Overview
The Philippines is a breath-taking Southeast Asian archipelago made up of over 7,000 tropical islands, scattered like emerald gems across the western Pacific Ocean. Known for its pristine white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, towering limestone cliffs, and lush jungle interiors, the Philippines offers something for every type of traveller – whether you’re looking to relax under a palm tree, dive into underwater adventures, or soak up vibrant local culture.
Geographically, the country is divided into three main island groups: Luzon (home to the capital, Manila), Visayas (where you’ll find gems like Bohol and Cebu), and Mindanao in the south. Thanks to its colonial history – being ruled by both Spain and the United States, you’ll find a unique blend of Catholic heritage, colourful festivals, Spanish-era churches, and American-influenced cities, all coexisting with the deep traditions of over 100 ethnic groups.
Culturally, the Philippines stands out in Southeast Asia with its widespread use of English, deep hospitality (locally called pakikisama), and a strong emphasis on family and community. It’s a country where locals go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. Add to that the vibrant jeepneys, mouthwatering street food, and laid-back island time, it’s easy to see why many travellers fall in love with the Philippines and come back again and again.
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📍 Top Places to Visit:
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Palawan – Often rated one of the most beautiful islands in the world. El Nido and Coron are perfect for island-hopping, crystal-clear lagoons, and snorkelling among shipwrecks.
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Cebu – Great mix of beaches and adventure. Go snorkelling with sardines in Moalboal or chase waterfalls like Kawasan Falls.
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Bohol – Famous for the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers (the world’s smallest primates!), and laid-back beach vibes on Panglao Island.
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Siargao – Surf capital of the Philippines with a relaxed island feel, palm tree-lined roads, and stunning natural pools like Magpupungko.
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Manila – The capital is busy and chaotic, but it’s worth a night or two to explore the colonial architecture of Intramuros and try local eats.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
- October–March: Best weather for most of India, especially for sightseeing and northern destinations.
- April–June: Gets very hot, but good for visiting the Himalayas.
- July–September: Monsoon season – lush landscapes but heavy rain in many areas.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
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Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
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Budget-friendly: The Philippines is affordable! You can enjoy luxury for less, but island hopping and transport can add up.
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Cash is king: ATMs can be limited on islands, so bring enough cash, especially in more remote areas.
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Tipping: Not expected, but appreciated.
🧳 Good For:
- Beach lovers & island hoppers
- Divers & snorkellers
- Adventure travellers (surfing, hiking, waterfalls)
- Couples
- Solo Travellers
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try
- Adobo – Savoury chicken or pork stewed in vinegar and soy sauce
- Lechon – Roasted whole pig, a Filipino party staple
- Halo-Halo – Colourful shaved ice dessert with fruit, jelly, and sweet beans
- Sinigang – Tamarind-based sour soup, comforting and tangy
- Tapsilog – Traditional Filipino breakfast: beef tapa, fried rice, and egg
- Buko Pie – Pie filled with coconut
✈️ How to Get There:
- Main international gateways: Manila (MNL), Cebu (CEB), and Clark (CRK)
- Flights are available from most major cities in Asia and some from the Middle East, Australia, and Europe.
- From the UK: typically involves a layover in the Middle East or Southeast Asia (e.g. Doha, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur)
🚍 Getting Around:
- Domestic Flights: Best way to get between islands quickly (check Cebu Pacific or AirAsia)
- Ferries: Great for budget travel and scenic journeys, but longer
- Taxis & Tricycles: Common in cities – always ask for the meter or agree on a price in advance
- Scooter hire: Great for getting around small islands like Siargao or Bohol
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette:
- Language: Filipino (Tagalog) and English
- Etiquette: Locals are friendly and polite – smiling and greetings go a long way
- Dress modestly in rural areas or when visiting churches
- Be respectful of nature and marine life – don’t touch coral or take shells
My Philippine Highlights
I spent 16 days exploring the Philippines over Christmas and New Year – and what an adventure it was! I began my trip in Manila, easing into the country with a day tour of the Tagaytay Highlands and Taal Volcano. It was a great intro to the landscapes and gave me a taste of what was to come.
Next, I flew to Coron, where I spent the night before joining a 2-night, 3-day island-hopping expedition to El Nido. We stopped at some of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen and spent the nights on remote islands, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and starlit skies. Facilities were basic – limited electricity, cold showers, and no Wi-Fi, but the views and peacefulness made it totally worth it.
In El Nido, I stayed a few days and joined an island-hopping tours, which included secret lagoons and white sand beaches. I also spent some time on Las Cabanas beach, where you can buy a ticket and zipline across the islands – an adrenaline rush with epic scenery!
From there, I headed to Puerto Princesa, where I visited the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoyed more island hopping, including a trip to Honda Bay and Cowrie Island with some fun snorkelling stops.
After that, I flew to Cebu City and explored the area. I used my Grab app to order a taxi and visited Sachiko’s Little Kyoto – a peaceful Japanese temple. I also took a day trip to swim with whale sharks and go canyoneering. This was the real highlight – Kawasan Falls — jumping into turquoise pools, trekking through jungle rivers, and ziplining over the canopy. It was a long, tiring day but one of the most exhilarating experiences I’ve ever had.
What really stood out throughout the trip was the warmth of the Filipino people. Despite visible poverty in many areas, I found everyone to be incredibly welcoming, friendly, and eager to help.
There are still so many more islands and regions I want to explore – 16 days wasn’t nearly enough. I’d go back in a heartbeat!
Rich in culture, biodiversity, and friendly locals, the Philippines rewards those who embrace its laid-back island lifestyle and sense of adventure.
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Ready to plan your trip?
If you’re dreaming of island hopping in El Nido, swimming with turtles in Moalboal, or sipping cocktails at sunset in Siargao – I can help organise your perfect escape.
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