what you need to know before
you travel the Philippines.
Essential Philippines Travel Guide

Introduction​

Introduction
The Philippines is a Southeast Asian archipelago of 7,641 islands located in the Pacific Ocean, north of Indonesia and east of Vietnam. With a population of over 100 million and a youthful average age of 25, this vibrant nation offers a unique blend of Spanish and American colonial influences, stunning natural beauty, and some of the warmest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet.
Key Facts
Geography: The Philippines is the second-largest archipelago and fifth-largest island nation in the world, covering 343,448 km².
Languages: While over a hundred local dialects exist, the official languages are Tagalog and Visaya/Bisaya. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making communication easy for travelers.
Religion: The Philippines is the only Catholic-majority country in Asia. Christianity plays a significant role in the culture, reflected in vibrant festivals like the famous Sinulog in Cebu.
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP). Cash is the most common form of payment, especially in rural areas. Credit cards are generally only accepted at larger hotels. ATMs have a maximum withdrawal limit of 10,000 PHP per transaction with typical fees of 220 PHP.

Before You Go

Visa Requirements: You can enter without a visa for stays of 30 days or less if you meet all requirements. Entry conditions can change, so contact the nearest Philippine embassy for the latest details.

eTravel Registration (MANDATORY): All visitors must register on the eTravel Card online portal (etravel.gov.ph) within 72 hours of arrival to receive a QR code required for entry and departure formalities.

Best Time to Visit: Northern regions have a dry season from November to March. Southern regions typically experience the best weather between March and June. Check specific weather patterns for your chosen islands.

Health: All standard vaccinations are recommended. Rabies is prevalent, so treat any animal bite immediately. Dengue fever is a risk—bring mosquito repellent.

Safety: Outside major cities and specific southern regions, the Philippines is very safe. Filipinos are exceptionally friendly and welcoming. You’re more likely to be invited to a meal by strangers than encounter any trouble.

Practical Travel Tips

Packing Essentials:

  • Bring a jumper, leggings, and socks—Filipinos love air conditioning! Airports, planes, ferries, and buses can be unbearably cold.
  • Pack flip flops and expect to ruin them. Torrential downpours can happen anytime, and while flip flops aren’t ideal for wet conditions, other shoes are even more impractical. The mud will permanently stain them.

Inter-Island Travel:

  • Dedicate an entire day to traveling between islands. All segments add up, and sometimes you must fly back to Manila to catch another flight.
  • Leave as much time as possible for travel days. Weather, cancellations, and traffic significantly impact travel schedules.
  • Ferries can be cancelled due to weather, and flights can be delayed. Stay flexible.

Getting Around:

  • Primary long-distance transport: ferries and domestic flights
  • Regional: buses and trains
  • Short distances: taxis, tricycles, and motorcycle taxis (habal-habal)
  • Grab ride-hailing app is available in larger cities
  • Many inter-island trips can only be booked locally

Filipino Cuisine

Filipino food is generally less spicy than other Southeast Asian cuisines and tends to be heavier and meat-focused. Rice is the staple of almost every meal, with dishes flavored using vinegar, calamansi (local lime), or tamarind.

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Adobo: Often considered the national dish—savory chicken or pork simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and pepper with countless regional variations.
  • Sisig: Chopped meat served sizzling on a hot plate with onions, calamansi, and a raw egg.
  • Halo-Halo: A popular dessert meaning “mix-mix,” made of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and a colorful array of fruits, jellies, and beans.

Western food like burgers, pizza, and crispy chicken is readily available throughout the country.

Culture & People

Filipinos are incredibly sociable, hospitable, and love to celebrate. Their culture is shaped by Spanish and American colonial influences, with Catholic holidays playing a significant role.

What to Expect:

  • Vibrant festivals throughout the year (like Sinulog in Cebu)
  • Karaoke and live music as staples of evening entertainment
  • Open, friendly locals who are curious about visitors
  • A strong sense of community and innate warmth

Don’t be shy about joining in the singing and dancing—it’s the best way to experience Filipino hospitality and culture. You’ll likely have many enriching encounters with locals who are genuinely welcoming and eager to share their culture with you.