Holidays to Philippines
Top destinations in Philippines
Manila
Before you explore the Philippines’ white-sand beaches, discover its fascinating capital. From architectural wonders and top-notch museums to street food feasts, Manila deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Cebu
Where powdery beaches meet rugged mountains, you’ll find the teeming metropolis of Cebu, home to historical sites, outdoor adventures and one of the best nightlife scenes in the Philippines.
Boracay
Relaxing beach days meet vibrant nightlife in Boracay, a tiny Filipino island with stellar shorelines, beautiful sunsets and a party vibe that’s the envy of Southeast Asia.
Philippines: fast facts
| Language | Filipino, English |
|---|---|
| Currency | Philippine peso (₱) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
Philippines holiday highlights
Hike a volcano
For adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts, one of the best things to do in the Philippines is to explore the country’s volcanos. If you’re up for a challenge, hike the symmetrical cone of Mount Mayon, the Philippines’ most active volcano. Or pair a 4x4 excursion with a hike around Mount Pinatubo, which is home to an emerald-green lake and beautiful views.
Spot wildlife
Thrill seekers can swim alongside giant whale sharks off the coast of Sorsogon in southern Luzon or with dugongs around Calauit Island. If you prefer to stay on land, head to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, northeast of Tagbilaran. And you can see some of the world’s largest eagles at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City.
Go to a festival
Filipinos celebrate year-round with a calendar of festivals. Join the crowds in January for the Ati-Atihan Festival, a Mardi Gras–style celebration in Kalibo on Panay Island. Or head to Cebu City in January for the colourful Sinulog Festival. In December, things get festive with the Giant Lantern Festival held in San Fernando, known as the ‘Christmas Capital of the Philippines’.
Things to do in Philippines
Top attractions
Few sandy stretches can compete with Boracay’s White Beach and its impossibly smooth shoreline, turquoise waters and fiery sunsets. In Central Luzon, the emerald Banaue Rice Terraces are often called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. For more breathtaking nature, head to the Chocolate Hills, named for their likeness to confectionery during the dry season.
Beaches
With thousands of islands to choose from, there’s no shortage of dreamy beaches in the Philippines. Sun-worshippers flock to the white sands of Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island in Cebu. And in Palawan, snorkellers explore the shipwrecks around Coron Bay’s beaches. Prefer to surf? Siargao Island’s Cloud 9 break draws wave riders from around the world.
Nature
Marvel at the Banaue Rice Terraces, known as the ‘stairway to heaven’ by the Ifugao people. In Bohol, don’t miss the conical Chocolate Hills, which legend says are the calcified tears of a giant. Love movies? Visit the Pagsanjan Falls in the province of Laguna, famously featured in the final scenes of Francis Ford Coppola’s film ‘Apocalypse Now’.
Culture and museums
Plenty of museums in the Philippines offer a slice of the country’s rich culture. In the capital city of Manila, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology are always worth a visit. And in Makati, the Ayala Museum showcases Filipino culture, art, history and heritage. Bookworms should head to the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center in Marikina.
Cuisine
With Chinese, Mexican, Malay and American influences, Filipino cuisine is a fusion of global flavours. When visiting local restaurants in the Philippines, look out for popular dishes like ‘adobo’ (meat cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and spices), ‘lechon’ (spit-roasted pig) and ‘kilawin’ (Filipino ceviche). For dessert, try ‘halo-halo’, made from shaved ice, evaporated milk and a mixture of toppings.
Family friendly
Feeling adventurous? Take a boat tour of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park on the island of Palawan, home to one of the world’s longest underground rivers. Or kayak down the Abatan River to explore Bohol’s mangrove forests. If a slower day is in the cards, try Manila’s interactive Mind Museum and its kid-friendly science exhibits.
Find the best time to visit Philippines
Weather in Philippines
June – November: The Philippines’ rainy season brings downpours to most of the archipelago, with the heaviest rains arriving between July and October. You’ll still enjoy hot, sunny days with temperatures between 22°C and 30°C. But plan for indoor activities like museum visits when the weather turns. There are fewer tourists during this season, making it the best time to visit the Philippines if you’re on a budget.
December – May: The dry season welcomes plenty of sunshine and little rain, perfect for beach days and outdoor adventures. From March to May, temperatures climb above 32°C, so pack extra sun cream and stay cool during the hottest part of the day.
Events in Philippines
Sinulog Festival (January): Held in Cebu City, this colourful celebration honours Santo Niño with street dancing, costumes, cultural performances and fireworks. The festival’s highlight is the Mardi Gras–style Grand Street Parade, soundtracked by rhythmic drums and chants.
Pahiyas Festival (May): This popular harvest celebration in Lucban transforms homes with elaborate displays of fruits, vegetables and flowers. The streets come alive with cultural performances, parties and a grand parade featuring marching bands, giant paper-mache puppets and colourful costumes.
MassKara Festival (October): Head to Bacolod City, known as the ‘City of Smiles’, for this festival featuring dancing, music and parades. Look out for locals wearing masks decorated with smiling faces in honour of the community’s resilience and optimism.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Filipinos value hospitality and politeness — a smile and show of courtesy will usually go a long way. It’s a conservative country, so dress modestly outside of the resorts, especially when visiting rural areas and religious sites. Have an appointment? People here usually have a more relaxed approach to time. Being a few minutes late is generally acceptable.
Health and safety
Many advisories recommend vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus before visiting the Philippines. You’ll also want to pack insect repellent to avoid mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria, especially during the rainy season. Tap water isn’t always safe to drink, so it’s best to stick to bottled water.
LGBTQ+ travel
The Philippines is generally a safe place for queer travellers, although it’s best to avoid public displays of affection. Most of the country’s LGBTQ+ scene is centred around the bars and clubs in the district of Malate in Manila. You’ll also find a smaller selection of LGBTQ-friendly bars in cities like Cebu City and Davao.
Budget
While it’s slightly pricier than other Southeast Asian countries, it’s still very possible to plan a cheap holiday in the Philippines. You can expect to pay about 200 Philippine pesos (₱) for an inexpensive meal and ₱70 for a local beer.
Getting around Philippines
Public transportation
Buses: Buses offer affordable travel between towns, cities and coastal destinations. Quality varies, from basic provincial services to premium buses with amenities like Wi-Fi, reclining seats and on-board toilets.
Trains: The state-owned Philippine National Railways (PNR) provides intercity rail services connecting major provinces in Luzon, including Manila, Legazpi and other cities in the Bicol region. PNR also operates commuter lines between Laguna and Quezon.
Boats: Ferries are cheap but slow if you’re not on a high-speed service. Major operators like OceanJet, 2Go and SuperCat provide extensive routes. Some of the most popular journeys are between Manila, Cebu, Boracay and Cagayan de Oro.
Domestic flights
Air travel is a convenient way to island hop in the Philippines, with several airlines linking Manila with most of the country’s other major destinations. Unlike cheaper carriers like Cebu Pacific and Airphil Express, Philippine Airlines offers traditional cabin service but usually at a higher price.
Driving
Driving in the Philippines can be a challenge due to traffic jams, poor road conditions and little observance of traffic laws. Consider sticking to public transport or hiring an experienced local driver during your stay.
