The Philippines is a place to visit but it doesn't get as much attention as Thailand or Bali. That's partly because its a way to get there.. It's worth it. The country has over 7,600 islands, amazing diving spots, beautiful beaches and people who speak English.
The challenge with the Philippines is that it's a country and can be hard to get around. There are flights, ferries and inter-island travel to think about. Most first-time visitors don't know where to focus. Here are the top 5 destinations to visit:
1. Palawan — The Island That Ends Every Argument About Where to Go
Palawan's a long narrow island on the western edge of the Philippines. It has two destinations: El Nido and Coron. El Nido is what people usually think of when they picture the Philippines. It has limestone cliffs, beautiful lagoons and white sand beaches. You can take island-hopping tours to see the sights. The town of El Nido is small and walkable.
Coron is great for diving. There are World War II shipwrecks to explore and the fish life is amazing. Kayangan Lake is a must-visit. It's a lake with clear water.
To get to Palawan fly to Manila. Then to El Nido or Puerto Princesa. Book domestic flights early. The best time to visit is from November to May.
Spend least 5-7 days in El Nido and 3-4 days in Coron.
2. Siargao — The Surf Island That Became Something More
Siargao is a surfers paradise. It has a wave called Cloud 9.. Siargao is more than just surfing. It has restaurants, a coffee scene and island-hopping tours. You can visit Naked Island and Daku Island. The pace is slow. The main town of General Luna has restaurants and bars.
To get to Siargao fly from Manila. The best time to visit is from August to November for surfing and from December to April for water.
Spend 4-6 days
3. Cebu and the Surrounding Islands
Cebu City is the largest city in the Philippines. It's a place to start exploring the surrounding area. You can visit Magellans Cross, a landmark. Oslob is a place to swim with whale sharks. Moalboal has a snorkeling experience with a school of sardines.
Bohol is a ferry ride from Cebu. It has the Chocolate Hills and tarsier sanctuaries. The Loboc River cruise is a fun activity.
To get to Cebu fly from Manila.
Spend 2 days in Cebu City.
2-3 Days exploring the surrounding area.
4. Boracay — The Classic That Cleaned Itself Up
Boracay was closed for six months in 2018 for rehabilitation. It reopened with regulations. The beach is now amazing with sand and clear water. The island is small and walkable. You can visit Stations 1, 2 and 3 along White Beach.
To get to Boracay fly to Caticlan or Kalibo. The best time to visit is from November to April.
Spend 3-4 days
5. Batanes — The Philippines Almost Nobody Visits
Batanes is a cluster of islands in the northernmost part of the Philippines. It looks different from the rest of the country. The landscape is temperate with rolling hills and dramatic cliffs. The population is small. The pace is slow.
To get to Batanes fly from Manila. The best time to visit is from March to June.
Spend 3-4 days
Practical Notes for Travelers
* Visa: US citizens get 30 days visa-free on arrival extendable to 59 days.
* Currency: Peso (PHP). Roughly 55-58 pesos per US dollar. Cash is essential, outside Manila and resorts.
* Language: Filipino and English are both languages. English is widely spoken across the country.
Getting around:
The domestic airline network in the Philippines is well-developed. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia Philippines connect Manila to major destinations. If you want to travel between islands you can take ferries like 2GO Travel or Starlite. They are slower but cheaper for routes like Cebu to Bohol or Manila to Coron. When booking flights it's best to book early because prices go up sharply close to departure.
Health:
You should get travel vaccinations like hepatitis A and typhoid. Dengue is also present in the country so use insect repellent all the time. It's also best to drink water only.
Best overall timing:
The best time to visit the Philippines is from December to May, which covers most of the season. The country is in a typhoon belt and from June to November theres a risk of storms especially for islands facing north and east.
The Philippines is a place, for travelers who plan a little before they arrive and then stay flexible. Ferry schedules can change the weather can. The best moments often come from changing your plan rather than sticking to it.