The Philippines are a standout Southeast Asia vacation spot, celebrated for pristine beaches, captivating landscapes, charismatic cultures, and acclaimed cuisine, all offered with the renowned kindness and hospitality of Filipinos. For many North American travelers, however, this archipelago remains an unexplored gem. To that end, we’ve put together some tips for turning the Philippines into your dream destination.
Check out our featured island-hopping Philippines itinerary or plan your own custom tailor-made trip today!
1. Time your trip right
The Philippines shines brightest from January to early April, when the dry season brings clear skies and a festive energy. From March to May, summer starts heating up, but prices begin to drop. This makes it a great time to book upgraded accommodations for that extra layer of luxury. As June to October ushers in seasonal rains, but these rarely last all day. Travelers who visit during this time can enjoy lush landscapes, vibrant city life, and some great deals. By November, another golden dry season begins, welcoming travelers with cool breezes and plenty of sunshine.
2. Hit the highlight destinations
The list of beautiful islands in the Philippines runs long, but one standout is Northern Palawan, which includes El Nido and Bacuit Bay. Postcard images of the Philippines come to life here, plus there are more than 30 dive sites and numerous small islands to explore, each one showcasing the islands’ nature and wildlife.
If on the other hand, you’re landing in Cebu City, you can see another side of the Philippines’ beauty just a ferry ride away in Bohol, famous for the stunning chocolate hills. For a cultural immersion, head to the Cordilleras in the northern region of Luzon, a bus ride away from Manila. Here, you can meet the indigenous people of Ifugao and see the spectacular rice terraces that have made the region an Instagram star.
If luxury and nightlife are your top priorities, then Boracay is the island for you, blending white-sand beaches, adventure sports, and indulgent relaxation. Go snorkelling, kayaking or kite surfing to list just a few of the local activities, then immerse yourself in a luxurious hot kawa bath to soothe those muscles.
3. Slow down and consider staying longer
For first timers, three to four days is a good length of time at most destinations in the Philippines. For larger islands like Palawan though, you may want more, while smaller stars like Bohol are accessible and compact enough to see on a day trip. As a rule, take things slow, give yourself time to connect with each of your destinations, savour the local rhythms and flavours and let the uniqueness of each island speak to you.
4. Don’t overpack your itinerary
The Philippines has over 7,641 islands and is the second largest group of islands in the world. Getting around takes time, and the journey can be part of its charm if you plan it well, so it’s important to build a route that flows naturally. Take a look at destinations you can visit around the three main hubs of the Philippines – Manila, Cebu, and Clark. It can save you a lot of time hopping through airports! A ferry or sailing trip between the islands (like Coron to El Nido for example) is a far better use of your vacation time.
5. Don’t skip Manila
Many travelers treat Manila as a layover – a big mistake, as it deserves at least a day or two! Get to know more about the country’s layered history in Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and then dive into Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, for tasty eats. Also, if you like to shop, Manila has some of the largest shopping malls in the world, ensuring plenty of options for every type of bargain hunter.
Plan a custom tailor-made trip to the Philippines!
6. Explore lesser-known natural wonders and cultural icons
Beyond its famous beaches, the Philippines offers countless surprises for curious travelers. Venture to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, or explore the country’s lush national parks, home to rare species like the majestic Philippine eagle.
In cities, keep a look out for colourful jeepneys, repurposed military jeeps dolled up to serve as public transit in many major towns. You’ll also share the road with uniquely colourful motorised tricycles, and both are symbols of Filipino urban life.
7. Kain na! Learn to eat the Filipino way
Filipino food is bold, soulful, and seriously underrated! You’ll find a variety of adobo (meat dressed in vinegar and spices) in almost any part of the country, while Anthony Bourdain famously labelled Filipino lechon (suckling pig) ‘the best pig ever’.
Feast on Filipino holiday favorites like kaldereta stew, nutty kare-kare, and pansit, a noodle dish believed to give you a longer life.
Vegetarians, fear not! Options abound, including the laing (taro leaf and coconut milk) and crispy tortang talong (eggplant omelette).
Also, don’t skip the snacks – from sweet banana cue to freshly baked pandesal, you’ll find temptation on every corner.
8. Learn a little Tagalog (and explore local languages)
English is widely spoken across the Philippines, but learning a few local phrases goes a long way. Try saying salamat (thank you) or magandang araw (good day), and you’ll be met with instant smiles. With over a hundred regional dialects across the islands, showing interest in the local language is always appreciated and can often spark a friendly conversation, on top of making you feel more immersed in local culture.
9. Pack a sense of wonder!
Board your flight with an open mind and let the Philippines surprise you at every turn. You’ll leave not just with photos, but with stories, friendships, and memories that stay long after the journey ends.
Christian’s first globetrotting adventure saw him get lost exploring the streets of Saigon. Following his nose to Asia’s best coffee, two lifelong addictions were born. A freelance writer and novelist, Christian’s travels have since taken him around his native Australia, Asia, Europe, and much of North America. His favourite trips have been through Japan, Spain, and Brazil, though with a love of off-beat, artsy cities, he’ll seize any opportunity to return to Paris, New York, or Berlin.
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