The Philippines is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia. In fact, the Philippines is one of the most popular destinations in Asia. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc. It’s my favorite country in Southeast Asia for multiple reasons. Filipinos are super nice, the turquoise waters are breathtaking and I love the island life.
The Philippines offers several experiences – from swimming in the waterfalls to jungle trekking, from island hopping to scuba diving, from the epic waves and surfing to the peace and quiet found around the rice terraces – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.
If you’re planning your first trip to the Philippines, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best time to visit the Philippines, the best destinations, recommended itineraries, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.
| Information | Philippines |
|---|---|
| Language | Filipino, English |
| English-friendly | Yes |
| Currency | PHP (Philippine peso) |
| Internet reliability | Okay (it depends on location) |
The Philippines is a big country with thousands of islands. Depending on your destination, you may be facing different types of seasons. We decided to split this section into three sections to help you understand the seasons – note that we picked the most popular destinations for travelers:
| Areas | Season | Months |
|---|---|---|
| Luzon (mainland) |
Dry season Wet season |
January to April June to October |
| Palawan |
Dry season Wet season |
November to May June to October |
| Cebu |
Dry season Wet season |
January to April June to December |
Planning your trip to the Philippines? We created Philippines itineraries to help you. You can pick the length of your stay and follow our recommended itineraries. We created itineraries for up to one month including our favorite Philippines islands.
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In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.
In the Philippines, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a budget traveler or not, you won’t have difficulty to find options. You can find dorms starting at $7 per night. Note that the accommodation situation changes a lot from an island to the other.
When it comes to food, you can find different types of restaurants. If you eat local food, you can eat for less than PHP 200. Obviously, you may find elegant restaurants around the country and you can pay more if you wish. The cheapest options are usually in small local restaurants and markets.
Some activities such as hiking or beach bumming are free. Although, if you’re planning on getting surfing lessons, seeing the whale sharks, going on a snorkeling or a diving trip, you will have to pay for it. You can browse activities in the Philippines here to have an idea of the costs involved.
In general, traveling around the Philippines can be a bit complicated. Since we are talking about different islands, some of them are only accessible by boat, or small planes. That said, it can take a while to reach your destinations. You can either fly, take a bus or a van or travel by ferry/boat to reach your destinations.
To book your transport between destinations, you can book via 12GO or via a travel agency. Most of the time, your hotel and hostel may be able to arrange it for you.
| Travel Cost | Budget travel | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $7-10 per night | $25-70 per night | $70+ |
| Meal | $3-5 per meal | $5-15 per meal | $15+ |
| Activities | Focus on free activities | Mixing free activities & mid-range | $30+ per day |
| Transport | By bus/train | By bus, train, flight, driver | Private driver |
Overall, traveling around the Philippines is pretty safe. Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel.
There are some places in the Philippines that aren’t recommended for travelers. You can check the travel warnings submitted by your country. Violence and even kidnapping have occurred in these places. The southern part of the Philippines; the Mindanao area, the Sulu archipelago, and the Zamboanga Peninsula are considered to be areas to not travel to.
Apart from these places, use your common sense to ensure your safety.
Apart from the travel essentials, here are the things you should absolutely bring along with you in the Philippines. Click on the images to shop on Amazon. You can also check out this list of travel essentials in Asia.
Most nationalities get up to 30 days for free. Usually, you may be able to extend for an extra 30 days by visiting the immigration office.
You can verify your visa requirements here.
Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.
Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.
Find accommodation anywhere in the world.
Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.
Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.
Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.
It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.
And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.
eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.
If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in the Philippines, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.
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