Philippines travel guide
The Philippines is one of the most diverse destinations in Southeast Asia, with over 7,000 islands offering everything from tropical beaches and turquoise lagoons to vibrant cities, surf spots and untouched nature. Whether you are planning a short island escape or a multi-week adventure, a well-planned route is essential.
In this Philippines travel guide, you will find everything you need to plan your trip: a complete itinerary, the best places to visit, transport tips, accommodation options, budget insights and practical travel advice.
🗺️ Philippines Travel Route (3-5 Weeks)
This itinerary follows a logical north-to-south route and is ideal for a trip of three to five weeks. It combines iconic highlights with quieter islands and allows enough time to truly experience each destination.
The route starts in Manila and continues to Coron, followed by a multi-day expedition to El Nido. From there, you travel onward to Panglao in Bohol, the relaxed island of Siquijor, and finally Siargao, one of the most popular islands in the country for surfing and slow travel.
📍 Manila (1-2 days)
Manila is the main international gateway to the Philippines and the starting point of most trips. While it is not usually the highlight of a Philippines itinerary, spending a few days here helps you adjust to the climate, culture and pace of the country. The city is large, chaotic and full of contrasts, but it also offers a fascinating introduction to Filipino history and daily life.
Historic Intramuros shows the Spanish colonial past, while modern districts like Makati and Bonifacio Global City reveal a completely different side of the capital. Manila is best seen as a functional but interesting stop before heading to the islands, rather than a destination to linger too long.
📍 Coron (Days 3-4 days)
Coron, located in the northern part of Palawan, is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lakes and world-class diving. It is one of the most visually striking destinations in the Philippines and a favorite among nature lovers and adventure travelers.
The area is especially known for its underwater landscapes and World War II shipwrecks, making it one of the best diving spots in Southeast Asia. Above water, turquoise lagoons and rugged cliffs dominate the scenery, giving Coron a raw and untouched feel compared to more developed destinations.
📍 Coron to El Nido expedition (4-5 days)
Traveling from Coron to El Nido by multi-day boat expedition is considered one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Philippines. Instead of flying or taking a ferry, you journey slowly through remote islands, far away from crowds and infrastructure.
During the expedition, you visit uninhabited islands, snorkel in pristine waters and sleep in simple beach camps under the stars. This part of the trip offers a rare glimpse into the untouched beauty of Palawan and is often described as the highlight of an entire Philippines journey.
📍 El Nido (4-5 days)
El Nido is one of the most iconic destinations in the Philippines and known worldwide for its towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and white-sand beaches. The town itself is lively and touristy, but the surrounding landscape is nothing short of spectacular.
Most travelers come to El Nido for island hopping, where you explore lagoons, secret beaches and coral reefs by boat. Despite its popularity, El Nido remains an essential stop on any first trip to the Philippines due to its unique natural beauty.
📍 Panglao (Bohol) (3-4 days)
Panglao is a small island connected to Bohol by bridge and serves as the main base for exploring the region. It offers a good balance between beach time and inland adventures, making it a popular stop on a Philippines itinerary.
From Panglao, you can easily visit Bohol’s most famous attractions, including the Chocolate Hills and the island’s lush interior. Compared to Palawan, the atmosphere here is more relaxed and developed, making it a comfortable place to slow down after several travel-heavy weeks.
📍 Siquijor (2-3 days)
Siquijor is a quiet and laid-back island that feels worlds away from the busier parts of the Philippines. Known for its waterfalls, peaceful beaches and mystical reputation, it attracts travelers looking for nature and simplicity.
Life on Siquijor moves slowly, and many visitors explore the island by scooter, stopping at waterfalls, viewpoints and small coastal villages. It is an ideal destination to unwind and enjoy a more local side of island life.
📍 Siargao (5-7 days)
Siargao is best known as the surf capital of the Philippines, but even non-surfers are drawn to its relaxed atmosphere and strong sense of community. The island has become especially popular with digital nomads and long-term travelers.
With its mix of surf breaks, palm-lined roads, cafés and nearby islands, Siargao is a place where many people plan to stay for a few days and end up staying for weeks. It is the perfect destination to end a Philippines trip on a high note.
🏨 Best hotels and accommodations
Accommodation in the Philippines ranges from simple guesthouses and hostels to boutique hotels and luxury beachfront resorts. Prices vary depending on the destination and season, but there are great options for every type of traveler — whether you’re backpacking, traveling comfortably, or looking to splurge.
Manila
- Budget: Yamato Hostel
- Mid-Range: The Belamy House Managed by HII
- Luxury: Novotel Suites Celestia at Hotel Residences Manila
Coron
- Budget: Hop Hostel
- Mid-Range: Coron Westown Resort
- Luxury: The Funny Lion Coron
El Nido
- Budget: Frendz Hostel El Nido
- Mid-Range: Rockinnest Boutique Hotel
- Luxury: Domes & Dreams Lio Glamping
Panglao (Bohol)
- Budget: Cliffside Resort Bohol
- Mid-Range: SAMADHI Resort & Hydrospa Panglao
- Luxury: Halamanan Residences
Siquijor
- Budget: TAGBALAYON Lodging House
- Mid-Range: Dolce Amore Resort
- Luxury: Coco Grove Beach Resort
Siargao
- Budget: Sunlit Hostel
- Mid-Range: The Ohm Siargao
- Luxury: Bravo Beach Resort Siargao
👉 For more inspiration, detailed reviews, and direct booking tips, check out our Philippines Best Hotels Guide.
✈️ Transport
Because the Philippines is an archipelago, traveling often involves a combination of domestic flights, ferries and boats. While distances may look short on a map, travel days should always be planned carefully.
✈️ Manila → Coron
Best Option: Take a direct domestic flight to Busuanga Airport (Coron). This is by far the fastest and easiest way to start your island route, and most travelers choose this option. (approx. 1h–1h30 flight time, plus transfers)
Budget Alternative: Travel overland to Batangas and take an overnight ferry to Coron. It’s cheaper in some cases, but significantly longer and less comfortable than flying. (approx. 10–14+ hours total, depending on connections)
⛵ Coron → El Nido (by Expedition)
Best Option: Join a multi-day island-hopping expedition from Coron to El Nido. This is not just transport, it’s one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Philippines, with snorkeling stops, remote islands and overnight beach camps. (approx. 3–5 days)
Budget Alternative: Take the ferry from Coron to El Nido. It’s the simplest way if you don’t want the expedition experience, but you’ll miss the remote islands in between. (approx. 3h30–5 hours, depending on operator and sea conditions)
✈️ El Nido → Panglao (Bohol)
Best Option: Fly El Nido to Panglao (Bohol–Panglao International Airport). This is the fastest and most efficient way to reach Bohol without losing multiple days to ferries. (approx. 1-2 hours total)
Budget Alternative: Travel from El Nido to Puerto Princesa by van, then fly to Cebu and continue to Bohol. It can be cheaper depending on flight prices, but it adds an extra long road transfer. (approx. 8–12+ hours total, depending on timing)
🚤 Panglao (Bohol) → Siquijor
Best Option: Take a fast ferry (usually via Tagbilaran or Panglao-connected ports, depending on schedules). It’s straightforward and commonly used by travelers doing this island route. (approx. 2–4 hours, depending on route/operator)
✈️ Siquijor → Siargao
Best Option: Travel by ferry to Dumaguete (or Bohol/Cebu depending on your schedule), then fly via Cebu to Siargao (Sayak Airport). This is the most realistic “smooth” route because Siargao is best reached by air connections through Cebu. (approx. 6–10 hours total incl. ferries, transfers, layovers)
Budget Alternative: Build a Cebu stopover into your itinerary and use Cebu as your transport hub. It’s often cheaper and easier to find good flight times, but it turns the day into a longer multi-leg journey. (approx. 8–12+ hours total)
🍲 Food
Eating in the Philippines is simple, hearty and deeply local. Meals often revolve around rice, meat or fish, and flavors lean more savory and sour than spicy. Street food is widely available and generally safe especially when you see locals lining up. As a rule of thumb, eat where it’s busy, keep small bills on hand, and don’t hesitate to point at what looks good.
Portions are filling, prices are low, and food is a big part of daily life. While Filipino cuisine may not be as internationally famous as some neighboring countries, it’s comforting, authentic and worth exploring.
🥢 Local Cuisine Highlights
- Adobo – The national dish of the Philippines, usually chicken or pork stewed in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and bay leaves. Simple but iconic.
- Sinigang – A sour soup made with tamarind, vegetables and meat or seafood. Comfort food at its best.
- Lechon – Slow-roasted pork with crispy skin, often served at celebrations and special occasions.
- Pancit – Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat, commonly eaten for lunch or shared at gatherings.
- Halo-Halo – A popular dessert made with shaved ice, sweet beans, fruit, jelly and ice cream, perfect for hot days.
Vegetarian options are available, but not always obvious. Many dishes contain meat or fish sauce, so it helps to ask clearly or stick to rice, vegetables and egg-based meals in local eateries.
🍻 Drinks & Nightlife
Local beer is cheap and widely available, with San Miguel being the most common choice across the country. Fresh fruit shakes, coconut water and iced coffee are also popular and easy to find, especially in beach destinations.
Nightlife varies greatly depending on where you are. Big cities and popular islands offer beach bars, live music and casual nightlife, while quieter islands focus more on sunset drinks and relaxed evenings. Expect a social atmosphere rather than large-scale clubbing, especially outside major tourist hubs.
🚲 Activities
The Philippines is packed with experiences that revolve around nature, water and island life. In Manila, explore historic Intramuros, dive into the chaos of local markets, and get a first taste of Filipino city culture before heading out to the islands. Over in Coron, days are spent island hopping between limestone cliffs and turquoise lakes, snorkeling above coral reefs, and diving some of the most famous World War II shipwrecks in Southeast Asia. The journey continues with the Coron to El Nido expedition, where life slows down completely, think deserted islands, beach camping, crystal-clear waters and snorkeling straight from the boat.
Once in El Nido, iconic island-hopping tours take you through hidden lagoons, secret beaches and dramatic karst landscapes, while quiet afternoons are best spent kayaking or watching the sunset from a beachfront bar. In Panglao (Bohol), activities shift inland with visits to the Chocolate Hills, jungle scenery and river cruises, balanced with relaxed beach days along the coast. Siquijor offers a more laid-back pace, where riding a scooter around the island leads to waterfalls, viewpoints and quiet beaches, perfect for travelers looking to slow down. Finally, Siargao brings together surf, nature and community spend your days surfing at Cloud 9, island hopping to palm-fringed islets, swimming in lagoons, and winding down with sunset drinks and live music. Each destination has its own rhythm, and you’ll find more detailed activity guides linked throughout this page.
👝 Packing List
Packing for the Philippines is all about keeping it light, breathable and island-ready. From boat days and snorkeling trips to scooter rides and jungle waterfalls. With frequent island transfers and tropical weather, quick-dry clothing and waterproof protection make traveling much easier. Here’s a checklist of essentials, organized by category:
👕 Clothing
- Lightweight T-shirts and tanks
- Shorts and breathable pants
- Swimwear
- One modest outfit (covered shoulders/knees) for churches or local towns
- Light jacket or hoodie for ferries and air-conditioned transport
- Flip-flops or sandals + sturdy walking shoes
🧴 Toiletries
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Basic first aid kit (blister pads, paracetamol, etc.)
- Travel-size shampoo/soap
- Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
📱 Electronics
- Passport + digital/physical copy
- Travel insurance information
- Credit/debit cards + some Philippine pesos in cash
- International driver’s license (for scooter rentals)
- Vaccination proof (check current requirements)
📄 Documents & Money
- Passport + digital/physical copy
- Travel insurance info
- Credit/debit cards + some Thai baht in cash
- International driver’s license (for scooter rentals)
- Vaccination proof (check requirements)
🎒 Useful Extras
- Reusable water bottle
- Dry bag for boat trips
- Small daypack
- Sarong (doubles as beach towel or temple cover-up)
- Earplugs + sleep mask for overnight transport
💡 Prep Tips
Leave some space in your bag, the Philippines is great for picking up beachwear, toiletries and souvenirs along the way. Most essentials are easy to find locally, so don’t stress if you forget something. And don’t overpack: laundry services are cheap and widely available across the islands.
📱Apps
A few smart downloads can make traveling in the Philippines much smoother. For getting around in bigger cities like Manila (and sometimes Cebu), Grab is the most reliable ride-hailing app and also works for food delivery in urban areas. When it comes to planning transport between islands, 12Go Asia is extremely useful for checking ferry routes, flight connections and travel times, especially when organizing island hops or longer travel days. For accommodation, Agoda and Booking.com are widely used and often offer good last-minute deals, even in popular destinations like El Nido or Siargao.
For communication, Google Translate (with English downloaded offline) comes in handy for reading menus or chatting with locals, especially outside tourist areas. Google Maps works well in most towns and cities, but Maps.me is a great offline backup for scooter rides, remote beaches or areas with limited signal. To keep track of expenses while traveling between islands, apps like XE Currency or TravelSpend help you stay on top of your budget without overthinking it.
💰 Budget
The Philippines is a very budget-friendly destination, but it also offers plenty of options for mid-range travelers and those looking for luxury, especially on the islands. Your daily budget will largely depend on how often you fly, the type of accommodation you choose, and how many tours or boat trips you plan. Here’s what you can expect to spend per day:
Backpacker: $30–$45 (hostel or budget guesthouse, local food, ferries or shared vans)
Mid-Range: $60–$110 (comfortable private room, mix of local eateries and restaurants, occasional flights or tours)
Luxury: $150+ (high-end resorts, private transfers, guided tours, fine dining)
Cash is still king in many parts of the Philippines, especially on smaller islands and in local markets. ATMs are available in most towns, but they can run out of cash or charge withdrawal fees, so it’s smart to withdraw larger amounts when you can. Credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels and bigger restaurants, but always carry cash as a backup.
Tipping is not expected, but rounding up or leaving a small amount for good service is appreciated, especially for boat crews and guides. Be sure to budget extra for activities like island hopping, diving, surfing lessons or national park fees. Travel in the Philippines is rarely rigid, having a bit of financial buffer gives you the freedom to say yes to spontaneous plans.
🙏 Culture
The Philippines is known for its warmth and hospitality. Locals are friendly, welcoming and often genuinely curious about visitors. Respect, politeness and a relaxed attitude go a long way here. While the country is generally informal, showing cultural awareness is appreciated, especially outside major tourist areas.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites (covered shoulders and knees), and always behave respectfully during services. The Philippines is predominantly Catholic, and religion plays an important role in daily life, from church gatherings to local festivals. Public displays of affection are generally accepted, but modesty is still valued in more traditional communities.
English is widely spoken throughout the country, which makes communication easy for travelers. Still, learning a few basic Filipino words is always met with a smile and helps create a more personal connection:
Hello – Kumusta
Thank you – Salamat
Yes / No – Oo / Hindi
How much? – Magkano?
Family is at the heart of Filipino culture, and you’ll often see large groups gathering for meals, celebrations or beach days. Hospitality is genuine, and it’s common to be offered food or help, even by people you’ve just met. Accepting kindness with gratitude is the best way to engage with local life.
The charm of the Philippines lies in its mix of strong traditions, island simplicity and modern influences. Approach the culture with respect and openness, and you’ll be rewarded with meaningful interactions and unforgettable experiences.
