Things To Do
in Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands in Southeast Asia known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush mountain scenery. Rich in history, the country blends indigenous traditions with Spanish, American, and Asian influences, reflected in its festivals, cuisine, and colonial architecture. Hospitality and a laid-back island vibe characterize everyday life, inviting visitors to slow down and explore both seaside towns and lively cities.
From dreamlike lagoons to volcanic peaks, the destination rewards travelers with diverse adventures, from snorkeling with manta rays to mountain hikes and urban exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Makati. Settle in and refresh yourself after your flight. Grab a delicious Filipino breakfast at a nearby restaurant to kickstart your adventure.
Explore the historical Intramuros district, visiting sites like Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church. Take a leisurely walk down cobbled streets lined with Spanish colonial architecture. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, indulging in traditional dishes like adobo or lumpia.
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Makati by visiting a local bar or rooftop lounge. Savor some cocktails while enjoying views of the Manila skyline. For dinner, delve into the local culinary scene at a popular restaurant.
Fly to Cebu and start your day with a visit to Magellan's Cross and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Philippines as you explore these significant landmarks. Refuel with a hearty breakfast at a local café.
Visit the Taboan Market to sample some famous dried fish and buy souvenirs. Take a leisurely stroll along the Cebu IT Park to soak in the modern side of the city. Enjoy lunch in one of the restaurants that offer local delights.
Head to Tops Lookout for a stunning panoramic view of Cebu City at sunset. Afterward, indulge in a dinner of Cebuano specialties, such as lechon. Conclude your evening by sampling some local desserts at a nearby café.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍜Local dish or street-food meal | $1-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room per night | $25-70 |
| 🚕Taxi starting fare | $1-2 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes
- Warm hospitality and English widely spoken
- Excellent value for money and abundant seafood
- Rich cultural traditions and festivals
- Seasonal typhoons and variable infrastructure in rural areas
- Crowds at popular islands during peak season
- Long travel times between islands can be tiring
- "Kamusta po?" - How are you? (polite)
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
- "Magkano?" - How much?
- "Saan ang banyo?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pakiusap" - Please
- "Tulungan po ninyo ako" - Please help me
Places to Visit in Philippines
Visit one of these nice places.
A distinctive landscape of cone-shaped hills that create dramatic silhouettes, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Limestone cliffs rising from turquoise lagoons, perfect for dramatic boat-and-beach compositions.
Ancient, hand-carved terraces weaving through the mountains, offering classic panoramic shots.
Colonial-era architecture, cobbled streets, and leafy squares ideal for historical photography.
Powdery sands and pastel sunsets make for iconic tropical beach photography.
Perfect cone volcano with lush surroundings for dramatic landscape imagery.
A volcanic lake setting with a dramatic backdrop of crater lake and town silhouettes.
Marine sanctuary with opportunities to photograph sea turtles and vibrant reef life.
Iconic surfing spots and lagoons that offer dynamic seascapes and cloud patterns.
Food in Philippines
Philippines Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Chicken or pork braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves; a Filipino staple found everywhere from home kitchens to carinderias.
Must-Try!
A sour tamarind soup with pork, shrimp, or fish and plenty of vegetables.
Crispy-roasted pig, especially celebrated at festivals and Cebu-style feasts.
A refreshing shaved-ice dessert with beans, fruit, jelly, and ice cream on top.
Fresh raw seafood cured in vinegar, citrus, and chilies, similar to ceviche.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A busy market street offering affordable street foods, fresh produce, and snacks.
Seafood stalls where you buy your catch and have it cooked at nearby eateries.
A vibrant weekend market with regional snacks, crafts, and live music.
Popular street foods: grilled skewered animal intestines (isaw) and battered quail eggs (kwek-kwek).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use po and opo when addressing older people; greet with a smile and a light handshake.
Be courteous, dress modestly in sacred places, and remove hats or sunglasses indoors in some venues.
A simple handshake and a warm hello; avoid public displays of affection in formal settings.
Safety
Tipping in Philippines
Ensure a smooth experience
A service charge of 10-15% is common at hotels and fine dining; for smaller eateries, rounding up or PHP 20-50 is appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted; major credit cards are common in cities; mobile wallets and bank transfers are increasingly available; have cash on hand for rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to May brings hot, sunny days ideal for beach-hopping and island visits; expect higher crowds on peak islands.
June to November brings frequent rain and the northwest monsoon; good for lush scenery and fewer crowds, but plan for occasional storms and possible typhoons.
December to February offers cooler temperatures and comfortable evenings; popular for city strolls and mountain treks.
Philippines at Night
Hiking in Philippines
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Sea of clouds treks with panoramic highland scenery.
Highest peak in the Philippines; challenging jungle trek and diverse ecosystems.
Iconic rice terraces with viewpoints and village experiences.
Active volcano with a striking crater lake and volcanic landscape.
Accessible ridge hike with coastal and island views.
Airports
How to reach Philippines by plane.
Manila's main international gateway with domestic connections.
Davao City's main airport serving Mindanao.
Gateway to Central Philippines; connects Cebu, Bohol, Siargao.
Alternative gateway near Angeles City and Clark Freeport Zone.
Main airport for Iloilo and Panay Island.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the largest ethnic groups; many residents are Tagalog-speaking.
Predominant in Central Visayas; Cebu and nearby islands.
Large northern ethnic group with distinct dialects.
Includes Bikolano, Waray, Pangasinense, and various Indigenous communities.
Active in commerce and culture; many family-owned businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the Philippines, with active street and league play.
National martial art and sport with cultural importance.
World-class waves in Siargao, La Union, and Baler.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy a wide array of vegetable dishes, rice, and tofu-based options. Many sauces use fish sauce (patis) or meat stock, so ask for no patis or no meat stock, and specify if you want seafood-free and dairy-free preparations.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Philippines.