Philippines Travel Guide

Explore the best of the Philippines with our in-depth travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food to try, local culture and customs, and more. Plan your trip now and make the most of your experience in this beautiful Southeast Asian country.


Introduction to Philippines

The Philippines is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia, known for its incredible beaches, lush rainforests, vibrant culture, and friendly people. With over 7,000 islands to explore, there is something for everyone in the Philippines. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, relax on the beach, or explore the great outdoors, this country has it all.

List of Places to Visit in Philippines

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Philippines is home to a rich history and culture that is reflected in its many museums and historical sites. Some of the top places to visit include:

  • Intramuros in Manila
  • National Museum of Anthropology
  • Fort Santiago
  • San Agustin Church
  • Casa Gorordo Museum

Natural Attractions of Philippines: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Philippines is known for its natural beauty, and there are plenty of outdoor adventures and scenic views to explore. Some of the must-visit places include:

  • Chocolate Hills in Bohol
  • Mayon Volcano in Bicol
  • Tubbataha Reef in Palawan
  • Coron Island in Palawan
  • Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras

Hiking/Biking Routes of Philippines

The Philippines is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking routes to explore. Some of the best routes include:

  • Mount Pulag in Benguet
  • Mount Apo in Davao
  • Mount Pinatubo in Zambales
  • Chocolate Hills in Bohol
  • Baler in Aurora

Best Things to Do in Philippines: Activities and Tours

There is no shortage of fun activities and tours in the Philippines. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Island hopping in El Nido
  • Swimming with whale sharks in Donsol
  • Snorkeling in Coron
  • Scuba diving in Tubbataha Reef
  • White-water rafting in Cagayan de Oro

Week-Long Itinerary for Philippines

If you have a week to spend in the Philippines, we recommend the following itinerary:

  • Day 1-2: Explore Manila and visit Intramuros, Fort Santiago and the National Museum of Anthropology.
  • Day 3-4: Fly to Palawan and explore the beautiful natural attractions, including Tubbataha Reef and Coron Island.
  • Day 5-6: Head to Bohol and visit the amazing Chocolate Hills. Go hiking or biking to explore the countryside.
  • Day 7: Return to Manila and spend a day shopping and trying local food.

Food and Drink Scene of Philippines

Must-Try Dishes

The Philippines has a diverse culinary scene, with influences from Spanish, Chinese, and Malay cuisines. Some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Adobo - a tangy Filipino stew made with chicken or pork.
  • Sinigang - a sour soup made with tamarind and various meat or seafood ingredients.
  • Lechon - a roasted pig dish that is a staple in Filipino celebrations.
  • Kare-kare - a peanut stew made with oxtail, vegetables, and bagoong (shrimp paste).
  • Halo-halo - a refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, condensed milk, and various toppings.

Local Beverages

The Philippines has a great selection of traditional beverages, including:

  • San Miguel Beer - the most popular beer in the Philippines.
  • Tanduay Rum - a local rum made from sugar cane.
  • Calamansi Juice - a refreshing citrus juice made from a local fruit called calamansi.
  • Sago’t Gulaman - a sweet and refreshing drink made with tapioca pearls and gelatin.
  • Barako Coffee - a strong coffee from the Batangas region.

Where to Stay in Philippines: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There is no shortage of accommodation options in the Philippines, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Some of the top options include:

  • Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa
  • The Bellevue Resort Bohol
  • The Peninsula Manila
  • Z Hostel
  • Kubo Hostel

What to Buy in Philippines: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The Philippines has a great selection of souvenirs and local products that make great gifts or mementos. Some of the best things to buy include:

  • Barong Tagalog - a traditional Filipino shirt made from pineapple fiber or silk.
  • Balikbayan Box - a package of local goods that can be sent back home.
  • Philippine-made handicrafts - such as woven baskets, wood carvings, and pottery.
  • Dried mangoes - a sweet and tasty local snack
  • Coffee beans - from the Batangas region.

Local Culture and Customs of Philippines

The Philippines is a unique and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. Some of the customs and traditions that you should be aware of include:

  • Filipinos are known for their hospitality and warmth, so be prepared to be welcomed with open arms.
  • Christianity is the dominant religion in the Philippines, so be respectful of religious practices and customs.
  • Filipinos place a high value on family and community, so expect to see large families and close-knit neighborhoods.
  • It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
  • Filipinos have a strong sense of national pride, so be respectful of the country’s culture and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Philippines

The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This is the ideal time to enjoy the beaches, outdoor adventures, and cultural attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Philippines

Do:

  • Do try local cuisine and drinks, it’s delicious!
  • Do learn a few basic Filipino words and phrases.
  • Do bargain in local markets and stores.
  • Do respect local customs and traditions.
  • Do take your shoes off when entering someone’s home.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or pollute the environment.
  • Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Don’t disrespect religious practices and customs.
  • Don’t touch or disturb wildlife.
  • Don’t forget to have fun!

Safety and Health

Safety in Philippines

The Philippines is a safe destination for tourists, but it’s always wise to take precautions when traveling. Some tips for a safe trip include:

  • Avoid showing off expensive valuables, such as jewelry and electronics.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas.
  • Secure your belongings and carry only the essentials when exploring.
  • Take extra care when using public transportation.
  • Be cautious when visiting remote areas and traveling at night.

Health in Philippines

It is important to take precautions to protect your health when traveling to the Philippines. Some tips to stay healthy include:

  • Drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach problems.
  • Use insect repellent to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses.
  • Be aware of the risk of dengue fever, especially during the rainy season.
  • Pack sunscreen and stay hydrated to avoid heat-related illnesses.
  • Stay up to date on your routine vaccinations before traveling to the Philippines.

Getting to Philippines: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Philippines

The main international airports in the Philippines are:

  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila
  • Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) in Cebu
  • Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga

Bus Stations Near Philippines

The most popular bus lines in the Philippines are:

  • Victory Liner
  • Philtranco
  • JAC Liner

Other Options

Ferries and boats are also popular ways to travel around the Philippines. Some of the top ferry companies include:

  • 2GO Travel
  • OceanJet
  • SuperCat

How to Get Around in Philippines

There are various ways to get around in the Philippines, including:

  • Jeepneys - colorful buses that are a popular mode of transportation in the cities.
  • Tricycles - small motorbikes with sidecars that can take you around town.
  • Taxis - metered taxis are available in the cities.
  • Buses - there are several bus companies that operate around the country.
  • Boat rides - a popular way to get to the surrounding islands.

Where to Go Next from Philippines: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The Philippines is surrounded by many great destinations that are worth exploring. Some options include:

  • Bali, Indonesia - for beautiful beaches, temples, and rice terraces.
  • Siem Reap, Cambodia - for ancient temples and ruins.
  • Boracay Island, Philippines - for stunning beaches and nightlife.
  • Singapore - for shopping, food, and urban attractions.

Conclusion

The Philippines is a truly amazing destination that has something to offer everyone. From stunning beaches to lush rainforests, rich cultural heritage to delicious cuisine, this country is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. Plan your trip now and experience the best that the Philippines has to offer!

El Nido, Palawan. El Nido, Palawan. Mayon Volcano, Albay. Mayon Volcano, Albay. Magellan's Cross in Cebu City Magellan's Cross in Cebu City Luneta Park Luneta Park MassKara Festival in Bacolod MassKara Festival in Bacolod Vigan Cathedral Vigan Cathedral Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte A Christmas Parol A Christmas Parol Visa policy of the Philippines Visa policy of the Philippines Philippine Airlines, Asia's first (and now its oldest) commercial airline Philippine Airlines, Asia's first (and now its oldest) commercial airline Provincial buses at the Dau bus station, Pampanga Provincial buses at the Dau bus station, Pampanga Motorcycles first at traffic lights! Motorcycles first at traffic lights! "King of the Philippine Roads" ''Traysikels'' ''Traysikels'' The historic town of Vigan The historic town of Vigan Panglao, Bohol Panglao, Bohol Rice Terraces of the Cordillera Region Rice Terraces of the Cordillera Region Sailing in Boracay Sailing in Boracay Whitewater rafting in the Cagayan de Oro River Whitewater rafting in the Cagayan de Oro River Baguio mountains Baguio mountains Clownfish in Moalboal Reef, Cebu Province Clownfish in Moalboal Reef, Cebu Province Obverse of the 2018 ₱5 coin Obverse of the 2018 ₱5 coin A typical sari-sari store A typical sari-sari store Filipino cuisine Filipino cuisine ''Isaw'' (chicken intestine) and ''kwek-kwek'' (deep-fried, boiled duck egg battered in flour), popular street foods for many Filipinos ''Isaw'' (chicken intestine) and ''kwek-kwek'' (deep-fried, boiled duck egg battered in flour), popular street foods for many Filipinos Police car in Manila Police car in Manila Traffic police officer in San Fernando, Pampanga Traffic police officer in San Fernando, Pampanga A typical private security guard, assisting a vehicle leaving a parking spot. A typical private security guard, assisting a vehicle leaving a parking spot. Traffic jam in Manila Traffic jam in Manila Destruction in Tacloban after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November 2013 Destruction in Tacloban after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November 2013 Mayon erupting in 2009 Mayon erupting in 2009 A demonstration at Mendiola St, Manila A demonstration at Mendiola St, Manila Street food is widely available, though you should be careful with what you eat Street food is widely available, though you should be careful with what you eat No smoking? No smoking? No smoking please. No smoking please. Internet cafe in San Jose, Baliuag, Bulacan Internet cafe in San Jose, Baliuag, Bulacan


    Luzon
    Mimaropa
    Mindanao
    Palawan
    Visayas