The Philippines is a very popular destination for Americans and is also frequently visited by travelers. Since this is a frequently traveled route, we have created this guide to help you plan every aspect of your trip, from the best sites to see to the best way to get around the country.
Plan Your Trip in Advance
Careful planning is an essential skill while traveling from the United States to the Philippines. It includes a variety of crucial duties, such as booking travel and hotel accommodations and creating a detailed schedule that identifies the must-see sights. A few of the essential steps in this preparation process are investigating the places you want to visit, checking the weather, and making bookings in advance for tours, shows, and meals, among other things. These preparations guarantee that your trip will be well-planned and enjoyable.
To properly explore all of the Philippines’ many attractions, at least four days would be needed. Even if there are a plethora of things to see and do, we can suggest that a very basic and jam-packed tour may be completed in 7–10 days, including beach activities, cultural touches, and adventurous activities, maybe spread across two or three places. You can look through our lists of the Best Places to Go and our examples of Philippine Tours!
Still, the Philippines is a fairly cheap travel destination when compared to places like Japan, New Zealand, Canada, and Europe. Generally speaking, a $35–$70 day (per person) budget will allow you to explore the Philippines.
Flying to Philippines
Philippine Airlines is the only direct flight airliner from the United States. Passengers from outside of the U.S. can book flights through Delta, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Emirates, ANA, KLM, Air China, and United.
While choosing the right airport for their flight, travelers need to be cautious in order to guarantee a smooth travel experience. The travel time between these two airports is at least 75 to 90 minutes, given their 80-kilometer separation. There are shuttle buses available for transfers between airports, but making the wrong decision could result in awkward situations. In order to prevent any potential interruptions, tourists are therefore highly encouraged to double-check their reservations and carefully confirm their departure airport.
Since flights last between 12 and 15 hours, it is strongly recommended to take business class. Being able to sleep horizontally with so much leg room was such a lovely experience! It’s like having your own bed on an aircraft.
If you live in the United States and intend to drive to the airport in order to leave your car behind while visiting the Philippines, you should choose ParkFellows. ParkFellows is an online parking comparison tool available for airports throughout. In order to find the best deals on parking at LAX, JFK, or even SFO, check out their website.
Travel Visas
Citizens of the United States of America may go to the Philippines as long as they have the necessary entrance authorization. At the time of admission, the passport must be valid for at least six (6) months. If your passport is from the United States, you can enter the Philippines without a visa. Proof of return or forward ticket from the Philippines is required.
Safety
Travelers can generally feel safe in the Philippines. Street crime and robberies are rampant, and they occasionally involve guns and other weapons. When using public transportation, use caution and refrain from flashing cash or valuables. Armed robberies aboard buses and “jeepneys” are not unheard of, especially in major cities like Manila.
Best Time to Visit Philippines
December through February are the most suitable times to visit the Philippines because these are the coolest months with minimal chance of rain. The temperatures during this period are around 75°F to 88°F. The rainy season is from June to November, and the dry season in the Philippines is from December to May.
It is thought that January, November, and December are the high season in the Philippines. September is the most affordable month to travel from the United States.
Where to Stay in Philippines
It is imperative to make reservations in advance for lodging, especially during popular travel seasons when places tend to fill up rapidly and last-minute bookings might be more expensive.
Considering where to stay in the Philippines? You won’t have too much trouble finding something that suits you, from opulent hotels to hostels. Additionally, your money won’t be too badly hit because travel is so inexpensive. The drawback of that is that it can be very difficult to choose. It might also be challenging to incorporate all the amazing sites you wish to see into a single trip due to the abundance of amazing places to stay in the Philippines.
Boracay
A few years ago, this little island had to be briefly closed due to its immense popularity. But now that it’s open again, you can find a space on the 7 km by 500 m island. The gorgeous White Beach, which is 4 kilometers away, is where you can unwind, learn to dive, or eat some authentic Filipino cuisine. Go up to Mount Luho, the island’s highest point, when you’re sick of having sand in your toes. You’ll have an abundance of options when it comes to hostels in Boracay, as the city is home to some of the best in the Philippines.
White Beach is divided into several stations, each called after the launch location for longtail boats. They are excellent for first-time guests. Beyond Boracay, towards the east, lies an experience waiting to be had. Your best bet is Bulabog because there are many of watersports stores there. Perhaps have a look at Diniwid Beach if you want to escape everything without leaving the island.
Bohol
This stunning region of the Philippines, known to locals as the “Republic of Bohol”, made an unsuccessful attempt at independence at the beginning of the 19th century. Families will love staying in Bohol because there are plenty of activities available both on and off the main path.
To see the Philippine tarsier or perhaps go whale shark swimming, venture into the Chocolate Hills. And there are still more beaches for beautiful walks, just like in most other Philippine attractions.
There’s nothing better than Bohol to make the whole family smile. It’s one of the simplest locations in the Philippines for kids to get up close and personal with the wildlife, and it’s sure to leave them with unforgettable memories.
Bohol is a sizable island, so before you go, consider what you want to get out of it. The majority of the best places to stay are in the vicinity of Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island in the Southwest; if you enjoy diving, the latter may be the greatest place to go in Bohol. But there are also locations in the Chocolate Hills, and the region of Anda in the southeast of the island has a lot to offer.
Siargao
Siargao is off the beaten path enough to maintain its genuine and unspoiled vibe, but it has just enough infrastructure to be a fantastic getaway. The waves are the main draw here, and General Luna’s beaches have some of the greatest surfing in the country. Cloud 9 Beach is most likely the most well-known location. Just be careful—you might find yourself staying far longer than you had planned. Almost definitely, there will be a hammock wherever you stay!
Siargao is definitely a backpacker’s paradise, but if you choose the incorrect location, you won’t feel that way. Be careful while selecting your Siargao lodging. In addition to having great surfing, General Luna also has an amazing nightlife; families will like Pilar. Do you want to stray from the norm? Go to San Isidro; it’s a great place to start your exploration away from the crowds.
Tagaytay
Tagaytay is the ideal getaway from Manila, the capital of the Philippines, about an hour’s drive away. The cold air and high altitude provide the ideal respite from the stifling heat and gridlock. It costs a lot less than the capital as well. It’s actually among the least expensive accommodations in the Philippines. However, just because something is inexpensive doesn’t mean you won’t get a lot for your money. The Taal Volcano is one of the most well-liked sights here, and if you’re feeling daring, you may hike atop the still-active volcano! You can guarantee that your accommodations in Tagaytay will provide you with a view of the volcano and crater lake.
How to Get Around Philippines
When visiting the Philippines, one may think of renting a car to go on further experiences outside of the city. But it’s best to pick up the car outside of the city; businesses like Local Rent frequently offer this service. Driving in the city core of the Philippines is not recommended due to the chaotic traffic. The large number of budget flights and ferry services between major destinations makes it easy to cover the Philippine archipelago, even on a tight budget, though the main drawback is that everything routes through Manila and Cebu. Long-distance road transport largely comprises buses and jeepneys – the utilitarian passenger vehicles modeled on American World War II jeeps.
The public transit system in the city is dependable, user-friendly, and reasonably priced. Transport options for tourists include the subway, trams, buses, ferries, and the quaint dolmus minivans, which can be a lot of fun. The name of these shared taxis, which means “stuffed,” refers to how crowded they usually are, especially in the morning rush from 8 to 9:30 am.
Public Transportation
Bus travel can be sluggish and rather uncomfortable, but you can meet Filipinos from all walks of life and get a genuine look at rural Philippine life via the window. Buses are also quite convenient; major cities have hundreds of routes that stretch out like a web, and even the most remote barrio has access to some kind of bus service. You also won’t experience hunger. Most stations have local merchants jumping aboard to sell you different snacks and drinks; on longer routes, buses stop every three or four hours so that passengers may get some fresh air and food.
There are several drawbacks. For longer routes, the major bus operators have fleets of reasonably new, air-conditioned buses, but most of them hardly ever have restrooms. When traveling lesser distances, buses may be run-down vehicles lacking windows and air conditioning. Throughout the journey, you’ll also need to have a strong tolerance for loud music or Tagalog movies that are played nonstop.
By Jeepney, FX Taxi and Tricycle
The ultimate Philippine icon, the jeepney is essential for city transportation in Manila, Cebu City, Davao, and Baguio. Regular services are provided between key destinations in each city. In the provinces, jeepneys can only run two or three times a day, depending on demand, the weather, and the driver’s attitude. They connect remote barrios to neighboring towns and towns to metropolis. Timetables are nonexistent at all.
On a signboard in the window or painted on the side are the routes. However, because jeepneys must make many stops and turns in order to pick up and drop off people, operating one requires some familiarity with the surrounding area. Since there isn’t a specific location for jeepneys, people wait in the shade by the side of the road and wave one down. The vehicles are cramped and incredibly uncomfortable, usually holding about twenty passengers inside and any number of extras clinging to the back or sitting precariously on top. It can be a hassle to get luggage on and off – small items might end up on the floor, but larger items will go on the roof.
If nothing else, jeepneys are a fantastic social equalizer; you’ll quickly strike up a lively discussion about your destination, nationality, and marital status with the other riders. The inexpensive fares in the provinces begin at P7 for a few-kilometer journey and go up to P50 for two- or three-hour journeys. A few hundred-meter trip in the cities costs about P7, while longer distances cost up to P25. Say “bayad po” (pay please) and give your money to the person sitting next to you to make the payment. The fare will be passed down the passenger line until it reaches the driver if you are not seated close to him; he will then return any spare change.
FX taxis are air-conditioned Toyota minivans with destination signs in the window that function similarly to jeepneys. They began operating in Manila in the late 1990s and are currently present in other cities as well as on several well-traveled intercity routes. Routes, however, are frequently not predetermined, so knowing where to catch the appropriate vehicle requires some local knowledge. The driver won’t even consider moving until he has ten people on board, three more than the van is meant to hold. The vehicles can be a touch cramped. Most of these cars in Manila go by the name “GT Express” and typically cost P2 per kilometer.
Tricycles (habel-habel), the least expensive shared transportation option, are common in the provinces. While they are not allowed to use specific highways in Manila and Cebu City, they are able to travel practically anywhere else at any time of day and at any pace their small engines will allow. The sidecars can hold up to four people—two facing ahead and two facing backward—but extras frequently cling on wherever they can. The only thing stopping them is whether the sidecars can support the additional weight without breaking apart. Tricycles don’t have set routes, thus getting to your destination usually involves signaling one down and giving the driver your address.
By Car
In the Philippines, it is feasible to rent a self-drive vehicle; the daily cost of a typical saloon automobile is approximately P2000. Is it something you would like to do? In addition to the fact that traffic in Manila and other cities is frequently backed up, the majority of Filipino drivers also take traffic laws very lightly. In instance, drivers of buses and jeepneys frequently swerve, change lanes abruptly, and drive with one hand always on the horn.
However, if you’re used to driving in cities like London, Los Angeles, or New York, this might not bother you too much. Besides, if you go to more rural places, like northern Luzon, driving can be quite convenient and open up a whole range of otherwise inaccessible destinations. Renting a motorcycle is another popular option for travelers, although it is only advised for seasoned riders due to the statistically significant risk of collision. It’s recommended to completely abstain from nighttime driving.
In the event that you drive, you must have your driver’s license and be ready to provide it if you are pulled over. Rentals are only permitted for a maximum of 90 days; longer visits would need a Philippine license. In the Philippines, cars travel on the right side of the road and distances and speeds are measured in kilometers, with one mile being around 1.6 kilometers. The official speed limit on freeways is typically 100 kph, but due to traffic, you’ll rarely be able to travel faster than 30 kph anywhere else.
Rideshare Apps
Uber returned to the Turkish market in 2021 following a string of judicial battles. Positive experiences with the service have been recorded by customers, who highlight the reasonable pricing, kind drivers, and brief wait periods. Since cash is frequently used for payment, it is best to bring smaller bills. BiTaksi and Itaksi are other ride-hailing services available in the Philippines; the former accepts contactless card payments for increased convenience.
By Air
For those who like to visit different parts of the Philippines, air travel is rather helpful as several airlines connect Manila to most important destinations. However, when traveling from one region to another, you will typically need to make a detour to a major hub. Two of the more recent airlines, Airphil Express and Cebu Pacific, provide even more routes and very low tickets, especially if you book some time in advance. Philippine Airlines also has a comprehensive domestic schedule.
By Ferry
Once the mainstay of Philippine navigation were bangkas, or wooden outrigger boats, and ferries. While still significant, particularly in the Visayas (where there isn’t a single coastal barrio without ferry service), the majority of the lengthier routes have become obsolete due to the rise of low-cost airlines. Flights are not only cheaper and faster than cabins on longer ferry journeys (like Manila to Mindanao), but they are also almost always safer.
Ferry accidents are still frequent in the Philippines, even during the dry season, and the open sea may get quite choppy, despite recent improvements. Many of the larger bangkas have been acquired secondhand from Europe or Japan and are far past their prime, while the smaller ones are sometimes ill-equipped and offer little protection from the weather. All kinds of ferries are usually packed.
Top Places to Visit in Philippines
The Philippines’ vastness is bewildering, given its 39 districts, 15 million inhabitants, and more than 1,700 years of history as a city. It is a common occurrence for visitors to wonder where to start when exploring this amazing city.
Travelers have a one-of-a-kind experience when they arrive in the Philippines because of its dynamic atmosphere, which absorbs them right away. The largest city in the Philippines has a mesmerizing ability to envelop guests and fully immerse them in its rich cultural heritage. When visitors arrive in the Philippines, they often feel at ease and are encouraged to let go of their preconceptions and fully experience this unique place. Here are a few of the best suggestions for destinations in the Philippines.
Manila
And lastly, Manila—the metro’s center! Extremely close to the airport, surrounded by some of the best lodging options and hotels in Manila, tourist attractions throughout the city, and a wide variety of food options, including Filipino, buffet, samgyupsal, and halal restaurants wherever you go—all the makings of an exciting family outing.
Taking the whole family to the National Museums in Manila is a great way to begin a tour of the city. After that, you can visit neighboring sights including Ocean Park, the planetarium, and the Rizal Shrine.
Lanao Del Norte
Give Lanao Del Norte a chance; you’ll be surprised by what you discover. It might not be your first choice when it comes to travel destinations. By plane Lanao Del Norte may be reached in little over an hour. There are numerous stunning waterfalls, including the imposing Ma. Cristina Falls, just near the city of Iligan. Tinago Falls is also worth mentioning, but be prepared to struggle for it—a 300-step climb leads to its grandeur.
Lanao Del Norte has plenty of food options if you’re in the mood for some serious eating. It takes pride in its delectable fresh seafood, Cheding’s peanuts, and the contentious durian fruit.
Cagayan De Oro
Cagayan De Oro may be the place to go if you need a vacation from the bustle of the city. You and your family can enjoy a variety of water sports and other exciting Cagayan de Oro adventures located in and around the province about an hour away by plane, with numerous daily flights to and from Manila. A Cagayan de Oro whitewater rafting package will allow you and your group to brave the Cagayan River’s rapids. Alternatively, reserve a Seven Seas Waterpark Cagayan de Oro day pass with transfers and enjoy the park’s many water sports.
If you’re not interested in water sports, you can take a family-friendly tour of Cagayan de Oro or visit Dahilayan Forest Park, which has a variety of family-friendly attractions. Another option is to take a tour to Bolao’s cold spring and Cagayan De Oro’s Sinulom Falls.
Pampanga
Are you trying to find a place where kids and adults alike can just be kids? If so, Pampanga is the ideal location. SandBox, Pampanga’s unique outdoor attraction, offers a plethora of family-friendly activities and amenities, and is only a short drive from Manila.
You can engage in a wide range of activities there, including archery, aerial walking, and kart racing. After you’re through, unwind at Aqua Planet, the largest and newest waterpark in the province.
Subic
Located in the center of Olongapo City, Subic may be reached from Manila in a few hours by car. There are plenty of fun activities for the whole family in there. Enjoy some suntime fun with the kids and the kid inside of you at Subic’s Inflatable Island. Go visit the Zoobic Safari to learn about the wildlife. Kids and kids at heart can play to their hearts’ content at the nearby Funtastic Park.
Visit the Subic Bay Yacht Club for opulent lodging and fun activities suitable for the whole family. Visit Magaul Bird Park for a fun-filled educational day with the kids and easy family activities. Regarding lodging, there are several different hotels in Subic from which to select.
What to Eat in Philippines
During your time in Philippines, be sure to enjoy some of the local culinary delights, such as:
- Pancit – Traditional noodle dishes in Filipino cuisine
- Sisig – Sisig is a Filipino dish made from pork jowl and ears, pork belly, and chicken liver, which is usually seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chili peppers.
- Halo-halo – Filipino dessert that consists of a combination of shaved ice, and a mixture of of fruits, sweet beans, coconut, sweet milk, syrups, tubers, jellies, etc.
- Kare-kare – Filipino stew that features a thick savory peanut sauce. It is generally made from a base of stewed oxtail, beef tripe, pork hocks, calves’ feet, pig’s feet or trotters, various cuts of pork, beef stew meat, and occasionally offal.
- Adobo – A common Filipino recipe and cooking method involves first browning meat, fish, or vegetables in oil, followed by marinating and simmering vinegar, salt, soy sauce, and garlic.
Top Travel Tips
- Exchange rate: If you’re traveling from the US, Europe, or Australia, you have a significant edge. The peso to dollar conversion rate is usually around 50.
- Rainy season: There is a rainy season, just like in most of Southeast Asia. The ideal months to visit the Philippines are February through June. February was ideal because it’s right before summer arrives and there aren’t as many visitors. While it does rain occasionally, it usually ends quite soon.
- Avoid drinking the water; instead, get bottled water unless you are at a reputable hotel or restaurant. It is possible that some of the drinking water is unfiltered, which could make you sick. It’s awful, you wouldn’t want to be ill for two weeks!
- Apply bug repellent—since this is a tropical location, there will be insects. I used mosquito repellent religiously, and I only had a few bites when I got home. Be careful because the mosquitoes transmit dengue disease, which makes it deadly as well.
Fun Facts About Philippines
Before going to the Philippines, it may be nice to familiarize yourself with a few fun facts about the Philippines!
- The Puerta Princesa Subterranean River National Park, located on the island of Palawan, is home to the longest subterranean river in the world. It is situated deep beneath the St. Paul’s Mountain Range.
- Over 175 languages are spoken throughout the nation.
- It is home to three of the biggest shopping centers in the world: In the Philippines, shopping is much anticipated. In fact, it is home to SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, and SM Mall of Asia, three of the ten biggest shopping malls in the world.
- The most widely used form of transportation is still the jeepney, which is closely associated with the Philippines. Thousands of excess Jeeps were left behind by American forces after World War II. These were cleverly mended together by resourceful Filipinos to create transport vehicles that can accommodate up to 20 people at once. They are often painted in vivid colors with slogans imprinted on them, making them easy to detect.
- The Monkey-Eating Eagle is the national bird. It is unfair to call the Philippine Eagle the monkey-eating eagle. Although its prey isn’t exactly immodest in size—pigs, snakes, and bats—it doesn’t actually eat monkeys. It is easy to understand how it does this, given that its wingspan is about two meters.
Related Articles:
– The All-New Comprehensive Bohol Travel Guide: Discovering the Beauty of the Philippines 2023
– Discover the Philippines: Top Must-Visit Destinations and Experiences
