How to Plan a Trip to the Philippines: 33 Essential Travel Tips

Planning a trip to the Philippines? You’re in the right place. After organizing our own adventure and exploring some truly unforgettable islands, we put together this guide with everything we learned: what to expect, how to get around, where to go, and how to make the most of your time.

Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re just looking for practical tips, this guide covers it all: transportation, food, using money and ATMs, packing, building your itinerary, and lots of things we wish we knew before we went.

Ready to Explore the Philippines? Check Out All Our Free Travel Guides!

What’s Covered in This Guide?

Here’s a list of the topics covered in this guide. You can click on the links to read the sections that interest you the most.

Before You Go

Here are essential things to know and take into account before you go and prepare your trip to the Philippines.

1. Health and Vaccinations

The Philippines is a tropical country, so if you’re coming from a non-tropical climate like us, it’s important to take a few health precautions before your trip.

We strongly recommend seeing a doctor who specializes in travel or tropical medicine. If you’re lucky like us, this may even be available for free through your public healthcare system. These consultations are very useful—they’ll inform you about common diseases in the areas you’re visiting, how to prevent them, and what to do if you get sick.

Vaccination recommendations will vary depending on where you’re going, how long you’ll stay, and the time of year. Your doctor might also discuss malaria prevention. While the risk is generally low, it’s still worth understanding based on your route.

If you want to do some research ahead of time, the FitForTravel website is a good place to start, but don’t skip the doctor visit.

2. Travel Insurance

When travelling to foreign countries, it’s super important to get proper travel insurance—specially one that cover medical expenses.

Fortunately, we’ve never had to use ours, but knowing it’s there gives us peace of mind. There were a few times we got sick while traveling, with fever and stomach aches—this happened to us in the Philippines. Luckily, it was nothing serious that required medical intervention.

Medical Coverage is Essential

When visiting new countries, your body might not react well to unfamiliar food or water—you could get food poisoning, or something more serious. Accidents can also happen: you might cut your feet on corals while snorkeling, get stung by a jellyfish, fall off a motorbike, inflammation from mosquito bites, or twist an ankle while hiking. Good travel insurance should cover medical treatment, hospital stays, and emergency evacuations.

Be aware that in the Philippines, some more remote islands might not get proper infrastructure to help you with something more serious.

Personally, we recommend Heymondo travel insurance. They are specialized in insurance for short and long trips. If you sign up with our link, you can get 5% discount (except for US residents). Click here to get a quote with our link, or click the button below.

Other Coverage Options

There are also different packages that not only cover medical expenses, they also cover:

• Lost or stolen luggage
• Flight cancellations or delays
• Trip interruptions due to emergencies
• Stolen electronics or valuables

Make sure you check all the available options, compare what’s included, and most importantly, read the policy carefully so you know exactly what’s covered and up to what amount. It might seem like an extra step, but it can save you a lot of stress and money later.

3. Visa Requirements and Entry Rules

Before your trip, make sure to check the visa requirements for your nationality. You can use the eVisa Philippines website to see what’s needed based on your nationality.

If a visa is required, you can apply for an eVisa online. For example, Portuguese passport holders (like us) are granted 30 days visa-free.

Regardless of visa requirements, all travelers must complete the travel form on the eTravel app before entering the country—don’t forget to download the app in advance.

Important: Visa rules can change quickly, so don’t rely only on what you read here—always double-check the latest information on the official government websites before you travel.

4. Best Season to Visit the Philippines

The Philippines is a large archipelago with over 7,500 islands, and the best time to visit depends on which islands you’re planning to see.

Most first-time visitors include Palawan and parts of the Visayas (this includes Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Siquijor), where the best season is from November to March—with March to May being the hottest. The rainy and typhoon season usually falls between June and October.

However, if you’re heading to Siargao, another popular island for tourists, the dry season is the opposite: it typically runs from March to October.

Planning Your Itinerary

Now it’s time to start planning your Philippines itinerary. And yes, it can feel overwhelming. With over 7,000 islands, it’s not always easy to figure out which ones to visit. Many islands are remote and require extra transport, which can quickly drive up your travel costs. That’s why choosing the right islands is a key part of your planning.

Here are some essential tips to help you build your itinerary.

5. Which Islands to Include in Your Philippines Itinerary

For first-timers, these are usually the most popular islands. I recommend not trying to see everything at once, especially if you have less than three weeks to avoid travel fatigue.

• Palawan (El Nido and Coron): the most famous spots for island-hopping tours. The beaches and landscapes are pure paradise.
• Cebu: perfect for chasing waterfalls, canyoneering, and swimming with thousands of sardines in Moalboal.
• Bohol: known for its unique Chocolate Hills landscapes and the Tarsier Sanctuary.
• Siquijor: a peaceful island with a relaxed vibe and excellent snorkeling spots.
• Boracay: one of the most touristy places in the Philippines, famous for its long stretch of soft white sand. Despite the crowds, many people still love it.
• Siargao: known as the surfing island, with a super laid-back vibe.

6. How Long to Spend in the Philippines

I recommend spending at least two weeks in the Philippines. Travel times between islands can be long and unpredictable, so it’s important not to rush. With two weeks, it’s best to focus on 2 to 3 islands. For example, you could combine Manila, or Boracay and Palawan (El Nido and Coron) or explore 3 to 4 islands in the Visayas region (Cebu, Siquijor, and Bohol).

If you have three weeks, that’s even better. This gives you enough time to visit two different regions, like Palawan and the Visayas, without feeling too rushed.

If you’re coming from Europe (like we did), the journey to the Philippines is long and flights can be expensive. So, I truly recommend staying at least three weeks to make the most of your trip and justify the travel time and cost.

7. Lesser-Know Places in the Philippines Worth Considering

Besides the most popular places, there are also some hidden gems that are worth the detour—if you have the time and budget for it. Here are a few suggestions:

• Balabac: remote white sandbars and turquoise water in southern Palawan. There’s still very little tourism because that’s not as easily accessible as other regions. It’s best accessed from Puerto Princesa.
• Siquijor: waterfalls and beautiful untouched coral reefs. Accessible by ferry from Bohol or Dumaguete (Negros). We included it in our itinerary and it was one of our favorite places.
• Camiguin: volcanoes, hot springs, black sand beaches and fewer crowds. Accessible by ferry from Bohol.
• Bantayan Island: powdery white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a nice laid-back vibe. Located in northern Cebu. It can be reached by bus and ferry from Cebu City.

8. Philippines Three-Week Itinerary Suggestion

If you want an itinerary to use as a starting point, here’s the detailed itinerary that we followed: Three Weeks in the Philippines – Our Itinerary.

We would definetely have included Camiguin and Boracay in our itinerary if we had more time.

• Day 1: Arrive in Manila and Flight to Cebu
• Day 2: Bus to Moalboal
• Day 3 – 6: Moalboal
• Day 7: Moalboal to Siquijor
• Day 8 –  10: Siquijor
• Day 11: Siquijor to Bohol
• Day 12 – 14: Bohol
• Day 15: Flight to El Nido
• Day 16 – 19: El Nido
• Day 20: Ferry to Coron
• Day 21 – 22: Coron
• Day 23–24: Manila

This is a little more than three weeks, but you can easily adjust it to fit in three weeks by spending less days in the suggested places and optimizing some of the routes.

You can check all our Philippines Travel Guides to help you plan your trip in the list below:

Booking Flights to the Philippines and Between Islands

9. Flying Internationally to the Philippines

Most international flights fly into Manila or Cebu.

I recommend starting your flight search well in advance and tracking price trends over time so you can spot a good deal when it appears. Tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kiwi.com are super helpful for this. I also use FlightConnections to explore route options between different countries—sometimes flying into or out of a different city can save you money or make your itinerary more convenient.

Tip: sometimes it’s cheaper to book a flight into a cheaper hub (like Bangkok or Singapore) and then a separate low-cost flight to your first real destination. For example, in my case, it was cheaper flying to Bangkok from Europe and then, get a cheap flight to Manila to enter in the Philippines.

For long international flights, I recommend booking directly with the airline whenever possible. It’s usually more reliable, especially if there are delays or cancellations. However, if your route includes multiple layovers or combines different airlines, booking through a platform like Kiwi.com might give you more flexibility and better prices.

If you’re flying from Europe, here are a few top-rated airlines to consider:

• Etihad Airways – We’ve flown with them round-trip (twice) and had a great experience both times. The service, comfort, and in-flight entertainment were excellent. Also, they always had the best offers in terms of price when compared to the other companies.
• Qatar Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• Singapore Airlines

10. Domestic Flights Between Islands

Domestic flights between islands are usually affordable, with a few exceptions (like the direct flight from Bohol to El Nido operated by AirSwift, which can be pricier). The main airlines operating in the Philippines are Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia.

We booked all our domestic flights through Kiwi.com, mainly because the airline websites were often glitchy. We never had any issues with Kiwi and found it easy to use.

That said, it’s not uncommon for domestic flights in the Philippines to be delayed or even cancelled. To avoid stress, try not to plan tight connections, especially if you’re flying into Manila and need to change terminals.

Despite the negative reviews we read about flying in the Philippines, we got lucky as none of our flights were cancelled, and they all ran on time.

One last tip: space for hand luggage can be very limited on smaller planes (those with 4 seats per row). While no one checked the size of our bags, one of our backpacks didn’t fit in the overhead compartment and had to go by our feet. So, pack light and consider adding checked luggage if your bag exceeds the cabin compartment dimensions.

Transportation in the Philippines

11. Getting Between Islands in the Philippines

The Philippines is made up of thousands of islands, so moving between them is a big part of your itinerary. There are usually two main options: flying or taking a ferry.

Domestic Flights

For longer distances, flying is by far the most convenient option. A one-hour flight is much more comfortable than a 12-hour ferry ride. Domestic flights are generally affordable, and there are several airlines to choose from.

Ferries Between Islands

For shorter routes (under 6 hours), ferries can be a great and budget-friendly alternative. They’re a scenic way to travel, and you’ll often avoid the hassle of airport transfers and security checks. I love travelling by boat, so for me, this is definitely a great option. If you’re prone to seasickness, don’t forget your pills.

For longer journeys there are overnight ferries.

12. Getting Around Within Islands

There are several options to get around within the islands. The options available will depend on the island itself.

Tricycles

Tricycles are the most common local transport. They usually fit two passengers tightly, plus the driver. Your bags either go on the roof or are tied to the back with a rope. Prices vary, but expect to pay around 300 PHP for a 10–15 minute ride. Be sure to agree on the price before hopping in.

Renting a Motorbike

In areas with less traffic, renting a motorbike is a great option. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. We rented motorbikes in Moalboal (Cebu), Siquijor, El Nido, and Coron and we felt those were all safe places to drive.

We don’t recommend motorbikes in big cities, though.

Getting Around in Big Cities

In cities like Manila or Cebu City, renting a motorbike isn’t ideal due to heavy traffic and hectic driving. Instead, we recommend using Grab (a ride-hailing app similar to Uber). It’s affordable, comfortable, and very convenient.

Buses

On larger islands like Cebu, you’ll also find bus routes to get between towns. For example, we took a bus from Cebu City to Moalboal, and it was a smooth and affordable ride.

Organized Tours

For certain inland attractions or remote spots, organized day tours can be a good choice. These are often available through your accommodation, local tour agencies, or you can even book in advance using aps like Klook or GetYourGuide. For example, this is a great option to explore the inland attractions of Bohol.

Accommodation in the Philippines

13. Accommodation Options in the Philippines – What to Expect

There’s a wide range of accommodation options in the Philippines—from backpacker hostels and guesthouses to homestays, small family-run hotels, and mid-range beach resorts.

In popular tourist spots like El Nido or Panglao (Bohol), you’ll find more variety, including some high-end hotels and resorts. But in remote areas and less developed islands, most accommodation is quite basic. Don’t expect luxury or fancy amenities.

We mostly stayed in small budget places. While conditions were simple, we were pleasantly surprised by how clean everything was and how friendly and helpful the staff were in every place we visited.

That said, be prepared for a few common issues:

• Air conditioning can be noisy or inconsistent (too cold or not cold enough).
• Bathrooms are usually very basic, and water pressure may be extremely low. In one place, the water pressure was so weak we had to use a bucket to shower.
• Hot water might not always work, but honestly, with the tropical heat, the water is usually warm anyway.
• Poor insulation is also quite common. Windows often don’t close properly, and walls can be thin, so you might hear noise from the street or other rooms.

Compared to other countries in Southeast Asia like Vietnam or Thailand, accommodations in the Philippines tend to be a bit more expensive for what they offer. In Thailand, for example, you often get more comfort and better facilities for the same price.

14. How Early to Book Your Accommodation

Booking in advance depends on where and when you’re going.

In high season (especially in places like El Nido), it’s best to book early. The best-value places tend to sell out quickly, and what’s left can be overpriced or poor quality.

In remote islands with limited options, like Siquijor, you should also book ahead. It’s a small island, and finding a good last-minute place might be difficult.

In big cities like Manila or Cebu, last-minute bookings are usually fine. There are many hotels and guesthouses available, even at short notice.

15. How to Book Your Accommodation in The Philippines

To book your accommodation in the Philippines, we recommend using Booking.com, or Agoda.

Agoda is very popular in Asia, and many times you’ll find more options and slightly better prices than on Booking.com.

Booking.com is also reliable and has lots of options, and you’ll get exclusive deals and offers with the Genius program.

Money in the Philippines

16. Cash vs Card

In the Philippines, cash is king. Most places, especially transportation, markets, small shops, and even many restaurants only accept cash.

In popular tourist areas, some restaurants and hotels do accept cards, but keep in mind that internet and mobile signal can be unreliable. So even if card payments are technically supported, they might not work at the time.

Important: always carry enough cash to last you a few days, just in case you can’t find an ATM or the card machine is not working.

17. Currency and ATMs

The currency in the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP).

ATMs are common in cities, but they can be unreliable or hard to find in smaller islands. Even when there is an ATM, it might be out of cash (it’s very common) or out of service, especially in remote areas with poor internet. That’s exactly what happened to us in Siquijor: the ATM only worked sometimes because the data signal was intermittent.

Also, withdrawal limits are low (around 160€ at the time of our trip), so you may need to take out money multiple times and pay the ATM fee each time, which adds up and is quite annoying.

Staying Connected in the Philippines

18. SIM Cards and Mobile Data

There are two main internet providers in the Philippines: Smart and Globe. You can buy a SIM or eSIM card from one of them at the airport when you arrive.

If you want something more convenient, I highly recommend getting an eSIM in advance. I personally use Airalo, Maya, and Holafly, and we always compare prices to find the best deal for the particular trip we’re planning.

Usually, I get one eSIM for me and another for my boyfriend from different providers, since internet is important for us—we work while traveling.

If you’re visiting other countries besides the Philippines, even just for a layover, Holafly often has great multi-country eSIM packages, which is super convenient and ensures you stay connected throughout your trip.

Tripiwi

If you just want an eSIM for a single country, airalo usually offers better deals. If you decide to go with airalo, you can use the referral code below on your first purchase to get a a 3$ credit:

SARA0837

19. Wi-Fi and Data Signal

Most hotels, cafés, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, but don’t rely on it—especially if you need to work. In many rural or remote areas, the Wi-Fi is often slow and unstable (this isn’t usually a problem in big cities like Cebu City or Manila). Some hotels had streaming services like Netflix on their TVs, but the internet was too slow to load a full movie.

We had much better luck using mobile data with our eSIMs. We were able to work on the road most of the time. Still, in more remote areas, you might need to search around to find a spot with decent signal. For example, in Siquijor, we had to go to a specific part of the island just to get a stable connection for work.

There are also some weird internet machines in some places where you put a coin to get internet. We haven’t tried that ourselves, but I’ve heard that’s super slow.

In popular places like El Nido and Panglao, the data signal was usually fine. But if you go a bit inland or off the main roads, expect limited or no signal.

Additionally, there was one day in El Nido that the internet was down during the whole day (this means no searching on your phone, ATM machines not working, no card payments, etc.—this seems to be quite common there).

If reliable internet is a must, consider booking places that offer Starlink. Even though not many of them offer that option yet, it is becoming more common.

20. Essential Apps

To stay connected and make your trip smoother, here are some apps we highly recommend downloading before your trip:

Accommodation

• Booking.com / Agoda – Great for finding and booking accommodation. Agoda is especially popular in Southeast Asia and often has better local deals.

Transport & Transfers

• Grab – Southeast Asia’s version of Uber. Very useful in cities like Manila, Cebu, and other big cities.
• 12Go Asia – Book buses, ferries, and other transport tickets in advance.

Tours and Activities

• Klook / GetYourGuide – Our go-to apps for booking day tours, and experiences.

Money and Currency

• Wise – Great for exchanging money, sending funds internationally, and using a debit card with low conversion fees.
• Revolut – Another great multi-currency wallet with helpful features for travelers.
• TravelSpend – An easy-to-use app for tracking your travel budget and expenses.

Navigation and Communication

• Google Maps – For directions, checking restaurant reviews, and finding attractions. Tip: Download offline maps for areas with poor data signal.
• Google Translate – Useful for translating signs or chatting with locals that don’t speak English. Download Tagalog (Filipino) for offline use.
• WhatsApp – The most common messaging app used by locals, hotels, and tour operators.

Flights

• Skyscanner / Kiwi.com – Helpful for comparing and booking regional or domestic flights.

Food and Drink

21. Local Dishes to Try

If you’ve been to other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand or Vietnam, you might be a little disappointed in the Philippines when it comes to food. There’s not much variety, especially in remote places, and many meals revolve around fried chicken and rice. That said, fried chicken in the Philippines is actually quite good, even in the simplest places.

Rice is king here. It comes with nearly every meal—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In smaller islands or family-run guesthouses, your breakfast will likely be rice with some kind of protein, usually some sort of meat and an egg. One typical breakfast is a silog meal, which stands for:

• Sinangag (garlic fried rice)
• Log = Itlog (egg) and a protein like:
• Tapsilog (with beef tapa)
• Tocilog (with sweet pork tocino)
• Longsilog (with longganisa sausage)

We had rice and meat for breakfast in quite a few places—sometimes it was tasty and filling, but in other places it was honestly just bad. Sometimes they’d also offer white sandwich bread, but if you enjoy good bread, you might find it disappointing. It’s usually soft, sweet, and lacks texture.

Even though the overall food scene is limited, there are still a few local dishes worth trying:

• Chicken Adobo – Probably the most well-known Filipino dish, made with chicken simmered in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices.

• Sisig – A sizzling plate of chopped pork or chicken, usually served with onions, chili, and a raw egg on top. It’s flavorful and often served with rice. We really liked this one.

• Kare-Kare – A peanut-based stew often made with oxtail, vegetables, and a thick savory sauce. It’s usually served with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) on the side. We didn’t try this.

• Mango Float – A creamy no-bake dessert made with sweet mangoes, graham crackers, and condensed milk.

• Halo-Halo – A colorful dessert made with crushed ice, condensed milk, jellies, beans, sweetened banana, and topped with things like purple yam (ube) or ice cream. We didn’t tried it.

And again—don’t underestimate the fried chicken. It’s everywhere and usually quite good. Barbecue skewers are also common, especially near beaches. Just know that most of them taste the same, as everyone uses the same sweet-style marinade.

In touristy areas, you’ll find a decent variety of international food, especially pizza. We tried pizza in a few different places around the Philippines, and honestly, they were all surprisingly good.

The most common fast-food chain is Jollibee, which serves (you guessed it!) fried chicken with rice. Even at McDonald’s, the most popular dishes are chicken and rice—don’t expect a wide variety of burgers like in other countries.

As for the drinks, rum is pretty cheap and popular in the Philippines. Rum with cola is a popular cocktail and most of the times, it costs less than an 1€. But, my favorite drink was definitely buko juice (it is a refreshing coconut drink made from young coconut water and soft coconut flesh, and also some sugar), but we only found it in Moalboal and Bohol.

22. Water Safety

Don’t drink tap water in the Philippines. I’m usually a bit more careful with this, and I even avoid brushing my teeth with tap water just to be on the safe side.

Stick to bottled or purified water. In many places, like restaurants, cafés, or your hotel, you’ll be served water in a glass or bottle. This is usually purified water and safe to drink. Just make sure to check the source if you’re unsure. Bottled water is available almost anywhere and it’s usually quite cheap.

Ice on the drinks is usually safe on tourist areas.

Packing Tips

23. Backpack vs Trolley

Traveling light is key. If you’re backpacking, take the smallest backpack you can manage with just the clothes you really need. Trust me, after a few days, you’ll wish you had brought a smaller one. I travelled with a 30L backpack, and my boyfriend used a 40L.

You can also travel with a trolley. Just don’t bring a giant one. Most tricycles can carry your luggage on top, and ferries usually have space for bags.

Keep in mind that most domestic flights in the Philippines use small planes. So, if you usually carry your trolley as cabin luggage, it might not fit and will be checked instead.

Don’t pack too many clothes. Laundry services are cheap and easy to find in most tourist areas. Just avoid packing your favorite or delicate clothes, especially white ones, as they might get stained. Some people report lost items at laundries, but we never had any issues, only a few slightly shrunken t-shirts.

24. What to Pack for the Philippines

Clothes

Pick loose, lightweight clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen. These are much more comfortable in the heat. Avoid packing heavy or tight clothes.

If you plan to visit religious places, bring at least one pair of long trousers or a long skirt to cover your legs.

Shoes

Usually, two pairs are enough:

• Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes
• Flip-flops or sandals for everyday wear

If you’re planning on island hopping or boat tours, I also recommend water shoes. They’re very useful and almost always needed.

Versatile sandals that can be used at the beach, city, and water like the ones I used are super practical. I really recommend the Sketchers sandals I used (these are the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever used. I’m already on my second pair). Some people also like the Teva sandals (also available for men).

Light Rain Jacket or Poncho

Tropical rain showers can happen anytime, especially in the rainy season. A light rain jacket or poncho is useful to have. We packed ours but didn’t end up using them.

Essentials for Island-Hopping and Water Tours

Water Shoes

You’ll need them. Many beaches and tour spots have sharp rocks at the bottom. If you already have plastic sandals that can be used in water, those will do. I used mine without any problem.

Snorkeling Gear

You’ll often need a mask and tube for snorkeling. These are available to rent (around 150 PHP in most places), but quality varies a lot. Some were good, but others didn’t fit well. If we were to do it again, we’d bring our own snorkel set.

Waterproof Bag or Pouch

In many island-hopping tours there’s no dock when boarding the boat. You’ll walk straight into the sea. So expect to get wet right away.

Bring a waterproof bag for your clothes and valuables. You can find them selling at many places, but you can buy one before your trip to make sure it’s good quality.

We used a waterproof pouch we got on Amazon. It didn’t fit clothes, but it kept our valuables safe. It was perfect when we wanted to go into the water without leaving anything behind.

Action Waterproof Camera

We took the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, and I’m so glad we did. We captured amazing photos and underwater videos. The quality is much better than using your phone in a waterproof case. Our phones overheated, slowed down, and the image turned darker underwater.

Sun Protection

You’ll be in the sun most of the day. Bring:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• A hat
• Sunglasses
• A long-sleeve UV shirt (we used ours on most tours and never got sunburned, while others did even with sunscreen)

Medical Kit

Pack a basic first-aid kit: painkillers, antiseptic wipes, antihistamines, and any personal medications.
If you’re visiting a travel or tropical medicine doctor (which we recommend), bring the specific meds they suggest. This is especially important for remote islands where pharmacies can be hard to find.

Insect Repellent

Mosquitoes can carry dengue or malaria in some areas. Bring a repellent with DEET. You can also buy repellent in most convenience stores.

Personal Hygiene

Bring travel-sized toiletries, tissues, and a quick-dry towel. Good quality tissues are hard to find, and if you suffer from allergies like I do, having your own tissues is a must.

For girls: tampons are not always easy to find, especially in smaller places. So bring your own supply if you use them.

Electronics

• Travel adapter and universal charger: we found a mix of plugs being used in the Philippines. A universal travel adapter is very useful. We use [this one] and love that it charges several devices at once.
• Power bank: We carry two. One is a wireless power bank (like [this one]), and the other is more powerful with a cord.

Daypack and Fannypack

Bring a small day backpack for your daily use and to carry valuables when you’re moving between places. You don’t want to leave important stuff like your laptop or documents in the larger backpack that goes in the bus trunk or on top of a tricycle.

A 10L daypack and a small fannypack worked great for us.

I’m sure I’m forgetting something, but I tried to list the main things that are easy to overlook and can make a big difference during your trip.

Language and Communication

25. Most People Speak English

The official languages in the Philippines are Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English. But honestly, communication is rarely a problem. English is widely spoken, even by older generations. Younger people especially tend to speak it quite fluently, and in tourist areas, almost everyone can understand and respond in English.

This makes the Philippines one of the easiest countries in Southeast Asia to travel around when it comes to communication. You can ask for directions, talk to locals, order food, or book tours without much trouble.

Even in more remote areas, people usually understand basic English, so don’t worry too much if you don’t speak any Tagalog.

Safety and Scams

26. Is the Philippines Safe?

In general, yes. Especially in tourist spots and in smaller or rural areas. We never had any problems. People were friendly and no one tried to take advantage of us.

Big cities are a different story. Manila, for example, is known to have some areas that can be unsafe. But with some caution and good planning, you should not have much to worry about.

27. Common Scams

The Philippines was one of the few places where we did not experience any scams. No one tried to take advantage of us or trick us.

The only thing to be mindful of is negotiating prices for tuk-tuks or souvenirs from vendors who approach you. Some will try to sell things at higher prices. They are not very pushy, except fake-pearl vendors. These can be a bit persistent, but nothing out of this world. Other than that, we had no problems. We also did not spend much time in big cities.

Tours and Activities

28. Booking Tours

Most tours in the Philippines can be booked through your hotel, tourist stalls, or tour agents who may approach you on the street. You can also use apps like GetYourGuide and Klook, which are popular and reliable.

If you’re traveling in high season and planning to do very popular tours, it’s a good idea to book in advance. Always read reviews first to make sure the tour is well-organized and worth your time.

29. Popular Tours and Experiences to Consider

Some of the most popular tours and activities in the Philippines include:

Island hopping in El Nido or Coron

You’ll visit some of the most beautiful, paradise-like beaches and lagoons. We have a full guide comparing the island-hopping tours in El Nido and our review of Tour A.

Snorkeling with turtles in Apo Island

This was one of our favorite experiences in the Philippines. The marine life is incredible and the water is crystal clear. You can read more about our experience snorkeling in Apo Island here.

Underground River in Puerto Princesa

One of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, this tour takes you on a boat ride through a stunning limestone cave system. Unfortunately, we didn’t stop at Puerto Princesa.

Canyoneering in Cebu

A fun and active tour where you’ll hike, swim, and jump through river canyons. The most popular route leads to Kawasan Falls.

Of course, there are many more popular and unique tours worth joining. Here we’re mentioning the ones we researched more about or did ourselves.

Responsible and Ethical Travel

30. Environmental Awareness

Try to minimize your impact when visiting nature spots, especially on island-hopping tours. Don’t touch or step on coral reefs. Many people accidentally damage them when they’re tired or not confident swimmers. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t hesitate to ask for a life vest to help you float and stay off the reef.

Always take your trash with you, especially plastic, and avoid leaving anything behind. It’s common to visit islands where there’s no proper waste management, so everything you bring should come back with you.

Use reef-safe sunscreen or wear a UV-protective shirt instead. Many common sunscreens contain chemicals that harm coral reefs and marine life, even in small amounts. Look for products labeled “reef-safe” or consider skipping sunscreen when you’ll be mostly covered.

31. Animal Tourism

Avoid any attractions that involve animal performances or questionable practices. For example, in Bohol, there are two tarsier “sanctuaries”. One is known for being a true sanctuary with a quiet, respectful environment, while the other feels more like a zoo, with animals in cages (“Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area” – read the reviews about the place and judge for yourself).

Always research any activity involving animals. If you’re not sure how the animals are treated or if something feels wrong, it’s better not to go. Supporting ethical places helps protect the animals and encourages better tourism practices.

Be cautious with “wildlife encounters” like swimming with whale sharks. Some tours feed the animals to keep them close, which changes their natural behavior. If you’re interested in this kind of activity, make sure it’s done in a responsible, non-invasive way. This is a bit of a controversial topic, and I’m not here to judge anyone. Just make sure you know what you’re heading into and take some time to research how those tours operate.

32. Respect the Local Culture

Respecting local culture and customs is an important part of responsible travel. In some places, people dress more modestly, especially in rural areas or religious sites, so it’s good to be mindful of what you wear.

Greet people politely, and learn a few basic words in Filipino, it’s always appreciated. Be respectful when taking photos of locals, especially children, and always ask first if you’re unsure.

Remember that you’re a guest in someone else’s home. Treat people, animals, and the environment with care.

Managing Your Expectations

We had a wonderful time in the Philippines. It was definitely a unique and unforgettable trip—incredible snorkeling sites, paradise-like beaches, and some of the most honest, hospitable, and happy locals and guides we’ve ever met.

33. Things About the Philippines No One Tells You About

That said, there are a few things you should keep in mind so you don’t get disappointed.

• Popular spots can be crowded. And that’s usually for a reason. They’re beautiful. For example, Tour A in El Nido was packed with boats, the Chocolate Hills viewpoint in Bohol was crowded, and there were lots of people swimming with the sardines in Moalboal. But honestly, the beauty of those places still made it worth it. Just go with realistic expectations.

• Delays are common. Transport delays happen a lot, especially when taking ferries or flights between islands. So try to stay flexible. The only issue we had was that our ferry from El Nido to Coron got cancelled. Fortunately, they easily arranged an alternative for us departing half an hour later.

• Things are often out of stock. Don’t be surprised if stores are missing basic items, or restaurants don’t have half the things on their menu. It’s especially common on smaller islands.

• Tricycles are not comfortable. These are the most common form of transport in towns and small cities, but they can be cramped and bumpy. Also, prices are rarely fixed for tourists. You’ll need to negotiate the tourist price.

• Infrastructure can be inconsistent. Expect occasional power outages, slow internet, pothole-ridden roads, and limited public infrastructure like lack of proper sewage systems.

• You might get sick. Even if you’re careful, it’s still possible to get stomach aches, diarrhea, vomiting, or even a fever. I got sick for two days in El Nido with fever and stomach pain. My boyfriend, who’s usually very resistant to these things, also caught something that made him feel unwell. It wasn’t anything serious, and we recovered quickly, but we did feel nauseous and had trouble eating for a few days.

• There are a lot of stray dogs in the Philippines. They are usually friendly, but many are in poor condition, often with skin problems like mange. It can be hard to see, especially if you’re sensitive to animals in distress. Even though most dogs are harmless, rabies does exist in the Philippines, so it’s important to be cautious and avoid contact if you’re unsure. Sometimes, dogs will be on the beach and may try to play with your things, which can be annoying if you just want to relax. It can also be uncomfortable if you have a fear of dogs.

• Daily life for locals can be very basic. Many people live in unfinished homes, sometimes without running water or showers. Instead, they bathe using a bucket and have simple bathrooms. It’s not uncommon for entire families to live in one small room. This can be a bit of a shock if you’re not used to it. But despite living with so little, we found most locals to be incredibly friendly, generous, and genuinely happy. It’s humbling and inspiring at the same time. It reminded us to be grateful for what we have.

This applies mostly to rural areas and small islands. Cities like Manila are a different story, with modern shopping malls, international restaurants, and more of the comforts you might be used to. However, there are so much poverty and it’s hard to believe some people live in such miserable conditions right next to upscale areas with luxury shopping malls.

Something that really surprised us, and in a good way, was how clean many of the smaller places were. Even though the infrastructure was very limited, we didn’t see much litter around. I was honestly expecting to see a lot more garbage, but instead, most villages and beach areas were very clean.

Wrapping Up

These were some of our top tips for planning a trip to the Philippines, based on everything we researched and experienced firsthand. From transportation to health, packing, and choosing where to go, we hope this guide gave you a clearer idea of what to expect and how to prepare.

If you’re still building your Philippines itinerary or looking for specific destination tips, make sure to check out our other detailed Philippines travel guides.

If you’re visiting the Philippines as part of a bigger trip to Southeast Asia, I also recommend the following guides:

• How to Plan a Trip to Southeast Asia: Ultimate Guide with 21 Essential Tips
• Two Months Traveling in Southeast Asia: Our Itinerary

You may also want to check all our travel guides by country in Southeast Asia:

• Thailand Travel Guides
• Vietnam Travel Guides
• Malaysia Travel Guides
• Singapore Travel Guide
• Philippines Travel Guides

Finally, you can use our links to book accommodation and activities and find cheap flights. You won’t pay more and you’ll be supporting our work.