Philippines Travel Insights

1 Week in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week to explore the Philippines, you can choose between urban adventures, beach and water activities, or a mix of both. Manila and Cebu City are ideal locations to delve into the country's history and fit in nature-based day trips, while Moalboal and Oslob, located on Cebu Island, are perfect destinations for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. If you're eager to island-hop, opt for a stay in El Nido. Or, include time on Bohol Island for inland adventures, such as to the famed Chocolate Hills.

Nature & Adventure in the Philippines: Cebu City, Moalboal & Bohol - 10 Days

Get off the beaten track with this active 10-day adventure that introduces you to the unspoiled nature and unique wildlife of two Philippine islands. After some urban sightseeing in Cebu City, it's on to the coastal town of Moalboal to snorkel off Pescador Island, go canyoning down Kawasan Falls, and dive with whale sharks in Oslob. Next, catch a ferry to Bohol, where you'll hike among its famous Chocolate Hills, cruise down the Loboc River, and spot tarsiers and dolphins in their natural habitat.

City Break to Island Escape in the Philippines: Manila & Palawan - 10 Days

Journey from the bustling city of Manila to the tropical paradise of Palawan on this 10-day Philippines getaway. Explore the many landmarks, markets, and malls of the capital before flying to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. Cruise down a subterranean river and visit a local Batak tribe, then head to El Nido, the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago. Lay on the white-sand beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, and cruise from island to island as you soak up the sun.

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.

Philippines Nature & Culture Adventure: Rice Terraces to Coral Reefs - 10 Days

Venture from the bustling streets of Manila to the tranquil coastline of Anilao on this 10-day adventure across the Philippines. Discover remote wonders like the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of Banaue and the hanging coffins in Echo Valley, then cool off in the tranquil "Summer Capital" of Baguio. Along the way, you'll keep busy with plenty of active excursions—cycling the cobblestones of Manila's Intramuros district, trekking up mountains, swimming in waterfalls, and snorkeling amid Anilao's famed marine life.

Philippines Cities, Mountains & Beaches Tour: Manila, Cebu & Boracay -10 Days

Discover the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the Philippines on this action-packed 10-day itinerary. Your adventure starts in the bustling capital of Manila, where you'll cycle across the Intramuros district, learn how to cook authentic Filipino dishes, and hike to the crater lake on Mount Pinatubo. Fly to Cebu City to discover its many historic landmarks, then escape to the tropics on the island of Boracay. Lay on the white-sand beaches, cruise from island to island, and cool off in Kawasan Falls.

Philippines City & Beach Tour: Manila & Boracay - 5 Days

If you're looking for a perfect taster of the Philippines, this whirlwind tour introduces you to some of the best experiences the island nation has to offer in less than a week. You'll begin in the bustling capital of Manila, sampling street food and touring historic landmarks before moving on to the island escape of Boracay for beaches, snorkeling, and island-hopping adventures.

Philippines Highlights Tour: From Manila to Siargao - 7 Days

Spend a week discovering the best of the Philippines with this city and island-focused itinerary. Begin in the capital with a street food tasting, a tour of Old Manila, and a trip to the modern Makati. After an excursion to the towering stratovolcano of Taal, you'll hop over to the island paradise of Siargao for surfing and swimming. Explore waterfalls and caves in the interior, then take a boat trip around the surrounding islands to discover more sandy beaches, diverse marine life, and swaying palm forests.

Countryside Adventures in the Philippines: Cebu City, Moalboal & Bohol Island - 7 Days

The Philippines has beautiful rural landscapes, and with a week to spare, you can see some of the country's greatest natural sights. You'll start off with an urban adventure in the big city of Cebu before making your way to the scenic coastal resort of Moalboal and the island of Bohol, meeting tarsiers, diving down to coral reefs, and touring the stunning Chocolate Hills. It's the perfect choice for nature-loving adventurers.

Philippines Island Adventure: Manila & El Nido - 7 Days

The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, and with this seven-day tour, you'll get to see some of the most beautiful examples around the El Nido region. Hop across Bacuit Bay to discover white-sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, secret waterfalls, and more. You'll also have a couple of days to explore the Philippines' lively capital of Manila, enjoying a full, deep dive into Filipino culture and nature in just one week.

Historical Tour of the Philippines: Manila & Cebu City - 7 Days

If you're interested in Filipino history and culture, this is the tour for you. Spend a full week diving into the country's past with expert-led heritage tours of two major cities, Manila and Cebu. You'll visit cathedrals and shrines, explore museums, and walk along centuries-old walls, as well as get time to see the Philippines' natural side with a mountain hike and whale shark swimming experience.

Diving & Snorkeling in the Philippines: Moalboal & Oslob - 7 Days

Tropical marine life, pristine beaches, and serene waterfalls await you on this weeklong aquatic adventure in the Philippines. Based between the coastal towns of Moalboal and Oslob, you'll embark on an adventurous itinerary of private snorkeling and diving excursions. Plunge into the clear waters of uninhabited islands, discover vibrant coral reefs, and swim among an abundance of colorful fish species—including gentle whale sharks and the famous sardine run.

Discover Siargao: Surf Capital of the Philippines - 5 Days

Start with snorkeling in turquoise lagoons and end with surfing lessons from a pro on this five-day escape to Siargao. Known as the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines," you'll get the chance to practice your skills at one of the world's most renowned surf spots while also island hopping with a cocktail in hand, visiting deserted islands, napping in hammocks in the palms, and diving into rock pools along the Pacific Ocean.

Philippines Island Escape: Snorkeling & Beaches in Coron - 5 Days

Discover Coron's plentiful lagoons, beaches, and jungles on this five-day tour in the Philippines' Calamian archipelago. After a day experiencing Filipino city life and its historic Spanish remnants in Cebu City, it's off to the far-flung shores of Coron for a quick but action-packed itinerary of snorkeling, oceanside picnics, and outrigger canoe rides. Explore underwater cities of colorful coral and their equally vibrant inhabitants, as well as long-forgotten shipwrecks, the last vestiges of World War II.

Island Hopping in the Philippines: Cebu City & El Nido - 5 Days

Pack a whole lot into just five days in the Philippines with this thrilling tour of Cebu City and the picturesque El Nido region. You'll start off in big Cebu City, enjoying an intriguing heritage tour and stopping off at all the big landmarks, from Cebu Cathedral to Magellan's Cross. From there, you'll leave urban life behind to enjoy beach time, snorkeling, and island-hopping fun in El Nido, home of white sands and turquoise lagoons.

Cultural Traditions in the Philippines: Rice Terraces & Hanging Coffins in Luzon - 5 Days

Explore the verdant rice terraces and rich cultural traditions of Luzon's remote Ifugao province with this five-day Philippines adventure. With an active itinerary of guided treks and tours, you'll seek out misty mountain villages in Banaue, witness the daily life and unusual burial rituals of the island's Igorot people in Sagada, and discover both colonial and Indigenous history in the "Summer Capital" of Baguio.

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 island, Luzon, swim under waterfalls on Siquijor, admire the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and snorkel among colorful fish off the coast of Cebu. This gives you enough time to island hop, relax on pristine beaches, and discover the country's unique landscapes without feeling rushed.

Best Time of Year to Visit the Philippines

The dry season (December to May) is the best time to visit the Philippines as the sun is shining, the sea is calm and clear, and the conditions are perfect for a range of outdoor activities. There are also advantages of traveling in the wet season (June to November), including lower prices and fewer crowds, as well as pockets of the country that remain pretty dry.

The Philippines in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is the end of the rainy season in the Philippines, and although travelers should expect some showers, there's less rain than in the previous few months. This is the shoulder season for travel and is an excellent time to visit if you want to take advantage of lower prices, thinner crowds, and fair weather. There are also many great festivals you can take part in during October. Read on to learn more about travel to the Philippines in October.

The Philippines in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December is the peak season for travel to the Philippines: the weather is fine and clear, and so are the seas. Swimming and diving are excellent this month, as are island-hopping itineraries—there are over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, after all! Read on to find out more about travel to the Philippines in December.

The Philippines in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

January is one of the best months to travel to the Philippines: the weather is warm but not too hot and humid, there's little rain, and everything is open and accessible. Crowds and costs will be higher, though, especially around New Year. Whether you want to party with the locals during one of the country's famous festivals, try a new water sport, or relax on a beach in the sun, January is a great time to do so. Read on to find out more about traveling to the Philippines in January.

The Philippines in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is the start of the dry season in the Philippines, and with that comes an uptick in tourism. Although you may still encounter showers, the weather is mostly good, and all areas of the country are likely accessible. Swim with whale sharks, hike in the mountains, or relax on a beautiful beach: it's all possible in the Philippines in November. Read on to find out more.

The Philippines in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Most of the Philippines is wet in September, as this is the rainy and low season for tourism. However, a handful of locales remain drier than the rest of the country, so make a beeline for Palawan, the Eastern Visayas, and Mindanao if you want a relatively dry beach vacation. Here's some more information on where to go and what to do in the Philippines in September.

The Philippines in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August is the middle of the rainy season in the Philippines, and it's the wettest month of the year in most places⁠—although it also happens to be the driest time of the year in others. If you choose your destination wisely, you can have a great time in the Philippines in August, particularly if you're a surfer. Find out more about traveling to the Philippines in August below.

The Philippines in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

July is the middle of the rainy season in the Philippines and the low season for travel. It's one of the wettest months of the year, but the rains don't affect all parts of the country equally. It's still possible to have a great beach vacation if you head to drier destinations, such as Cebu, Samar, or Leyte. Find out more about traveling to the Philippines in July.

The Philippines in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

June is the start of the rainy season in the Philippines, but the rains don't affect all parts of the country equally. Some places, particularly Cebu and Mindanao, stay relatively dry. If you're looking for a chilled-out beach vacation and don't mind a little rain, you can have a great time in the Philippines in June. Find out more about where to go and what to do below.

The Philippines in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

May is shoulder season for travel to the Philippines and is a great time to visit if you want lower prices, thinner crowds, and generally good weather. Temperatures are hot, and while there's a chance of rain, if you tailor your activities to the conditions, this can be a great month to visit. Here's where to go and what to do in the Philippines in May, plus information on an exciting month-long festival.

The Philippines in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

April is a popular time of year for travel to the Philippines as it is at the end of the dry season before the rains arrive. Temperatures are generally hot in April, so many travelers will prefer beach vacations. A country of more than 7,000 islands, you're never too far from the coastline and a gorgeous beach in the Philippines. Read on for more information on traveling to the Philippines in April.

The Philippines in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

March is the high season for travel to the Philippines, as it's at the tail end of the dry season. But as temperatures and humidity increase, many travelers prefer to stick to beach areas this month. Luckily, there are plenty to choose from in a country of thousands of islands. Alternatively, head to higher altitudes in the hills for land-based activities.

The Philippines in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

February is the peak season for travel to the Philippines, with warm and dry weather that's not too hot. It's a great time to participate in all outdoor activities, from hiking to scuba diving. With over 7,000 islands making up the country, you'll find somewhere to suit your needs and interests this month. Read on to find out where to go and what to do in the Philippines in February.

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.

Discover the Philippines: Snorkeling in the Calamian Islands - 6 Days

Explore the natural wonders of the Calamian archipelago on this six-day snorkeling trip. You'll begin on Coron Island, the third-largest of the Calamian islands and a snorkeling hotspot teeming with marine life. After exploring World War II-era shipwrecks and reefs, you'll transfer to Pass Island, snorkel at Smith Point Coral Garden, and swim at Barracuda Lake. Then, go on one last snorkeling adventure in Siete Pecados Marine Park before spending one last night in a beach cottage.

Diving in the Philippines: Cebu, Negros & Bohol - 9 Days

Experienced divers can experience the Philippines' vibrant marine biodiversity, colorful reefs, and white-sand beaches on this exciting nine-day itinerary. Begin your trip with an easy dive off the coast of Panglao Island before exploring underwater caves and reefs off Balicasag Island. See camouflaged creatures like octopi and frogfish in the volcanic sands of Dumaguete, spot huge schools of jackfish and barracuda near Apo Island, and go wall diving in Moalboal before ending your trip on Malapascua.

Whale Shark Encounter in the Philippines: Ticao & Donsol - 3 Days

On this eco-friendly tour, you will get to swim with wild whale sharks in a protected and responsibly-managed environment. Considered the best place in the world to see the gentle giants, Donsol is also a paradise of soft-sand beaches and magnificent limestone rock formations. Besides seeing whale sharks in their natural habitat, you'll get to snorkel and relax around the islands of Ticao, and float down the amazing Firefly River as bright sparkles alight the surrounding forest.

Island Hopping in the Philippines: Manila, Donsol, Cebu & Palawan - 20 Days

Spend 20 days island hopping in the Philippines, hitting some of the country's major highlights. You'll begin in Manila, the country's busy capital. Then, you'll swim with whale sharks and snorkel in Donsol. Next, you'll fly to beautiful Cebu, swimming in pristine waterfalls, seeing the famous chocolate hills, and looking for marine turtles. Finally, you'll arrive in Palawan, the country's largest province. Adventures include visiting shipwrecks, exploring an underground river, and hiking to hidden lakes.

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.

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.

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.

The Cordillera: Banaue, Batad & Sagada - 6 Days

Trek through the Philippines' Cordillera and marvel at its natural and cultural heritage. Discover famous rice terraces, quaint villages, sacred waterfalls and rivers, extensive cave systems, and the hanging coffins of Echo Valley.

Palawan: Adventure in Paradise - 6 Days

Palawan's exotic geography and diverse vegetation are exceptional in a country that already has its fair share of awe-inspiring sights. This six-day adventure will have you snorkeling, seeking out wildlife, riding an underground river, and kayaking the El Nido islands. Discover why Palawan is in a league of its own when it comes to tropical destinations.

Secrets of Palawan - 6 Days

Go deep into the Philippines' "last frontier" to discover beaches, rainforests, and waterfalls that few travelers explore. See endemic cockatoos in their natural habitat, snorkel coral reefs, and meet the Indigenous Batak people. This unique trip takes you away from crowds and lets you experience Palawan's nature at its best.

Mountain Province Trek: Maligcong & Sadanga - 6 Days

Be among the first visitors to the remote Mountain Province in the beautiful Philippine Cordillera. This six-day itinerary will have you hiking through centuries-old rice terraces and mountainous landscapes, breaking bread with locals in traditional villages along the way.

Ifugao Village Trek - 5 Days

Immerse yourself in the land and culture of the Ifugao on this five-day itinerary. Trek from Banaue stopping at four different native Ifugao communities along the way. You will hike deep into the Ifugao region to places most tourists don't see, trekking through ancient rice terraces and forested mountains.