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Introducing Philippines

When is the best time to visit?
Weather is most pleasant from December-February. This is the dry season and the high season—with the mild and sunny days, you can expect lots of fellow travelers, especially around Christmas and the New Year. That said, you can escape the throngs by avoiding the most popular tourist areas—ask your specialist for their recommendations. 

March through mid-May is also typically dry, with rising temperatures as the months go by. International travelers are replaced by vacationing locals, with crowds peaking again during Holy Week. The rest of the year is considered the wet season—rainy days are common and typhoons are possible, but this is a good time to avoid crowds and find deals if you feel like taking your chances. Cebu, Bohol, and Palawan tend to be sheltered from big storms, making them good bets for this time of year.

Where should you go?
Made up of a dizzying number of islands—more than 7,000 in all—the Philippines offers its fair share of brilliant beaches along with all the tropical trappings you've been daydreaming about. Palawan is a crowd pleaser, with stretches of untouched coast to laze on, fantastical limestone formations to kayak around, and brilliant reefs with great snorkeling visibility. Divers will head to Visayas, hikers and bikers will revel in the mountainous Cordillera, and Luzon offers luxe resorts and excellent windsurfing on the northern side. 

How many days do you need?
Five days in the Philippines makes for a sweet but very short trip—you'll want to maximize your time by focusing on one region. For example, stick to Palawan and you can snorkel the coral reefs of Ulugan Bay, kayak around limestone formations in El Nido, and explore multiple islands in a very limited timeframe.

With more than a week to spend, you can combine Palawan with time in the Cordillera: see the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, spend a night in Batad, a village within an amphitheater of rice terraces, check out the bizarre hanging coffins of Sagada, and more. If you plan to spend 2 weeks or more in the Philippines, you'll be able to see it all at a relaxed pace and time to spare—if you're feeling bold, why not add a side trip to swim with whale sharks in Donsol?

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days · 14 days · 15 days

Philippines Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Beautiful islands of Palawan
Map of Highlights of the Philippines: Sand, Sea & Mountains - 15 Days
Highlights of the Philippines: Sand, Sea & Mountains - 15 Days

Discover the best of the Philippines on this 15-day tour as you paddle, snorkel, hike, and fly across the country. Begin in Manila, working your way north to the Banaue Rice Terraces before flying south to Bohol, Cebu, and Mactan islands. Continue west and end the adventure in Puerto Princesa and the ever-popular El Nido.

Hidden Lagoon in Coron
Map of Philippine Honeymoon: Boracay, El Nido & Coron - 11 Days
Philippine Honeymoon: Boracay, El Nido & Coron - 11 Days

Covering some of the Philippines' most desirable beaches, this 11-day tour offers the perfect romantic getaway for couples. Stay in luxury resorts in exotic locations from private islands to jungle hideaways. Enjoy customized private tours of nearby islands, snorkel shipwrecks, and lounge beachside with a cocktail in hand.

Puka Beach, Boracay
Map of Philippines Beaches, Waterfalls & Lagoons - 15 Days
Philippines Beaches, Waterfalls & Lagoons - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary offers the perfect combination of adventurous and relaxing activities. You will snorkel shipwrecks and aquamarine lagoons, visit secluded beaches, and climb and rappel slippery trails. Enjoy the Philippines as you island hop your way across the country, ending on the white sandy beaches of Boracay.

Look out over Bohol's famous Chocolate Hills
Map of Philippines Island Hopping: Manila, Siquijor, Bohol & Moalboal - 10 Days
Philippines Island Hopping: Manila, Siquijor, Bohol & Moalboal - 10 Days

On this 10-day adventure, you'll set out from Manila to explore three of the Philippines' most idyllic islands with an itinerary full of immersive experiences and active excursions. Experience the thrill of cliff jumping in Siquijor, see the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol, snorkel with sea turtles off of Cebu, and get your adrenaline pumping with a canyoning excursion across the turquoise waters of Kawasan Falls.

Spend two weeks hopping between Philippine islands like Palawan
Map of Island Paradises of the Philippines: Bohol, Palawan & Coron - 14 Days
Island Paradises of the Philippines: Bohol, Palawan & Coron - 14 Days

Pack your swimsuit and your sense of adventure for this two-week Philippines getaway. After an introduction to the capital, you'll split your time between the islands of Bohol, Palawan, and Coron—filling your days with outrigger canoe tours, snorkeling excursions, and plenty of uninterrupted beach time. Highlights include meeting the world's smallest primates on Bohol, snorkeling over the World War II shipwrecks off El Nido, and cruising around the hidden lagoons and islets of the Calamian archipelago.

Explore the turquoise waters around Coron
Map of Island Highlights of the Philippines: Manila, Palawan & Coron - 10 Days
Island Highlights of the Philippines: Manila, Palawan & Coron - 10 Days

Spend 10 days swimming, boating, and diving through the Philippines with this beach-focused getaway. Set out from Manila for the western island of Palawan, where you'll explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the white-sand beaches of El Nido, and the hidden lagoons of Bacuit Bay. Continue to Coron to kayak with fireflies and dive to sunken shipwrecks before winding down your adventure with a final day of sightseeing and culture in the capital.

Make the Most of Your Time in Philippines

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Discover the very timid tarsier on Bohol, the Philippines
How Many Days to Spend in the Philippines

While six days is a popular duration for kimkim travelers, 10 days are recommended for a more thorough trip to the Philippines. You can spend time on the archipelago's largest...

Philippines Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Philippines Content

Night markets and street food await when the sun goes down in Manila
Map of 2 Weeks in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in the Philippines, you can delve into the country's culture, nature, and islands on a highlights tour featuring Dumaguete, Bohol Island, and Cebu City, or opt for an active adventure that gets you out hiking among terraced rice fields, dramatic valleys, and to serene waterfalls. You can also pack in stays in six different destinations on a fast-paced tour. Or, if it's beach time you're after, set your sights on an island paradise trip featuring Bohol, Palawan, and Coron.

On an itinerary to Bohol, you'll spend some time contemplating the distintive Chocolate Hills
Map of 10 Days in the Philippines - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in the Philippines - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in the Philippines, you can split your time between Manila, Cebu Island, and Boracay during a well-rounded tour of the city, mountains, and beaches. Or, delve into the local culture and stay in rice terrace-surrounded villages while making your way between Manila, Banaue, and Baguio. Other options include a relaxing island-hopping trip featuring Palawan and Coron, memorable diving opportunities from Moalboal, and nature excursions on Bohol Island.

Sample the white-sand beaches and vibrant nightlife of the Philippines
Map of Philippines Beaches & Nightlife: Manila, Boracay, Cebu & Coron - 14 Days
Philippines Beaches & Nightlife: Manila, Boracay, Cebu & Coron - 14 Days

Immerse yourself in the culture, beaches, and nightlife of the Philippines on this 14-day itinerary that takes you from the bustling streets of Manila to some of the best tropical islands. Cycle across the capital's Intramuros district and road trip to the Taal volcano before trading the city for the tropics on Boracay, where you can split your time relaxing on the beach and dancing the night away. Round out the trip with visits to Cebu and Coron to trek to waterfalls, and discover World War II shipwrecks.

Philippines Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 10 Days in the Philippines - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in the Philippines - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 1 Week in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 2 Weeks in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Trip Reviews for Philippines

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Perfect trip to PH
Philippines | Jun 1 - Jun 9, 2026

Noah
Noah R.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jun 10, 2026
Our trip was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Our personal driver in Manila was exceptionally friendly, professional, and helpful, making our time there stress-free and enjoyable. We thoroughly enjoyed the private yacht experience in Boracay, it was one of the highlights of our trip. Both Raffles Makati and Shangri-La Boracay exceeded our expectations, and the surrounding areas were beautiful and offered everything we were looking for. A special thank you to Sarah for... Read more

Our trip was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Our personal driver in Manila was exceptionally friendly, professional, and helpful, making our time there stress-free and enjoyable.

We thoroughly enjoyed the private yacht experience in Boracay, it was one of the highlights of our trip.

Both Raffles Makati and Shangri-La Boracay exceeded our expectations, and the surrounding areas were beautiful and offered everything we were looking for.

A special thank you to Sarah for working closely with us and coordinating all the details. Everything was perfectly arranged, and we greatly appreciate all of your help in making this such a memorable experience.

Hotel Reviews
Raffles Makati
Makati
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shangri-La Boracay
Aklan
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Yacht Sailing in Boracay
Private Yacht Sailing in Boracay
Boracay
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Van with Driver (Day 2)
Private Van with Driver (Day 2)
Manila
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Van with Driver
Private Van with Driver
Manila
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Sarah Lindsay
Sarah
Sarah Lindsay
Local specialist in Australia | Replied on Jun 11, 2026
Hi Noah, Thank you so much for your beautiful review. It was an absolute pleasure helping you and your family plan this trip, and I’m so happy to hear everything came together so well. I’m especially glad the Manila driver made that part of the trip feel smooth and stress-free, and that the private yacht in Boracay was such a highlight. Raffles Makati and Shangri-La Boracay are both such special properties, so it’s wonderful to hear they exceeded your expectations and gave you the... Read more

Hi Noah,

Thank you so much for your beautiful review.

It was an absolute pleasure helping you and your family plan this trip, and I’m so happy to hear everything came together so well. I’m especially glad the Manila driver made that part of the trip feel smooth and stress-free, and that the private yacht in Boracay was such a highlight.

Raffles Makati and Shangri-La Boracay are both such special properties, so it’s wonderful to hear they exceeded your expectations and gave you the experience you were hoping for.

Thank you again for trusting us with your Philippines holiday. We’re so grateful for your kind words and would love to help you with another trip in the future.

Warm regards,
Sarah

KimKim is the best
Philippines | May 6 - May 23, 2026

Jeff
Jeff B.
Australia | Reviewed on May 25, 2026
From start to finish this has been an amazing experience. Sarah put together a trip that suited us down to the ground, which is not easy. We are 60+ love adventure and need a day off here and there and our Philippines experience was just that. Our guide Edmond on Bohol island was awesome, super friendly and very knowledgeable we really enjoyed our time together. The we had island hopping, fireflies and underground river in Puerto Princesa, my apologies I have forgotten the guides names. Then... Read more

From start to finish this has been an amazing experience. Sarah put together a trip that suited us down to the ground, which is not easy. We are 60+ love adventure and need a day off here and there and our Philippines experience was just that. Our guide Edmond on Bohol island was awesome, super friendly and very knowledgeable we really enjoyed our time together. The we had island hopping, fireflies and underground river in Puerto Princesa, my apologies I have forgotten the guides names. Then El Nido where Jason took us on speedboat private tour A and B which were both top shelf and we could adopt Jason, he's a beautiful soul. Then to top it all off the ultimate adventure in Coron with Jen, curly, the most handsome captain and the crew was a great way to finish. Angela was always on hand to assist if needed which was a great backup to have. The itinerary and communication was on point for everything. I could not be more happy with KimKim tours. I look forward to them organising our next trip. Cheers, Jeff and Chris.

Hotel Reviews
City Garden Grand Hotel
Manila

The hotel is fine. It's a long way from the airport and it seemed in a big of a dodgy area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff were fine
Cleanliness & Comfort
Alona Vida Beach Resort
Bohol Island

This we voted our best hotel of the tour. Right on the beach, very chill atmosphere and awesome staff. We enjoyed the hotel and the staff so much we ate dinner here every night. The music was fun and the breakfast delicious. Highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Low level lots of plants and a great island vibe.
Location
Right on the beach.
Staff
Second to none we wanted to take three of them home with us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfect.
Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa

The hotel is fine with a shopping centre next door and laundry down the road. Rooftop pool and bar were fun and the staff are awesome.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lagùn Hotel

We were told we had been given an upgrade from our queen size bed to two double beds. As a 187 cm male that's not an upgrade. We got it sorted and it was fine in the end. Cold drinks ard not a big thing in the Philippines and Lagun is no exception. Thd staff very very friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy was to the beach, restaurants and our activities.
Staff
Awesome
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tag Resort
Coron

Great hotel and facilities. Loved the pool and the bar area. Also a great omelet for breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
They are growing vegetables and have cows in the eco area. This was awesome.
Location
Just far enough out of the town to be nice and quiet.
Staff
Staff were second to none especially Raydan the cocktail mixologist. An absolute champion bloke.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless.
Belmont Hotel Manila
Pasay City

The hotel itself is fine. The queue for breakfast in the morning was a joke.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was close to the airport
Staff
The staff were great.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Sarah Lindsay
Sarah
Sarah Lindsay
Local specialist in Australia | Replied on Jun 11, 2026
Hi Jeff and Chris, Thank you so much for this wonderful review. It was an absolute pleasure planning your Philippines adventure, and I’m so happy to hear the trip struck the right balance for you — plenty of adventure, but with enough breathing room along the way. I’m especially glad your local guides and crew made such a strong impression. Edmond in Bohol, Jason in El Nido, Jen, Curly, your Coron captain and the crew all sound like they helped bring the trip to life in such a special way.... Read more

Hi Jeff and Chris,

Thank you so much for this wonderful review.

It was an absolute pleasure planning your Philippines adventure, and I’m so happy to hear the trip struck the right balance for you — plenty of adventure, but with enough breathing room along the way.

I’m especially glad your local guides and crew made such a strong impression. Edmond in Bohol, Jason in El Nido, Jen, Curly, your Coron captain and the crew all sound like they helped bring the trip to life in such a special way. I’ll be sure to pass on your kind words where I can, as feedback like this means a lot to our local partners too.

It’s also lovely to hear that Angela’s support gave you that extra peace of mind while travelling, and that the itinerary and communication all ran smoothly.

Thank you again for trusting us with your Philippines trip. We’d absolutely love to help plan your next adventure when the time comes.

Warm regards,
Sarah

Fantastic trip full of activities
Philippines | May 5 - May 14, 2026

S
Sally G.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on May 15, 2026
Our trip was amazing but limited by time. The travel was excessive considering how much time we had. None of us like Cebu but loved the swimming with whale sharks and canyoneering. The Beach club hotel was nice but the beach was ugly and rocky. I wouldn’t stay there again. We had to do whale sharks on our own (your agency won’t book the one we did). Please tell future clients to be there at 7 AM. We arrived at 8 and had to wait 2.5 hours which was pretty miserable. I would highly... Read more

Our trip was amazing but limited by time. The travel was excessive considering how much time we had. None of us like Cebu but loved the swimming with whale sharks and canyoneering. The Beach club hotel was nice but the beach was ugly and rocky. I wouldn’t stay there again. We had to do whale sharks on our own (your agency won’t book the one we did). Please tell future clients to be there at 7 AM. We arrived at 8 and had to wait 2.5 hours which was pretty miserable. I would highly recommend encouraging whale sharks in AM and canyoneering in pm. We also did turtles and sardines which I might skip. Puerto Princesss was very nice- the hotel was fantastic and incredibly reasonable. The beach was awesome. The hundred caves was fantastic- highly recommend. Underground river also very cool. Could have skipped mangroves. We also did a jungle tour which I would not recommend- no animals or birds seen at all. Encourage the guides to spend more time letting tourists see monkeys and lizard dragons- our favorite part and we were rushed through. El Nido was super cool and it would have been nice to have a. Couple nights in the town before going to Lagen resort. Lagen was extremely expensive but incredible. The lagoon tour was fantastic. Recommend guests to bring travel tissues- the toilets are frankly disgusting at a few places- no seats and you have to go on a hunt for toilet paper which is sometimes not available. Even though tons of places require cash only/ it was impossible to break 1000 bills- then it made tipping very hard. I would travel with my own snorkel mask in future- they only have one size and my head was too small.
Kimkim was excellent in their responsiveness (Ana) and the thorough itinerary. I was an idiot and didn’t realize the detailed advice and hadn’t read it beforehand. Big mistake. On the canyoneering everyone wore water shoes- not Tivas. Including the guides. Tell people to bring a go pro and waterproof floatable phone cases. I wished I had a GoPro.

Hotel Reviews
Lagen Island Resort
El Nido

Beautiful!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Please place hooks for towels and provide a place for toiletries in the bathroom.
Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort

Loved this hotels. I’m rating it a 4 because the room smelled horribly musty and there was zero water pressure in the shower. Beach was awesome and so were the masssges

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The smell in room. No hooks for towels.
Cebu Beach Club
Argao

Horrible beach and so-so food

Authenticity & Character
Location
Too far from activitied
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Belmont Hotel Manila
Pasay City

Restaurant was terrible. Food was inedible

Authenticity & Character
Food!!!
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour from Sabang
Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour from Sabang
Sabang, Palawan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hundred Caves of Tagabinet
Hundred Caves of Tagabinet
Sabang, Palawan

Amazing!! Loved thid

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkeling with Sardines in Moalboal and Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls
Snorkeling with Sardines in Moalboal and Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls
Argao

Hard to get into the water. Saw plenty of turtles and sardines.

Quality of Experience
Easier access into the water
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Cami Sarmiento of Uncharted Earth
Cami
Cami Sarmiento of Uncharted Earth
Local specialist in Las Vegas, NV | Replied on May 22, 2026

Thank you for your wonderful review Sally! I’m very happy to hear you and your family had great trip in the Philippines.
Thank you for your feedback and recommendations. I'll pass them down to our partners and keep them in mind for future guests.
Thank you for choosing to travel with us. It was a pleasure to organize your trip and I look forward to organizing another unforgettable trip for you in the future!
Cami and Uncharted Earth team

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