Philippines
The Philippines has more than 7,600 islands, and the best trips string a few of them together: Palawan's limestone lagoons, Bohol's Chocolate Hills, Siargao's surf and the rice terraces of the northern Cordillera. English is widely spoken, food is hearty and cheap, and Filipino hospitality is famous, but island-hopping takes planning around flights, ferries and the typhoon season.
Overview
The archipelago splits into three main groups: Luzon in the north, the Visayas in the middle and Mindanao in the south. Most first trips fly into Manila, spend a day in Intramuros, then head for the islands: Palawan for El Nido, Coron and the Underground River, and the Visayas for Bohol, Cebu's dive sites and Siquijor. With more time, add Siargao's surf breaks or travel north into the Cordillera for Banaue's rice terraces and on to colonial Vigan. Plan the route around domestic flights, as linking islands by ferry eats days.
Costs are low by British standards, with simple beach rooms, jeepney rides and plates of adobo all cheap, though resorts in El Nido and Boracay and daily island-hopping tours add up. English is an official language, so getting around is easy, and Filipinos are warm, funny and devoted to karaoke. Expect travel to run late: flights are delayed, ferries are cancelled by weather, and Manila's traffic is notorious. Christmas, Holy Week and Chinese New Year bring domestic crowds and price peaks. It suits beach lovers, divers, surfers and anyone happy to slow down to island time.
Map of Philippines
Top 5 highlights
- 1Beach
El Nido and Bacuit Bay
Limestone islands rise sheer from Bacuit Bay in northern Palawan, hiding lagoons, coves and white-sand beaches. Join an island-hopping tour from El Nido town for the Big and Small Lagoons, or kayak in early before the boats arrive.
- 2Nature
Chocolate Hills
More than 1,200 grass-covered limestone mounds stud central Bohol, turning chocolate brown in the dry season. Climb the viewing deck at Carmen, then visit the tarsier sanctuary at Corella and cruise the Loboc River.
- 3Culture
Banaue Rice Terraces
Carved into the Cordillera by the Ifugao people, the terraces are at their most spectacular at Batad, a steep hike from the road, where a UNESCO-listed amphitheatre of paddies surrounds the village. Overnight buses run from Manila.
- 4Architecture
Vigan
Asia's best-preserved Spanish colonial town, Vigan's cobbled Calle Crisologo is lined with stone-and-timber mansions and clattering kalesa horse carts. Try Vigan empanada and longganisa sausage at the evening food stalls.
- 5Adventure
Siargao
This teardrop-shaped island off north-east Mindanao is the country's surf capital, centred on the Cloud 9 break near General Luna. Non-surfers island-hop to Naked, Daku and Guyam islands or swim in the Magpupungko rock pools.
Biggest cities
Manila
Spend a day or two on Intramuros's walls and San Agustin Church, food crawls through Binondo's Chinatown and the National Museum, then move on to the islands.
Davao
Mindanao's main city is the base for climbing Mount Apo, the country's highest peak, and for seeing Philippine eagles at their breeding centre; durian is the local obsession.
Cebu
The country's oldest city has Magellan's Cross, the Santo Niño basilica and the best lechon, plus quick links to Bohol, Moalboal's sardine run and Malapascua's thresher sharks.
2020 census figures for the officially defined metropolitan areas. Metro Davao's boundaries take in distant towns; measured by continuous built-up area, Cebu is the larger of the two.
When to go to Philippines
Best time: Dec–Apr.
Average climate in Manila
Festivals & events
- JanSinulog
Held in Cebu City on the third Sunday of January, Sinulog honours the Santo Niño with a huge street parade of drummers and dancers in costume, plus days of parties.
- Feb–MarPanagbenga
Baguio's month-long flower festival peaks in late February or early March with flower-covered float parades and street dancing in the cool mountain air.
- OctMassKara Festival
Bacolod's October festival of smiling masks fills the streets with dancers in colourful costumes, music and food stalls, peaking around the city's charter day on 19 October.
How much does Philippines cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Adobo
Chicken or pork braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves and black pepper until sticky and tangy; every family claims the best recipe.
Sinigang
A sour tamarind soup packed with pork, prawns or fish and vegetables such as water spinach and radish; comfort food eaten with rice.
Lechon
Whole spit-roasted pig with crackling skin; Cebu's version is stuffed with lemongrass and garlic and needs no dipping sauce.
Getting around
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia link Manila, Cebu and Clark with dozens of island airports, the only sensible option for long hops. Fast ferries such as OceanJet cover shorter routes like Cebu–Bohol. On land, ride jeepneys, tricycles and air-conditioned vans; Grab works in Manila, Cebu and Davao. Vans link Puerto Princesa and El Nido in about five to six hours.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- ABC220V — bring a UK-to-A/B/C adapter
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +63
- Time zone
- UTC+8 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Many restaurants add a 10% service charge; if not, leave about 10%. Tip boat crews, guides and drivers, and round up Grab and tricycle fares.
- Etiquette
- Add 'po' to sentences to show respect to elders, keep complaints calm and friendly, as losing your temper causes loss of face, and dress modestly in churches.
- Main airports
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila; Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB), Cebu; Clark International Airport (CRK), Clark
Visas & entry for Philippines
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can visit the Philippines without a visa for tourism or business for up to 30 days.
You must have a QR code to show that you have registered on the e-travel system within the 72 hours before your arrival in the Philippines. Some airlines will not allow you to board your flight to the Philippines if you cannot show the QR code.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueHepatitis BJapanese encephalitisMeaslesRabiesTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK.
- Malaria
- Low risk of malaria
- There is a low risk of malaria in rural areas of the Philippines below 600m and on the islands of Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, and Palawan: awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Philippines
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | All Saints' Day |
| Mon 2 Nov 2026 | All Souls' Day |
| Mon 30 Nov 2026 | Bonifacio Day |
| Tue 8 Dec 2026 | Immaculate Conception |
| Thu 24 Dec 2026 | Christmas Eve |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Wed 30 Dec 2026 | Rizal Day |
| Thu 31 Dec 2026 | New Year's Eve |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Sat 6 Feb 2027 | Chinese New Year |
| Tue 9 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Thu 25 Mar 2027 | Maundy Thursday |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sat 27 Mar 2027 | Black Saturday |
| Fri 9 Apr 2027 | Day of Valor |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Sun 16 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha (date may shift) |
| Sat 12 Jun 2027 | Independence Day |
| Sat 21 Aug 2027 | Ninoy Aquino Day |
| Mon 30 Aug 2027 | National Heroes Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Filipino
| English | Filipino | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Kumusta | koo-moos-TAH |
| Thank you | Salamat po | sa-LAH-mat poh |
| Please | Pakiusap | pa-kee-OO-sap |
| Excuse me | Mawalang-galang po | ma-wa-LANG ga-LANG poh |
| How much is this? | Magkano ito? | mag-KAH-no ee-TOH |
Know before you go
- Typhoons can strike from June to November and routinely cancel ferries and flights, so build in spare days and buy insurance that covers weather disruption.
- Carry plenty of small notes: tricycle drivers and island shops often cannot change ₱1,000 bills, and ATMs in El Nido, Siargao and smaller islands can run dry.
- Island-hopping tours and environmental fees are often cash only; in El Nido, Coron and Siargao, book through your accommodation or registered operators rather than touts.
Philippines travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Philippines?
The best time to visit Philippines is generally Dec–Apr. Peak months are January, February, March, April and December. Average highs in Manila range from 30°C to 34°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Philippines cost per day?
Roughly £35 a day on a tight budget, £80 mid-range and £170+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Philippines?
Philippine peso (PHP).
What plug type does Philippines use?
Type A, B and C sockets at 220V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Philippines?
Traffic drives on the right in Philippines, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Philippines?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Philippines?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You can visit the Philippines without a visa for tourism or business for up to 30 days. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Philippines before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/philippines/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Philippines?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Dengue, Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, Measles and Rabies sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
