Things To Do
in Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia consisting of over 7,000 islands. It is known for its stunning beaches, diverse marine life, and vibrant culture that blends indigenous, Spanish, and American influences. The country is also famous for its delicious cuisine, such as adobo, sinigang, and lechon.
Filipinos are known for their hospitality and strong sense of community, making it a welcoming destination for travelers.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café before heading to the iconic Puerto Princesa Underground River. Prepare for an exciting boat ride into the UNESCO World Heritage site.
After lunch, explore the beautiful Honda Bay through island hopping, visiting stunning spots like Cowrie Island. Snorkeling in the clear waters will reveal vibrant marine life.
Enjoy a traditional Filipino dinner at a seaside restaurant, taking in the sunset views. Relax at your accommodation or stroll along the beach.
Begin with a hearty breakfast at your lodge, then take a guided trek through the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces. Learn about the ancient techniques used for rice farming.
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the terraces and visit local villages to engage with the indigenous Ifugao people. Experience their rich culture and traditions.
Return to your lodge for a cozy dinner, sharing stories of your day's adventures. Enjoy the starry sky with a cup of local coffee.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions
- Beautiful beaches and natural landscapes
- Warm and hospitable locals
- Affordable cost of living
- Diverse cuisine with a variety of flavors
- Growing economy and business opportunities
- Strong sense of community and family values
- Traffic congestion in urban areas
- Issues with infrastructure and public services
- Natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes
- Level of poverty in certain regions
- Bureaucratic hurdles and corruption
- Limited job opportunities in some sectors
- Environmental concerns, including pollution and deforestation
Best Activities in Philippines
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning beaches of Palawan, known for their crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores.
Embark on a trekking adventure to witness the breathtaking Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Discover the diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs while snorkeling in the waters around Apo Island.
Ride the waves in the surfing paradise of Siargao, home to Cloud 9, one of the most famous surf breaks in the Philippines.
Tours
Uncover the best of Philippines with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Philippines
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for whale shark watching and beautiful beach views.
Offers stunning panoramic views of ancient rice terraces.
Known for its crystal-clear waters, lagoons, and picturesque limestone cliffs.
Features unique cone-shaped hills providing a breathtaking view.
Food in Philippines
Philippines Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple dish of Filipino cuisine, typically made with pork or chicken, marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, then browned in oil, and simmered until tender.
Must-Try!
A popular Filipino dessert made with a mixture of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and various ingredients including sweet beans, coconut, sago, gulaman, and fruits, served in a tall glass or bowl.
A whole roasted pig, resulting in crispy skin and succulent meat, often served during festivals and special occasions.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Philippines better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in Bonifacio Global City, Mercato Centrale is a bustling night market offering a wide variety of Filipino street food such as balut (fertilized duck embryo), isaw (grilled chicken intestines), and fish balls.
At Dampa, you can handpick fresh seafood from the market and have it cooked in the style you prefer at nearby restaurants, offering a true taste of Filipino seafood cuisine.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In the Philippines, it is important to show respect for elders by using titles such as 'po' and 'opo' when addressing them, and by giving them special attention and assistance.
Filipinos are known for their hospitality and generosity, and it is customary to offer food and drinks to guests as a sign of warmth and welcome.
It is polite to avoid confrontational behavior and to use diplomatic language when addressing differences, as Filipinos highly value harmony and saving face.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Philippines with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Philippines
Ensure a smooth experience
In the Philippines, tipping is not always expected but is appreciated, especially in restaurants, hotels, and for services like hairdressing and taxi rides. A service charge is often included in the bill at restaurants, but an additional tip of 10% is customary if the service charge is not included.
Cash is widely used for smaller transactions in the Philippines. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in many establishments, especially in urban areas. Online and mobile payment methods are becoming more common. It's important to have cash on hand for transactions in more remote areas or smaller vendors who may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Philippines.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with clear skies and cooler temperatures. Ideal for outdoor activities and beach holidays.
Expect high temperatures and occasional rain showers. Good for diving and snorkeling due to excellent visibility.
Frequent rain and typhoons can occur. Suitable for surfers as the waves at this time are great for surfing.
Milder temperatures and occasional rain showers. Best for exploring nature and enjoying cultural festivals.
Philippines at Night
Hiking in Philippines
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The second highest peak in the Philippines, known for its stunning sea of clouds and diverse flora and fauna.
An active volcano located on the island of Luzon, offering scenic views and a unique hiking experience around its crater lake.
The highest mountain in the Philippines, located in Davao, it features rich biodiversity and breathtaking views from the summit.
An accessible, moderately challenging hike in Batangas, famous for its picturesque landscapes and cool climate.
This national park in Mindoro offers various trails and an opportunity to explore its rich wildlife and scenic vistas.
Known for its perfect cone shape, Mount Mayon is a stunning sight and a popular hiking destination for adventure seekers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Philippines through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Philippines by plane.
Located in Manila, it is the primary gateway to the Philippines and one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia.
Located in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, this airport serves as a major hub for tourism in the central Philippines.
Situated in Angeles City, Pampanga, this airport is an alternative gateway to Metro Manila and serves various international routes.
Located in Davao City, it is the third-busiest airport in the Philippines and serves international flights primarily within Asia.
Located in Iloilo City, this airport serves both domestic and international flights and is a key gateway to the Visayas region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group primarily located in the Luzon region, particularly in the National Capital Region and surrounding provinces.
The second-largest ethnic group found mainly in the Visayas region, particularly in Cebu, Bohol, and parts of Mindanao.
An ethnic group primarily found in the northern regions of Luzon, especially in Ilocos Region.
A broad term that encompasses various ethnic groups in the Visayas and parts of Mindanao, including Waray, Hiligaynon, and others.
An ethnic group from the Central Luzon region, particularly in Pampanga.
An ethnic group primarily based in the Bicol Region in the southeastern part of Luzon.
A collective term for various ethnic groups in the Mindanao region, including Maranao, Tausug, and Maguindanao.
An ethnic group native to the Cagayan Valley region in northern Luzon.
A Spanish-based creole language predominantly spoken in Zamboanga City and parts of Cavite.
Includes various smaller ethnic groups and indigenous peoples scattered throughout the Philippines.
The Soul of Philippines
Discover the essence of Philippines through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines, with a passionate following and numerous professional leagues, including the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Boxing has a storied history in the Philippines, producing world-class champions such as Manny Pacquiao. It remains a popular sport for both spectators and participants.
Volleyball has gained significant popularity, especially among women. The Premier Volleyball League and the UAAP volleyball tournament draw large crowds and media attention.
Football is increasingly popular in the Philippines, with the national team, known as the Azkals, helping to raise interest and participation in the sport.
Badminton is widely played across the country, both recreationally and competitively, with many tournaments and leagues featuring local talents.
This traditional sport, similar to volleyball but played using a rattan ball and feet, is popular in the southern regions of the Philippines.
Rugby has a growing following in the country, with the Philippine national rugby team (the Philippine Volcanoes) representing the country in various international competitions.
With its beautiful beaches and great waves, surfing has become a popular sport, particularly in areas like Siargao, which hosts international surfing competitions.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Filipino cuisine heavily features meat and seafood, there are vegetarian options such as pinakbet (mixed vegetable stew) and laing (taro leaves in coconut milk). Many restaurants and cafes also offer vegetarian-friendly versions of popular dishes.
Vegan options can be found in select restaurants and cafes, offering dishes like ginataang langka (jackfruit in coconut milk) and fresh fruit shakes. It's recommended to communicate dietary restrictions clearly to ensure dishes are prepared accordingly.
Gluten-free options may be limited in traditional Filipino cuisine due to the use of soy sauce and wheat-based ingredients. However, some restaurants are adapting to offer gluten-free alternatives, and it's advisable to inquire about ingredients and preparation methods when dining out.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Philippines with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Philippines.