The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country in the western Pacific Ocean that includes more than 7,000 islands. With Manila as its capital, the country is known for its rich biodiversity and for its diverse cultural heritage, with influences from its indigenous roots, Spanish colonization, and American education and governance systems.

The Philippines has a strong educational system and one of the highest literacy rates in Asia. The country has a rich tradition of music, dance, and craftsmanship and is renowned for its stunning beaches and islands, each offering a variety of experiences from total relaxation to water sports and lively nightlife.

The warmth and hospitality of Filipinos are often highlighted as one of the country’s greatest treasures, along with the widespread use of English, which makes communication and navigation for tourists much more accessible.

The Philippines is also noted for its affordability, making it a great destination for budget travelers. Whether it’s for its culture, natural beauty, or the warm hospitality, the Philippines presents a compelling case for being on your bucket list.

• Visa: Many nationalities can enter the Philippines without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, provided they have an onward or return ticket. Check the official Philippines Bureau of Immigration website or with the Philippine embassy in your country for the latest information as requirements can change.

• Vaccinations: Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended because you can contract these diseases through contaminated food or water in the Philippines. Depending on where you are going and what you are doing, you might also need vaccines for Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies. Malaria prophylaxis might also be recommended for certain rural areas.

• Flight Booking: Check out our flight booking tips to make sure you get the best value for your money.

• Currency: The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but it’s less common in remote areas. It’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand for small purchases, tips, and places that don’t accept credit cards.

With over 7,000 islands, beaches are a top attraction in the Philippines.

• White Beach on Boracay: This beach is known for its powdery white sand that feels like flour between your toes. It’s the kind of beach that you see on postcards and think, “Nah, can’t be real.” But it is!

• Puka Shell Beach in Boracay: Named after the puka shells you’ll find in the sand, this beach is a bit more low-key than White Beach. It’s perfect for when you want the beauty without too many folks around.

• Alona Beach in Panglao, Bohol: Alona’s got palm trees, blue water, and a chilled-out atmosphere where you can just kick back and enjoy the sun.

• Siargao Island Beaches: Beyond its reputation as a surfing mecca, Siargao has a multitude of beautiful beaches.

• Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte: Pagudpud’s beaches often resemble those of Hawaii, with long stretches of white sand and impressive waves.

• Palawan:Known as the last frontier of the Philippines, Palawan is home to stunning lagoons, clear blue waters, and incredible biodiversity. Don’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the breathtaking lagoons of El Nido.

• Chocolate Hills in Bohol: These unique geological formations are a mystery of nature. Over 1,200 perfectly cone-shaped hills turn cocoa-brown in the dry season, hence the name.

• Intramuros in Manila: The historic walled city from the Spanish colonial period is full of history, with Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Manila Cathedral as must-visit landmarks.

• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a marine sanctuary with some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, making it a top spot for diving.

• Vigan: Step back in time in the well-preserved Spanish colonial town of Vigan, with its cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages.

• Adobo: Often considered the unofficial national dish, adobo is a savory stew of pork or chicken (sometimes seafood or vegetables) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices.

• Sinigang: A sour soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, various vegetables, and either pork, beef, shrimp, or fish.

• Balut: For the adventurous eater, balut is a fertilized duck egg with a nearly developed embryo inside, boiled and eaten from the shell. It’s a popular street food.

• Kare-Kare: A rich and hearty stew made with oxtail, vegetables, and peanut sauce, often served with shrimp paste on the side.

• Halo-Halo: A popular and colorful dessert that means “mix-mix,” consisting of shaved ice, milk, various fruits, sweet beans, jelly, and topped with ice cream or leche flan.

• Visiting Historic Churches:The Philippines’ Spanish colonial past is evident in its many historic churches, such as the San Agustin Church in Manila and the Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Filipino Martial Arts: Take a class in traditional martial arts like Arnis, Eskrima, or Kali to understand the Philippines’ history of tribal warfare and Spanish colonial influence.

• Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana: Wearing the national dress, the Barong Tagalog for men and the Filipiniana for women, can be a unique cultural experience. These elegant garments are often worn during major events and celebrations.

• Filipino Cuisine: Participate in a traditional Filipino ‘kamayan’ feast, where a variety of dishes are laid out on banana leaves and diners eat with their hands, or enjoy a ‘boodle fight’ which is a military-style of eating.

• Ifugao Rice Terraces: Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces of the Ifugao people is a great cultural experience – they reveal centuries-old farming practices and a deep connection to the land.

• Greetings: Filipinos are formal with greetings. Use “po” and “opo” when speaking to elders or those in authority as a sign of respect. A gentle handshake accompanied by a smile is common, and close friends and family may greet each other with a cheek kiss or a hug.

• Invitations and Visits: If invited to a Filipino home, it’s polite to bring a small gift like sweets or pastries. Always wait to be told where to sit, as there may be a seating arrangement based on age and status.

• Dining Etiquette: Wait to be asked to start eating, and it’s customary to leave a little food on your plate to indicate you are full. Eating with your hands (kamayan) is acceptable in more casual settings, especially when eating seafood or at a beach outing.

• Shoes in the House: Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home unless told otherwise. This is a common practice throughout Asia and is seen as a sign of respect for the homeowner’s space.

• The ‘Mano Po’ Gesture: When greeting someone older, it is polite to take their hand and bring it to your forehead as a gesture of respect. This is called “Mano” or “Pagmamano.”

Before international travel, you should always make a plan for how you’ll use your phone.

Philippines roaming charges can add up quickly, and you don’t want to get stuck with a huge phone bill after an amazing vacation.

Carrier travel data packages are often expensive, with limited data and a lot of restrictions.

A budget-friendly way to avoid Philippines roaming charges is to download a Philippines eSIM that comes with a prepaid Philippines data package.