🇵🇭Philippines
Over 7,000 islands of white-sand beaches, world-class diving, and some of Southeast Asia's friendliest hospitality.
Sign in to mark this country.
Capital
Manila
Best time
December–May
Language
Filipino, English
Currency
Philippine peso
The Philippines spans more than 7,000 islands, with El Nido's limestone-cliff lagoons and Palawan's underground river consistently ranked among Asia's best island scenery, alongside world-class diving around Tubbataha Reef and the Visayas.
🏝️ El Nido & Palawan
🤿 Tubbataha Reef diving
🌾 Banaue Rice Terraces
🐋 Whale shark encounters, Oslob
Trip essentials
Budget: Budget: €25–40/day · Mid-range: €50–100/day · Luxury: €180+/day
Visa: Not required for most Western passport holders for short stays — always confirm current rules before booking.
Suggested days: 10 — 10 days balances Manila, Palawan, and one further region. 5–6 days suits Palawan alone, a very popular standalone trip.
Getting there: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila is the main international gateway; Cebu has a useful secondary international airport
Getting around: Domestic flights are essential given the island geography; boats and jeepneys cover shorter distances
Safety: Tourist areas are generally safe; standard city caution applies in Manila, and some remote southern regions warrant extra caution — check specific current guidance for your planned route
Tipping: 10% at restaurants is appreciated, often included automatically
Power plug: Type A/B, 220V
Tastes of Philippines
Adobo
Meat braised in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, widely considered the Philippines' unofficial national dish.
Sinigang
A sour tamarind-based soup with meat or seafood and vegetables.
Lechon
Whole roasted pig, a centerpiece dish at celebrations, especially famous from Cebu.
Halo-halo
A layered shaved-ice dessert with sweet beans, fruit, and ube ice cream.
Top attractions
Suggested itinerary
Days 1–2
Manila
Intramuros old town and arranging onward island travel.
Days 3–6
El Nido & Palawan
Island-hopping tours and the underground river.
🚗 Domestic flight to Puerto Princesa or El Nido directly
Days 7–10
Visayas region
Diving, beaches, or the Banaue Rice Terraces depending on interest.
🚗 Domestic flight connections vary by destination
FAQ
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
Not for most Western passport holders for short stays — always confirm current rules before booking.
Is the Philippines safe to visit?
The main tourist circuit (Manila, Palawan, the Visayas) is visited safely by large numbers of travelers each year; some remote southern regions warrant extra caution, so check current specific guidance for your planned route.
How many islands should I try to visit?
Given the travel time between regions, most trips focus on one or two island groups rather than trying to cover the whole archipelago at once.
Can I dive without experience?
Many operators offer beginner and introductory dives, though Tubbataha specifically is better suited to certified, experienced divers given its remote liveaboard-only access.