The Philippines is a stunningly beautiful country with an abundance of attractions to explore. From its idyllic islands and pristine beaches to its rugged hills and majestic mountains, the Philippines offers a diverse range of landscapes that are sure to captivate any traveler.
• Boracay White Beach - Boracay's main attraction with powdery soft white sand and clear blue waters. It offers beach activities like sunbathing, swimming, cliff diving, parasailing, boat tours, etc. At night, the beach comes alive with vibrant nightlife and lively bars and clubs.
• Chocolate Hills of Bohol - Over 1,200 cone-shaped hills spread over 20 square miles. Turns brown during dry season, hence the name. Best viewed from the Chocolate Hills Complex viewpoint. Unique geological formation still not fully understood.
• Puerto Princesa Underground River - A scenic river inside St. Paul National Park featuring limestone caves, rock formations and waterfalls. Requires a boat tour to access and explore the underground river and caves. Home to swallows, bats, and other cave wildlife.
• Banaue Rice Terraces - Carved into the mountains 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao tribes. It spans 4,000 miles of terraces and was an engineering marvel for its time. Best viewed from the viewpoint at Batad. Trekking through the terraces is a popular activity.
Bohol Chocolate Hills
Kayangan Lake, Coron
• Manila Ocean Park - Features 300 species of marine animals including penguins, sharks, stingrays, piranhas housed in multiple oceanarium tanks. Also has sea lion shows, ocean museum, and other attractions. Great for both kids and adults.
• Tubbataha Reef - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tubbataha Reef is located in the Sulu Sesa and is a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. It's home to a diverse range of marine life, including coral, fish, sharks, and turtles.
• Coron Kayangan Lake - It is known as the cleanest lake in the Philippines. The lake is also known for its underwater rock formations and diverse marine life, which makes it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can enjoy exploring the underwater world and seeing the colorful fish and coral formations.
• Mount Pinatubo - It is an active volcano located in the northern Philippines. The trek to Mount Pinatubo is a challenging but rewarding experience. It takes about 2-3 hours to hike to the crater and involves crossing rivers and streams, trekking through lahar-covered landscapes, and climbing up steep terrain. Along the way, hikers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
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Recommended Philippines Tours:
Featured Things to Do in the Philippines
What are your favorite things to do in the Philippines? How about snorkeling to explore the underwater world? How about swimming in a clear lake or relaxing on a powdery beach? Would you like to try a hot spring with a beautiful sea view surrounding you? Try some of the unique things to do in the Philippines, and you will get a memorable experience in this fascinating country.
• Island Hopping - With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is a paradise for island hopping. It is highly recommended to go EI Nido, Boracay, Coron, Bohol for island hopping tours. Travelers can explore the stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique marine life of each island.
• Scuba Diving and Snorkeling - The Philippines is home to some of the best diving spots in the world, such as Tubbataha Reef and Apo Reef. Snorkeling is also a popular activity, with many beautiful spots such as Coron's Kayangan Lake and El Nido's Small Lagoon.
Recommended Philippines Tours:
• Surfing - The Philippines is becoming a popular destination for surfing. Siargao Island is known for its world-class surf breaks, while Baler and La Union are also popular surfing spots.
• Trekking and Hiking - The country's mountains and hills offer plenty of opportunities for trekking and hiking. Popular destinations include Mount Pulag, Mount Pinatubo, and the Banaue Rice Terraces.
• Cultural Immersion - The Philippines has a strong cultural heritage, with many festivals and traditions celebrated throughout the year. Visitors can experience the vibrant culture of the countrythrough attending festivals such as the Ati-Atihan Festival, Sinulog Festival, and Kadayawan Festival.
• Visiting Historical Sites - The Philippines has a rich history that can be experienced through visiting its many historical sites. Intramuros in Manila is a must-visit, as well as the Banaue Rice Terraces and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan.
• Relaxing in a Spa or Beach Resort - The Philippines is known for its luxurious spas and beach resorts, which offer relaxation and pampering for visitors. Popular destinations include Boracay, Palawan, and Amanpulo.
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Bohol Balicasag Island Dolphin Watching
Bohol Balicasag Island Snorkeling
How to Get around Philippines?
Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and it's a major transportation hub. There are several airlines that operate domestic flights from Manila, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines, among others. These airlines offer flights to popular tourist destinations such as Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, and many others. Manila also has several bus terminals and seaports that offer transport to various destinations in Luzon and other parts of the country.
Getting to EI Nido
By Air - The easiest way to get to El Nido is by air. The nearest airport is El Nido Airport, which is serviced by direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and other domestic airports. From the airport, you can take a van or a tricycle to get to the town proper.
By Land and Sea - If you prefer to travel by land and sea, you can take a bus or a van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The travel time is approximately 5-6 hours.
By Ferry - Another option to get to El Nido from the nearby islands is by ferry. There are ferries that operate between El Nido and Coron, which takes around 3-4 hours, and between El Nido and Batangas, which takes around 10-12 hours.
EI Nido Matinloc Island
EI Nido Hidden Beach
Getting to Coron
By Air - The easiest way to get to Coron is by air. The nearest airport is Francisco B. Reyes Airport (also known as Busuanga Airport), which is serviced by direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and other domestic airports. From the airport, you can take a van or a tricycle to get to the town proper.
By Ferry - Another option to get to Coron is by ferry. There are ferries that operate between Coron and Manila, as well as between Coron and other destinations in Palawan, such as El Nido. The travel time by ferry varies depending on the route, but it can take anywhere from 4-8 hours.
Getting to Boracay
By Air - The easiest way to get to Boracay is by air. The nearest airports are Caticlan Airport and Kalibo International Airport. Caticlan Airport is the closest airport to Boracay, and it's serviced by direct flights from Manila and Cebu. Kalibo International Airport is located approximately 2 hours away from Boracay, and it's serviced by direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and other domestic airports. From either airport, you can take a van or a tricycle to Caticlan Jetty Port or Tabon Port, and then take a boat to Boracay.
By Ferry - Another option to get to Boracay is by ferry. There are ferries that operate between Batangas and Caticlan, and between Manila and Caticlan. The travel time by ferry varies depending on the route, but it can take anywhere from 9-12 hours.
Getting to Bohol
By Air - The easiest way to get to Bohol is by air. The nearest airport is Tagbilaran Airport, which is serviced by direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and other domestic airports. From the airport, you can take a tricycle or a taxi to get to your hotel or accommodation.
By Ferry - Another option to get to Bohol is by ferry. There are ferries that operate between Cebu and Tagbilaran, with travel time ranging from 1.5 to 2 hours. There are also ferries that operate between Dumaguete and Tagbilaran, with travel time ranging from 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Land and Sea - If you prefer to travel by land and sea, you can take a bus or a van from Cebu City to the port of Tubigon, which takes around 2-3 hours. From there, you can take a ferry to Tagbilaran, which takes around 30-45 minutes.
Bohol Virgin Island
Bohol Island
Getting to Banaue
By Bus - The most common way to get to Banaue is by bus. There are several bus companies that operate daily trips from Manila to Banaue, with travel time ranging from 9-10 hours. Some of the popular bus companies include Ohayami Trans, Coda Lines, and Florida Bus. To avoid transfer troubles, you can take our private tour package to Banaue Rice Terraces with worry free transfer service.
For more transportation service, feel free to contact our travel experts to arrange the service for you.
Where to Stay in the Philippines?
The Philippines offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. 1) Staying in Hotels and Resorts - There are many hotels and resorts in the Philippines, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury. Most of these can be found in popular tourist destinations such as Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu. Some of the most popular hotel chains in the Philippines include Shangri-La, Marriott, and Hilton, among others. 2) Staying in the Guesthouses and Hostels: Hostels and guesthouses are a popular option for budget-conscious travelers. These can be found in most cities and tourist destinations in the Philippines, and offer basic amenities such as dormitory-style rooms, private rooms, and shared bathrooms. Hotels and guesthouses are usually arranged in Banaue, Sagada.
For more accommodation info, feel free to contact our travel experts to arrange the service for you.
What to Pack for a Trip to the Philippines?
Here are some essential items to pack for a trip to the Philippines:
Lightweight Clothing - The Philippines has a tropical climate, so pack lightweight and breathable clothing such as cotton shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses. It's also a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or air-conditioned places.
Swimwear - The Philippines has some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, so make sure to pack swimwear for your beach adventures.
Sun Protection - The sun can be intense in the Philippines, so pack sunscreen with a high SPF rating, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Insect Repellent - Mosquitoes are common in the Philippines, especially in rural areas. Bring insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever.
Comfortable Shoes - The Philippines has many outdoor activities and adventures, so pack comfortable shoes such as sandals or sneakers for walking, hiking, and exploring.
Travel Adaptor - The Philippines uses 220V/60Hz electricity with Type A, B, and C outlets. Bring a travel adaptor if your devices use a different plug type.
Water Bottle - It's important to stay hydrated in the Philippines, so bring a refillable water bottle to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles.
Cash and Credit Card - Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it's always a good idea to have cash on hand for smaller transactions or in case of emergencies.
Travel Documents - Don't forget to bring your passport, visa (if required), and any other travel documents you may need.
First Aid Kit - Pack a basic first aid kit with items such as bandages, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, and any prescription medications you need.
Electronics - Bring your phone and charger, camera, and any other electronic devices you may need. It's also a good idea to bring a power bank for charging on-the-go.
Lightweight Backpack or Daypack - A lightweight backpack or daypack is useful for carrying your essentials when you're out and about.
Bulog Dos Island, Coron
Malcapuya Island, Coron
How Many Days to Spend in the Philippines
It is a good idea to spend at least one week traveling around the Philippines, and for more in-depth travel, you can spend about two weeks or even longer. It's recommended to spend at least 2-3 days in each destination to fully experience its attractions and activities. However, if you have more time, you can spend longer exploring more destinations or relaxing and enjoying the local lifestyle.
Manila - 2 or 3 days
Boracay - about 3 days
EI Nido - about 3 days
Puerto Princesa - about 2 days
Coron - about 3-6 days
Bohol - about 2 or 3 days
Banaue - about 2 days
Sagada - about 2 days
Dumaguete Apo Island
Mount Pinatubo
Philippines Itineraries & How to Choose?
Now that you know how many days to spend in each destination, you can start planning to visit your favorite destinations in one trip. When choosing an itinerary, consider your interests, budget, and travel style. Some travelers prefer to focus on one or two destinations in-depth, while others prefer to cover as many destinations as possible in one trip. It's important to strike a balance between your preferences and available time. By planning ahead, you can make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories. The popular Philippines Itineraries include:
9 Days Philippines Vacation Package to Bohol & Dumaguete
(Manila - Boracay - Dumaguete - Siquijor - Dumaguete)
11 Days Best Philippines Tour (Manila - Bohol - Cebu - EI Nido)
(Manila - Bohol - Cebu - EI NIDO - Manila)
12 Days Boracay & Philippines Visayas Vacation Package
(Manila - Dumaguete - Bohol - Cebu - Boracay)
13 Days Relaxing Philippine Tour from Manila
(Manila - Bohol - EI Nido - Boracay)
14 Days Philippines Highlights Tour with North Luzon & EI Nido
(Manila - Banaue - Sagada - Baguio - Clark - EI Nido - Sabang - Manila - Puerto Princesa - Manila)
16 Days Philippines Palawan Tour to Puerto Princesa, El Nido & Coron
(Manila - Puerto Princesa - El Nido - Coron - Manila)
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