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Philippines Vacations, Tours & Travel Packages

  • Cross the layered rice terraces of Luzon Island
  • Take a day to relax in the sun on the sandy shores of Boracay
  • Explore the caves along White Beach, a popular spot in Boracay for its crystal waters and light sands
  • Stroll through the streets of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, to stumble across the city's culture
  • Walk the hallowed remaining halls of Fort Santiago, the oldest Spanish bastion in the Philippines

Officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, the Philippines is an archipelago nation consisting of 7,641 islands in Southeast Asia. This may sound like a daunting number of islands, but only a few islands attract visitors on a Philippines vacation. The country is generally grouped into three main collections of islands: Luzon in the north, Visayas in the centre, and Mindanao in the south.

Over 100 million people live in the nation, making it one of the largest countries in the world. Manila, on the northern island of Luzon, is the nation’s capital, but the southern islands and their beaches and resorts attract most of the tourists.

Although Southeast Asian in origin, the country has a variety of Spanish and American influences due to it being a colony of both these nations throughout history. You’ll find that most people speak excellent English, while much of the local architecture reflects Spanish influences. Even the country’s name is taken from the Spanish King, Philip II.

What are the best island resorts to visit in the Philippines?

Boracay

This is the most popular tourist destination in the country. Stretching only 7km long, Boracay is known for pristine beaches and the pleasures of an island paradise. White Beach has the most popular strip of hotels, restaurants, and shops, but you’ll find gorgeous resorts anywhere on the island. Boracay offers similar pleasures to Tahiti or Fiji but at more affordable prices.

More information on Boracay Vacations

Palawan

This island offers the definition of untouched paradise. In the reaches of El Nido, known as the Philippines’ “Last Frontier,” you’ll find overwater bungalows that offer unrestricted access to the waters of the ocean. As well, if you want to go scuba diving, this is the place to be. The inland is also home to the karst rock formations of Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

What are the top cities to visit in the Philippines?

Manila

Founded by Spain in 1571, the capital of Manila comes off as a busy, noisy city on first impression, but it has plenty of attractions beyond its brusque initial appearance. The sweeping seafront promenade of high-rise hotels leads to Old Manila, which culminates in Intramuros, an old walled city that blends Spanish and American colonial influences with indigenous cultural traditions that have thrived for around 3,000 years. Aside from Intramuros, the city’s best attractions are Rizal Park, which is a great spot to relax for an afternoon, and Chinatown, which is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the world. You’ll find excellent and inexpensive shopping here.

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Cebu City

The oldest and second-largest city in the country, Cebu City, known as the ‘Queen City of the South’ is full of historical treasures. Amid all of its commercial activity, Cebu features historical sites, various museums, and churches. You will find the Roman Catholic Basilica Minore del Santo Nino here as well as the imposing colonial fort, San Pedro. But Cebu is also known for its good beaches and resorts on Mactan Island. Cebu mixes urban attractions with rest and relaxation. It is also home to many festivals throughout the year.

Where are top things to see in the Philippines?

Banaue Rice Terraces

This UNESCO World Heritage Site features some of the most gorgeous cultivated land in the world. Located on the north of Luzon, these terraces are carved onto the rocks on hilly mountain slopes and date back around 2,000 years. As you see the terraces cascade down the mountainside, you’ll be left speechless. There are few things as breathtaking to see on Philippines vacation packages. You’ll find the rice terraces featured in local currency and currently used by the local Ifugao people.

More information on Banaue Rice Terraces 

Chocolate Hills

Located in the province of Bohol, these 1,300 grassy hills turn a rich brown each dry season, transforming into a landscape of uniform brown hills that look like chocolate treats. Although they look too symmetrical to be nature, the Chocolate Hills are not manmade. Their geological origin is currently up for debate, with no consensus on their formation reached.

Mayon Volcano

Found on the southeastern tip of Luzon, Mayon Volcano is the largest volcano in the Philippines. Its perfectly-symmetrical cone shape makes it one of the most picturesque volcanoes in the world. However, it is still active, so be aware of current volcanic activity before visiting.

Puerto-Princesa Underground River

Located in the eponymous national park on the island of Palawan, this incredible underground river stretches through a landscape of karst rocks that recalls Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.

What is the best time to visit the Philippines?

The Philippines has a tropical climate that lasts all year round, so you’ll experience humidity and heat throughout the year. That being said, there are seasonal variations in the country. The wet season runs from May to October, while the dry season runs from November to April. The best time to visit is during the dry season, as you’ll forgo the heavy rains and overwhelming humidity of the wet season, although you won’t avoid heat in the Philippines. January and February are the coolest months, with temperatures averaging around 30°C, while March and April can get as hot as 34°C. When it’s not raining, you can expect lots of sunshine and high humidity. In the dry season, typhoons become a regular occurrence, with the earliest typhoons occurring in May. July and August are the wettest months and are best avoided.

What type of tours are available in the Philippines?

You can start with a stopover package in Manila and then combine it with a beach stay in Boracay, Palawan or Cebu. You can also add trips to Pagsanjan Falls, Corregidor Island and the Banaue Rice Terraces, the latter needing more time with a stopover.

Travel to the Philippines 

There are regular non-stop flights to Manila from Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. 

Transportation within the Philippines

The best way to get around on a Philippines vacation is by air. Most major destinations are served by air from Manila. There are no real rail services. Within the cities, taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. For the more adventurous, try a jeepney, which is a communal taxi which stops wherever the passengers want on a prescribed route.

"Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Indulge in Overwater Bungalow Accommodation on Your Philippines Vacation

Your Mini Guide to Philippines Travel Ideas

Experience the Philippines, from its Metropolis to its Islands

The Philippines: An Adventure Seekers Dream Destination!

Philippines Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy to navigate travel information section dedicated to a Philippines vacation.

Learn about the history and culture of the Philippines, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about the Philippines nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering the Philippines for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Philippines tours today!

Extend Your Trip in Asia

After your Philippines tour considers taking the time to visit other destinations, Goway offers exciting China vacation packages, India tours and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.

 

 

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FEATURED TRIP
  • More than 1,268 cone-shaped domes make up The Chocolate Hills of Bohol
  • Manila has endured every disaster humans and nature could throw at it, but has become a true Asian megacity
  • Boracay's White Beach, is a 4 km, postcard-perfect stretch of sand
  • Cebu in Visayas, is most densely populated island in the Philippines
  • 100km southeast of Manila is Pagsanjan best know for it's waterfall and canoe trips
FEATURED TRIP

Classic Philippines: Manila, Boracay & Cebu

FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Discover the history and beautiful landscapes of the Philippines on this introductory 9-day vacation. Start in Manila, where you’ll delve into the country’s colonial history and visit nearby Pagsanjan. Then spend a few days on sunny Boracay before exploring Cebu City and the Chocolate Hills of Bohol.

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Philippines

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  • Banaue Rice Terraces Discovery

    MODERATE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s not hard to see why this spectacularly laid-out, beautiful rice terraces are a gift of nature. Experience amazing views in this unique setting.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,720
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Philippines See Trip Details

  • Best of Cebu Island & the Chocolate Hills

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Historic Cebu combines perfectly with a full day to the nearby island of Bohol to view the Chocolate Hills, incredibly shaped limestone karsts seen on a barge cruise.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 631
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Philippines See Trip Details

  • Classic Philippines: Manila, Boracay & Cebu

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Discover the history and beautiful landscapes of the Philippines on this introductory 9-day vacation. Start in Manila, where you’ll delve into the country’s colonial history and visit nearby Pagsanjan. Then spend a few days on sunny Boracay before exploring Cebu City and the Chocolate Hills of Bohol.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Single Friendly, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Philippines See Trip Details

  • Deluxe Palawan El Nido Beach Escape

    DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: More than a tropical paradise, El Nido is almost totally unspoiled with its wonderful beaches, clear waters, stunning cliffs making it one of the world’s most beautiful resorts.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,409
    Trip Type:
    Beach & Island Escapes, Luxury and Beyond, Romance & Honeymoon, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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  • Highlights of Manila

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: At first sight, Manila appears to be only a bustling metropolis. Once the older parts of the city are discovered, history and a culture influenced by the Spanish and US come to the fore.
    Duration:
    3 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 304
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences, Single Friendly, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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  • Luxury Boracay Beach Escape

    DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: Idyllic and stunning really do apply to these beaches which are almost incomparable in their beauty. With white sand, coral reefs and a turquoise sea, Boracay will fulfill your expectations.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Beach & Island Escapes, Luxury and Beyond, Romance & Honeymoon, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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