Philippines: The Ultimate Travel Guide (2024)

Welcome to the Philippines! The Philippines is an archipelago located in Southeast Asia, consisting of 7,641 islands, each with its unique culture and attractions. The country is known for its warm and hospitable people, rich history, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine.

One of the highlights of the Philippines is its natural beauty. The country boasts numerous beautiful beaches, such as Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao, which are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. There are also breathtaking waterfalls like Kawasan Falls in Cebu, and majestic mountains like Mount Pulag in Luzon, which offers a challenging but rewarding trek.

The Philippines is also home to vibrant cities, such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao, which offer a blend of modern and traditional experiences. In Manila, you can explore the historic walled city of Intramuros and the bustling business district of Makati. Cebu is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, while Davao offers a glimpse of the Philippines’ natural beauty and wildlife.

Filipino cuisine is another must-try experience. From the world-famous adobo to the sweet and savory lechon, the Philippines offers a diverse range of dishes that will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Lastly, the Philippines is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and its people take pride in their customs and traditions. You can witness this in the colorful festivals celebrated throughout the year, such as the Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, and the MassKara Festival in Bacolod.

In summary, the Philippines is a beautiful and diverse country with much to offer. From its stunning beaches, natural wonders, and vibrant cities to its delicious cuisine and rich cultural heritage, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Travel Essentials for Visitors

VISA POLICY: Visitors from 157 countries are permitted to enter the country without a visa for periods ranging from 14 to 59 days. Just be sure to have a valid passport for at least six months after arrival. But if you wish to extend your stay, you are required to secure an extended visa waver from the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines.

For more information on visa-extensions, you may checkout the Department of Foreign Affairs website.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Before embarking on your adventure to the Philippines, it’s crucial to prioritize your peace of mind by securing travel insurance. While the Philippines offers breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences, unforeseen circumstances can arise, potentially putting a damper on your trip. From unexpected medical emergencies to flight cancellations or lost luggage, having travel insurance ensures you’re covered for the unexpected.

Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Manila or relaxing on the pristine beaches of Boracay, having the right insurance means you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Philippines without worrying about potential setbacks. Stay worry-free and enjoy every moment of your journey with the assurance that you’re protected against any travel mishaps.

READ: Feel free to take a look at my SafetyWing Insurance review for more details about this insurance option. It’s a fantastic resource for gaining further insight into what this insurance provides.

Geography

LOCATION: Situated in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is an archipelago comprising over 7,000 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Its strategic location makes it a crossroads of cultures and trade routes, with Taiwan to the north, Indonesia to the south, Vietnam to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the east.

The Philippines is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from tropical rainforests and mountain ranges to stunning beaches and coral reefs. This geographical diversity not only contributes to the country’s natural beauty but also makes it a haven for biodiversity, hosting numerous endemic species. With its location in the “Ring of Fire,” the Philippines is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, adding to its dynamic geological profile. Overall, the Philippines’ unique geographical position shapes its culture, economy, and natural environment, making it a captivating destination for travelers and researchers alike.

WEATHER: The Philippines has two seasons: Wet and dry. For details you may check out this post.

READ: When Is The Best Time To Travel To The Philippines?

Demographics

LANGUAGE: The Philippines is a linguistically diverse nation located in Southeast Asia. It boasts two official languages: Filipino and English. Filipino, based on Tagalog, is the national language and serves as a lingua franca for communication across the archipelago. English, on the other hand, is widely used in business, government, education, and as a second language for many Filipinos. Apart from these official languages, the Philippines is home to over 170 regional languages and dialects, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of its people.

Do you want to learn Filipino/Tagalog? The Filipino Language – A Beginner’s Must-Know for Basic Phrases and Pronunciation

RELIGION: In the Philippines, religion plays a significant role in shaping society, culture, and everyday life. The Church often serves as a moral compass, providing guidance on issues ranging from social justice to personal ethics.

• Christianity, predominantly Roman Catholicism, with around 80% of the population identifying as Catholic.
• Islam, particularly in the southern region of Mindanao, where there’s a significant Muslim population, comprising around 5-10% of the total population.
• Other minority religions include Protestant Christianity, Buddhism, and indigenous belief systems such as animism, which still have adherents in various parts of the country.

Infrastructure

CONNECTIVITY: The three most widely used telecommunication networks are Smart, Globe and Sun. All of them are available in prepaid or post-paid plan. Sun is mostly used as a backup since it has “unlimited calls/text” promos but signals in remote areas are weak.

Most places in the Philippines have no free internet connection so it is best to carry a WiFi router. You may switch over to your carrier’s wireless data network but it’s costly (specially if you’re using a post-paid plan).

TRANSPORTATION: There are three popular airline companies in the country, Philippine Airlines, (Philippines’ flag carrier), Cebu Pacific and Airasia. I usually prefer PAL for traveling outside of the country and for domestic flights, Cebu Pacific and Airasia offer cheap options. For land transportation you may check out this post.

READ: Travel Tips: Getting Around Metro Manila

SOCKETS AND ADAPTERS: Most electrical outlets in the Philippines are non-grounded two-pronged outlets of either type A (North-American standard) or type C (European style). Power outlets rarely accept both types of plugs. If you have a US three-pin plug (type B), you will need an adapter to plug in to non-polarized, two-pin outlets. All power sockets in Philippines provide a standard voltage of 220V with a standard frequency of 60Hz.

Culture and Society

CUISINE: In the Philippines, food isn’t just sustenance; it’s a way of life, reflecting the country’s rich culinary heritage and diverse cultural influences. Among the most beloved dishes are:

• Adobo: Considered the national dish, adobo features meat (often chicken or pork) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then simmered until tender.
• Kare-Kare: A rich and savory stew made with oxtail, tripe, or beef, cooked in a peanut-based sauce and served with vegetables and bagoong (fermented shrimp paste).
• Lechon: A festive favorite, lechon is a whole roasted pig with crispy skin and tender meat, often served during special occasions and celebrations.

TOURISM: When it comes to tourism in the Philippines, there’s no shortage of breathtaking destinations waiting to be explored. Here are some of the most visited places that captivate travelers from around the world:

• Boracay: Famous for its powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Boracay is a tropical paradise that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Visitors can indulge in water sports, vibrant nightlife, or simply unwind on the beach.
• Palawan: Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, Palawan boasts UNESCO-listed sites like the Puerto Princesa Underground River and the stunning limestone cliffs of El Nido. Travelers flock here to explore pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant marine life.
• Cebu: As one of the Philippines’ most developed provinces, Cebu offers a mix of historical landmarks, vibrant urban centers, and stunning natural attractions. Visitors can explore historical sites like Magellan’s Cross, relax on the beaches of Mactan Island, or dive in the pristine waters of Moalboal.

Finance

CURRENCY: The currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PHP) or Piso. It is made up of 100 centavos (or sentimos) and is often represented with the symbol ₱. It’s denominations are: Bills – 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 piso. Coins – 1, 5, 10, 25 cents (or sentimo). 1, 5, 10 piso.

No permit is required from the Central bank of the Philippines to bring in or to take out from the Philippines of foreign currencies. However, if the traveler carries foreign currencies that exceed $10,000, it must be declared at the Bureau of Customs Desk in the airport. It’s not against the law you just have to declare it.

Mostly, you may have your currency exchanged at the banks but some malls also have exchange booths.

BANKS AND ATMS: It is advisable to always bring cash as some famous tourists spots, particularly in the remote areas only accept cash. ATMs are mostly available in the cities and you may withdraw a maximum of ₱10,000 per transaction but will charge you ₱200 (more or less 4USD).

Most banks in the cities are open from Monday to Friday (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) and on Saturdays (9:00 AM – 12:00 NN).