The Philippines is an archipelago made up of 7,641 islands, offering crystal-clear beaches, lush jungles, rice terraces, vibrant cities, and warm, friendly people. Whether you want to explore white-sand beaches, world-class dive sites, or UNESCO-listed rice terraces, this guide covers it all!
✈️ Getting to the Philippines
Major International Airports
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) – Manila
- Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) – Cebu
- Clark International Airport (CRK) – Angeles/Manila alternative
- Davao International Airport (DVO) – Southern Philippines
Flight Prices (Round Trip Estimates)
- From USA: $700–$1,500
- From Europe: $800–$1,600
- From Australia: $400–$800
- From Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, etc.): $100–$400
💡 Tip: Flights are cheaper if booked 3–6 months in advance.
🚤 How to Travel Around the Philippines
1️⃣ Domestic Flights ✈️
- Fastest way to travel between major islands.
- Airlines: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia
- Sample fares:
- Manila → Cebu: $30–$80
- Manila → El Nido (via Puerto Princesa): $50–$120
💡 Tip: Book early! Budget airlines often have promo fares.
2️⃣ Ferries & Boats ⛴️
- 2GO Travel (Manila ↔ Cebu, Palawan, etc.)
- FastCat & OceanJet (shorter routes like Cebu → Bohol)
💡 Tip: Ferries can be long; bring snacks & a jacket for air-con cabins.
3️⃣ Buses & Vans 🚐
- Common for overland routes on big islands like Luzon, Palawan, Cebu.
- Local minivans (V-Hires) for shorter trips.
💡 Tip: Expect delays and plan extra time.
4️⃣ Jeepneys & Tricycles 🛺
- Cheap and fun for short distances in towns and cities.
- Cost: $0.20–$1 per ride.
💡 Tip: Have small bills/coins ready!
🗺️ Top Places to Visit in the Philippines
🏖️ Palawan
- El Nido: Limestone cliffs, lagoons
- Coron: WWII shipwreck dives, Kayangan Lake
- Puerto Princesa: Underground River
🚤 Access: Flights to Puerto Princesa or Busuanga (Coron)
🏝️ Boracay
- White Beach: Powder-fine sand
- Sunset sailing, island hopping
🚤 Access: Flight to Caticlan, ferry to Boracay
💡 Recently revamped, now eco-friendly!
🏄 Siargao
- Surfing capital of the Philippines
- Cloud 9 surf spot, island hopping, Sugba Lagoon
✈️ Access: Flight to Siargao (IAO)
🏞️ Bohol
- Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, Panglao beaches
- Loboc River cruises, snorkeling and diving
✈️ Access: Ferry from Cebu or direct flight to Tagbilaran
🌄 Banaue & Batad Rice Terraces
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Trekking and village homestays
🚐 Access: Overnight bus from Manila
💰 Budget & Travel Costs in the Philippines
| Type of Traveler | Daily Budget |
|---|---|
| Backpacker | $30–$50/day |
| Mid-Range | $60–$120/day |
| Luxury | $200+/day |
Accommodation
- Hostels: $8–$20/night
- Guesthouses: $20–$50/night
- Mid-range hotels/resorts: $50–$120/night
- Luxury resorts: $150–$500+/night
Food & Drink
- Street food: $1–$3
- Restaurants: $5–$15
- Fine dining: $30+
💡 Tip: Don’t miss lechon, adobo, and halo-halo!
☀️ Best Time to Visit the Philippines
Dry Season (Amihan)
- November – May
- Best weather, cooler temps
- Peak season: December – April
💡 Tip: January is great for festivals like Ati-Atihan in Kalibo!
Rainy Season (Habagat)
- June – October
- Fewer tourists, lower prices
- Watch out for typhoons, especially in August–September.
✅ Safety Tips for Traveling in the Philippines
✔️ Stick to well-known tourist areas
✔️ Use registered transportation or apps like Grab
✔️ Don’t flash valuables, especially in cities
✔️ Be cautious of strong currents when swimming/snorkeling
✔️ Emergency Number: 911
💡 Locals are friendly—ask for help when unsure!
📱 SIM Cards & Internet
- Telcos: Globe and Smart
- SIM cards: $5 with data packages
- Wi-Fi is common, but slower in remote areas
💡 Tip: Use mobile data for more reliable internet on the go.
🛍️ What to Buy in the Philippines (Souvenirs)
- Pearls (Palawan)
- Banig mats
- Barong Tagalog shirts
- Local handicrafts (bags, baskets, woodwork)
💡 Bargain in markets but be polite!
🗓️ Sample 10-Day Philippines Itinerary
📍 Day 1-3: Manila (Intramuros, National Museum, Makati nightlife)
📍 Day 4-6: Palawan (El Nido lagoons, island hopping)
📍 Day 7-8: Coron (Kayangan Lake, shipwreck diving)
📍 Day 9-10: Cebu or Siargao (beach time, whale shark tour or surfing)
🎉 Final Thoughts
The Philippines is adventurous, budget-friendly, and unbelievably beautiful. Whether you’re here to dive in clear waters, hike in lush mountains, or relax on powdery beaches, you’ll fall in love with the islands—and the people.
Plan ahead, be flexible (island time is real 😄), and enjoy the island life!
✅ How to Save This Guide as a PDF
- Copy this guide into Google Docs or Microsoft Word
- Click File → Download → PDF Document (.pdf)
- Done! Your Philippines Travel Guide PDF is ready! 🇵🇭✨
Want me to create a custom itinerary or help with budget planning? Let me know! 😊
How to Travel in the Philippines: FAQ ✈️⛴️🏝️
✈️ Getting to the Philippines
1️⃣ Do I need a visa to enter the Philippines?
- Citizens from 157 countries (USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, etc.) can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Extensions are available at immigration offices for up to 59 days (and beyond if needed).
💡 Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry.
2️⃣ What’s the best airport to fly into?
- Manila (MNL): Best for international arrivals and connection flights.
- Cebu (CEB): Gateway to Visayas, Palawan, and Mindanao.
- Clark (CRK): Alternative to Manila for Luzon travel.
💡 Tip: If heading to beaches like Boracay or Palawan, flying directly to Cebu or Kalibo can save time.
🚗 Getting Around the Philippines
3️⃣ How do I travel between islands?
- Domestic flights are the fastest (Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, Philippine Airlines).
- Ferries and fast crafts (2GO, OceanJet, FastCat) are good for short routes like Cebu → Bohol or Batangas → Mindoro.
💡 Plan for delays—flexibility is key!
4️⃣ Are there buses and vans?
- Yes!
- V-Hire vans and long-distance buses (Ceres Liner, Victory Liner) connect towns and provinces.
- Buses are common in Luzon, Palawan, and Mindanao.
5️⃣ What is a jeepney and should I ride one?
- Jeepneys are local, colorful minibuses.
- They’re cheap (₱10–₱20 / $0.20–$0.40) and iconic, but can be crowded.
💡 Ideal for short city trips. Always carry small bills!
💰 Money & Costs
6️⃣ What is the currency in the Philippines?
- Philippine Peso (PHP)
💵 $1 USD = ~₱55 (check rates).
💡 ATMs are common in cities; bring cash for remote areas.
7️⃣ Is the Philippines expensive to travel?
- No! It’s budget-friendly compared to other countries in Asia.
- Backpackers: $30–$50/day
- Mid-range: $60–$120/day
- Luxury: $200+/day
💡 Street food meals from ₱50–₱150 ($1–$3)!
8️⃣ Do I need to tip?
- Tipping isn’t required, but appreciated:
- Restaurants: 10% if no service charge
- Porters: ₱20–₱50 ($0.50–$1)
- Guides: ₱100–₱500 depending on the tour.
🏖️ Destinations & Things to Do
9️⃣ Where are the best places to visit?
- Palawan: El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa
- Boracay: White Beach
- Siargao: Surfing & lagoons
- Bohol: Chocolate Hills, Panglao
- Cebu: Whale sharks (Oslob), waterfalls
- Banaue/Batad: Rice terraces
💡 Plan for flights + ferries when island hopping.
🔟 Can I swim with whale sharks?
- Oslob, Cebu is popular but controversial due to feeding practices.
- Donsol, Sorsogon is the ethical alternative (December–May).
1️⃣1️⃣ Are there good diving spots?
✅ Yes!
- Tubbataha Reef (Palawan)
- Apo Reef (Mindoro)
- Malapascua (thresher sharks)
☀️ Best Time to Visit
1️⃣2️⃣ When is the best time to travel to the Philippines?
- Dry season: November–May
- Rainy season: June–October (typhoon season peaking in August–September)
💡 Best months: December–April (perfect beach weather!)
🛡️ Safety & Health
1️⃣3️⃣ Is the Philippines safe?
✅ Generally safe, but:
- Stay in tourist areas.
- Avoid southern Mindanao (except Davao City, which is safe).
- Use Grab instead of taxis in Manila/Cebu.
- Don’t display expensive gadgets.
1️⃣4️⃣ Can I drink tap water?
🚫 No.
- Always buy bottled or filtered water.
💡 Ice in restaurants is usually safe.
1️⃣5️⃣ Do I need vaccinations?
- Routine: Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid
- Optional: Rabies (if planning long, remote trips)
1️⃣6️⃣ Do I need travel insurance?
✅ Yes!
- Medical care is affordable, but insurance helps for emergencies, theft, and delays.
📱 Internet & SIM Cards
1️⃣7️⃣ What’s the best SIM card for tourists?
- Globe and Smart
- Tourist SIM cards with data: ₱300–₱500 ($6–$10)
💡 Mobile data is faster than Wi-Fi in many areas.
🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
1️⃣8️⃣ What should I buy?
- Pearls (Palawan)
- Capiz shell lamps
- Handwoven baskets
- Dried mangoes & banana chips
- Local coffee (Sagada or Kalinga beans)
💡 Bargain respectfully in local markets!
🛏️ Accommodation
1️⃣9️⃣ Where should I stay?
- Hostels: ₱400–₱1,000/night ($8–$20)
- Guesthouses: ₱1,000–₱3,000/night ($20–$60)
- Resorts: ₱3,000–₱10,000+/night ($60–$200+)
💡 Advance booking recommended during high season (December–April).
🚨 Emergency Numbers
- General emergency: 911
- Tourist police: Available in major areas like Boracay and Cebu
💡 Know your hotel/hostel’s address in case you need help.
✅ Quick Travel Tips Recap
✔️ Pack light, quick-dry clothes
✔️ Bring reef-safe sunscreen
✔️ Carry small cash
✔️ Plan for delays (island time is a thing!)
✔️ Respect local customs
✔️ Smile—Filipinos are super friendly!
🎉 Final Thoughts
The Philippines is laid-back, affordable, and packed with natural beauty. From island hopping in Palawan to surfing in Siargao, it’s a paradise for adventurers, beach lovers, and cultural travelers alike.
Let me know if you want a custom itinerary or budget planning help for your trip! 😊
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