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Asia / Southeast Asia

Philippines

Palawan lagoons, Cebu islands, and Manila energy. As part of Southeast Asia in Asia, Philippines suits travelers drawn to big cities and historic. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Philippines

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Dec – May

Palawan

Plan at least a full day in Palawan to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Cebu

Plan at least a full day in Cebu to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Boracay

Plan at least a full day in Boracay to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Manila

Manila is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Philippines, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

What it is known for
facts
  • Palawan El Nido limestone lagoons
  • Boracay White Beach powder sand
  • Banaue rice terraces carved into Ifugao hills
  • Intramuros walled city in Manila
  • Adobo, lechon roast pig, and halo-halo dessert
key City
name
Manila
label
Capital
why
Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Intramuros history make Manila the hub for island-hopping across the archipelago.
Places to visit
  • area
    Palawan
    attractions
    • name
      Puerto Princesa Underground River
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      El Nido Lagoons
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Coron Kayangan Lake
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Big Lagoon
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
  • area
    Cebu
    attractions
    • name
      Magellan's Cross
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Basilica del Santo Niño
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Kawasan Falls
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Oslob Whale Shark Point
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Boracay
    attractions
    • name
      White Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Puka Shell Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Mount Luho Viewpoint
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Same-day tickets often available; book 3-7 days ahead on weekends.
    • name
      D'Mall Boracay
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Manila
    attractions
    • name
      Intramuros
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Rizal Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      San Agustin Church
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      National Museum of the Philippines
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Philippines Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Palawan
    • Cebu
    • Boracay
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Palawan
    • Full day discovering Cebu
    • Full day discovering Boracay
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Palawan
      description
      Land in Palawan, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Philippines trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Cebu
      description
      Dedicate the day to Cebu: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Boracay and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Boracay visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Philippines
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Palawan
    • Cebu
    • Boracay
    • Manila
    highlights
    • Cover Palawan and Cebu
    • Explore Boracay
    • Explore Manila
    best For
    Urban explorers and culture fans
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Palawan
      description
      Land in Palawan, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Philippines trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Cebu
      description
      Dedicate the day to Cebu: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Boracay
      description
      Dedicate the day to Boracay: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Manila and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Manila visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Philippines Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Palawan
    • Cebu
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Palawan
    • Coastal day in Cebu
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Palawan
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Palawan.
    • day
      2
      title
      Cebu and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Cebu, visiting Magellan's Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, Kawasan Falls before you depart Philippines.
  • title
    Philippines Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Palawan
    • Cebu
    • Boracay
    • Manila
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Palawan
    • Rural stop: Cebu
    • Rural stop: Boracay
    • Rural stop: Manila
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Palawan
      description
      Reach Palawan, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Cebu countryside
      description
      Explore Cebu at an easy pace: Magellan's Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, Kawasan Falls with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Boracay countryside
      description
      Explore Boracay at an easy pace: White Beach, Puka Shell Beach, Mount Luho Viewpoint with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Manila and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Manila, stopping at Intramuros, Rizal Park, San Agustin Church before heading home.
  • title
    Philippines Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Manila
    • Cebu
    • Palawan
    • Boracay
    highlights
    • Must-see: Intramuros
    • Must-see: Rizal Park
    • Must-see: Magellan's Cross
    • Must-see: Basilica del Santo Niño
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Manila
      description
      Start in Manila with Intramuros, Rizal Park, San Agustin Church, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Cebu monuments
      description
      Focus on Cebu's tourist favorites: Magellan's Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, Kawasan Falls with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Palawan monuments
      description
      Focus on Palawan's tourist favorites: Puerto Princesa Underground River, El Nido Lagoons, Coron Kayangan Lake with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Boracay landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Boracay, including White Beach, Puka Shell Beach, Mount Luho Viewpoint, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
December through May is dry season across most of the Philippines, ideal for Palawan lagoons, Cebu whale sharks, and Banaue rice terraces without typhoon disruption. Cooler Jan-Feb suits Manila sightseeing; Holy Week and summer break spike domestic travel.
typical Weather
Manila Dec-May: highs 30-34°C (86-93°F), lows 22-24°C (72-75°F), 20-50 mm rain, humid. Palawan: highs 30-32°C (86-90°F), sea 27-29°C (81-84°F). Baguio highlands: 18-24°C (64-75°F), cooler.
details
  • Dec-Jan and Easter peak for Boracay and El Nido; book ferries early.
  • Jun-Nov typhoon season; storms hit east and north hardest.
  • Apr-May hottest before monsoon; still dry but intense humidity.
  • Sinulog (Jan Cebu) and Ati-Atihan (Jan Kalibo) are major festivals.
most Affordable
period
Jun – Nov
summary
Typhoon-season and monsoon months offer Philippines' steepest resort discounts when Palawan and Boracay properties cut rates despite weather risk.
details
  • Boracay resorts discount 40-55% in Sep-Oct.
  • El Nido and Coron lodges cut wet-season rates.
  • Cebu and Bohol hotels offer monsoon promotions.
  • Cebu Pacific fares often lower in wet season.
most Expensive
period
Dec – Jan
summary
Dry-season holiday peak fills Philippines when Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu see highest demand from domestic and international holiday travelers.
details
  • Boracay beach resorts sell out at peak Dec-Jan rates.
  • El Nido island hopping premium in dry high season.
  • Sinulog (Jan Cebu) and Ati-Atihan spike festival demand.
  • Domestic flights to island destinations cost most in holidays.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Manila Ninoy Aquino is the main hub, with Cebu for the Visayas.
airports
  • name
    Ninoy Aquino International Airport
    code
    MNL
    location
    Pasay, serving Manila
    distance From Center
    7 km (4 mi) south of Intramuros
    transfer Note
    Grab, taxis, and buses reach Makati and Manila
  • name
    Mactan-Cebu International Airport
    code
    CEB
    location
    Lapu-Lapu, serving Cebu
    distance From Center
    15 km (9 mi) from Cebu City
    transfer Note
    Gateway for Visayas and Bohol ferries
Getting around
overview
Filipinos use jeepneys, buses, and MRT in Manila; Grab dominates ride-hailing nationwide.
trains
  • name
    PNR
    description
    Philippine National Railways commuter lines.
    ticketing
    Buy tickets at station counters.
ferries
    subways
      public Transit
      • name
        LRT/MRT Manila
        kind
        public
        description
        Elevated rail in Metro Manila.
        ticketing
        Use Beep card at station machines.
      • name
        Jeepneys and Buses
        kind
        public
        description
        Jeepneys and buses fill street-level gaps.
        ticketing
        Pay cash when boarding.
      ride Share
      • name
        Grab
        kind
        rideshare
        description
        Dominant ride-hailing across the Philippines.
        ticketing
        Book via Grab app.
      Currency
      code
      PHP
      name
      Philippine peso
      symbol
      ₱
      note
      Carry some philippine peso in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

      Convert your travel budget ↗

      Visas & official entry links
      Local customs
      summary
      Filipinos are famously hospitable, English-speaking, and family-centered, with Catholic festivals and strong elder respect. Personal questions are friendly. Island hopping follows environmental and safety briefings.
      customs
      • Mano, taking elder's hand to forehead, shows respect when offered culturally.
      • Remove shoes in many homes.
      • Fiesta culture means loud celebrations in provinces.
      dos
      • Use po and opo with elders when comfortable.
      • Greet with magandang umaga in markets.
      • Tip 10 percent if service charge is absent.
      • Use Grab in Manila rather than random street taxis.
      • Dress modestly in churches and Muslim Mindanao areas.
      donts
      • Do not insult family or hiya face publicly.
      • Do not photograph without permission in sensitive Mindanao areas.
      • Do not fly drones near airports or over crowds without CAAP rules.
      • Do not leave bags unattended in jeepneys.
      • Do not assume all beaches allow bikini everywhere; read local signs.
      Useful travel phrases
      language
      Filipino
      phrases
      • english
        Please
        local
        Pakiusap
        pronunciation
        Paki (PAH-kee)
      • english
        Thank you
        local
        Salamat
        pronunciation
        Sa-la-MAT
      • english
        Yes
        local
        Oo
        pronunciation
        Oo (oh-OH)
      • english
        No
        local
        Hindi
        pronunciation
        Hin-di
      • english
        How much?
        local
        Magkano?
        pronunciation
        Mag-kano
      • english
        Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
        local
        Saan ang pinakamalapit na restaurant o bar?
        pronunciation
        Saan ang pinaka-malapit na restaurant o bar
      • english
        Where is the airport?
        local
        Saan ang airport?
        pronunciation
        Saan ang airport
      • english
        I need help
        local
        Kailangan ko ng tulong
        pronunciation
        Kailangan ko ng tulong
      • english
        I need a hospital
        local
        Kailangan ko ng ospital
        pronunciation
        Kailangan ko ng ospital
      • english
        Call the police
        local
        Tawagan ang pulis
        pronunciation
        Tawagan ang pulis
      Longer stays
      visa Summary
      U.S. citizens may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, extendable at immigration offices. Special Resident Retiree's Visa, work visas, and spouse visas provide long-term options through financial deposits or employer sponsorship. The Philippines updates SRRV deposit amounts and visa fees periodically, so verify with the Bureau of Immigration.

      Practical tips.

      • Book fast ferry and domestic flight tickets early for Palawan and Siargao because holiday weekends sell out quickly.
      • Use Grab in Manila and Cebu for safer airport transfers than curbside taxi touts.
      • Carry pesos in small bills for tricycles and island hopping because drivers rarely have change for 1,000-peso notes.
      More travel tips ↗

      Locate Philippines.

      Location map of Philippines

      Before you go.

      Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Philippines ↗