where to travel in philippines in august

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

where to travel in philippines in august

Guide for the best places to visit in the Philippines month by month.

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

When to visit the Philippines? That is the question we are most often asked.

The answer to this question varies depending on the month of the year and your interests.

Since the Philippines is an archipelago, its climate and the weather varies geographically from month to month.

Weather aside, there are other reasons to visit the Philippines … natural wonders, beaches & islands, contemporary cities with modern conveniences & shopping, exciting outdoor activities & adventures, colorful & fun festivals, delicious food, and of course the Filipino people.

JANUARY: Quiapo and Western Visayas

January is the best time to visit the Philippines if you are into big and colorful festivals. During this month, most celebrations in the country are religious and cultural in nature. After the big New Year’s welcome, the next biggest event is the Feast of Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila every 9th of the month. The procession, referred to as Traslación (transfer), is flocked by thousands of devotees and can last more than 20 hours. The other three popular events in January are celebrated in honor of Santo Niño (Child Jesus). In the third week of the month, you can either be in Cebu for the Sinulog Festival or in Kalibo, Aklan for the Ati-Atihan Festival. You can then fly to Iloilo for the Dinagyang Festival which takes place the last week of the month. All three festivals are celebrated almost the same way, having similar activities including holy mass, procession, street dancing, tribal dances, music and food festivals, pageant, and many others.

READ MORE: Cebu Island Visitors Guide | Where To Go in the Philippines in January

FEBRUARY: Pampanga and Iloilo

Sometime between January and February, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta takes place in Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles , Pampanga . This biggest and longest-running aviation sports event in the Philippines features not only hundreds of hot air balloons but also skydiving, flag jumps, remote-control airplane and helicopter flying exhibitions, aerobatics, and other equally interesting and thrilling events. If you are in Iloilo for the Dinagyang Festival, you can stay longer and wait for Paraw Regatta Festival, the largest sailing event in the Philippines. The event features a sailboat called Paraw, a Visayan double outrigger sailboat. For the last week of February, you may want to be in Baguio City for the highlight of Panagbenga Festival (Flower Festival).

READ MORE: Pampanga Visitors Guide | Iloilo City Visitors Guide | Where to Go in the Philippines in February

MARCH: Palawan

The country is gearing up for warmer temperatures during the month. You may wish to remain in Baguio or travel further to Banaue to continuously enjoy colder temperature or make the most of the weather by exploring the thousands of islands and beaches spread throughout the country. You can spend the whole month in Palawan exploring the magnificent beaches, rich marine life, and lush greenery of El Nido , Coron , and Puerto Princesa or the laid back vibe of Port Barton .

READ MORE: Palawan Island Visitors Guide | Where To Go in the Philippines in March

APRIL: Sorsogon, Mt. Pulag, and Mt. Apo

With the temperature getting warmer by the day, people continue to flock the beaches and other outdoor destinations and activities. Bohol Island is known to have the best diving and snorkeling spots while Donsol, Sorsogon is a great destination to see the gentle giant whale sharks. If you can’t be near the sea, trekking or mountain climbing are equally interesting activities to enjoy during this month. Mt. Pulag is a popular destination even to first-timers while Mt. Apo , the highest peak in the Philippines, is at the bucket list of probably every mountain-climbing enthusiast.

MAY: Boracay

May is the best month to be in Boracay. The biggest parties, particularly the famous Love Boracay (formerly La Boracay), happens during end of April to Labor Day. However, wild beach parties are no longer allowed and the number of tourists entering the island daily has been greatly decreased after its re-opening following its six-month closure in 2018. Nevertheless, it’s still the most favorite destination of both local and foreign tourists during this time.

READ MORE: Boracay Island Visitors Guide

JUNE: Iligan City

While some prefer to travel to weatherproof destinations or not travel at all since the weather can be unpredictable during this time, June is actually a good month to see the waterfalls. As the season transitions from dry to rainy, waterfalls more likely have a lot of water and the surroundings more lush. When talking about waterfalls, there’s no other place to be than Iligan, the City of Majestic Waterfalls. Home to more than 28 waterfalls, this city in Northern Mindanao is definitely worth exploring.

JULY: Bohol

The province of Bohol is a good choice during this month. Bohol’s Sandugo Festival happens every 3rd or 4th week of July in Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol. Aside from the grand festival which features street dancing, trade and food fairs, and concerts among others, Bohol is blessed with white sand beaches, interesting diving and snorkeling spots, caves, and of course, the famous Chocolate Hills which are starting to turn green after months of being brown caused by lack of rain.

AUGUST: Davao City

Best to go to Davao in August to catch their Kadayawan Festival. One of the most popular festivals in the country, this weeklong celebration takes place every third week of the month and features various activities including street dancing, live performances, and fairs. If you’re not into such activities, you can explore several tourist attractions in Davao such as Eden Nature Park, Crocodile Farm, and Samal Island .

SEPTEMBER: Siargao

Rainy season is at its peak in September. Sea travel may not always be comfortable due to rough seas but this month is a great month to go surfing in Siargao not only because the waves are usually high and strong. Siargao Cup, an international surfing competition, is held during this month too. Dubbed as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, this little haven for both local and foreign surfers attracts non-surfers as well for its beaches, caves, and natural pools.

READ MORE: Siargao Island Visitors Guide | Top Surfing Spots in the Philippines

OCTOBER: Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin

The neighboring places of Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin are great destinations in October. Experience thrilling activities such as whitewater rafting, river tubing, zipline, kayaking, and paragliding in Cagayan de Oro. In addition to being home to several adventure parks, Cagayan de Oro is also a gateway to smaller yet equally beautiful province, the island of Camiguin which is known for its islands, volcanoes, springs, waterfalls, and sunken cemetery. The province’s Lanzones Festival also happens every October as it is in season during this month.

READ MORE: Camiguin Island Visitors Guide | Cagayan De Oro Visitors Guide

NOVEMBER: Dumaguete City and Siquijor Island

While some of the biggest typhoons in the country occur in November, Dumaguete City and Siquijor Island should be safe to visit during this month. Known for Silliman University which is the first American university in Asia, Dumaguete is a favorite retirement destination among expats and a gateway to many natural attractions including Apo Island , Manjuyod Sandbar, Casaroro Falls , and the enchanting Siquijor Island. Siquijor is home to a number of whitesand beaches, cliff diving spots, and cold springs.

Sandurot Festival is celebrated every second week of November in Dumaguete City.

READ MORE: Dumaguete City Visitors Guide | Siquijor Island Visitors Guide

DECEMBER: Manila

The already bustling and crowded Manila comes even more alive as the holiday season approaches. Most of the biggest establishments in the country’s capital have their own Christmas activities, shows, and displays that usually last the whole month of December. SM Mall of Asia ‘s Grand Festival of Lights, the giant gingerbread at Okada Manila, Ayala Festival of Lights, and Tiendesita’s Christmas tunnel are some of the many attractions to feast your eyes into and feel the Christmas spirit in Manila. In addition to that are the biggest Christmas sales, parties, and concerts that will surely make your Christmas experience in Manila an unforgettable one. Just be prepared for road traffic as it is usually bad during the holidays.

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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.

When to go to the Philippines

Apr 15, 2021 • 7 min read

Woman snorkelling in clear water near a boat at Miniloc lagoon.

It's never a bad time to grab a beach towel and head to the Philippines © John Seaton Callahan / Getty Images

With over 7000 islands spread over 300,000sq km, there’s never a bad time to grab a beach towel and head to the Philippines . The country is renowned for its strips of golden sand, and even during the height of the rainy season you’re still likely to find an island where the sun is shining. On top of this is a calendar chock-full of fiestas and events, offering a unique cultural highlight for visitors whichever month they visit.

Whether you’re looking for the best time to hit the beach, dance up a storm at a festival, or simply avoid the worst of the tourist crowds, here’s our guide to the best time to visit the Philippines.

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel and opening hours may vary. Check the latest guidance in the Philippines before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice.

People watching the sunset on the Maremegmeg beach at El nido, Palawan, Philippines

High season: November-April

The high season is dry season for most of the country, with December, January and February the coolest, most pleasant months for travel, which brings crowds to popular beach areas like El Nido and Coron , and competition for hotel beds.

Celebrations around Christmas, New Year and, notably, Holy Week, in the build up to Easter, make it a colorful and fascinating time to visit the country, but many resorts triple rates around these popular periods.

Dancers and performers decked in flamboyant outfits and smiling masks take to the streets for Masskara Festival in the Philippines.

Shoulder season: May-October

Shoulder season tends to be short and sweet in the Philippines, often just a month either side of the popular dry season and quieter rainy months. Accommodation savings are available if you time it right and tourist crowds are thinner; however, end-of-term school holidays in April and May bring high levels of domestic tourists during this period.

Exciting events like the month-long Magayon Festival in Legazpi in May, with nightly street markets, pop-up bars and live music, and MassKara Festival, which brings flamboyant outfits and frenzied dancing to Bacolod in late October, add extra incentive for a shoulder season trip.

A surfer rides a wave in Siargao, the Philippines

Low season: June-September

Low season means less crowds and cheaper accommodation prices, but rougher seas and a greater chance of bad weather, with passing typhoons sometimes causing days of torrential rain. This won’t, however, dissuade seasoned boarders, with big wave surf season starting at Siargao ’s Cloud Nine (the country’s most famous break) in August.

For the best chance of beach lounging weather, head to the Eastern Visayas , which are often dry when almost everywhere else is drenched – though this region is susceptible to tropical storms so keep an eye on the forecast.

New Year is a ‘superpeak’ period, and hotel rates can quadruple in resort areas. Away from the eastern seaboard, the weather is usually pretty good – relatively cool and dry, although rain can linger into January. It’s also party season: Ati-Atihan Festival , a week-long mardi gras in Kalibo on Panay , is one of the Philippines’ most famous and riotous festivals and peaks in the third week of January, while Sinulog Festival , the granddaddy of Cebu ’s fiestas, brings dancing and processions on the third Sunday of the month. Key events : Ati-Atihan Festival, Sinulog Festival

It’s peak season for foreign travellers, so book ahead. The Christmas winds continue to howl, thrilling kite-surfers, while surf season continues in San Fernando (La Union) and butanding (whale shark) activity picks up in Donsol . On-land, the Chinese lunar new year in late January or early February is celebrated with gusto even among non-Chinese Filipinos, with dragon dances, street parties and fireworks in Manila . Up in the northern mountains of Luzon (the largest island in the Philippines), a more serene celebration takes place as the Panagbenga Flower Festival sees spectacular flower-covered floats meander through the streets of Baguio . Key events : Chinese New Year, Panagbenga Flower Festival

Temperatures start to rise significantly in March, making city-sightseeing tough but beach-lounging ideal. Tourist numbers are not as high as January or February but things are still pretty busy.

An underwater shot of a woman snorkelling in crystal clear waters, beneath her is a large whale shark, which swims above a seabed covered in coral.

Everything shuts down during Holy Week, which leads up to Easter, when sinakulo (passion plays) and pasyon (a recitation of the Passion of Christ) are staged throughout the country. This is a fascinating time to be in the country, though resort prices again hit ‘superpeak’ levels, during what is the last month of the typical high season. For a less conventional Easter experience, head to the island of Siquijor , where faith healers and witch doctors gather around a big pot on Holy Saturday, preparing a medicinal concoction some say cures all that ails you. Key events : Easter, Lenten Festival of Herbal Preparation

Though shoulder season means a drop in price for accommodation, scorching heat, beaches packed with vacationing locals (April and May are school holidays in the Philippines) and light winds can make this an uncomfortable time to travel. Consider cooler highland destinations such as the Cordillera of North Luzon. Festivals include the traditional Flores de Mayo which sees girls around the country strewing flowers around images of the Virgin Mary, and the month-long Magayon Festival in Legazpi, Bicol region, with nightly street markets, pop-up bars, music stages, dance performances, chilli-eating contests and more. Key events : Flores de Mayo, Magayon Festival

The onset of the wet season brings welcome respite from the heat. June also marks the start of typhoon season, so check the radar and reroute if there’s a big red blob heading your way. But it’s not all doom and gloom, Baragatan Festival sees residents of Puerto Princesa , Palawan, flood the grounds of the Provincial Capitol Building in a massive display of merrymaking, while Pintados-Kasadyaan in Tacloban celebrates pre-Spanish traditional tattooing practices, albeit using water-based paints for the festival’s body decorations. Tourist crowds and accommodation prices drop around the country. Key events : Baragatan Festival, Pintados-Kasadyaan

Slap bang in the middle of low season with few large-scale festivals to speak of, July is not the most popular month to visit the country. Savvy travellers, however, make their way east to spots like Samar and Leyte , which remain dry when the rest of the country is getting drenched. Around the country, scenery is lush and green and crowds are thin.

Two people walk across the famous Cloud 9 surf boardwalk in Siargao, the Philippines. The silhouette of the two men is cast against an orange sky with the sun setting.

It’s the rainiest month (except for on the eastern seaboard, where it’s the driest), so you’ll get fabulous discounts on accommodation. Durian season begins in Mindanao and surf season launches in Siargao . The third week of August also sees Davao ’s showcase its Muslim, Chinese and tribal influences during the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival with parades, performances, and fruit and flower displays. Key events : Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival

Heavy rain continues, particularly in the north of the country. Visitors who chance it could get lucky with a break in the rain, and be rewarded with low accommodation prices and quiet beaches. The Eastern Visayas are still mostly dry.

Things start to dry out after the heavy rains of August and September, but typhoons are still common. The early part of the month is a good time to travel with lower accommodation costs and fewer crowds, but high-season prices kick in towards the end of the month. Christmas music is already ubiquitous in the malls. On the streets of Bacolod , capital of Negros Occidental , mischievous masked men in feathery outfits stir the masses into a dancing frenzy as part of the MassKara Festival during the weekend closest to 19 October. Key events : MassKara Festival

A series of rolling green rice terraces in Ifugao province, Luzon, the Philippines. The fields are surrounded by mountains beneath a cloudy blue sky.

November marks the return to high season with the arrival of good, dry weather for most of the country. Families laden with food gather at the local cemetery on the first day of the month to spend Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) remembering their departed loved ones. It’s a surprisingly festive occasion. Key events : Todos los Santos

High season is in full swing as the Christmas music reaches a crescendo and the northeast Christmas winds ramp up, launching kite-surfing season in Boracay and surf season in northwest Luzon. In Cotabato on the island of Mindanao , Shariff Kabungsuan Festival celebrates the arrival of Islam in the region and includes river parades of decorated boats from 15 to 19 December. The end of the month is a super peak period, which lasts across Christmas and New Year. Key events : Christmas, New Year, Shariff Kabungsuan Festival

You might also like: The 12 best beaches in the Philippines Five alternatives to Boracay Top Filipino dishes everyone should try

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Where to Go in The Philippines: The Perfect Itinerary

04/10/2023 by The Wanderlovers 65 Comments

It’s tough to think of a more beautiful corner of the world than the Philippines, with white sand beaches, bath-temperature water, and incredibly friendly locals.

These islands, 7,107 of them to be exact, are worth a departure from the typical banana pancake trail in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam! The beaches are regarded as some of the best in the world, as are the diving opportunities, and the welcoming nature of the Filipino people is unwavering.

But with so many islets to choose from offering up various culture, adventure and culinary delights, where do you even start to plan an itinerary and figure out where to go in the Philippines? Well luckily enough, Charlotte and I have spent roughly two months in the Philippines and have wrapped up our experiences into one neat little package below. Let’s get to planning your perfect Philippines itinerary:

It’s likely that you’ll begin your journey in the capital, Manila. A city bustling with people, Spanish colonial architecture, street vendors and Jeepneys. Many travellers use Manila simply as a gateway to other destinations in the Philippines but we would recommend spending at least a day there in preparation for the rest of your adventure. It will also give you enough time to purchase your bus ticket to the North of Luzon, acclimatize, and sample street food like quack quack (battered quail egg) and caramelized bananas.

Quick Tip: Take a Jeepney ride for as little as 10PHP to a random destination in town. Just get off where you feel spontaneous!

Stay: Book your Manila stay here .

North Luzon (Banaue / Batad Rice Terraces)

North Luzon is very much overlooked in the Philippines with travelers opting for pristine white beaches and crystal cobalt seas instead. However, we would highly recommend a trip into the mountainous region for a glimpse into the World of the local rice farmers and stunning craggy landscapes. The UNESCO Banaue rice terraces are a key highlight of any trip to the North.

Top Tip: Most travelers visit Banaue due to the UNESCO title stamped across its name, however just an hour up the road (or up the mountain) lie Batad rice terraces which are just as beautiful and have far fewer tourists.

An overnight stay will allow you to live like the locals in a traditional stilt house built into the terrace. A trek to a neighboring waterfall is also on the agenda here and highly recommended! Wear a bathing suit and take a dip!

How To Get There: Overnight buses such as Ohayami run from the Sampoloc area of Manila for $19, which can be purchased a day in advance or on the day of (subject to availability). They leave at 9pm.

Stay: Batad Transient House (traditional stilt house) for just $11 with a delicious breakfast!

Home to the infamous hanging coffins, the Igoret tribes of the North have long practiced burying their dead in coffins nailed against the side of cliffs, believing they will be closer to heaven.

This tradition is slowly dying out, so this is a rare chance for a deeper glimpse into traditional tribal life. You can hop off at Sagada on a return bus trip to Baguio from Banaue.

Quick Tip: Sagada has VERY limited ATMs and the one we did find had zero money, resulting in frantic phone calls home to wire money to Western Union Transfer! Take enough cash for your trip to Sagada.

Stay: Book your Sagada stay here .

Baguio City (Mount Pulag)

No trip to North Luzon is complete without visiting its highest peak at 2,926m above sea level. If that sounds like too much trekking for some then do not fear! Most of the journey is done by Jeepney to a mountain village where you stay overnight in a local house before taking on the summit in the early hours. In total the trek takes approximately 4-6 hours after reaching the village with a couple of rest breaks before reaching “the sky of clouds”.

Quick Tip: Most tour operators will drop you back at Manila providing you advise that you want to be dropped off here INSTEAD of returning to Baguio. If you follow this itinerary chronologically, this is ideal as we’ll be flying down south next.

Go With: Mount Pulag Adventures

Stay: Book your Baguio City stay here .

Siargao must be one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, and it’s the country’s surf capital. This island has a super laidback vibe, great snorkeling options, and island hopping excursions including the famous Sugba Lagoon. Located in the Mindanao region of the Philippines, Siargao is a laid-back paradise that’s just starting to explode onto the traveler scene. Read more about all the best thing to do in Siargao here.

How To Get There: Fly directly into Sayak Airport (IAO), or take a ferry from Surigao del Norte.

Stay: Look at General Luna and Pacifico. Book hotels here .

Boracay

A small island in central Philippines, Boracay is the top tourist draw of the Philippines, and for good reason! White beach takes center stage framing a 4km slice of paradise, once voted the best beach in the world! An array of restaurants, resort accommodation and bars feature heavily along the main beach stations, while the back beach offers perfect conditions for water sports. Bar crawls, cliff jumping and ATV tours are all on offer here!

Quick Tip: We recommend spending 3 or 4 nights in Boracay. Once you have partied your way through the island it will probably be time to move on anyway!

How To Get There: Fly or ferry. We took the overnight ferry to save on accommodation and boarded from Batangas (reachable by 2 hour air conditioned bus from Manila). Ferries should be booked a few days in advance with 2GO Travel and they depart from 9pm and sail overnight to the port of Caticlan for $19 arriving at 7am dependent on sea conditions. From here passengers take a 10 minute boat across to the island.

Stay: Hostel Avenue is the only beach front hostel in Boracay opened 2017 for $17, located on White Beach.

Romblon Island

For a more local island experience, we highly recommend checking out Romblon Island . The feature of the island includes Bon Bon Beach, a sandbar that appears during low tide, and several gorgeous beaches with some of the bluest waters you will see in all of the Philippines. You might be one of the very few foreign tourists on the island, and after a couple days, you will come to find that everyone now know your name. It’s a long journey getting to the island, but we promise it’s worth it!

How to get there : Fly from Manila to Tugdan Airport in Tablas (TBH) and taking a jeepney, trike, or van to San Agustin. Cebu Pacific operates this flight 3 days per week.

Stay : Tinaoog Beach Resort

Located in the province of Palawan, Coron is where you will find those Insta perfect dragon-esque landscape rock formations that penetrate the skies and inhabit turquoise lagoons below them. THIS is one of the reasons we first put the Philippines on our bucket list and trips to Barracuda Lake (fresh water lake), Kayangan Lake and the small and big lagoons are an absolute must on your visit here and can be booked one day in advance in the main town. Coron is also dubbed as the shipwreck capital of the World due to a large number of sunken Japanese vessels all within a 20-minute boat ride of the main town.

Quick Tip 2023: Coron town is quaint and buzzing with other travelers. To avoid the crowds and have an immersive, unique experience, join the Big Dream Boat Man Coron island life expedition , and spend 3 days venturing outside of the typical spots around Coron. It’s a truly unforgettable adventure we cannot recommend enough!

How To Get There: For approximately $90 we opted to fly from Caticlan (Boracay) to Coron and boy was it worth it! Boarding a small 12 seater Air Juan plane from Boracay you can swoop across the archipelago of the Philippines marveling at the tiny, Maldives like islets beneath you. A highly recommended way to see the Philippine landscape in all its glory!

Stay: Click here for a list of the best places to stay in Coron.

Sticking with Palawan, El Nido is the next obvious destination to go to in the Philippines to get your jaw dropping landscape fix! The town is a traveler’s paradise, housing an array of budget accommodation, charming restaurants and bars and also ample diving opportunities. Take an island hopping tour, inclusive of small and big lagoons, 7 Commandos Beach, Snake Island and Cudugnon Cave. Tours start from around $26 inclusive of three or four destinations, oh and lunch is included too. Sold!

Go With: Big Dream Boat man runs 4D3N expeditions between Coron and El Nido.

Stay: Click here for a list of the best places to stay in El Nido.

Our visit to Cebu was mainly focused around one sight in particular, Kawasan Falls. This picturesque waterfall that plummets into the turquoise lagoon below has quickly become an instagram favorite and when you see it, you’ll understand why! We would highly recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds.

The falls can be easily accessed from the main entrance. Take a tricycle from your guesthouse and they will already know where you want to go!

Quick Tip: For the more adventurous traveler and for an alternative way in to the falls, opt for a canyoneering experience where you will be thrilled with 2-10m cliff jumps into the azure waters below. Taking a dip in such mesmerizing waters is highly recommended in any case, but to do it all with a rush as you jump and jolt from the limestone cliffs above is all the more exhilarating! Your experience ends at Kawasan Falls; the perfect end to such an adventure.

How To Get There: Vans regularly leave from the town of El Nido to Puerto Princesa every hour directly to the airport. You can choose to either explore Puerto Princesa or fly directly to Cebu.

Go With: We opted to canyoneer with Highland Adventures and found them to be reliable with all safety measures and equipment in place.

Stay: Book your Cebu stay here .

Swimming with whale sharks in a natural environment is a dream of many. In the Philippines, you can realize this dream in Oslob or Donsol. Based on our research and testimonials from people who have visited both places, Donsol makes a better choice, though it is still far from perfect. Be My Travel Muse generally does not support animal encounters that alter the animal’s natural behavior. As it was part of the writer’s experience in the Philippines, we felt remiss to leave this off of the itinerary. This article is here to provide information rather than encourage you to participate.

Donsol, located in Luzon in the northern Philippines, is a protected area for whale sharks, and its eco-tourism has an ethical reputation with strict regulations monitored by WWF and marine experts. Visitors count on their luck to have an encounter with whales sharks, but there is a higher chance of spotting them during the whale shark season from November – February. No food or bait is used to lure the whale sharks, and according to the regulations stated, only 6 people are allowed in the water in the presence of 1 whale shark. That being said, Donsol is far from perfect. A common complaint from visitors is that they allow way more people in the water than stated, and a few people said that visitors were allowed to get closer to the whale sharks than advised.

First Name:

We swam with whale sharks in Oslob as part of a tour we were doing. Although we were not 100% happy to swim with whale sharks while they are being fed, they are indeed some of the most beautiful creatures we have ever laid eyes upon, as they graciously swoon in the waters collecting fish that are being served for them. We caved into the experience here as we justified the experienced based on the sharks being allowed to come and go as they please, but we do not recommend doing this in Oslob.

Tourism activities involving wild animals will never be perfect. However, the rise of eco-tourism in both Oslob and Donsol has successfully kept whale sharks from being killed by local fishermen, as live whale sharks now provide more money, opportunities and therefore a better life for the locals. Do your part, research carefully and make a conscious, respectful decision. As tourists, we vote with our dollars – our behavior could dictate the fate of the wild animals. More ethical alternatives where the sharks are not being fed include the Bay of Los Angeles in California, the Maldives , Mozambique , and many others depending on the season.

Often referred to as ‘Siquihorror,’ Siquijor in the Central Visayas Region is known as the mystical island. It’s a small island full of shamans, witches, and magic. Most tourists go for the dreamy waterfalls and the laid-back atmosphere, but locals will often pay a visit to Siqujor in search of love potions, or with the intention of casting a curse on someone, or getting one reversed if they fear one has been casted on them.

It’s a friendly place that you can see most of within just a few days. Read more about it here.

Getting there: The easiest way to reach Siquijor is to fly into Dumaguete and then take a ferry over to Siquijor. Ferries leave multiple times per day and only cost a few dollars.

Stay: Coco Grove

Bantayan Island

An off the beaten path island that is often overlooked by many taking the main tourist trail but conveniently located north east of Cebu. Still a hidden gem, locals will welcome you into their guesthouses with open arms for you to explore powdery, undeveloped white sand beaches, local cafes, fish markets and of course skydiving! Yes, you read that correctly, Bantayan island is home to the only place to skydive in the Philippines and of course we had to try it!

Quick Tip: Although we were there largely to skydive, Bantayan ended up one of our favorite destinations in the Philippines due to the untouched landscape, local food, secluded sands, and of course the friendly Filipino people. Take a bike ride between Santa Fe and the neighboring village and stop off at the local cafes (which are essentially villages houses) and take in the local life sipping on cheap, cold beer. You can thank us later!

How To Get There: Take a taxi to Cebu North bus terminal. Board a bus to Hagnaya (3 and a half hour from Cebu City for $3.62). At the Hagnaya terminal boats to Bantayan island leave every hour up until 4pm and cost $3.85.

Stay: Book your Batayan Island stay here .

Visa Requirements

Always check your visa requirements before entering the country but for most, you can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days, providing you have evidence of onward travel.

Extending your visa is a simple enough procedure however. You can apply to do so at the Bureau of immigration to allow 59 days. We would recommend not doing this in Manila and opt to extend on one of the smaller islands such as Boracay as the procedure is much more simple and a lot quicker.

Getting around: Luckily, travel in and around the Philippines is relatively inexpensive, though may require some forward planning.

Buses: Many destinations within provinces can be reached by bus, especially in the North and at short notice too should there be availability. All are air conditioned, cheap and some even provide a snack! We recommend an overnight bus as the perfect way to save on accommodation while getting from A to B. What’s not to love!

Jeepneys: Do take a Jeepney when possible! Not only is a good way to sample local transport in a pimped out American armored vehicle but it is also cheap too.

Boats / Ferries: Given the Philippines has some 7,000+ islands, this should be no surprise. Many online agents provide bookings in advance (1 or two days is sufficient) and overnight ferries in particular are comfortable and air conditioned depending on class. You can also buy tickets directly at the port to save on fees, but during holidays expect to have to wait a few days to be able to book!

Flights: Flying between provinces isn’t actually as expensive as it first sounds, should you fly at the right times and between the right destinations. It also allows you to see the archipelago from above too! We think that’s worth the money all by itself.

Taxis: Many city provinces such as Manila and Cebu have taxis, however the cheaper alternative is a tricycle (motorbike with side cart). Tricycles are a great way to zip around and are also considerably cheaper than taxis. Always ask to journey on the meter and it is always worth researching how much they should charge per km to avoid overpricing.

So have you fallen in love with the Philippines yet? These secluded white slices of sand, the clearest waters in the world, the culinary local delights, and the spirit of the Filipino people all make this country one of our favorites in the world. All this, coupled with the relative cheapness to many other similarly beachy destinations and ghe ease of getting around makes it an absolute must visit!

We hope this helped you put together an itinerary and figure out where to go in the Philippines, but please feel free to ask any questions you have in the comments below. About the Authors: Charlie and Charlotte are the wanderlusting couple behind The Wanderlovers. They have swapped their city life in London for an action packed journey across the globe. Hand in hand, they’re taking on one country at a time and creating a life they don’t wish to escape from! Through their couple’s travel and lifestyle blog they hope to inspire future travellers that anything is possible if you just buy that one way ticket … Go Live!

Traveling to the Philippines in August, Yay or Nay?

is post contains affiliate links which I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. This commission will help me raise funds to give back to the community as this is the purpose of this website.

Hey ya! It’s great to be back! I missed posting some of my recent travels here in the Philippines. Because I was busy lately and I have other priorities at the moment, I haven’t really considered traveling abroad. Recently, I went out with some friends. I must tell you that it was an adventure of a lifetime. If you’re a traveler you’ll understand where I’m coming from with this article. In the Philippines, they say that August is not usually the best time to travel, make decisions, get married and so on. Reason being is that, August has the most unpredictable weather all throughout the year. Sometimes it rains, sometimes it doesn’t. It’s also a superstitious belief here that making decisions in the month of August may affect your future.

So, is it really a good time to travel the Philippines and hit the beaches in August? The answer is yes and no. I have done so many travels during the month of August. Usually, the tickets are also very cheap because of you know what lol! It’s the off peak season because of the unpredictable weather. It’s also the time when you will need a lot of patience at the airport due to cancelled and delayed flights.

A few weeks ago, I went to Bataan with some friends. We booked our stay through Agoda to experience glamping at Playa La Caleta . We were so excited to go there however, we have to travel by boat in order to reach the resort. The resort staff informed us that the resort was closed for the weekend due to the bad weather and that no boatman would want to travel because the waves were 4 meters high. We totally get it. No beach. No glamping. What a bummer! But…because we love to travel, we still went to Bataan and decided to stay at a different resort with no boat travel required.

Before heading to the resort, we first went to the market to buy food. We were so amazed with the public market because it’s clean, organized and they accept debit card payments. Wow! It’s the first time we’ve seen a market like that. Unfortunately we didn’t experience using our debit cards as we have our cash. It was still raining and we thought that creating videos for our trip would be really fun since we couldn’t do anything at the moment.

Feel free to watch the video we created to entertain us and take away boredom lol.

After going to the market, we went back to the terminal and rode another public transport going to Bagac, Bataan. Finally! Bagac! We rode a tricycle and agreed to pay 100 Pesos per head to get to the resort. We weren’t expecting that the resort was a bit far. There were roads that we need to get off the trike and hike because it was too steep and slippery. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our travel even though it was raining and we couldn’t swim. We just ate, drank and laughed the whole time.

To be honest, the bad weather made us bond more! So if you are going to ask if it’s okay to travel in August in the Philippines – I’d still say yes and no. No because it can be dangerous most especially if you are traveling to mountainous areas as it’s prone to land slide and beaches that have big ocean waves. Yes because you can have a perfect time with friends and do crazy stuff together. Keep in mind that you need to know the condition of the place first for your safety.

By the way, here’s the list of our expenses during our trip per pax:

Bus from Genesis Cubao, Quezon City to Balanga, Bataan: 217Php
Tricycle to the public market and back to the terminal: 20Php
Food (seafoods, meat, vegetables, chips, liquor, water, ice, charcoal and soda): 500Php (includes lunch, dinner, breakfast and appetizers)
Public transport to Bagac, Bataan: 48Php
Tricycle going to the resort: 100Php
Overnight stay at the resort: 643Php
Tricycle going back to Bagac Terminal: 100
Public transport to Balanga, Bataan: 48Php
Bus from Genesis Balanga to Pasay terminal: 229Php

Total budget is 1905 for everything per person. There were 7 of us who traveled and we were stuffed with shrimps, crabs, grilled meat and so much more! That’s $40 USD for everything!!! You can spend less if you plan to spend less on food.:)

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Philippines in August: Weather, Beaches and More

A quiet beach in the Philippines in August.

~ mins read

As August falls smack in the middle of the rainy season in the Philippines, most people tend to skip the country. But for some this could be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of low crowds and affordable rates. It’s not all rain and storms in the Philippines in August. The eastern seaboard is the driest while parts of Southern Visayas, Palawan and Mindanao see frequent but short rain showers. So if you are planning to tour the Philippines in August, make sure to have a solid itinerary plan.

Tom Walters
From England

Weather in the Philippines in August

Las Cabanas beach during rain in the Philippines in August.

The weather in the Philippines in August is rainy and wet, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 31°C. Most beaches might be overcast rather than sunny most days of the month, and there’s also a risk of typhoons. However, some areas can be worse than others. On the Central and Eastern front, the islands receive brief showers and the geographical making is such that these regions seldom have any cyclones. Consider the beaches of Boracay, parts of Palawan, and a few provinces of Visayas on your bucket list when you travel to the Philippines in July.

To know more about the weather, read our comprehensive guide on the best time to visit the Philippines .

Why Visit the Philippines in August

Cebu Taoist Temple in Cebu in the Philippines in August.

Low rates: Not many people visit the Philippines during the low season month of August. This means many five-star hotels and luxury resorts offer heavy discounts. Visitors can also expect affordable prices on tours and activities.
Fewer Crowds: Tourist footfall in the Philippines goes significantly down during the wet season from July to November, with August receiving the lowest number of visitors. If you are looking to explore popular sites and attractions without the high season crowd, this is the time to go.
Stunning nature: The natural beauty of the Philippines is enhanced by rains, making August one of the best times to explore the forests, waterfalls and countryside. Major highlights of the month like Mindanao’s scenic Mount Apo and the Enchanted River become more lush and vibrant with every drizzle.
Quiet beaches: While the rainy month of August may not be the best time for a beach holiday in the Philippines, this is your time to enjoy the popular beaches minus the crowds. As tourists are already thin on the ground, you can plan a quiet beach getaway in places like Mindanao and El Nido on a clear, sunny day.

Where To Go & What To Do

People on a banca boat watching the sunset in the Philippines in April.

The weather in August in the Philippines can be unpredictable and thus, taking on shorter excursions wherever you plan to visit is recommended. We suggest at least seven days in the Philippines in August, so you can adjust the schedule depending on the weather. One of the best places to visit this month is Mindanao, which sees an average temperature range between 24°C and 32°C. While the rainfall is heavy and happens on an average of 14 days, they are often brief and the winds that follow make the weather comfortable and breezy.

This is a great time to explore the natural gems on the island such as Tinago Falls, Enchanted River, Mount Apo and Tinuy-an Falls. Here, you also have a chance to get up close and personal with the local wildlife by visiting attractions like the Philippine Eagle Center or the Davao Riverfront Crocodile Park & Zoo.

August also makes for a good month to visit Cebu. The rains are frequent but aren’t a torrential outburst and the weather ranges from cloudy to sunny with a light breeze. With the average temperatures ranging from a high of 29℃ to a low of 26℃, Cebu deserves three to four days in your itinerary. You can opt for a cultural and historical trip to the Philippines to witness historic attractions like Magellan’s Cross, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and Fort San Pedro, or just enjoy a lazy day by the picturesque beaches of Cebu City or Santiago.

If you are an experienced surfer, head out to Siargao Island where the surf season kicks off in August.

Planning a trip to the Philippines in August?

The Philippines in August sees a dip in crowds and provides better rates for stay and activities. This is an ideal month for those who value their privacy when they travel. However, some regions are safer than others. Northern and Southern regions are prone to cyclones, so planning a trip accordingly is important.

If you’re confused, our travel experts can create a customized trip to the Philippines for you. You can also check out our Philippines travel guide for more information.

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When is the best time to visit the Philippines?

Month-by-month

The best time to visit the Philippines is from December to February, when temperatures are around 24°C to 31°C. At this time the country is fully accessible, including its many beautiful islands and more remote areas. Although the dry season lasts from November to April, temperatures are high during March and April, with highs of 34°C.

The wet season falls between May and October, but the rain isn’t constant and rarely impacts on travel plans. You’ll still enjoy hot, sunny days at this time (expect temperatures in the early thirties), with fewer crowds and lush, green scenery.

It’s worth noting the weather can be unpredictable in the Philippines. Typhoons can sometimes occur as early as August or as late as January.

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Month-by-month guide for travelling in the Philippines

Rice terraces near Hapao, Ifugao Province, Luzon

Visiting the Philippines in January

The month of January is an excellent time to travel to the Philippines, as temperatures are cooler without being too cold. It is also the height of the dry season, so rain should be minimal.

Events & Festivals

Ati-Atihan (usually second week of January): Arguably the biggest festival in the country, taking place in Kalibo, Aklan province. Street dancing and wild costumes help celebrate an ancient land pact between settlers and indigenous Atis.
Dinagyang (fourth week of January): A relatively modern festival based on the Ati-Atihan Festival and including a parade on the Iloilo River.
Feast of the Black Nazarene (9th January): Devotees gather in the plaza outside Quiapo Church to touch the Black Nazarene — a life-size iconic statue of Christ, which is carried through the streets by a barefooted procession in Manila.
Sinulog (third Sunday in January): The City's biggest annual event, held in honour of the Santo Niño (an image of Jesus as a child), featuring a huge street parade, live music, and plenty of food and drink in Cebu.

Visiting the Philippines in February

February is much the same as January; however, temperatures will be slightly higher and there will be fewer crowds after the rush of visitors at the start of the year.

Kaamulan Festival (late February to early March): Taking place in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, this ethnic festival celebrates the culture and tradition of the seven ethnic tribal groups that originally inhabited the area.
Pamulinawen (first two weeks of February): A city-wide fiesta in Laoag City held in honour of St William the Hermit. Events include street parties, beauty pageants, concerts and religious parades.
Panagbenga/Baguio Flower festival (third week in February): The summer capital's largest annual event, featuring parades of floats beautifully decorated with flowers from the Cordillera region. There are also flower-related lectures and exhibitions.
Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (February): Pilots visit from around the world for this four-day event, providing balloon rides, microlight flying, skydiving and aerobatics displays in Clark, Pampanga.
Suman Festival (third week in February): A mardi-gras-style extravaganza held in Baler, Aurora, featuring street parades, dancing and floats decorated with the native delicacy, suman — sticky rice cake rolled in banana leaves.

Hill village in the rice terraces, Banaue

Visiting the Philippines in March

Temperatures start to pick up in March, but conditions are still at their peak for travel. Please be wary of Holy Week (around Easter), which may cause availability to be a major issue. This period is best avoided if having your pick of hotels is important.

Arya! Abra (first or second week of March): Taking place in Bangued, Abra, highlights of this event include hair-raising bamboo-raft races along the frisky Abra River and the gathering of northern tribes.
Bangkero Festival (first or second week of March): 'Bangkero' means 'boatmen', and this five-day festival along the Pagsanjan River is dedicated to all Bangkero, featuring parades, boat racing and street dancing.
Moriones (Easter weekend): A religious festival where locals wear masks and re-enact the story of a Roman centurion, Longinus, who was blind in one eye. Legend says that when he pierced Christ’s side with his spear, blood spurted into his eye and cured him.
Pasayaw Festival (third week of March): A thanksgiving festival to God and St Joseph, with 12 barangays competing for honours in an outdoor dancing competition.

Visiting the Philippines in April

If travelling during the start of the month, please be sure to secure accommodation far in advance as the knock-on effect from Easter can cause disruption. Temperatures will be at their peak, this being the last month of the dry season.

Allaw Ta Apo Sandawa (second week of April): The gathering of highland tribes in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato to pay respects to the sacred Mount Apo.
Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival (April): A local version of Hong Kong’s dragon-boat races, featuring domestic and international teams competing in long wooden canoes on a course off White Beach in Boracay.
Turumba Festival (April and May): A religious festival commemorating the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary. The festival consists of seven novenas (acts of pious devotion), one for each sorrow, held at weekends in Pakil, Laguna.

Calm tropical waters, Boracay, Philippines

Visiting the Philippines in May

If you don't mind the heat, May is a great time to travel as there is still a high chance of dry weather throughout. Lowland areas can be extremely hot at this time of year, but this makes for a nice time to visit the mountainous and coastal areas.

Carabao Carroza (3rd to 4th May): Races held in Iloilo, Panay Island to celebrate the humble carabao (water buffalo), beast of burden for many a provincial farmer.
Flores de Mayo (May): A countrywide religious procession celebrating the coming of the rains. Processions are sometimes held after dark and lit by candles, creating a wonderful ambiance.
Obando Fertility Rites (17th to 19th May): A Catholic festival in honour of the three patron saints of Obando, Bulacan. Locals and pilgrims dance and sing in the churchyard and streets as a form of prayer asking for children, a spouse or good fortune.
Pahiyas (15th May): A colourful harvest festival celebrated in several towns which sees houses gaily decorated with fruits and vegetables. It’s held in honour of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers.

Visiting the Philippines in June

The rains make ground throughout the country, beginning in the north and gradually making their way south as the month goes on. Areas around Cebu should stay dry for most of the month.

View across one of the Twin Lakes near Dumaguete, Negros, Philippines

Visiting the Philippines in July

During July, the volume of rainfall increases throughout the country, with northern areas usually the most impacted. Central areas such as Cebu should still stay dry for the most part, with the odd shower expected.

Visiting the Philippines in August

August is very much a similar story to July, and as the typhoon season begins toward the end of the month, it is probably best avoided.

Kadayawan sa Davao (third week of August): A week-long harvest festival in Davao City, with civic parades, military parades, street dances and horsefighting.

A jeepney, public transport used widely throughout the Philippines

Visiting the Philippines in September

You should expect heavy rainfall throughout September, as well as the possibility of typhoons. We would therefore advise against travelling at this time.

Peñafrancia Fluvial Festival (third Saturday of September): A sacred statue of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patron saint of Bicol, is paraded through the streets of Naga, then sailed down the Bicol River back to its shrine.

Visiting the Philippines in October

By the end of the month, most of the rains should have dispersed; however, there is still a chance of typhoons, and for this reason it may be best to travel at the end of the month or in early November.

Ibalong (third week of October): Throughout Bicol and Legaspi, epic dances and street presentations portray Bicol’s mythical superheroes and gods.
Kansilay (19th October, or closest weekend): A modern festival in Silay, Negros Occidental commemorating Silay’s charter day. Eating and drinking contests, beauty pageants and an elaborate street parade all take place.
Lanzones Festival (third week of October): A vibrant and good-natured outdoor party in Lambajao, Camiguin, giving thanks for the island’s crop of lanzones (a tropical fruit).
MassKara (third week of October): A festival in Bacolod featuring food fairs, mask-making contests and brass-band competitions, followed by a mardi-gras parade where revellers don elaborate masks and dance to Latin rhythms Rio de Janeiro-style.

Traditional preparation of the rice paddies for planting, Central plains of Luzon

Visiting the Philippines in November

The official dry season begins again. However, there is still a chance of typhoons, so it may be best to travel toward the end of the month for a better chance of good weather.

Visiting the Philippines in December

The cooler temperatures of December make for a pleasant time to travel, and although there is still a small chance of typhoons it marks the start of peak travel season.

Philippines Climate Guide

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August in the Philippines

Table of contents.

August, like any other month in the Philippines, is filled with celebrations and events. There’s always something going on somewhere in the country, be it a town fiesta, a citywide festival or a cultural event.

The month marks the celebration of the birthday anniversary of Manuel L. Quezon, the Philippines’ second president. Different towns in Luzon celebrate the birth anniversary: Angono in Rizal, Baler in Aurora and Quezon City in Metro Manila. August is also recognized as Buwan ng Wika (Month of the National Language).

August is also the time for the famous Kadayawan Festival which claims to be the King of All Festivals in the Philippines. The extravagant festival is celebrated in Davao City and lasts for a full week which commences with a fluvial parade and street dancing.

Two cities also celebrate their charters during the month. Kabanlakan City, Negros Occidental and Butuan City celebrate their births on August 2. In addition, several historical events are commemorated like the death of Statesman and Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino on the 21st, the Cry of Pugadlawin on the 23rd the Battle of San Juan del Monte on the 30th.

Here’s a list of festivals and events that you can witness and experience if you’re spending August in the Philippines. Understand that accommodations are scarce and more costly during festival seasons so it is best to book early.

For official dates of these events this year, sign up for our newsletter where we announce them.

Pasigarbo as Sugbo

Pasigarbo means “pride” in Cebuano and the event is a celebration of the province’s founding anniversary. The event features the best of what Cebu has to offer including local products like lechon, danggit, pastries, mangoes and world-class furniture. The culmination of the festivities is marked by a fireworks display and a showcase of the different festivals in the province.

Cabibi Festival

Lal-lo, Cagayan

The four-day festival is marked by trade fairs and street dancing that celebrates the transition of the townsfolk from paganism into Christianity during the Spanish colonial period. Lal-lo is one of the very first cities established by the Spanish in the 15th century. Cabibi is the local term for the shells found on the banks of the mighty Cagayan River.

Tigawon Festival

Tigaon, Camarines Sur

The festival is held in honor of St. Claire de Assisi, the town’s patron saint. The merriment lasts for almost two weeks leading to the culmination marked by the Devotional Fertility Street Dancing which is participated in by childless couples from nearby towns and provinces. If you’re planning to witness the celebrations, make sure that there are no weather issues as Camarines Sur is part of the typhoon zone.

Coron Festival

Tiwi, Albay

Ceramic and pottery collectors will find the Coron Festival a delightful event. The celebration is aimed at recognizing and promoting the town’s growing ceramics industry. Coron is the local name for clay pots which are handcrafted by the locals of Tiwi. The centuries-old skill of pottery has been passed on from generation to generation through teaching and not by the help of manuals.

Ibalong Festival

Legazpi City, Albay

The two-week long Ibalong Festival depicts the folklore about Bantong, Baltog, Handiong and other superheroes who fought against wild animals and villains during the ancient times. The celebrations include a pageant for the Mutya ng Ibalong (Gem of Ibalong), street dances, trade fairs, tours and a grand parade of revelers wearing masks of villains, animals and heroes.

Dinagat (Bakasi) Festival

Cordova, Cebu

Bakasi is the local name for the exotic eel that thrives in the waters of Cordova. Revelers emulate the slithering and gliding movements of the eel in their dances while being applauded by spectators. There is also a food innovation contest which is focused on the Bakasi as the main ingredient. The festival is dedicated to the town’s patron Sr. San Roque.

Kalubihan Festival

Jordan, Guimaras

Kalubihan translates to coconut plantation and the festival is centered on the town’s coconut growing industry. It recognizes the efforts of local coconut farmers and land owners through an exciting set of activities. There is a parade of coconut-decorated carts called “karituhan”, food fests, games, competitions and a pageant named “Nanay sang Kalubihan” (Mother of the Coconut Plantation).

Kadayawan Festival

Considered the King of Festivals, the Kadayawan sa Dabaw is a celebration of a bountiful harvest in the city. Eleven tribes of the Davao Region come down from the mountains to showcase their cultures through dances and rituals in the streets during the culmination. The peak of the festivities features street dancing, indigenous dance fests and a grand floral float parade along the main streets of the city. The weeks leading to the culmination are marked with mall sales, night markets, food festivals and the Hiyas ng Kadayawan pageant.

Kagay’anon Festival

Cagayan de Oro City

Similar to Davao’s Kadayawan, Cagayan de Oro’s Kagay’anon Festival is a colorful event marked by street dances, parties and parades. One of the core events is the Golden Float Parade participated in by local schools, the private sector and the departments in the local government. The city dedicates the festival to its wonderful people and to their patron St. Augustine.

Madayaw Hugyaw Samal Festival

Penaplata, Island Garden City of Samal

Madayaw means good and hugyaw means gaiety in the local dialect and the festival is aptly named as such. The Sama tribe of the Island Garden City of Samal holds the three-day festival as thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and the abundance of resources in the island. There are parties, games, fire dances, parades and other exciting activities. The event is centered in Penaplata where some excellent resorts in the island are located.

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The Philippines climate is tropical and characterised by high temperatures and high humidity levels throughout the year. The hottest time of the year is usually between March and October, and there is a slight drop in temperatures between November and February. Although the country is geographically spread out, average temperatures are mostly stable throughout, and range between the 20s°C and 30s°C (high 60s°F to mid 80s°F).

Weather in the Philippines

When is the best time to visit the philippines, festivals and holidays in the philippines, festivals and holidays calendar for the philippines by month, tailor-made travel itineraries for philippines, created by local experts.

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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.

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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.

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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.

As it happens in other countries with tropical weather, the Philippines only has two seasons: rainy and dry. There are some exceptions to this. For example, while dry and rainy seasons are clearly differentiated in the western Philippines, the south eastern islands barely have a dry season. Generally speaking, dry season runs from November to April, and rain affects most of the country between May and October.

However, the weather in the Philippines is particularly susceptible to climate effects like El Niño and La Niña, which can alter normal weather patterns and bring droughts and flooding respectively. Because this is an unpredictable weather phenomenon, it’s recommended that you do some research before travelling. Bear in mind that La Niña years are more likely to cause travel disruption.

Typhoons in the Philippines

Every year, up to 10 typhoons sweep across the Philippines. Typhoon season lasts from June to September, but some typhoons can hit as early as May. Chances of extreme weather increase during July and August, which are the wettest months of the year in the Philippines.

In addition to the strong winds, the typhoon season usually brings above-average humidity levels, landslides, and high tides. So overall, this may not be the best time to go to the Philippines. Air and road transportation options may be limited during a typhoon, or simply not available at all. Also, people are advised to stay indoors, which may limit your sightseeing.

However, and because the Philippines consists of more than 7,500 islands that are geographically spread out, typhoons don’t affect the entire country equally. These storms usually move from east to west and then head north, so the southern islands are less likely to be hit by a typhoon, or the effect may be weaker.

Choosing the best time to visit the Philippines is pretty straightforward, since the country only has two seasons. Dry season is the best time of year to visit the Philippines. January and February weather is characterised by cooler temperatures, so this may be a good option if you struggle to cope with tropical heat. Keep in mind that it can still rain during the dry season, but showers are usually short lived and unlikely to affect your travel plans.

Having said that, travellers do visit the country during the rainy season too. If you decide to do this, you can consider visiting the areas that receive the least rainfall, which are mostly in the far south. While you’re there, watch out for weather warnings during your trip to see if any typhoons are on the way. Also, bear in mind that monsoon rains usually happen in the late afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.

Another option is to travel during the shoulder months, before heavy rains or peak season arrive. May and November are the main shoulder months and are the second-best time to go to the Philippines.

When to visit the Philippines in winter

Winter weather in the Philippines is mostly dry and warm. The average temperature rarely drops below 20°C (60°F) and chances of rain are low, so this is the best time of the year to visit Philippines.

Winter in the tropics is perfect for hiking, sunbathing, swimming, and all kinds of outdoor activities. This is the ideal time to plan an active holiday in the country’s top natural landmarks, or to explore the Philippines’ cities and their rich historical and cultural heritage.

However, be aware that great weather draws large crowds. Christmas and New Year are particularly busy with locals and tourists alike. During the winter holidays, pretty much all forms of transportation will be full, so booking ahead is essential.

Visiting the Philippines in December – February

The first two months of the year are a great time to visit the Philippines’ capital city, Manila. If this is your first time in the city, make sure to read our beginner’s guide to Manila .

Winter is also a brilliant time to head to Cagayan de Oro , the adventure capital of the Philippines. This southern city attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking for an adventure in the tropics and is a hotspot for white water rafting.

Winter in the Philippines means clear skies, so this season is a prime time to explore the country’s mountain areas. Some destinations you may want to include in your itinerary are the hilltop town of Sagada, the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and Mt Pinatubo, the Philippines’ most famous dormant volcano.

Other destinations for winter fun in the Philippines include:

Davao, a bustling town known for its museums, night markets, wildlife sanctuaries.
Samar island, which has one of the most impressive cave systems in the region.
Jungle trekking in the wild forests of Puerto Galera.

When to visit the Philippines in spring

From March onwards, temperatures experience a gradual increase all over the country. Spring weather in the Philippines is mostly dry, so early spring is one of the best times to visit. This is the time to discover the Philippines’ natural landmarks before the rainy season arrives.

March, April, and May are also brilliant months for beach hopping. During these months, stable winds and warm water temperatures create the perfect conditions for surfing, scuba diving, and snorkelling.

However, spring is also the busiest time of the year in terms of visitor numbers. Accommodation in the most popular destinations can get fully booked, so always plan ahead and make reservations in advance.

Visiting the Philippines in March – May

These months are the hottest time of the year in the Philippines. It’s not unusual for daytime temperatures to be in the mid to high 30s°C (mid 90 °F). May is the hottest month, especially in Manila and low-lying areas.

If you’d rather avoid the tropical heat, northern Luzon is a good choice. The Cordillera region is packed with interesting sights and blessed with cooler weather in the months before typhoon season. Baguio, which due to its altitude is usually cooler than other cities, is often dubbed 'the summer capital of the Philippines', and for good reason!

Other attractive destinations with cooler weather are Cagayan Valley and the Banaue rice terraces. Located at 5,000 feet above sea level, they display the most intense shades of green during April and May. You can also breathe cool and fresh air in Sagada, Mt Pulag National Park, and Kaparkan Falls.

If your idea of a holiday includes relaxing on tropical beaches, make sure to check our itineraries for beach and watersports lovers in the Philippines .

When to visit the Philippines in summer

Summer brings the start of the typhoon season to the Philippines. Average temperatures are in the high 20s°C (80 °F), but on the plus side, cloud cover offers a break from the intense tropical sun.

The effects of typhoons are at their strongest in northern Philippines, especially in Luzon and Bicol, as well as in the Eastern Visayas. Flexible travel plans are a must if you visit these areas, particularly if they involve island hopping, since at this time of the year boat schedules are altered and some trips are cancelled.

On the other hand, the areas least likely to experience disruptions are Palawan and the Central and Southern Visayas.

Visiting the Philippines in June – August

Summer is a great time to discover the Philippines extraordinary gastronomic heritage . Foodies will not want to miss a trip to San Fernando Pampanga, nicknamed the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. Located approximately 70 km (43 miles) north of Manila, this town is easy to get to even in the rainy season.

Also within easy reach of Manila is Tagaytay. Here you can enjoy the views of Lake Taal and the majestic volcano that carries the same name. The area is also known for its cuisine, so it’s ideal for a gastronomic food-venture.

If you’re after a beach holiday, Siquijor is a good option during the rainy Filipino summers. Although it does rain in the island between June and August, rains are often short-lived and leave plenty of hours of the day clear and sunny.

Summer is the best time to visit Palawan , since typhoons rarely affect the area. This tropical paradise is best explored during the low season, as top destinations like El Nido are overrun with tourists at other times of the year. Aim to visit in June, because humidity and temperatures peak in late summer.

One last recommendation is Siargao, which experiences significantly lower rainfall than other islands. Here, the dry season lasts until October, and since this is the surfing capital of the Philippines, summer is a good time to head to the beaches and catch some waves.

When to visit the Philippines in autumn and fall

The rainy season extends over the first few months of autumn and fall. Typhoons and heavy downpours begin to tail off in mid to late October. To avoid last-minute cancellations or travel disruption, it’s best to avoid visiting the northern islands at this time of the year.

The weather begins to improve in November, which is one of the best months to visit the Philippines. Transport connections become reliable again, and average temperatures stay at a pleasant 25°C (77°F), and humidity levels are lower than in the stifling summer months. On the other hand, prices for accommodation and guided tours increase the closer you get to peak winter season.

Visiting Philippines in September – November

If you’re in the Philippines in early autumn or fall and want to avoid the end of the rainy season, Cebu is one of the safest bets. Cebu City itself has plenty of attractions to keep you busy for a few days and is a great destination for all types of visitors, from solo travellers to families with young kids. Using the city as a base, you can easily arrange day trips to Danasan Eco Adventure Park, Kawasan Falls, or Mactan Island.

The islands near Cebu are a guaranteed hit if you’re looking for an unforgettable tropical holiday. Our suggestions? Bantayan, Panay, and Dinagat, because they all offer an attractive mix of relaxing and active outdoor pursuits.

Alternatively, consider Camiguin , a short flight away from Cebu. Its small size makes it easy to explore everything this wonderful island has to offer: from postcard-perfect beaches and islands to volcano climbs and jungle treks.

Festivals and celebrations are an important part of Filipino culture. No matter when you visit, you’re likely to come across a festival, but especially so during the first half of the year – which is also the best time of the year to visit Philippines weather-wise!

The February events calendar is packed with Carnivals and Mardi Gras-like parades. The most remarkable are Suman Festival in Aurora, and Ati-Atihan in Kalibo (Panay).

Spring is celebrated with important events, such as Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival (in April), and Flores de Mayo , which celebrated all over the country in May.

Summer events like Pintados and Tinalak honour the country’s tribal culture and ancient traditions. And since Philippines is a Catholic country, Christmas, New Year, and Easter are widely celebrated too.

Every community in the Philippines – from small barrio to busy metropolis – has at least a couple of festivals a year in honour of a patron saint, to give thanks for a good harvest, or to pay respects to a biblical character. It’s well worth timing your visit to see one of the major events; the main fiesta months are from January to May, but exact dates often vary. Everyone is in a hospitable mood at these events. The beer flows, pigs are roasted, and there’s dancing in the streets for days on end.

Major mardi-gras-style festivals include the Ati-Atihan in January in Kalibo, and the Sinulog in January in Cebu. One of the biggest nationwide festivals is the Flores de Mayo , a religious parade held across the country throughout May in honour of the Virgin Mary.

Listing all Filipino festivals below is impossible. Those included here are larger ones that you might consider making a special trip for, at least if you happen to be in the area.

Festivals and holidays in January and February

Feast of the Black Nazarene (Jan 9) Quiapo, Manila. Devotees gather in the plaza outside Quiapo Church to touch a miraculous image of Christ.
Sinulog (Third Sun in Jan) Cebu City w www.sinulog.ph. The second city’s biggest annual event, in honour of the Santo Niño (an image of Jesus as a child). Huge street parade, live music, plenty of food and drink.
Ati-Atihan (Variable, usually second week of Jan) Kalibo, Aklan province. Street dancing and wild costumes at arguably the biggest festival in the country, held to celebrate an ancient land pact between settlers and indigenous Atis.
Dinagyang (Fourth week of Jan) Iloilo w www.dinagyangsailoilo.com . Relatively modern festival based on the Ati-Atihan and including a parade on the Iloilo River.
Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (Feb) Clark, Pampanga w www.philballoonfest.net . Balloon rides, microlight flying, skydiving and aerobatics displays.
Pamulinawen (First two weeks in Feb) Laoag City. City-wide fiesta in honour of St William the Hermit. Events include street parties, beauty pageants, concerts and religious parades.
Panagbenga (Baguio Flower festival) (Third week in Feb) Baguio City. The summer capital’s largest annual event includes parades of floats beautifully decorated with flowers from the Cordillera region. There are also flower-related lectures and exhibitions.
Suman festival (Third week in Feb) Baler, Aurora. Another mardi-gras-style extravaganza featuring street parades, dancing and floats decorated with the native delicacy suman, sticky rice cake rolled in banana leaves.

Festivals and holidays in March and April

Moriones (Easter weekend) Marinduque. A celebration of the life of the Roman centurion Longinus, who was blind in one eye. Legend says that when he pierced Christ’s side with his spear, blood spurted into his eye and cured him.
Arya! Abra (First or second week of March) Bangued, Abra. Highlights include hair-raising bamboo-raft races along the frisky Abra River and gatherings of northern tribes.
Bangkero festival (First or second week of March) Pagsanjan, Laguna. Parade along the Pagsanjan River.
Kaamulan festival (First week of March) Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Mindanao. Showcase of tribal culture and arts.
Pasayaw festival (Third week of March) Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. Thanksgiving festival to God and St Joseph, with twelve barangays competing for honours in an outdoor dancing competition. The final “dance-off” is held in the city gym.
Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival (April) Boracay, w www.boracaydragonboat.ph . A local version of Hong Kong’s dragon-boat races, featuring domestic and international teams competing in long wooden canoes on a course off White Beach.
Allaw Ta Apo Sandawa (Second week of April) Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. Gathering of highland tribes to pay respects to the sacred Mount Apo.
Turumba festival (April & May) Pakil, Laguna. Religious festival commemorating the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary. The festival consists of seven novenas , one for each sorrow, held at weekends.

Festivals and holidays in May

Flores de Mayo (Throughout May) Countrywide. Religious procession celebrating the coming of the rains, with girls dressed as the various “Accolades of our Lady”, including Faith, Hope and Charity. Processions are sometimes held after dark and lit by candles, a lovely sight.
Carabao Carroza (May 3–4) Iloilo, Panay Island. Races held to celebrate the humble carabao (water buffalo), beast of burden for many a provincial farmer.
Pahiyas (May 15) Lucban, Quezon; also celebrated in the nearby towns of Candelaria, Tayabas, Sariaya, Tiaong and Lucena. Colourful harvest festival which sees houses gaily decorated with fruits and vegetables. It’s held in honour of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers.
Obando Fertility Rites (May 17–19) Obando, Bulacan. On the feast day of San Pascual, women gather in the churchyard to chant prayers asking for children.

Festivals and holidays in June to September

Kadayawan sa Davao (Third week of Aug) Davao City w www.kadayawan.com . Week-long harvest festival with civic parades, military parades, street dances and horsefighting.
Peñafrancia Fluvial festival (Third Sat in Sept) Naga, Camarines Sur. A sacred statue of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patron saint of Bicol, is paraded through the streets, then sailed down the Bicol River back to its shrine.
October to December
Kansilay (Oct 19 or closest weekend) Silay, Negros Occidental. Modern festival commemorating Silay’s charter day. Eating and drinking contests, beauty pageants and an elaborate street parade.
Ibalong (Third week of Oct) Legaspi and throughout Bicol. Epic dances and street presentations portraying Bicol’s mythical superheroes and gods.
Lanzones festival (Third week of Oct) Lambajao, Camiguin. Vibrant and good-natured outdoor party giving thanks for the island’s crop of lanzones (a tropical fruit).
MassKara (Third week of Oct) Bacolod, Negros Occidental. Festivities kick off with food fairs, mask-making contests, brass-band competitions and beauty pageants, followed by the climax – a mardi-gras parade where revellers don elaborate mask and costumes and dance to Latin rhythms Rio de Janeiro-style.

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Travel Tips

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 17.05.2021

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32 Things to do in The Philippines + Tourist Spots

After visiting 69 of 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve had countless beautiful experiences in this archipelagic country of over 7,600 islands. If you’re looking for places to add to your Philippines Itinerary, then this guide is for you!

Let’s start with a list of top destinations that are both easy to reach and exceptionally beautiful. If you’re traveling to the Philippines for the first time, these are the highlights you don’t want to miss. You fit all these places into a two-week itinerary.

Next, I’m going to share the stand-outs. They may not be as easy to get to, but I highly recommend visiting if you’re adventurous and want to see places that truly stand out.

Lastly, I’ve included a long list of popular and interesting destinations in the Philippines so you can enjoy a virtual tour of what my home country has to offer. Consider visiting if you have an extended trip planned in the Philippines or if you’re a fellow Pinoy looking for places to go on your next holiday.”

The Philippines Tourist Spots

What to do & where to go in The Philippines? I got you! Here are places to visit, interesting attractions & things to do in The Philippines for your bucketlist/itinerary.

5. Boracay Island & Aklan

6. balabac islands, 7. batanes islands, 9. banaue, ifugao, 14. puerto princesa, 15. iloilo & guimaras, 16. clark & pampanga, 18. cagayan de oro & beyond, 19. dumaguete & negros oriental, 20. legazpi, bicol & mayon volcano, 21. tacloban, leyte, 22. baguio & benguet, 23. subic bay, 24. tagaytay & taal volcano, 25. lake sebu, 26. laoag & ilocos norte, 27. siquijor, 28. port barton & san vicente, 29. caramoan, 30. calaguas, 31. biri islands, samar, 32. enchanted river & surigao del sur.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

View more travel tips in: Singapore , ALL Destinations .

Find this guide helpful? Share the love & follow Detourista for travel inspo on: Instagram , Facebook , Tiktok , Pinterest .

Top Spots For First-Timers

Cloud 9 Boardwalk sunset in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Siargao made its first claim to fame as the Philippines’ surfing capital, and recently as the “Best Island in the World” (awarded by Condé Nast readers for 2018).This paradise has been on my favorites list ever since my first trip to the island a decade ago. What impressed me the most were the enchanting lagoons of Sohoton Cove, a natural wonder that’s well worth the 2-hour detour from the Cloud 9 surfing beach. The main island is filled with pristine natural spots as well, including white sand beaches, stunning islets, vast coconut forests, cool tidal pools & more.If you want to enjoy a laidback island lifestyle, Siargao is one of the best places that tourists can go to. You’ll find a mix of “foreign” and “local” here. It is remote yet accessible, and not too crowded despite the coming of new developments in recent years.

Location — Surigao del Norte province, Caraga Region, Northeast Mindanao. Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Located along the eastern coast of the Philippines (facing the Pacific Ocean), Siargao is best reached by air. Fly direct to Sayak Airport (IAO) in Siargao Island from Manila, Cebu, or Clark. Flight duration is 2 hours from Manila or 1 hour from Cebu. From the airport, the land trip to Cloud 9 beach, the main tourist area, takes around 45 minutes. You can also reach Siargao by taking a flight to Surigao Airport (SUG), found in mainland Mindanao. Then, hop on a 1.5-hour fastcraft ferry to Dapa Port in Siargao Island.

Siargao Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts Check Fares

Top discounts

Siargao Surfing Lessons

Siargao Island Hopping (Daily) – Daku Island, Guyam Island, & Naked Island Day Tour

Sohoton Cove & Siargao Island Hopping Day Trip

Marcos at Magpupungko Rock Formation in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Magpupungko Rock Formation, Siargao Island

Cloud 9 surfing in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 surfing, Siargao Island

Cloud 9 Beach in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 beach, Siargao Island

Sohoton Lagoons in Bucas Grade Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Sohoton Lagoons near Siargao Island

Cloud 9 Boardwalk surfers in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines Cloud 9 Boardwalk, Siargao Island

See more : Siargao travel tips

15 Things to do in Siargao + Tourist Spots

Matinloc Island in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

You came to the country to see spectacular beaches and island views. El Nido in Palawan province will not disappoint. In terms of spectacular “over-the-water” sea views, El Nido is my favorite in the Philippines. Imagine hidden lagoons, uninhabited white sand beaches, and massive forest-covered limestone mountains rising out of pristine tropical waters. The “SEAnery” here rivals popular destinations in Asia like Phi Phi/Krabi Islands (Thailand) and Ha Long Bay (Vietnam).The experience of spending a whole day out on the islands is nothing short of incredible. The area of Bacuit Bay is spread over a large area, so spend at least two full days for the island hopping tours (Tour A & Tour C are the best).

Location — Northern Palawan province, MIMAROPA Region (West Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Most travelers arrive in El Nido on a 1.5-hour flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS), followed by a 5 to 6-hour shuttle ride to El Nido town proper. If you want to skip the long land journey, fly directly to El Nido from Manila (1 hour), Cebu or Boracay-Caticlan. This is the fastest but more expensive way.

El Nido Travel Essentials

El Nido Tour A – Lagoons and Beaches Island Hopping

El Nido Tour C – Hidden Beaches and Shrines Island Hopping

Puerto Princesa – El Nido Shuttle Transfers

Secret Lagoon Beach in Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Secret Lagoon Beach in El Nido, Palawan

Calitang Beach, at Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beaches, in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Calitang Beach, El Nido

Overlooking Bacuit Bay Islands of El Nido from Taraw Peak, in Palawan, Philippines Overlooking El Nido from Taraw Peak

Umbrella Beach in Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Umbrella Beach in Miniloc Island, El Nido

See more : El Nido travel tips

21 Things to do in El Nido + Tourist Spots

Pro-tip: To make your trip planning easier, I’ve added links to the pin locations on Google Maps. Use the ‘save’ feature on the app to see all your saved locations on one map, visualize your itinerary, and know the best areas to stay near the places you want to go.

Philippines Travel Essentials

Before we go with the rest of the list, here are travel essentials you might need for a hassle-free trip. Click below to see discounts & read traveler reviews.

Where to stay in The Philippines:

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Recommended The Philippines Hotels:

Money-saving tip : Use promo code “ KLOOKDETOURISTA ” to grab 5% OFF hotels and 3% OFF tours/activities next time you book on Klook.

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

Island Hopping in Boracay

Enchanted Kingdom Admission Ticket

Manila Ocean Park Attraction Pass

Cebu Ocean Park Ticket

Tours + discounts Flights Airport transfers WIFI Internet/Data SIM

Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan, Philippines. Photo by David Köhler .

In contrast to El Nido’s amazing “over water” views, go to Coron for spectacular underwater views. Here, you can see colorful coral gardens, pristine waters, lots of marine life, and even sunken WWII Japanese shipwrecks. Don’t get me wrong, Coron can hold its own when it comes to scenic views over the water as well. This paradise is home to hidden emerald/blue lagoons surrounded by limestone cliffs. There’s no shortage of incredibly beautiful fine white sand beaches in Coron either.

How to go — Coron Airport is located on the north side of Busuanga Island. Travel time by plane is around 1 hour from Manila. For adventurous travelers who want to maximize their trip in Palawan, you can travel by ferry between Coron and El Nido (mainland Palawan). Travel time is around 4 hours by fastcraft (high-speed ferry).

Coron Travel Essentials

Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour

Coron-Busuanga Airport Shuttle – Shared and Private Transfers

Coron Ultimate Tour

See more : Coron travel tips

Marcos at Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu

Cebu is the country’s #1 most visited tourist destination, and for good reason. It is unrivaled in offering the widest range of things to do and attractions. Cebu is like the “Jack of all trades” among tourist spots in the Philippines.You can enjoy scenic natural sites (waterfalls, beaches, mountain views etc.), have exciting wildlife encounters, join a colonial heritage tour, shop at some of the World’s largest malls, or indulge yourself in local food including the prized Cebu Lechon! You can do all of these easily while staying at a luxury resort in Mactan Island, centrally located hotel/airbnb in the city, or a peaceful beachfront resort in the countryside. Your choice!If that’s not enough, you can easily hop to nearby islands like Bohol, Negros (Dumaguete) or other major cities. Take full advantage of Cebu’s strategic location in Central Philippines and well-connected flight/ferry network.

Location — Central Visayas (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Cebu-Mactan International Airport in Mactan Island serves direct flights from all major cities in the Philippines as well as international flights from Asia and North America. Flight duration is 1h30m from Manila, 3h 40m from Singapore and 2h50m from Hong Kong. From the airport, the ride to Cebu City center usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour (or more, depending on traffic conditions).

Cebu Travel Essentials

Cebu-Tagbilaran, Bohol OceanJet Ferry Ticket

Cebu Airport Private Transfers – for Cebu City, Mactan & more

Bohol Day Tour from Cebu

Shangri-la Mactan Resort in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines Shangri-la Mactan Resort, Cebu

The Heritage of Cebu Monument in Cebu City, Philippines The Heritage of Cebu Monument

Canyoneering near Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu, Philippines Kawasan-Badian Canyoneering in Cebu

Santiago Bay Beach in Camotes Islands, Cebu, Philippines Camotes Islands, Cebu, Philippines

Sirao Flower Garden in Cebu City, Philippines Sirao Flower Garden, Cebu City

See more : Cebu travel tips

Marcos at White Beach, in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

Boracay is a vacationer’s paradise. Taking center stage is 4-kilometer White Beach, prized for its incredibly inviting blue waters, fine white sand, and perfect sunsets. This island is the place to go if you want to take it easy and you’re looking forward to enjoying a tropical resort experience. As you can expect, Boracay caters to a more upscale crowd, but don’t fret, there are many budget-friendly options available.Boracay is small but packs a lot of attractions. Here you can find excellent dining, a wide variety of places to stay, souvenir shopping, and lots of fun water activities, and some nightlife all in one sandy stretch.Boracay’s White Beach is a class of its own when it comes to how fine and white the sand is. From my extensive travels in the country, there’s only one lengthy beach that has sand whiter and finer than White Beach. You can find it in the group of islands featured next on this list.

Location — Aklan province, Western Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Touchdown at either Boracay-Caticlan Airport (MPH) or Kalibo International Airport (KLO). From Caticlan, the ferry to Boracay only takes less than 20 minutes. Most travelers transit via Kalibo because the airport serves more airlines/flights/destinations and airfares are usually lower. The land trip from Kalibo to Caticlan tales around 1 hour.

Boracay Travel Essentials

Sunset Paraw Sailing in Boracay

Caticlan Airport-Boracay Hotel Shared Transfers – Shuttle+Ferry Ticket

Sunset at White Beach, in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Sunset view from Boracay Island

White Beach in Boracay, Malay, Aklan, Philippines White Beach, Boracay

View from Mt. Luho facing White Beach, in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Mt. Luho view

Kite surfing at Bulabog Beach, in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines Boracay kite surfing

Ati-atihan Festival warriors in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival in Aklan

See more : Boracay Island & Aklan travel tips

18 Things to do in Boracay + Tourist Spots

The Standouts

These places take more time to visit but are well worth the journey if you’re up for an adventure.

Onuk Island – Roughton Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines

If you’re looking for the best beaches & most vibrant waters in the Philippines, look nowhere else. Balabac is worth a spot at the VERY TOP of your bucketlist.Balabac is the southernmost group of islands in Palawan. It is so far south that Sabah, in East Malaysia is nearer to Balabac than Puerto Princesa, the provincial capital of Palawan.The main draw here are 31 gorgeous islands still vastly undiscovered by tourist crowds. These islands are surrounded by pristine, crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. Yes, the sandy shores of many beaches here are a blinding white to off-white, many even have a blushed pink hue! The best spots you shouldn’t miss in Balabac are (1) Onuk Island & its crystal blue waters sprawling as far as the eye can see; (2) Bugsuk Island, home to the most powdery, whitest sand beach in the Philippines; and (3) the pink sand beach at Camiaran Island.

Location — Southern Palawan province, MIMAROPA Region (West Central Philippines)

How to go — The most convenient jump-off point to the Balabac Islands is Buliluyan Port, located at the southernmost tip of mainland Palawan. From Puerto Princesa Airport (the nearest commercial airport), the land trip to Buliluyan Port takes around 5-6 hours. For a hassle-free trip, arrange your Balabac tour well ahead (before your trip) with a local tour operator. See the list and detailed travel tips at the Balabac Travel Guide .

Punta Sebaring Beach in Bugsuk Island, Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Punta Sebaring Beach, Bugsuk Island, Balabac

Camiaran “Pink” Island, in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Camiaran “Pink” Island, Balabac

Nasubata Reef – Pulau Bato in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Nasubata Reef – Pulau Bato

Sicsican Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Sicsican Island

Canabungan Island in Balabac, Palawan, Philippines Canabungan Island

Balabac is remote and not easy to reach, which is why I don’t readily recommend the place to first-timers. You must really want to visit this place. It takes time to visit and you’ll have to let go of touristic conveniences.

12 Things to do in Palawan + Tourist Spots

Batanes, Philippines. Photo by Rexy Quieta .

Previously, many readers have asked me why I did not include Batanes as one of the best places to go in the Philippines. The answer is simple: I haven’t been there yet. It’s still on my bucketlist! But due to popular demand, I am including Batanes now. So, comment below if you have a place in mind that you think should be included! I might have to add it to my bucketlist too.Batanes is the northernmost province of the Philippines. These remote islands are shaped by volcanic forces and strong typhoons. The natural landscape of Batanes is distinct from other parts of the Philippines. Here, you’ll find vibrant green rolling hills, grazing cows, steep seaside cliffs, sparkling clear blue waters, traditional stone houses, and iconic lighthouses.Travelers often describe its Batanes’ beauty as wild, overwhelming, and incredibly scenic. Looking at pictures and vlogs, I can see why it’s a popular choice among adventure seekers.

Location — Cagayan Valley region (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Touchdown at Basco Airport, located on Batan, the main island of Batanes. Travel time by plane is 2 hours from Manila or 1h40m from Clark. Airlines that fly to Batanes include Philippine Airlines and Skyjet. Flights to Batanes are a lot more expensive compared to other destinations in the Philippines. Expect regular roundtrip fares to cost upwards of P10,000.

Batanes Travel Essentials

Where to stay Check Fares

Batanes-Basco Airport Shuttle – BSO Private Transfers

3 Day North Batan, South Batan, and Sabtang Island Tour

2 Day North Batan and South Batan Tour

Pongas Falls in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

The Philippines isn’t just all about postcard-perfect beaches. It has cool highland destinations too! If you want to be close to nature and the Philippines’ mountain culture, venture north of Manila and visit Sagada. You can find this small town high in the mist-covered Cordillera (mountain range) of Northern Luzon.Surrounded by spectacular mountain views, Sagada is most-known for the bizarre hanging coffins, a burial tradition that has survived for over 2,000 years. When in town, don’t miss the cave connection tour (Sumaging-Lumiang Cave), sunrise view from above a sea of clouds at Kiltepan Peak, the local coffee (best in PH) & hike to the many waterfalls in the area including Bomod-ok Falls and Pongas Falls.

Location — Sagada, Mountain Province, Cordillera region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — The bus trip to Sagada from Manila takes around 12 hours. Buses usually depart at 9pm (onwards) from Cubao, Quezon City. You can also catch a bus to Sagada from Baguio. Travel time from Baguio to Sagada is 5-6 hours by bus.

Sagada Travel Essentials

Sumaguing Cave, in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines Marcos at Sumaguing Cave, Sagada

Hanging coffins at Echo Valley, Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines Sagada hanging coffins, Mountain Province

Kapay-aw Rice Terraces in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines Kapay-aw Rice Terraces, Sagada

Bomod-ok Falls and Aguinid Rice Terraces, in Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines 041 Bomod-ok Falls and Aguinid Rice Terraces, in Sagada-150211-082531

See more : Sagada travel tips

9 Places To Visit in Sagada & Mountain Province

Banaue Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines

Banaue is home to the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, another must-see attraction in the Cordillera region. Hand-carved by the Ifugao people some 2,000 years ago, these extraordinary rice paddies are terraced like staircases for giants and follows the contours of entire mountainsides. Banaue is also the gateway to the Ifugao Rice Terraces, included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.Have a memorable local experience by spending the night at a homestay in one of the small villages like Batad or Banga-an. Get immersed in the culture of the Ifugao people, wake-up to a view of the rice terraces with a hot cup of local coffee, and go on the breathtaking hike to Tappiya Waterfalls.

Location — Ifugao province, Cordillera Region. Save on Google Maps .

How to go — The bus journey to Banaue from Manila takes around 8-9 hours. Bus departures from Manila are in the late evening hours (8pm to 10pm). So, expect to arrive early morning. You can also reach Banaue easily from other destinations in the Cordillera region. The land journey to Banaue takes around 3 hours from Sagada and 6 hours from Baguio

Banaue Travel Essentials

Tappiya Falls near Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Tappiya Falls near Batad Rice Terraces

Igorot farmers at Kiangan Rice Terraces & Open Air Museum, in Kiangan, Ifugao, Philippines Igorot farmers at Kiangan Rice Terraces & Open Air Museum

Batad Rice Terraces near Banaue in Ifugao, Philippines Batad Rice Terraces near Banaue, Ifugao

Bangaan Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Bangaan Rice Terraces near Banaue

Banaue Rice Terraces viewpoint, in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

See more : Banaue, Ifugao travel tips

Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Vigan is the best-preserved Spanish-colonial town in Asia. If you’re a lover of old cities, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit.You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time (to 16th-century Philippines) as you explore Vigan. This heritage city is filled with cobblestone paths, horse-drawn carriages, centuries-old churches, and buildings. Get the ultimate Vigan experience by booking your room at one of the old Spanish-colonial homes.

Location — Ilocos Norte province, Ilocos region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — The nearest airport to Vigan is Laoag Airport, which serves direct flights from Manila. This journey takes around 2 hours (1-hour flight duration PLUS 2-hour land trip). You can also reach Vigan by bus. The land trip takes around 8-9 hours from Manila.

Vigan Travel Essentials

Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines Calle Crisologo, Vigan

See more : Vigan travel tips

11 Things to do in Vigan + Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots

Marcos at Tinago Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines

Iligan the “City of Majestic Waterfalls” deserves a spot on your bucketlist if you’re a lover of waterfalls (like me). This city in Northern Mindanao is home to many of the Philippines’ most beautiful waterfalls . My favorites in Iligan include (1) Tinago Falls with its incredibly enchanting blue-green pool surrounded by the rainforest, (2) Maria Cristina Falls (massive twin waterfall), and the remote (3) Limunsudan Falls (the highest two-tiered waterfall in the Philippines).

Location — Lanao del Norte province, Northern Mindanao region (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Touchdown at Cagayan de Oro-Laguindingan Airport (CGY), which serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Clark, and Dumaguete. Flight duration is 1h and 40m from Manila or 1h from Cebu. From Laguindingan Airport, the land trip to Iligan City takes around 1.5 hours.

Iligan Travel Essentials

Where to stay

Limunsudan Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines Limunsudan Falls, Iligan

Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan City

See more : Iligan travel tips

10 Places To Visit in Iligan & Lanao del Norte

Popular & Easy To Visit

Sharing these major flight gateways and popular tourist destinations. All of these places have their own special set of bucketlist-worthy attractions. This just goes to show that you can find beautiful spots all over the Philippines and how incredibly difficult it is to select just a few, to make this list of best places to visit. The destinations mentioned below are not listed by rank.

Marcos at Fort Santiago, in Intramuros, Manila City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Manila offers many attractions for travelers. Historic Intramuros is a good place to start. This walled city is filled with Spanish-era architecture including the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Meanwhile, Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) are the best places to go to experience the nightlife, hip food scene, and the modern side of the city. Beat the tropical heat & shop at Manila’s massive malls. Metro Manila is home to many of the World’s largest malls including the ever-expanding Mall of Asia. Looking for a place to go near the airport? Visit the entertainment districts such as Newport City, City of Dreams, Solaire Resort, and Okada Manila.

Location — Metro Manila capital region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main international gateway and domestic flight hub of the Philippines. The Manila-NAIA Airport is located in the cities of Pasay and Paranaque (among the 16 cities that comprise the Metro Manila area). Manila does not have a very good public transport system. For safe and easy rides around the metro, use a ride-hailing app like Grab.

Manila Travel Essentials

Manila-Luzon Shuttle – Tagaytay, Baguio, Laguna, La Union & more

National Museum of Natural History in Manila City, Philippines National Museum of Natural History, Manila

Intramuros Walled City in Manila City, Metro Manila, Philippines Intramuros Walled City, Manila

San Sebastian Cathedral interiors, in Metro Manila, Philippines San Sebastian Cathedral

Dusk view of Makati's skyline, from Top of the Citi by Chef jessie (rooftop bar), in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines Makati Skyline at Dusk

Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines Bonifacio High Street

See more : Manila travel tips

16 Things to do in Manila + Tourist Spots

Chocolate Hills sunrise view in Carmen, Bohol, Philippines

Bohol is home to two of the Philippines’ most iconic attractions, often shown on tourism ads: The Chocolate Hills, and the bug-eyed Tarsier, one of the World’s smallest primates. This island in Central Philippines (near Cebu) offers so much more.In Panglao, you can stay at a nice hotel at one of the island’s many white-sand beach areas, go island hopping, enjoy diving, join an island hopping tour, and possibly have a dolphin encounter. If that’s not enough, you can enjoy a relaxing cruise along the pristine Loboc River, see the old Spanish-colonial heritage churches, Can-umantad waterfalls, Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, and remote Anda White Beach.If you plan to visit Cebu, then Bohol should be on your bucketlist too as you can easily see most of Bohol’s major tourist spots on a one-day tour from Cebu City.

How to go — Touchdown at Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG), which serves direct flights from Manila, Clark, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. Travel time from Manila to Bohol is 1 hour by plane. You can also go by ferry from Cebu. Travel time from Cebu to Bohol is around 2 hours by fastcraft ferry.

Bohol Travel Essentials

Bohol Countryside Tour w/ Buffet Lunch

Bohol Private Car Charter

Dumaluan Beach in Bolod, Panglao Island, Philippines Dumaluan Beach in Panglao, Bohol

Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, Philippines. Photo by <a href='https://pixabay.com/photos/rain-forest-bohol-philippines-river-352582/' rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target='_blank'>Michelle Simtoco</a>

Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, Philippines. Photo by Michelle Simtoco Loboc River Cruise, Bohol

Doljo Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines Doljo Beach, Panglao Island

Can-Umantad Falls in Candijay, Bohol, Philippines Can-Umantad Falls, Bohol

Baclayon Church, Bohol

See more : Bohol travel tips

Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, Philippines

Puerto Princesa is the capital and major flight gateway in Palawan. If you’re visiting El Nido, then Puerto Princesa, “The City in the Forest,” is worth a stopover. Start with a trip to Puerto Princesa Underground River, the 2nd longest navigable underground river in the world, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and New7Wonders of Nature. Then, spend a day beach bumming and snorkeling on an island hopping tour around Honda Bay. Don’t leave without going on the city tour and feasting on fresh seafood.

Location — Central Palawan province, MIMAROPA Region (West Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Puerto Princesa is 1.5 hours southwest of Manila by plane. Princesa International Airport serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Clark, and Davao. You can also go by ferry from Manila or Iloilo (on the RORO ferry-bus).

Puerto Princesa Travel Essentials

Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour w/ Buffet Lunch

Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Sabang Beach near Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan, Philippines Sabang Beach near Puerto Princesa Underground River

Starfish Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines Starfish Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa

The Baywalk in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines The Baywalk in Puerto Princesa

Kinabuch's Seafood dinner, in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philipines Kinabuch's, Puerto Princesa City

See more : Puerto Princesa travel tips

22 Things to do in Puerto Princesa + Tourist Spots

Journey to Heaven, at Garin Pilgrimage Resort in San Joaquin, Iloilo

This is my home, Iloilo! Located at the country’s geographical center, Iloilo is also known as the “Heart of the Philippines.” It is famous for its well-preserved heritage sites, distinct native cuisine, cheap seafood, and pristine natural sites.Bustling yet relaxed Iloilo City is one of the most livable cities in the country. A highly urbanized city that’s keen on preserving its cultural and natural heritage. Within an hour’s travel from the city center, you can find yourself along a peaceful beach in Guimaras Island, home to the World’s sweetest mangoes. Head to the islands of Gigantes, Sicogon, and Concepcion to see the stunning seascapes of Northern Iloilo. A drive to the south takes you to centuries-old Spanish-colonial churches including the Miagao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Iloilo, you can also go on a land trip to other provinces in Panay Island — Antique, Capiz (Roxas City), and Aklan (Boracay).

Location — Western Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Touchdown at Iloilo Airport, which serves direct flights from/to major airports in the Philippines, as well as Hong Kong and Singapore. Travel time to Iloilo by plane is 1h15m from Manila and 50m from Cebu. The airport also serves direct flights from/to Davao, Clark, Puerto Princesa, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos.

Iloilo Travel Essentials

Bacolod-Iloilo OceanJet Ferry Ticket

Iloilo Airport-Iloilo City Hotel Shuttle – ILO Private and Shared Transfers

Gigantes Islands Day Tour from Iloilo City

Calle Real in Iloilo City, Philippines Calle Real in Iloilo City

Tangke Lagoon in Gigantes Sur Island, Carles, Iloilo, Philippines Tangke Lagoon, Gigantes, Iloilo

Tatlong Pulo Beach in Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines Tatlong Pulo, Guimaras

Miagao Church in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines Miagao Church, Iloilo

Balvan View in Tubungan, Iloilo, Philippines Balvan View, Tubungan, Iloilo

See more : Iloilo & Guimaras travel tips

21 Things to do in Iloilo + Tourist Spots

Puning Hot Springs in Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines

Located within a 2-3 hour drive north of Manila, Clark Airport is a major flight hub and alternative international gateway to the Philippines. Clark is a rapidly developing tourist destination and economic zone. It’s home to Aqua Planet Waterpark, PH’s largest waterpark, and other themed attractions such as Dinosaur Island. From Clark, you can enjoy a heritage tour of nearby Angeles City and sample the famous food of Pampanga, the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.Clark is also a popular jump-off point to explore the Central Luzon provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Aurora. The best things to do in this region include the (1) offroad adventure to Puning Hot Springs, (2) Mount Pinatubo summit crater trek, (3) Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar heritage resort, (4) Zambales’ scenic beaches, (5) Subic Bay, and the (6) surfing town of Baler.

Location — Clark Freeport, Pampanga region, Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Clark Airport serves both domestic and international flights. Because of its location near Manila, it often serves as an alternative to congested Manila-NAIA Airport. Travel time from Manila to Clark is around 2-3 hours. Clark Airport is located within Clark Freeport Zone, which occupies part of Angeles City, Pampanga. The drive between Clark Airport & Angeles City center takes around 20 minutes.

Clark Travel Essentials

Dinosaurs Island Clark Admission Ticket

Zoocobia Admission Ticket in Clark

Clark Safari and Adventure Park Ticket

Pampanga Sisig, at Mila's Tokwa't Baboy in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines Pampanga Sisig, at Mila's Tokwa't Baboy

Holy Rosary Parish Church in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines Holy Rosary Parish Church, Angeles City, Pampanga

Aqua Planet in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines Aqua Planet, Clark

Marcos at Mount Pinatubo crater lake in Central Luzon, Philippines Mount Pinatubo crater lake, Philippines

See more : Clark & Pampanga travel tips

11 Must-Visit Spots in CLARK & Pampanga for your 2024 Bucketlist

Isla Reta beachfront in Talucud Island, Samal, Davao del Norte, Philippines

Considering a trip to Southern Philippines? Start with Davao City, the largest urban center in Mindanao. Located at the foot of Mount Apo, the PH’s tallest mountain, this sprawling metropolis is where you can meet the great Philippine Eagle, get a taste of the infamous Durian fruit, and enjoy day trips to refreshing natural sites like Eden Nature Park and Samal Island. Of course, it is also the gateway to beautiful spots in Davao region and Mindanao.Samal Island is easily reached by ferry from Davao City. Enjoy a luxury stay at Pearl Farm Beach Resort, famous for its waterfront stilt cottages, or wander to the peaceful beaches of Talikud Island.

Location — Davao region, Mindanao (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Davao Airport is the busiest airport in Mindanao. Travel time by plane from Manila to Davao is 2 hours. From Davao Airport, it typically takes 30 minutes to get to Davao City center.

Davao Travel Essentials

Davao (DVO) Airport to Hotel/City Private Transfer

Davao 24hr COVID-19 RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Testing

Davao COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing

Philippine Eagle Center, Davao City, Philippines Philippine Eagle Center, Davao

Eden Nature Park city view, in Davao City, Philippines Davao City view from Eden Nature Park

Jack's Ridge in Davao City, Philippines Jack's Ridge, Davao City

Monfort Bat Colony in Samal Island, Davao del Norte, Philippines Monfort Bat Colony, Samal Island

See more : Davao travel tips

14 Things to do in Davao + Tourist Spots

Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Cagayan de Oro, the largest city in Northern Mindanao, is dubbed as the “Adventure Capital of the Philippines”. This city is famous for its white water river rafting, river tubing, paragliding, nature parks. Cagayan de Oro is also a convenient hub for tourists visiting the majestic waterfalls of Iligan, scenic sites of Camiguin Island, and cool attractions of Bukidnon province.

Location — Northern Mindanao region (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

Cagayan de Oro Travel Essentials

Seven Seas Waterpark Ticket in Cagayan de Oro

Dahilayan Adventure Park Admission Ticket

Philippines Unlimited Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery)

High Ridge in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines High Ridge, Cagayan de Oro

Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon, Philippines Dahilayan Adventure Park, Bukidnon

White Island in Camiguin, Philippines White Island, Camiguin

See more : Cagayan de Oro & beyond travel tips

12 Things to do in Cagayan de Oro + Northern Mindanao Tourist Spots

Swimming with sea turtles at Apo Island, in Dauin, Oriental Negros, Philippines

Extremely chill Dumaguete is the jump-off point to Apo Island. If swimming with sea turtles is on your bucketlist, one of the best places to go is Apo Island, a protected marine sanctuary with sprawling coral gardens. From Dumaguete, you can also visit Siquijor Island and the many waterfalls, lakes & mountain resorts of Negros Oriental province.

Location — Negros Oriental province, Central Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Dumaguete Airport is about an hour south of Manila by plane. You can also fly directly from Cebu. The flight only takes 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can get to Dumaguete by bus+ferry from Cebu. The bus+ferry journey takes around 6 hours.

Dumaguete Travel Essentials

Manjuyod Sandbar and Twin Lakes Tour

Siquijor Cambugahay Falls and Heritage Day Trip

Twin Lakes Natural Park with Dumaguete City Tour

Siliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines Siliman University, Dumaguete City

Casaroro Falls in Valencia, Oriental Negros Casaroro Falls, Negros Oriental

Dumaguete Boulevard at night, in Dumaguete City, Oriental Negros, Philippines Dumaguete Boulevard at night

See more : Dumaguete & Negros Oriental travel tips

11 Things to do in Dumaguete + Negros Oriental Tourist Spots

Daraga Church & Mayon Volcano view from Daraga, near Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines

Legazpi is perhaps the most photogenic city in the Philippines. Here, the skyline view is dominated by Mayon Volcano, recognized as the World’s “perfect” cone-shaped volcano.Legazpi serves as the gateway to Bicol, a region famous for the whale shark watching in Donsol, Sorsogon, gorgeous islands of Caramoan (Camarines Sur), and Calaguas (Camarines Norte), Misibis Bay Resort, and of course, delicious Bicolano dishes (Bicol Express!).

Location — Albay province, Bicol region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — The fastest way to get to Legazpi is by air. Flight duration to Legazpi Airport is 1 hour from Manila or Cebu. Alternatively, you can also reach Legazpi by bus from Manila. The land trip takes around 9 to 12 hours.

Legazpi Travel Essentials

Cagsawa Ruins & Mayon Volcano in Daraga, near Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga

Mayon Volcano view near Cagsawa ruins in Daraga, near Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines Mayon Volcano view near Cagsawa ruins, Albay

See more : Legazpi, Bicol & Mayon Volcano travel tips

12 Things to do in Legazpi + Albay Tourist Spots

San Juanico Bridge in Leyte-Samar, Philippines

Tacloban City, the regional capital of Eastern Visayas, is home to the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines and as the site of U.S. General Douglas MacArthur’s landing, a monumental event during WWII.Eastern Visayas is a region blessed with many of the Philippines’ most awe-inspiring natural sights including Kalanggaman Island’s insanely beautiful sandbar, the incredible rock formations of Biri Island, majestic waterfalls of Samar and alluring Sambawan Island in Biliran province.

Location — Leyte province, Eastern Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Touchdown at Tacloban-Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, which serves direct flights from/to Manila, Cebu, and Clark. Travel time from Manila to Tacloban is 1.5 hours by flight. From Tacloban Airport, the ride to the downtown area takes 15 minutes only.

Tacloban Travel Essentials

Philippines 4G Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery)

Asia 4G LTE WIFI Hotspot (Manila Airport Pick Up)

MacArthur Park in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines MacArthur Park

Sohoton Caves National Park in Basey, Samar, Philippines Sohoton Caves National Park

Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, Philippines Kalanggaman Island

Tinago Falls in Caibiran, Biliran, Philippines Tinago Falls, Biliran

Sambawan Island in Maripipi, Biliran, Philippines Sambawan Island

See more : Tacloban, Leyte travel tips

9 Things to do in Tacloban + Leyte Tourist Spots

Wright Park in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines

Visit the Philippines’ summer capital. Baguio City offers a cool climate, urban comforts, pine-filled parks and an exciting food scene. There are a lot of fun day trips beyond the city as well such as the La Trinidad strawberry fields and flower farms in Benguet.

Location — Benguet province, Cordillera region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Land travel to Baguio is approximately 5-6 hours from Manila, 6 hours from Banaue, and 5-6 hours from Sagada.

Baguio Travel Essentials

La Trinidad strawberry fields in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines La Trinidad strawberry fields near Baguio

Flower farms in Atok, Benguet, Philippines Atok flower farms, Benguet

Camp John Hay Golf Course in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines Camp John Hay Golf Course, Baguio

Burnham Park Lake in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines Burnham Park Lake, Baguio City

Bell Church in Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines Bell Church, Baguio City

See more : Baguio & Benguet travel tips

18 Things to do in Baguio + Benguet Tourist Spots

Subic Bay beachfront, near Olongapo City, Zambales

Subic Bay is a popular destination for themed attractions and natural sites. Subic’s top tourist spots include the Pamulaklakin Nature Park, Boardwalk Park, Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure, Inflatable Island & duty-Free shopping malls.

Location — Zambales province, Central Luzon region (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — The land trip to Subic takes around 2-4 hours from Manila or 1.5 hours from Clark. Aside from buses/shuttle that go directly to Subic, you can also get on buses bound for Olongapo (Zamables). Subic Bay Freeport Zone is a short 10-minute ride away from the bus terminal in Olongapo.

Subic Bay Travel Essentials

Zoobic Safari Admission Ticket in Subic

Ocean Adventure Admission Ticket in Subic Bay

Camayan Beach Resort Day Pass

See more : Subic Bay travel tips

Taal Volcano view from Tagaytay Twin Lakes in Batangas-Cavite, Philippines

Tagaytay is a popular go-weekend vacation spot near Manila? Go on a 2-3 hour drive to Tagaytay, enjoy the cool mountain breeze, and see the iconic view of the highly active Taal Volcano.Taal Volcano is famous for Vulcan Point, the world’s largest island within a lake (Crater Lake) that is situated on an island (Volcano Island/Taal Island) located in a lake (Lake Taal) within an island (Luzon) in the Pacific Ocean.

Location — Cavite-Batangas provinces, Southern Luzon (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — You can find Tagataytay-bound buses at Cubao, Buendia or Pasay in Metro Manila. Travel time is around 2 to 3 hours depending on the pace of traffic. Alternatively, you can hop on a shuttle van from EGI Mall near the LRT Gil Puyat Station.

Tagaytay Travel Essentials

Sky Ranch Tagaytay Ride-All-You-Can Day Pass

Paradizoo Admission Ticket in Tagaytay

Tagaytay Day Tour from Manila

See More of the Philippines

Lily Flower Blooms in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines

One of my favorite highland destinations in the Philippines is Lake Sebu, the homeland of the T’boli people. This peaceful town in Mindanao offers a cool mountain climate, beautiful waterfalls, and scenic lake views. When in Lake Sebu, do not miss the 7 Falls Zipline. It’s one of the tallest in Asia and offers a breathtaking view of Lake Sebu’s seven waterfalls. Enjoy an early morning canoe ride to see the fields of blooming lotus greet the sunrise.

Location — South Cotabato province,Soccsksargen region, Mindanao Island (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — General Santos Airport is around two hours by plane from Manila or around 1 hour from Cebu or Iloilo. Land travel from General Santos to Lake Sebu takes 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, can book a flight to Davao Airport go on a 2 to 3-hour land trip to General Santos.

Lake Sebu Travel Essentials

Hikong Bente (2nd Falls) in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines Hikong Bente (2nd Falls), Lake Sebu

Punta Isla Lake Resort in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines Punta Isla Lake Resort, Lake Sebu

See more : Lake Sebu travel tips

Paoay Church (San Agustin Church) in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Ilocos Norte and its capital city, Laoag, is one of the Philippines’ top heritage destinations. See the Paoay Church, included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, and many other exquisite Spanish-colonial churches. Go farther north to find the iconic windmills, beautiful beaches, surfing, and coastal landscapes in Pagudpud and Burgos.

Location — Ilocos Norte province, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Traveling by air is the fastest and most convenient way to Ilocos Norte. Laoag Airport is an hour north of Manila by plane. You can also reach Laoag by land from different areas in Luzon. The land trip to Laoag is around 9 hours from Manila.

Laoag Travel Essentials

Kapurpurawan White Rock in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Kapurpurawan White Rock

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Bangui Windmills in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines Bangui Windmills

See more : Laoag & Ilocos Norte travel tips

18 Things to do in Laoag + Ilocos Norte Tourist Spots

Salagdoong Beach in Siquijor, Philippines

Hop on a ferry from Dumaguete & wander around the mystical island of Siquijor. This island province is famous for its stunning beach coves, waterfalls, and as a home of mountain-dwelling mangkukulam (healers/Filipino witches).

Location — Central Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Touchdown at Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, which serves direct flights from Manila and Cebu. From Dumaguete Pier, ride one of the frequent ferries to Siquijor. Travel time by fastcraft (high-speed ferry) is 50 minutes. You can also reach Siquijor on a direct ferry from Cebu or Bohol.

Siquijor Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor, Philippines Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor

Lazi Church in Siquijor, Philippines Lazi Church, Siquijor

See more : Siquijor travel tips

Bato Ni Ning Ning in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines

Port Barton is a quiet beachside village in the town of San Vicente. It is popular among backpackers and travelers who want to experience a relaxed rural atmosphere. Here, you can go about and explore many pristine offshore islands and venture to Long Beach in San Vicente Town Proper, reputedly the longest white sand beach in the Philippines. San Vicente/Port Barton is located between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, in mainland Palawan.

Location — San Vicente, Northern Palawan province, Palawan province, MIMAROPA region (West Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — The fastest way is by flying directly to the new San Vicente Airport, which serves direct flights from Clark. From San Vicente Airport / Poblacion, you can charter a boat to get to Port Barton. Travel time by boat takes around 1 hour. You can also go by land from other spots in Palawan Island. Travel time to San Vincente takes around 5-6 hours from Puerto Princesa, 2.5-3 hours from El Nido or 1-1.5 hours from Roxas Bus Terminal.

San Vicente Travel Essentials

Port Barton Island Hopping from San Vicente (Join-In Tour)

Port Barton Beach at dusk, in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines Port Barton Beach, San Vicente, Palawan

Maxima Island in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines Maxima Island, San Vicente, Palawan

San Vicente Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines San Vicente Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan

Marcos at Matukad Island in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Bicol, Philippines

Caramoan rose to fame when the islands became the location of TV reality show “Survivor.” It was featured multiple times not only by Survivor US, but also various international editions of the franchise. After you’ve seen Caramoan, it’s not hard to see why. The islands are blessed with towering limestone cliffs that serve as the perfect backdrop of hidden lagoons and crowdless white sand beaches.

Location — Camarines Sur province, Bicol region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — Sabang Port in San Jose, Camarines Sur province is the jump-off point to Caramoan. Travel time to Sabang Port by car is 1 hour from Naga City (Naga-Pili Airport) or 3 hours from Legazpi City (Legazpi-Bicol Airport). From Sabang Port, ride a local ferry to Guijalo Port in Caramoan. Travel time is around 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Guijalo, the land trip to Caramoan town proper takes around 30 minutes. From Caramoan town proper, the islands are accessible on whole day island hopping tours.

Caramoan Travel Essentials

Caramoan Islands view from Matudak Island in Camarines Sur, Philippines Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur

Lahos Island in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Lahos Island, Camarines Sur

Tayak Beach in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Tayak Beach, Camarines Sur

Caramoan Church (St. Micheal de Archangel Parish Church) in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines Caramoan Church, Camarines Sur

Mahabang Buhang Beach in Calaguas Island, Vinzons, Camarines Norte, Philippines

Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island is perhaps the only beach in Northern Philippines that can rival the likes of Boracay and the best beaches in Palawan when it comes to powdery fine white sand. Despite its remote location in Camarines Norte, it has risen as one of the top places to visit among beach campers and adventure-seeking tourists. The beachfront is shy of one kilometer in length and has a sprawling view of unbelievably turquoise blue and crystal clear waters.

Location — Vinzons, Camarines Norte province, Bicol region, Luzon Island (Northern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — The main jump-off points to Calaguas Island is are the towns of Paracale and Vinzons in Camarines Norte province. From Manila, the land journey to Paracale/Vinzons takes around 8-9 hours. Paracale is the nearer gateway to Calaguas Island. Travel time by ferry from Paracale to Calaguas is around 2 hours. The nearest airport with commercial flights is Naga-Pili Airport (WNP), which is a 2-hour drive away from Paracale/Vinzons.

Marcos at Magasang Rock Formation in Biri, Samar, Philippines

Biri is one of my all-time favorite “off the beaten path” adventures in the Philippines. Facing the Pacific Ocean, this remote island is home to awe-inspiring rock formations carved over time by nature. Scramble up to one of the peaks for an awe-inspiring view of raging sea waves crashing over the rugged landscape.

Location — Northern Samar province, Eastern Visayas region (Central Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — The nearest airport to Biri is Catarman Airport, which serves direct flights from Clark. From Catarman Airport, you’ll first need to go on a 1-hour land trip to Lavezares Port, the main jump-off point to Biri Islands. From Lavezares Port, hop on a ferry to Biri. The sea crossing takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, it’s possible to reach Biri from Calbayog Airport or Tacloban Airport. Travel time by land from Tacloban to Lavezares is 6 hours.

Bel-at Rock Formation sunset view, in Biri, Samar, Philippines Bel-at Rock Formations, Biri

Marcos at Magasang Rock Formation in Biri, Samar, Philippines Magasang Rock Formation, Biri

Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Endless stretches of white-sand beaches, not your only image of a perfect island getaway? Surigao del Sur province has many extraordinary sights for the off-beat traveler. See the majestic Tinuy-an Falls and bizarre Hinatuan Enchanted River, a magically clear, deep blue river that seems to spring from nowhere.

Location — Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur province, Caraga region, Mindanao (Southern Philippines). Save on Google Maps .

How to go — The Enchanted River is located in the coastal town of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur province. The nearest airports are Butuan Airport and Davao Airport. Travel time by bus to Hinatuan is around 4 hours from Butuan and 5 hours from Davao. From Hinatuan town proper, the trip to the Enchanted River takes around 20 minutes.

Where to Stay in Philippines

Click below & search recommended Philippines hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your min/max price , travel dates, and sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

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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.

philippines travel guide coron mount tapyas

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.

philippines travel guide el nido island hopping

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.

Philippines Travel Guide: The Ultimate 3-week Itinerary

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.

philippines travel guide siargao rope swing

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).

philippines travel guide cebu canyoneering

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.

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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Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

10 Best Things To Do in El Nido, Palawan

Canyoning in cebu: jump off waterfalls in the philippines, whale sharks in the philippines: things to know before you go.

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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Best Time to Visit the Philippines: Month by Month Breakdown

The Philippines is one of the most beautiful and diverse archipelagos in the world, but its tropical location close to the equator also ensures that this is a country that’s very much at the mercy of the changing seasons.

The Filipino year is predominantly split into a wet and a dry season, which for travel purposes conform to the low and the high season.

The best time to visit the Philippines is the dry season, which falls between November and April, while the wet season, between May and October, is not the best time to be in the country.

Plan carefully, because the wet season brings dangerous typhoons, landslides and disrupted travel, whereas the dry season brings clear skies and sunshine.

To help you to plan your trip, here’s our guide to the best time to visit the Philippines.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Philippines (Country Guide)

Table of Contents

Philippines Dry Season

Boat on a beach - best time to visit the philippines

The dry season is easily the best time to visit the Philippines, because this is when the weather is absolutely glorious, and the sun is always shining.

Generally speaking, the dry season runs from November through to April. However, the typhoon season can be notoriously unpredictable and it’s not uncommon for storms or even fully-fledged typhoons to hit the Philippines as late as December.

To be guaranteed clear skies and no rain you’ll want to travel between January and April.

This though, is peak season, while March and April are the Filipino summers when the weather can be unbearably hot.

November in the Philippines

November is seen as the start of the dry season in the Philippines, but be warned that the weather can still be unpredictable.

Typhoons can still ravage the coast, although they are much rarer than in the wet season. If a typhoon does hit later in the year, it tends to be more dangerous, as people are less prepared.

This is a good shoulder month though, as the crowds are still thin, and it’s not quite as humid or hot as other times of the year.

If you don’t mind the odd rainstorm, and if you keep an eye on the typhoon warnings, then November is a great time to visit the most popular destinations in the Philippines, as there will be fewer people around.

Take a trip to Coron or El Nido for the start of the island hopping season, or visit Bohol or Cebu for the first dives of the dry season.

December in the Philippines

December is one of the best times to be in the Philippines if you love a good fiesta because as a predominantly Catholic nation, Filipinos go absolutely crazy for Christmas.

In fact, Filipinos start to prepare for Christmas as early as September – yes, really, September – and it all comes to a head in December.

Expect things to be incredibly busy though, as locals and tourists alike are moving around for the holiday season. It’s hectic, but it’s a lot of fun wherever you go in December.

January in the Philippines

Lina Stock of the Divergent Travelers Adventure Travel Blog in the Philippines

January is peak season in the Philippines, and weather-wise it’s possibly the best time to visit the Philippines.

Conditions are beautiful, and it’s not too hot yet, while there’s also little chance of rainfall. The skies are clear and you won’t have to worry about typhoons.

Popular islands such as Palawan, Coron and Cebu are going to be busy and expensive in January, although there’s no better time to be snorkeling or scuba diving.

If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy the weather then there are plenty more islands to explore.

Head south, and visit Camiguin, just a boat ride away from Bohol but with none of the crowds. Brave Mindanao for an offbeat experience or head to Romblon or Mindoro for beach getaways.

February in the Philippines

February is peak season too, although generally, it’s a little quieter than January. While the weather is wonderful for classic destinations such as Siargao, Cebu or Palawan, again it’s going to be busy.

Take the chance to go snorkeling and diving, and to explore lesser-known destinations in February.

Visit Malapascua Island to dive with friendly Thresher Sharks, or head to Donsol for an ethically minded outing with Whale Sharks, as they pass through the region.

March in the Philippines

LIna Stock of Divergent Travelers Adventure Travel Blog snorkeling in the Philippines

March is busy and it’s hot, and locals will tell you that this is not the best time to visit the Philippines.

This is what locals call the Filipino Summer because temperatures can rise well above 40 degrees Celsius in parts of the country.

It’s hot and it’s dry, so be careful in the sunshine. It’s great weather for a traditional beach holiday in Cebu or Bohol, while underwater conditions are great in Coron where you can find old sunken shipwrecks from World War II.

Head to the mountains though, if you want to cool down and escape the heat.

April in the Philippines

April is just as hot, if not hotter than March, and it can be exceptionally busy if you are here during the Easter Holidays.

There are lots of fiestas in April so it’s a fun time to be here, but some fiestas, like the Crucifixion in San Fernando, aren’t for the faint of heart.

While the coast is hot and dry, the mountains of the Cordilleras, in Central Luzon, are at their best.

Head to the summer capital, Baguio, for cooler climes and intriguing history, before traveling to an even higher altitude, where you can find the spectacular Rice Terraces of Banaue.

Philippines Wet Season

The wet season usually begins in May, and ends in October, however, the rainy season can be entirely unpredictable in the Philippines.

You might have exceptional weather in May and June, with the rains not arriving until later in the year, or you might find yourself in the midst of a typhoon as soon as the wet season begins.

While things are cheaper in the wet season, travel around the Philippines can be fraught with danger, especially between June and August.

This is not the best time of the year to visit the Philippines, because with the storms and rain can come canceled flights and ferries, blocked roads and landslides, and dangerous typhoon warnings.

In the wet season, always keep an eye on the weather conditions, because natural disasters in the Philippines can be deadly.

May in the Philippines

Banca Boat at Malcapuya Island in the Philippines

May could well be the best time to visit the Philippines because although it’s technically the start of the rainy season, you’ll be extremely unlucky to be caught up in typhoons or even rainstorms.

You might experience clouds towards the end of the month, but it’s going to be dry for most of May.

The crowds will be thinning out now too, so head to Palawan and Coron for Island hopping. The snorkeling will still be superb because the water will be wonderfully clear still.

Travel to Cebu and Bohol too, where prices are dropping. You can enjoy the beaches and the islands, while the Chocolate Hills will be at their most chocolaty and brown, as it’s the driest part of the year.

June in the Philippines

Lina Stock of the Divergent Travelers Adventure Travel Blog on a beach in the Philippines

By June though, it’s going to be rainy, and this is when the wet season really starts to kick off in earnest.

While flights and accommodation are going to be much cheaper in June, you need to be careful.

The wet weather brings a huge array of dangers, and if there’s a typhoon warning you can be in trouble, as evacuations can be common.

Keep a close eye on the weather, and if you do decide to visit in June then keep to the west coast. Typhoons tend to hit the east coast first and move westwards.

You can chance Palawan and Coron, or still enjoy much of Luzon too.

July in the Philippines

Camping on a remote beach in the Philippines

July can be just as bad as June, weatherwise, and again it’s not the best time to visit the Philippines.

Prices will be lower and there are none of the dry season crowds, but that’s because this is the middle of the typhoon season.

You can head to the western islands, such as Palawan or Coron, but even here you’ll be experiencing rain, if not typhoons too.

August in the Philippines

David Stock Jr of Divergent Travelers Adventure Travel Blog on a remote beach adventure in the Philippines

In August, the bad weather just keeps on coming. This is one of the worst times to be in the Philippines.

It’s going to be rainy and there’s likely to be typhoon warnings all through the month.

You can still visit certain parts of the west, as you’ll have more warning of typhoons, but don’t go too remote as you’ll have difficulty getting out in the event of bad weather.

September in the Philippines

The weather begins to calm down in September, although it can still be unpredictable.

There are fewer typhoons, but again, these can always hit without warning in the rainy season.

You’ll be enjoying the Philippines with fewer crowds around and lower prices, and it’s a good time to visit popular islands such as Cebu and Palawan before the dry season tourists begin to arrive.

October in the Philippines

Malcapuya Beach - best time to visit the Philippines

October is the last month of the rainy season, but it can go either way. You’ll either have beautiful sunny weather and clear skies, or lots of rain.

Typhoons are rare but don’t ignore the warnings and keep an eye on the weather still.

Head to the beaches if it’s sunny, and start island hopping around El Nido or Coron before the crowds show up in the dry season.

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

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15 Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Sep 16, 2022

The Philippines is a destination that is easy to visit multiple times due to its more than 7,000 islands. The most difficult decision you make as a traveler, is figuring out which places to visit first. The Philippines is divided into the three main island groups of Luzon , Visayas, and Mindanao , representing different regions in the country.

The scenery in each region of the Philippines ranges from mountainous and tropical to metropolitan. You can enjoy a day of walking the historical colonial streets of the capital city of Manila or catch a rare glimpse of tiny tarsier monkeys at a private sanctuary on the island of Bohol . The steep, plush mountains provide unforgettable hiking experiences.

Since you are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, it's not surprising the Philippines has some of the best beaches in Asia , and the scuba diving opportunities are outstanding.

Plan your travels around this tropical island nation with our list of the best places to visit in the Philippines.

7. Davao City

9. coron island, 11. puerto princesa, 13. apo island, 14. el nido, 15. siargao, map of places to visit in the philippines.

There is a reason that Boracay Island is considered the beach capital of the Philippines because there are more than 12 beaches. This tiny island in the west Visayas region is ideal for beach-goers who are after simple relaxation in the sun or water activities. White Beach , on the west side of the island, is one of the best beaches in the Philippines .

Puka Shell Beach is on the tip of the island and is a favorite spot for shell collectors. Cagban Beach is a quiet spot with nearby caves that are rumored to still contain treasure chests. Diniwid Beach is a tiny beach at the north end of White Beach that has the best view of the island from a platform rock located there.

This island is known for its many resorts, so finding a place to stay is easy. For a panoramic view of the island, take a day trip to Mount Luho , its highest point.

The island of Bohol in the Philippines' central Visayas region runs at a slower pace, and it's a destination that showcases the country's natural beauty. One of the most unique natural wonders on the island is the Chocolate Hills in Carmen . This UNESCO -protected site is a collection of 1,200 geological formations that turn brown in the dry season, resembling a landscape of chocolate candy kisses.

Bohol is home to a family-owned sanctuary for the tiny tarsier primate, known for its large engaging eyes. For a small fee, you can take an intimate walk through the grounds, and stand inches away from the small nocturnal mammal.

The top draw of Bohol is the beach. Panglao Island features some of the best beaches in Bohol: Alona Beach and Danao Beach , which have fantastic diving; Dao Beach and Bingag Beach , which are popular resort areas; Bolod Beach, which has a large stretch of shoreline; and Doljo Beach , which is fairly remote but fantastic for finding seashells.

The island of Cebu, in the central Visayas region, is considered the port to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Philippines. If you are an underwater enthusiast, Cebu is one of your best options for excursions that get you up-close to whale sharks, coral reefs, and sea turtles.

Some of the most spectacular scenery from the water near Cebu are the sea caves that attract photographers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for unique diving and snorkeling sites. The Sudlon National Park , located approximately an hour from Cebu City, is a breathtaking park to explore and hike.

While Cebu's greatest draw is its water, Cebu City is a metropolitan area, with tourist attractions like museums and cathedrals that will interest history buffs.

The rice terraces of Banaue are one of the most striking things to see in the Philippines. The emerald-green terraces are an agricultural wonder in this area. Some of the terraces are estimated to have been hand-carved into the mountainside more than 2,000 years ago.

The Batad Rice Terraces and the Bangaan Rice Terraces are protected UNESCO World Heritage sites .

For a deeper taste of this region, take a stroll through the Banaue Ethnic Village or the Hiwang Village to mingle with the Indigenous people who farm the rice terraces.

Your most impressive view of the terraces is at sunrise, when clouds and fog lift off the mountain to reveal the intricate landscape of the terraces. You can base yourself in the town of Banaue and hike or drive to the Batad rice terraces, or arrange a stay in a native hut of the Ifugao people for a more authentic experience.

The historical city of Vigan in the northern Philippines is one of the most charming towns to visit in the Luzon region. Its culture is a fusion of Chinese and Spanish influences originating from settlers to the area.

Take a ride in a horse-drawn kalesa through the streets and admire the colonial architecture, courtesy of the Spanish who colonized the area in the 18th century. Vigan is a city with many nuances to explore.

The best view of the area is from the Bantay Bell Tower , which is also a noted landmark in the area. The Calle Crisologo historic district is a walkable district, where you will encounter many local craftsman and see historical architecture.

A visit to the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral is breathtaking and a perfect spot to sit and people-watch as you take in the local culture.

Jeepney in front of the Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, Manila

The Philippines capital of Manila, on the island of Luzon, is a bustling city with non-stop activity. Hop on board one of the colorful jeepneys, the main form of public transportation, to get a taste of local life while you visit Manila's top attractions .

Usually over-packed with locals, the bumpy ride through the streets on the iconic and kitschy jeep/bus hybrid vehicles will be one of the highlights of your visit.

Plan stops to the main park in the city, Rizal Park , and the San Agustin Church , which was built in the 16th century. Buy local fruits and handmade gifts at the public market at Quiapo Church , where you are likely to see several thousand people show up on Fridays for worship.

For a city scene outside of Manila, head to Davao City, which has a large metropolitan area. Davao City is the main city in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao .

Despite its malls and large population, Davao City features many natural elements, including the Eden Nature Park , Philippine Eagle Center, and the Davao Baywalk near the sea.

One of the best places to visit in Davao City is Mount Apo , the highest mountain in the Philippines. Davao City is a prime location for shopping, as there are several large malls, including Abreeza Mall and SM Lanang Premier Mall . For a peek into Davao City history and culture, the tiny Davao Museum of History and Ethnography is worth a visit.

One of the most unique experiences you can have in the Philippines is in the northern tribal region in Sagada. Nestled in the rugged and remote Cordillera Mountains are tribes that embrace the occasional visitor.

This area is a paradise for the advanced outdoor enthusiast. The steep mountains and high elevation enhance the thrill and skill level required for outdoor adventure. Hiking is popular in Sagada, particularly to Mount Ampaco , which has the highest peak in the region or through Echo Valley , which has steep and rugged terrain.

One of the best places to visit in this region of the Philippines is the hanging coffins that hide deep in the mountains . It is best to connect with a local guide to take you to this incredible site because this is not a tourist area, but rather an authentic tribal region hiding an experience worthy of bragging rights.

One of the top diving destinations in the world , Coron Island is a tropical paradise, with electric blue and green water that almost seems unreal. The mountainous island sits on the tip of the Palawan island region, the western-most section of islands in the Philippines.

The island is popular for diving because of the numerous wrecks here. Many of the preserved shipwrecks are located in depths ranging from shallow water at just three meters to deep water at 42 meters.

Some of the wrecks require more than one dive to explore due to their size, but you can easily spend a week diving in this area. For non-shipwreck diving, check out Barracuda Lake, a former volcano with many unusual rock formations and fish.

Baguio is a city tucked away in a mountainous region on Luzon Island. Though it is a city, Baguio is intimate and reminiscent of a cottage-type environment. Baguio is called the City of Pines for the rich pine forests and cooler temperatures that surround it.

You can explore one of the many hiking and biking trails or take in a round of golf at one of the resorts in the area. Baguio is unique to other destinations in the Philippines because the city is surrounded by trees and not water.

Parks like Mines View and Burnham let you enjoy some of the flora and fauna that are special to this region. Be sure to spend some time along Session Road , which is the main drag through Baguio, where you can take in a slice of local life.

The rock islands, caves, and natural parks of Palawan Island are the hidden paradise of the Philippines. The coastal city of Puerto Princesa is where you should base yourself in order to explore some of these natural gems of the country.

The Subterranean River National Park is a great first stop to see a five-mile underground river and impressive limestone caves. The UNESCO World Heritage site has boat tours that take you through the national park.

Other must-see spots in Puerto Princesa are Honda Bay , which is popular for snorkeling, and Ugong Rock , where you can try ziplining and caving.

On Samal Island, also called Garden City of Samal, hiking, diving, and kayaking are a way of life. One of the top things to do on Samal Island, besides relaxing at the beach, is visit the Monfort Bat Sanctuary , which is home to millions of bats in the caves.

An enjoyable day trip away from the beach is to Hagimit Falls , where you can walk on the nature trails and cool off in one of the pools below the tropical waterfalls. Samal Island is a short distance away from Davao City, which makes a great change of pace when you want a more metropolitan scene or a broader range of dining.

If a swim with sea turtles sounds like the experience of a lifetime then you will want to head to Apo Island in the Philippines. The reason this location lends itself to swimming with turtles and other sea life is because of the protected marine sanctuary. The Apo Island Marine Reserve is where you can take guided trips to see the sea turtles up close and snorkel at the coral reefs.

The island is an eco-traveler's dream. The protected landscape is some of the most untouched in the country. For great views of the island and the water go to the Apo Island View Deck . To get a sense of life on the island for the locals take a stroll on the Lagoon Trail through the Apo Village to see the local flora and fauna and engage with those who live on the island.

Aerial view of El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

El Nido is a stunning place to visit in the Philippines for its clear water lagoons, marine life, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. You can even take part in cliff climbing excursions, or go to Taraw Peak to experience a canopy walk with the best views of the landscape.

El Nido is also known for its pristine beaches, like Nacpan Beach and Lio Beach , and as the launch point for island-hopping adventures. Island hopping excursions to places like El Nido Big Lagoon or Snake Island to experience the cliffs and caves from the water are a memorable way to experience El Nido.

Wooden walkway for surfers to access the Cloud 9 surf break on Siargao Island

Travelers that enjoy making an itinerary up as they go should put Siargao Island on the agenda. The small island is big with experiences, from sought-after surfing waves to unusual rock formations and stunning waterfalls.

Surfing is what Siargao is most known for. The famous Cloud 9 break is here, but there are many coastline spots that bring in large waves. So, even if you do not surf, watching some of the championship surfers that come to the island is a fun activity.

Deep sea fishing is popular out of Siargao as anglers try year-round for sailfish and mahi-mahi. Another trip option when you visit Siargao is to do a bit of island hopping to places like Bucas Grande , where you can see the Sohoton Caves and the non-sting jellyfish.

Aerial view of Kota Beach in Bantayan Island of Cebu

Philippines Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Best Time to Go to the Philippines

January to March | Ideal Months to Travel in the Philippines
April to June | Summer and Peak Season in the Philippines
July to October | Rainy and Off-Peak Season in the Philippines
November to December | Holiday Season in the Philippines

Geography of the Philippines

Arriving at Manila Airport: What You Need to Know

How to Get Around the Philippines

Hotels in the philippines, best hotels and resorts in luzon, best hotels and resorts in visayas, best hotels and resorts in mindanao.

Best theme hotels and resorts in the Philippines

Must-Visit Tourist Spots in the Philippines

Manila | The Capital of the Philippines
Palawan | Gateway to the Best Islands in the Philippines
Boracay Island | Tropical Paradise
Cebu | Islands, Diving, Historical Sites, and More
Bohol | Countryside and Island Tours
What to Eat in the Philippines
Suggested 2-Week Itinerary in the Philippines
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to the Philippines

Caramoan Island in Camarines Sur, Philippines

Discover the treasures of the Philippines from beaches and islands, highlands, historical spots, and must-try food and fun activities. Find out the best time to visit and the best tourist spots. Learn how to get around from the Manila airport. Discover the best places to eat. Take inspiration from a 2-week itinerary that will take you around the best destinations in the country. Read this article for an introduction to traveling around the Philippines.

It can be difficult to decide where to travel first in the Philippines. There are so many beautiful, postcard-worthy white sand beaches and pristine islands all over the Philippines, complete with crystal clear waters and rich and diverse marine life.

Explore the widest collection of Philippine tours for your vacation
Check out flights to the Philippines

Travelers who love swimming would find it hard to leave, as idyllic beach trips , exciting island-hopping adventures , and incredible diving tours are abundant here. The Philippines' beaches are among the best in the world as well, whether it's white sand, black volcanic sand, or even pink sand in some places.

See our popular Top Tours in the Philippines

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Find the best Philippines vacation packages for a hassle-free trip
See destinations for solo travel in the Philippines

You can also take your pick from the Philippines' best festivals that showcase the locals' culture and experience unique food trips that will get you craving for more Filipino food .

If you're traveling to the Philippines soon, this ultimate guide has everything you need to know to plan your trip.

The Philippines has two distinct seasons, wet and dry. The dry season starts from November until June. These months are considered the best time to travel to most destinations in the Philippines .

The wet season, on the other hand, is from July to October. During this time, an average of nine typhoons hit the Philippines and may cause flooding and landslides in some areas. While not all typhoons make landfall, the heavy rains may still affect your trip, so make sure to check weather forecasts.

Check out our 2-week Philippine itinerary packages

Note, though, that it doesn’t rain every day, nor does it rain the whole day during the wet season, unless there is a typhoon. It's still best to check the weather forecast for your Philippine destinations when planning a trip. Weather-wise, here’s what you can expect when traveling in the Philippines and where to go.

See our popular Best Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

January to march | ideal months to travel in the philippines.

January to March is usually the ideal period to travel to the Philippines. Even if there are bigger chances of precipitation, these are the months of the year when the temperature is cooler. The month of March also signals the upcoming festivals and the long weekend of Holy Week (Easter).

These months also highlight some of the biggest and grandest festivities:

The province of Aklan, where Boracay Island is located, commemorates the Ati-Atihan Festival in the second week of January. Check Boracay tours and Boracay tour packages with hotel and airfare for your island getaway.

The highly anticipated annual Sinulog Festival in the province of Cebu is celebrated every third Sunday of January. Check Cebu activities and Cebu packages for your trip.

Millions of devotees gather in Quiapo in Manila City to join the procession during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival is usually every February or March. For 2024, it will be held in New Clark City, Tarlac. Read our Philippine Hot Air Balloon 2024 guide to learn more.

See our popular Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Tickets & Packages

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The Summer Capital, Baguio City , parades beautifully-adorned floats with flowers during the Panagbenga Festival in February. Check Baguio tours and Baguio package deals with hotel to make your trip more fun and hassle-free.

There are weeklong religious activities during Holy Week (Easter) in March or early April all over the country, but more specifically in Pampanga . Check Pampanga experiences to make the most of your vacation.

April to June | Summer and Peak Season in the Philippines

During this time, the temperature and humidity levels are highest. This marks the summer season in the Philippines. Locals plan beach getaways or vacations in their hometowns. Expect that beach resorts will most likely be fully booked and have higher rates.

The sun is the strongest from April to June, so precautions are needed when spending most of the time under the sun. Lather sunblock every two hours to avoid sunburn.

See our popular Island Hopping Tours

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Some popular summer destinations in the Philippines include:

The natural, scenic, and hidden gems of Palawan. Check some Palawan activities and learn more about the province in this Palawan travel guide .

The white beaches, crystal clear waters, and extreme water sports of Boracay .

The surfing paradise of La Union , Baler, Zambales, and Siargao. Check Siargao adventures and learn more about Siargao in this guide . Book Siargao tour packages with airfare .

The beaches and diving spots in Batangas . Explore the marine life of Batangas through an Anilao diving tour. Check other Batangas escapades .

Check out our article on the Best Beaches to Visit in the Philippines

Aside from beaches and island hopping tours in the Philippines, here are other summer season activities you can try:

Watch the Moriones Festival in Marinduque and how the people in Pampanga celebrate the season during Holy Week. Check some activities in Marinduque and tours in Pampanga .

Taste the freshest catch in Dagupan City during Bangus Festival every April.

Head to Quezon Province and witness the colorful Pahiyas Festival, a thanksgiving festival held every 15th of May.

Witness the festivities and watch the beautiful women of the country all dressed up during Flores De Mayo.

Take part during the different pistang bayan (town fiestas) in the provinces of Batangas and Bulacan.

In June, take part in the combined Pintados-Kasadyaan festivals of Tacloban City that features a sailboat race, the Subiran Regatta, and the religious rite Balyuan. Join a Tacloban city tour to get the full experience.

Join the celebration of St. John the Baptist's feast day, where locals get doused with water on June 24th. It’s officially called the Wattah Wattah Festival or Basaan Festival in Filipino. It's usually celebrated in Batangas, Bataan, and Nueva Ecija, to name a few.

July to October | Rainy and Off-Peak Season in the Philippines

Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, Philippines

The volume of rainfall in the Philippines increases from July to August . These months are considered the wettest months, although it does not necessarily mean that it will rain all day long.

When typhoons hit, most of the islands in the country are affected, making trips around the country (depending on where the typhoon hits) difficult. Expect flight delays and even cancellations in some cases.

Philippine flights to different islands and beach resorts are cheaper during these months. Go to the beach, enjoy a food trip, or visit museums and historical places. Here are some other rainy season activities in the Philippines that you can try:

Go surfing and island hopping in Siargao . Browse our Siargao tour packages with airfare .

Watch the dramatization of the blood compact between Sikatuna and Legazpi in Bohol during the Sandugo Festival. Check some Bohol activities and Bohol package deals for your escapade.

Catch the colorful Pagoda Festival in Bulacan.

Witness the street parades and dances in the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City . Check Davao activities to best experience the province.

Observe the Fluvial Parade of the Nuestra Señora Peñafrancia in Naga City.

Watch the elaborate and colorful MassKara Festival in Bacolod City. Check some Bacolod tours and learn more about the province in this Bacolod travel guide .

For Filipinos, Christmas or the holiday season starts as early as September or the beginning of the -ber months. Some establishments start to decorate their stores with Christmas ornaments as early as September 1st.

November to December | Holiday Season in the Philippines

November marks not only the beginning of the dry season but also the start of the long holiday celebration in the Philippines. These are the best months to visit Philippine cities because of the night markets, light and sound shows, and Christmas bazaars.

Read our article on the Top Philippine Christmas holiday destinations

November to December are the best months to do your holiday shopping, as most malls are on sale and extended operating hours. However, there are other things you can do too:

Watch the Higantes Festival (giant paper effigies) in Rizal.

Appreciate a grand Christmas experience in San Fernando, Pampanga, and its Giant Lantern Festival.

Enjoy the cold weather and admire the views of Banaue Rice Terraces while sipping a hot cup of tea or coffee in Benguet .

Choosing the best time to visit the Philippines depends on what kind of activity you want to do. Come at different times to appreciate everything the country has to offer.

See our popular Sagada-Banaue Tour Packages

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The Philippines' geography is divided into three island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Before planning a trip to the Philippines, it's important to know where your chosen destinations are. Your transportation, schedule, and budget will depend on the distances between each place. You can also book all-inclusive Philippines vacation packages that will take you around the top tourist spots in the country.

Philippines Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

If you're outside the Philippines, your first destination will most likely be Manila , the Philippine capital located in Luzon. Most connecting flights to other destinations in the countries continue from Manila Airport .

The Luzon island group also includes other big islands and island groups like Palawan, Batanes , Baguio, and Vigan . Top Luzon activities include city sightseeing, beach adventures, and some island-hopping trips. Check out the top Luzon tourist spots that you should visit.

See our popular Luzon Tour Packages

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Visayas is located in the central part of the Philippines. Cebu is the main gateway to other Visayas destinations. Visayas is home to destinations like Boracay, Bohol, Iloilo, Negros Region, Leyte, and Siquijor. The top activities and best tourist spots in Visayas include idyllic beaches, island-hopping, outdoor adventures, and food tours.

See our popular Visayas Tour Packages

Mindanao is located in the southern part of the Philippines. Davao City is the main gateway to other destinations in this island group, which includes Siargao, Camiguin, Zamboanga, and Cagayan de Oro, to name a few. Top things to do and best tourist spots in Mindanao include outdoor adventures, beach escapades, and island-hopping. Check out our Davao tourist spots itinerary if you're exploring Davao City and Samal Island .

Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to the Top 15 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in the Philippines

Given the number and variety of things to do here, filling your itinerary for a week or so when traveling in the Philippines won’t be a problem.

See our popular Mindanao Tour Packages

Arriving at manila airport: what you need to know .

Inside Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines

Like any metropolitan city, Manila can be confusing for first-time visitors with flights to Manila , starting with arriving at the airport. Manila international airport, officially known as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or Manila Airport , has four terminals, which are not connected via airport rail link. Consider this when booking your flights, as inter-airline transfers may be complicated.

Dubai to Manila flights
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However, there are now Point-to-Point (P2P) shuttle buses that you can board to transfer airports in the Philippines , or you can book a taxi or Grab car via the Grab App (like Uber) if you have connecting flights. You can also book rent a car in Manila services. These transport options take public roads, so allot sufficient transfer time if you plan to transit between airlines. Here's a rundown of these four airport terminals:

NAIA Terminal 1

Terminal 1 serves all the international flights from and to Manila except for the ones operated by airlines in NAIA Terminal 2 and NAIA Terminal 3.

NAIA Terminal 2

Terminal 2 houses the domestic and international flights of the country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, and its affiliate PAL express. Starting July 2023, AirAsia and Royal Air domestic flights have been transferred to Terminal 2. This terminal is also known as the Centennial Terminal to commemorate the centennial declaration of Philippine independence.

NAIA Terminal 3

Terminal 3 caters to international flights operated by Cathay Pacific Air, AirAsia, Emirates Airline, Cebu Pacific Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Delta Air Lines, All Nippon Air, and Singapore Airlines, as well as all some domestic flights of Cebu Pacific Air. It has a transit lounge (airport hotel) and a massage place.

NAIA Terminal 4

Terminal 4, the smallest of the four, serves domestic flights from CebGo, AirSwift, and SkyJet.

See our popular Manila Transfers

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Cebu to Manila flights
Davao to Manila flights
Tacloban to Manila flights
Iloilo to Manila flights

Outside Manila: Clark International Airport

A secondary international airport nearest to Manila is Clark International Airport. It takes two to three hours to travel from Manila to Clark, which is 93 kilometers away. One transport option is through the Premium point-to-point (P2P) Bus Service. This bus service has a station at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City, which is ideal if you come from the southern part of Metro Manila. If you're coming from the northern part of Metro Manila, take the P2P bus from its North EDSA MRT / Trinoma Station in Quezon City.

You can also hire a car rental service from Clark to Manila for a more comfortable and private transportation. Just make sure you have the requirements to rent a car in the Philippines .

Currency Exchange and ATMs

All airport terminals have money changers open 24/7 in both the arrivals and departure areas. There are ATMs as well that accept foreign-issued cards though fees may apply. Read our guide about money exchange in the Philippines .

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Free SIM Card

Once you arrive in Manila airports, take advantage of the free SIM cards given by the Philippines' major telecommunications companies: Globe and Smart. You can top up your credit in convenience stores like 7-Eleven all over the country.

Transportation to and from the Manila airports

All Manila airports have taxi stands. You can get a coupon taxi (white) that’s dispatched by airport personnel and charged a fixed price or a yellow taxi that’s metered. Both are more expensive than regular white taxis but relatively safer to use.

There are also shuttle buses that will take you to the nearest metro station. However, if it’s your first time in the Philippines, taking this route is not as comfortable as taking either an airport taxi or booking an accredited taxi/cab, hire Manila car rental services, or carpool through the Grab App . If you are traveling in a big group and have a lot of luggage, booking a van rental in the Philippines or a budget car rental in the Philippines may be advisable.

For a hassle-free arrival or departure, check out our Manila airport transfers .

The primary way of getting around the Philippines is by buses, planes, and ships/ferries. Boat rides are great for inter-island trips with short distances; for everywhere else, flights are recommended.

Depending on when you visit, you can find a lot of cheap flights in the Philippines . In fact, sometimes it’s cheaper to book a flight than a ferry. The biggest flight carriers are Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and AirAsia.

Within small towns and cities, the primary modes of transport are bus, jeepney, or tricycle (like Thailand’s tuk-tuk or India’s auto-rickshaw, but smaller). In addition, major cities have taxi cabs and the Grab app. Only Manila has the metro system. If you want to go around the country in style, you may book an SUV rental in the Philippines or luxury car rental in the Philippines .

You can also book self-drive car rentals in the Philippines if you want to explore on your own. Read our article on the best cars to rent for a road trip in the Philippines .

For inter-island transportation, sea transfers such as ferries are the best option. Secure your Philippines ferry ticket booking in advance for a hassle-free trip.

See our popular Sea Transfers & Ferries in the Philippines

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Stilt cottages at Pearl Farm in Samal Island of Davao, Philippines

It is not hard to find accommodations in the Philippines . In top destinations, you would find various options, from 1- to 5-star hotels, ranging in price from budget to luxury.

For budget travelers, there are numerous hostels, guesthouses, and homestays all over the country. Note that budget places are less likely to have a hot shower available, and in some places, there would be no Wifi.

It's highly recommended to book at least one night (or more) in advance, especially in popular destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Puerto Galera during peak season (e.g., summer and holidays).

Read our article guides on the best hotels and resorts in top destinations in the Philippines:

Best hotels in Manila
Best serviced apartments in Metro Manila
Best beach resorts near Manila
Best hotels near Manila Airport
Best glamping resorts near Manila
Best hotels in BGC Taguig Metro Manila
Best hotels in Makati City
Best hotels and resorts in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Best hotels and resorts in El Nido, Palawan
Best hotels and resorts in Coron, Palawan
Best hotels and resorts in San Vicente, Palawan
Best hotels and resorts in Port Barton, Palawan
Best hotels and resorts in Antipolo
Best hotels in Baguio
Best resorts in Baler
Best resorts in Batangas
Best affordable Batangas resorts
Best pet-friendly resorts in Batangas
Best Batangas resorts with pool
Best resorts in Bataan
Best resorts in Bulacan
Best resorts in Cavite
Best resorts in Laguna
Best hotels in Laoag Ilocos Norte
Best resorts in La Union
Best hotels in Legazpi City Albay
Best resorts in Palawan
Best hotels and resorts in Pampanga
Best resorts in Pangasinan
Best resorts in Puerto Galera
Best resorts in Quezon Province
Best hotels and resorts in Sorsogon
Best hotels and resorts in Subic
Best hotels in Tagaytay
Best Tagaytay hotels with a view of Taal Lake
Best hotels in Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Best resorts in Zambales
Best resorts and hotels in Boracay
Best beachfront resorts in Boracay
Best budget-friendly resorts in Boracay
Best Boracay Station 1 resorts
Best Boracay Station 2 resorts
Best Boracay Station 3 resorts
Best Boracay hotels and resorts for families
Best Boracay workation resorts
Best resorts in Bohol
Best beachfront resorts in Bohol
Best hotels in Bacolod City
Best hotels and resorts in Cebu
Best beachfront resorts in Cebu
Best luxury hotels and resorts in Cebu
Best budget-friendly hotels in Cebu City
Best hotels near Cebu airport
Best hotels in Iloilo City

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Best beachfront resorts in Siargao
Best Siargao hotels and resorts for groups
Best Siargao budget hotels and resorts
Best resorts in Samal Island

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Best beach resorts in the Philippines
Best spa and wellness resorts in the Philippines
Best glamping resorts in the Philippines
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Best pet-friendly hotels and resorts near Manila
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Best Bali-like resorts in the Philippines
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Most unique hotels and resorts in the Philippines
Best natural hot spring resorts in the Philippines
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Best luxury resorts and hotels in the Philippines
Best eco-friendly resorts in the Philippines
Best PWD-friendly hotels and resorts in the Philippines

With over 7000 islands, you will definitely need to prioritize when deciding on the places to visit in the Philippines. Much depends, of course, on how long you will have in the country and what you are interested in doing. For starters, you can check out our article on the top tours in the Philippines .

Here are some of the most popular destinations in the Philippines that you shouldn't miss out on:

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It has, for example, the old Spanish fortress in Intramuros that provides you with a glimpse of what the city used to be under over three centuries of Spanish rule. Nowhere is the Spanish influence seen more clearly than in the Walled City, from the cobbled streets to the restored houses. Make sure to join Intramuros tours to get the full experience.

Check Manila activities that you can add to your itinerary

Highlights in Intramuros include the old churches of San Agustin, built in 1587, and the Manila Cathedral, originally built in 1571 and governed by the Archdiocese of Mexico. Outside Intramuros, there’s also the historic Quiapo Church, whose annual Feast of the Black Nazarene every January attracts millions of devotees.

See our popular Manila Tours & Activities

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You can also try some of the trips around Binondo , the oldest Chinatown in the world. You can also watch one of the best sunsets in the Philippines along the Manila Bay at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex.

When booking a hotel in Manila , we recommend booking accommodations either in Manila City or in Makati City . Both of these destinations have plush hotels, high-end shopping malls, and various bars and restaurants that offer a range of local and international cuisines.

See our popular Binondo Tours

Palawan | gateway to the best islands in the philippines.

Palawan's limestone karst, white sand beach, and turquoise waters

You’ll see beautiful powdery, white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, towering limestones, hidden lagoons, and even a safari.

See our popular Palawan Tours and Activities

Private el nido palawan lio airport to or from any el nido town hotel transfer service.

Puerto Princesa , the capital of Palawan, is often the first place that travelers go to, as it has frequent and affordable flights to and from Manila and Cebu. It is home to the Underground River , one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines . The city is the jump-off point for Honda Bay island hopping , Underground River tour , and several Palawan destinations like El Nido and San Vicente.

Learn more in our article on the top attractions and activities in Puerto Princesa

Coron is another popular destination in Palawan. There are direct flights and boats from Manila to Coron (via Busuanga Airport, an hour from Coron town proper), making it a possible first destination for the Palawan leg of your Philippine itinerary.

If you’re into water activities, Coron is the getaway you might be looking for. It is best known for wreck diving and snorkeling, island hopping to hidden lagoons surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, and the iconic Kayangan Lake. Check out our Coron tour packages with airfare .

Google Coron, Palawan, and the first photo you'll see is of the view going to the freshwater lake. It's why Coron island-hopping is popular with both locals and internationals.

See our popular Coron Tours and Activities

Coron is the best place for wreck diving because it has a handful of sunken ships hidden beneath its waters, some of which are big enough to be explored inside, while some are shallow enough to be seen by snorkelers. If you're not a certified diver, dive shops in Coron have Discover Scuba activities too.

Learn more in our article on the top activities and places to see in Coron

El Nido is another well-known destination in Palawan. Over the years, the town has transformed from one that doesn’t even have an ATM and 24-hour electricity into a popular holiday destination.

There are regular island-hopping trips in El Nido that take you to various islands and beaches such as the Hidden Beach, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Hidden Lagoon, Paradise Beach, and Natnat Beach, among others.

Read our guide on the top activities and attractions in El Nido

See our popular El Nido Tours and Activities

Boracay island | tropical paradise.

Top view of Willy's Rock at White Beach Boracay, Philippines

Boracay became a popular destination for local and international travelers because of its fine, white sandy beaches (led by the famous White Beach ), its combination of Boracay nightlife scene and family-friendly atmosphere, and its many accommodations across budgets.

Watching sunsets may be cliché to some, but the sunset in Boracay is definitely one of the best you’ll see in the country. The silhouette of sailboats, the shadows of people walking along the shore, and the sky turning from blue to a fiery red and into a faint orange is an image you won’t quickly forget.

Browse our Boracay tour packages with airfare

See our popular Boracay Vacation Packages

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Beautiful sunset in Boracay, Philippines

Most Boracay hotels are lined up in White Beach grouped into Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. However, you can easily visit the other beaches there during your stay. Puka Beach, for example, may not have sand as fine as White Beach, but if you go early enough, you can avoid the crowds and have a relaxing hour or two by the beach.

Bulabog Beach is becoming a popular destination for kitesurfers. The winds here are strong enough for those who want to try something new or improve their skill. There are several shops offering lessons and provide rental gear too.

You’ll have plenty of options in Boracay when it comes to food, as there are markets, budget restaurants, Western food, buffets, and bars that cater to different kinds of tastes. Read our article on the best restaurants in Boracay to learn more. There are fun activities like Boracay pub crawls too! Indeed, Boracay is the destination to be if you want a bit of everything in one place.

Read our guide on the top things to see and do in Boracay

See our popular Boracay Tours and Activities

Cebu | islands, diving, historical sites, and more.

Magellan's Cross in Cebu City, Philippines

The province of Cebu is another popular place to visit because of the range of natural, historical, and cultural attractions.

Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island in the north are famous beach destinations because of their pristine beaches and sky-blue waters. Visitors usually combine a trip to these two destinations. Both islands provide a laid-back atmosphere if you want to just spend the whole day relaxing.

See our popular Cebu Tours and Activities

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Malapascua is best known for its thresher sharks. It's the only place in the world where this species is consistently seen almost every day.

Bantayan Island, on the other hand, is more for beach bumming and snorkeling. It has a healthy coral garden you can explore and a long coastline of white sandy beaches.

Make sure to go to the south of Cebu as well and include Moalboal in your Philippine itinerary. This is where you can experience the famous sardine run tour . Seeing the hundreds of thousands of sardines swimming beneath you (or above you if you choose to dive) is definitely an awesome experience unique to Cebu.

A must-try during your visit to Cebu is the fun canyoneering experience . It is an adrenaline-pumping activity where you jump into a pool of water from around 25 meters high. You’ll also get to trek and enjoy some moderate hiking activities and take the plunge at the azure waters of Kawasan Falls .

See our popular Kawasan Falls Tours

Other places of interest in Cebu province include hiking Osmeña Peak, trekking to Tumalog Falls, lounging in Tingko Beach, Lambug Beach, and Basdaku Beach, just to name a few.

Check our article on the Top Tourist Spots in Cebu

Cebu City, the capital of Cebu province, is cosmopolitan and developed. You can join a historical tour in Cebu that will take you to sites like Magellan’s Cross, as well as old churches and museums, among others. There is a variety of restaurants offering local and international food, too.

If you’re a meat-eater, never miss the famous lechon (suckling pig) that Anthony Bourdain called “the best pig ever.” There are countless bars and shopping malls for entertainment as well.

The Queen City of the South has the second busiest airport in the Philippines located in Mactan , flying to 25 domestic and 22 international destinations. From here, the best beaches in Cebu are easily accessible by private transportation and public buses.

You also have several options for accommodation, whether you want to splurge or stick to a tight budget.

See our popular Cebu Vacation Packages

3-day cebu ultimate budget vacation package with hotel, transfers & add-on tours, bohol | countryside and island tours.

The island of Bohol is another must-include in your Philippine itinerary. There are endless tourist spots in Bohol that you can visit. You can do a countryside day tour of Bohol, but why spend only one day in one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Philippines?

Bohol has many beaches and activities for those who want to see more of the region. Make sure to explore Panglao Island to make your trip more fun and exciting! Start your trip by trying Alona Beach activities such as fly fish, UFO, parasailing, banana boat ride, and many more.

A trip to Bohol is incomplete without joining Chocolate Hills tours . These green hills that turn brown during the summer months will remind you of Hershey’s Kisses, hence the name. The viewpoint was affected by the major earthquake in 2015, but it has since been restored.

See our popular Bohol Tours and Activities

See our guide on how to go to Chocolate Hills

Another must-see is the tarsier, a tiny primate (around 3.5 to 6 inches long) with huge eyes that can only be found in Southeast Asia. You can visit tarsier sanctuaries in Bohol, where you can see these tiny and cute creatures (do not hold or touch them, though).

While in Bohol, try the Loboc River Cruise experience . It provides you with a relaxing and scenic way to see the countryside while feasting on Filipino cuisine and being serenaded by local performers.

Bohol also has relics of Spanish colonial times; you’ll see several old churches that provide you with a glimpse of the province’s historical and cultural heritage. While some of these churches were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake, most of them have been restored, including Baclayon Church.

These destinations are only some of the best places to visit in the Philippines. The country has plenty more to offer travelers with various budgets and preferences for their trip.

See our popular Bohol Vacation Packages

4-day premier bohol beach club resort package with breakfast & airport transfers, what to eat in the philippines .

Filipino food is one of the most underrated in Asia. Most international visitors know what to expect from Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese food but are usually totally clueless about the Philippines' local cuisine.

Filipino cuisine is actually one of the most diverse in the world. Because of its colonial past, it has influences from the west as much as it has oriental roots. Note, though, that the cuisine is meat-heavy. Vegetarian or vegan guests traveling outside major cities may find it hard to look for restaurants that provide vegetarian or vegan options.

If you are a first-time visitor in the Philippines and don’t know what Filipino food to try, here are some of the best food in the Philippines that you should keep on the lookout for in your culinary and food trips .

See our popular Food Tours

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The name adobo was given by the Spanish due to the similarity to adobo or adobar, a cooking practice that also uses vinegar and soy sauce indigenous to Iberia. It is considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines due to its popularity across all regions.

Sisig is a favorite pulutan (food eaten with alcohol) accompanied by a local beer. The dish is made of chopped parts of a pig’s head and liver. Onions, chopped chili peppers, eggs, and calamansi are added. It is normally served in sizzling plates.

This appetizing dish originated from Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines. Hundreds of sisig variations are available today, such as tuna, squid, tuna, milkfish, and mussels. If you are looking for a vegetarian version of Sisig, some restaurants serve mushrooms and tofu sisig. Read more about it on our travel guide to Pampanga .

3. Lechon

The pig is roasted for hours with occasional basting. It is served with a local sauce in some regions. One of the most famous foods in the Philippines, lechon is a must-try for anyone coming to the country. The best lechon in the Philippines are from Cebu. Read our travel guide to Cebu to learn more about it.

4. Sinigang

Sinigang is a Filipino soup or stew characterized by its sour and savory broth. A classic Filipino dish, sinigang is what most Filipino kids ask their moms for if they are sick. The sour taste is from the use of tamarind to flavor the broth.

This traditional food in the Philippines has evolved so much that several tamarind alternatives are being used these days. It includes guava, mango, kamias, santol, and even watermelon.

5. Caldereta

Caldereta is another classic Filipino dish and stew. This savory dish is cooked originally using goat meat, but beef, chicken, or pork can also be used these days.

Tomato sauce, liver spread, vegetables, bell peppers, and cheese are added to the meat. The name of the dish is derived from the Spanish word caldera or cauldron in English.

6. Crispy Pata

Crispy pata or pork knuckles is a famous Filipino pork dish among Filipino family dinners.

This dish is made by boiling the entire pork knuckles with seasonings for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender. It is then frozen overnight with another batch of seasonings and then deep-fried until the skin is crispy.

7. Chicken Inasal

Chicekn Inasal with rice in the Philippines

8. Dinuguan

The name dinuguan derives from the word “dugo” or blood; hence the word dinuguan means “to be stewed with blood.” It is made of pig’s blood and offal.

Dinuguan is similar to the Irish black pudding except that it is a stew instead of sausage. Aside from being eaten with rice, Filipinos also pair it with puto (steamed rice cake).

9. Fish Kinilaw

Fish kinilaw is the ceviche of the Philippines. Made of raw fish, this appetizing dish is denatured using vinegar as a primary ingredient. Onions, ginger, chili peppers, black peppers, and calamansi are added for flavoring.

Popular fish used for kinilaw includes yellowfin tuna, mackerels, and marlins.

10. Halo-Halo

Halo-halo ice dessert in the Philippines

Halo-halo is a Filipino favorite snack or merienda . This cold snack and dessert consists of crushed ice, evaporated milk, and various ingredients such as beans, jellies, tapioca pearls, mixed fruits, leche flan, purple yam, and even ice cream.

Halo-halo is extremely popular, especially during the summer months, to cool off from the heat. You can find a lot of food stands selling halo-halo in the local neighborhoods.

Taho (soy pudding) is a popular street food in the Philippines . This healthy snack is made of soft tofu, caramelized brown sugar, and tapioca pearls. It is comfort food that you can buy from street peddlers, usually in the morning. In local neighborhoods, local peddlers walk or bike around houses. When you hear a deep voice shouting "taho," just shout back "taho" to call the peddler's attention to buy a cup.

For non-Filipinos, you might have heard of balut from your adventurous friends who keep telling you that you have never been to the Philippines if you haven’t tried this Filipino street food.

Balut is a boiled fertilized egg embryo that is eaten from a shell. Don’t let it scare you, though; balut tastes like an ordinary egg with a tasty soup. It's usually sold in the streets at night, with some vendors going around local neighborhoods at night shouting "balot."

Suggested 2-Week Itinerary in the Philippines

Creating an itinerary for a trip to the Philippines can be difficult, especially for a first-time visitor. This 2-week itinerary in the Philippines will give you an idea of how to maximize your time in the country.

See our popular 2 Weeks Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

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Day 1: Manila

If you only have 2 weeks, a day tour in the capital city Manila is enough. If you're spending more time here, check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Manila .

Things to do in Manila for 1 day:

Explore Intramuros . It used to be the center of government during Spanish times.

Visit Rizal Park. It’s a favorite leisure spot for the locals.

Watch the Manila Bay sunset along Roxas Boulevard.

Go on a Binondo food tour and enjoy authentic Chinese food at the oldest Chinatown.

Read our article on Manila layover activities for more ideas.

Ride a night bus going to Baguio and travel to Banaue.

Day 2-3: Banaue

The mountain province of Banaue is famous for its iconic rice terraces. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Located at around 1500 meters above sea level, it uses an ancient irrigation system where water comes from the rainforest above it.

Things to do in Banaue for 2 days:

Walk around the rice terraces.

Check out the local village and watch an Ifugao cultural show.

Trek to Batad and check out Tappiya Waterfalls. Depending on when you go, you can swim there, too.

If you have more time to spare, go to Buscalan in Kalinga and get a traditional tattoo from Apo Whang-Od .

Take a night bus going back to Manila so you can arrive early the following day.

Day 4: Layover in Manila + Fly to El Nido

If you have time to explore Manila before your flight, head to the bustling city of Makati , where you can explore shopping malls or parks, and treat yourself to a good meal or a bit of shopping. You can go to Poblacion Makati and have some drinks , get a relaxing massage , or join a game night in BGC .

Make sure to withdraw enough cash for El Nido, Palawan. The ATMs in El Nido don't always have enough cash. Many places don’t accept credit cards yet, so you might want to plan just in case.

Day 5-7: El Nido, Palawan

Things to do in El Nido for 3 days:

Join an El Nido island hopping trip which runs for a full day. Each tour has a different itinerary, so it’s up to you to select which sites you would like to visit. You can allot 1 tour a day.

Do the Taraw Cliff via ferrata canopy walk and see the stunning view of the town and the islands.

Drink beers or cocktails and watch the sunset of El Nido in Las Cabanas.

Day 8-9: Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Things to do in Puerto Princesa for 2 days:

Explore the tourist spots in Puerto Princesa City or go island hopping in Honda Bay .

Book a tour of the underground river for Day 9 (you should book this in advance). The whole tour will take 5-6 hours.

See our popular Puerto Princesa Tours and Activities

Day 10-12: Bohol

Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, Philippines

You can’t fly directly to Bohol from Puerto Princesa, but you can fly to Cebu and then take a ferry to Tagbilaran, Bohol . The flight takes about an hour while the fast ferry takes about 2 hours.

Several fast ferries travel between Cebu and Bohol, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding transport to Bohol.

No advance booking is necessary. Just go to the ferry terminal in Pier 4 North Reclamation Area.

Things to do in Bohol for 2 days:

Do the Bohol countryside tour where you can visit most top Bohol attractions like the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Bilar Man-Made Forest, Baclayon Church, and Blood Compact Shrine.

Join Bohol island hopping tours where you can have the chance to see dolphins and snorkel at the incredible Bohol diving sites like Balicasag Island .

Explore Alona Beach in Panglao Island. There are several bars and restaurants there if you need a break from lounging in the beach.

For more adventurous activities, a trip to Danao Adventure Park is where you can experience the Plunge (canyon drop) as well as other exhilarating activities.

Bohol Chocolate Hills Countryside Private Tour with Transfers & Add-on Loboc River Cruise Lunch

Bohol countryside tour chocolate hills to loboc river cruise lunch with hotel transfers, bohol island hopping private tour to balicasag & virgin islands with dolphin watching & transfers.

Day 12-14: Cebu

Things to do in Cebu for 2 days:

When you arrive, go around Cebu City or book Cebu tour s and check out its top attractions, including the Magellan’s Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño.

Alternatively, you can go directly to Moalboal, around 2 hours from the city, where you can go island hopping and swim with the sardines if you book Moalboal tours .

From Moalboal, head to Alegria and Badian for the canyoneering and the Kawasan Falls adventure .

There are several flights from Cebu to Manila , so going back to Manila on Day 14 won’t be a problem. Just make sure to check your flights and allot extra time for delays so you won’t miss your flight out of the country! An easier way to a multi-destination itinerary in the Philippines is by booking all-inclusive Philippine tour packages .

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to the Philippines

Now that you know which destinations you should add to your trip to the Philippines take note of these helpful tips:

Is it safe to visit the Philippines?

Generally, yes. But it's always best to be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure at all times and be wary of strangers. If you're planning to do outdoor activities, check out our guide on travel insurance in the Philippines .

What are the Philippine citizens called?

We are called Filipinos (not Philippinos).

What languages are spoken in the Philippines?

The Philippines has two official languages: English and Filipino. This makes it easier for travelers to get around since English is widely understood and spoken.

While Spanish was the country's official language in the 19th and early 20th centuries, only a very small percentage of the population speak or understand it now.

A lot of words, however, derive their origin from Spanish. All over the Philippines, around 180 languages (and dialects) are spoken, 12 of which are used by at least one million people.

Do I need a visa to visit the Philippines?

Passports holders from any country except the following either don't need a visa or can pay for a visa on arrival:

Afghanistan

Bosnia and Herzegovina

North Korea

Sierra Leone

South Sudan

Taiwan (have to apply for an ETA online)

Timor-Leste

If unsure, double-check with your embassy.

Is Wifi widely available all over the country?

Most hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in major cities would have Wifi connectivity, but the connection's quality varies widely, depending on location. You can use data but note that the signal can be weak to nonexistent in many islands.

Can I use my credit card?

Cash is still king in the Philippines. You can use credit cards in shopping malls and restaurants in major cities, but once you go out of the major cities, and especially in the islands, credit cards are not usually accepted.

Before leaving Manila or other major cities, make sure to acquire enough cash. A lot of destinations do have ATMs and money changers, but check before you leave.

Discover what the Philippines has to offer. With so many destinations to travel to, start planning your trip now! Read our travel guides to learn more and explore our collection of Philippine tours and activities for your trip.

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Best Time to Visit the Philippines: When to Go & When to Avoid

Home » Blog » Travel Tips » 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 of the seasons in the Philippines to help you determine the best time to visit for YOU!

Best Time to Visit the Philippines | Two Wandering Soles

This island archipelago in the western Pacific has everything you could possibly want in a vacation. The Philippines has plenty of tropical islands with white sand beaches. Jungles that play host to myriad of different wildlife species. Mountains to climb, freshwater lakes to dive into, and even a large coral reef system beneath the sea.

In fact, this humble island nation gave us more to fall in love with than most places we’ve traveled.

Planning a trip here can be a bit confusing when trying to figure out when the best time to visit the Philippines is. There are two distinct seasons in the Philippines: the rainy season and the dry season.

This may sound pretty straight forward… you want to visit the Philippines during the dry season right?? Well, we think the answer is just a bit more complicated than that.

There are pros and cons to visiting during both seasons and as with any destination, the weather is never as predictable as we’d like it to be.

So this begs the question…

What time of year is best to visit the Philippines?

In short, you’ll have the best chance of comfortable weather during the coolest months of the dry season, December – February. It is advisable to avoid visiting from August through mid-October as this is Typhoon season.

Our personal pick would be to visit the Philippines during the shoulder season months of May and November as it is less crowded, but the weather is still good.

Best Time to Visit the Philippines | Boracay Sunset Sailboats

Truthfully, as with all questions of this nature, there is no correct answer. Each month has its own unique draws (and drawbacks too).

But fear not…

We’re going to go over the pros and cons of visiting the Philippines during each month to help you decide which time of year is ideal for YOU.

Answer these questions to get started:

Do you mind a bit of rain?
Are you easily bothered by crowds?
Are you negatively affected by high humidity?
Do you prefer to spend your time outdoors hiking and cycling?
Are you into water sports such as scuba diving or surfing?

Thinking about your answers to these questions is going to help you start to determine when to visit the Philippines.

Guide to seasons in the Philippines

Our experience.

Geography overview

Weather in the Philippines

Dry season months
Rainy season months
What to pack for the Philippines

Overall BEST time to visit the Philippines

Want a quick recommendation? Jump down to see our personal advice for the best time to visit the Philippines. Plus, we’ll share what times of year we’d avoid visiting!

Our Recommendation…

Be sure to download our complete packing list for Southeast Asia ! It’s packed with good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your Mexico vacation. And it’s completely FREE , so why not!?

Southeast Asia Packing List Free Download | Two Wandering Soles

We visited the Philippines in January

When: January (2015)

Our experience:

We had perfect weather on our 2-week trip!
We traveled to 3 islands, and had amazing weather on all! Bohol was the only one where we experienced (just a tiny bit of!) rain.

Would we recommend visiting the Philippines in January?

Absolutely! It is one of the best months to visit!

Geography overview of the Philippines

Best Time to Visit the Philippines | Chocolate Hills in the Bohol province

The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia, filling the space between the South China and the Philippine seas of the western Pacific. It’s the 5th largest island nation in the world, made up of more than 7,600 islands. However, only 11 of these islands make up 95% of the landmass of the entire country.

The country is part of a system in the western Pacific characterized by active volcanos and also prone to earthquakes. Aside from the 22,500+ miles of coastline and narrow coastal plains, the vast majority of the country is mountainous jungles and forests with rivers that run south to north.

While the land plays hosts to an impressive number of exotic and endemic species, there is also an exciting world resting below the surface just off shore.

The Philippines sits within the “Coral Triangle,” also known as the global center of marine biodiversity. This makes the Philippines one of the best places to go scuba diving in the world !

Best Time to Visit the Philippines | Boracay Beach bar in Palawan

The Philippines enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year that can be roughly divided into a dry season (November – April) and rainy season (May – October).

Temperatures in the Philippines don’t fluctuate much throughout the year. However, you will experience more extreme heat from the months of March – May, and slightly cooler temps in December – February.

There is also a significant chance of typhoons during the rainy season because the Philippines is within the typhoon belt. The country experiences around nineteen typhoons every year, particularly during the months of August – October.

Stats on Philippines Weather & Seasons

Warmest months in the Philippines: March/April/May
Coolest months in Philippines: January/February
Rainiest months in Philippines: July/August
Driest month in Philippines: February
Most crowded months in Philippines: December/January
Least crowded months in Philippines: June, July, August

Dry Season in the Philippines

The dry season in the Philippines runs from November through April and this is by far the most popular time for tourists to visit the region. December through February will be the coolest months, while temperatures reach their peak in May.

With unpredictable weather (likely due in part to the impact of climate change), it’s important to note that typhoons can occur sometimes as late as January. Although this is not typical.

Best Time to Visit the Philippines | Palawan island hopping

Dry season months at a glance

November: Officially the start of the dry season in the Philippines, however, there is still a chance of typhoons as weather can be unpredictable.

Average daily temp: ° F (30-31° C)

December: Cooler temperatures and mostly clear skies (with the slightest chance of a typhoon) mark the start of the peak travel season.

Average daily temp: ° F (29-31° C)

January: One of the coolest months in the Philippines means that temperatures will be cooler, without getting too cold. Peak of dry season means you’ll have great weather.

Average daily temp: ° F (29-31° C)

February: Less crowded than January but with slightly warmer temperatures throughout the month.

March: Temperatures are starting to get hot, but conditions are still great for travel around the Philippines his month. Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter) is busy and best avoided if possible as accommodation will be scarce.

Average daily temp: ° F (32-33° C)

April: This is the hottest and final month of the dry season, so temperatures will be at their peak.

Average daily temp: ° F (32-34° C)

Best Time to Visit the Philippines | El Nido Palawan Philippines

Best places to visit in the Philippines during dry season

Panay Island: in January for Ati-Atihan festival
Cebu: for the Sinulog festival in January
Clark, Pampanga: They host the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in February
Boracay Beach : one of the best beaches in the world and a popular tourist draw to the Philippines.
El Nido in Palawan
Sorsogon: to go swimming with whale sharks (November – June)
Apo Island for scuba diving

Best Time to Visit the Philippines | Boracay Beach in Palawan

Best things to do in the Philippines during dry season

Go island hopping around some of the Philippines best island destinations: Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan, Cebu, Iloilo, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol , Camiguin, Palaui and Siargao.
Go scuba diving: the Philippines is within the “coral triangle” and has some of the best scuba diving in the world .
Try a new water sport: Whether it’s surfing, SUP boarding, free diving , or snorkeling, there are so many fun water sports to try in the Philippines.
Ati-Atihan Festival (usually the second week of January): This is the largest festival in the country. Celebrating an ancient land pact between settlers and the indigenous Atis people with street dancing and wild costumes.
Dinagyang festival (fourth week in January): A modern celebration of Ati-Atihan, including a parade on the Iloilo River.
Sinulog (3rd Sunday in January): The largest festival in Cebu, celebrating Santo Niño. There is a huge street parade, live music and food and drinks.
Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival (April): Modeled after Hong Kong’s dragon boat races, this festival includes local and international teams competing in a course off White Beach.

Best Time to Visit the Philippines | Boracay sailboats at sunset

Pros of visiting the Philippines during the dry season

Less likelihood of rain
Humidity is bearable
Mosquitoes/insects aren’t as big of a concern
Lots of festivals and events happening

Cons of visiting the Philippines during the dry season

Peak tourism season (particularly December – February)
Accommodation prices will be higher, and harder to come by
Major tourist attractions such as beaches will be very crowded
The hottest months of the year are March – May

Rainy Season in the Philippines

The rainy season in the Philippines runs from May – October, and vegetation is often at it’s most lush during the months of May – June. The majority of typhoons occur during the months of August – October and can cause road closures and flight cancelations. So its not ideal to be traveling during this time.

The wet season doesn’t mean a constant rainfall and you will still have the chance of sunny skies and warm weather during these months.

Best Time to Visit the Philippines | Man made forest in the Philippines

Rainy season months at a glance

May: Although its the technically the first month of the wet season, there is still a likelihood that you will encounter nice weather. The temperatures during the month are at their highest, so it’s a good time to visit the mountains or stay near the ocean.

Average daily temp: ° F (33-36° C)

June: The rains begin to make their way through the country this month. Starting in the north and making their way down. However areas around the central part of the country (Cebu) will still be dry for the most part.

Average daily temp: ° F (31-32° C)

July: Rainfall gets heavier, especially in the north. However, the central region (around Cebu) is still mostly dry.

August: Typhoon season begins towards the end of the month and heavy rainfall can be expected. Best to avoid this month if you are hoping for clear skies on your holiday.

September: Typhoon season is in full swing and it is unadvisable to travel during this month.

Average daily temp: ° F (30-32° C)

October: Most of the rains will have cleared up by the end of the month, however there is still the chance of the occasional typhoon. It would be best to avoid traveling in the beginning of the month.

Best Time to Visit the Philippines | Banaue Rice Terraces

Best places to visit during the rainy season in the Philippines

Mindanao: This region sees the least rain during wet season, so it’s a good time to go without the crowds.
Visayas and Palawan are less prone to the dangers of typhoons than other areas in the Philippines.
Banaue: Visit the rice terraces during May when it’s too hot in the lowlands, but temperatures are reasonable in the mountains and the vegetation is lush.
Bacolod: For the Masskara Festival in October.

Best things to do during the rainy season in the Philippines

Take a cooking class
Get a massage, or go full-out and pamper yourself with a spa day!
Flores de Mayo (May): A religious celebration of the coming rains. Processions happen all over the country, sometimes lit by candle light after dark.
Masskara Festival (third Week of October): This festival in Bacolod boasts of colorful masks donned by dancers parading around the town.

Best Time to Visit the Philippines | Island hopping around Palawan

Pros of visiting the Philippines during the rainy season

The possibility of rain deters some travelers from visiting, so the Philippines tends to be less crowded.
Typical tourist attractions such as beaches will be less crowded than in dry season.
Traffic on the roads won’t be quite as busy as the typical hustle and bustle of high season.
The weather is still fairly good and you can have plenty of rain-free days, particularly in May.

Cons of visiting the Philippines during the rainy season

Torrential rains and thunderstorms are commonly experienced July – October
The country experiences around nineteen typhoons every year during the rainy season
Mosquitos…eek!
Decreased visibility at dive sites due to weather makes it not the optimal time for diving

In our opinion…

In our opinion, the best time to visit the Philippines would be during the “shoulder season” months of May and November. Here are our primary reasons for choosing this time:

Accommodation prices are not at peak rates
Weather is mostly dry and less humid than the peak of rainy season
Not too crowded
Good sea conditions for diving/surfing/snorkeling
Reasonable airfare can be found (Hint: Use these hacks for booking cheap flights !)

What to pack for your trip to the Philippines

We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating this super helpful PDF just for you.

In this free SE Asia packing list PDF download , we’ve provided packing checklists for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women and men!) to what shoes to pack and extra medicines you may want to have on-hand just in case.

Plus, we’re sharing tons of packing hacks and tips for traveling in SE Asia that you won’t find anywhere else!

SE Asia Packing List PDF download | Two Wandering Soles

Are you planning a trip to the Philippines?

We have ton of resources on travel in the Philippines and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

Ultimate Philippines 2-Week Itinerary
How to Travel the Philippines on Less Than $50 a Day
Top Things to Do in Boracay
Things to Do in El Nido, Palawan

Save this article for later on Pinterest!

We want to hear from you!

We hope this article has helped you decide which is the best time to visit the Philippines for YOU. If you are planning a trip to the Philippines and still have questions, comment below and we’ll do our best to find you answers!

Comments (8) on “ Best Time to Visit the Philippines: When to Go & When to Avoid ”

Where would you suggest starting on 3 week trip to the Philippine’s? I’m travelling with my husband, hopefully in June, if not next April.

Many thanks, Zoe

Your suggestion about the shoulder season months to visit Philippines is very nice. Is it possible to save money on these bookings like I did on kuwait airways by booking through Cleartrip. I am a prudent soul and always enjoy saving money on travels. The images you have shared are colorful and energizing. Loved perusing your blog.

Beautiful country with a lot of beaches.

Hello, can you please share an updated version of the 2 week itinerary? I am sure post pandemic much has changed. Thanks

Yes going in August On the 13th hoping to have a good time still even tho it still will be the raining seasons I am also traveling with my son whom is Autistic want to go and get married out there Im just looking for a good time in shopping and and eating some many good different foods..Praying on the weather to just enjoy my life and my to be…Thanks…

How was the weather in august?

Still undecided when to go on vacation to the Philippines

Thanks! Great Info!

Weather in the Philippines in August

Rain clouds fill the skies when it comes to the weather in the Philippines in August. The monsoon is in full swing in this month, and though the temperatures are cooler, they still remain within the 25°- 28°C (77° – 84°F) range. Typhoons increase in frequency towards the end of the month, requiring some planning.

So if you’re a beach bum looking for that perfect tan, you’re better off in March or April . But, for those of you who can handle the rain, cheap hotels and flights await you in August. You can still trek in Luzon, get sunny beach days on the right Islands in Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao.

Read on to understand the weather in the Philippines in August and remember, sun or rain we can help you plan the perfect holiday in these tropical islands.

Weather in Luzon in August

If you’re travelling to the Philippines in August to visit Luzon, don’t forget a good rain jacket or an umbrella. A few sunny days will show up, but for the most part, the weather will be overcast and rainy. Manila experiences a lot of thunderstorms and torrential rain, but it isn’t daily or continuous. The Banaue Rice Terraces are fantastic in August.

But there might be landslides on the narrow mountain roads, causing unpredictable delays. Hill Stations like Sagada and Baguio are relatively cooler than the rest of the areas, as they are at a higher altitude. These places experience refreshing showers in the afternoon. You can even book a tour for mountain towns like Sagada; for any help regarding the same, hit Plan Your Trip .

When it comes to diving , we recommend avoiding Luzon unless you’re sure of the weather and the dive sites are open. The visibility isn’t great inside the waters, and you’re better off diving somewhere in the Visayas or Palawan . There, it is much drier and there’s less chances of a typhoon disrupting your plans.

Weather in the Visayas in August

Travelling to the Philippines in August warrants you are avoiding certain areas. One of these is the Eastern Visayas (Samar, Leyte), as they’re hit by thunderstorms and typhoons.

But other places like Bohol, Negros and Siquijor are a relatively safer bet during August . They experience frequent showers but the sun comes out every now and then. Boracay is drier too, so it is definitely possible to go there .

However, you must not expect the reasonable weather of during April or May. There will be nice, warm sunny days for beach visits and activities, alongside frequent showers for shorter durations. August falls in the off-season so hotels and hostels will be cheaper and you will be relatively tourist-free.

Panglao Island in Bohol is a diver’s haven for diving in the Philippines in August. Coron, Boracay, Malapascua, El Nido, and Apo Reef Natural Park are good for diving on clearer days too.

Weather in Mindanao in August

Siargao is the best destination when it comes to the weather in the Philippines in August . The winds are strongest during August and the waves tend to swell up, making it a month filled with fun for surfers. However, if you don’t plan on surfing, the weather isn’t very different from what we mentioned above.- rainfall coupled with sunny days.

Camiguin is a nice getaway island with lots of volcanoes, hot springs and beautiful beaches, but it’s not at its best in August. It’s a hit or miss if you’re there for a short time. The Kadayawan festival is held in August in Davao so the 2nd and 3rd week of Davao tend to get fairly busy. The city also gets very hot and humid, with quite a lot of rainfall.

Weather in PALAWAN in August

El Nido, Coron and other parts of Palawan are probably the best bet for good weather in August . Due to its unique location, they are normally not affected by typhoons or major storms . You will always get a few sunny days with intermittent showers. The temperature is cooler and being offseason you should get some great deals on the hotels.

It is a decent time to even dive, barring the strong winds which accompany the rain. But overall it is a good time to visit the beautiful and dreamy islands of Palawan. Spend time on the beaches in El Nido, and remote beaches of Balabac.

Travel to the Islands of Palawan,Phillipines

The weather in the Philippines in August makes travelling a task of picking and choosing destinations to visit. However, there’s loads to do, and travelling to the Philippines in August is also something we can help you out with. From essential tips to travel routes, we’ve got it all. Click on Plan My Trip to know more.

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Cebu In August: The Perfect Season For A Getaway To The Philippines

16 Nov 2021

A trip to Cebu in August is beneficial in many ways. Despite the little rain and grey skies, the weather is just perfect to tour through the city and witness some of the major attractions around. The city of the Philippines has a lot of sights, events, and attractions in store for its tourists during this month. Let’s see the complete travel guide to Cebu for the month of August.

Best Time To Visit Cebu

It is usually said that the best time to visit the city of Cebu is in winters. However, if you want to see some lesser crowd and enjoy a beautiful getaway in the pleasant weather, then monsoon would do the magic for you. Hence, we advise you to pack up your bags with some light, colorful clothes and have a taste of the Cebu weather in August 2023.

Why You Should Visit Cebu In August

Image Source

It reflects the rich Philippine heritage.
The 10th largest mall in the world stands here.
The lesser crowd will make your trip hassle-free.
The churches in Cebu are worth taking a look at.

How To Reach Cebu

The one and the only way to reach Cebu is by Airways. Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the main serving airport in the crown city of the Philippines.

Places To Visit In Cebu

Cebu has a bucketful of breathtaking viewpoints and must-visit spots for its tourists. Here, find out the best places to visit while you enjoy your Cebu holidays in August.

1. Simala Shrine Church

This majestic church in Cebu is also popular as Cebu’s Castle Church. A very pristine spot for tourists, the Simala Shrine church is huge in size and is embellished with first-class architecture. Just a few hours drive from the city, this breathtaking spot is definitely worth giving a visit to. Also, the church’s wondrous events take place throughout the year and invite a large number of people here.

Location: Marian Hills, Sibonga, Cebu, Philippines Opening hours: 8 AM – 8 PM (12 PM – 3:30 PM on Sundays)

Must Read: 9 Indian Restaurants In Cebu That Are Topping The Culinary Charts

2. 10,000 Roses Cafe Cebu

Situated at the end of Cordova Tourism Center, 10,000 roses cafe is surrounded by an oceanic view. Designed and owned by Miguel Cho, this cafe in Cebu has a romantic ambiance with over 10,000 LED roses artificially planted in the open space. The 3 feet tall roses are seen dancing in the sea breeze by the daylight and sparkling under the night sky. The delicious food and the panoramic views of Cebu Island are a real treat for the eyes.

Location: Day-as Barangay Rd, Cordova, Cebu, Philippines Opening hours: 11 AM – 11 PM Entrance fee: (INR 26.98

Suggested Read: 8 Fascinating Things To Do In Manila To Savor The Best Of Philippines’ Culture

3. Magellan’s Cross

A historical and famous landmark at the center of Cebu City, Magellan’s Cross is a church that represents a cross established by Portuguese and Spanish explorers back in the year 1521. The ceiling of the beautiful church represents a display of the landing of Magellan in Cebu. The attraction is s must-visit while visiting Cebu in August.

Location: P. Burgos St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines Opening hours: 8 AM – 6 PM

Suggested Read: Cebu Nightlife: 10 Bars And Nightclubs For Party Lovers To Barge In After Dark!

Things To Do In Cebu In August

While you give a visit to the city of Cebu, remember to try on some amazing activities in different places around the city and make the most out of your tour.

1. Icon Bar – Experience The Nightlife

If you are one of those people who loves to taste the nightlife and enjoy high-spirited parties, then you must visit the Icon Bar in Cebu. Be welcomed by the huge disco ball in the Icon Bar and get lost through the lively crowd that surrounds you. In the pleasant mid-night weather of Cebu, take a tour through this bar.

Location: 22 F. Cabahug St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines Opening hours: 9 PM – 6 AM

Suggested Read: Best Cebu Resorts: 15 Cozy Properties To Explore This Colonial City Like A Local

2. Sm Seaside City – Go On A Shopping Spree

The 10th largest shopping mall in the world stands tall in Cebu, with a variety of shops where you can purchase everything from clothes to electronics. While in Cebu, allow yourself to shop through the colorful shopping complexes and eat at one of the many fancy cafes and restaurants here.

Location: Corner South Coastal Road and Mambaling Extension, Cebu City 6000, Philippines

Suggested Read: 15 Places To Visit In Cebu For Thrill Seekers & History Buffs

3. Feast On The Sumptuous Street Food

The delicious street food mixed with the pleasant weather of August is a perfect combination if you choose to roam around the streets of Cebu and feast on the delicious food. At every other corner of the city, you will come across an eatery which serves the best Philippine cuisine. The spicy and exotic flavors before a sweet dessert is a must-try for every foodie who visits Cebu. You will see for yourself why August is the best time to visit Cebu.

Suggested Read: A Shopaholic’s Guide To Shopping in Philippines

Tips For Visiting Cebu In August

Here, find some tips which will help you in your Cebu in August 2023 trip.

Be informed about the weather forecast and rain schedule before stepping out in the city
Make sure you carry umbrellas and raincoats while stepping out
Pack light clothes for your trip to beat the humidity.
While going to the religious sights, make sure you wear full-length clothes.

Further Read: 10 Things To Do In Cebu That’ll Make You Nostalgic The Moment You Leave The City

This was the comprehensive travel guide to visit Cebu in August and have an amazing holiday in the Philippines . Make notes of everything mentioned above and share your travel experiences with us once you return from your trip to this beautiful Philippines city.

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The Top 15 Beaches in the Philippines You Need to See in 2024

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

When it comes to beaches, you simply can’t talk about paradise without mentioning the Philippines.

Made up of over 7,641 islands with seemingly endless shorelines, the Philippines truly is a beach lover’s dream.

From the famous white-sand beauty of Boracay to the hidden coves and bays waiting to be discovered, the country has some of the most stunning beaches not just in Southeast Asia, but all over the world!!

In this post, I’ll be sharing my personal list of 15 must-visit beaches that should not be missed when you travel to the Philippines.

These beaches have stood out to me as some of the best for clear waters, soft powdery sand, lush backdrops, and overall natural beauty and vibrancy.

Let’s get right to it and I’ll tell you why each of these spots is a true tropical paradise found.

<p>Lambug Beach in Badian, Cebu, is a secret beach spot perfect for anyone who loves the ocean but doesn’t want crowds. It’s tucked away in a small Barangay Lambug area, close to the Cebu International Golf and Resort.</p><p>This beach is all about stunning white sand and clear blue water. What’s great about Lambug Beach is that big resorts haven’t taken over, so it still has that chill, local vibe. Like cottages, you can find cozy places on the beach.</p><p>It’s also the place to be if you’re into exciting activities like canyoneering. Plus, you can rent tents, hang out all day at the beach, snorkel, or just relax and watch one of the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever see. Lambug Beach is definitely a go-to for a calm yet adventurous beach day away from the usual touristy spots.</p>

15. Lambug Beach, Badian, Cebu

Lambug Beach in Badian, Cebu, is a secret beach spot perfect for anyone who loves the ocean but doesn’t want crowds. It’s tucked away in a small Barangay Lambug area, close to the Cebu International Golf and Resort.

This beach is all about stunning white sand and clear blue water. What’s great about Lambug Beach is that big resorts haven’t taken over, so it still has that chill, local vibe. Like cottages, you can find cozy places on the beach.

It’s also the place to be if you’re into exciting activities like canyoneering. Plus, you can rent tents, hang out all day at the beach, snorkel, or just relax and watch one of the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever see. Lambug Beach is definitely a go-to for a calm yet adventurous beach day away from the usual touristy spots.

<p>Alegria Beach in Siargao is another hidden treasure for beach lovers. It’s about an hour and a half drive from General Luna, and it’s totally worth the trip. It’s a long stretch of soft white sand, about 5 kilometers, where you can see breathtaking views everywhere.</p><p>What makes Alegria Beach special is how untouched it feels—there are no big hotels or shops, just a few simple picnic huts, and cottages under the shade of tall coconut trees. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, or chilling in the sun.</p><p>The best part? If you find a cottage, you can stay there without anyone asking you to pay. Just remember to bring your own snacks if you plan to hang out for a while.</p>

14. Alegria Beach, Siargao

Alegria Beach in Siargao is another hidden treasure for beach lovers. It’s about an hour and a half drive from General Luna, and it’s totally worth the trip. It’s a long stretch of soft white sand, about 5 kilometers, where you can see breathtaking views everywhere.

What makes Alegria Beach special is how untouched it feels—there are no big hotels or shops, just a few simple picnic huts, and cottages under the shade of tall coconut trees. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, or chilling in the sun.

The best part? If you find a cottage, you can stay there without anyone asking you to pay. Just remember to bring your own snacks if you plan to hang out for a while.

<p>Famous for its unique pinkish-white sand. This beautiful spot is where you can find crystal-clear blue waters, meeting the soft sand that gets its pink hue from crushed red corals.</p><p>The beach is split into two parts: Subic Laki (Big Beach), where you can find simple accommodations, and Subic Liit (Small Beach), a quieter area perfect for swimming or relaxing under the shade of trees.</p><p>Getting there is pretty easy, just a half-hour boat ride from the mainland, but it’s a good idea to go when the weather’s nice and sunny. Subic Beach’s stunning scenery and calm vibe make it a perfect spot for anyone looking to unwind at a beautiful beach.</p>

13. Subic Beach, Sorsogon

Famous for its unique pinkish-white sand. This beautiful spot is where you can find crystal-clear blue waters, meeting the soft sand that gets its pink hue from crushed red corals.

The beach is split into two parts: Subic Laki (Big Beach), where you can find simple accommodations, and Subic Liit (Small Beach), a quieter area perfect for swimming or relaxing under the shade of trees.

Getting there is pretty easy, just a half-hour boat ride from the mainland, but it’s a good idea to go when the weather’s nice and sunny. Subic Beach’s stunning scenery and calm vibe make it a perfect spot for anyone looking to unwind at a beautiful beach.

12. Bitaog Beach, Dinagat Islands

Bitaog Beach, nestled on an island within Basilisa Municipality of the Dinagat Islands, stands out as one of the region’s finest.

This beach is a picturesque blend of white sandy shores, waters that meld shades of blue and green and rows of coconut trees framed by impressive limestone cliffs similar to those in El Nido and Coron, Palawan.

It’s a haven for activities like swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, thanks to its natural beauty. The beach is accessible and most enjoyable from December to May when the sea is calm, perfect for island hopping tours.

For the adventurous souls, Bitaog Beach also offers rock climbing, trekking, and the option for overnight camping.

<p>Unlike the busy White Beach, Puka Beach is known for its peaceful vibe, making it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds. The beach is named after the plentiful puka shells mixed into its fine white sand, creating a unique and beautiful shoreline.</p><p>Surrounded by tall coconut trees and a vibrant tropical forest, this beach stretches roughly 800 meters and is free from the usual beachfront hotels, resorts, and clubs. Visitors often enjoy the calm atmosphere, taking leisurely walks or joining guided tours to fully experience this natural beauty.</p><p>The best time to visit Puka Beach is from November to May when the weather is ideal for soaking in the sun and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of one of Boracay’s quieter beach spots.</p>

11. Puka Beach, Boracay

Unlike the busy White Beach, Puka Beach is known for its peaceful vibe, making it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds. The beach is named after the plentiful puka shells mixed into its fine white sand, creating a unique and beautiful shoreline.

Surrounded by tall coconut trees and tropical forest, this beach stretches roughly 800 meters and is free from the usual beachfront hotels, resorts, and clubs. Visitors often enjoy the calm atmosphere, taking leisurely walks or joining guided tours to fully experience this natural beauty.

The best time to visit Puka Beach is from November to May when the weather is ideal for soaking in the sun and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of one of Boracay’s quieter beach spots.

<p>Bonbon Beach in Romblon is a stunning beach paradise that’s a must-see. It’s known for having one of the most beautiful stretches of sand you’ll ever see.</p><p>Bonbon Beach stands out because of its incredible sandbar that reaches a nearby island, especially during low tide. This makes for a breathtaking view and a unique experience as you walk along it, making the scene absolutely spectacular. The beach has super fine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters that will make you feel like you’re walking in a dream.</p><p>The best time to visit is from January to May when the sea is calm, making it safer for day trips and booking a island hopping tours. This place is not just a beach in Romblon but a jaw-dropping spot perfect for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Philippines.</p>

10. Bonbon Beach, Romblon

Bonbon Beach in Romblon is a stunning beach paradise that’s a must-see. It’s known for having one of the most beautiful stretches of sand you’ll ever witness.

Bonbon Beach stands out because of its incredible sandbar that reaches a nearby island, especially during low tide. This makes for a breathtaking view and a unique experience as you walk along it, making the scene absolutely spectacular. The beach has super fine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters that will make you feel like you’re walking in a dream.

The best time to visit is from January to May when the sea is calm, making it safer for day trips and booking a island hopping tours. This place is not just a beach in Romblon but a jaw-dropping spot perfect for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Philippines.

<p>Banol Beach in Coron, Palawan, is a slice of paradise with some of the softest, whitest sand you’ll ever see and waters in stunning shades of blue and teal that seem to come straight out of a painting. </p><p>Surrounded by impressive karst cliffs, this beach is perfect for those who love to pose, swim, kayak, or simply relax in a nipa hut by the shore. To reach this breathtaking beach, you can join a day trip from Coron or a private ferry for a more exclusive experience. </p>

9. Banol Beach, Coron, Palawan

Banol Beach in Coron, Palawan, is a slice of paradise with some of the softest, whitest sand and waters in stunning shades of blue and teal that seem to come straight out of a painting.

Surrounded by impressive karst cliffs, this beach is perfect for those who love to pose, swim, kayak, or simply relax in a nipa hut by the shore. To reach this breathtaking beach, you can join a day trip from Coron or a private ferry for a more exclusive experience.

<p>Paliton Beach in Siquijor, close to the small town of San Juan, is a beautiful spot famous for its bright white sand and palm trees right by the water. It’s an amazing place to watch the sunset and enjoy the clear, turquoise sea. You can swim, chill in a hammock or just enjoy a sunbathing at the beach.</p><p>This peaceful beach is always open, making it a great place to visit any time you’re on the island. The best months to go are from November to April, when it’s sunny and dry. Paliton Beach is quieter than other busy beaches, offering a calm, picture-perfect setting that feels like your own private piece of paradise.</p>

8. Paliton Beach, Siquijor

Paliton Beach in Siquijor, close to the small town of San Juan, is a beautiful spot famous for its bright white sand and palm trees right by the water. It’s an amazing place to watch the sunset and enjoy the clear, turquoise sea. You can swim, chill in a hammock or just enjoy a sunbathing at the beach.

This peaceful beach is always open, making it a great place to visit any time you’re on the island. The best months to go are from November to April, when it’s sunny and dry. Paliton Beach is quieter than other busy beaches, offering a calm, picture-perfect setting that feels like your own private piece of paradise.

<p>Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan, is a breathtaking spot that boasts the title of the Philippines’ longest beach. Stretching over 14.7 kilometers, it’s a vast expanse of powdery white sand that’s three times the length of Boracay’s famous White Beach.</p><p>This makes it a fantastic choice for those who love to explore, relax on the beach for hours, or go island-hopping. Food lovers will appreciate the variety of restaurants offering both local and international dishes.</p><p>The surrounding area is as charming as the beach itself, with green landscapes and small villages that give you a glimpse of a simpler, tranquil life, away from the noise and rush of the city. It’s beautiful! </p>

7. Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan

Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan, is a breathtaking spot that boasts the title of the Philippines’ longest beach. Stretching over 14.7 kilometers, it’s a vast expanse of powdery white sand that’s three times the length of Boracay’s famous White Beach.

This makes it a fantastic choice for those who love to explore, relax on the beach for hours, or go island-hopping. Food lovers will appreciate the variety of restaurants offering both local and international dishes.

The surrounding area is as charming as the beach itself, with green landscapes and small villages that give you a glimpse of a simpler, tranquil life, away from the noise and rush of the city. It’s beautiful!

<p>Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental, is a surfer’s paradise located about 10 kilometers from the downtown area of Mati City. It’s just a 30-minute ride from my place, making it my favorite spot whenever I need to relax and unwind.</p><p>Framed by tall coconut trees, the beach exudes a tropical vibe. It caters to thrill-seekers who enjoy skimboarding and surfing, thanks to the powerful waves that can soar up to 10 feet high.</p><p>Even though I’m not much of a surfer, I love swimming and playing in those big waves and just walking along the 7-kilometer stretch of gorgeous cream sand, which offers the perfect spot to chill, soak up the sun, and enjoy some music and drinks.</p><p>This beach isn’t just about fun—it’s also a sanctuary for sea turtles and, occasionally, dolphins, which you can sometimes spot early in the morning. For those looking to stay overnight, there are plenty of resorts, such as Dahican Surf Resort, offering cozy accommodations and tasty food close to the beach.</p><p>Dahican is a vibrant community surrounded by nature, where life is laid-back, and the ocean views are unforgettable. The people in Davao Oriental are incredibly welcoming and full of good vibes, making your visit feel like you’re part of a big, happy family. Whether you’re riding the waves or just enjoying the beach, the warm hospitality of the locals is sure to make your experience even more special.</p><p>This is where I find my peace and joy, a place where I can just be me, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature.</p>

6. Dahican Beach, Mati, Davao Oriental

Dahican Beach in Mati, Davao Oriental, is a surfer’s paradise located about 10 kilometers from the downtown area of Mati City. It’s just a 30-minute ride from my place, making it my favorite spot whenever I need to relax and unwind.

Framed by tall coconut trees, the beach exudes a tropical vibe. It caters to thrill-seekers who enjoy skimboarding and surfing, thanks to the powerful waves that can soar up to 10 feet high.

Even though I’m not much of a surfer, I love swimming and playing in those big waves and just walking along the 7-kilometer stretch of gorgeous cream sand, which offers the perfect spot to chill, soak up the sun, and enjoy some music and cold beers.

This beach isn’t just about fun—it’s also a sanctuary for sea turtles and, occasionally, dolphins, which you can sometimes spot early in the morning. For those looking to stay overnight, there are plenty of resorts, such as Dahican Surf Resort, offering cozy accommodations and tasty food close to the beach.

Dahican is an active community surrounded by nature, where life is laid-back, and the ocean views are unforgettable. The people in Davao Oriental are incredibly welcoming and full of good vibes, making your visit feel like you’re part of a big, happy family. Whether you’re riding the waves or just enjoying the beach, the warm hospitality of the locals here is sure to make your experience even more special.

This is where I find my peace and joy, a place where I can just be me, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature.

5. Mahabang Buhangin Beach, Calaguas

Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte has captured the hearts of campers and backpackers alike.

Known for its expansive stretch of powdery white sand that reminds many of Boracay, this beach is called “Mahabang Buhangin,” which translates to “long beach.” It’s a place for those seeking adventures in and out of the water, offering activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.

Because the area is still relatively untouched, visitors should remember to bring their own food and camping gear since the amenities are quite basic.

Despite its growing popularity, the beach retains its peaceful and pristine nature, boasting some of the clearest and bluest waters in the Philippines against a backdrop of dense greenery — a true retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Plus, the weak cell phone signal offers a perfect opportunity to unplug and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

<p><span>Tucked away in the breathtaking landscape of El Nido, Palawan, and recognized as one of the world’s 50 best beaches, Hidden Beach is known for its unmatched beauty and serenity. </span></p><p><span>This paradise, concealed behind majestic limestone cliffs, is a haven of white sand, shimmering waters in shades of greena and blue, and stunning natural formations that seem straight out of a dream. </span></p><p><span>Here, you can enjoy kayaking or swimming in peace, far from the crowds, with the chance to spot clownfish among the corals. To reach this hidden beach, you can book a guided tour or take a ferry ride from El Nido Town.</span></p><p><span>Hidden Beach isn’t just a beach, it’s a unique, jaw-dropping paradise where the natural beauty of the Philippines shines, offering a peaceful oasis that’s hard to find elsewhere.</span></p>

4. Hidden Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Tucked away in the breathtaking landscape of El Nido, Palawan, and recognized as one of the world’s 50 best beaches, Hidden Beach is known for its unmatched beauty and serenity.

This paradise, concealed behind majestic limestone cliffs, presitine white sand, shimmering waters in shades of green and blue, and stunning natural formations that seem straight out of a dream.

Here, you can enjoy kayaking or swimming in peace, far from the crowds, with the chance to spot clownfish among the corals. To reach this hidden beach, you can book a guided tour or take a ferry ride from El Nido Town.

Hidden Beach isn’t just an ordinary “beach”, it’s a unique, jaw-dropping paradise where the natural beauty of the Philippines shines through, offering a peaceful oasis that’s hard to find elsewhere.

<p><span>Just a two-hour boat ride from the bustling Coron town lies the paradise of Malcapuya Beach, another beautiful spot in the breathtaking landscape of Palawan. </span></p><p><span>Known for its 1.5-kilometer stretch of dazzling white sand and turquoise</span> <span>waters, Malcapuya is not just a place to soak up the sun, it’s an underwater sanctuary perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, boasting marine life and colorful coral gardens. </span> <span>The beach, fringed with palm trees, offers a peaceful escape where you can enjoy the simple pleasure of sipping fresh coconut water. </span></p><p><span>Beyond its soft sandy shores, you’ll find hidden coves and stunning rocky cliffs, creating a picturesque backdrop for your tropical getaway. With its proximity to other island attractions like Banana Island and Bulog Dos, Malcapuya is the ideal starting point for an unforgettable island-hopping adventure in Coron. </span></p><p><span>Whether you rent a private boat or join a guided tour, a visit to Malcapuya Beach promises a blend of relaxation and exploration in one of Palawan’s most breathtaking settings.</span></p>

3. Malcapuya Beach, Coron, Palawan

Just a two-hour boat ride from the bustling Coron town lies the paradise of Malcapuya Beach, another beautiful spot in the breathtaking landscape of Palawan.

Known for its 1.5-kilometer stretch of dazzling white sand and turquoise waters, Malcapuya is not just a place to soak up the sun, it’s an underwater sanctuary perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, boasting marine life and colorful coral gardens. The beach, fringed with palm trees, offers a peaceful escape where you can enjoy the simple pleasure of sipping fresh coconut water.

Beyond its soft sandy shores, you’ll find hidden coves and stunning rocky cliffs, creating a picturesque backdrop for your tropical getaway. With its proximity to other island attractions like Banana Island and Bulog Dos, Malcapuya is the ideal starting point for an unforgettable island-hopping adventure in Coron.

Whether you rent a private boat or join a guided tour, a visit to Malcapuya Beach promises a blend of relaxation and exploration in one of Palawan’s most breathtaking settings.

<p><span>Nacpan Beach, just a 45-minute drive from the heart of El Nido, Palawan, is a breathtaking expanse of cream-colored sand stretching over 4 kilometers, framed by lush coconut trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters. </span></p><p><span>Voted as the world’s 10th best beach in 2016 by TripAdvisor, this spot maintains its charm by staying relatively untouched and uncrowded ideal for those seeking calmness, Nacpan Beach invites you to spend your days swimming, sunbathing, surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. </span></p><p><span>For the adventurous, a hike to a nearby hill reveals the stunning view of the Twin Beaches, Nacpan, and its lesser-known sibling, Calitang Beach. Alongside the natural beauty, a handful of local restaurants dotting the shoreline promise a taste of various cuisines, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day under the sun.</span></p>

2. Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan

Nacpan Beach, just a 45-minute drive from the heart of El Nido, Palawan, is a breathtaking expanse of cream-colored sand stretching over 4 kilometers, framed by lush coconut trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Voted as the world’s 10th best beach in 2016 by TripAdvisor, this spot maintains its charm by staying relatively untouched and uncrowded ideal for those seeking calmness. Nacpan Beach invites you to spend your days swimming, sunbathing, surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

For the adventurous, a hike to a nearby hill reveals the stunning view of the Twin Beaches, Nacpan, and its lesser-known sibling, Calitang Beach. Alongside the natural beauty, a handful of local restaurants dotting the shoreline promise a taste of various cuisines, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day under the sun.

<p>As I write this, I’m singing along to one of my favorite lines from a Taylor Swift song, <em>“This scene feels like what I once saw on a screen~” …</em>which perfectly captures the moment because Boracay is truly beautiful — beyond words. </p><p><span>White Beach in Boracay attracts numerous tourists from various countries, drawn to its amazing beauty and <strong><a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/10-dreamy-locations-in-the-philippines-perfect-for-couples/" rel="noreferrer noopener">romantic and peaceful atmosphere.</a></strong> Known not only as one of the finest white sand beaches in the Philippines but it’s also highly regarded worldwide.</span></p><p><span>The beach’s sand is exceptionally soft, white and pure, remaining cool even under the most intense sunlight.</span> </p><p><span>Along the shoreline, </span>you can find upscale resorts and hotels such as Shangri-La and Crimson Boracay that offer everything you could want. There are also many restaurants on the beachfront, serving a variety of dishes that will satisfy any taste. </p><p>The real beauty of White Beach, though, is its untouched nature — there’s nothing quite like sitting on its clean sand and watching the mesmerizing sunsets of Boracay.</p><p><span>Adventure seekers will find Boracay’s island-hopping tours an exciting opportunity to discover hidden islands and snorkeling spots, showcasing the island’s rich marine life. </span></p><p><span>This lively, picturesque destination, with plenty of activities, makes White Beach Boracay the number one choice for those seeking the ultimate beach vacation in the Philippines.</span></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/10-dreamy-locations-in-the-philippines-perfect-for-couples/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about the Romantic Places in the Philippines.</a></strong></p><p>So there you have it, the 15 best beaches in the Philippines that you absolutely can’t miss! From the crystal clear waters of Boracay to the secluded paradise of El Nido, from the lively atmosphere of Siargao to the tranquil beauty of Coron, these beaches offer something for every type of traveler. And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering food, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes that make this country truly special.</p><p>So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen and book your next trip to one (or all!) of these amazing beaches. Trust me, you won’t regret it! The Philippines is truly a destination like no other and every beach on this list will leave you with unforgettable memories and a longing to come back for more. </p><p>Until then, happy travels! 🌴</p>

1. White Beach, Boracay

As I write this, I’m singing along to one of my favorite lines from a Taylor Swift song, “This scene feels like what I once saw on a screen~” … which perfectly captures the moment because Boracay is truly beautiful — beyond words.

White Beach in Boracay attracts numerous tourists from various countries, drawn to its amazing beauty, romantic and peaceful atmosphere. Known not only as one of the finest white sand beaches in the Philippines but it’s also highly regarded worldwide.

The beach’s sand is exceptionally soft, white and pure, remaining cool even under the most intense sunlight.

Along the shoreline, you can find upscale resorts and hotels such as Shangri-La and Crimson Boracay that offer everything you could want. There are also many restaurants on the beachfront, serving a variety of dishes that will satisfy any taste.

The real beauty of White Beach, though, is its untouched nature — there’s nothing quite like sitting on its clean sand and watching the mesmerizing sunsets of Boracay.

Adventure seekers will find Boracay’s island-hopping tours an exciting opportunity to discover hidden islands and snorkeling spots, showcasing the island’s rich marine life.

This lively, picturesque destination, with plenty of activities, makes White Beach Boracay the number one choice for those seeking the ultimate beach vacation in the Philippines.

Read more about the Romantic Places in the Philippines.

So there you have it, the 15 best beaches in the Philippines that you absolutely can’t miss! From the crystal clear waters of Boracay to the secluded paradise of El Nido, from the lively atmosphere of Siargao to the tranquil beauty of Coron, these beaches offer something for every type of traveler. And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering food, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes that make this country truly special.

So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen and book your next trip to one (or all!) of these amazing beaches. Trust me, you won’t regret it! The Philippines is truly a destination like no other and every beach on this list will leave you with unforgettable memories and a longing to come back for more.

Until then, happy travels! 🌴

Grand Turk with carnival ship in the background

Things to do in Grand Turk

Grand Turk is a popular Caribbean Cruise Port. Read more to find the best things to do in the Grand Turk Cruise Port.

<p>The world is full of gorgeous beaches, but you don’t have to travel out of the United States to visit some of them! <a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/best-beaches-for-us-citizens-with-no-passport/">Read more </a>for the best beaches US Citizens can visit without a passport. </p>

Best Beaches you Don’t Need a Passport to Visit.

The world is full of gorgeous beaches, but you don’t have to travel out of the United States to visit some of them! Read more for the best beaches US Citizens can visit without a passport.

<p>If you are heading to Barbados on a cruise, you’ll want to read this list of beaches near the cruise port. <a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/barbados-beaches-near-cruise-port/">Read more here</a>. </p>

Best Beaches in Barbados

If you are heading to Barbados on a cruise, you’ll want to read this list of beaches near the cruise port. Read more here .

<p>The Rainforest Room on Disney Cruise lines is an indulgent spa experience. Is it worth the high price tag? <a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/rainforest-room-disney-fantasy/">You can read here to find out</a>. </p>

Disney Cruise Line Rainforest Room

The Rainforest Room on Disney Cruise lines is an indulgent spa experience. Is it worth the high price tag? You can read here to find out .

Are you getting ready to embark on your next cruise in Europe? If so, you won’t want to miss out on the beautifully picturesque Katakolon Cruise Port located in Greece. Katakolon is a lovely stop on a cruise through Greece. The small town of Katakolon is full of cozy cafes, local shops, and delicious restaurants...

Mediterranean Cruise Packing List

Don’t over-pack for your cruise or show up without everything you need. This is the ultimate Mediterranean Cruise Packing List .

<p>Packing for a Caribbean Cruise can be overwhelming! <a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/pack-for-a-caribbean-cruise/">You can read more here</a> for a printable packing list for your cruise. </p><p><strong>See More from Flannels or FlipFlops</strong></p><ul> <li><a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/best-beaches-in-nassau-for-cruisers/">Best Beaches in Nassau</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.flannelsorflipflops.com/8-best-beaches-in-the-us-that-arent-in-hawaii/">Best US Beaches</a></li> </ul>

Caribbean Cruise Packing List

Packing for a Caribbean Cruise can be overwhelming! You can read more here for a printable packing list for your cruise.

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AirAsia Philippines keeps airfares reasonably low amidst Level 6 Fuel Surcharge

Airasia plans to transfer international flights to naia t1 to optimize airport operations and improve customer experience.

AirAsia Philippines is implementing measures to cushion the effect of Fuel Surcharge and still make travel affordable and enjoyable especially during the final month of summer.

For the past three consecutive months, Fuel Surcharge has remained at a high of Level 6 which adds PHP185 to PHP665 for domestic flights, and from PHP610.37 to PHP949.51 for international flights for tickets bought between 1 to 30 May. AirAsia Philippines however clarifies that tickets bought earlier in January and February will not be subjected to Fuel Surcharge adjustments.

Amidst high Fuel Surcharge, AirAsia Philippines continues to enjoy a positive performance as evident in the number of seats sold in Q1 which was at 91% or PHP 1.87 million versus its initial target. Load factor in the same manner have also increased by 104%.

“With AirAsia, travelers can always rely on affordable fares. Our double digit promo offers such as the LFG 20% off All Seats, All Flights, available until 28 April will surely make your travel plans happen. However, we always advise our guests to plan their travels ahead to further save on costs,” AirAsia Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs and First Officer Steve Dailisan shares.

AirAsia is also looking at implementing various measures to further optimize airport operations and enhance customer journey. The airline is currently in discussion with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Executives to facilitate the transfer of its international flights to Terminal 1 from Terminal 3.

“The shorter distance between Terminals 1 and 2, where AirAsia operates domestic flights, is seen to optimize the use of taxiways and minimize carbon emissions that will greatly benefit the entire airport operations. Guests are also expected to have an improved customer journey with shorter transfer time between two terminals. We see this as the “Best Move” for all stakeholders,” Dailisan added.

Last year, AirAsia successfully transferred its domestic operations from Terminal 4 to Terminal 2. “The MIAA, under the stewardship of General Manager Eric Jose Ines, has been very welcoming of this initiative. We thank them for always putting the welfare of our guests on top of their priority,” Dailisan shared.

In 2023, AirAsia Philippines flew more than 1.72 million guests to various international destinations. This year, it aims to double that figure and also targets to add frequencies to existing international routes to enable everyone to fly.

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Ahead of Blinken Visit, China Condemns U.S. for Placing Missile Launchers in the Philippines

Secretary of State Tony Blinken is arriving in China today for three days of talks in Beijing. On Tuesday, China accused the United States of “stoking military confrontation” by deploying new powerful missile launchers in the Philippines as part of an ongoing military exercise involving nearly 17,000 U.S. and Filipino troops.

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Blinken will be the latest top US official to visit China in a bid to keep ties on an even keel

FILE - Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, accompanied by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, walk to meet the media after a bilateral meeting at the State Department in Washington, Oct. 26, 2023. Blinken will travel to China, the State Department announced Saturday, April 20, 2024, as the rivals attempt to keep ties on an even keel despite severe differences over issues ranging from the path to peace in the Middle East to the supply of synthetic opioids that have heightened fears over global stability. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

FILE - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen attends a meeting in Beijing China, April 7, 2024. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China, the State Department announced Saturday, April 20, 2024, as the rivals attempt to keep ties on an even keel despite severe differences. The trip follows Yellen’s visit, a phone call this month between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and a phone call between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana, Pool, File)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China this coming week as Washington and Beijing try to keep ties on an even keel despite major differences on issues from the path to peace in the Middle East to the supply of synthetic opioids that have heightened fears over global stability.

The rivals are at odds on numerous fronts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, Taiwan and the South China Sea , North Korea, Hong Kong, human rights and the detention of American citizens. The United States and China also are battling over trade and commerce issues, with President Joe Biden announcing new tariffs on imports of Chinese steel this past week.

The State Department said Saturday that Blinken, on his second visit to China in less than a year , will travel to Shanghai and Beijing starting Wednesday for three days of meetings with senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Talks between Blinken and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected, although neither side will confirm such a meeting is happening until shortly before it takes place.

The department said in a statement that Blinken would “discuss a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues,” including the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

He will also talk about progress made in “resuming counternarcotics cooperation, military-to-military communication, artificial intelligence, and strengthening people-to-people ties” and will reaffirm how important it is for the U.S. and China to be “responsibly managing competition, even in areas where our two countries disagree,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

The trip follows a phone call this month between Biden and Xi in which they pledged to keep high-level contacts open, something they had agreed to last year at a face-to-face summit in California. Since that call, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has visited China and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has spoken by phone with his Chinese counterpart . Meetings at lower levels also have taken place.

Despite those encounters, relations are rocky. The U.S. has recently become more vocal in its calls for China to stop supporting Russia’s military-industrial sector, which Washington says has allowed Moscow to boost weapons production to support the war against Ukraine .

“We see China sharing machine tools, semiconductors, other dual-use items that have helped Russia rebuild the defense industrial base that sanctions and export controls had done so much to degrade,” Blinken said Friday. “Now, if China purports on the one hand to want good relations with Europe and other countries, it can’t on the other hand be fueling what is the biggest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War.”

Blinken also has pushed for China to take a more active stance in pressing Iran not to escalate tensions in the Middle East . He has spoken to his Chinese counterpart several times since the Israel-Hamas war began six months ago as he has sought China’s help in getting Iran to restrain proxy groups it has supported, armed and funded in the region.

That topic has taken on new urgency since direct back-and-forth attacks by Iran and Israel on each other’s soil in the past week.

Also high on the agenda for Blinken will be Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The U.S. has strongly condemned Chinese military exercises threatening Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a renegade province and vowed to reunify with the mainland by force if necessary. Successive U.S. administrations have steadily ramped up military support and sales for Taipei, much to the anger of Chinese officials.

In the South China Sea, the U.S. and others have become increasingly concerned by provocative Chinese actions in and around disputed areas. In particular, the U.S. has voiced objections to what it says are Chinese attempts to thwart legitimate activities by others in the waterway, notably the Philippines and Vietnam.

That was a major topic of concern earlier this month when Biden held a three-way summit with the prime minister of Japan and the president of the Philippines.

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Mount Ruang Erupts in Indonesia, Spewing Lava Thousands of Feet Into the Sky

Hundreds of earthquakes were detected in the weeks preceding the eruption of the volcano in North Sulawesi province. Hundreds of people were evacuated.

By Christine Hauser

Mount Ruang, a volcano in Indonesia, erupted on Tuesday, spewing fiery lava and ash thousands of feet into the night sky and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people in the North Sulawesi province, according to the authorities and local news reports.

The volcano erupted at about 7:19 p.m. local time, Antara, the national news agency, reported. The country’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency said on Wednesday that more than 800 people in nearby villages were displaced by the eruption, many using ferries and taking shelter in churches and community centers.

A large cloud of ashes rises from a volcano into the clouds, illuminated by the orange flames from the lava. The light is reflected on the waters.

The authorities said supplies such as mats, blankets, cleaning materials, and tents were needed, and that more shelters might be opening for people fleeing the volcano.

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago nation. It is spread across what is known as the Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates clash under the surface of the Pacific Ocean and spawn earthquakes and eruptions from volcanoes.

Mount Ruang is a stratovolcano , or a steep, conical volcano that has built up over years in layers from explosive eruptions of lava, rock fragments, ash and other properties.

“It is in a part of the world where there are a lot of active volcanoes,” said Dr. Tracy K.P. Gregg , who chairs the geology department at the University at Buffalo.

Its last major eruption was in 2002, when the column of lava and ash that it spewed reached up to 17 miles, Dr. Gregg said.

She said the volcano in 2002 measured 4, a “large” volcano on the Volcanic Explosivity Index, a scale used to measure the strength of an eruption by looking at several factors, such as duration, ash volume and plume height. Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 measured 6 on the index. Mount St. Helens in the United States in 1980 measured 5.

“So it is a little bit smaller than that,” she said of Mount Ruang. Right now, it is not as violent as the previous eruption, she added, but the volcano cannot be fully assessed while it is in progress.

More than 300 volcanic earthquakes were detected over a period of at least two weeks preceding the eruption of Mount Ruang.

It is not immediately clear why the volcano erupted when it did. “Every volcano has its own personality,” she said.

In the past few years, several volcanoes in Indonesia have erupted. In December, 2023, the bodies of 11 hikers were found on the slopes of Mount Marapi on the island of Sumatra, after an eruption that spewed an ash column of nearly 3,000 meters — about 10,000 feet high.

In December 2022, more than 1,900 people were evacuated from the area surrounding Mount Semeru as it erupted. In an eruption there the previous December , more than 50 people were killed and hundreds more were injured.

Christine Hauser is a reporter, covering national and foreign news. Her previous jobs in the newsroom include stints in Business covering financial markets and on the Metro desk in the police bureau. More about Christine Hauser

Qatari emir in Nepal, expected to tackle migrant conditions and Nepali student held hostage by Hamas

KATHMANDU, Nepal — The emir of Qatar landed in Nepal Tuesday on his first-ever visit to the South Asian country, after visiting Bangladesh and the Philippines, where improving migrant workers’ conditions in the Gulf state and a Nepali student still held hostage by Hamas are expected to be on the agenda.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is set to meet Nepali dignitaries, including President Ram Chandra Poudyal and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal during his two-day visit.

Qatar hosts an estimated 400,000 Nepali workers, most in construction and manual labor. Concerns about working in extreme heat — that could reach over 40 C (104 F) — inadequate living facilities and abuse have risen in recent years.

New York-based Human Rights Watch called on Qatar, Nepal and Bangladesh in a statement Sunday to prioritize labor protection for migrant workers during the emir’s visit.

“It is important ... to go beyond exchanging diplomatic pleasantries over their longstanding labor ties and seize this moment to publicly commit to concrete, enforceable protections that address the serious abuses that migrant workers in Qatar continue to face,” the statement quoted Michael Page, the agency’s deputy Middle East and North Africa director, as saying.

The statement added that while Qatar-based jobs have allowed migrant workers “to send remittances back home to their families,” many experience abuse, including “wage theft, contract violations, and chronic illness linked to unsafe working conditions.”

Nepali officials are also likely to seek Al Thani's help in freeing a local , Bipin Joshi, who is held hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Joshi was among 17 Nepali students studying agriculture in Alumim kibbutz, near the Gaza Strip , when Hamas attacked Southern Israel on Oct.7. Ten of the students were killed, six injured and Joshi was held captive.

Though there has been no information on his condition or whereabouts, Nepali officials said they believed he was still alive.

Hamas’ sudden attack in October killed 1,200 people and some 250 others hostage were taken hostage. This has sparked a war that has so far killed more than 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza, at least two-thirds of them women and children, according to the local health ministry.

Qatar has been a key intermediary throughout the war in Gaza . It, along with the U.S. and Egypt, was instrumental in helping negotiate a brief halt to the fighting in November that led to the release of dozens of hostages.

A spokesman for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday his country was undergoing an assessment of its role in mediating talks between Israel and Hamas over a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. He also said discussions were ongoing about Hamas’ presence in Qatar where the militant group has had a political office in the capital, Doha, for years.

France and Qatar mediated a deal in January for the shipment of medicine for the dozens of hostages held captive by Hamas.

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Philippines in August Travel Guide: Where to Go, Weather, Best
The Philippines, being an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is home to many islands, beaches, waterfalls, caves, mountains, and other natural attractions.Because its main tourist draws are tropical destinations and the month of August is usually rainy, it is considered part of the lean season for travel.
The Philippines in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More
Weather. August is the middle of the rainy season in the Philippines, which runs until October. The rains tend to be heaviest in July and August, but they affect various parts of the country differently; on the eastern seaboard, it's the driest month of the year. Expect temperatures averaging between 77°F and 91°F (25°C and 32°C) in August.
When & Where to Visit the Philippines: A Month by Month Guide
NOVEMBER: Dumaguete City and Siquijor Island. Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor Island. While some of the biggest typhoons in the country occur in November, Dumaguete City and Siquijor Island should be safe to visit during this month. Known for Silliman University which is the first American university in Asia, Dumaguete is a favorite retirement ...
Best time to visit the Philippines
High season: November-April. The high season is dry season for most of the country, with December, January and February the coolest, most pleasant months for travel, which brings crowds to popular beach areas like El Nido and Coron, and competition for hotel beds. Celebrations around Christmas, New Year and, notably, Holy Week, in the build up ...
Where to Go in The Philippines: The Perfect Itinerary
North Luzon (Banaue / Batad Rice Terraces) North Luzon is very much overlooked in the Philippines with travelers opting for pristine white beaches and crystal cobalt seas instead. However, we would highly recommend a trip into the mountainous region for a glimpse into the World of the local rice farmers and stunning craggy landscapes.
Traveling to the Philippines in August, Yay or Nay?
In the Philippines, they say that August is not usually the best time to travel, make decisions, get married and so on. Reason being is that, August has the most unpredictable weather all throughout the year. Sometimes it rains, sometimes it doesn't. It's also a superstitious belief here that making decisions in the month of August may ...
Philippines in August: Weather, Beaches and More
The weather in the Philippines in August is rainy and wet, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 31°C. Most beaches might be overcast rather than sunny most days of the month, and there's also a risk of typhoons. However, some areas can be worse than others. On the Central and Eastern front, the islands receive brief showers and ...
When is the best time to visit the Philippines?
The best time to visit the Philippines is from December to February, when temperatures are around 24°C to 31°C. At this time the country is fully accessible, including its many beautiful islands and more remote areas. Although the dry season lasts from November to April, temperatures are high during March and April, with highs of 34°C.
August in the Philippines
August, like any other month in the Philippines, is filled with celebrations and events. There's always something going on somewhere in the country, be it a town fiesta, a citywide festival or a cultural event. The month marks the celebration of the birthday anniversary of Manuel L. Quezon, the Philippines' second president.
Best time to visit Philippines
The best time to visit the Philippines depends on where you're going and what you're hoping to see. Discover the best time of year for travelling to the Philippines and start planning your trip with our complete guide. ... Visiting the Philippines in June - August. Summer is a great time to discover the Philippines extraordinary gastronomic ...
When is the Best Time to Visit the Philippines?
Another one of the best times to visit the Philippines is in February. The beautiful weather in February is similar to that of the previous months. It's pleasant, so it's still a pretty popular time of year to visit the Philippines. For the country as a whole, the average temperatures are around 30°C.
32 Things to do in The Philippines + Tourist Spots
The best things to do in this region include the (1) offroad adventure to Puning Hot Springs, (2) Mount Pinatubo summit crater trek, (3) Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar heritage resort, (4) Zambales' scenic beaches, (5) Subic Bay, and the (6) surfing town of Baler. Location — Clark Freeport, Pampanga region, Luzon (Northern Philippines).
Philippines Travel Guide: The Ultimate 3-Week Itinerary
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.
Best Time to Visit the Philippines: Month by Month Breakdown
While things are cheaper in the wet season, travel around the Philippines can be fraught with danger, especially between June and August. This is not the best time of the year to visit the Philippines, because with the storms and rain can come canceled flights and ferries, blocked roads and landslides, and dangerous typhoon warnings.
August in the Philippines
The best tailor-made trips to visit the Philippines in August, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip. Offset of estimated CO2 emissions ... The best time of year to visit the Philippines is from mid-December to mid-May, when the risk of typhoons is at its lowest. Definitely opt for this period if ...
The Best & Worst Times to Visit the Philippines (Updated for 2024)
The worst time to visit the Philippines is during July and August — the wettest months of the year in the middle of the rainy and stormy monsoon season. The once-calm ocean waters become turbulent and more dangerous, clouds cover the sun, and heavy rains fall up to 20 days each month during July and August in the Philippines.
15 Best Places to Visit in the Philippines
Diniwid Beach is a tiny beach at the north end of White Beach that has the best view of the island from a platform rock located there. This island is known for its many resorts, so finding a place to stay is easy. For a panoramic view of the island, take a day trip to Mount Luho, its highest point. 2. Bohol.
Philippines Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
The dry season starts from November until June. These months are considered the best time to travel to most destinations in the Philippines. The wet season, on the other hand, is from July to October. During this time, an average of nine typhoons hit the Philippines and may cause flooding and landslides in some areas.
Best Time to Visit the Philippines: When to Go & When to Avoid
Dry season months at a glance. November: Officially the start of the dry season in the Philippines, however, there is still a chance of typhoons as weather can be unpredictable. Average daily temp: ° F (30-31° C) December: Cooler temperatures and mostly clear skies (with the slightest chance of a typhoon) mark the start of the peak travel season. ...
Weather in the Philippines in August
Weather in Luzon in August. If you're travelling to the Philippines in August to visit Luzon, don't forget a good rain jacket or an umbrella. A few sunny days will show up, but for the most part, the weather will be overcast and rainy. Manila experiences a lot of thunderstorms and torrential rain, but it isn't daily or continuous.
Cebu In August: Why It's A Great Time To Visit This City
Here, find out the best places to visit while you enjoy your Cebu holidays in August. 1. Simala Shrine Church. Image Source. This majestic church in Cebu is also popular as Cebu's Castle Church. A very pristine spot for tourists, the Simala Shrine church is huge in size and is embellished with first-class architecture.
Best Time to Visit Cebu, the Philippines
In my experience, the best time to visit Cebu is between January and April . This is the dry season in the Philippines, so rain is uncommon. However, it can be hot and humid. Expect temperatures of between 30°C and 40°C during the daytime. Several festivals are also held in Cebu between January and April.
Philippines
Climates to travel World climate guide ... Temperatures in August In the following table, we can see the average temperature in Philippines in August. Philippines - Average temperatures in August; City (from north to south) Min (°C) Max (°C) Mean (°C) Min (°F) Max (°F) Mean (°F) Basco: 24: 30: 27.2: 76: 86: 81.0: Calayan: 25: 32: 28.4: 77 ...
The Top 15 Beaches in the Philippines You Need to See in 2024
The best time to visit Puka Beach is from November to May when the weather is ideal for soaking in the sun and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of one of Boracay's quieter beach spots. Photo ...
PH, Qatar ink deals on fighting human trafficking, seafarers' welfare
The Philippines and Qatar signed at least nine agreements on Monday covering cooperation on combating human trafficking, seafarers' welfare, tourism, sports and climate change during the state visit of Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Manila. ... Through the agreement, the two nations seek to facilitate the travel of the parties ...
AirAsia Philippines keeps airfares reasonably low amidst Level 6 Fuel
AirAsia Philippines is implementing measures to cushion the effect of Fuel Surcharge and still make travel affordable and enjoyable especially during the final month of summer. It is also in discussion with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Executives to facilitate the transfer of its international flights to Terminal 1 from Terminal 3.
Ahead of Blinken Visit, China Condemns U.S. for Placing Missile
On Tuesday, China accused the United States of "stoking military confrontation" by deploying new powerful missile launchers in the Philippines as part of an ongoing military exercise involving ...
Blinken will be the latest top US official to visit China in a bid to
2 of 2 | . FILE - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen attends a meeting in Beijing China, April 7, 2024. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China, the State Department announced Saturday, April 20, 2024, as the rivals attempt to keep ties on an even keel despite severe differences.
Mount Ruang Volcano Erupts in Indonesia, Forcing Hundreds to Evacuate
Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 measured 6 on the index. Mount St. Helens in the United States in 1980 measured 5. "So it is a little bit smaller than that," she said of Mount Ruang.
Qatari emir in Nepal, expected to tackle migrant conditions and Nepali
The emir of Qatar has landed in Nepal on his first-ever visit to the South Asian country, after visiting Bangladesh and the Philippines, where improving migrant workers' conditions in the Gulf ...

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

JANUARY: Quiapo and Western Visayas

FEBRUARY: Pampanga and Iloilo

MARCH: Palawan

APRIL: Sorsogon, Mt. Pulag, and Mt. Apo

MAY: Boracay

JUNE: Iligan City

JULY: Bohol

AUGUST: Davao City

SEPTEMBER: Siargao

OCTOBER: Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin

NOVEMBER: Dumaguete City and Siquijor Island

DECEMBER: Manila

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When to go to the Philippines

High season: November-April

Shoulder season: May-October

Low season: June-September

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