Philippines travel guide
Philippines Tourism | Philippines Guide
You're Going to Love the Philippines
Filled with rice fields, exotic wildlife, and modern art, the Philippines is a country that has something for every traveler. During your trip, you can go swimming in hidden lagoons, mountain biking through scenic hills, ziplining through the rainforest, and more.
What to do in the Philippines
1. Lounge on a Luxurious Beach
To relax by the ocean, head to Boracay, a small island that has scenic beaches and an observation deck with impressive views.
2. Explore Underground Caves
If you are feeling particularly adventurous, go to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which contains a large underground river and many caves.
3. Visit a Traditional Rice Farm
To learn about the country's traditional rice farming practices, go to the Banaue Rice Terraces, a scenic area that contains several farms that are located on the side of a mountain.
4. Unwind in a Local Park
To go on a stroll, enjoy a picnic, or explore one of the country's greenspaces, you do not want to miss out on a visit to Rizal Park, a space that often hosts public events, such as concerts.
5. Experience Panoramic Views
For those that enjoy exercising, make sure to go to the Taal Volcano, as it has several scenic hiking trails that provide stunning views of the island of Luzon.
When to visit the Philippines
It is best to visit between the months of November and April, due to the fact that this is the country's dry season and the only time when you can access all of its remote areas and islands.
How to Get to the Philippines
Entry Requirements
Nationals of many countries are able to travel to the Philippines without requesting a visa. If you are from the United States, you can stay for up to 30 days with a valid passport, while if you are from India, you can stay for a maximum of 14 days.
Plane
As the Philippines is considered to be an archipelago, the most common way for tourists to arrive in the country is by plane. There are several international airports that travelers can fly to, including Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Kalibo International Airport.
Boat
There is one international ferry that is offered through Aleson Shipping lines and it will bring passengers from Malaysia to Zamboanga City.
Popular airlines serving the Philippines
Where to stay in the Philippines
The most common type of lodging in the Philippines is a standard hotel, which can be found in most major cities. If you will be staying in the same region for several weeks, you may want to consider renting a condotel, which is a furnished condominium unit.
Where to stay in popular areas of the Philippines
Most booked hotels in the Philippines
How to Get Around the Philippines
Public Transportation
The most common type of public transportation is a Jeepney, which is a brightly colored bus that costs around ₱10 ($0.20) per ride. The buses provide a relatively effective service throughout the country.
Trains
The Philippine National Railways operates two train services that go between the cities of Manila, Naga, and Ligao. On the Bicol Express train, passengers can choose from four different classes, which are Economy, Deluxe, Family Sleeper, and Executive Sleeper.
Bus
Buses are known for being one of the most affordable ways to travel throughout the Philippines, with round-trip fares costing as low as ₱300-500 ($5.86-9.80). There are several companies that you can book your voyage with, including Philtranco, Victory Liner, and ALPS The Bus.
Car
The Philippines has an extensive and efficient road system, making it easy to drive from city to city. At most major airports, you will be able to find international car rental agencies, such as Avis and Europcar.
Plane
If you need to move between different islands in the Philippines, the easiest way will be to fly. There are several local airlines that you can choose from, including Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines.
The Cost of Living in the Philippines
When purchasing a monthly public transportation pass, you can expect the price to be approximately ₱1,200-1,300 ($23-25). If you go to the grocery store, a gallon of milk can be purchased for around ₱80-85 ($1.5-1.65), while 2 lb of potatoes will cost you ₱85-90 ($1.65-1.75). Large stores often accept debit and credit cards, but many of them have a minimum purchase amount.