If you’re craving a travel experience that feels like stepping straight into a tropical postcard—but with wild adventures, jaw-dropping nature, and the kind of warmth (from both the sun and the people) that stays with you long after—you might want to put the Philippines at the top of your list.
Think island lagoons so clear they don’t look real, palm-lined beaches, colorful jeepneys winding through busy towns, and the kind of underwater world that feels like you’ve dropped into another planet. I spent a few unforgettable weeks here, hopping from coral reefs and jungle waterfalls to sleepy beach towns and buzzing local markets—and honestly, every day felt like a new kind of paradise.
Philippines
Wander in the Philippines
Highlights and Tips
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Why You Should Visit
The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands—and it honestly feels like each one has its own personality. Some are dotted with powdery sandbars and beautifully blue lagoons, while others are home to lush rice terraces, active volcanoes, or sleepy surf towns. You can swim with whale sharks in the morning, chase waterfalls in the afternoon, and catch perfect waves by sunset. Places like Siargao, Palawan, and Bohol will leave you speechless—in the best way.
What really makes the Philippines special, though, is the people. Locals are warm, quick to laugh, and always ready to help (even if you didn’t ask yet). Expect random karaoke performances, smiles from strangers, and a whole lot of hospitality. English is widely spoken too, which makes getting around pretty stress-free.
And the nature? On another level. We’re talking crystal-clear water, rainbow-colored reefs, jungle-covered islands, and wildlife you’ve probably never heard of. It’s one of the most biodiverse places on the planet—and somehow still affordable. You can snorkel, surf, and feast on fresh seafood all while keeping your budget in check.
Diving in the Philippines
The Philippines is the kind of place where plans shift with the tide—and that’s part of what makes it unforgettable. It’s made for unplanned adventures, slow days, and moments that catch you off guard in the best way. Maybe it’s a spontaneous island-hopping trip with new friends, a long chat with a local on a tricycle ride, or watching fireflies light up the night from a hammock by the sea. The beauty here isn’t just in the landscapes—it’s in the feeling. Come with curiosity, stay open to detours, and don’t be surprised if you’re already dreaming of your return before your trip even ends.
Best Time to Visit
The Philippines has two main seasons: dry and wet. The dry season runs from November to May, with the sweet spot being January to April. These months bring steady sunshine, calm seas, and ideal conditions for boat trips, diving, and beach hopping. If you're planning to visit popular spots like El Nido, Siargao, or Coron, this is when they’re at their most beautiful—clear skies, turquoise water, and epic sunsets.
The wet season is from June to October, which means occasional heavy rains and the possibility of typhoons, especially in August and September. That said, it doesn’t rain all day—usually just a few hours at a time. The upside? Everything’s lush and green, prices are lower, and tourist crowds thin out. If you're heading to areas less affected by storms (like the east coast), this season can still be a great time to travel.
Festivals also play a role—Sinulog in Cebu (January) and Ati-Atihan in Kalibo (January) are two of the liveliest cultural experiences in the country and worth planning around.
How to Get to the Philippines
Most international travelers fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila (MNL) or Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB). From there, domestic flights are the easiest way to reach the islands. You can hop to destinations like Siargao, Palawan (El Nido or Puerto Princesa), Coron, Bohol, Dumaguete, and more in under two hours.
Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines operate regular domestic routes and often run promo fares—just book early and double-check the baggage rules, as the cheapest tickets usually exclude checked luggage.
If you're traveling regionally within Southeast Asia, there are also direct flights to the Philippines from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong.
Top Things to Do in the Philippines
🌴 Island-hop in Palawan
Palawan is what tropical dreams are made of. In El Nido, you’ll sail between towering limestone cliffs, kayak into hidden lagoons, and relax on remote beaches with sand so white it looks fake. Coron ups the adventure with WWII shipwreck dives, vibrant coral gardens like Siete Pecados, and iconic lakes like Kayangan and Barracuda Lake, where freshwater meets saltwater in surreal underwater landscapes. Both spots offer island-hopping tours that take you to places you won’t believe are real.
Travel Tips
Cash is king 🏧 – While major cities accept cards, many smaller islands are cash-only. Bring pesos, and don’t count on ATMs being stocked (or working).
Stay waterproof 🌧️ – Between boat rides, sudden rain showers, and beach time, a dry bag, quick-dry clothes, and waterproof phone case are essential.
Respect the islands 🌴 – Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral or wildlife, and take your trash with you, especially on island-hopping trips.
Travel takes time 🕓 – Don’t be fooled by short distances. Ferries, vans, and tricycles are fun but slow. Pad your schedule and enjoy the ride.
Grab a local SIM card 📱 – Super cheap at the airport or convenience stores. Load it with data for navigation, Grab rides, bookings, and translations.
Expect extra fees 💸 – Some ports and islands charge eco-tourism, boat, or terminal fees (usually 50–200 PHP). Always carry small bills.
🤿 Dive Apo Reef or Tubbataha Reefs
If diving is on your bucket list, the Philippines delivers. Apo Reef is the second-largest contiguous coral reef system in the world—home to sharks, rays, turtles, and all kinds of colorful fish. It’s more accessible from Mindoro and perfect for a multi-day dive trip. Tubbataha Reefs, on the other hand, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the middle of the Sulu Sea. You’ll need a liveaboard dive boat to get there (only open from March to June), but it’s absolutely world-class—like swimming through an aquarium.
🐋 Swim with whale sharks
Seeing a whale shark in the wild is an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to do it ethically. Donsol (in Luzon) and Leyte (in the Visayas) are two of the best places to see these gentle giants without feeding or luring them, which helps keep their behavior natural. You’ll snorkel beside them in open water, with local guides trained in sustainable practices. No cages, no gimmicks—just you, the sea, and a massive, beautiful fish.
🏄 Surf in Siargao
Siargao is the laid-back surf capital of the Philippines. Cloud 9 is the famous break that put it on the map, but there are plenty of beginner-friendly waves and surf schools too. Between sessions, you can explore lagoons like Sugba Lagoon, swim in Magpupungko Rock Pools, or go island-hopping to Naked Island, Daku, and Guyam. The island vibe is relaxed and fun, with palm-lined roads, smoothie bowls, and sunset surf sessions on repeat.
💦 Waterfall hop in Cebu
Cebu isn’t just about beaches—it’s full of waterfalls tucked into the jungle. Kawasan Falls is the most famous, where you can go canyoneering down blue-water streams and cliff-jump into pools. For something quieter, head to Tumalog Falls near Oslob, with a tall misty curtain of water, or Dao Falls, which involves a short trek through limestone cliffs and bamboo forests. Bring water shoes and your sense of adventure.
🍫 Marvel at the Chocolate Hills in Bohol
Bohol’s Chocolate Hills are a natural wonder—over 1,200 cone-shaped hills that turn brown in the dry season, looking like giant Hershey’s Kisses scattered across the landscape. While you're there, visit the Tarsier Sanctuary to see the adorable, wide-eyed primates that are native only to this part of the world. You can also go river cruising, visit centuries-old churches, or relax on the beaches of Panglao Island.
🌆 Soak in the city culture
Don’t overlook the cities! Manila’s Intramuros is a historic walled city with cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and museums that give you a real sense of the country’s past. Meanwhile, Cebu City is known for its festivals, food markets, and lechon (roast pig)—plus it’s a handy hub to explore nearby islands and waterfalls. Both cities are chaotic in a charming way, full of local flavor and unexpected surprises.
🌅 Unwind in Port Barton
Tucked between El Nido and Puerto Princesa, Port Barton is often skipped—and that’s exactly why it’s so special. With no big resorts, patchy Wi-Fi, and sandy streets, this sleepy fishing village is perfect for unplugging. Spend your days snorkeling over coral gardens, visiting turtle nesting beaches, or watching the sun melt into the sea from a hammock. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time—and love it.
Philippines Itinerary
Last updated: March 2025
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✅ Must-Haves (Don’t Skip These)
Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Regular sunscreen damages coral reefs. Go reef-safe (and it actually works in the humidity). This one’s great https://amzn.to/426EeAr
Universal Travel Adapter – A universal adapter is a lifesaver if you’re bouncing to other countries.
Grab a good one here: https://amzn.to/3HKZ6GH
Portable Power Bank – Keep your phone alive during long bus rides or power cuts.
Reliable option here: https://amzn.to/45Gsw1S
Reusable Water Bottle (with filter if possible) – Stay hydrated without buying endless plastic bottles.
Larq is a great pick: https://amzn.to/4mznZnP
Bug Repellent – Jungle + dusk = mosquitos. Go DEET-free or natural if you prefer.
This spray works: https://amzn.to/45NrOyo
Sturdy Footwear (Hiking Sandals or Trail Shoes) – Flip-flops will betray you on muddy trails or rough terrain.
Check these out: https://amzn.to/4p06rCW
Microfiber Towel – Sand, sweat, waterfalls… you’ll use this daily. This one dries fast: https://amzn.to/45Whe8x
Dry Bag / Waterproof Backpack – Protect your stuff during rainstorms, waterfalls, or boat rides.
Nice one here: https://amzn.to/47q02e5
Essential Packing For Your Upcoming Adventures 🎒
✨ Nice-to-Haves (Make Your Trip Way Easier)
Waterproof Camera (GoPro) – For underwater snorkeling, surf footage, and waterfalls.
Order your Gopro here: https://amzn.to/3HMH86I
📸Why it’s worth it: If you're all about waterfalls, snorkeling, and surfing — aka places you don’t want to risk a regular camera. A GoPro is waterproof, durable, and perfect for capturing underwater adventures or strapping onto your surfboard. The newer models also have killer stabilization, so even jungle hikes look smooth on video.
Camera (Good but Affordable) – If you want better photos without going pro-level, something like the Canon EOS R50 or Sony a6400 with a kit lens is a solid travel pick: https://amzn.to/3HAU67w
📷Why it’s worth it: Not everyone wants a bulky DSLR. If you want high-quality photos without spending thousands, something like the Canon EOS R50 or Sony a6400 is a great balance. Both are lightweight, great in low light (hello, jungle sunsets), and come with decent kit lenses for beginners.
DJI Mini Drone – Capture epic coastlines and jungle views without carrying a giant drone.
This one is travel-friendly: https://amzn.to/45FeY6O
✈️Why it’s worth it: Imagine flying over the jungle canopy or filming a sunset on the Pacific coast — a drone completely changes how you capture your trip. The DJI Mini series is lightweight (under 250g, so no license hassle), packs easily in a day bag, and gets amazing shots without pro-level skills.
Headlamp / Compact Flashlight – Jungle nights get dark fast.
This compact one is perfect: https://amzn.to/3VnMFUd
Earplugs – Between howler monkeys and surf towns with late-night music, you’ll want them.
These block noise very well: https://amzn.to/4npqzNp
Travel Hammock (lightweight packable) – Perfect for chilling on the beach or jungle stays.
Popular one here: https://amzn.to/4p328qG
Sun Hat/Cap – Foldable ones pack easily. This one works well: https://amzn.to/4pfaAmP
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