers are welcomed and allowed to partake of the feast that most, if not all, households have for the occasion. At times, this hospitality is taken to a fault. Some households spend their entire savings on their fiesta offerings and sometimes even run into debt just to have lavish food on their table. They spend the next year paying for these debts and preparing for the next fiesta. At any rate, seldom can you find such hospitable people who enjoy the company of their visitors. Perhaps due to their long association with Spain, Filipinos are emotional and passionate about life in a way that seems more Latin than Asian.

It may seem peculiar for tourists to notice the Latin flair in Filipino culture. Mainstream Philippine culture compared to the rest of Asia is quite Hispanic and westernized on the surface. But still, Filipinos are essentially Austronesian and many indigenous and pre-Hispanic attitudes and ways of thinking are still noticeable underneath a seemingly westernized veneer.

Filipinos lead the bunch of English-proficient Asian people today and English is considered as a second language of the majority and the native language of a few. The American occupation was responsible for teaching the Filipino people the English language. Slightly less than half a million people still speak Spanish, while over a million are proficient in the Spanish-based creole Chavacano.

Politics [ edit ]

The government of the Philippines is largely based on the political system of the United States . The President of the Philippines is directly elected by the people, and serves as both head of state and head of government. The President is elected every six years, and can only serve one term. The President and Vice President are elected separately in the Philippines, so it is possible (and not uncommon) for the two office holders to come from opposing parties.

The political system follows a multi-party system. The national political arena is dominated by nine political parties, with the center-left, federalist PDP-Laban (Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan), the neoliberal Liberal Party, and the center-right United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) being the dominating ones since 2016. There are also minor parties in Congress and regional parties of less importance in the provinces. Most positions in the local government are also dominated by the major parties. That being said, political parties tend to be weak and dependent on familiar personalities and families; party switching is not uncommon and election winners tend to be dictated by name recognition rather than ideologies or platforms.

The legislature is a bicameral congress, which consists of a lower house known as the Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan (House of Representatives), and an upper house known as the Senado (Senate). Both houses are elected directly by the people. The country is divided into constituencies for the election of the lower house, while the upper house is elected by the country as a whole based on proportional representation.

Politics is dominated by large, powerful families, where positions are passed from one family member to another, and political loyalties are often split along regional lines. Corruption remains rampant, especially through the padrino system, a form of spoils system. Padrino is often translated as "Godfather", and the system involves extensive patronage and nepotism. However, there have been efforts to eradicate the padrino system to make politics merit-based. Political demonstrations are widespread, as in most democracies, and political violence is also a concern, especially during election periods when rival families clash, sometimes even to the point of killing each other.

Religion [ edit ]

The Spanish made Catholicism almost ubiquitous, the Church is still very influential, and the Philippines has been Asia's largest predominantly Christian and Catholic country for centuries. However, there has also been a substantial Muslim population for centuries, Protestant missionaries have been active and several Protestant or other non-Catholic denominations are now well established in the country, and there are a few followers of other Asian religions as well.

The Philippines is not only the largest Christian country in Asia but also the world's third largest Roman Catholic nation. The Roman Catholic faith remains the single biggest legacy of three hundred years of Spanish colonial rule. Catholicism is still taken quite seriously in the Philippines. Masses draw crowds, from the biggest cathedrals in the metropolis to the smallest parish chapels in the countryside. During Holy Week, most broadcast TV stations close down or operate only on limited hours and those that do operate broadcast religious programs.

The Catholic Church also exerts quite a bit of influence even on non-religious affairs such as affairs of state. Mores are changing slowly, however; Filipinos are now slowly accepting what were previously taboo issues in so far as Roman Catholic doctrine is concerned, such as artificial birth control, premarital sex, and the dissolution of marriage vows.

The biggest religious minority are Muslim Filipinos (Moros) who primarily live in Mindanao but also increasingly in cities such as Manila, Baguio or Cebu in the north and central parts of the country. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) gives partial self-government to some of them. They account for around 5% of the population. Islam is the oldest continually practiced organized religion in the Philippines, with the first conversions made in the 12th century. Islam became such an important force that Manila at the time of the Spanish arrival in the 16th century was a Muslim city. Many aspects of this Islamic past are seen in certain cultural traits many mainstream Christian Filipinos still exhibit (such as eating and hygiene etiquette) and has added to the melting pot of Filipino culture. Terrorist attacks and violent confrontations between the Philippine Army and splinter militant Islamic organizations such as the Abu Sayyaf and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have strained relations between Muslim and the non-Muslim Filipinos in the southern rural parts of the country. However, the Muslim Filipinos are much more liberal in their interpretations of Islam, and like the Muslims of Indonesia, are generally more relaxed regarding such issues as gender segregation or the hijab (veil) than Muslims outside of Southeast Asia. Some Filipino or foreign resident Muslims were or have been converts, particularly those who found Islam to be appealing or Christianity to be unpalatable and insufficient, or even lost their faith in Christian doctrines. Conversely, fewer Christian Filipinos or foreign nationals especially of Filipino descent are converts from Islam or other non-Christianity.

Indian Filipinos, Chinese Filipinos and Japanese Filipinos, who collectively account for 3% of the population, are mostly Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Shinto and Taoist. These populations have been in the country for centuries preceding Spanish rule, and many aspects of Buddhist and Hindu belief and culture permeate in the mainstream culture of Christian or Muslim Filipinos as well.

As with many things in the Philippines, religion is not as clear-cut and defined as official statistics suggest, and many Christians and Muslims also practice and believe in indigenous spiritual aspects (such as honoring natural deities and ancestor worship, as well as the existence of magic and healers) that may in some cases contradict the orthodox rules of their religions.

Climate [ edit ]

The climate is tropical , and average temperatures range from 25 °C (77 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F), and humidity averages around 77 percent. The Philippines is often described as only having two seasons, but in the northern part of the country, there are actually three:

• The cool dry season runs from November to February, with mid-January to end of February the coolest times. Temperatures are cooler in the mountains, but even lowland areas can experience temperatures below 20 °C (68 °F) when the northeast monsoon ( amihan ) from Siberia is at full blast, so bring a sweater or light jacket at these times, especially when walking at night. This season is the best time to visit, with drier weather, but flights, boat and ferry trips, buses and accommodations tend to be expensive and difficult, especially during the Christmas and New Year season.
• The hot dry season (summer, March to May) are the hottest months. The country becomes muggy, with temperatures soaring as high as 40 °C (104 °F), and heat indices of 50–60 °C (122–140 °F) not uncommon, especially in inland locations in Luzon like Cabanatuan and Tuguegarao . The temperatures are very desirable for going to the beaches, but is not good for sightseeing. Prices for flights, ferries, buses or accommodations skyrocket during this season, especially on Holy Week, and booking is difficult due to high demand.
• The rainy season starts in June or July and extends through October with strong typhoons possible. This also when the southwest monsoon ( habagat ) blows, which brings rain that characterizes this season.

Places about 12 degrees north of the equator generally have a more tropical climate, being truly dry and wet, with no month having an average low dropping below 20 °C (68 °F). Dry season generally runs from November to May; wet season from June to October. There are some possible exceptions, especially in the rainier eastern parts of the country (e.g. Bicol , Samar and Leyte islands), where the seasons are reversed: October to April are the rainiest and coolest, with May to September the driest.

Locations exposed directly to the Pacific Ocean have frequent rainfall all year. This includes the town of Pagsanjan south-east of Manila (though the famous falls around it will get you wet regardless). Baguio , branded as the summer capital of the Philippines, tends to be cooler due to its being located in mountainous regions with temperatures at night going below 20 °C (68 °F). During summer, the country experiences droughts, sometimes with extreme conditions, from about March to May.

Weather in the Philippines is changeable, and as anywhere in the tropics, it can be sunny, rainy, or cool within a few minutes. In the mountains or in Luzon, the mercury can suddenly drop below 20 °C (68 °F) during the cool months, and in the Cordilleras (including Baguio ), it can frost (but it doesn't snow). When the rain pours or the cool amihan blows, you're at high risk for the flu. Have a raincoat, umbrella, or light jacket ready depending on the season!

Holidays [ edit ]

The Philippines is a multicultural country having Christian, Muslim and Buddhist holidays in addition to secular holidays. The year is welcomed by New Year's Day on 1 Jan. Being a predominantly Catholic country means observing the traditional Catholic holidays of Maundy Thursday ( Huwebes Santo ), Good Friday ( Biyernes Santo or Mahal na Araw ), and Easter Sunday ( Araw ng Pagkabuhay ) during Holy Week ( Semana Santa ). During Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), Boy Scouts re-enact the Bataan Death March every 2 years in honor of this day that is also known as Bataan Day ; they march as long as 102 km (63 mi), and the Bataan Death March was part of the Battle of Bataan which was also part of the Battle of the Philippines. The Bataan Death March was a 102 km (63 mi) march and the people who participated in this march were captured, tortured and murdered. All Saints Day ( Undas ) is on 1 Nov and All Souls Day on 2 Nov. In recognition of the Muslim Filipino community, the Islamic feast of Eid-Al-Fitr ( Hari Raya Puasa ) held after the holy fasting month of Ramadan , is also a national holiday. This day changes year by year, as it follows the Islamic lunar calendar. Chinese New Year is also celebrated by the Chinese community but dates vary according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Secular holidays include Labor Day (1 May) and Independence Day (12 Jun). The last Monday of August is declared National Heroes Day . Some holidays also commemorate national heroes such as Jose Rizal (31 Dec) and Andres Bonifacio (30 Nov) as well as Ninoy Aquino (21 Aug) Christmas is ubiquitously celebrated on 25 Dec.

Major holiday seasons are Holy Week ( Semana Santa , Mahal na Araw or Easter break), the three-day period including All Saints' Day ( Undas , also a semestral vacation period for most schools) and Christmas and New Year . During these periods, the country takes a week off for locals to head home for the provinces. They are the times where Metro Manila and other metropolises have no traffic jams, yet the congestion moves to the provinces, with snarls stretching kilometers at expressways being not uncommon, and finding flights, buses or boats being near-to-impossible. Nevertheless, Holy Week and Christmas season are also peak season for beachgoing, and highland cities like Baguio and Tagaytay get the most visitors during those periods.

Dates [ edit ]

• New Year's Day ( Bagong Taon ): Jan 1
• Chinese New Year : varies according to Chinese lunar calendar
• Maundy Thursday ( Huwebes Santo ): varies
• Good Friday ( Biyernes Santo ): varies
• Easter Sunday ( Araw ng Pagkabuhay ): varies
• Araw ng Kagitingan (Bataan Day, or Day of Valor): Apr 9
• Labor Day ( Araw ng mga Manggagawa , Mayo Uno ): May 1
• Independence Day ( Araw ng Kasarinlan , commonly Araw ng Kalayaan ): Jun 12
• Ninoy Aquino Day : August 21
• National Heroes Day ( Araw ng mga Bayani ): last Monday of August
• All Saints Day ( Undas , Todos los Santos , Araw ng mga Patay ): 1 Nov
• Eid al-Fitr ( Hari Raya Puasa ): varies according to Islamic lunar calendar
• Eid al-Adha : varies according to Islamic lunar calendar
• Bonifacio Day : Nov 30
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception : Dec 8
• Christmas Eve : Dec 24
• Christmas Day ( Pasko ): Dec 25
• Rizal Day : Dec 30
• New Year's Eve : Dec 31

Festivals [ edit ]

Time [ edit ].

The Philippines spans UTC time zone +8 (Philippine Standard Time or PST), which also covers Western Australia, central parts of Indonesia, Taiwan, all of China, Mongolia, and part of Russia (Siberia). As a tropical country, the Philippines does not observe daylight savings time.

The 12-hour clock is commonly used in both written and spoken form, while the 24-hour clock is more commonly used in some modes of transport and other specialist fields, e.g. ferry and flight schedules use the 24-hour clock.

Units of measure [ edit ]

The Philippines uses metric units in most cases since the Spanish colonial era, but US customary units (inches, feet, pounds) introduced during American colonization are also used in certain contexts, such as in quoting people’s heights, and some precolonial units survive in common usage such as the cavan ( kuh-BAHN ), which equals to about 75 litres (16 imp gal; 20 US gal) and is used to quote the weight of a sack of rice.

Read [ edit ]

Filipino literature is a mix of Indian sagas, folk tales, and traces of Western influence. Classical books are written in Spanish as well as in Tagalog, but to this day most of Filipino literature is written in English. The Philippines, thus, is a multi-cultural country with its roots stretching from Asia to Europe and to the Americas.

History, documentary [ edit ]

• Red Revolution by Gregg R. Jones ( ISBN 0813306442 ) - Documentary about the guerrilla movement; New People's Army (NPA), in the Philippines.
• In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines by Stanley Karnow ( ISBN 0345328167 ) - Shares the story of European and American colonization in the archipelago as well as the restoration of democracy after the overthrew of Marcos.

Literature [ edit ]

• Noli Me Tangere by José Rizal - The best-known work of a hero of Philippine resistance against Spain
• El Filibusterismo by José Rizal
• Dekada '70 by Lualhati Bautista ( ISBN 9711790238 ) - A story about a middle class Filipino family that struggled to fight with other Filipinos during the martial law during the time of Marcos.
• The Day the Dancers Came by Bienvenido Santos
• Amazing Archipelago by John-Eric Taburada

Watch [ edit ]

The Filipino film industry is suffering because of its main rival, the Western film industry. In this 21st century only 40 films are produced each year; down from 200-300 films a year in the 1990s.

• Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Festival
• Cinemanila International Film Festival
• Metro Manila Film Festival — held annually during the Christmas season, showcasing local films released during the festival month.

Listen [ edit ]

Filipino music combines Asian, Western, Hispanic and indigenous influences, and is heavily influenced by Western pop music. Modern Filipino music is called original Pinoy music (OPM), an encompassing term regardless of the actual genre, and songs are usually written in Tagalog or English.

Traditional Filipino songs such as kundiman (nostalgic/poetic songs) are still held dearly by the population but are slowly losing influence among the younger generations.

Check out pop and rock groups such as The Eraserheads, Spongecola, Parokya ni Edgar, Gary Valenciano, Side A and Apo Hiking Society and Morisette Amon.

Pinoy Pop (PPop) is now increasing its popularity. That genre is inspired by Korean Pop or KPop. Check out the boy groups Alamat, SB19 and BGYO.

See also [ edit ]

Tourist information [ edit ].

• Philippines Tourism website

Talk [ edit ]

The Philippines has two official languages: English and Filipino . Both are used in education and most Filipinos speak at least some of both, though proficiency in either varies quite widely.

Filipino , the national language, is a standardized version of Tagalog , the language spoken around Metro Manila and much of southern and central Luzon. There are also dialects spoken in the southern Tagalog provinces, the most notable being the Batangas dialect with the catchy interjection ala eh and its vocabulary that continues to use words considered obsolete in most Tagalog dialects. While most Filipinos speak Tagalog for inter-ethnic communication, it can be seen as an inflammatory symbol of Tagalog "imperialism"; some Visayans still resent the elevation of Tagalog as the national language Filipino.

The Philippines has over 100 native languages, scattered throughout the country's regions and islands, though only a few regions and provinces have formally designated any of them as official or co-official (e.g. Ilocano is official in La Union ). Similarly to the regional languages of Italy, they are sometimes imprecisely referred to as "dialects" of Tagalog/Filipino, and some others (e.g. Karay-a in Panay) are sometimes treated as dialects of another native language with more speakers. Some of the other major indigenous languages of the Philippines aside from Tagalog are:

• Cebuano (also called Bisaya) is spoken in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and much of Mindanao
• Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) is spoken in Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras and the Soccsksargen region of Mindanao
• Waray is spoken in the Samar and Leyte
• Tausug is spoken in Sulu
• Kinaray-a is spoken in Antique province
• Pangasinan is the primary and predominant language of the entire province of Pangasinan and northern Tarlac , on the northern part of Luzon 's central plains geographic region, most of whom belong to the Pangasinan ethnic group.
• Ilocano (also called Iloco) is the most commonly spoken language in northern Luzon, including Ilocos Region , the Cordilleras and Cagayan Valley .
• Ivatan is spoken in Batanes province, a group of islands north of Luzon .
• Bikol languages (or Bicolano) are spoken in Bicol Region at the southeast tip of Luzon, and are known for wild variation between dialects; neighboring cities and towns may even have mutually unintelligible vocabularies.
• Kapampangan , which is more closely related to the indigenous languages of Zambales than to Tagalog, is spoken mainly in the provinces of Pampanga and southern Tarlac . Kapampangan sounds like a Tagalog dialect, but it has a vocabulary, orthography and grammar that makes it a distinct language from Tagalog.
• Sambal , is spoken in some parts of Zambales province.

Most languages of the Philippines are part of the Austronesian languages, and are related to Malay, Indonesian, and most of the languages of the Pacific islands, and a speaker of any of them can recognize cognates. Many are heavily influenced by foreign languages like Spanish and English; most have loanwords from those, especially Spanish. Place names may follow Spanish spelling conventions (e.g. Tanjay, which is pronounced tan-HIGH), and many are written using the Latin alphabet.

English is an official language, and the primary language in education and government. It is mostly a second language for Filipinos. It is based on American English, but has acquired a distinctive Filipino flavor. There is no single Philippine English accent, and accents differ based on the native language of the speaker. Proficiency also varies, with educated urban Filipinos generally having higher proficiency. Knowledge of Tagalog or a regional language is useful when traveling outside the big cities and main tourist centers as English proficiency is limited there.

Below are some common characteristics of Philippine English:

• Pronunciation influenced by native languages, that may sometimes cause misunderstandings. There is usually an inability to pronounce some English sounds, such as F, V, Z, the schwa and TH, that feet and pit and thin and tin sound alike. Some words are stressed differently by Filipinos such as Arabic and ceremony usually due to Spanish influence. Visayans may interchange E and I and O and U. Some Philippine English accents may sound brash to native speakers.
• Use of cardinal numbers in dates (e.g. June twelve for Jun 12 instead of June twelfth ). Ordinals are mostly used only in formal speeches.
• Influence of native language on grammar, especially on low-proficiency speakers. Nouns may be pluralized even if English does not have a plural (e.g. furnitures for furniture ) and articles may be dropped depending on how something is said in one's mother tongue.
• Unique vocabulary or usages, which may not be used in other English varieties (e.g. brownout for a power outage , rubber shoes for sneakers). Philippine word usage mostly follows American usage, but in some cases, it closely aligns with British (such as football for American soccer , course for a program of study, and cinema for a movie theater).
• Code-switching between English and Tagalog or a regional language (as Taglish or Bislish ) is rife even in formal settings, so are slang and colloquialisms (e.g. nosebleed for someone unable to understand someone's English, number two for a mistress, warfreak for a bellicose person) which generally do not occur outside informal publications. Nevertheless, Filipinos will usually try to standardize their English when talking to foreigners.

While radio, free-to-air TV and tabloids are mostly in Filipino, English is the predominant language in broadsheets and cable TV. English-language movies are generally released in theaters in the Philippines in original audio without subtitles, but may be dubbed into Filipino or a regional language when broadcast on free-to-air TV.

Spanish is no longer widely spoken, though many Spanish words survive in the local languages, and there are still up to about 400,000 people who speak the language to varying degrees of fluency. A Spanish-based creole, Chavacano , is spoken in Zamboanga City , Basilan (including Isabela City ), and parts of coastal Cavite ; Spanish speakers can understand it with some difficulty due to grammatical differences, archaisms, and Austronesian borrowings (especially in colloquial forms).

Other ethnic groups have brought new languages to the country, particularly in more urbanized areas like Manila. Ethnic Chinese brought along with them regional dialects like Hokkien , Cantonese and Mandarin; there is also a local variety of Hokkien called "Lan-nang" which is influenced by the Philippine languages and widely spoken in Manila's Chinatown, and Mandarin is also taught as an elective in schools. Korean and Japanese can be encountered in parts of large cities.

Filipino Sign Language (FSL) is the official sign language. It is mutually intelligible with American Sign Language but not with British Sign Language, Auslan or other sign languages.

Foreign films and television programs (including English-language ones) shown on free-to-air TV channels broadcasting in the local languages are usually dubbed into Tagalog ("Tagalized"), with subtitles provided for any dialogue not dubbed. Foreign serials and films shown exclusively on pay-TV channels are shown in their original language unless the channel is specifically designed for dubbed shows. Films shown in cinemas are shown with original audio, and only dialogue not in English or Tagalog is subtitled in English. Newer Tagalog films are being provided with English subtitles, however, since some are being released internationally.

Get in [ edit ]

As an mostly island nation separated by thousands of kilometers of seas, the Philippines is mostly reachable only by plane (even from within Southeast Asia), and while travel by sea is also available, they are limited to non-existent (and dangerous) and ports may have limited facilities for immigration and customs processing.

While Philippine bureaucracy is nowhere as cumbersome and corrupt since the end of the Marcos era, the catch is that most visitors can travel visa free or get a visa upon arrival at most ports of entry. Customs are relaxed, but the country is now strictly enforcing restrictions on bringing plants, animals, and food, and the obvious prohibitions on bringing in contraband.

Entry requirements [ edit ]

Visas [ edit ].

Nationals from most countries, including all ASEAN countries, can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days, or obtain a visa on arrival for up to 59 days, as long as they have a return or onward ticket as well as passports valid for a period of at least six months beyond the period of stay. Exceptions to this rule are as listed below:

• Nationals of Brazil and Israel may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 59 days.
• Nationals of Hong Kong and Macau — including permanent residents of Macau who hold Portuguese passports — may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days.
• Nationals of the People's Republic of China traveling as tourists and holding a valid visa issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States or a Schengen Area state may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 7 days.
• Nationals of Taiwan holding passports with National ID numbers or Resident Certificate may apply for the eVisa.
• Nationals of India holding a valid tourist, business or resident visa issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States or a Schengen Area state may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days.

Citizens of all other countries not listed above need to apply for a visa at a Filipino diplomatic mission prior to departure.

Temporary visitor (9A) visas valid for 30 days are straightforward to obtain for most travelers. If intending to stay beyond 30 days, you may apply for a visa extension at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) which have offices in most main cities and at Manila and Cebu airports . Extensions are granted up to a maximum of six months per time. You can keep getting visa extensions up to a stay of 3 years, after which foreign nationals wishing to stay longer must go out of the Philippines and then come back to start anew.

The 1st visa extension got within the Philippines at a BOI office is from 30 days up to 59 days and cost ₱3130 . The cost of a 29-day visa extension at Cebu airport is ₱3000 . You could also get a 59-day tourist visa from any Philippine embassy around the world for US $30-40 , but you must go to the embassy twice as the visa takes 2-3 working days to get.

If you overstay, you must pay on departure a fine of ₱1000 per month of overstay plus a ₱2020 processing fee.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you travel from a country where it is endemic.

Airlines may refuse to let you check in if you only have a one-way ticket to the Philippines due to immigration requirements. Cebu Pacific Air will require a printed copy of an onwards "itinerary receipt" at check in. If you want to risk not having an onwards ticket, try to check in early to allow yourself time to buy a ticket at an Internet cafe or ticket desk in the airport if the airline refuses to check you in.

If you intend to stay beyond the 3 years on a temporary visitor visa, consider applying for either a temporary resident visa (TRV), a permanent resident visa (PRV), or a quota immigrant (13) visa . This is possible if you are married to a Filipino citizen, and/or if your home country has an immigration reciprocity agreement (which if there is none, you must apply for a TRV).

Alien registration and the Balikbayan program [ edit ]

If you intend to stay in the Philippines beyond 59 days with anything other than a visa upon arrival or an extended temporary visitor visa, you must register for an PhilSys national identity card online. This replaces the paper Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) cards issues by the Bureau of Immigration in 2023. For foreign nationals, you must provide a valid ID card from your home country such as a driver's license or an equivalent national ID card. For retirees, you must also provide a copy of your retiree visa. Like the previous ACR, PhilSys IDs for foreign residents must be renewed every year.

In addition, if you stay at any private residence (including apartments or condominium units), you must register your abode on the barangay of residence by obtaining a Barangay Certificate of Residence within 24 hours of your arrival, but this is not required for short-term travelers. You can use this in addition or in place of a foreign-issued ID if applying for a foreign resident ID card.

Under the "Balikbayan Program", former Filipino citizens who have been naturalized in a foreign country may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to one year. If eligible, you must prove your previous Philippine citizenship by presenting an old Philippine passport, birth certificate, or foreign naturalization documents. However, you may not have to present these documents to the immigration officer, as usually it is sufficient to speak any Filipino language, appear Filipino, and/or show the foreign passport if it indicates that you were born in the Philippines. If your Balikbayan status is granted, the immigration officer will annotate your passport for a one-year stay. Your spouse and children may also avail themselves of the Balikbayan privilege, as long as they enter and leave the Philippines together with you. If you choose to reside permanently, you can reacquire Filipino citizenship by taking the Philippine oath of allegiance, and your children (under 18), including illegitimate or adopted children, will automatically acquire Filipino citizenship.

Minors [ edit ]

There are additional requirements for minors who are travelling without both their parents. In many cases the parents will need to execute an affidavit of consent at their nearest Philippine consulate; bring copies of both the child's passport, accompanying adult's passport, and valid identification of the parents; and pay relevant fees. Please check with the Philippine embassy or consulate nearest you for more information.

Arrival and customs [ edit ]

The Philippines fingerprints and photographs visitors upon arrival and departure as part of the immigration process. These fingerprints may make their way into the databases of other countries' authorities. Those under 18 are exempted.

You must fill up an arrival card handed out on the plane a hour before landing where you will provide your reason for travel, incoming flight, and your contact details (home/hotel address, phone numbers, emails). You will also need to fill out the paper customs declaration form that comes with the card. The card is surrendered to immigration upon arrival.

Upon departure, you must fill up also a departure card , which is basically the same as the arrival card, but is a small square sheet of paper that omits the customs declaration form and contact info section.

Customs are mostly relaxed with the general restrictions on duty-free items: you can bring up to 1 litre (0.22 imp gal; 0.26 US gal) of alcohol, reasonable amounts of perfume, and 200 sticks (often one carton with 10 packs containing 20 sticks) of cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 g of tobacco.

You can import or export up to ₱50,000 in Philippine currency, or any foreign currency equivalent of up to US $10,000 (about ₱550,000 in 2023) without declaration and restriction. Anything in excess of ₱50,000 in Philippine currency must be declared to customs and authorised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Foreign currencies that exceed US $10,000 in value must also be declared and travellers will need to be ready to show evidence that such amounts were lawfully acquired and are not involved in criminal or other money-laundering activities. Personal and travellers cheques, as well as other currency-denominated bearer monetary instruments above those amounts are also covered by the same rules.

The Philippines enforces strict restrictions on bringing in any animal and plant products (in particular unprocessed fruits, vegetables, meat and fish), and you must declare any of them to both Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Department of Agriculture (DA) officials, or they will be confiscated. Processed or packaged foods are usually exempted. If you bring pets, they must be dewormed and vaccinated against rabies, and be declared to customs as well. All products from endangered species are confiscated.

You must declare also any CDs, DVDs, and electronics (including cell phones) in your checked baggage; items in carry-ons are often rarely checked, but can be subject to random inspection. Importing pornography, dangerous drugs, pirated or counterfeit goods and hazardous chemical products is prohibited. If you intend to bring firearms for certain purposes, such as recreational shooting, expect going through paperwork to secure a Permit to Carry and additional permits.

Illegal drugs : visitors and transiting passengers must expect hefty fines for carrying small amounts of drugs and paraphernalia, or 20 to 40 years in prison and deportation for larger amounts.

For a comprehensive guide on what and what not to bring on your baggage, see the Regulated/Restricted and Prohibited Importations at the Bureau of Customs website.

Philippine customs officers are fairly notorious for corruption, but this is slowly changing; travelers cannot get away with not declaring any restricted items or contraband on checked baggage, with inspections using X-ray scanners and random checks using K-9 dogs. If you get caught, expect fines and possibly a jail term, deportation and/or being blacklisted by immigration).

By plane [ edit ]

Although the Philippines is an archipelago, most visitors arrive by plane. If you live in an area with a large Filipino population, check out travel agencies catering to overseas Filipinos which often have fares keener than those generally advertised.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines , and low-cost carriers Cebu Pacific and AirAsia are the major airlines in the country; all offer both international and domestic flights. Many other airlines operate international flights to the Philippines, and there are several smaller domestic carriers including some that use seaplanes or helicopters to reach destinations without an airport.

If you plan to travel around the various islands, it may be best to get an open jaw ticket; this can save much time back-tracking. Most open-jaw ticket combinations fly into Manila and out of Cebu or vice versa. It might also be possible to get a ticket with a stopover.

Most visitors entering the Philippines will fly in through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) ( MNL  IATA ) in Metro Manila . Traveling through Manila airport used to mean long delays, difficult transfers between terminals and sometimes corrupt officials. It has improved greatly, but some visitors still choose to avoid flying through Manila, There are two main alternatives:

• Mactan-Cebu International Airport ( CEB  IATA ) in Metro Cebu is the Philippines' second-busiest airport. It is in the center of the country, closer to destinations in the Visayas or Mindanao than Manila is.
• Clark International Airport ( CRK  IATA ) in Angeles City 85 km north of Manila is a popular hub for low-cost carriers serving Manila, although a few full-service carriers serve the airport as well.
• Francisco Bangoy International Airport ( DVO  IATA ) in Davao is served by Scoot from Singapore .

Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Clark are the country's main hubs for domestic flights. You can arrive at any of these airports and expect to reach more-or-less anywhere in the country reasonably easily.

Other airports around the country also have international flights.

• Kalibo International Airport ( KLO  IATA ) in Kalibo , Aklan (near Boracay ). AirAsia has flights to Seoul and Busan in South Korea, and Cebu Pacific from Hong Kong and Seoul . Other airlines also have scheduled flights to Kalibo from points in South Korea, China and Taiwan.
• Iloilo International Airport ( ILO  IATA ) in Iloilo City is served by Cebu Pacific, with flights from Hong Kong and Singapore .
• Puerto Princesa International Airport ( PPS  IATA ) in Puerto Princesa , Palawan has direct flights from Taipei on Tiger Air Taiwan.
• Panglao Airport ( TAG  IATA ) in Bohol
• Bicol International Airport ( DRP  IATA ) in Legazpi

As of 2023, several other cities have new airports being planned or under construction, so the list is likely to become longer in the 2020s.

By boat [ edit ]

• Aleson Shipping Lines has a ferry to Zamboanga from Sandakan , Malaysia . Schedule departs Zamboanga every Monday and Thursday noon. Economy class ₱2700 per way. Cabin ₱3100 per way.

This route may be dangerous; see warnings at Sulu Islands and Zamboanga Peninsula .

Get around [ edit ]

The country's vast archipelagic nature makes travel by plane and boat very important for most visitors, especially between major cities. The country is quite large, especially when considering the area that is water, and its geography and population patterns mean that seemingly short distances, especially on land, may take more time to travel than you would expect.

Do what Filipinos do, and try to "commute" or take public transportation when possible. That said, travel by car or motorcycle is still an interesting way to discover the Philippines and find places off the beaten track, if you're willing to face the rather shocking situation on Philippine roads.

Finding your way [ edit ]

Philippine addresses roughly follow the Western system, but often have a lot more information, and directions or landmark details (e.g. opposite the high school, near the church/police station/barangay hall) are often provided. Street names exist in cities, but they become less common as you get into the countryside, and the intersecting street is often included (e.g. Rizal Ave cor. Mabini St). Building numbers exist in more central parts of larger cities, but are uncommon elsewhere; even when building numbers are assigned, they may or may not be marked on buildings, and may be poorly known to local residents.

Rural addresses may only have the barangay name, and the way to find them will be provided in parentheses. Most addresses should have the barangay (the smallest unit of local government in the Philippines) listed, but in some large cities (e.g. Manila), the district name is provided instead, and the barangay name would not be used if it is just a number, letter, or an alphanumeric combinations (usually in some city or town centers, often called poblacion areas, and some big cities like Pasay and Caloocan ).

Subdivisions, which can be a named neighborhood within an urban barangay or a gated community, may have houses numbered by the block and lot number instead.

A 4-digit number that often appears at the beginning of an address (e.g. an Airbnb reservation may tell you that you'll be staying at "1004 Taft Ave, Manila") is typically not a building number (as in a North American address) but simply the ZIP code for the entire town or part of a city. With an address like this, make sure to get more specific direction information from the host.

Part of almost any Filipino address is the barangay (abbreviated as Brgy. ), the lowest government unit of administration. Some barangays are divided into sitios or puroks , or smaller communities (sub-villages) or hamlets, especially in rural areas where settlements are scattered in far flung communities. In urban areas, most barangays no longer have sitios/puroks but contiguous residential subdivisions or communities. Urban barangays play the role that neighborhoods or districts would in other countries, and tend to have a large population in a small land area. Rural barangays are somewhat like townships or counties elsewhere, and often cover a large area.

If the address given to you includes not only the barangay name, but also the name (or, more commonly, the number) of the barangay's subdivision ( zone or purok ), this may actually be useful for helping you find your location, as driving through a barangay's main street you may see signs, such as "Purok 1", "Purok 2", etc.

If you take a taxi, jeepney or tricycle, ask for directions in advance. Filipinos will ask fellow locals, drivers, shop owners, or cops for the nearest landmark or building characteristics; doing the same will help you get around better. Knowing the surname of the person you are visiting is often more useful for finding the house within the block than the house number is, even if house numbers have been assigned on that block.

• Barangay halls may have detailed maps of an area, which should indicate the main roads or streets and major landmarks. Aside from local police, you can also ask barangay tanods (village watchers) stationed in roadside outposts; they will be happy to help you out but their directions can be vague to useless and they may have limited English skills depending on the area.
• Google Maps works well in large cities and even rural areas, and provides turn-by-turn navigation and traffic information, but coverage is messy depending on the place (with many places ending at odd spots due to the system misinterpreting addresses), and barangays are often not shown in addresses. As of 2020, Google Maps also provides indoor maps of some malls (usually those by Robinsons and Megaworld). Bus, train, and ferry schedules can also be found through Maps, but schedules for buses or ferries are hardly reliable or barely up-to-date.
• Alternatively, you can use Waze , Apple Maps or apps using OpenStreetMap data such as Maps.me or OsmAnd . Waze is widely used in the Philippines and particularly useful if driving on your own, with real-time traffic updates and alerts. Apple Maps for the Philippines also uses OpenStreetMap data and has indoor maps for some SM malls.

Since the Philippines is an archipelago, the easiest way to move between islands is by plane. Philippine Airlines (and its regional carrier, PAL Express ), Cebu Pacific (and its regional carrier, Cebgo ) and Philippines AirAsia have significant domestic operations, linking many major towns and cities. There are also several smaller carriers which serve resort destinations (such as Amanpulo in Palawan ), as well as more remote destinations. While most cities are served by jet aircraft, some destinations are served by propeller-driven planes.

The route networks of most local airlines are heavily centered around Manila, Cebu, and Clark: flying between domestic points usually entails having to transit one of those cities, although direct flights between other major cities are slowly being introduced. Reaching Sulu and Tawi-Tawi by air is a special case: travelers must fly through Zamboanga City .

A significant majority of domestic flights in the Philippines are operated by low-cost carriers and are consequently economy-only: PAL is the only airline to offer business class on domestic flights. This does not mean however that fares are affordable: domestic seat sales are a common feature throughout the year, and all major airlines regularly offer promo fares on their websites. However, fares increase significantly during major peak travel seasons (particularly during Christmas, Holy Week and Undas ), and in places served by only one airline (such as Camiguin or Marinduque ), fares also increase during major provincial or town fiestas. Flights are frequently full during peak travel season, so it is advisable to book well in advance. Local airlines have regular "seat sales", advertising cheap fares for flights to domestic destinations. However, some tickets booked during a seat sale may only be used on dates well after the duration of the sale (sometimes up to a year after the sale) and advertised fares usually exclude government taxes and fuel surcharges.

Passengers departing on domestic flights from Clark Airport must pay a ₱150 terminal fee before entering the pre-departure area; all the other airports in the Philippines (including NAIA) have the fee included in the ticket.

Security is tight at Philippine airports, so provide extra time for landside checkpoints. Vehicles are checked by security before entering the airport, and luggage are screened at the terminal entrance and passengers pass through a metal detector. Landside in Philippine airports are usually off-limits to non-passengers.

By bus [ edit ]

Buses are a cheap and efficient way of travel in the Philippines by land, and cover much of the country.

Provincial buses are widely available, and include commuter services to a smaller city or town beyond 30 km (19 mi) from a large city, town-hopper services that stop practically at every barangay and small town along the way, and long-distance intercity runs (which may involve a ferry ride, which may or may not be included on the ticket price). Buses coming from hub cities like Manila, Cebu, or Davao tend to be better, with air conditioning, hard seats, and frequent departures.

There is no single bus company covering the whole country, but there are over a hundred bus companies operating provincial services of various sizes. The largest bus companies are Victory Liner and Five Star , Philtranco , and Vallacar Transit , which have coverage of much of the country, operate multiple subsidiaries or brands, and have good customer service and safety records.

Provincial buses are available in five classes: ordinary (regular), air-conditioned, deluxe (executive), super deluxe, and luxury. Luxury buses, with wide reclining seats (or even beds), toilets and personal entertainment screens, are recommended for long-distance travel between large cities, and ticket prices are usually at par with the airlines. Ordinary buses are generally not recommended for foreign travelers; they are not air-conditioned, more crowded, less safe, and you'll find yourself the center of attention.

City buses are uncommon, and only Manila, Cebu and Davao have city bus systems. These systems are mostly privately operated (save for some government-run free local bus services), but follow a fare set by the national government. Buses used are a mix of accessible low-floor city buses and high-floor step-entry coaches. Manila and Cebu also have airport buses, and luxury express buses (branded Point-to-Point or P2P , who also serves provincial cities).

Most buses will have a conductor, who assists passengers in addition to collecting fares and punching the tickets, and in luxury buses, there will also be bus stewards or cabin attendants. They are helpful, but are less used to foreigners than airline staff.

Bus journeys in the Philippines may last more than two hours, and will involve a stopover at a roadside restaurant or a service area, usually tied to the bus company. Toilets are increasingly being equipped on buses used on long-haul routes, but older buses may not have one. Also expect food vendors hopping on and off the bus at the terminal or a major stop.

You can bring carry-ons weighing up to 10 kg (22 lb) on board, and anything heavier than that goes to the cargo compartment. You may have to pay for excess luggage or have them delivered to your final destination as freight. Pets can be carried on board on approved cages, but this depends on company rules. Policy on food and beverages vary, but are generally permitted long they are not messy or smelly. Smoking and vaping is prohibited on board and at the terminal or stop.

Cities and towns usually have one or more central bus stations, both government- or company-owned. Large bus stations may function like an airport or a major train station: you must purchase the tickets beforehand and go through a security check upon entering the departures area, and you board the bus through a gate displayed on the information boards. Small bus stations can be little more than a patch of concrete or dirt with basic amenities.

Foreigners are less often seen in buses, so expect exposure to common jarring behaviors like spitting and loud conversations and other annoyances like loud audio and people carrying live animals or all their heavy luggage on board. That said, a bus ride provides an opportunity to interact with locals and experience Filipino culture.

Ticketing [ edit ]

Provincial bus tickets can be bought onboard through the conductor, at the terminal, or online (through the company website or a booking portal). Tickets for long-distance or high-demand routes run out fast during major holiday seasons, so book well in advance or end up boarding the next bus with available seats and buying the tickets onboard. Tickets only apply for one journey, so you must buy another ticket when you transfer.

On city buses, you also purchase the tickets through the conductor, though it is also possible to pay the fare by tapping a smart card whenever you board and get off. As again, there are no free transfers; you have to pay another fare when you change routes.

For both provincial and city lines, you can buy a smart card to pay for bus fares. Two nationally available smart cards are Beep and TripKo. Beep is originally used on the Manila LRT and MRT, but is also used to pay for city buses and modern jeepneys in Manila and Cebu City, and can also be used with certain merchants. TripKo is used on buses and modern jeepneys accepting it, and while not usable for paying for goods, it has a larger coverage area with bus companies as far as Mindanao accepting it. When paying with a smart card, tap the card on a reader found near the driver (or at the secondary door if there is one) at entry or exit, where the fare calculated will be deducted entirely.

By train [ edit ]

The Philippine National Railways [dead link] (PNR), the government-owned railway company, runs trains within Luzon . The rail network dates to the 1890s and 1900s, but has fallen into disrepair and neglect since the 1980s, and only in the 2010s did the government commit into rehabilitating, rebuilding, and expanding the system with financial and technical assistance from Japan and China.

Luzon has one intercity railway line running between Manila and the city of Legazpi in Bicol region, but overnight services like the Bicol Express and Mayon Limited are suspended since 2015, and only commuter and regional services in Metro Manila , Laguna , and Bicol are operational as of 2019.

PNR long-distance trains are available in four classes: sleeper (only in Bicol Express), deluxe/executive (only in the fully air-conditioned Mayon Limited), air-conditioned (with rotatable recliner seats), and ordinary (benches and 3-3 face-to-face seats, only in Mayon Ordinary). Commuter and regional trains are only available in a single class, either air-conditioned or ordinary, have bench seats and standing room, and the first car reserved to women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Metro Manila has a commuter train service, operated also by PNR, and one rapid transit line and two light rail lines. Newer lines are under construction, including the first subway line in the Philippines. Other cities such as Cebu and Davao also mulled plans for urban rail systems, but none yet are under construction.

By car [ edit ]

Roads in the Philippines vary greatly in quality from the paved multi-lane expressways of Luzon to the narrow dirt roads of remote mountain areas, which may complicate travel by car. Most major highways have two to four lanes and are normally paved with asphalt or concrete, although roads with more than four lanes, often divided, are common near major cities. Street layouts in most cities and towns have never changed since the Spanish colonial era, and roads there are often narrow, with lots of blind corners. Road atlases and maps are available at bookstores throughout the country, and are very helpful when driving, especially when driving alone.

Foreign driver's licenses are legally valid in the Philippines for up to 90 days after arrival, after which a Philippine driver's license is required. It may also be a good idea to carry your passport showing that your last entry into the Philippines was less than 91 days ago.

Vehicular traffic in the Philippines moves on the right , and the vast majority of road signs are in English, with a few in Filipino. Road signs are a mix of American and European standards. Road marking are usually white, the same as in most of Europe, save for the no-passing lines, that uses yellow, like in most of the Americas. While most major highways have good signage and markings, it is generally less common in inner city and minor roads, more so in rural roads in the poorest regions.

Traffic rules are largely modeled on American rules. Right turns on a red light is permitted unless posted otherwise. Single or double yellow lines are used to indicate places where it is illegal to overtake another vehicle. The innermost lane on expressways are only for overtaking, and are signed as such. That being said, most Filipinos flout most traffic rules, road rage is a serious problem and crashes can be deadly. Be particularly careful with motorcyclists, which frequently weave through traffic, accumulate at the stop line in intersection, and speed and bank like maniacs on sharp curves, bends and turns.

By motorcycle [ edit ]

Motorcycles and scooters (either can be called moto in Filipino English) are extremely common in the country, mostly Japanese brands plus some Filipino brands such as Rusi. Most are in the 125‑200cc range. They are available for rent (typically at around ₱300 a day) in many cities and tourist areas, and it is common for long-term visitors to buy one.

Motorcycle riding here is not for the faint of heart and motorcyclists are fairly often killed, mainly because of dangerous driving habits like drunk driving or illegal overtaking. See Driving in the Philippines .

There is a national law requiring helmets, but it is not consistently enforced in all regions.

Motorcycle taxis [ edit ]

Motorcycle taxis ( habal-habal ) are available, but remain illegal and unregulated as of 2020. In some places, such as Samal , they are the only transportation option, though almost all of them will be unlicensed. There are no meters; you have to negotiate a price, and some drivers may try to overcharge tourists or may feel they are entitled to something extra because you want to be the only passenger where they could carry two or even three Filipinos. If you have a choice, either a tricycle or a jeepney will usually be both safer and more comfortable .

In large cities, it is possible to hail a habal-habal through apps such as Angkas and GrabBike . The app-hailed services have qualified and trained drivers identifiable through a uniform with the name of the company.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are generally available within the major cities but are usually not used for travel across the various provinces and regions.

When hailing a taxi in the cities, ensure the meter is on and pay the metered fare. A tip of ₱10 is acceptable. Also, make sure you have coins and small denomination bills, as the drivers often claim not to have change in an effort to obtain a larger tip, and in morning periods, many drivers only accept coins as payment (watch out for the ubiquitous Barya lang po sa umaga sign or sticker)! Moreover, don't be surprised if drivers want to bypass the meter during rush hour. Most taxis have the flag down rate of ₱40 with each 300 meters cost ₱3.50 while Yellow cab taxis are more expensive with a flag-down rate of ₱70 with each 300 meters cost ₱4 (April 2011).

You may book a taxi using GPS enabled mobile apps such as "Grab Taxi" and "Easy Taxi" for a small fee. This is better than hailing a cab because you can see the number of available taxis and their location via GPS. Once you have a confirmed taxi booking, the name, photo, plate number and telephone number will appear on your mobile device and you can communicate with your driver to let him know exactly where you are. This is available in Metro Manila and Cebu.

Inter-island trips [ edit ]

After planes and buses, ships are the next cheapest way of travel in the country.

Ferry trips to other islands can take over 24 hours, depending on distance. The only nation-wide ferry line is 2Go Travel . From Cebu City , there are smaller ferry lines: Trans Asia Shipping Lines , Cokaliong Shipping Lines , Lite Ferries and Oceanjet . Montenegro Shipping Lines and Starlite Ferries operate out from Batangas City , but Montenegro also have routes from Manila and between other islands.

Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferries are common. Most RORO services form the nationwide Nautical Highway System (NHS), composed of three separate routes including the ferry routes themselves and highways connecting the ports. Interisland bus trips usually take these, and are included to the fare as additional charges. With the RORO ferries, it is possible to drive across islands. On shorter routes, instead of RORO ferries, vehicles are carried onto barges.

Schedules can be found on shipping line websites or on newspapers with sections for ferry ads. Ferries can sometimes be delayed because all the cargo and passengers has not yet boarded, or because of weather.

For shorter hops, you'll likely to board passenger pump boats (motor bancas ), outrigger boats fitted with an outboard motor. Longer, high-capacity pump boats operate on some high-demand routes such as Batangas City - Puerto Galera and San Jose - Coron .

Travel by boat is generally unsafe, and overloaded ferries are not uncommon. The Philippines has had some of the world's worst maritime disasters in peacetime. Check the latest weather reports before travel by ferry, as some captains are willing to sail even when a typhoon is approaching. Bringing your own life preserver is strongly recommended (but no substitute for common sense). Better travel by plane than take the risk.

As of the late 2022, the ferry fares have practically doubled compared to the pre-pandemic prices (or the prices you can still see posted on various web sites). As one example, the fare from Bulalacao (Mindoro) to Caticlan (Panay) is ca. ₱800 , with a ca. ₱600 fee for a bicycle.

Metro Manila [ edit ]

Get around Manila with Pasig's Ferry Service [dead link] , waterbuses are available in stations around the historical river of Pasig. In 2022, the ferry was made free; it's not clear for how long this will continue. Previously, fares ranged from ₱25 , ₱35 and ₱45 . For students and youth fares are ₱20 regardless of distance.

By van [ edit ]

UV Express ( Utility Vehicle Express , also known in Cebu as "V-Hire" and formerly but still commonly called "FX", from their use of the Toyota Tamaraw FX minivan), is a minibus or minivan shuttle service, usually operated by white Toyota or Nissan vans with route and operator markings, but modern jeepney-type vehicles are also being used in some newer routes. They are common in short routes in the provinces, and are faster than the bus or jeepney as they travel with only a few stops, but the vehicles are often packed full, the ceiling is low for tall foreigners, there is little space for bulky luggage, and fares are more expensive than the regular bus (but cheaper than the jeepney).

UV Express have fixed routes like buses or jeepneys, but they have fewer stops, with pick-up at and near the starting terminal and drop-off near and at the end terminal. The fare is a fixed rate, being ₱2 per kilometer times the point-to-point length of the route, and is collected by the conductor who occupies the front passenger seat or a fare collector at the terminal. UV terminals are usually at a bus station or mall, but there are also dedicated stations, which may serve one or more UV routes. Departures are irregular.

Beware of unlicensed, colorum passenger vans, which do not have any markings and have private vehicle license plates or "not for hire" markings. Such vehicles mostly use informal terminals near private bus stations and malls, but they also turn up at government-run terminals. These vehicles often involve many stops than their licensed counterparts, fares can be higher than their legal regulated counterparts and journey times are longer as they make frequent stops. Such services are most commonly found around Metro Manila and the provinces south of it.

Licensed, government-accredited tourist van shuttles that are booked through the phone and provide door-to-door service to your hotel from the airport (and vice versa) are also available in some tourist areas. They are slower than a taxi as they stop at hotels along the way, but are often cheaper.

You can also rent a van if traveling with a group of 10-18 persons; rental rates usually start from ₱1000 a day (and the cost shared by the group), and meals at a restaurant and stays at a hotel, resort or guest house upon your request are usually included. Listings for these are often hard to find, however, and generally cater to Filipinos.

By jeepney [ edit ]

Jeepneys are common throughout the country and are by far the most affordable way to get around most major urban areas. Traffic signs referring to them usually call them "PUJ", Public Utility Jeep.

Jeepneys are often quite crowded and generally not very comfortable (especially if you are tall), there is usually little space inside for luggage (though most have a roof rack), there may be pickpockets , and you might encounter annoying behavior such as drivers smoking or passengers engaging in loud conversations, However every visitor should try them at least once since they are definitely part of a "Philippines experience". For a budget traveler, they will likely be one of the most used transport options.

In cities jeepneys generally run on fixed routes, have fixed fares depending on distance (often about ₱12 for up to 4 km (2.5 mi) and an additional ₱2.25 per km as of 2023), and will stop if you wave at them. Usually there are signs on the side of the vehicle indicating the route. Within Manila and other major cities, you will find multiple jeepneys per route so you rarely need to wait long to catch one.

In the provinces, jeepneys also connect towns and cities. For these longer trips there are often discounts for seniors or students, though not usually on trips within a city. For a trip of a few kilometers from a city to a suburb or a few dozen kilometers to a nearby town jeepneys are often the best way to travel. For longer journeys, however, buses are more comfortable.

The original jeepneys were based on jeeps left behind by the Americans after World War II ; Filipinos lengthened the body and added benches along the sides to seat more people. Today most new jeepneys are based on imported used vehicles, but many older ones are still running. Jeepneys typically have seating for about 20 people, but they often carry 30 or more with people in the aisle or on the running boards. A few passengers can sit up front with the driver; these are the best seats.

Some jeepneys have a conductor to collect the fares, but on others you pay the driver. It is fairly common for people sitting at the back to get other passengers to relay their money to the driver; this is easier if you have exact change. It is also common for passengers to clink coins against metal parts of the roof when they want off; the sound carries forward to the driver.

Beware of colorum jeepneys which do not have a marked route. They are best avoided, but in some places, they are common, and may be the only ones available. See #Stay safe . Even on legitimate jeepneys there can be problems with drivers illegally "cutting trip", which is when you pay the full fare to your intended destination and you will be forced to alight midway on the route or somewhere near your destination without getting a refund due to a traffic jam, roadblock or lack of waiting passengers.

In some areas there are vehicles much like a jeepney, but built on a smaller chassis so they can carry only about a dozen passengers. Locals will usually call these multicabs .

"Modern" jeepneys, operated by companies or cooperatives instead of individuals as with the "traditional" vehicles, are slowly being phased in, especially around Manila. While they are technically jeepneys, the vehicles take the form of a minibus, having an entry door on the right side. Fares are slightly expensive (starting from ₱14 for the first 4 km, increasing by ₱1.40-1.70 ), but it is possible to pay with smart cards (e.g. Beep ) instead of cash, and the vehicles are more comfortable, with air conditioning and standing room.

By tricycle [ edit ]

Traysikels (Filipino word, pronounced much like the English one) are tricycles, motorcycle-and-sidecar rigs; the motorcycles are typically Japanese machines in the 125-200cc range. The design seems to vary from region to region, but within a given town most of the traysikels will be of the same type. In some places the sidecars seat four, in other places only two. In many areas, pedicabs , also called trisikad or padyak in some areas, refers to a pedal-powered vehicle, either a bicycle-and-sidecar rig or a cycle rickshaw with two seats in back and the rider pedaling up front. In other areas, "pedicab" is used for motorized sidecar rigs as well.

In some of the smaller cities, these are the main means of transport within the town, and jeepneys are used only for journeys between towns. In a few areas tricycles are used for out-of-town journeys of up to about 25 km (15 miles) as well.

These may not be to the liking of most foreigners, as they are cramped and quite open to noise and weather. In most places they are shared vehicles; expect to ride along with other people going approximately the same way and to take the odd detour as the driver diverts to deliver a passenger at his or her destination.

Most fares in any town are ₱10-80 , depending mainly on the distance. Most fares are per person, but some are per tricycle. In some places the fare is legally regulated. Sometimes there are fixed fares. In more rural areas, rates are different. Sometimes, especially for longer runs, you will need to bargain over the fare, and some drivers will try to overcharge foreigners.

In general, most journeys are reasonably safe and pleasant, and quite cheap by foreign standards, but there can be problems. Some drivers may smoke while driving (despite smoking bans on public utility vehicles, including tricycles) or overcharge, and quite a few drive rather adventurously, frequently violating traffic rules, like illegal overtaking or ignoring tricycle prohibitions (primarily on heavily travelled highways). Some of the motorcycles are quite noisy, belch smoke or have inadequate headlights or taillights.

There is usually a luggage rack on the back. If you use it, make sure the driver ties your things down; otherwise they might be stolen or fly out when you hit a bump. Large or valuable luggage should ride in the passenger area; on tricycles with four-seat sidecars the front seat can be folded up to make room. You will usually have to pay extra for this, which is fair since the luggage prevents the driver taking more passengers.

You may find tricycles resembling Indian auto rickshaws or Thai tuk-tuks in some areas, especially in Mindanao (e.g. the four-wheel motorelas of Cagayan de Oro ); they have passengers sitting behind the driver instead of in a separate sidecar. Indian-made auto-rickshaws (often Bajaj or TVS) – some powered with compressed natural gas – are also becoming common in the Philippines. The downside is they can only carry 3 to 4 passengers (there is no extra seat for little kids or another passenger), but the upside is that they have higher headroom, less engine noise, and more comfortable seats.

Electric trikes can be found in some areas, like in Manila.

By bicycle [ edit ]

One can see a lot of Filipinos bicycling, both for utility trips in cities and towns and as recreation. Bicycle stores are available in most cities; in Manila, they concentrate in Quiapo , along the block of Quezon Blvd north-east of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. Generally, bicycle stores can be found with Google Maps. A used bicycle can also be bought through a Philippines classified web site, such as Carousell (formerly OLX). Many Japan Surplus stores have used bikes at good prices.

As of 2022, there is no national bicycle helmet law in the Philippines, although some politicians opine in favor of introducing one. Some municipalities do have helmet ordinances, however, such as Quezon City (where it is enforced) and Makati . Bicycle helmets are available from purchase in many bike stores from ₱500 and up.

Once you are outside of the snarled city center traffic, riding on a Philippine road may be remarkably pleasant. Many highways are 4 lanes wide, where the inner lanes are for faster vehicles (cars, trucks, and good motorcycles), while the outer lanes are used by slower conveyances. Elsewhere, good shoulders often exist, but do watch for illegally parked vehicles and passing vehicles.

Cycling across cities is possible, but hard. Many bicycle lanes often share with traffic lanes (or none marked at all), and are often not observed. Vehicle-bicycle collisions are quite common and can be deadly.

In most areas one does need to carry a lot of drinking water, because when passing through small towns and even some villages you are likely to see drinking water distribution kiosks; those primarily serve to distribute water to local residents and business in large 20 litres (4.4 imp gal; 5.3 US gal) bottles, but the staff will be glad to refill your water bottle for free. These kiosks typically operate during normal business hours.

Riding at night is possible, provided you have good lights and reflectors. The hours between 10PM (when it gets cooler) and 4:30AM (when traffic seems to start) am are perhaps the best, as this allows one both to beat the traffic and to avoid the day's heat.

When traveling between islands, it's usually possible to take the bicycle on a ferry. Expect to pay a fee on the order of 2/3 or 3/4 of the passenger's fare. Sometimes you pay for the bike when buying your own ticket at the ticket office; sometimes, you just give cash to the ship crew when boarding.

See [ edit ]

The Philippines can give you the tropical island experience of your life. Its beautiful sandy beaches, warm climate, century old churches, magnificent mountain ranges, dense rain forests, rich culture and smiling people are some of the attractions that you can see and experience on this archipelago composed of 7,107 islands. You can experience the country's rich and unique culture in different ways like touring old Spanish churches, joining colorful fiestas (festivals) and by enjoying exotic and tasty cuisine. But perhaps the greatest way to experience Filipino culture is by riding a jeepney.

Historical and cultural attractions [ edit ]

The Spanish began colonizing the Philippines in the 1560s and held it until the Americans took over in 1898. Almost every town in the country has a few fine old buildings from that period, at least a Catholic church. A few have much more than that, whole districts full of old buildings including the remains of Spanish fortifications:

• Manila is the capital of the Philippines; it was established during the Spanish colonial era. Despite being a city with modern skyscrapers, Manila still has its rich historical and cultural heritage. Its old churches, colonial structures, neo-classical buildings and historical landmarks give this city its unique charm.
• Intramuros (Spanish for 'within the walls') is the oldest district and historic core of Manila. Intramuros is home to Manila's finest and oldest structures such as the Manila Cathedral and Fort Santiago. Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, Intramuros still has its Spanish colonial character.
• Cebu City was the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines, and was the capital for a few years. Its Colon district has some of the country's most important historical and heritage spots including Fort San Pedro and the Basilica of Santo Niño. The city's Sinulog Festival attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims; it is one of the country's most popular festivals.
• Baguio is at a considerable elevation and was used as a summer capital to escape the heat of Manila.

Several towns have particularly fine collections of heritage buildings, including many heritage homes built for important Spaniards or for wealthy Filipino families. Many of these are still private homes and by no means all are open to the public, but some have become museums and others allow tours.

• Vigan , in the Ilocos Region of northern Luzon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , a Spanish colonial town though also with considerable Chinese influence. It may make you feel like you are somewhere in Latin America or Mediterranean Europe.
• Taal , in the Batangas region southwest of Manila, is the closest such town to the capital. It may be a convenient stop for those headed for the beaches of Puerto Galera , though it takes you off the direct route.
• Silay is on Negros , near Bacolod.
• Baclayon is on Bohol , near Tagbilaran.

Since the country was a Spanish colony for 300 years, Baroque churches can easily be found around the Philippines. These churches will look almost like those which you might see in Spain and elsewhere in Europe. Some of the most iconic in the country are:

• San Agustin Church in Manila
• Miag-ao Church in Iloilo City
• Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte
• Santa Maria Church in Ilocos Sur

These churches were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines .

Beaches and islands [ edit ]

Beaches and diving are among the best-known tourist attractions of the country; with 7,107 islands there is certainly enough choice. Many beaches have bright white sand, but beige, gray, black or even pink sand are also found. Most of the diving is around coral reefs; many are reachable by just walking into the water, or on a day trip by boat from one of the resorts. A few such as Coron feature wreck diving and some such as Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park involve longer trips on live-aboard boats.

Several other beach areas are almost as well-known as Boracay, but less crowded and perhaps somewhat less expensive. Many travellers prefer one or another of these over Boracay.

Mactan Island in Cebu; Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga; Pagudpud in Ilocos; Laiya Beach in Batangas and White Island in Camiguin are other popular beach destinations in the Philippines that are really worth visiting.

Landscapes [ edit ]

Sick of beaches? The Philippines has other stunning landscapes to offer; aside from beautiful beaches, there are mountain ranges, dense jungles, majestic rice terraces, scenic lakes, picturesque waterfalls and hidden caves.

If we think of the Philippines, the usual things that goes into our mind are just group of islands with warm sunny days. The Cordillera Region is not the usual Philippine destination that we see on postcards and travel magazines. If you visit this mountainous region, take jackets and sweaters rather than just t-shirts, because this region is located in the cool highlands of the northern part of the country. Rice terraces are one of the most visited tourist attractions in the region, the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces and Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras can be found here. These rice terraces were built almost 2000 years ago by ancient Filipinos and still maintain their beauty. Nearby is the town of Sagada in the Mountain Province . Known for its hanging coffins and limestone caves, this town is an ideal destination for backpackers.

As in neighboring Indonesia , the Philippine islands were mainly created by volcanic action and the country's tourist attractions include several volcanoes . All the major islands have some mountain areas suitable for hikers, though there are few climbs difficult enough to fascinate serious mountaineers.

All of these except Apo are active volcanoes and can be extremely dangerous ; see Volcanoes#Stay_safe for relevant advice.

Head to the island of Bohol to see the famous Chocolate Hills , and no they are not made out of chocolate, they are grass-covered limestone domes that turn brown during the dry season, hence their name. There are more than 1,268 hills scattered in the area. The Chocolate Hills are one of the most iconic and popular tourist spots in the country. Another destination which is popular in Bohol is the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella , it is a 7.4-hectare forest sanctuary where over 100 tarsiers roam freely, here you can have a chance to get up close to the Philippine Tarsier , one of the smallest primates in the world.

Do [ edit ]

• Aerial sports - An annual Hot Air Balloon festival is held in January and February in Clark, Angeles in Pampanga . Hot air balloons are displayed, and there is skydiving, and other activities.
• Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines, don't miss the PBA and UAAP [dead link] basketball tournaments. A more Filipino experience is watching any of the paliga games held in barangays during the hot months, if you can bear the heat; streetball is also quite popular with Filipinos as well.
• Bentosa and Hilot are Filipino alternative ways of healing, Bentosa is a method where a cup cover a tea light candle then it flames out and it drains out all the pain on the certain part of the body, Hilot is just the Filipino way of massaging.
• Board sailing - Waves and winds work together making the country a haven for board sailors. Boracay , Subic Bay and Anilao in Batangas are the main destinations.
• Casinos : Metro Manila has a wide collection of casinos and entertainment destinations. Explore the Resorts World Manila , the country's first luxurious casino integrated resort, and the newly opened Solaire Resorts and Casino . The Entertainment City is home to four integrated casino resorts, including the Okada Manila .
• Cycling : Cycling in the Philippines has experienced a surge in popularity, emerging as a favored outdoor activity and an exciting mode of exploration. Known for its diverse landscapes, the country attracts both locals and international enthusiasts seeking thrilling biking adventures. The rise of bicycling tourism has further contributed to this trend, with numerous cycling tours showcasing the Philippines' scenic beauty and cultural richness. As the nation embraces cycling as a lifestyle and tourism draws, the Philippines stands out as an increasingly sought-after destination for cyclists of all levels, providing an immersive experience that combines adventure, culture, and the joy of two-wheeled exploration.
• Caving - The archipelago has some unique cave systems. Sagada in Luzon and Mabinay on Negros are popular destination for caving.
• Festivals - Each municipality, town, city and province has its own festival, either religious or in honor of the city or a historical reason.
• Golf - Almost every province has a golf course.
• Karaoke - Also known as videoke , karaoke is a popular pastime in the Philippines, with households commonly renting or buying a karaoke machine for events. Karaoke in bars or restaurants are widely available, either in the form of karaoke boxes or a coin-operated karaoke machine.
• Medical tourism - Most medical tourists come from America and Europe as health care here costs as much as 80% less than abroad. Most of the hospitals suggested for medical tourism are in Metro Manila . Alternative medicine is also popular with spas, faith healing and other fringe therapies widespread throughout the archipelago.
• National parks - National parks number around 60-70, they include mountains and coral reefs.
• Mountain biking - The archipelago has dozens of mountains and is ideal for mountain bikers. Destinations include Baguio , Davao , Iloilo City , Banaue , Mount Apo and Guimaras .
• Rock climbing - Apo Island, Atimonan, El Nido, Putting Bato, Wawa Gorge have the best sites in the archipelago for rock climbing.
• Sea kayaking - Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur , Palawan , Samar and Siargao are popular.
• Spas are found near beaches, financial capitals, etc.
• Trekking - Mountain ranges and peaks offer cool weather for trekking and it might give you a sight of the beautiful exotic flora and fauna of the country. Mt. Kanlaon and Mount Pulag are good trekking spots.
• Visita iglesia - Church-visiting Catholic churches, holy sites, shrines, and basilicas. If you are religious try this, if you love art and architecture, churches are the best way to define what Filipino architecture.
• Whitewater rafting - There is good whitewater rafting in Mindanao , both in the north around Cagayan de Oro and in the south near Davao .

Scuba diving [ edit ]

See Diving in the Philippines , Scuba diving and Snorkeling for more information

Scuba diving is spectacular in the Philippines. While there are many fine dive sites, including some in nearly every region of the country, two stand out as among the world's best:

• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a Philippines National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It is a large area of coral reef, mostly shallow water with a few small islets and a sensational range of marine life. It is generally reached on live-aboard boats operating from Puerto Princesa on Palawan .
• Coron has excellent wreck diving because the US Navy sank about ten Japanese ships in shallow water there in 1944.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The Philippine peso (or piso ), ISO code: PHP , is the official currency and is the only currency used for most transactions. It is usually denoted by the symbol " ₱ " (prefixing prices using P without the double strike or PHP is also common, especially amongst those who type prices or amounts on their computers or phones as the " ₱ " symbol isn't straightforward to generate on keyboards). One peso is subdivided into 100 centavos (or sentimo ), denoted with the symbol ¢ (or c ). Wikivoyage uses ₱ for pesos.

• Coins : 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, ₱1, ₱5, ₱10, and ₱20. There are two sets of coins in circulation: the 2018 "New Generation" series and the older 1995 "New Design" series. The 2018 coins are all nickel-plated steel; there is no 10¢ coin, and ₱20 coins were introduced in late 2019. Coins from 1995 are of various materials and colors.
• Bills : ₱20 (orange), ₱50 (red), ₱100 (two versions; purplish blue (original) and strong mauve or violet (updated)), ₱200 (green), ₱500 (yellow), and ₱1000 (light blue; two versions; 2010 paper version, 2022 polymer version). Older versions of each bill were demonetized in 2016. The old bills have similar colors to their new counterparts, have the same people at the front (except for the ₱500 bill which also features former President Corazon C. Aquino and the polymer ₱1000 note which feature the Philippine eagle instead) but rather than historical sites at the back, the newer bills feature Filipino natural wonders and species unique to the country.

U.S. dollars may be accepted in some circumstances (particularly to buy international flights and perform some e-commerce transactions), but don't count on it to buy even high-end big ticket items.

Travelers usually see ₱20 and ₱50 bills, and ₱1, ₱5 and ₱10 coins as the most useful for common purchases. Centavo coins are nearly worthless: convenience stores, supermarkets and bus conductors are the few to hand them out as change, but they are commonly thrown away. Always have some coins in hand during morning hours ; jeepney, taxi, tricycle drivers, and some merchants follow the barya lang [po] sa umaga rule, insisting they need coins to give back as change later in the day. Beware of counterfeits: bills from ₱100 and above are common targets for counterfeiters, but fake ₱20 and ₱50s also show up, especially in small shops.

The Philippines is fundamentally a cash-only society ; it's just fine to carry wads of ₱1000 bills for medium to large purchases, though it's also risky. Some machines like coin-operated vending machines or coin laundries only accept ₱5 coins while pisonet computers accept ₱1 , but many are not yet adjusted to accept coins from 2018. Beverage vending machines generally accept bills up to ₱50 in value.

Currency conversion [ edit ]

Money changers are common in malls and tourist areas, but less so elsewhere. A rule of thumb is that the more currency you wish to exchange, the more favorable the rates can be. Banks are widely available to exchange currency but usually impose a minimum amount (usually around US$100), generally have worse rates than money changers, and are usually open only from 9AM to 3PM (sometimes 4:30PM) on weekdays. However, you can enjoy their air conditioning during a long wait. Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Banco de Oro (BDO) have longer operating hours (sometimes as late as 7PM) in some locations.

Don't exchange money in stalls along the streets as some of them might be exchanging your money for counterfeit money. Contact Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines or BSP) if you suspect the money you've been given is counterfeit. Money changers do exist at department stores, supermarkets and hotels but the rates are highly unfavorable to customers and some will only exchange into pesos. Pawnshops are usually the best bet for reasonable rates but avoid exchanging coins.

Banking [ edit ]

Having a Philippine bank account is useful for long-term travelers or permanent residents, but not for an ordinary tourist or business traveler. International banks like Citibank or HSBC have only a few branches in large cities and opening a new account requires a huge deposit. The major local banks, like PNB (Philippine National Bank), BDO (Banco de Oro), BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) or Metrobank , are better. Foreigners must have a valid passport, a foreign resident registration card and proof of a Philippines address – most often the residency certificate you got from the barangay. Most bank staff can speak English well, and you can also apply for a US dollar account with any of the major local banks, but some banks and other financial services may be reluctant to open accounts for US residents due to onerous reporting requirements imposed by US federal law on banks that service such customers.

Most of the 20,000 ATMs are connected to the local BancNet ATM network. Most banks will have at least one ATM on bank premises, and there are lots of off-site ATMs in shopping malls and other commercial buildings, mostly in the cities. In rural areas, often the only available ATMs are from the Land Bank of the Philippines or PNB.

International networks like Plus and Cirrus are accessible with many ATMs, with Cirrus being more predominant, although many ATMs support both. Some banks also support other cards, including American Express, Diners Club, JCB and China UnionPay. Withdrawals are often limited to ₱10,000 depending on the bank. Most ATM operators charge a usage fee of ₱250 for using foreign cards in addition to your bank's fees. The best ATMs to withdraw money from are at one of the HSBC branches (just three left out of eight in Metro Manila, and one each in Cebu City and Davao), where you can take out ₱40,000 per transaction with no usage fee . If these are not an option, the best bet to get ₱20,000 (with a fee) are BPI (especially those attached to an office, but often available 24/7), Maybank (mainly in larger cities), and possibly some of RCBC . Most ATMs, however, dispense only ₱10,000 per transaction, and the limit may be even less in a smaller town.

Credit card holders can use Visa, MasterCard, American Express, UnionPay, Diners Club and JCB cards, especially in the cities and in tourist areas, but merchants usually require a minimum purchase amount before they start accepting credit cards. Smaller merchants are usually cash-only. Credit cards are generally not accepted for government-related transactions, and in rural areas, credit card acceptance can range from limited to virtually non-existent.

Pay close attention when using ATMs, even when using ATMs on bank premises. While credit card fraud is uncommon in the Philippines, ATM tampering happens regularly. Obvious signs that an ATM has been tampered include loosely-installed keypads, larger-than-usual card slots, and wires or features that seem out of place.

Mobile payments [ edit ]

Mobile payments are rapidly becoming available in shops and restaurants in large cities and major tourist destinations. Two popular mobile payment services are the QR code-based GCash and Maya , which are tied to telecom companies Globe and Smart, respectively. Both platforms are usable for paying at shops and restaurants, with generous cashback within a certain timeframe. For Maya, you also get a debit card which you can use in place of your phone for payment. You will only need a Philippine mobile number, an ID, and the specific app to use those platforms, and reloading funds for those is through machines in convenience stores, pawnshops and some sari-sari stores. If using those platforms with a prepaid phone, you can only use it with a registered prepaid SIM card, however, which limits its use for short-term travelers. In addition for use in purchases, it is possible to transfer funds to someone you know using those platforms and repaying them in cash.

While NFC-based mobile payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are not officially supported in the Philippines, they are nonetheless accepted and credit card terminals do accept payments made with either service. Some shops and restaurants which see many mainland Chinese customers also take WeChat Pay and Alipay, which are QR-based. Establishments taking GCash can also be used by those with Alipay or foreign Alipay partner payment platforms such as AlipayHK (Hong Kong), Touch 'n Go (Malaysia) or TrueMove (Thailand).

Tipping [ edit ]

Tipping is not required in the Philippines, except when the customer wants to show appreciation for services rendered. However, tipping is becoming more common especially in service-oriented places like spas and salons. In some restaurants and hotels, a "Service Charge" (8–12%) is included in the bill when issued (these are not part of the listed rates); thus, a customer has the option to give an additional tip or not. In taxis, it is common to add ₱20-50 on top of the fare.

Costs [ edit ]

Traveling in the Philippines is cheap (one of the least expensive places to visit in Asia and in the world.) For example a stay in a pension house, tourist inn or lodge can cost as little as ₱300 a night for a fan room or ₱500 a night for an air-conditioned room. A flight to Cebu from Manila and vice-versa will cost as little as ₱999 , while one from Manila to Davao can cost as little as ₱1595 . Transportation can cost as little as ₱10 for the first 4 km (2.5 mi) in a jeepney . Provincial bus fares are also cheap, even for a luxury bus.

Using the internet in an internet café ranges from ₱1 per 5 minutes (₱12 for an hour) on a pisonet to ₱20 per hour on larger establishments, depending on the Internet café's location. A can of Coke costs as little as ₱20 while a copy of the International Herald Tribune costs ₱70 and The Economist as little as ₱160 . In most restaurants, there is 12% Value Added Tax (VAT) usually included in the unit price but the service charge is often excluded and computed separately (although the restaurant may opt to waive the service charge if the customer only requests take-away food).

Shopping [ edit ]

Living in the Philippines is cheap and shopping in the country is also cheap compared to elsewhere in southeast Asia.

The country has a lot of shopping malls, from large to small and from modern to traditional; consumerism is part of Filipino culture. The four largest mall operators in the country are SM, Robinson's, CityMall and Ayala with locations across the archipelago. Most malls are open from 10AM to 9PM; they open as early as 8AM and close as late as 11PM during Christmas shopping season (mid-September to early January). Many close every Christmas, New Year, and Good Friday, with a few exceptions. Due to terrorism risk, security is tight at malls, with lines for bag searches and metal detectors.

In major malls, department stores, supermarkets, and brand-name stores, the tag price normally includes value-added tax (VAT) and any applicable sales taxes. In bazaars and tiangges (markets), prices may be marked, but you can often bargain for a better price. It is common, especially for clothing, to get a better price if you buy two or more.

By law, all establishments are required to issue an official receipt. Please make sure to ask for this. Just like elsewhere, it will come in handy anyway if you run into problems with your purchase later.

Supermarkets and convenience stores [ edit ]

Supermarkets in the Philippines are dominated by four large chains, generally owned by Filipino-Chinese companies:

• SM Savemore & Walter Mart.
• Pure Gold & S & R & Lawson.
• Robinsons & Rustans & Shopwise & Wellcome.
• Gaisano & Metro. There are now several separate companies with "Gaisano" in the name, run by different descendants of the founder of the original company.

Regional chains and mom-and-pop supermarkets, which may have lower prices than the four major chains, can be found as well, especially in less-developed areas of cities or in the countryside; see specific region or city pages for details.

Chain convenience stores , often tied with a major retailer, are common in urban areas. They generally have a wide variety of products, usually a subset of products sold in a grocery store, and fast food, and services like cell phone load, money transfer, courier service and bill payment. They mostly operate round the clock; the few exceptions are locations inside malls.

Traditional, sari-sari stores (small corner stores) are common, especially in the rural areas and the barangays. These are mostly family-owned stores usually found beside a road, and sell items that can be bought in grocery stores or general merchandise stores. Sari-sari stores also provide cell phone loading in addition to selling products.

Eat [ edit ]

There is no single "Filipino cuisine", but rather a mosaic of various regional and ethnic cuisines. Local food varies as you travel between regions, provinces and islands, and ingredients vary by the local culture and economy, but there are broad characteristics that define Filipino food.

Filipino cuisine has developed from the different cultures that shaped its history; it is Southeast Asian cuisine but with influences from both Asia and the West. Though its cuisine is not as renowned as many of its neighbors, such as that of Thailand and Vietnam, Filipino cooking is nonetheless distinct in that it is possibly the least spicy of all Southeast Asian cuisines. Don't make the mistake of thinking that Filipino food is bland, though. It is just that instead of spices, Filipino food depends more on garlic, onions, ginger and vinegar to add flavor to dishes, and is mostly sweet, sour, and salty. Painstaking preparation and prolonged cooking time is also a characteristic of most Filipino dishes, and when done properly is often what brings out the flavor of the food, as opposed to a healthy dose of spices. As with the rest of Southeast Asia, rice is the staple food of the Philippines, but parts of the country rather have corn instead. Nonetheless, non-Filipinos may be caught off-guard by the tendency for all meat to be cooked well-done.

To experience how the Filipinos eat in a budget way, carinderias (eateries) and turo-turo (literally "point-point", buffet-style restaurants where you choose the food to be served to you) are some of the options. Mains cost less than ₱50 . Carinderias serve food cooked earlier and it may not always be the safest of options.

You'll be hard pressed to find a mall without the requisite American fast food chains, which have their menus adapted to local tastes, but national chains such as Jollibee (hamburgers), Greenwich (pizza), and Mang Inasal (chicken barbecue) also capture the Filipino taste buds and are competitive. If you want even cheaper fast food, go to roadside burger shacks or the numerous food kiosks or stands in malls and public transportation terminals.

Filipino street food is one of the best however it may not be as clean as the ones you find in Singapore. Street food vendors have been criticized because of their unhygienic practices and unhealthy options but also praised for affordability and taste. Street food sold in malls, while often viewed as a show-off to appeal the refined tongue, is much safer and better.

Tropical fruits abound in the Philippines. Most of the countryside produce finds its way to the metro areas and can be easily bought in supermarkets or in the farmers' markets, which are considerably more colorful and often have better prices.

Meal patterns are basically similar to those in the Spanish-speaking world due to the country's history. Lunch is the most important meal, eaten between 11AM to 3PM, and a mid-morning or afternoon snack ( merienda ) is common.

Some Filipinos strictly use the serving spoon rule, believing that offering utensils or food that had come contact with someone's saliva is rude, disgusting, and will cause food to get spoiled quickly. Singing or having an argument while eating is considered rude, as they believe food is grace; food won't come to you if you keep disrespecting it. Filipinos usually say a prayer before food is served, furthermore wait till the host invites you to start eating. Also, it is rude to refuse food that the host offers or leave the dining table while someone is still eating.

Dietary restrictions [ edit ]

Vegetarians and vegans will find it difficult to find a Filipino dish which is wholly vegetarian as most Filipinos add meat in every single dish they eat. You can find some vegetarian restaurants in the Philippines, mostly lurking in the commercial, financial and provincial capitals, and most of them use tofu instead of meat. Nearly all towns have large markets with a fine selection of fruits and vegetables, mostly at good prices.

Muslims will find it hard to find Halal food outside predominantly Muslim areas in the Philippines. Hindus will find Indian restaurants which serve some vegetarian options in the most of the larger cities. Jews will also find it hard to find Kosher meals. However rabbis in the Philippines suggest some stores which sell Kosher food.

Awareness of food allergies or celiac disease is limited to non-existent.

Drink [ edit ]

Due to the tropical climate of the Philippines, chilled drinks are popular. Stands selling chilled drinks and shakes are common especially in shopping malls.

Filipinos (except for observant Muslims) love to drink (and get drunk). Filipinos rarely consume alcohol by itself. They would normally have what is called as pulutan or bar chow alongside their drinks which is like the equivalent of tapas. Beer is perhaps the most common form of alcohol consumed in bars.

Alcohol is cheap in the Philippines, some of the cheapest in the whole of Asia. In a supermarket the excellent local beers are around ₱35 and 750 ml (26 imp fl oz; 25 US fl oz) bottles of tolerable local rum or brandy start under ₱100 . In many bars beer is around ₱60 and mixed drinks ₱90-150 .

Sleep [ edit ]

Accommodation options range from luxury five-star hotels/resorts to backpacker inns, but off the beaten track, options are sparse. Rates begin at ₱200 , or higher depending on location, season and demand. Large cities such as Manila or Cebu have a higher price bracket, so do major tourist destinations.

Homestays ("transient homes") or bed and breakfasts are common in the provinces, especially in tourist towns that do not have much commercial accommodation. Many are just basic homes that provide meals and lodging, but some may be mansions with a swimming pool.

Motels (or "short-time [hotels]") are another cheap option, but they have a reputation for being havens for illicit sex. They tend to be scattered in red-light districts, but many are clustered along major highways. Rates are per hour than per day , and it generally costs ₱600-1000 for overnight stays (at least 6 to 10 hours), or ₱200-400 for short stays (2 to 5 hours).

Hotels and resorts are usually for the higher-end traveler, although rates — even for four-star establishments — are not very high compared to other international destinations. Condotels are furnished condominium units rented out for long or short term stays, while apartelles are set up for both short and long term stays. Pension houses, tourist inns and lodging houses are usually more basic and economical from ₱200 per night.

Cheaper places often have only fans instead of air conditioning, and no private toilet or shower. Even if you get a private shower, it may not have hot water, but this is not a big problem in a hot country. Bathtubs are rare in any accommodation, and the shower is often not separated from the toilet except in top-end hotels.

There are backpacker hostels all over the Philippines with dorm beds from ₱200.

The advertised hotel rates and services generally do not include 12% VAT and service charge (typically 8-10% of base price). These will be computed separately. Many smaller hotels will only accept cash for payment and do not accept online reservations and credit cards.

Learn [ edit ]

You must apply for a student (9F) visa if you study in a college or university in the Philippines, and those studying on an elementary, secondary, technical/vocational, or special school registered to allow foreign enrollment must apply for a student permit (along with other required documents if below 18 or required by the institution).

Tertiary education [ edit ]

Education is taken seriously in the Philippines, and studying is a good way to experience life in the country. Many foreigners such as Europeans, Chinese, Americans and Koreans go to university in the Philippines, partly because compared to other countries universities here are cheaper. The system is similar to the American system. The most prestigious institutions include University of the Philippines (UP), De La Salle University (DLSU), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), University of Santo Tomas (UST), Far Eastern University (FEU) and Adamson University . For American veterans, the VA will pay for courses at approved universities here.

Learning English [ edit ]

The Philippines is one of the largest centers for learning ESL ( English as a Second Language ) in Asia. Transport from Asian countries, living costs and tuition are all much lower than for the major English-speaking countries and the climate is pleasant.

There are many English learning centers around the country; many are in Metro Manila (especially Taguig City ), Bacolod , and Cebu City , but there are some in all the major cities and in some of the resort areas. There are some jobs for foreign teachers in these places, though they mostly use Filipino teachers and generally will not offer high salaries to foreigners. See Teaching English .

Others [ edit ]

• Scuba diving : There is a great variety of dive sites and many have PADI-accredited diving schools where you can obtain your certifications. Costs (of both lessons and equipment) are likely to be cheaper than even in Thailand and Malaysia . See Diving in the Philippines .
• Martial arts : Eskrima or Kali is a Filipino martial art that emphasizes using swords and sticks; it has been showcased in films such as Equilibrium . There are many training centers around Metro Manila and some almost anywhere in the country. Many other martial arts are also taught, but in any but a really large city only one or two will be available.
• Filipino/Tagalog or regional languages : Limited opportunities are available to seriously study Filipino or a regional language, as most Filipinos can readily read, speak and understand English (and jobs available to foreigners do not require Filipino language skills), but you can readily pick up any local language through lessons with locals, books, and online resources. Filipino is a mandatory subject in the Philippine education system, so you can be immersed in it while studying in the country.

Work [ edit ]

Under Philippine law, any foreigner working must have an Alien Employment Permit issued by the Department of Labor. The paperwork is in general handled by the prospective employer and the employee picks up the relevant visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Working without a permit is not allowed, and doing so means you have no protection under labor laws. Furthermore, visas are checked upon departing the Philippines. Those who have overstayed without permission are subject to fines and, in certain cases, even jail.

It is possible for foreigners to earn casual money while staying in the Philippines, especially in Manila and other bigger cities in provinces. These may include temporary teaching in schools, colleges and other institutions, and working in bars and clubs. Temporary work may also be available as an extra on the set of a film or television series. Fluency in English is very important in jobs while knowledge of Filipino or Tagalog is not needed. The Philippines has overtaken India in the call center industry, and many international companies hire English fluent workers.

Most establishments pay monthly but informal jobs pay out variably either cash on hand or weekly.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Since the return to democracy, the Philippines suffers from crime, corruption, and ongoing insurgencies. While foreign governments and the media exaggerates the threats, the country is, by and large, peaceful except for some regions experiencing low-level insurgencies. Crime levels in major cities are relatively comparable to those in American cities.

The country has one of those having the most deaths from natural disasters known to humankind: earthquakes, tropical cyclones (typhoons), floods, and tropical diseases.

The Philippines is quite low-income: unskilled jobs generally pay US$100-200 a month and even many good jobs are under US$500. More or less all travelers will be perceived as rich by local standards. This makes you a prime target for thieves, scammers, prostitutes and corrupt officials. Do not make it worse by displaying a Rolex, an iPhone and a Nikon or by pulling out a stack of ₱1000 notes when you pay a restaurant bill.

Law enforcement [ edit ]

Police [ edit ].

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is responsible for law enforcement for the country, and their officers are easily identifiable through their dark blue uniforms. Some officers would be wearing a light blue collared shirt (with PNP insignia on the chest) or T-shirt (with PULIS printed behind); this includes those stationed at tourist locations and smaller Police Community Precincts (PCPs). PNP's traffic law enforcement arm, the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), who patrols national highways and rural checkpoints, wear the same uniform as most police, but may be wearing a reflection vest. Police vehicles are generally white, with many variations by local division, but most should have the word PULIS or PULISYA at the front, and a white license plate with red text.

All police officers have nationwide authority. Many can speak English, but this depends on where you are in. Many are easily approachable, but some are not well-paid and therefore corrupt.

Traffic police [ edit ]

The PNP has a Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and many cities and municipalities have their own traffic police force that enforce traffic law at the local level. Traffic police are generally called traffic enforcers or traffic aides . Uniforms vary by municipality, but many wear a cap and pants with reflectorized strips, and some don a vest for additional visibility. Many local traffic police forces have a bad reputation for being poorly trained and corrupt.

While its constituent cities have their own traffic police, Metro Manila has a region-wide traffic law enforcement authority, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), which has constables who patrols the major thoroughfares. MMDA constables wear a bright blue uniform, and are mostly courteous and trained. Most now serve roles in controlling traffic at major intersections and traffic bottlenecks, and only a few write tickets for traffic law violations. In addition, they also enforce regional ordinances against smoking, spitting, urinating in public, littering and jaywalking.

In some areas, the HPG will routinely setup road checkpoints. These are obsensibly to verify that you have the necessary documentation to operate your class of vehicle. In practice, the checkpoints primarily serve to facilitate searches of motorcycle saddlebags without warrants, if the HPG observes illicit goods in plain sight. You should slow down well in advance of the checkpoint and cooperate with officers, but do not be surprised if you are waved through if driving something on four wheels.

It varies hugely from place to place, but in some areas enforcement of traffic laws is quite lax; see Driving in the Philippines .

Private security [ edit ]

Private security guards are common, especially in malls, banks, transportation terminals, and government offices. They will be mostly dressed in a white or navy blue shirt and black pants, and are often armed with either pistols or shotguns. Female guards may have the same uniform as males, but some wear a black pencil skirt and hose. They may conduct bag searches, sometimes using a wand, or operate metal detectors, but these are almost always formalities and cursory glances. Some guards may have a black cap with badge. Most of them are friendly and approachable, but some are poorly trained, aggressive and corrupt.

Barangay tanod [ edit ]

In addition to police, barangays also have tanod , or village watchers, who are responsible for neighborhood policing. Most of them are unarmed, but some are armed with a bolo , a kind of machete, or with a staff. There is no standard uniform, but many wear a shirt with a vest, usually one bearing the barangay name, over it. Tanods , especially those in roadside outposts, will be happy to give directions should you get lost.

Crime [ edit ]

Crime, along with impunity and corruption within the police force, has increased since the return to democracy, and while the rate is relatively high by Western standards, they mostly happen within crowded or rough areas of large cities. Most common are pickpocketing, bag snatching, and hold-up robbery; flaunting high-denomination bills, designer bags, or personal gadgets puts you at risk for those. Beware of the budol-budol scam, where victims are hypnotized to follow the robbers' demands; it is common around Manila, but foreigners are rarely targeted. Getting involved in a crime might introduce you into the slow Filipino justice system.

Smash-and-grab theft on parked cars (the basag-kotse modus operandi) is common, even in guarded parking areas, so do not leave anything valuable inside the car, especially on the dashboard.

Distraction theft is uncommon, but they happen; such cases often involve dropping a coin (the laglag-barya scam), or intentionally sticking a piece of used chewing gum to a bus seat. In restaurants, one common scam involves staged beverage spills.

Bag-snatching by motorcycle riders, especially those riding in tandem, is common. Sometimes, they will pull the bag along with the person for a few meters. Be careful when carrying expensive bags, as it may catch the attention of snatchers. Avoid wearing jewelry, especially earrings or rings, when going into crowded areas.

Avoid getting into fights or confrontations with locals . Filipinos are generally smaller than Westerners, but being outnumbered by a group of three or even a mob is absolute trouble. Police, despite being able to communicate in English by and large, will not intervene on behalf of a foreigner in an altercation with locals. Getting into a fight with locals is a common cause for foreigners to be deported from the Philippines. Also avoid raising your voice ; some simple arguments ended up with murder for causing the person to lose face and turn violent. Drunken locals can get violent and run amok, and bar fights are not uncommon, especially with East Asians. Filipinos are generally peace-loving people; showing hiya (saving face, literally "shame") and settling the issue diplomatically is better than getting into trouble.

Filipino organized crime syndicates are almost never a threat to the ordinary traveler, and mostly focus on drugs, human trafficking and contract killing. Entering a run-down neighborhood of a large city, you could be assaulted by thugs in unprovoked attacks, but this is generally unlikely unless you look like a Filipino.

Road travel [ edit ]

Over 11,000 people die from traffic accidents in the Philippines every year, and many crashes involve motorcycles and tricycles , especially on rural highways. Reckless driving, poor road maintenance, lax traffic enforcement, limited usage of traffic cameras and radar guns, a mix of brand-new and dilapidated vehicles on the streets, red tape and corruption in the licensing and registration process, and lack of driver education all contribute to the dangerous driving environment. Crossing the street is risky as pedestrian crossings are seldom followed. Driving at night is more dangerous as signs, markings, delineators, or lights are lacking, and some drivers do not lower their headlights. While the government has made attempts to improve the situation, manic speeders ( kaskasero ) and reckless drivers remain common. Driving is a dangerous experience for foreigners, but many get around without incident. Renting a car with driver is recommended but not necessary.

Safety on provincial buses may not be up to international standards. Try to travel on reputable bus companies and avoid ordinary buses where possible. Ordinary buses are not only crowded and uncomfortable; the vehicle may be dilapidated and therefore unsafe for travel.

Beware of unlicensed ( colorum ) jeepneys, vans, taxis and tricycles. Licensed vehicles have yellow and black license plates, and standard operator info, and route/service area markings; colorum vehicles have private vehicle license plates (either black or green text on white background, or green text on blue sky background) and no additional marking. Legitimate vehicles running outside of their marked route or service area without a special permit are also considered colorum . Avoid riding one of them unless they're the only form of transport available, as they tend to be overloaded, drivers might charge higher fares, and passengers are not insured should they get involved in a crash.

Corruption [ edit ]

Corruption is a serious issue in the country, and the kotong ("bribe") culture, also helped by the meager wages of officials, widespread red tape, and patronage, is prevalent within the police and the Philippine bureaucracy. The situation is not as bad as back in the 1980s and 1990s, but some forms of corruption continue to persist.

Beware of immigration scams at Ninoy Aquino International Airport . Immigration officers might welcome you with a "Merry Christmas", even as early as August, and then ask you for "gifts" or a tip. More serious is the hold-departure order scam : a corrupt immigration official will tell you cannot leave the country because you were placed on an immigration blacklist for a crime you did not commit, and airport security will then come and hold you at their office until you bribe them. This rarely happens to foreigners, but might happen with returning Filipinos. Clarifying that a part of your name (especially the middle name) does not match those in the blacklist can help avoid this scam.

While not as bad as before, Philippine law enforcement is infamous for street-level corruption. Police officers or traffic police are known to extort bribes. Fines for minor infractions are very easy to get around, ranging from ₱300-500 , but cops may even ask for outrageous amounts, or threaten you to go to their station and talk with their superior. Police may even ask you for a bribe before filing a formal complaint, but this is no longer common. Have your phone camera ready so you have evidence against those who extort bribes; a dashcam is also a must if you are driving.

Philippine bureaucracy is also plagued with corruption. Acting polite, asking for a receipt, smiling and saying thank you will avoid any problems. Consider calling the civil service complaint hotline 8888 or writing a polite complaint letter if you run into trouble with the bureaucracy.

Carry your passport, or a photocopy of both the identification page and your visa at all times as random checks by police or immigration are not uncommon.

Begging [ edit ]

Begging for money (and handling of money to beggars) is illegal, but you may encounter lots of beggars in almost every medium to large city in the Philippines. Beggars range from street children, the homeless, and people soliciting on buses and jeepneys. Of particular note are the Sama-Bajau (or Badjao), a nomadic sea-going people from the Sulu islands which are ubiquitous in the port cities. They live in seaside fishing villages, but some of the poorer Badjao go further inland in big cities to beg for money.

Never give beggars money; giving them food is better, but some prefer money and will refuse food donations. Much better is to donate to a charity.

Female travelers [ edit ]

While women are respected in Filipino culture, crimes against women remain prevalent. Attitudes toward women remain conservative, and many Filipino men openly display machismo. While foreign women are rarely targeted for rape, there are chances you can get groped by strangers, harassed by male bystanders and robbed when traveling alone in a taxi.

While wearing short shorts, miniskirts, and other revealing clothes is fine in most parts of the country (except in the Muslim-majority regions), it makes you an target for opportunistic crime, and some places have outlawed wearing of any immodest apparel to combat rape and street harassment. A good rule of thumb is to observe Filipinas; in some areas they will be showing a lot of skin, but in others they will be covered. Foreign women need not go as far in either direction as the local lasses, but should go in the same direction.

Racism [ edit ]

Filipinos in general are tolerant and hospitable, and foreigners find it easy to blend in, but there is fairly some prejudice toward black people and mainland Chinese. Racism in the Philippines sometimes overlap with class discrimination, with light-skinned people being given preferential treatment in shops and employment. Travelers from sub-Saharan Africa are sometimes viewed with suspicion by police over concerns with West African drug trafficking rings. Anti-Chinese sentiment is high and mainland Chinese are increasingly met with suspicion, but violent attacks remain rare.

Homosexuality [ edit ]

Despite prevailing conservative mores, the Philippines is very tolerant to homosexuals and is the most LGBT-tolerant nation in Southeast Asia. Some cities, municipalities and provinces have passed ordinances protecting homosexual people, but a few places, like the Muslim-majority city of Marawi , have ordinances punishing homosexuality. LGBT people will be fine in the country, but you should not be too indiscreet – a pair kissing in public may get stares or even verbal profanity. Country folk, Moros (Filipino Muslims), and the elderly are more conservative and will condemn it. Violence against gays and lesbians is rare.

Sex and prostitution [ edit ]

Many Filipinas eagerly seek out well-off men, both Filipino and foreign, as boyfriends or husbands. Foreign men are nearly all rich by local standards and will usually find themselves much more in demand than they would be at home.

Prostitution is illegal in the Philippines, but it is a thriving business. The country has several hundred thousand prostitutes. By no means all of those are professionals; a woman in a typical low-paid job can roughly double her income by sleeping with one or two guys a week, and some do just that on most weekends.

There are periodic crackdowns on prostitution, and penalties are harsh for those who are arrested—large fines, possibly prison, and likely deportation with a ban on returning to the country. Corrupt cops may target foreigners in order to extract large bribes, and prostitutes have been known to set up their customers for such schemes or to scam their customers in other ways. Also, as anywhere, sexually transmitted diseases are a large risk.

The commonest form of prostitution establishment is usually called a girlie bar or bikini bar in the Philippines, but similar places in Thailand are called go-go bars and some travelers use that term here. It is also fairly common to visit these clubs just to enjoy the show, a lot of scantily-clad dancers who compete to catch customers' eyes.

Human trafficking is a serious problem in the Philippines, many people including children are victims of human and sex trafficking. Sexual abusing children is strictly prohibited under Philippine law and the government takes a strong stand against this. Those who engage in child sex offenses abroad can also be held liable to criminal prosecution in their home country. For human trafficking, penalties range up to life imprisonment.

Drugs [ edit ]

The Philippines have a negative reputation for illegal drugs; its location along major drug smuggling routes between Asia and the Americas, along with less harsh penalties, has made the country a base for drug transshipment by international crime syndicates.

The most widely used drugs in the country are crystal methamphetamine ( shabu ) and marijuana ( damo or tsongki in the local slang), and dealers selling them are common in the big cities. However, they are illegal and penalties are very harsh. Drug busts and sting operations are common, and you might well end up with a long prison sentence, followed by deportation. Possession of drug paraphernalia, such as glass or steel pipes ("tooters") used to administer shabu, could get you arrested. Bail is rarely granted for drug offenses, almost never for trafficking or for possession of shabu, so even people who eventually beat the charge are likely to spend months in jail. Also, since Duterte became president police and vigilantes have been shooting alleged shabu dealers without trial.

Methamphetamine ( shabu ) is a powerful stimulant and a remarkably nasty substance, best avoided for many reasons. An overdose may result in sudden death and long term use tends to burn out the body, especially the heart. As the song says, "Speed kills!" Moreover the stuff is highly addictive and changes the personality of heavy users, giving them a pronounced tendency toward paranoia and aggressiveness.

High-value party drugs like ecstasy (MDMA) and designer drugs like "fly high" are common in the nightlife scenes of large cities like Manila and Cebu. Rave parties are also hotspots for party drugs and spiked drinks. Police treat such drugs harshly, and using them can be fatal.

Natural disasters [ edit ]

The Philippines has many natural disaster-related deaths, second most in the world after China. Risks include typhoons , monsoon rains, floods, earthquakes , and volcanic eruptions .

Monsoon rains and floods [ edit ]

Heavy rainfall — caused by local thunderstorms, typhoons or the monsoon winds — is part of the Philippine climate. The densely populated cities are not safe from the effects of rainfall and strong winds. In some flood-prone areas, local governments have placed flood detection systems to help in evacuation of areas in case a flood is expected. In any area, the best sources of information are local media, city or provincial governments and local residents.

The southwest monsoon ( habagat ) between late May and early October causes most heavy rainfall, and floods are common at times, especially when a typhoon strengthens it. The northeast monsoon ( amihan ) in January to March can also bring heavy rain. Many vehicles may become stuck in floods worsened by high tide and clogged drainage.

Even during the southwest monsoon, the sun may still shine most of the time, but be it may be wise to bring an umbrella, especially when cumulonimbus clouds are seen to form. Consider dual-purpose items; a hat or umbrella can protect against the tropical sun as well as against rain.

Typhoons [ edit ]

Typhoons are fairly common, usually coming in off the Pacific, sweeping across parts of the country, then heading on toward mainland Asia. Heavy rain and strong winds, usually occurring together, can cause great damage, and secondary effects such as storm surges on the coast or landslides in the mountains can also be serious. Typhoons typically cover a wide area, affecting entire islands or large regions.

A typhoon has two names in the Philippines, one assigned by an international weather-watching agency and another by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA. For example, in 2013, the typhoon with strongest winds ever recorded at landfall, and the most destructive tropical storm in recent history, made landfall in Samar and devastated several other areas; it was known as "Typhoon Haiyan" internationally and "Typhoon Yolanda" in the Philippines.

Typhoons are a threat on land, but there are also risks at sea, where they can capsize a ship. Ships and ferries are not allowed to sail once Typhoon Warning Signal No. 2 is raised. When a typhoon is expected, err on the side of caution and cancel your trip.

Often flights are also cancelled because of high winds caused by typhoons. You may wish to schedule connecting flights a few days apart so that if your first flight is cancelled you can take a later one and still make your connection.

Tornadoes [ edit ]

The Philippines also has tornadoes ( ipo-ipo or buhawi ), though they are not as frequent and destructive as in the United States. One may form without early warning, especially out of a simple thunderstorm. Some are waterspouts, formed at sea. Most houses and buildings in the Philippines are made from concrete blocks, so severe damage is limited to peeled-off roofs, broken windows, and small debris. Makeshift structures are the most prone to damage, much like how they are very susceptible to typhoons.

Earthquakes and tsunamis [ edit ]

The Philippines lies in a geologically unstable area between the continental Eurasian Plate and the subducting Philippine Sea Plate, and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire . There is a high chance for any part of the Philippines to be struck by earthquakes.

Earthquakes ( lindol ) are frequent, but most of them are weak and rarely perceptible, and a few can even trigger tsunamis (explained further below). The last major one happened on October 2013, when a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the island of Bohol , destroying homes, toppling centuries-old churches, killed over 200, and also damaged some structures in neighboring Cebu province. Many buildings and structures are not designed to standards or retrofitted to withstand powerful tremors, and makeshift or substandard construction remains a problem.

Earthquakes may occur anywhere in the Philippines, but the area with the highest risk is Metro Manila and Southern Luzon, where the Valley Fault System is present. The West Valley Fault may move anytime and cause a magnitude 7.2 earthquake (called the "Big One") that can cause about 100,000 deaths and injuries. Routine earthquake drills are being performed in the areas surrounding the fault to ensure people in those areas are prepared in case disaster strikes.

Tsunamis are a major risk in coastal areas. Though rare, be prepared to evacuate coastal areas once a tsunami is about to strike. Most coastal areas are tsunami-prone areas, especially those found near undersea trenches that can trigger such.

Volcanoes [ edit ]

Volcanoes can be a danger in the Philippines, owing to its location in the Ring of Fire, and most areas are prone to volcanic eruptions. There are 50 volcanoes in the Philippines, and half of them are classified as active. The last high-profile eruption was Mount Pinatubo in 1991. It spewed out ash and lahar that affected millions in the surrounding provinces and caused a global drop in temperature. Mayon, in Albay , noted for its perfect cone, is one of several active volcanoes that pose a danger with its frequent eruption. Taal Volcano in Batangas, the smallest volcano in the world, is also dangerous when signs of impending eruption shows on its caldera lake.

The most active volcanoes are also tourist destinations, and volcano safety rules apply when hiking or climbing those. When volcano warnings are raised, pay close attention to any scheduled trail closures and never attempt to go inside designated exclusion zones.

Civil conflict [ edit ]

The Philippines has been struggling with insurgent groups such as Islamic separatists in Mindanao and Communists, under the New People's Army (NPA), throughout its history.

Non-essential travel to western Mindanao , which includes the Sulu Archipelago , Zamboanga Peninsula , and the mainland provinces of Bangsamoro , is discouraged as the security situation is far worse due to terrorism, piracy and Islamist insurgencies. While the situation has somewhat improved since the Marawi siege and the 2019 plebiscites, bombings and kidnappings continued to happen sporadically in 2020.

The rest of Mindanao remains safe, but some countries still have advisories discouraging travel to the rest of the region due to violent crime and terrorism, and travel insurance or consular assistance may be limited if you travel there. The sparsely populated region of Caraga (which has Siargao island) is far safer than the rest of mainland Mindanao, but the jungle also harbors Communist rebels and is also one of the poorest regions in the country.

Elsewhere in the country, Communist rebels, under the New People's Army (NPA) are a problem inland. They set up illegal checkpoints along rural roads and extort money from passing motorists, but they do not bother ordinary travelers, and are mostly targeting buses and cargo trucks.

Terrorism [ edit ]

Terrorist acts targeting tourist destinations are rare, but there have been several high-profile attacks, usually bombings, in the past, like the 2000 Rizal Day bombings, the 2004 SuperFerry bombing, the 2005 Valentine's Day bombings, and the 2016 Davao City night market bombing. Since then, there has been no major bombing, except for sporadic incidents within Mindanao. While security has been increasingly invasive in light of those incidents, with airport-style procedures when entering malls, public transportation terminals, and the like, there's no need to be paranoid.

Political unrest and protests [ edit ]

Demonstrations and protests are common, and often turn violent. Most rallies happen in Manila, particularly Mendiola St near Malacañang and Roxas Blvd near the U.S. Embassy. Avoid going into a place where a protest is being held. Philippine law also bars non-Filipinos from engaging in political activity; this includes joining protests.

Occasional transportation strikes , usually involving jeepney drivers, can disrupt business regionwide or even nationwide. In the cities, be prepared to walk, take a taxi or tricycle, or carpool to get to your destination. Buses are less affected by strikes, but will be in limited supply as they absorb passengers affected by the strikes.

Election periods can be violent, especially in the less-visited provinces. There will be many police and military checkpoints along highways, and alcohol consumption is usually prohibited during the day of the elections.

Firearms [ edit ]

As an American colonial legacy, the Philippines has a strong gun culture and the most permissive gun ownership laws in Asia, but that does not mean you can carry any gun freely into the country for any purpose. The Philippines has strict gun laws, that you must obtain a license to possess one, and the process involves background checks, such as criminal history and mental capacity. A permit to carry is also required when bringing a handgun or pistol. All firearms must be declared to customs upon entry and exit. Carrying a gun is usually prohibited days before and after elections.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Food and drink [ edit ].

Drink the readily available bottled water . Buko juice (coconut water) is also safe if they have not added local ice to it. Be wary of buko juice vendors as some vendors create it out of tap water mixed with sugar. Buy and eat fruit that has not already been cut up. Cooked food from a carinderia (outdoor canteen) is okay if there is a fire under the pots and the food has been kept hot.

If you must drink tap water (it is usually served/contained in a small to medium plastic bag), water in Manila, Cebu City and other major cities is usually OK, but it is recommended that you boil tap water for at least 5 minutes just to be safe. Elsewhere drink bottled water. There is always the risk of contracting amoebiasis when drinking tap water in the countryside. Also, this applies to ice that is usually put in beverages, as ice sold on the street is often chopped off a block and transported under questionable conditions.

Bottled water is best purchased from within stores and sheltered eateries. Bottled water sold by vendors by the roadside and on buses is more than likely used bottles filled with tap water, sealed then cooled.

Street food isn't so safe to consume in the Philippines, and hygienic standards are poorly enforced. It is better to eat street food as well as pampalamig sold in food courts in malls, where hygienic standards are better enforced.

Diseases [ edit ]

The U.S. CDC advises that a risk of malaria exists only in non-urban areas below 600 meters on the islands of Luzon , Mindanao , Mindoro and Palawan . The Visayas are free of Malaria. Chloroquine is no longer a recommended malaria preventative for anywhere in the Philippines due to strains resistant to this drug. In general malaria is not common in the Philippines compared to Africa and the rest of Southeast Asia, and around half of annual cases are in a couple of discrete locations.

Dengue fever is common in the Philippines and cases increase every year, so it is advisable to apply mosquito repellants and wear long-sleeved clothes whenever possible. The only vaccine available, Dengvaxia, has been banned because of purported risks to children, but has been made available again in 2019 for those already exposed to the disease.

Measles was uncommon until a major outbreak occurred in early 2019. Getting vaccinated for measles is recommended.

Rabies is also common among street animals in the Philippines, so get a vaccination for rabies if you haven't already, and if you're traveling with children, vaccinate them as soon as possible as they are of high risk of getting rabies because they tend to play more with animals. Pets are required to be vaccinated against rabies before being brought into the country

Hepatitis A, B and C is endemic and common in the country. There are vaccines for hepatitis A and B, recommended for all travelers; there is not yet (mid-2015) a vaccine against C. Avoid contact with other people's blood and bodily fluids; sharing needles or even personal care items like razors or toothbrushes facilitates transmission for both hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis A can be transmitted through contaminated street food.

Japanese encephalitis is common, and vaccination is recommended. Avoid swimming in fresh water areas where you will have high risks of getting schistosomiasis (unless they are chlorinated). Leptospirosis is often contracted from recreational water activities, such as kayaking, in contaminated water.

Tuberculosis is very common in the countryside, so try to avoid individuals who cough or look weak and be careful about staying too long in villages that may contain many contagious people.

The flu and cold season in the Philippines runs through the wet and cool seasons. There have been sporadic outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) and swine flu, but cooked chicken or pork should be generally safe to eat. Wearing a surgical mask in public is becoming normal in the Philippines even before the COVID-19 pandemic, not only to prevent infection but to protect oneself from air pollution in the streets.

Bring anti-diarrheal drugs with you, as unsanitary conditions present a high risk for traveler's diarrhea . Gatorade or other sport drinks might relieve you from fluid loss. Drink bottled water if unsure, and always wash your hands.

Healthcare [ edit ]

The quality of healthcare in the Philippines varies widely. While modern hospitals and clinics with well-trained doctors are certainly available in the major cities, the quality of healthcare often leaves much to be desired in smaller cities and rural areas. While Filipino citizens are covered by a universal government-funded health insurance scheme, this scheme is not available to foreigners, and hospitals will often require you to make payment upfront before they will commence treatment. The vast majority of Filipino doctors and nurses are able to speak English, with some having received their training in the U.S., so communication is generally not an issue for English-speaking foreigners.

Public hospitals in the major cities are usually of a decent standard, though they may not be as comfortable as what Western expatriates are used to back home. Private hospitals, on the other hand, provide excellent standards of care, though you will be paying a steep premium for their services. Nevertheless, they are still reasonably priced by Western standards, so most expatriates opt for private healthcare whenever possible.

Sexually transmitted diseases [ edit ]

The Philippines has one of the fastest growing number of HIV cases worldwide. Although national HIV prevalence has historically remained below 0.1% before 2010, there was a 411% increase in daily HIV incidence between 2012 to 2023, with doubts about if this number is significantly underreported.

Other sexually transmitted diseases are more common than HIV. There are social hygiene clinics (STD clinics) in most municipal health offices in the Philippines.

Cope [ edit ]

Electricity [ edit ].

The Philippines uses both the American ungrounded type A and grounded B plugs, as well as the type C Europlug. Voltage is at 230 V but at 60 Hz; some installations may also have 110 V in addition to 230 V. A mix of outlets are used, with type A/B/C outlets being common in new buildings but older installations may only allow type A/B. If coming from a 100-120 V country, check if your device can be used with the higher voltage. Plug adapters are available at electronics stores, hardware stores and convenience stores.

Power is available 24 hours a day in the majority of the country, but power outages ("brownouts") can happen unexpectedly due to weather or sudden power plant shutdowns/repairs during seasons of high demand. Mindanao, which used to rely mostly on hydropower, no longer experiences rolling blackouts ("rotating brownouts") during the dry season, but occasional transmission tower bombings in the wilder parts of the region can still cause one at any time. All-day availability of power in off-grid islands (e.g. Palawan) depends on where the power is sourced. If staying in a hotel, look for "No brownout" signs or ask reception if they have a generator.

Toilets and bathrooms [ edit ]

You will generally encounter Western sit-down toilet seats in the Philippines, but they may not have a flush unit, especially in the countryside. To flush the toilet, wash your buttocks or privates, or clean the floor, you might have to rely on a bucket of water and a dipper ( tabo ).

Cleanliness of restrooms ( comfort rooms , or simply called CR ) varies by place, but as a rule of thumb, those in malls and luxury hotels are the best, while those in the countryside tend to be terrible. Toilets in fast-food restaurants such as Jollibee, McDonald's and KFC, (or any of the major local restaurant or cafe chains) and public transportation terminals may not be as clean depending on location. Long-distance buses should have a toilet on board, but it can be difficult to stand when the vehicle is moving, and Chinese-made buses may have squat toilets instead of the ceramic thrones Filipinos are used to.

Toilet paper (or simply tissue ) may be available, but you will usually throw them onto a trash can beside the seat instead on the bowl, as toilet paper can clog up small sewage pipes common in most Philippine homes. However, they may not be provided in public toilets, that you must buy packets from coin-operated vending machines, convenience stores, or drug stores.

Some households may provide slippers when going to the bathroom. Bathrooms in Philippine homes are often cramped and wet, and the shower is usually not separate from the toilet.

Religious services [ edit ]

Being a very religious nation, there is no shortage of places of worship in the Philippines. In most towns and cities, there should be at least one Catholic church (usually around the town hall and plaza) and numerous Protestant churches (usually Evangelical, Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopal and Methodist); there may also be mosques and a Chinese temple depending on the local demographics. In the barangays, there will be chapels dedicated to the local patron saint. Mormon churches and Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses are ubiquitous even in backwater towns due to missionary activities. For people of other faiths (e.g. Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs), options are limited and tend to be within large cities only.

Television and video [ edit ]

Television and video in the Philippines uses NTSC (the American standard). The transition to digital broadcasting will bring the Japanese ISDB standard in by 2023. Region-coded DVDs are Region 3 (Southeast Asia), though virtually all Filipino movies are region-free. DVDs sold can be found in major shopping malls, but counterfeit DVDs with no region coding remain common, especially in tiangges , and should be avoided.

Television stations usually broadcast in local languages, and generally have a news broadcast every early evening. As of 2020, only GMA and TV5 are the two major local free-to-air TV stations, after ABS-CBN has been shut down after a licensing controversy (though they've moved most of their programs to another channel in October 2020). There are also many English-language free-to-air channels, like CNN Philippines and ETC. News-oriented TV channels include GTV, Aksyon TV, and CNN Philippines, but only CNN has a news broadcast in English; the remainder broadcast in Tagalog or regional languages. 24-hour TV channels are rare; most sign off every midnight till 6AM, and during Holy Week, local TV channels have very different programming, usually broadcasting reruns of telenovelas and airing live religious services, like the "seven last words" ( siete palabras ) during Good Friday.

Smoking [ edit ]

Smoking is a common Filipino pastime, and is often coupled with small talk and drinking sessions. About 25% of Filipinos smoke.

Cigarettes ( sigarilyo , or colloquially, yosi ) in the Philippines are cheap. For example, Marlboro are about ₱80 for a pack of twenty in a supermarket, ₱100 in a bar or a convenience store as of early 2018. Local brands are cheaper (often ₱50-60 ) and cigars are available as well. However, higher taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products are gradually making them more expensive. Many sari-sari stores also sell cigarettes by the stick, usually for ₱4 .

It is common for Filipinos to smoke while walking and for groups of people to stand on a corner and smoke, but there are strict smoking bans, with varying degrees of enforcement. Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, public transport, restaurants, gas stations, and even in bars, except for smoking areas. Smoking in places where smoking is prohibited or in a non-smoking area may bring a fine of up to ₱5000 , but this is somewhat laxly enforced.

The smoking and vaping age is 18 . Convenience stores and e-cigarette stores require customers to provide photo ID, but sari-sari stores usually allow children and youth to buy cigarettes. In some places, such as in Metro Manila, authorities may prohibit a store from selling cigarettes because of nearness to a no-smoking zone, and such stores have posters pasted in the storefront, usually saying Ang tindahang ito ay bawal magtinda ng sigarilyo ("This store is prohibited from selling cigarettes.").

Streets are commonly littered with cigarette butts. Many garbage cans do not have ashtrays or butt trays, so you may be tempted to throw them on the sidewalk, the street, or on grass, which may present a fire hazard. Find a trash can marked to allow cigarette butts or bring a portable ashtray when smoking outside.

Smoking bans are imposed on several cities and municipalities, like in Davao City , where it is completely banned. Yet, enforcement of smoking bans varies. A nationwide smoking ban came into effect in May 2017, further restricting where people are able to smoke. Even smoking in sidewalks are being banned, and designated smoking areas are required to be a enclosed, ventilated, area. Despite the new regulation, open-air smoking areas and smoking on sidewalks are still prevalent.

In November 2019, a nationwide vaping ban has been in effect; smoking bans may also be extended to vaping.

Embassies and consulates [ edit ]

Many nations have embassies in Metro Manila and some have consulates in Metro Cebu or Davao as well.

Plastics [ edit ]

It is encouraged to bring a reusable bag when shopping.

Funds transfer [ edit ]

Pawnshops are common in every city and town, but they are used more for funds transfer than for pawning or buying items. Both they and the numerous Western Union offices handle transfers both from overseas and within the country. Foreigners should beware of scammers who request a money transfer.

Respect [ edit ]

Filipinos are hospitable, friendly and polite, but cultural norms differ drastically from much of the West. Much of Filipino etiquette borrows from East Asian and Hispanic culture.

• Filipinos are in general indirect communicators, mostly motivated by hiya (hee-YUH', "shame"), or saving face. They will try their best to avoid saying anything that can be negative or judgmental. With close circles however, communication is direct.
• Filipinos have a relaxed view of time, like Hispanics. Approach " Filipino time " with patience; being "fashionably late" is also not uncommon especially in social events. Buses and ferries often do not observe timetables. This does not extend to business or formal meetings.
• Filipinos respect their elders , and it is considered rude to challenge someone older than you has said. Use the correct pronouns or term of address when addressing an elderly person or anyone older than you. There are also honorific particles in some of the Philippine languages, such as Tagalog po and Bikol tabi ; use them when talking with anyone older. On buses, jeepneys and trains, priority seats are provided for use by the elderly, as well as pregnant women and people with disabilities. It is considered honorable to help an elderly person cross a street.
• It is generally fine to be asked overly personal questions, with the exceptions on money or personal achievements. This may strike brash and too direct for foreigners, but this is just a way for Filipinos to get to know someone. If you are not fine with such questions, simply give them an indirect answer.
• Filipinos generally value their families, with most Filipinos living in extended families at multigenerational homes. Filipino children usually remain at their parent's home even after passing 18 years old, and it is customary to head for the provinces during major holidays to reunite with one's extended family. Making negative comments about someone's family may not win you any friends.
• Tread very carefully if you have Filipino roots, if you were born and raised overseas, or if you are in an intimate relationship with a Filipino/Filipina: You're often expected to align your views with your/their family, and not doing so would result in you being shunned.
• With the possible exception of Moros, most Filipinos display a strong culture of male courtesy to women and machismo , an influence from Hispanic culture. It is considered polite to men to give up a seat to women on a bus or train. More or less overt shows of male dominance in families, while becoming less common, can be rather jarring. It is impolite to use strong language or speak loudly toward women.
• Filipinos take religion seriously, and are also superstitious. Many Filipinos believe in spirits, mythological creatures and luck, and practice ancestor worship. Religious celebrations and rituals form a major part of Filipino life.

Things to do [ edit ]

• Smile and greet people as you go around. Always say "thank you" or salamat when receiving something.
• Take off your shoes when entering homes, unless your hosts say otherwise. They may also provide you slippers, which are especially useful in the bathroom.
• Share food with people you're close to. This is expected in meetings.
• Learn Tagalog or the local language. It is possible to get around the Philippines just speaking English, but not everyone speaks good English. Filipinos will appreciate your attempts to speak their languages and will try to correct your mistakes.
• Obey Philippine laws . You may have Filipino scoff-laws and corruption on the top of your mind, but don't forget you're in a foreign country and you'll just be putting yourself in trouble and create a negative impression for Filipinos.

Things to avoid [ edit ]

• Avoid shouting, raising your voice, or losing your cool . This can be taken as rude. For the Visayans, it's just okay to raise your voice.
• Unless your are in a position of authority, avoid pointing out someone's mistakes in front of everybody. Also do not be harsh when given negative feedback. Filipinos consider it a loss of face to be beckoned, and will try to defend themselves. If you want to point out something, better do it in private. Settle disputes diplomatically.
• Avoid talking about money or family. Filipinos consider these things as private affairs.
• Avoid bragging about your personal achievements. Filipinos generally do not take them well.
• Avoid making out . Except in big cities, passionate kissing and hugging are considered scandalous behavior to Filipinos unless done in private. You may be met with angry stares and it's possible to get arrested for this. In short, don't offend Filipino sensitivities by kissing and hugging in public. Holding hands , on the other hand, is acceptable; many Filipino couples do this openly.

Political issues [ edit ]

Filipinos are generally open to talk about politics, and are more than happy to talk about issues in the country and yours with a smile. There is a wide variety of political views among Filipinos, and it's common to criticize and show discontent about the government. You can talk freely about politics, but this can also place you on someone's negative side.

• Be careful if discussing anything about the Ferdinand Marcos presidency. This is a painful and also polarizing period in Philippine history; you might meet Filipinos who will share stories of relatives who were tortured, disappeared, murdered or have gone to exile during martial law, but you might also encounter Filipinos who support his government, long for the era's relative prosperity, stability and order, and even downplay or deny stories of abuses and corruption. Given the strong regional loyalties in Filipino politics, the Marcos family continues to enjoy strong support in their home region of Ilocos Norte . Never assume Filipinos have the same view about Marcos.
• Also tread carefully if discussing Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs , as many Filipinos have strong feelings, especially on foreign views, particularly on the alleged extrajudicial killings done by police and imprisonment of opposition figures such as Leila de Lima. The Duterte administration enjoys strong support from Filipinos; saying Duterte is an iron-fisted strongman oversimplifies things. There has been an international investigation into the War on Drugs, which the victims' families openly welcomed.
• Philippines—China relations are a sensitive issue, and anti-China sentiment is high. That said, this resentment generally does not affect Chinese Filipinos and the Taiwanese, and unprovoked harassment of individual tourists from China remains rare. Most of the resentment is directed at the Chinese government.
• There is also a strong feeling of Filipino pride , given the success of overseas Filipinos and the many achievements of Filipinos at home and overseas. Filipinos sometimes tend toward toward self-deprecation, putting a spin on anything bad about the country or the culture. If you are of Filipino ancestry or are born abroad and raised overseas, tread carefully. Negative feedback about the culture or the country will not be treated lightly.
• Tagalog as the national language Filipino can be a mildly sensitive subject in non-Tagalog provinces, especially Cebu. While most Filipinos can speak Tagalog as a second language alongside English, some non-Tagalog Filipinos such as Cebuanos will answer back anything said in Tagalog in the regional language (e.g. Cebuano) or English, usually as a political statement in defense of their mother tongue. At worse, you might be shouted at or be refused service in places like taxis.
• Igorots (the indigenous people of the Luzon Cordilleras) and Moros (Muslim Filipinos) consider themselves as separate nations from most Filipinos. While there are no longer an active separatist movement in the Cordilleras, the Igorots still have calls for increased autonomy to better control of resources and protection of their culture. Moros have fiercely fought the Spaniards and the Americans, and emphasize their links to Islam, their distinct cultures and shared history.
• Filipinos in general do not identify as Hispanic . While majority of Filipinos have adopted aspects of Spanish culture (such as religion, naming customs, foods and dress), and having Spanish ancestry is viewed with high esteem, most Filipinos identify more with Asia than with the Hispanic world, and Spanish is no longer widely spoken by Filipinos. Applying common Hispanic stereotypes to Filipinos will likely to be taken with bewilderment or offense. Filipinos do resent being part of the Spanish Empire for its excesses, but this does not extend to Spaniards or Spanish culture.
• In contrast to Spanish colonial rule, Filipinos generally have a positive view of American colonial rule and bear no animosity against the United States whatsoever. Most Filipinos admire American culture, have relatives living in the U.S., and are grateful to the U.S. for backing them militarily and diplomatically in their territorial disputes with China.

Dress [ edit ]

By and large, Filipinos are a conservative people, and personal appearance influences how you will be treated by people around you. Filipino women are generally more modest, though that depends on location.

Modest clothing is advised especially outside touristy areas, and a few places may have local laws discouraging immodest dress. Except in churches, religious sites, government offices, and other places with written dress codes, Western casual wear is okay anywhere in the country. For women, short shorts and miniskirts are fine, but it is more respectful to wear skirts, pants, or shorts that cover at least the knee. Sleeveless shirts ( sando ) or basketball jerseys are okay anywhere, but not in a church or office. Crop tops or low-cut tops are uncommon, and will make you stand out. You may also be turned away if you are wearing ripped jeans.

In the Muslim-majority provinces of the country, more modest dress is advised. Men are advised to wear pants and long-sleeved tops. Muslim Filipino women usually wear the hijab (often the tudung commonly worn in Malaysia and Indonesia), but this is not required for visitors.

Business attire : For men, a long-sleeved collared shirt or suit is standard, though ties are often omitted, the collar button is usually not closed, and it's also possible to wear a semi-formal barong tagalog called polo barong instead. Women generally wear Western office attire.

In universities and colleges, there is usually a dress code for students and visitors, especially in the private and religious ones. Many programs may require you to wear a uniform. A student ID may be required to enter campus grounds and prominently visible at all times. In the University of the Philippines campuses, dress is fairly more liberal however.

Beachwear in the Philippines is conservative. Swimming trunks (for men) and swimsuits (for women) are standard, but bikinis are uncommon with Filipinas. Swimming with your top on is common, generally as a way to avoid sunburn, but this may not be allowed depending on pool rules.

Being topless or half-naked in public is illegal, and often associated with criminal behavior. Full nudity is also disapproved of and illegal in general, unless you're in a remote beach. Breastfeeding in public is legal, but uncommon with Filipinos.

Eating and drinking [ edit ]

Some general Filipino dining etiquette:

• Never use the left hand when eating by hand or handling spoons, cups or glasses. Filipinos generally consider the left hand unclean (this is what they use to clean their privates).
• Use serving spoons when taking food from shared dishes to your plate. It is considered disgusting to use your spoon to scoop up food to your plate.
• It is considered impolite to refuse food given to you, as Filipinos consider food grace ( grasya ). For the same reason, it is also considered impolite to not finish eating your food or argue around the dining table.

Tipping is generally not practiced in restaurants, but there will be usually a service charge on top of the bill. The oldest or most senior person in a group is generally expected to pay the bill.

You are unlikely to offend Filipinos if you talk about your religion, but you should not impose your religious views onto someone. This is considered proselytism and is strongly frowned upon in the Philippines. In the Muslim-majority region of Bangsamoro, attempts to proselytize Muslims, while not illegal under national law, will be met with resistance and worse, threats of violence, especially from extremist groups.

Interfering with religious ceremonies and making negative remarks about a religion in any place of worship are criminal offenses in the Philippines. The Philippines is officially secular, but it's not a place to insult another religion in public. In 2010, a Filipino Spanish tour guide and activist, Carlos Celdrán was arrested and fined for interrupting Mass in Manila's San Agustín Church.

It is not unusual for Christian prayers to happen in otherwise secular spaces. Some ferry companies include a prayer as part of their safety demonstration. Malls may conduct prayers on their PA system and offer large chapels for prayer and contemplation. Movie theatres and sporting events may start with a prayer.

Irreligion is not taboo. There is a tiny (0.02%) minority of agnostic and atheist Filipinos, but being one is strongly stigmatized in the Philippines. Anything that hints of them is easily shrugged off by Filipinos with attempts to proselytize.

Filipinos take many superstitions and associated taboos seriously, especially in regards to spirits, luck, and mythological creatures; belief in Chinese superstitions is also widespread. Some superstitions specific to Filipino culture are:

• Eating chicken during New Year - A taboo by the Chinese, you should not eat chicken during New Year, both the Gregorian and Chinese one; it is considered bad luck.
• Haunted trees : Many people believe large trees, like banyans ( balete ) are inhabited by kapre (cigar-smoking giants); you can be haunted if you approach them without asking their permission.
• Nuno (goblins): It is polite to say tabi po nuno when passing near locations where nuno (a kind of goblin) live; not doing so can cause sudden manifestation of unexplained illness.
• Usog : A greeting from a stranger can bring unexplainable convulsions and fever, especially to a child; the curse is warded off by rubbing saliva on the child's abdomen.
• Wedding gowns : A taboo by Hokkien Chinese, the wife should not wear her gown a day before the wedding, or it will not happen.

Animal ethics and the environment [ edit ]

The Philippines has a thriving black market selling endangered species as pets or luxury souvenirs, and there are frequent raids on shops selling products from endangered species. Avoid buying rare pets, leather, feathers, dried sea creatures like starfish, fur and other products likely from illegal poachers. Customs take laws on endangered species seriously, and they may be confiscated at the airport.

Dog meat, especially asusena (a portmanteau of Tagalog aso and Spanish azucena ) is best avoided for most reasons; you can find dog meat at restaurants in Benguet as traditional food by the Igorot people, but avoid it elsewhere. Slaughtered dogs may carry the deadly rabies virus, and can be a nasty experience if you get hospitalized.

It is also wise to avoid photo booths with animals, like snakes, as subjects, even in zoos. A tout will approach you, you pose for a photo with the animal, and you then pay an exorbitant fee. It is most likely that the animal used is drugged and treated cruelly.

• Personal space is paid less attention in the Philippines. Buses, jeepneys, and trains become crowded, and shoving and pushing without saying excuse me is common. The mad dash to get onto a bus, jeepney or train during rush hour has become common.
• Some English words related to race or ethnicity that will sound racist back home may carry little or no negative connotation among Filipinos. Negro/a (pronounced the Spanish way) is still commonly used toward black people (with racist connotations), while people of mixed race are still called half-breed in English. Biracial , biethnic and half-blooded has also become common. Similar terms in Philippine languages may sound affectionate depending on context. White people are called puti (poo-TEH',), but some may even call them American , Amerikano/a or the mildly stereotypical Kano/a ( kuh-NAW' ) regardless of nationality.
• The Philippines is the most LGBT-tolerant nation in Asia according to a Pew poll and Filipinos are known to be hospitable toward gays. LGBT travelers are safe in the country, but they should not be too indiscreet: a pair displaying affection in public can stir locals, mostly involving verbal profanity. Cases of homophobic violence or gay bashing are rare, but do happen, especially on conservative families.
• Class discrimination is common in Filipino culture. Foreigners or returning Filipinos from overseas are often perceived as rich.
• At certain times, the national anthem is played on public announcement systems in public locations like malls and cinemas (before any film starts, as in a few Asian countries including Thailand), and everyone is required to rise and place their right hand on the left side of their chest or stand with their hands at their sides. You should do the same if you hold Philippine citizenship, lest you can get arrested and fined. Foreign nationals, including those of Filipino descent, may just stand at attention respectfully.

Culture shock [ edit ]

Like the Chinese , Filipinos also complain when foreigners who visit the Philippines the first time point out many of the oddities of Filipino behavior they consider rude or disgusting. It generally turns out that foreigners are rather rude. This stems from culture shock , that foreigners notice Filipino customs and behaviors are extremely different from theirs, and they find it jarring, and the same goes with Filipinos as well. Filipinos are friendly, but not necessarily polite .

• Filipinos ignore or disobey rules they don't agree with, including laws. Here, the pasaway character comes to play. This includes aggressive driving, frequent smoking, and jaywalking.
• Filipinos also spit a lot, especially in the streets, and spitting with gulping noises in public restrooms is common. Filipinos believe that swallowing phlegm is unhealthy. While local governments are striving to curb down the habit to curb the spread of disease, it still persists to some degree in most places.
• It is just fine to pick your nose or use toothpicks at the dining table. Filipinos don't like having dried mucus hanging from the nose or have small food particles trapped between their teeth appear on their smiles.
• You might notice on your first arrival that many places in the Philippines are noisy , with loud conversations, blaring horns, constant construction, and ubiquitous megaphones and loudspeakers, from churches and storefronts to malls. In some regions, speaking loudly in a tone that can be taken for anger is normal. The ears of Filipinos have mostly adapted to the noise, so it's advisable you bring earphones or earplugs on trips.
• There is some tolerance toward running amok , even when it ends up as the murderous pagdidilim ng paningin . Some believe running amok is a way for men to escape hiya , especially when one loses a drunken fight.
• The concept of queueing/waiting in line (pila) introduced by the Japanese is not fully observed in the Philippines. Sometimes, it takes courage to be assertive, and make your way through lines, such as when taking public transit. However, it has been objected to, even in rural areas.
• Filipinos, especially if in groups, also love to use elevators whenever possible, especially at malls. Provide extra time for this if you're going around on a wheelchair, or pushing a stroller.
• Except in the large cities and tourist areas, foreigners are mostly an uncommon sight in most of the Philippines. Expect Filipinos to approach you to practice their English and ask questions about your home origin, your reason for being in the Philippines, and plans to return home; just answer them honestly. It is also not uncommon for Filipinos to just grab out their camera and take a picture of you especially if you are white.

Connect [ edit ]

Phone [ edit ].

• Nationwide emergency hotline : 911 (formerly 117 ) by voice or text message. These calls are automatically routed to the nearest emergency call center.
• Philippine Coast Guard Action Center : +63 2 527-3880
• National Poison Control : +63 2 524-1078
• Tourist hotline : +63 2 524-1728 and 524-1660
• Directory assistance : 187 or 114 (fee applies)
• Civil service complaint hotline : 8888

The international dialling prefix to make an overseas call from the Philippines is 00 .

Phone numbers in the Philippines have the format +63 35 539-0605 . The country code for the Philippines is 63 . The next one, two or three digits are the area code, and the remaining 7 digits are the "local" part of the number that can be called from within that area without dialing the area code. You must dial "0" in front of the area code from outside that area code when still within the Philippines.

Most toll-free numbers cannot be called from outside the Philippines but can be dialed using the format 1800-1855-0165 domestically.

The cheapest way to call to and from the Philippines is by using Internet telephony (VoIP). There are several licensed VoIP providers in the Philippines. One of the most popular is Vodini Telecom .

Cell phones [ edit ]

Mobile numbers in the Philippines must always be dialed with all 11 digits (including a "0" prefixing the "8nn" or "9nn" within the Philippines), no matter where they are being called from. They can also be called within or outside the Philippines using the international format as listed in our Philippines articles

There are two major companies operating GSM 900/1800 networks: Globe and Smart . A third provider, Dito Telecom, is also emerging Your provider at home may have agreements with one of these providers so check with them before leaving home. Roaming may be quite expensive, but pre-paid SIM cards of these networks are easy to acquire and cost as little as ₱30 and provide a cheaper alternative. If your unit is locked to your home service provider, cellphone repair shops in malls can unlock them for ₱300 to ₱2000 . A complete prepaid kit with phone and SIM can be purchased for as little as ₱500 . These phones are usually locked to a local network provider, and you would have to have it unlocked before leaving to use it elsewhere.

A mandatory prepaid SIM card registration law came into effect in December 2022. Upon buying a prepaid SIM, you must register it online, and provide photos and valid identification (which in this case, your passport). Vendors may ask you for these if purchasing a prepaid SIM.

GSM mobile phones are in wide use all over the country. LTE and 5G technology is available through all providers, but service may get spotty outside urban areas. The usual cost of an international long-distance call to the United States, Europe or other major countries is US $0.40 per minute. Local calls range from ₱6.50 per minute for prepaid calls; you won't be charged for incoming calls. Text messages typically cost as little as ₱1 . International SMS costs ₱15-25 . Plans for unlimited call and SMS are offered by the networks are but are usually restricted to those made to parties within the same network.

Reloading (i.e. recharging or topping-up) prepaid SIMs is a breeze. Electronic Load (E-Load) stations are everywhere from small corner stores to the large malls. You can purchase pre-paid cards which are available in denominations of ₱100 , ₱300 and ₱500 .

Pay phones are very hard to find. Phone cards are usually sold by shops which sell cellphone pre-paid loads and cards. Phone cards of one company can not be used with the other company's card-operated phones.

Internet [ edit ]

Internet access at broadband speeds are plentiful in city malls, much less so outside the cities, but are growing at a rapid pace. Internet prices depend primarily on where you surf and the medium used (e.g. Wi-Fi or wired). Internet services offered by hotels and shopping malls are expensive and can go up to ₱200 /hour but neighborhood cafes can be as cheap as ₱10 /hour. An internet cafe chain in SM malls called "Netopia" has a land line internet connection for around ₱20 an hour. Starbucks , Seattle's Best Coffee [dead link] , and malls usually carry Wi-Fi service and some are free to use. The SM and Ayala chain of malls also offer free Wi-Fi anywhere in the mall. On several government-owned public areas, like parks, free Wi-Fi had been implemented, but signal strength fluctuates.

A mobile broadband modem with service by Globe, Smart or Sun starts at ₱995 . Mobile broadband signals vary depending on the available infrastructure. Smart has the largest network in the country, followed by Globe, and then Sun. It takes up to 24 hours for internet to be available on a new SIM card. Mobile broadband comes in postpaid and prepaid variants. Modems and subscriptions are available in the larger cities. Service can cost as little as ₱20 an hour. Service is usually slower in the evening.

Cybercriminals may exploit public Wi-Fi networks to steal private information. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when performing online transactions, especially bank transactions. If it's unavoidable, remember to forget the public Wi-Fi network after using, so that cybercriminals will find it difficult to track you. Using a VPN is also advisable.

Internet cafes ( kompyuteran , aka computer shops ) are no longer important establishments to access the Internet. Most new Internet cafés are small coin-operated pisonet , common in residential settings, but larger ones such as the Netopia and Mineski Infinity chains, which are aimed toward online gamers, still exist. It costs ₱1 per 5 minutes on a "pisonet", and ₱20 /hour and up on larger ones. Many also offer printing and photocopying for a small fee (usually ₱5 ).

Most popular websites and web services should be accessible in the Philippines. Internet censorship is limited, mostly targeting child pornography, which is illegal in the Philippines.

Mail [ edit ]

In order to send items via post, you must visit a post office and present your items to a teller as there are no postage boxes. Check out the Philippine Postal Corporation's (PHLPOST) website [dead link] to find the post offices that serve your destination. Alternatively, you may be able to ask your hotel's staff to send your posts together with theirs, and in some provinces, some stationery stores also offer to sell postage stamps and receive posts.

Apart from the Philippine postal service, FedEx, UPS, and DHL courier services are also available. Local couriers such as LBC and Aboitiz are also available. Postal mail from abroad is often lost, so don't send anything valuable.

Newspapers [ edit ]

English newspapers are available throughout the Philippines and there are also some Japanese and Chinese language options. The Daily Tribune [dead link] , Malaya , Manila Standard , Manila Bulletin , Business World , Philippine Star , Philippine Daily Inquirer and Visayan Daily Star [dead link] are some of the English language newspapers, mostly broadsheets.

Tabloid newspapers are mostly local-language ones, usually Tagalog/Filipino (but may be another local language in regional tabloids), but a few are published in English, such as People's Journal and People's Journal Tonight (the latter, however, has some news written in Tagalog).

Some restaurants offer newspapers for free reading, but only within their premises. Newspapers are mostly sold by street vendors, but in malls they are sold on newsstands. In public markets, newspapers are typically sold in general merchandise stores along with common groceries.

Go next [ edit ]

• Sabah - a state in Malaysia on the island of Borneo
• Taiwan - a country north of Batanes , Philippines
• Northern Sulawesi - just south of Mindanao

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Philippines

With more than 7,000 islands sprawled along the Pacific Ring of Fire, it’s virtually impossible to visit all of the Philippines. Fortunately, the country’s finest qualities—including stunning landscapes and hospitable locals—can be found all across the archipelago. Those seeking white sand beaches should visit Boracay (which is, admittedly, also a serious party island) or Palawan (which is less developed).” Culture-lovers are better off on the largest island, Luzon, home to the UNESCO-recognized town of Vigan, the Ifugao rice terraces, and baroque churches.

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Can’t miss things to do in Philippines

The Philippines’ charm stems largely from three characteristics: ancient cultures, natural beauty, and overwhelmingly friendly people. A visit to the beach is a must. Swimming with whale sharks is highly recommended (and completely safe). Island-hopping trips among the thousands of uninhabited islands are surprisingly affordable. A visit to a village where life has remained essentially the same for millennia—such as to Batad, set among rice terraces inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List—is a unique and humbling experience. Hospitality is an important part of Filipino culture, and if you socialize with locals you’re likely to be invited to a home-cooked family dinner.

Food and drink to try in Philippines

Filipino cuisine—like the culture—varies from island to island. It consists of a hodgepodge of Austronesian dishes influenced by neighbors (such as Malaysia) and former rulers (Spain and the United States). The result is a variety of paellas, pork, noodle-based dishes (known as pancit ), and liberal use of soy sauce, vinegar, and fish sauce. Outside of large cities, few Filipinos frequent restaurants, and the best food is most often found on dinner tables in local homes. Fortunately, locals are wonderfully outgoing and quick to invite a new friend to dine with the family. Where possible and appropriate, accepting such invitations is recommended.

Culture in Philippines

The Philippines lacks many of the characteristics shared by other Southeast Asian countries. While others in the region have strong Buddhist and East Asian traits, Filipinos are a primarily Austronesian people (the same who later migrated to Tahiti and Hawaii), strongly influenced by three centuries of Spanish rule and a long American military presence. The culture is best described as Asian–Latin American. American fashion and rock-and-roll culture are popular, Catholicism is widespread, and colorful Filipino Jeepneys are practically identical to Latin American “chicken buses.” Music completely ingrained in the culture and ancing is an unofficial national pastime.

Low prices and affordable alterations make shopping any place in Asia a treat. This is especially true in the Philippines, said by some to be Asia’s shopping capital. Western styles are common, and malls are so popular that many of the world’s largest reside in the country. For high-end shopping in Manila, Greenbelt in the Makati district is the obvious choice. The SM Megamall in the Ortigas district is the biggest shopping center in the country and is an impressive sight. Bargain hunters should head for Greenhills in the San Juan district, where pearls are plentiful, designer goods suspect, and shopkeepers ready to bargain. The best times to shop are after Christmas and Valentine’s Day, when sales are ubiquitous.

Practical Information

March through May are the hottest months in the Philippines, followed by a rainy season that lasts until October. November to February are the most temperate months to visit. Most nationalities don’t need a visa for trips of up to 30 days, though an ongoing ticket and a passport that’s valid for at least six months are required. Air conditioning on buses can be frigid, so be sure to take warm clothing. The currency is the peso; English is widely spoken. Electricity is 220 volts.

How to get around Philippines

The majority of international flights land in Manila, though there are other options if you want to avoid the chaotic capital. For a nonstop flight from the United States, book on Philippine Airlines. As of October 30, 2018, the airline launches nonstop service from JFK to Manila five times per week. Domestic travel in the Philippines is affordable. Islands are easily reached on airlines including Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, PAL Express, and AirAsia Philippines. You can also island hop by ferry. Book through 2Go Travel .

Local Resources

The Manila Times

SunStar Philippines

Philippine Primer

Guide Editor

Matt Gibson

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.

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Philippines Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

The Philippines is part of Southeast Asia , and yet apart from it. It is the only Southeast Asian country with no land links to neighboring countries, meaning that any visit from the mainland is an out-of-the-way one.

But the paths leading to the Philippines are increasingly well-traveled: Manila is now an indispensable stop for many low-cost carriers, and intrepid travelers are discovering the Philippines' beaches, jungles, and culture for themselves... and spreading the word. Find out why you should visit this fun island group... and how you can go about it.

Why Visit the Philippines?

Mike Aquino

The 7,000+ islands that constitute the Philippines makes it difficult to pin down the singular Philippine travel experience. Dancing and drinking-all-you-can during Cebu's Sinulog festival ? Beach fun in Palawan ? Mountain biking in Davao ? Or getting lost in Manila's walled city of Intramuros ?

All of them are so different, yet so typical of the Philippines: a country that needs little excuse to party, a bit laid back, messy and inefficient, and yet so open to fun and adventure. 

The vibe is worlds apart from the scene in Cambodia or Indonesia: the Philippines was a former Spanish colony ruled from Mexico, and a Latino vibe still persists in the local culture. Towering Catholic churches still loom over the heart of the Philippines' oldest cities, and are still packed to the rafters on Catholic days of obligation.

Visas and Other Travel Requirements

US passport holders visiting the Philippines do not need to secure a visa before flying in. Citizens of countries that have diplomatic relations with the Philippines may enter visa-free for no more than 30 days, but must present a passport valid for at least six months after arrival and proof of onward or return passage. 

Weather in the Philippines

Located close to the equator, the Philippines is a consummately tropical country; the northern island of Luzon shows three distinct seasons (a somewhat chilly cold season from November to February, a hot, dry summer from March to June, and a torrential typhoon season from July to October).

As you go further south, the distinctions vanish and the weather becomes uniformly warm and humid, with year-round rainshowers. North or south, the same principles apply when packing your baggage : bring rainwear and lightweight cotton clothing, particularly when visiting during monsoon season. .

Typhoons are a big enough deal here, that the Philippines follows its own naming system (the world may call it typhoon "Bopha", but the Philippines knows it as typhoon "Pablo"). The reasons for this idiosyncratic rule can be found here: Tropical Cyclones in the Philippines.

Transportation Options

Tom Cockrem

Travelers can fly from Singapore's Changi Airport, Hong Kong International Airport and other regional hubs into either Manila or Cebu, two transport hubs that serve international flights from all over the region.

The great majority of travelers fly in via Manila's NAIA Airport, but the capital's less-than-savory reputation might be a turn-off. Luckily, you can fly into the Philippines and avoid Manila and NAIA completely. 

The Philippines is an archipelago, so getting around isn't as simple as boarding a bus from Manila to Boracay. Thankfully, crossing the islands is cheaper and easier than it looks: three major low-cost airlines (AirAsia Philippines, Cebu Pacific, and PAL Express) use Manila and Cebu as domestic hubs that connect to smaller airports throughout the country.

Visitors can also travel by sea: travelers from Manila's Eva Macapagal Super Terminal (location on Google Maps) can sail on RORO ferries to most major seaside cities in the Philippines. Once on the island of your choice, you can go around on the Philippines' ubiquitous jeepneys, or traverse longer distances by inter-provincial bus.

The Philippine Peso (PHP; divisible into 100 centavos) can easily be changed at money changers at the airport and in one of the nation's ubiquitous shopping malls, if you're within one of the bigger cities. These malls are also chock-full of ATMs, in case you want to withdraw cash from your own ATM-card-equipped bank account instead.

A word on travel insurance : the southern part of the Philippines is often mentioned in U.S. State Department warnings. While that does not legally prevent you from traveling to Mindanao, your insurance policy may refuse to cover you while you're traveling in these banned areas.

Food & Drinks

What Philippine food lacks in spice and nuance, it makes up for in heartiness and freshness. Take a look at the Philippines' top ten foods, and you'll find a wealth of influences from Western colonizers (Spain and the U.S.) and Asian neighbors (China and Indonesia), melded into a sublime whole.

Foodies looking for the absolute best of the local cuisine should book a food tour of the Philippines' Pampanga province to get their fix, or follow the path set by this 15-hour Filipino food frenzy .

Travelers are often introduced to the not-so-best part of Philippine cuisine on the street - the oddly grotesque Filipino street food known as balut . Eat at your own risk.

The Philippines also enjoys a robust drinking culture - it brews at least one of the best beers In Southeast Asia , and travelers should expect to be invited to drink by the locals at least once.

Using Your Smartphone

Bring your GSM-compatible phone to the Philippines - the country's major cities and travel destinations benefit from strong GSM cellular network coverage.

If you have an "unlocked" phone - i.e. it's not locked to your home cellphone provider - you can buy a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card from one of the Philippines' two major mobile telecoms brands, Globe and Smart - these cards are on sale at the airports, malls, seaports and even in small neighborhood stores.

Mobile internet use is generally faster in the cities - 4G speeds are available in Manila, Cebu, Davao and Boracay, with 3G and lower as you go further afield.

Traveler Safety

Is the Philippines safe to travel in? Ah, there's the rub. The cities are as safe as most U.S. cities, assuming you follow a number of commonsense tourist precautions. Some dangers are particular to major tourist hubs in the Philippines, such as the "Ativan gang" scam where friendly-seeming locals slip a roofie in your drink and rob you while you're out cold.

Like the rest of the region, the Philippines' laws look harshly on illegal drug use. While the death penalty has been indefinitely suspended, the Philippines Dangerous Drugs Act will still come down hard on any proven drug users - you could be sentenced to at least 12 years in prison for possession of as little as .17 ounce of marijuana.

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The Complete Travel Guide to the Philippines

It might have been on your radar for quite some time now, but you really haven’t planned out a trip to the Philippines because of a number of reasons, but mostly because you really haven’t found a concrete reason to do so. In 2018, an estimated 7.1 million people visited the country, in spite of its number one tourist destination (Boracay) being closed for about 6 months. 

While it’s true that the country is mostly known for its pristine white sand beaches (it’s an archipelago of more than 7000 islands after all), there’s more to it than just this. It has places with old-world charms, mountain provinces boasting rice terraces, a bustling metropolis, countless waterfalls, hot springs, diverse flora and fauna, and so much more. 

This guide is made to prepare you for what you need when you arrive in the country, regardless of where you land. And of course, to get you to choose from a number of destinations, especially when you have limited time. 

Travel Visa

• Visa on Arrival (30 days)

If your country is on this list, congratulations! You can enter the Philippines with no pre-approved visa required, just make sure you have at least 6 months passport validity and can present a booked ticket (return or to your next destination). 

Antigua and Barbuda

Brunei Darussalam

Burkina Faso

The central African Republic

Côte d’Ivoire

Czech Republic

The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Guinea Bissau

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Zealand

Papua New Guinea

Republic of Korea

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Slovak Republic

Solomon Islands

South Africa

Switzerland

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

United Republic of Tanzania

United States of America

If you have a Hong Kong Special Administrative (SAR) or Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports, you are allowed to stay in the country for 14 days. For those with Macau-Portuguese or Hong Kong British passports, you can stay for 7 days. 

• Philippine Tourist Visa

If you don’t find your country in any of the aforementioned, don’t fret. Applying for a Philippine visa is easy peasy. Just head on to the Philippine Embassy in your country of residence with the following accomplished requirements:

• Passport/Travel Document Valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines;
• Duly Accomplished Visa application forms;
• Passport Photos (2 pieces);
• Proof of bona fide status as tourist or businessman;
• Confirmed tickets for return or onward journey to the next port of destination; and
• Payment of Visa Fees

The official list is found here . 

II. Best Time to Visit

Being a tropical country, the Philippines only has two seasons – rainy and sunny. It’s sunny from November to May, and it will begin to rain from June to October. The hottest month is May and the coldest month is January. The average temperature all throughout the country is 27°C, with highs of 33.4°C and lows of 22.3°C.

It’s quite a no-brainer to visit during the summer season, so you’d maximize your stay. But, the summer season also means more expensive plane tickets or hotels. And sometimes, even during the rainy season, there will be bits of sunshine in between. 

However, there are tourist destinations of the Philippines that might slightly differ from the rest of the country. Baguio, Sagada, Tagaytay, Banaue, and places that have a high altitude will be slightly cooler than the rest of the country. Think of around 5°C difference. 

III. Holidays and Special Events

If you’re wondering if the Philippines celebrate special events or holidays just like the Tet in Vietnam or the Songkran in Thailand, you might be a bit disappointed. Being a Roman Catholic country (86%), the Filipinos enjoy their fiestas celebrating their saints. So think of Brazil’s Carnival (though a bit toned down), with lots of food and dinner parties and heavy participation of the church. 

Here are two of the most famous fiestas that could be a highlight of your trip and you could only choose one as they are celebrated at the same time:

• Ati-Atihan Festival

Think mardi gras in New Orleans, this Ati-Atihan festival is going to be a highlight for any visitor of the country. The festival honors Santo Nino, an icon for Infant Jesus, and is celebrated in January (usually the second week) lasting for 10 days long. There’s a lot of parades, dancing, and of course, a kind of pageantry. The country likes to make everything a contest – best in dance choreography, best in costume, to name a few. Aside from the parades, there will be religious programs, and if you need to feed your curiosity sans judgment, then, by all means, participate. 

And once you’ve tired yourself out from the dancing and everything colorful, you can head on to Boracay – the country’s best beach destination, which is just 2 hours away by land plus a ferry ride.

• Sinulog Festival

The Sinulog might be more familiar to the non-Filipino as the city (Cebu) where this is held is renowned for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, amazing waterfalls, and great food. The focal point of the festivities is the grand parade, and you’d have to prepare your camera as you’ll be astounded by the bright colors of the people’s costumes and drink lots of coffee as you’d need this energy to keep up with the parade. You won’t have to worry about food, street food will be sold everywhere so you don’t need to bring a snack with you. And some households even open their doors to tourists.

This is also a festival honoring Santo Nino and is held at the same time the Ati-Atihan festival is celebrated. 

Though not a festive celebration, it’s important to also note that Catholic Lenten Week is a big deal for the country and you’d probably notice most stores are closed on Good Friday to Black Saturday. Check the calendar for the Catholic Lenten Week so you’re more prepared. 

IV. Getting Around the Philippines

The Philippines is geographically divided into three major regions – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Luzon is the largest island with a land area of 109,965 km² and the most popular way to go around Luzon is by driving. Unless you prefer to fly, of course. The second region is not just one island – it is made up of several islands. This is the Visayas region and is home to world-renowned beaches such as Boracay and Palawan. You would definitely need a boat to go from one island to another. And the third one is called Mindanao, home to great wildlife and the exotic fruit – Durian. 

• The Philippines by Plane

                The Philippines is an archipelago, which means that it’s surrounded by water and the best way to enter the country is by plane. The country has 12 international airports, around 30 domestic airports, and 40 community ones. Take note that the country is made up of more than 7,000 islands, so getting from one point to another would definitely require a plane or a boat ride (unless you’re traveling within one island, of course), since the country doesn’t have a continuous road to connect all the islands. Exploring the Philippines from North to South would definitely entail domestic flights, otherwise, the trip could last for days. 

The main International airport in the Philippines (NAIA) welcomes flights coming from all seven continents, including big airlines like Qantas, Delta, SWISS, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, KLM Royal Dutch, to name a few. 

• The Philippines by Boat

Getting around the country by boat is also an option, especially if you have all the time in the world. It’s not the fastest by world standards, but it does deliver. Be sure to take note of departure times and areas, as most of the companies do not offer online booking and you need to be physically present to get tickets. However effective, boat travel is limited. It’s usually done from one island that is close to another island. Unless the bus that you’re riding is actually going on the boat, which the locals call ro-ro. 

• The Philippines by Bus

Not everyone chooses to drive around the country, and with a good provincial bus system, you could reach any place within Luzon, or any place from Luzon to Visayas. It is possible to book tickets in advance, though not everything can be booked online. For example, to go from the bus station in Quezon City to Baguio City (a favorite summer destination due to its cool weather) takes about 7 hours by bus, 4 hours by car. The road distance between these two points is around 263 km. There is also a bus ride from Luzon (Pasay City) to Mindanao (Davao City), it’s about 1490 km and takes 2 days by bus. 

• The Philippines by Local Transportation

There are a lot of choices when traveling within a city in the Philippines. In the capital region, you have a metro (with 3 different lines), buses, jeepneys, motorbikes, taxis, and tricycles. There is also Grab (which is a local Uber) and vans that have specific routes. 

V. Best Places to Stay in the Philippines

The Philippines is no stranger to luxurious, high-end resorts. With the beaches to match these opulent places, you can even meet Hollywood A-listers and world-renowned artists and politicians. Amanpulo Resort in Palawan can only be reached by chartered planes, and be ready to dish out at least $1500/night. Boracay’s Shangri-la is the staple for the rich and famous, paying at least $500/night. The capital region also has a lot of famous hotels where one can enjoy the metropolis and more (casinos, theatres, shopping areas inside the hotel complexes). Hotel prices range from $300/night to at least a thousand. Solaire Resort & Casino, Raffles Makati, Grand Hyatt Manila are great examples. 

But if these places seem to be a bit too much for you, there are a lot of mid-range, boutique hotels that offer the same amenities and comfort for half the price. And lots of hostels too, especially in the top tourist destinations. 

Part VI. Top Destinations/Attractions

• Manila/National Capital Region

                If you would like to experience what heavy traffic is like, then spend some time in the country’s capital city, just kidding. You will be surprised to see that in spite of the long hours spent on the road, people still do get by, thanks to the metro. There are lots of malls and very little green spaces, and a few tourist destinations that are worth the visit. Two to three days would be ideal to see the museums and tourist spots in Manila.

• Explore Intramuros
• Visit Chinatown
• Visit the Ayala Museum
• Go watch the sunset at Manila Baywalk
• Explore Rizal Park
• Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts
• Visit Malacanang Palace
• Visit Manila Ocean Park
• Go shopping at SM Mall of Asia
• Visit the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex
• Visit The National Museum of Anthropology
• Visit The National Museum of Natural History

2. Baguio City

                The Philippines is mostly known for its beaches, but it doesn’t mean there’s no glorious mountain area to visit. Locals travel to Baguio City when the summer heat is too much. With an altitude of 1400m, the city enjoys really cool weather, especially when compared to the metropolis. 

• Roller skate, ride a bike  or paddle in the lake at Burnham Park
• Visit the Ifugao Woodcarver’s Village
• Explore the Botanical Garden
• Take a dip at the Asin Hot Springs
• Go shopping at the Baguio City Market
• Trek Mt. Pulag
• Enjoy the view at the Bridal Veil Falls
• Go Strawberry Picking

                Baguio is not the only place to visit when the metropolis’ heat is too much to bear. Sagada, unlike Baguio, is a bit of a time travel to the past. It is not as modernized as Baguio, though it has a couple of restaurants and markets. The real gem of this place are the sites to see, the caves to wander around in, and the mountains to trek.

• Explore the Sumaguing Cave
• Shout at the Echo Valley and you have to trek to get there
• See the Hanging Coffins of Sagada
• Chill at the Lake Danum
• Explore Bomog-ok Falls
• Visit the Sagada Underground River

                Cebu has it all – mountains, beaches, waterfalls, a bustling metropolis, historical sites, not to mention good food. It also has an international airport, plus an organized local transport system so going from one place to another is not that difficult. 

• Visit the Magellan’s Cross
• Explore the Temple of Leah
• Visit Fort San Pedro
• Visit the Heritage of Cebu Monument
• Visit the Terrazas de Flores Botanical Garden
• Visit the Cebu Taoist Temple
• Explore the Sirao Flower Garden
• Go to Mactan Island – famous for its beaches
• Take a dip in Budlaan Falls
• Visit the Busay Falls
• Go chill at Camotes Islands
• See the Mount Mauyog Rock Monolith

5.  Vigan, Ilocos Sur

                The Philippines were under the colonial rule of Spain for approximately 300 years. While most of the architecture has been disintegrated by time, Spanish rule is very notable with most of the surnames of the Filipino citizens. But it’s not all gone, architecture wise. There is a place up in the Northern part of the country that looks like it was from that era. This is called Vigan.

• Walking Tour of Calle Crisologo
• Visit Pagburnayan
• Have a dip or ride a Bangka at the Mestizo River
• Participate in the Abel-Iloko Weaving Community
• See the Bantay Bell Tower
• Visit the Baluarte Zoo
• Explore The Syquia Mansion
• Visit the ‘Bahay na Bato’ Father Burgos House
• Explore the Crisologo Museum
• Enjoy and chill at the Black Sand Mindoro Beach
• Visit the Arce Mansion

                Bohol is known as the home of the tarsier – tiny primates endemic to the Philippines, and the Chocolate Hills. But there’s more to Bohol than just these.

• Chill at Panglao Beach
• Visit the Lonoy Cold Spring
• Explore the Anda Cave Pools
• See the Chocolate Hills
• Frolick under the sun at Mahogany Man-made Forest
• See the Tarsier Sanctuary
• Go on a cruise in Loboc River
• See the Kinahugan Falls
• Explore the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
• Visit the Baclayon Church

7. Davao City

                Though not very popular with foreign tourists, Davao (in Mindanao) offers a diverse set of activities. 

• See the crocodiles at the Crocodile Park
• Visit the Philippine Eagle Center
• Explore Eden Nature Park
• See the Monfort Bat Colony
• Chill at Samal Island Beach
• See the Mount Apo
• Visit the Malagos Garden Resort
• Island hopping in Honda Bay
• Scuba Diving – El Nido
• El Nido Beach
• Explore Port Baton
• Visit the Tabon Caves
• Visit the Baker’s Hill
• See the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
• Explore the Underground River
• Visit the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park
• See the Starfish Island
• Visit the Estrella Falls
• Go Wreck Diving in Busuanga Island

9. Famous Beach Destinations

                There are several beach destinations all throughout the country but if you have limited time and can only visit a couple, here are the top ones that you shouldn’t miss.

• Boracay – If you only have one place to go, this must be it.
• Caramoan, Camarines Sur
• Siquijor Island
• White Island, Camiguin
• Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Part VII. What to Eat in the Philippines

1. Pandesal

                It might seem like ordinary bread to you, but to the Filipinos, the pandesal has been a breakfast staple for hundreds of years. It’s a bread roll, but with a touch of magic. It’s not something that can be bought in groceries but is usually found in small neighborhood bakeries. 

Adobo could be done with either chicken or pork or mixed. The meat is marinated overnight in soy sauce and chopped garlic, and then boiled with more soy sauce, a hint of vinegar and pepper. You can’t leave the Philippines without tasting adobo

To say that no part of the pig goes to waste is an understatement in the Philippines. This dish is grilled on a sizzling plate and is made up of pig’s cheeks, head, and liver.

4. Crispy Pata

Sinfully good, this dish is made up of pork knuckle – that is simmered, drained, and deep-fried until crisp. 

This is literally just boiling beef bones (including the marrow) and adding vegetables in it. Lovers of bulalo like to suck on the marrow part – as they claim it’s the best part of eating bulalo.

6. Kare Kare

There might be a bit of Thai influence here as this oxtail stew uses crushed peanut and toasted rice to create the sauce part. There’s an addition of a variety of vegetables making it an ideal and complete meal. 

It is usually done with raw fish, though different parts of the Philippines have their own versions. The fish is seasoned with palm coconut vinegar, ginger, chili, and spices.

8. Sinigang

A family favorite (usually served for dinner or when every family member is present at the dining table) this sour soup stew can be made with pork, fish or prawns. The soup is made sour by putting tamarind, kamias or tomatoes. There are also vegetables in it like kangkong, string beans, and taro. Filipinos will not eat this without plain rice.

Balut is known as the “dare” food for foreigners to try. It is a 17-day-old duck embryo and is boiled before serving. One can eat it with rock salt or spicy vinegar or even beer.

Lechon is a very celebratory dish. Expect it to be served in households during fiestas or parties or you can also head down to a restaurant that serves it if you want to try. It is roasted suckling pig, and the crispy skin is the best part, especially when dipped in liver sauce. 

11. Halo halo

Because of the hot weather in the country, this dessert is not just a dessert anymore. It could be an afternoon snack or something to munch on when you’re hungry. It is made of crushed ice, condensed milk, and a variety of fruit toppings.

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Ultimate PHILIPPINES Travel Guide

The Philippines is a country located in Southeast Asia .  It is often the most overlooked and missed country in the entire region and we can’t figure out why! We hope to share our love for this country in this ultimate Philippines travel guide.

It is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the travel within the country is cheap, and the free 30-day visa is not long enough to get into the real joy of a visit to this country.

As an island nation, the Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands. You can find secluded beaches, lush jungles, sprawling rice terraces and a wide range of cultures as you explore them.

It is also a nation located within the Pacific coral triangle, making it a scuba diving mecca. You’ll find lush soft coral, massive coral gardens, thousands of reef fish species and even WWII shipwrecks in it’s waters. You don’t have to be a diver to experience it either, the snorkeling is just as good.

We’ve spent more than three months traveling around the Philippines during three visits and try to work in a scheduled visit to the country every two years. It’s paradise and one of our favorite places in the world.

Destinations

Philippines travel: quick tips, don’t visit the philippines without:.

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

PHILIPPINES BUCKET LIST

Coron & kayangan lake.

Coron has some epic lagoons, lakes, and beaches to visit and among them is the most famous photo spot in the Philippines,  Kayangan Lake . Read more:  Coron Palawan: Itinerary & Things to Do

SNORKELING & SCUBA DIVING

The Philippines is located with the Pacific coral triangle, making scuba diving all across the country spectacular. Additionally, there are numerous WWII wrecks to dive on near Coron.

PALAWAN KAYAKING EXPEDITION

This is hands down our favorite Philippines activity. Paddle the waters between Coron and El Nido, visiting the Calamianes Islands, and camping on beaches. Read more:  15 Stunning Things to Do in Palawan

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN THE PHILIPPINES

There is no shortage of great  things to do in the Philippines  during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each city has it’s own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our city guides once you decide where you’re itinerary will take you.

SEE THE INTRAMUROS DISTRICT IN MANILA:   Nobody visits the Philippines without transiting through the capital of Manila. To recover from the jet lag, make it a point to tour the city, especially the Intramuros district. This area is full of Spanish architecture and forts to explore.

CLIMB TAAL VOLCANO:  A solid day trip from Manila to Tagaytay will give you the opportunity to visit the beautiful Taal Volcano. Unique in that it is a volcano in a lake, with a crater lake with an island, the hike is well worth the effort.

SEE THE CHOCOLATE MOUNTAINS:  One of the top  Bohol tourist spots  is the beautiful chocolate mountains. Getting their name from the brown color they take on during the dry season, these mountains feature soft, yet prominent, rolling hills.

VISIT KAWASAN FALLS:  Located in Cebu, this is the most famous and photographed waterfall in the Philippines. Plan a full day to play in the water and take your photos at this spot.

LEARN ABOUT LEPROSY IN CULION:  Located in Palawan, between the famed spots of Coron and El Nido, is the  island of Culion . Once a notorious leprosy colony and place of exile, today you can visit to enjoy not only being off the beaten path but to learn the history. The original town still stands and there is also a museum.

WATCH A SUNSET IN BORACAY:  This island is famous for its sunsets. Each day crowds gather on the beach to watch the sun melt into the ocean while sailboats sail along the shore serving sundowners. This is the place to capture those quintessential sailboat sunset photos you see everywhere.

SNORKEL WWII SHIPWRECKS:  All throughout the Calamianes Islands, you can find Japanese warships that were sunk by the Americans during WWII. Many of them are in shallow water, close to the beach. This means that you can snorkel right above them.

TRY SURFING IN SIARGAO:  The surfing capital of the Philippines takes up residence on the outlying island of Siargao. Offering opportunities from beginner to advanced, it is the perfect place to learn how to surf.

GO ON SAFARI:  That is not a typo. There are, in fact, African animals wandering wild on the small  island of Calauit  off the coast of Busuanga. Here you can hop in a safari truck and spend a few hours observing giraffes and zebra, while also learning how they got there.

HEAD TO NORTH LUZON:  If you’re seeking something other than island life, head to North Luzon where you’ll find towering rice terraces, tribal villages, ancient tattoo traditions, mummies and more.

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

The Philippines isn’t exactly known as a culinary destination, and the food often gets a bad rap in comparison to nearby countries such as Thailand or Malaysia .

There are a lot of specialties to try though and be prepared to eat a lot of rice, as it’s served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is known as a  Silog meal  and you’ll get rice and eggs with a portion of meat.

Each region has its own dishes, in the north, they use lots of vegetables, in Bicol chilis are king while in Coron and Palawan you can eat fresh fish every day.

The food is meat-heavy , so vegetarians might suffer a little. If you’re a meat-eater though then try the  Sisig , a Sizzling dish of pork face that’s more delicious than it sounds.

The national dish is often seen as  Adobo , usually, chicken or pork that’s marinated and cooked in a delicious soy and vinegar sauce.

FILIPINO FESTIVALS

The Philippines is a country of Fiestas, and locals love any excuse to party and celebrate.

ANNUAL FIESTAS:  Each town, or Barangay, has its own annual Fiesta, most of them dedicated to their local patron Saint, a tradition inherited from the Spanish and popularised during the Spanish colonial era. That means you could stumble upon a local street party and fiesta any time of the year.

CHRISTMAS:  Filipinos are also very religious and family orientated, and that means that Christmas and Easter are both a big deal. Christmas preparations begin as early as September and go on well into January.

EASTER:  Just as popular as Christmas, although more religious in nature. Travel to San Fernando, in Pampanga and you can even see the gruesome Crucifixion festival, where devotees test their faith by being crucified.

PLAN YOUR BUCKET LIST TRIP LIKE A PRO!

Popular regions in the philippines.

The capital is usually included on any Philippines travel itinerary, if not purely as a transport hub, but take a day or two to explore the sights rather than just passing through. Visit Intramuros, the old walled Spanish center of the city, take a food tour of Binondo, Manila’s diverse Chinatown, and watch the sunset over Manila Bay. This is the admittedly busy and chaotic capital, but it’s the heart of the Philippines, both old and new.

To the south of Coron, you can find the island of Palawan, a place that’s often labeled as the Last Frontier of the Philippines. While that’s still the case south of Puerto Princesa, tourism has kicked off massively in the north and El Nido and Nacpan are incredibly busy these days. Island hop, visit beautiful white sand beaches, remote villages, and islands, and don’t miss out on the iconic Puerto Princesa Underground River.

Coron is the most beautiful island-hopping destination in the Philippines, as you’ll find dramatic limestone cliffs, deserted islands, and spectacular white sand beaches. Visit freshwater lakes, lounge on the sun-drenched coastline and snorkel coral reefs and dive deep shipwrecks underwater. This is possibly the most up-and-coming destination in the country so get in quickly before things start to become too developed and over touristy.

Luzon is often overlooked by travelers who expect beaches and palm trees when they visit the Philippines. But nothing can compare to the natural beauty of the highlands of the Cordilleras. This is where you’ll find the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage listed Rice Terraces of Banaue, a series of remarkable rice terraces carved over hundreds of years from the steep slopes of the mountains.

Cebu is a great place for first-time travelers to the Philippines because there’s a great mix of culture and adventure. Explore the museums and historical sights of Cebu City. Head to Moal Boal for snorkeling and huge sardine shoals, then take a trip to the most iconic waterfall in the country, Kawasan Falls. After that, you can take the fast ferry to Bohol, where you can hang out on Alona Beach, snorkel at turtle sanctuaries and see the world-famous Chocolate Hills.

PHILIPPINES TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for travel to the Philippines is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere in the Philippines on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxurious as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within the Philippines. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION:   In the Philippines, accommodation costs are comparatively cheap although standards vary. There are hostels in touristy destinations, and a decent  hostel will cost at least 10 USD . Budget hotels can be cheap but standards will be lacking, but you can get  great resorts from 50 USD  and upwards, with high standards.

FOOD:  Also inexpensive when it comes to Philippines travel, however good food can cost more. Cheap  street eats can cost just 1 or 2 USD  but it’s worth spending more for a better  meal in a restaurant from 5 USD  upwards at least.

TRANSPORT:   Buses are cheap  and a 2 or 3-hour journey in an air-conditioned bus will cost as little as 4 USD, perhaps less. A 3-hour  ferry ride will be around 10 USD  while a  flight  from Manila to Cebu can cost as low as 20 USD if booked in advance.

ACTIVITIES:  There are lots of great value things to do in the Philippines and even Island hopping day tours in places like Coron will  cost as little as 20 USD  per person, usually including food as well.

20 USD PER DAY

Shared dorm accommodation, no AC and few activities. 30 USD/day will allow a few flights and plenty of island hopping.

50 USD PER DAY

Private rooms. Restaurant meals. Lots of museums, attractions and a couple of day trips.

100 USD + PER DAY

Upscale hotels. Private transportation. Restaurant meals and bars. No limit on attractions or museums.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Below you will find some of the places we have stayed during our travels in the Philippines. These are individual properties that we enjoyed and would recommend to other travelers.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines is a vast archipelago and the distances between islands are in some cases huge, while many of the top tourist destinations are spread out across the country.

If you haven’t got too much time then don’t try to cram in too many destinations, as you’ll be surprised at how long you’ll spend traveling.

In Manila and Cebu City you are best getting around using Grab cars, as they are safe and reliable. Traffic is horrible in the capital so leave plenty of time to get between places. In the provinces, you can ride Jeepneys and tricycles to get around, and these are inexpensive.

All local transport, including flights, are at the mercy of the weather when it comes to Philippines travel, so always leave plenty of time if you need to connect onto other destinations, especially internationally.

FLIGHTS:  For the most part, unless you have endless time to travel, then you’ll need to fly between major destinations, especially if you want to see Cebu and Palawan in the same trip, for example. There are budget flights between most major cities and islands, with Cebu and Manila acting as the flight hubs for the Philippines, from where you can connect to anywhere.

BUS:  For intercity travel, there are plenty of buses although they vary by price depending on the quality. You can actually take buses between islands too, as they are loaded onto the Roro ferries.

FERRIES:  You can also take ferries independently, and boat travel, of course, is a big part of travel around the Philippines. Ferries are, however, considered a form of slow travel and highly dependent on weather.

MOTORBIKES:  Renting motorbikes or scooters during your visit for personal transport is highly popular. This will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace, while not spending money on taxis or tours. Be sure to wear a helmet and carry good insurance.

TOP PHILIPPINES TOURS

Philippines palawan adventure.

9 Days Manila to Puerto Princesa Adventure Options: Snorkeling, Hiking, Kayaking & Diving

PHILIPPINES ISLAND HOPPING TRIP

13 Days Manila to El Nido Adventure Options: Snorkeling, Hiking, Kayaking & Diving

NORTHERN PHILIPPINES & PALAWAN

16 Days Manila to Puerto Princesa Adventure Options: Snorkeling, Hiking, Kayaking & Diving

WHEN TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES

The year is split between dry and wet seasons, and you’ll need to consider the weather when planning your Philippines travel itinerary.

The weather can be unpredictable, but generally speaking, the  dry season runs from November through to April  and the  wet season from May through to October .

The high season is the dry season and the low season is the wet season.

The  wet season  is best avoided as this is when the Philippines is struck by fierce typhoons and it can be potentially dangerous and at the very least disruptive time of the year to visit.

Dry Season  is beautiful, but busy, while February to April are scorching hot, as this is the Filipino summer.

For more information, check out the  Best Time to Visit the Philippines: Month by Month Breakdown

DO YOU LIKE TO ISLAND HOP?

Safety in the philippines.

The Philippines is sometimes seen as a dangerous place and that’s because it makes the news for all the wrong reasons.

It’s true that there are insurgencies in the very far south and political instability on certain islands, but it’s also true that these problems rarely affect tourists and that Filipinos are the most hospitable and friendly people in Southeast Asia.

Petty theft in tourist destinations can be a problem, as with anywhere in the world, so always keep an eye on your belongings. In Manila, theft can be an issue late at night in certain areas but as a tourist, you’re unlikely to be in these places in the first place.

Natural disasters can and do occur in the Philippines, and typhoons, earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions are all part of daily life here. Keep an eye on the news and avoid the rainy season and you should be fine though.

As with any destination, we recommend learning and adhering to certain safety practices when you travel. Be sure to read our personal  travel safety tips , compiled from our travels across 7 continents.

PHILIPPINES TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Philippines travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to the Philippines and start planning your dream trip.

Essential El Nido Palawan Guide: What You Need to Know

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• PRIVACY POLICY

The Philippines: Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

OVERVIEW GET HERE GET AROUND SEE & DO STAY & SLEEP FOOD & DRINK ENTERTAINMENT SHOPPING COSTS MORE INFO TIPS & HACKS INSPIRATION DON’T FORGET

Learn useful information about the Philippines. This Philippine travel guide summarizes everything from transportation, destinations, food, drinks, accommodations, and so much more.

Introduction

The Philippines is an archipelago located in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean.  This archipelago is a country and officially known as the Republic of the Philippines .  It consists of over 7,600 islands with a total land area of 301,780 square kilometers (116,518 sq mi). The Philippines Is divided into three island major groups: Luzon , Visayas , and Mindanao .  These island groups are further divided into 17 regions which are then divided into 82 provinces . 

The capital of the Philippines is Manila , and one of the most populous cities in both the Philippines and the world. 

Given its location so close to the equator makes the country prone to earthquakes and typhoons, but also endows it with abundant natural resources and some of the world’s greatest biodiversity . 

The Philippines has become a popular holiday destination due to it’s tropical weather, diverse islands, pristine white-sand beaches, outdoor activities, marine life, adventure, and Filipino hospitality.

Best Time to Visit

It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season .  Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April.  These are the summer months in this country.

Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May.

The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.

NOTE:  Booking for summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.

The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances.  Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well.  This happens frequently so beware!

This Philippine travel guide recommends traveling in April-May or in November-December, just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.

READ MORE:   Climate & Weather of the Philippines

READ MORE:   When & Where to Visit the Philippines: A Month by Month Guide

READ MORE:  Facts About the Philippines

GETTING HERE

Manila Int’l Airport

BUS TERMINAL

Ports of Entry

Most international travelers take a plane to get to the Philippines.  Although there are many international airports throughout the Philippines, the main hub for most airlines is in Manila , the capital city of the Philippines.  The following is a list of the international airports in the Philippines.

Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the country’s main international airport.  This airport has a bad reputation for delays due to congestion and is often referred to as one of the worst airports in the world. 

Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the second busiest airport in the Philippines, and a major domestic and international hub in the Central Visayas region for Philippine Airlines , AirAsia , and Cebu Pacific . Passengers can connect to a long list of domestic destinations which is comparable to the route network out of Manila . It currently serves international flights from major international hubs in Asia such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, and Seoul. In addition, there are also flights to Dubai and Doha operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways .

Clark International Airport is a former US Air Force base located 50 miles north of Manila. It is the closest current alternate airport to Manila, where AirAsia announced it would base its Philippine operations. International destinations include Singapore, Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong, China, and Seoul. While it has a broad range of domestic destinations, the routes are limited so domestic connections may be a bit problematic.

The Davao (Francisco Bangoy) International Airport is the third busiest in the Philippines and serves a handful of domestic destinations. Both Cebu Pacific and Silk Air operate flights to Singapore.  AirAsia operates flights to/from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Completed in 2007, the new Iloilo International Airport   serves as a hub for Cebu Pacific . The airline operates flights to Hong Kong and Singapore from the largest city in the Western Visayas . Guests can arrive at the airport to take a six hour bus ride to Caticlan/ Boracay . However, travellers can access the resort island through either Caticlan Airport or Kalibo Airport .

While Bacolod Airport is not designated as an international airport, it has charter flights to/from Seoul, South Korea. That route is currently served by Philippine Airlines on a seasonal basis.

Tagbilaran is the capital of Bohol where the previous airport resided. A new international airport on Panglao island opened in 2018 called Bohol-Panglao International Airport .  Philippine Airlines operates flights to Seoul, South Korea. Local officials expect more flights to come after the new airport opens.

Kalibo International Airport benefits from its distance to Boracay , as it is the closest international airport to the resort island. The airport serves a broad range of Asian hubs such as Singapore, Seoul, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur. Upon arriving, passengers can take a two hour bus ride to the Caticlan boat jetty on their way to the shores of Boracay.

Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa  International Airport serves Puerto Princesa City and the surrounding area and is also Palawan ‘s primary airport. The new airport was opened recently to meet the growing number of tourists from within the Philippines and from abroad to visit the natural wonders found on the island. International services are still relatively new here, though are expected to grow over the next few years. For now, Philippine Airlines operates the only international route from Palawan – to Taipei, Taiwan.

Located in the northern province of Ilocos Norte in Luzon, Laoag International Airport is designated an International airport with regular chartered flights to China. China Eastern Airlines operates a flight to Guangzhou, China. Philippine Airlines operates the only domestic flights to the city from Manila .

READ MORE:   Airports in the Philippines

Getting to the Philippines by land is impossible since it is surrounded by water, land connection to neighboring countries is non-existence.

Traveling by sea from any country to the Philippines is not very common. In fact, the only route a foreign tourist can take is from Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia to Zamboanga through Aleson Shipping Lines. Usually, there is only one trip every week, Tuesdays for Sabah to Zamboanga, and Mondays for Zamboanga – Sabah.

READ MORE:   Seaports in the Philippines

GETTING AROUND

There are several modes of transportation in the Philippines.  Modes of transportation vary from city to city and in the provinces.  The following are the modes of transportation that are generally available throughout the Philippines.

Car for Hire

Motorcycles

Motorized Outrigger

Ride-Sharing

There are few businesses where you can rent a bicycle to get around the local city, town, or municipality and neighboring towns.

Buses are not used to get around most cities. More often, buses are used to get in the city from other towns and cities, and vice versa.

It won’t take too much effort to find a car for hire. Rate starts at 2,000 PHP ($40 USD) and can go higher depending on the type and model of the car. The cost comes with free fuel, professional driver, and insurance.

Car Rentals

To rent a self-drive car, one needs to have a valid driver’s license and ID. Some companies even ask for proof of billing and have a minimum age requirement. Most companies require full payment of rental and cash bond which is usually 5,000 PHP ($100 USD). For foreigners, a passport may be required. Rate starts at 1,500 PHP ($30 USD).

Jeepneys are used when traveling outside the city limit. They have set routes so make sure to check out the route of the vehicle before getting into it.  Fare ranges from 5 PHP ($ 0.1 USD) to 30 PHP ($0.6 USD) depending on the origin and destination.

Renting a motorcycle for a day or throughout your stay in the city can give you more freedom to go wherever you want at your own time. Motorcycle rental starts at 250 PHP ($5 USD) per day and can go higher depending on the model or type of motorcycle. Helmet and insurance are usually included. Most cities and municipalities have rental shops.  Some rental companies deliver the unit to your hotel.

Motorized Outrigger (Bangka)

Motorized Outrigger or Bangkas and are also known as pump boats. Bangkas are glorified water taxis made of traditional building materials like wood and bamboo. They are surprisingly sturdy boats that can withstand rough seas to an extent. Bangkas are the cheapest form of ferry transport and most often used for short-distances.

Ride Sharing

Ride-sharing is available in a few of the larger cities but not common in most of the Philippines.

Shuttles are typically used by hotels to transport their guests.

Taxis are used only in the larger cities.  The Grab Taxi app is available in only a few of the larger cities.

Trains are only available in Manila to Calamba, Laguna up to Lucena City, Quezon .

The tricycle is the main mode of transportation when getting around most of the Philippines.  You can simply hail one just outside your hotel, restaurants, business establishments, and tourists attractions.  Minimum fare for short distance rides is 10 ($.20 USD) per person

READ MORE:   Articles on Transportation

SEE & DO

Attractions.

There are many attractions throughout the Philippines.  Each destination has many attractions to offer. In addition to this Philippine travel guide, we have written guides about each destination and the attractions it has to offer.  The following is an article on the most popular attractions in all of the Philippines. 

READ MORE:   Best Things to See in the Philippines

There are many activities to do in the Philippines, the best and most popular are outdoors. 

Each destination has many activities to offer.  We have written guides about each destination and the activities it has to offer.  The following is an article on the most popular activities throughout the Philippines. 

READ MORE:   Best Things to Do in the Philippines

Events & Festivals

There are many events and festivals throughout the Philippines.  The largest Philippine islands offer a variety of events and festivals.  The following is a list of the most popular events and festivals in the Philippines.

READ MORE:   Annual Events & Festivals in the Philippines

STAY & SLEEP

There are several types of accommodations to stay at when traveling around the Philippines. 

The following is a list of the most common accommodations available throughout the Philippines. 

• Campgrounds
• Pension Houses
• Bed & Breakfasts
• Variety of AirBnB Properties

Booking accommodations online almost always saves you money and time in the Philippines and guarantees that you have a place to stay when you arrive at your destination. 

We use and recommend booking online to save money using HostelWorld , Agoda , Booking.com, and AirBnB.

READ MORE:   Various Types of Accommodations in the Philippines

FOOD & DRINK

Aside from the traditional food from several ethno-linguistic groups in the country, the Filipino cuisine has influences from Chinese, Spanish, and American brought by trading and colonization in the past. Considering the thousands of islands and agricultural land in the country, there’s definitely an abundance of seafoods and tropical fruits which creative Filipino cooks transformed into appetizing dishes worth trying.

Filipinos enjoy different kinds of drinks, from locally grown kapeng barako, salabat (ginger tea), and lambanog (palm liquor) to fruit juices, sodas, beers, wines, and whiskeys. Most big malls and grocery stores carry imported drinks as well.

Restaurants 

With thousands of foreign tourists exploring the country every year, expect to see restaurants of various cuisines spread all over the country, from Chinese, Korean, and Japanese to American, Italian, Spanish, and German. Several Filipino restaurants even carry international dishes on their menu so it’s not like you are limited to eating local dishes only throughout your day.

READ MORE:   Articles about Food & Drink

ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

Entertainment.

The Philippines is home to some of the world’s best entertainers and performers so finding entertainment is never a problem. Catch local singers, dancers, and actors in various cinemas and theaters such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Newport Performing Arts, Kia Theater, and many others.

Manila , undoubtedly, has a vast nightlife among other areas in the country. Outside Manila, Boracay Island , and Cebu City have interesting night scenes and coolest parties.

READ MORE:   How to Stay Safe in the Philippines

READ MORE:   Articles about Entertainment & Nightlife

From ultra-modern shopping malls to street markets, there are many shopping venues in the Philippines. 

At least one shopping mall can be found in every city of the Philippines in addition to street markets. 

Most malls provide just about every service from grocery shopping to medical and dental services.  Malls also offer a wide range of food & drinks and things to see and do. 

The following are articles about shopping in malls …  a very common form of shopping in the Philippines:

• Top 10 Largest Malls In The Philippines  
• Shopping at Malls in the Philippines: What YOU Need to Know  
• Directory of Shopping Malls in the Philippines

READ MORE:   Articles about Shopping

Travel Costs

Accommodation.

A bed in a  hostel  dorm costs from 350 PHP ($7 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 500 PHP ($10 USD).  For a private double, prices start around 700 PHP ($14 USD).

Most  budget hotels  begin at 700 PHP ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast.  For  a three-star hotel , prices begin around 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.   Airbnb  is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 500 PHP ($10 USD) per night.  For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.

Resorts and luxury accommodations  vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD).  However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.

We use and recommend booking online to save money using  HostelWorld ,  Agoda , Booking.com, and AirBnB. 

Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD).  For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD).  For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 200 PHP ($4 USD).  Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food.  Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 200 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.

Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD).  A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).

A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person.  However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!

Transportation

There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly. 

Public Transportation is cheap.  Bus services on the islands are inexpensive.  Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 7-25 PHP PHP ($.20–.50 USD).

On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips. 

Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap.  Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.  

To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly.  There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option. 

Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD).  However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel.  It’s only recommended if you have limited time. 

We recommend booking online to save money using  Skyscanner ,  momondo ,  Kayak ,  kiwi.com .

Attractions & Activities

Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter. 

Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less.  You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!  

Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).

The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.

Always book your tours and activities when you arrive.  Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will.  Booking tours online is almost always more expensive. 

Typical Costs in the Philippines in 2023:

• Hostel Dorm Bed:  300-600 PHP ($5–10 USD) night
• Budget Hotel:   700 PHP ($14 USD) night
• Mid-Range Hotel:   700 PHP ($14 USD) night
• Street Food:  50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
• Restaurant Meals:  200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
• Local Beer:  50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
• 1.5L Bottle of Water:  38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
• Jeepney Ride:  7-25 PHP ($.20–$.50 USD) ride
• Tricycle Ride:   20-100 PHP ($.5-$2 USD) ride
• Taxi:  75-500 PHP ($1.50-$10 USD) ride – use GrabTaxi app
• Long-Distance Bus Ride:  400-500 PHP ($8–10 USD) ride
• Public Ferry Ride:  200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) ride
• Domestic Flight:  2,000-3,500 PHP ($40–70 USD) flight
• Island-Hopping:  1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD) trip
• Diving with Whale Sharks:  1,250 PHP ( $25 USD) trip

Suggested Budget

Use the chart below to get an idea of how much to budget daily.  Actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.

READ MORE:   Itineraries & Budgets

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ADDITIONAL INFO

Money matters.

Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found in the city.  If you are exploring outside the city limits or the neighboring islands, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and some budget accommodations only accept cash.

READ MORE:  Money in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Health & Safety

While the Philippines is a safe country to visit, there are things you need to keep in mind to ensure your safety throughout the duration of your stay.

Consult your hotel or resort front desk as they are more likely to give you reliable information than a random stranger on the street.  If you really need to, trust your gut feeling when approaching a stranger.

READ MORE:   How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines

There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives. 

The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:

• 6 Common Accidents to Avoid
• How to Beat the Heat in the Philippines
• Taxi Safety Tips: Dos and Don’ts
• Motorbike Safety Tips    
• Beach & Ocean Safety Tips 
• Sun Safety Tips  

Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines. 

The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to. 

The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines :

• Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
• Maintain a Balanced Diet
• Get Plenty of Rest
• Allow Your Body Time to Adjust 
• Keep Active
• Sanitize Often! 
• Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
• Take Your Vitamins
• Practice Safe Sex
• Be Prepared Should You Get Sick

READ MORE:   Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick

Staying Connected 

You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around P50 ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth P50 ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.

While you may not have problems with signal when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands  or in remote areas of a province.  So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.

Don’t Forget 

There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas.  Selling tobacco to and purchasing from/for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.

The minimum legal drinking age at 18.  Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores.  The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold.  Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit.  Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.

Drugs are illegal in the Philippines.  Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana.  It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children.  The penalties are severe … up to and including death.

Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated.  Most locals consider it offensive.  There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.

READ MORE:   Practical Travel Information about the Philippines

TIPS & HACKS

Tips & hacks.

The following are our Top 10 Tips When Traveling in the Philippines : 

• Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
• Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
• Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
• Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
• Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
• Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
• It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
• Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
• Things move at a slower pace. Accept it… don’t get frustrated… but do account for it.
• Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.

For a complete list of our tips and hacks, checkout the following Philippine travel guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself. 

READ MORE:   Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks for the Philippines

NOTE:  Consider inserting the Download Guide box here …

Useful Travel Apps

Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling.  Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.

These apps for savvy travelers aid you in having an unforgettable and stress-free vacation while saving you time, money, and frustration.The following is our list of 10 Top Travel Apps when traveling in the Philippines :

• TripAdvisor
• XE Currency
• Google Maps
• AccuWeather

Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.

For our complete list of travel apps that we use and recommend while traveling in the Philippines, checkout our checklist below.  Download a FREE copy for yourself as a PDF.

READ MORE:   The Best (Must Have) Travel Apps for the Philippines

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

I always carry a Camelbak Hydration Pack with me when traveling. Not only does it allow me to pack all my daily gear and snacks, but it also has a 3-liter water bladder which holds enough water to get me through the entire day.

Bluetooth Speaker

Compact yet mighty, a bluetooth speaker setup is a breeze, and the sound quality it delivers for its size is nothing short of impressive. Beyond its audio prowess, it boasts exceptional durability, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures.

UV Shirt is an essential when travelling in a tropical country. Providing reliable protection during long hours in the water, not only comfortable but also ensures a secure shield against the elements.

Snorkel Gear

For my island-hopping escapades, a snorkel gear set has become indispensable. Designed to enhance the joy of snorkeling and free diving, each piece ensures comfort and functionality. Together, they create an immersive and enjoyable underwater experience.

Adventure Camera

As a long-time enthusiast of GoPro cameras, I can attest to their user-friendly nature, excellent image stabilization, and impressive footage quality. Waterproof and rugged, the GoPro is my reliable companion for capturing adventures in any environment.

When it comes to beach footwear, aqua shoes offer exceptional support, breathability, and overall comfort. Well-crafted and sturdy, it provides effective protection against rocky terrain, quick drying for added convenience, and easy maintenance. A must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.

CLICK FOR MORE TRAVEL GEAR

INSPIRATION

We hope that the following photos inspire you to experience the Philippines and all that it has to offer.

The following video should give you an idea of what life is like in the Philippines.

Don’t Forget …

Book online & save money.

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About the Author

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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Philippines Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before visiting

The Philippines – home to beautiful beaches, chilled island vibes, an interesting history and some of the most wonderfully kind people. It’s one of the very best places I’ve been to. In fact, I love the Philippines so much that I can’t wait for a return visit. However, having been to the Philippines twice now, I thought I’d share all of the useful information and vital tips I’ve gathered on my trips in this Philippines travel guide.

Philippines Travel Guide: Essential Things to Know

In this post, I’ve tried to detail everything you could need to know before visiting the Philippines, with the advice ranging from handling poor weather, unexpected hassles to tips to save money and to help you stay safe. I wish I had known some of these useful tips before my travels through the Philippines– as many of these tips and tricks are completely specific to the country!

Take a read below and let me know if you have any questions or thoughts. I hope you find these useful whilst planning your Philippines itinerary!

Check for ATMs on the islands in the Philippines’

As you fix up your travel plans around the islands of the Philippines, don’t assume there’ll be an ATM where you’re staying.

Either research ahead of time or ask your hostel/hotel. Places like Manila , Cebu and Boracay have plentiful ATMs but many of the smaller Philippines islands do not have ATMs.

El Nido in 2014 didn’t have an ATM, but by January 2017 there was one ATM. However, it often ran out of cash. To be on the safe side, always try and keep a reasonable amount of the local currency (Philippine Pesos – PHP) on you. You really don’t want to be stuck anywhere without cash – many hostels etc will not take card payments either.

On the same note, not all ATMs in the Philippines take international cards so always think ahead about your money needs. You may need to stock up on Philippine Pesos a little way ahead.

To be honest, this may well be the most useful of my Philippines travel tips as you can’t get that far without some money!

Keep Pesos at hand for the airport departure fees

Many of the airports around the Philippines have domestic or international terminal fees. These can change ahead of time but are normally around 200PHP. You pay these after check-in but cannot continue to the rest of the airport until you have this receipt of this fee stapled to your ticket.

Do not drink the water in the Philippines

Just don’t. El Nido is particularly known for poor sanitation and water quality. On my first trip there, both my friend and I got really sick from the water.

I would even go as far as say to clean your teeth with bottled water. On some occasions, I have even sanitised my cutlery as this is likely to have been washed in tap water.

Bottles of water around the Philippines are mostly cheap and plentiful – in fact, many hotels will offer complimentary bottles each day.

Take mosquito repellent

And use it regularly. Whilst malaria is now uncommon on most islands in the Philippines, Zika is still prevalent in some places. Many hostels will offer mosquito nets and when they do – use them. Direct the fan over yourself to keep yourself as cool as possible.

Pack lightly

The Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands, so it’s likely you’ll be island hopping. Too many bags will just irritate you. There can be a lot of journey segments too –  perhaps a tricycle, a bus, a boat, a tricycle – and that might be just to get you to the airport.

Leaping in and out of these, it’s easiest with as few luggage pieces as possible and then there’s less chance of forgetting items too!

Make sure to check out my guide to the best travel luggage options here .

Leave plenty of time for travelling between islands in the Philippines

This is really important advice for travelling around the Philippines.

In the planning stages, it can be wise to dedicate an entire day to travelling between islands in the Philippines. All the segments can add up, or sometimes the only option is to fly back to Manila to catch another fight to the next island.

Generally, you should leave as much time as possible whilst moving around on travelling days. Weather, cancellations, traffic – all these things can have a big impact on travel in the Philippines.

A cyclone meant that a huge backlog of passengers were trying to get a ferry from Tagbilaran (Bohol) to Cebu, and this meant (despite arriving hours ahead of time) that the first ferry we could get departed after our scheduled flight time out of Cebu.

We were booked on the only direct flight out of Cebu to Puerto Princesa but we missed it. Therefore, we had to wait many hours before flying back to Manila to connect and fly back down. It took us 30 hours in the end (to travel about 400km).

Get proof of any delays/cancellations at the time

I wouldn’t have known to do this had we not found ourselves in the above situation.

In order for Cebu Pacific to allow us to get on a later connecting flight without a penalty, we had to go back to the port and get the coastguard to write and sign a letter confirming the delay/cancellations.

The return taxi at 10pm was an extra cost, and the worrying that the coastguard had closed for the night was not pleasant.

So my top travel tip for the Philippines would be to always ask for some signed proof from an official to avoid frustrating implications and expensive penalties!

Always try and get a window seat

Always! Seeing the Philippines’ many islands from the sky is quite something. Volcanic islands, dense jungle or stretches of twinkly turquoise seas and amazing sand bars – you won’t want to miss the photo opportunity.

The same goes for buses, you’ll be winding through villages, mountains and rice paddies and the scenery is stunning.

Take a jumper, leggings and socks

Filipinos like air-con. A lot!

On planes, ferries, buses and unforgettably in Manila airport. I found it absolutely, unbearably cold.

One time, I found myself at the airport when all my belongings waiting for a 12 hour delay(!) I had been checked in so my luggage was nowhere near. The zircon was freezing so I tried to bury myself under a few pairs of shorts and some tops. It was impossible to sleep! Even better, keep a silk sleeping bag at hand!

Befriend the Filipino locals

Everyone in the Philippines speaks English!

Some more basic than others, depending on which island you’re on, but generally you can converse with some ease with anyone. The Filipino culture is extremely friendly and people really want you to enjoy your time. Filipinos are not suspicious or greedy, but are kind and nearly always happy to help. They love to smile too and it’s likely you’ll find it infectious!

The only time you may experience any feelings of frustration is perhaps whilst travelling around the islands in the Philippines. We found (only sometimes) that the tricycle drivers could be a little deceiving in order to get our custom. For example, one night on Cebu, as the night crept on and no local buses passed for over 2 hours, the tricycle and scooter drivers would tell us that the last buses had been and gone. Yet, we knew having spoken to other locals that they were still running. For hours they persisted and even laughed at us – but a bus did eventually come.

As with many countries and unregulated taxi-style services, in some areas in the Philippines they really may try to charge exorbitant prices, but stay firm and smile. They normally give in once you hold your ground for long enough. Otherwise generally speaking, no other people will try and take advantage as may be the case in countries like Thailand.

Take all the medication you might need

There are pharmacies in the larger cities and islands around the Philippines, but as with travelling to many countries in the world, you can’t expect them to have exactly what you need and when you need it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Buy a sim or a portable wifi hotspot

If you need to go online in the Philippines, do not expect there to be decent wifi everywhere. Places like Boracay and Manila have readily available fast wifi, but many of the islands might be very hit and miss.

As a top travel tip, the internet in El Nido is poor throughout the town. It’s not about which café or hotel you visit, the actual internet provided to the town is very poor. It works best at about 4am. I couldn’t even get on Instagram!

On the other hand, we found the wifi at every airport in the Philippines to be very good (and free). At Manila’s airport, we found it to be exceptionally fast!

If you’re low on budget or time, book everything ahead

It pains me to say it, as nothing is better than travelling with absolute freedom and flexibility, but it can save a lot of money and time in the Philippines.

As it’s likely you’ll be travelling between some of the Philippines’ many islands, you’ll need planes and ferries at some point.

Plane tickets (AirAsia, Cebu Pacific etc) far ahead of time can be really cheap – I’ve got flights for as low as £12 one way. But a day or two ahead, they can be well over £100/£150.

On many routes, they sell-out too. So you cannot be afforded the same level of complete freedom that other countries can offer where you can rock up to the station on the day to get a bus to the other end of the country.

I didn’t think to book ferries ahead in the Philippines, but they can also fill up completely or only have seats in the much more expensive Business Class. This is particularly so on popular routes and the ferries that ply these.

On the other hand, always ask locals about less official boats going between islands. From Oslob, we took a local wooden boat direct to Alona Beach. It cost a lot more (1000PHP), but for the speed and complete convenience of avoiding tricycles, buses and any hassle, it was worth every penny. We sat on the wooden bow of the boat for whole journey, enjoying the sea spray and sunbathing opportunity! Much better than a huge commercial ferry!

Take flip flops and expect to ruin them

The Philippines is a very tropical country and torrential downpours can happen at any time. Whilst flip flops can make walking in heavy rain and very slippery, any other shoes will be even more impractical. But the mud has permanently stained my white flip flops forever so don’t take your favourite shoes.

Use an umbrella not a raincoat

It’s not a bad idea to keep an umbrella at hand to whip out in the occasion of a torrential downpour in the Philippines.

Raincoats are far too hot and sticky, and a waste of your precious luggage space. Stick to umbrellas – oh and waterproof backpack covers can be useful too. When it rains, it really does rain! 

However, if you’re visiting areas in the Philippines that are at high altitude such as Banuaue, the temperature can be considerably lower and you may want a light jacket here.

Invest in a waterproof diving bag

I wish I had one of these for my trip for both the beach days and the boat trips in the Philippines. Especially while out on snorkelling trips or island hopping, my day sack was a constant source of worry and I had to keep re-positioning to stop its contents getting soaked. A waterproof diving bag keeps all your valuables safe and dry so you can relax even when it’s on the wooden decking of the boats where the floor always gets soaked.

Bring comfortable water shoes

Considered a bit of fashion crime in the UK, I seriously wished I had a pair whilst exploring.

Many of the islands in the Philippines are surrounded by shallow water and you can often find you can out from the shore really far and still only have water come to your hips.

You’ll be warned of pesky sea urchins even at the dreamiest of white sand beaches. A prick from one of these leaves you in serious pain and in need of urgent medical help.

I’m fairly certain they’d been removed from Boracay’s main beaches, but I needed water shoes for Bulabog Beach where we spent our days kitesurfing . In fact, even in El Nido in the famous lagoons!

Philippines Travel Guide

Have you been to the Philippines? Are there any other key tips or tricks I’ve missed in this travel Guide? Let me know!

Otherwise, I hope that this guide to the Philippines and all of my top travel tips prove useful for planning your own trip. You might also find some of my other posts useful, including my  3 week itinerary for the Philippines , as well as my guides to Boracay , Bohol , Kawasan Falls , El Nido and Manila . Make sure to also check this guide on 15 must-eat dishes in the Philippines too , featuring lechon – my favourite Filipino dish!

If you’ve enjoyed this post, feel free to share using the below links!

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This visit to the Philippines was entirely paid for by myself and there was no involvement from the tourism board or a hotel. This is an independent guide.

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These are some amazing tips! I don’t have a pair of water shoes but I definitely do NOT want to step on any sea urchins – a friend of mine stepped on one and had to have half her foot cut out! I can’t believe it took you guys 30 hours to travel from point to point because of a missed flight – what a bummer!

You have some really great tips here – I don’t know why I didn’t know about this before but duh waterproof backpack covers?! That would have helped me so many times while traveling. I’m definitely going to be investing into one of these.

Great tips. I hope to visit the Philippines sometime in the near future so your post has been invaluable. I will take into account the waterproof diving bag. This never even occurred to me.

Thanks for some great advice. Your photos are really good and make the place look really inviting.

This is quite an exhaustive and useful guide. All really sensible and practical tips. The Philippines is so vast and its islands and beaches so many, all seem to be better than the other. It would need quite some planning to travel across this beautiful country and your tips will really prove useful.

These tips are awesome. My friend is actually in the Philippines right now, too bad I couldn`t join her because judging from your photos you had a great time.

Some really great tips there! Also, 30 hours of travelling? That is insane!! I hope you had the window seats though (:

This is a really comprehensive list. Things like mosquito repellants, one can easily forget when packing. And Philippines has it’s own set of requirements. So, it’s essential to pack accordingly. I will refer back to it when I plan to visit here.

Love the tip about bringing proof of delays! We are heading to PH at the end of the year and will be doing a lot of island hopping!

Great tips! I would never think about many of these things. I definitely want to visit PH in the next couple of years; it looks like such a beautiful place!

I really want to visit the Philippines and this was such a helpful set of tips. I like to think that I think of everything…but, nope, you listed a bunch of things I would definitely take for granted! Super useful!

You have listed some incredible tips there! Poor water quality and carrying medication is essential to avoid health hazards on a trip. The shoes tip is great too. Hoping to visit Philippines soon. These would be handy. Thanks a ton for sharing!

Philippines looks like such an amazing place to visit, but thanks so much for providing so many “real” tips! I loved that you went beyond the typical “bring sunscreen and a hat” and really gave some insight into what the trip will be like … complete with vital warnings!

Thanks for this amazing guide to travel Manila. I love this place. I have visited it two times and I am planning to go there again. Your blog post is inspiring me a lot and you gave really beautiful photos.

Awesome, glad to hear it!

The Philippines is a great place to travel with family, friends as well as solo trips. In this article, you have presented an amazing guideline for traveling to the Philippines. Thank you so much for sharing this article with us.

Handy guide! A list of the COVID-19 travel guidelines would be a great supplement to this Philippine Travel Guide since foreign travelers are welcome in the country again! This list is extensive and regularly updated: https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/ultimate-guides/philippines-travel-covid-19

Thanks for sharing this blog comments help to inspire me to travel more and find the perfect comfortable water shoes for myself. Thanks!

I found this post very interesting. This is truly a complete travel guide, especially for first-timers visiting this tropical island. Straightforward travel tips are the ones that I am really looking for. You are right, we all have different travel experiences. To enjoy the Philippines to the fullest, it’s good to have an overview or idea of what to expect. I know, a minor incident can happen. Dealing with local transport is sometimes intimidating, but we know better now how to handle them.

Your travel guide didn’t simply cover the popular places; it also discovered some hidden gems! I adore the concept of venturing off the main road, and your suggestions have brought a new dimension to my travel bucket list.

This captivating exploration of the Philippines truly encapsulates the allure of its natural wonders. The author’s vivid descriptions and insightful narratives make me yearn for my own adventure in this breathtaking country. And for fellow explorers seeking the perfect camping spot, WildKamp is a must-visit directory to enhance your journey. Kudos to the author for inspiring wanderlust with every word!

This article on Philippines travel tips is a treasure trove for adventurers planning their next getaway! With insightful advice and practical recommendations, it offers invaluable insights for making the most out of your Philippine adventure. From cultural etiquette to must-visit destinations, each tip is thoughtfully curated to ensure a memorable experience. As someone with a passion for travel, I found this guide incredibly helpful and informative. Thanks for sharing these essential tips for exploring the beauty of the Philippines!

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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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9 Philippine Local Travel Tips That Every Foreigner Should Know

1. Travel during the off-peak days.

2. pack light and prepare for variable weather., 3. learn a few filipino or tagalog words., 4. avoid buying a sim card at the airport..

• 5. Invest in a reusable water bottle.
• 6. Start your journey from the market.

7. Explore via two wheels.

8. slow down., 9. bring home pasalubong..

With its 7,640+ islands, the Philippines has become a top tourist destination for many travelers from all around the world. The archipelago is home to gorgeous beaches, winding caves, serene rivers, and diverse cultures. It is known for its beautiful island destinations like Boracay , Bohol , Cebu , Palawan , and Siargao , as well as the bustling and historic capital city of Manila .

When planning a trip to the Philippines, it is helpful to research in advance to know the best places to visit , the best time to go , and what to bring . You can read our Philippines travel guide to help you, but some of the most valuable resources when it comes to all this information are the locals themselves, who can provide you with insider tips. You can even join our social media community where you can ask questions and get useful Philippines travel tips .

To get you started, we asked several Philippine travel bloggers for some local travel tips that can help you on your vacation. These tips for traveling to the Philippines are from experienced travelers, so if you are visiting the Philippines for the first time, you should take note of them.

See our popular Best Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

5-day nature & islands adventure package to puerto princesa and el nido palawan, 4-day fascinating culture & nature tour package to cebu & bohol with accommodations & transfers, scenic 1-week beaches & nature vacation package to cebu, puerto princesa & el nido palawan.

“Fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays! These weekdays tend to have fewer crowds and potentially cheaper flights compared to weekends. This applies even in popular tourist destinations like Coron , El Nido , and Boracay.”

Glen is a seasoned traveler and a full-time travel blogger. He has explored all 82 provinces of the Philippines and has visited 53 countries to date.

• Check out our El Nido - Coron tour packages

See our popular 2 Weeks Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

“When packing for your trip to the Philippines, it's essential to pack light and bring versatile clothing items that suit the tropical climate. Breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are my personal go-tos!

During the rainy season (usually from June to November), pack a lightweight waterproof jacket to protect yourself from sudden rains. Pro tip: quick-dry clothing and waterproof footwear are also handy for participating in water activities .”

Jea shares the passion for travel with many. She was raised knowing that experiences are priceless. She has traveled all over the world but will always advocate Boracay Island as the greatest beach.

See our popular Philippines Vacation Packages

“Although most Filipinos are fluent in English, making an effort to learn and speak the local language can enhance your experience while in the country. Even just a few words like “Salamat” (thank you) and “Ingat” (take care) can show respect for the culture and help build a connection with locals, leading to more meaningful interactions and perhaps even new friendships.” 

Melo completed traveling to all 82 provinces of the Philippines by the age of 30. Since then, he has been exploring countries in Southeast Asia and around the world.

See our popular North Luzon Tour Packages

2-day adventure to buscalan kalinga tattoo village of apo whang-od from manila with homestay & meals, aureo hotel la union overnight package with breakfast, fascinating 7-day history, heritage & nature tour to laoag, pagudpud & vigan ilocos from manila.

“If you want to save money, it's advisable to skip purchasing a SIM card at Philippine airports . Instead, head to the nearest convenience store, like a 7-11 near your hotel , where you can also top up. The cost is significantly lower and will cost you just around a dollar (USD), compared to approximately USD18 at the airport. 

If you're concerned about booking a Grab ride upon leaving the airport, most of the time, the airport WiFi works just fine.”

Cai didn't quit his job to travel; instead, he made a job out of traveling. He has been traveling since he was 23 and intends to visit the 81 provinces in the Philippines. Currently, he has visited 64 provinces in the country and continues to share his stories.

• Book Philippine airport transfers for your trip

See our popular Manila Transfers

Ninoy aquino international airport (naia) to hotel in pasay | private manila airport transfer (mnl), ninoy aquino international airport (naia) to hotel in taguig | private manila airport transfer (mnl), ninoy aquino international airport (naia) to hotel in makati | private manila airport transfer (mnl), 5. invest in a reusable water bottle. .

“It can get scorching hot in the Philippines, so getting hydrated should be a priority. But tap water in most areas isn’t potable. Instead of buying bottled water each time you need to drink, just get a reusable one and refill it when you have a safe source of water. 

The Philippines is also one of the top ocean plastic waste contributors. You can help the environment by not adding to the problem. Reusing a water bottle will also keep your water expenses low.”

Yosh Dimen has been travel blogging for the past 14 years, chasing three highs: the rush when planning a trip, the thrill of new experiences, and that odd blend of triumph and loss when it’s all over. 

See our popular Tawi-Tawi Tours and Activities

Tawi-tawi bongao land tour with transfers | bud bongao, boloboc cave, badjao village, tawi-tawi bongao island-hopping tour with transfers | simunul island, panampangan island, 3d2n tawi-tawi package with tours & optional homestay accommodations, 6. start your journey from the market. .

“Explore the local market’s fresh produce and meat section before doing anything else—it will give you a sense of what to expect with what you will and must eat during the next few days. 

Head to the carinderia eatery section afterward. These are commonly found in most markets, where the cooked version of the produce you just saw readily awaits your taste buds.”

Christian was bitten late by the travel bug but is slowly catching up with his trips. When not traveling, he takes care of his four-year-old son and spends his free time refining his music library.

See our popular 10-Day Philippines Tour Packages

“If you enjoy biking or know how to drive a motorcycle, I highly recommend traveling on two wheels to explore different parts of the Philippines. Some of my best trips were solo adventures where I either brought my bicycle or drove by motorcycle to explore. 

International travelers can rent bicycles or scooters in some key destinations. This way, you won’t be bound by public transport and can enjoy a more flexible itinerary compared to the typical join-in package tours.

Biking around coastal areas like Baler (where you can ride to Dipaculao and back) and smaller islands with circumferential roads that you can loop in the Philippines like Batan Island in Batanes , Camiguin , Siquijor, Romblon, Biliran, and Marinduque can be an exhilarating experience. 

See our popular Top Tours in the Philippines

If you want a break from beach-bumming in Boracay, you can also do a bike loop of the whole island. Renting a bicycle is a budget-friendly way to get around. Some hotels and hostels offer free bikes for guests to use, while other shops rent these out for as little as PhP100 per hour to PhP400 a day. 

If you’re looking for things to do in Manila and want a quick urban adventure, you can bike around the Intramuros area using Bambikes (bamboo bicycles). The area around the UNESCO World Heritage Site San Agustin Church is undergoing pedestrianization efforts, and there are some notable spots to bike to nearby, including Fort Santiago, Binondo, and the Pasig River Esplanade behind the Manila Post Office.

See our popular Manila Tours & Activities

Manila intramuros historical express 90-minute tour in eco-friendly bamboo bike + optional upgrades, manila binondo shared walking food tour with guide, manila intramuros shared half-day walking tour with guide.

Larger islands in the Philippines that you can loop are also great for motorcycle exploration, including Siargao, Bohol, Cebu, Mindoro, Samar, and Palawan. 

• Book a Siargao motorbike rental
• See our Cebu to Bohol tour packages

Upon landing in Puerto Princesa in Palawan, you can rent a motorbike in the city and head up to El Nido or explore lesser-known areas like Port Barton or Nagtabon Beach. You can rent motorcycles from different shops. Scooter rentals in the Philippines usually cost as little as PhP300 to PhP800 a day, depending on the make and model.”

Kara is a freelance writer and Lonely Planet guidebook contributor from the Philippines who has traveled around the country’s 82 provinces.

• Check out our Puerto Princesa to El Nido tour packages

Exciting 10-Day Islands & Adventure Tour to Cebu, Coron & El Nido Palawan Package from Manila

Exciting 10-day islands, whale shark & nature tour to boracay, cebu, puerto princesa & el nido, incredible 10-day sightseeing & island hopping tour to bohol, cebu & puerto princesa from manila.

“There's no need to see all the sights. Just choose a couple of the places you like and enjoy them at a leisurely pace. This offers a more meaningful experience and better cultural immersion over rushed and jam-packed itineraries.”

Johanes and Ryk have traveled around the Philippines for years, both having a keen interest in the principles of slow travel.

“Pasalubong is a Filipino practice of bringing gifts back to your family or loved ones. You can also adopt this by picking up unique souvenirs, like ethically sourced pearls from Palawan, handwoven fabrics from Ifugao, and the delicious food and drinks in different regions, including the dried mangoes of Cebu, kapeng barako (barako coffee) of Batangas , and snacks like cornick and banana chips.

• See our Cebu to Boracay packages

Not only are you bringing home a piece of the Philippines with you, but you are also supporting local artisans and their businesses!”

Katherine is a backpacker who loves discovering pristine beaches and waterfalls and staying at nice AirBnbs

See our popular Food Tours

Coffee farm tour at amadeo cavite near manila & tagaytay with live brewing & tasting sampler, manila binondo & intramuros full-day tour with guide & transfers, iloilo city food tour & sightseeing with transfers | la paz batchoy, pancit molo, jaro church.

When planning your vacation to the Philippines, take note of these insider travel tips so you can enjoy your trip hassle-free. Whether you’ve booked all-inclusive Philippines vacation packages or are planning a do-it-yourself trip, these tips can also help make your experience more memorable. Bonus tip: avoid being the victim of travel scams in the Philippines by reading our article about them.

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