Seven thousand islands of limestone lagoons, rice terraces and reefs.
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, and island-hopping is the heart of any trip. Palawan's El Nido and Coron offer limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons, Bohol has the Chocolate Hills, and Siargao is a surf hub. In the north of Luzon, the Banaue rice terraces climb mountain slopes, and Manila's walled Intramuros and Vigan's Spanish-era streets recall centuries of colonial history.
Filipinos are famously friendly, and English is widely spoken, which makes travel straightforward. Food runs from adobo and sinigang to lechon at celebrations. Getting between islands means flights and ferries, so plan time for connections. December to April is dry and ideal; the rainy season from June to November brings typhoons, most often later in the season.
Best time to visit Philippines
January, February, March, April.
Places to visit in Philippines
El Nido: Northern Palawan's island-hopping hub, with hidden lagoons, sheer limestone cliffs and white beaches in Bacuit Bay.
Manila: The Philippine capital, where the Spanish walled city of Intramuros sits within a busy, food-loving metropolis.
Boracay: A small island known for the fine white sand of White Beach, sailing boats at sunset and lively nightlife.
Coron: An island in the Calamian group famous for diving on Second World War shipwrecks and swimming in clear lakes.
Bohol: A central Visayas island of the Chocolate Hills, tiny tarsiers, Spanish colonial churches and the beaches of Panglao.
Siargao: A laid-back island of surf breaks, coconut palms and lagoons, home to the famous Cloud 9 wave.
Banaue Rice Terraces: Rice terraces carved by hand into the mountains of the Cordillera by the Ifugao people and farmed for generations.
Essentials
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
Language: Filipino and English, both widely spoken
Plugs: Type A / B / C, 220 V
Driving: Right side
Time zone: UTC+8
Tipping: Service charge often included; around 10% is appreciated otherwise
Getting around: Domestic flights and ferries between islands; jeepneys and tricycles locally
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking