Philippines travel guide
Everything we'd tell a friend before they came.
Seasons, routes, flights, ferries, money, visas and the small things that make a big difference.
Planning
Best Time to Visit the Philippines
Month by month and island by island: when to go to the Philippines for beaches, diving and surf, how typhoon season really works, and our honest verdict.
Philippines Weather by Month
What the weather is really doing in every month of the year, coast by coast: rain, wind, sea conditions and where to go instead when it turns.
How Many Days Do You Need in the Philippines?
One week, ten days, two weeks or three: how many islands fit, how long transfers really take, and the signs you are trying to do too much.
First Time in the Philippines: What to Know
Everything we tell friends before their first trip: arriving in Manila, money, SIM cards, etiquette, pace, and what surprises first-time visitors.
Best Philippines Itineraries
Sample routes for one, two and three weeks, built around real flight and ferry connections, with the trade-offs of each.
Islands & routes
Best Islands in the Philippines
El Nido, Coron, Siargao, Bohol, Siquijor and more: the islands worth building a trip around, what each is really like, and who will love it.
How to Travel Between Islands in the Philippines
Flights, fast ferries, vans and bangkas: how the islands really connect, typical travel times, baggage traps and the pairings that work.
Practical
Domestic Flights in the Philippines
How domestic flights work: hubs, baggage limits, small airports, delays and how to build connections that survive the wet season.
Ferries in the Philippines
Fast craft, slow ferries and bangkas: the sea routes worth taking, booking tips, and what happens when the Coast Guard stops sailings.
SIM Cards and eSIMs in the Philippines
Which SIM or eSIM to buy, where to get it, the registration rules and what coverage is really like on the islands.
Internet and Wi-Fi in the Philippines
Mobile data, hotel Wi-Fi and remote work on the islands: where the connection is good, where it is not, and how to plan around it.
Money and Currency in the Philippines
The Philippine peso, ATMs, cards, cash on the islands, fees and tipping: how to handle money without surprises.
Philippines Visa and Entry Requirements
Visa-free stays, the eTravel registration, passport validity, onward tickets and extensions, with where to verify the current rules.
Is the Philippines Safe? A Practical Guide
Safety on the islands, in cities and at sea: what to watch for, typhoons, boat safety, health and the official advice worth reading.
What to Pack for the Philippines
A packing list built for islands: light layers, reef-safe sun protection, dry bags, the right shoes and what to leave at home.
Travel styles
Philippines Honeymoon Guide
Where to honeymoon in the Philippines: island resorts, private boats, the best months and how to keep the transfers romantic.
The Philippines With Children
Family travel in the Philippines: the easiest islands, sensible transfer times, safe beaches and hotels that genuinely welcome children.
Luxury Travel in the Philippines
Private islands, villas, charter flights and boats: what luxury looks like in the Philippines, and where it is worth the money.
Diving in the Philippines
Tubbataha, Coron's wrecks, Malapascua's thresher sharks, the Moalboal sardine run and Apo Island: where and when to dive, and how to choose well.
Surfing in the Philippines
Cloud 9 and beyond: Siargao's breaks by level, La Union and Baler, the swell seasons, learning to surf and reef safety.
Food & culture
Local Customs and Etiquette in the Philippines
Po and opo, church dress, tipping, eating with your hands and the small gestures that make a big difference with Filipino hosts.
Philippine Food Guide: What to Eat
Adobo, sinigang, lechon, kinilaw, halo-halo and the silog breakfast: the dishes to know, regional specialities and how to eat like a local.
Ready to see the Philippines from the inside?
Tell us when you're coming. We'll help design the rest.