Philippines travel guide

Getting there

Main international gateways are Manila, Cebu (Mactan), Clark and Davao, with some international flights to other cities such as Kalibo, Iloilo and Puerto Princesa; there are no land borders, and domestic flights and ferries link the islands.

Best time to visit: Dec–May – dry season with sunny beach weather.

Flights: see the cheapest month to fly to Manila, with live one-way and return fares from your nearest airport.

Tougher months: July to October brings the south-west monsoon and peak typhoon season, especially in Luzon and the Visayas.

Weather by month in Manila

• 30°J
• 31°F
• 32°M
• 34°A
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• 31°N●
• 30°D●

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Asia/Manila. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 161 of 198 other passports can enter Philippines without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 0 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 37 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of the Philippines (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-09-01). Read the advisory.

Stay

Most trips to Philippines are based around El Nido and Coron, Palawan, Siargao or Bohol. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$25–40 for a backpacker and US$70–130 mid-range, per person.

Connect

Plug types: A, B, C. Voltage: 220 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +63.

Mobile data: set up a travel eSIM or check your roaming plan before you fly, so data works as soon as you land.

Do

• El Nido and Coron, Palawan (Palawan · lagoons & diving): Dramatic limestone islands, turquoise lagoons and world-famous wreck diving.
• Siargao (Mindanao region · surfing): A surf and island-life hotspot with palm forests, lagoons and rock pools.
• Bohol (Central Visayas · hills & wildlife): Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, river cruises and beaches on Panglao.
• Cebu (Central Visayas · history & diving): Historic city sights plus whale sharks, sardine runs and waterfalls in the south.
• Boracay (Western Visayas · beaches): A small island with one of Asia's best-known white-sand beaches.
• Banaue and Batad (Northern Luzon · rice terraces): Ancient terraced amphitheatres and traditional Ifugao villages.
• Manila (Luzon · capital): A vast, energetic capital with colonial Intramuros, museums and food scenes.
• Vigan (Ilocos Sur · colonial town): A UNESCO-listed town with remarkably preserved Spanish colonial architecture.

Things to do

• Island-hop El Nido. Kayak into hidden lagoons and beaches beneath towering limestone cliffs in Palawan.
• Dive Coron's wrecks. Explore sunken Second World War Japanese ships in clear waters.
• Surf Siargao. Ride the famous Cloud 9 wave or learn on gentler breaks on this laid-back island.
• See the Chocolate Hills. Gaze over hundreds of grassy domes in Bohol that turn brown in the dry season, then meet tiny tarsiers.
• Walk the Banaue rice terraces. Hike through UNESCO-listed terraces carved into the Cordillera mountains.
• Explore Intramuros. Wander Manila's walled Spanish city, Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.
• Swim the Puerto Princesa Underground River. Paddle into a long navigable underground river inside a limestone mountain.
• Relax on Boracay's White Beach. Lounge on powdery sand and watch sailboats at sunset.

Eat and drink

• Adobo – meat stewed in vinegar, soy sauce and garlic
• Lechon – whole roast pig with crispy skin
• Sinigang – sour tamarind soup with meat or seafood
• Halo-halo – shaved ice dessert with fruit, beans and ice cream

Money and safety

Currency: Philippine peso (PHP). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: Not required; about 10% in restaurants without a service charge is appreciated..

Emergency numbers: 911 police, fire & ambulance.

• The Philippine peso is the currency; cash is essential on smaller islands.
• ATMs are common in cities but scarce on remote islands, so withdraw before you go.
• Check your government's travel advice, as parts of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago carry higher risks.
• Watch typhoon forecasts in the rainy season and allow buffer days for cancelled flights and ferries.