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Philippines
El Nido & Palawan
Tropical
From $94 /day
Philippines
Scattered across the western Pacific Ocean, the Philippines is an archipelago of 7,641 islands offering some of the world's most pristine tropical landscapes. You will find a unique cultural tapestry where centuries of Spanish and American colonial history blend seamlessly with indigenous Austronesian traditions. From the emerald rice terraces of the northern highlands to the limestone karsts of the Palawan seas, the geography is as diverse as its people. Known for an extraordinary level of hospitality, the country invites you to explore vibrant coral reefs, hidden lagoons, and bustling metropolitan hubs. Whether you seek the solitude of a remote sandbar or the energy of a local festival, the Philippines provides a deep sense of adventure and warmth.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
1 city
3 guides
$94 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Manila
Languages
Filipino, English
Currency
Philippine Peso (PHP)
1 $ ≈ 58 ₱
Plug Type
Type A/B/C (220V, 60Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+63
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time/Philippine Time)
Emergency
911 (all services); also 117 (PNP Police hotline)
Why Visit Philippines
Unrivaled Island Hopping
With thousands of islands, the opportunities for marine exploration are endless. You can navigate the turquoise waters of El Nido to find hidden beaches tucked behind towering limestone cliffs or discover the lagoons of Coron.
World-Class Diving and Snorkeling
Home to the Coral Triangle, the country boasts incredible biodiversity at sites like Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. You can swim alongside whale sharks in Leyte or explore colorful gardens of soft corals and sea turtles in Moalboal.
Fascinating Cultural Fusion
The Philippines offers a distinct cultural experience compared to its neighbors, featuring 16th-century Spanish stone churches and Catholic traditions. This heritage is celebrated through grand festivals and a culinary scene that mixes East and West.
Dramatic Natural Wonders
Beyond the beaches, you can witness the perfectly conical Chocolate Hills of Bohol or the 2,000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, an 8.2km underground waterway, is a recognized wonder of the natural world.
Exceptional Value for Money
Travelers find their budget stretches far here, with high-quality meals often costing less than $5.89 / ₱340. Affordable domestic flights and local transport make it possible to see multiple islands without a massive financial burden.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Philippines
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Palawan
Often cited as the most beautiful island in the world, Palawan is the gateway to El Nido and Coron. It is famous for its dramatic karst landscapes, crystal-clear lagoons, and the world-renowned underground river in Sabang.
Central Visayas
This region includes the popular islands of Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor. It is a hub for adventure seekers, offering everything from canyoneering at Kawasan Falls to seeing the tiny tarsiers and the Chocolate Hills.
Northern Luzon
The mountainous heart of the largest island is home to the ancient rice terraces of Banaue and Batad. You can experience cooler temperatures in Baguio or explore the hanging coffins and limestone caves of Sagada.
Siargao
Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, this teardrop-shaped island attracts a laid-back crowd. Beyond the famous Cloud 9 surf break, you can explore vast coconut plantations, rock pools, and the Sugba Lagoon.
Boracay
A small island famous for its 4km stretch of powdery White Beach. After a massive restoration project, it remains a premier destination for sailing, high-end resorts, and some of the most spectacular sunsets in Southeast Asia.
Best Time to Visit
The Philippines is best experienced during the dry season (December–May) to avoid monsoons and typhoons. Rainy season is typically June–November; typhoon activity peaks July–October. Temperatures remain tropical year-round, typically ranging between 24–32°C (75–90°F).
Peak Season
Dec, Jan, Feb
Cooler and dry weather makes this the most popular time for island hopping. Clear skies and calm seas are ideal for destinations like Palawan, though prices for accommodation are at their highest.
Shoulder Season
Mar, Apr, May, Nov
March to May is the 'Philippine Summer' with intense heat reaching 34–38°C (93–100°F). November marks the end of the rainy season and offers lush landscapes with fewer crowds.
Off-Peak
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
The rainy season brings frequent afternoon showers and a higher risk of typhoons, particularly from August to October. Travel can be disrupted by ferry cancellations, but hotel rates are significantly lower.
Getting Around
As an archipelago, travel between major islands depends on a robust network of domestic flights and ferries, while local transport relies on iconic colorful vehicles.
Flight
Domestic carriers like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific connect Manila to major hubs like Puerto Princesa. El Nido flights are operated via AirSWIFT. Prices vary but average ~$47–$106 / ₱2,721–₱6,122 for one-way trips.
Ferry
Essential for island hopping; fast crafts and roro (roll-on/roll-off) vessels operate between islands. Safety standards vary, so use reputable companies like OceanJet or SuperCat.
Car
Ride-sharing via the Grab app is highly recommended in Manila and Cebu for safety and fixed pricing. Traditional metered taxis are available but require vigilance against overcharging.
Jeepney
The most iconic and cheapest local transport (~$0.24–$0.35 / ₱14–₱20), following fixed routes. They can be crowded and lack air conditioning, but offer an authentic cultural experience.
Tricycle
Motorcycles with sidecars used for short distances in smaller towns and islands. Fares should be negotiated beforehand, typically costing ~$1.18–$3.53 / ₱68–₱204 for short hops.
Food & Drink
Filipino cuisine is a flavorful journey defined by the balance of sweet, sour, and salty notes. It relies heavily on local ingredients like calamansi, vinegar, and coconut milk, creating hearty dishes meant to be shared with family.
Must Try
Adobo
The unofficial national dish, consisting of chicken or pork braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and peppercorns for a savory, tangy finish.
Sinigang
A refreshing and sour soup typically flavored with tamarind, filled with pork or seafood and an assortment of local vegetables like bok choy and radish.
Lechon
A whole pig slow-roasted over charcoal until the skin is incredibly crispy and the meat is tender, often served at celebrations.
Sisig
A popular beer snack made from chopped parts of a pig's face and belly, seasoned with calamansi and chili, often served on a sizzling hot plate.
Halo-halo
A colorful dessert made of shaved ice and evaporated milk mixed with sweet beans, fruits, jelly, and topped with purple yam jam and leche flan.
Kare-Kare
A rich oxtail and tripe stew cooked in a thick peanut sauce, traditionally served with a side of fermented shrimp paste known as bagoong.
Taho
A warm street food snack made of fresh soft tofu, arnibal syrup, and sago pearls, usually sold by mobile vendors in the early morning.
Money & Costs
With an average budget of ~$118 / ₱6,802/day, travelers can enjoy a mid-range experience. While major cities are becoming more digital, cash remains essential for smaller islands and local markets.
Tipping
Tipping is common in tourist areas; 10% is standard in restaurants if no service charge is included, while ~$1.18–$2.36 / ₱68–₱136 (50–100 PHP) is appreciated for hotel porters.
Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in malls, high-end hotels, and established restaurants in Manila and El Nido, but smaller vendors and remote resorts require cash.
ATMs
ATMs are ubiquitous in cities but can be unreliable or absent on smaller islands. Foreign cards typically face a ~$4.71–$5.89 / ₱272–₱340 (250 PHP) fee per withdrawal, with limits usually at ~$200–$401 / ₱11,563–₱23,127.
Culture & Etiquette
Filipino culture is deeply rooted in respect, family, and faith. You will find that people are generally indirect to maintain harmony, a concept known as 'Smooth Interpersonal Relations,' and appreciate those who show patience.
✓
Perform the 'Mano Po' gesture by taking an elder's hand and pressing it to your forehead as a sign of deep respect.
✓
Use the words 'Po' and 'Opo' when speaking to elders or people in authority to show politeness.
✕
Avoid getting angry or raising your voice in public, as this causes a 'loss of face' and is considered very disrespectful.
✓
Remove your shoes before entering someone's home unless the host specifically tells you to keep them on.
✕
Do not point at people or objects with your finger; instead, use a subtle tilt of the head or point with your lips.
✓
Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.
✕
Avoid finishing every single bite on your plate if you are a guest, as leaving a tiny bit suggests the host provided more than enough food.
✓
Accept an invitation to eat or have a drink if offered, as refusing can sometimes be taken as a slight against hospitality.
Safety & Health
U.S. Department of State: Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution); Do Not Travel to the Sulu Archipelago (including the southern Sulu Sea) and Marawi City; Reconsider Travel to other parts of Mindanao (with listed exceptions).
Tap Water
Not safe to drink
Vaccinations
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis for rural stays. Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Overcharging by unmetered taxis or tricycles
- ⚠ Fake tour guides or 'shell games' in tourist areas
- ⚠ Pickpocketing in crowded Manila markets like Quiapo
- ⚠ ATM skimming or 'bullet' plant scams (historical but stay vigilant)
Medical care is excellent in private Manila hospitals but limited in remote areas like Palawan. Rh-negative blood is extremely rare (under 1%) in the local population.
Language
English is one of the official languages and is used in government, media, and education. Almost everyone in tourist areas speaks English, making travel very accessible.
English Spoken: Widely spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / How are you? | Kumusta? | koo-moos-tah |
| Thank you | Salamat | sah-lah-mat |
| How much? | Magkano? | mag-kah-noh |
| Where is the bathroom? | Nasaan ang CR? | nah-sah-an ang see-ahr |
| Delicious! | Masarap! | mah-sah-rahp |
| Yes | Oo | oh-oh |
| No | Hindi | heen-dee |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Pasensya na | pah-sen-syah nah |
Visa & Entry
Visa policy varies by nationality; many countries are visa-free for 30 days. eTravel registration is completed within 72 hours before arrival (and also for departure). Requires passport valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay and onward/return ticket.
Max Stay
30 days for most visa-free entries (varies by nationality)
Passport Validity
At least 6 months beyond intended stay
Visa-free for
USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, EU citizens (30 days commonly; varies by nationality)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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