Limestone cliffs and blue lagoons in El Nido, Palawan
Travel Guide 2025

The Essential Guide to the Philippines

Plan unforgettable trips across 7,600+ islands. Honest tips on where to go, when to visit, budgets, safety, and the best things to do.

Featured Destinations

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Palawan limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons
Palawan
BeachesDivingIsland-hopping

World's best island featuring El Nido lagoons, Coron wrecks, and UNESCO Underground River.

El Nido limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons
El Nido, Palawan
BeachesDivingIsland-hopping

Karst lagoons, island-hopping (Tours A–D), and clear waters in Bacuit Bay.

Coron crystal clear lakes surrounded by limestone cliffs
Coron, Palawan
DivingLakesWrecks

WWII wrecks, pristine lakes, and limestone landscapes.

Cebu historic Magellan's Cross and colonial architecture
Cebu
HistoryCultureDiving

Historic Spanish colonial sites, modern city, and gateway to Visayas diving.

Batanes rolling green hills with traditional stone houses and lighthouse
Batanes
CultureScenicPhotography

The Philippines' northernmost province featuring rolling hills, traditional Ivatan stone houses, dramatic coastlines, and a unique culture of honesty and resilience.

Anawangin Cove with agoho trees and volcanic sand beach
Zambales
BeachesCampingIsland-hopping

Pristine coves, camping beaches, island hopping, and surfing spots just hours from Manila.

Hot spring resort pools in Los Baños, Laguna
Laguna
Hot SpringsWaterfallsHiking

Province south of Manila known for volcanic hot springs, Pagsanjan Falls, Mt. Makiling, and Rizal's birthplace.

Mt. Pinatubo crater lake with turquoise water surrounded by volcanic landscape
Pampanga
FoodCultureHiking

Culinary capital, Mt. Pinatubo crater, and rich cultural heritage.

Davao City - Mt. Apo, Philippine Eagle, and durian capital
Davao City
AdventureNatureWildlife

Philippines' largest city, Mt. Apo gateway, Philippine Eagle sanctuary, and durian capital.

Quezon Province beaches and coastline
Quezon Province
BeachesFestivalsIslands

Pristine beaches, Pahiyas Festival, island hopping, and cultural heritage in Southern Luzon.

Dakak Beach Resort with white sand and turquoise waters in Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga del Norte
BeachesHistoryDiving

Dakak Beach Resort, historic Dapitan (Rizal's exile), diving at Aliguay Island, and wild orchid sanctuary.

Sea turtle swimming over coral reef at Apo Island Marine Sanctuary
Apo Island
DivingSnorkelingWildlife

World-renowned marine sanctuary off Negros Oriental, famous for sea turtle encounters, pristine coral reefs, and some of the best diving in the Philippines.

When to Visit
Dry season typically runs Nov–May. Best beach weather is Dec–Apr. Typhoons are more frequent Jun–Nov (peak Aug–Oct). Siargao surfing peaks Sep–Nov; Tubbataha diving is Mar–Jun only.
Getting Around
Domestic flights by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia connect hubs (Manila/Cebu) to islands. Ferries (2GO, Montenegro) link nearby islands. In-town: Grab, taxis, jeepneys, tricycles.
Practical Tips
ATMs common in cities; carry cash for islands. Local SIM/eSIM from Globe, Smart, DITO. Power 220V 60Hz (Types A, B, C). Dress modestly in rural areas. Reefs: use reef‑safe sunscreen.