We all crave a little slice of paradise on our holidays, but the Philippines is one of those select destinations where you can be sure it will deliver on the promise.
Take a journey through the exhilarating metropolis of its capital, Manila, and walk barefoot on the luxurious beaches of Palawan, before admiring the magnificent waterfalls and volcanic peaks of Mindanao. And that's just a taster of what’s on offer - it's fair to say that a holiday in the Philippines can offer a little something for everyone.
Rich in biodiversity, with a range of stunning landscapes and countless exquisite beaches, the Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, which can be roughly separated into three distinct geographic regions. These are linked by regular ferry crossings and internal flights so that, with a little planning, it’s possible for you to be trekking through dense jungle and traditional mountain villages one day, then soaking up the scenery at an exclusive beach resort the next.
Manila makes the perfect introduction to this endlessly fascinating country. Gleaming skyscrapers and a cosmopolitan cultural scene blend effortlessly with palatial Colonial-era Spanish mansions, and the ancient walled city of Intramuros.
Spend a few days exploring the capital before you head north or south for experiences as varied as the myriad islands. Trek the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol or take advantage of the world-class diving and idyllic powder-soft beaches of the Visayas. Hike up to peer inside the crater of an active volcano, then soothe your muscles in a sumptuous spa or natural hot spring. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Hispanic city of Vigan, the vast subterranean river of Puerto Princesa, or the magnificent rice terraces of Banaue. Wander the bustling local markets in Cebu or snorkel peacefully with sea turtles and barracudas above the pristine coral reefs.
There’s simply so much to do here that the trick lies in understanding what you simply can’t afford to miss. Our Destination Specialists can help you craft a tailor-made itinerary that suits your tastes and makes sure you experience the best of the Philippines in your own way.
Meet An Expert – Matthew LaPolice
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Ideas for your trip to Philippines
- Experience the flavours of the cosmopolitan city of Osaka.
- Spend an evening at the one of a kind Robot Show in Tokyo’s entertainment district.
- Join a tea master for a deeper insight in Japan's tea ceremony
- Keep your eyes peeled for dozing tarsiers at the Corella sanctuary
- Relax and unwind on one of Philippines beautiful beaches.
- Discover Manila’s eclectic culture
- Graze on delicious Filipino streetfood
- Float along Palawan’s underground river
- Trek through lush jungle trails
- Island hop around El Nido
- Soak up Cebu’s unique history
- Dive Bohol’s coral reefs
- Spot tarsiers in a forest sanctuary
- Gaze over the Chocolate Hills
- Navigate Palawans underground river
- Snorkel El Nido’s underwater wonders
- Walk Banaue’s ancient rice terraces
- Experience traditional Ifugao village life
- Wonder at Sagada’s poignant hanging coffins
- Rattle over Vigan’s picturesque cobblestones
- Feast on Manila’s traditional treats
- Gaze into Taal Volcano’s crater lake
- Hop between Busuanga’s island beaches
- Contrast modern Manila with its historic side
- Trek Banaue’s verdant rice terraces
- Discover Sagada’s unusual hanging coffins
- See tarsiers and Chocolate Hills in Bohol
- Watch dolphins swim around Pamilacan
- Hop between El Nido’s island beaches
Useful information for planning your holiday in Philippines
US Citizens do not need a Tourist Visa for the Philippines if they do not plan to stay in the country for more than 30 days.
From an overall perspective, the Philippines is generally considered a safe travel destination, with safety depending on your choice of location. Given its vast size, there are plenty of options to explore. However, it's important to note that certain regions are restricted for foreign travelers. Several countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and the USA, have issued advisories to their citizens, urging them to avoid traveling to the Sulu Archipelago and Mindanao regions due to their high-risk status. These areas have active government warnings against travel.
Moreover, even within Manila, tourists are advised to exercise caution and avoid the Ermita and Malate areas. Nevertheless, the majority of other regions in the country are considered safe for travel. Nevertheless, it's crucial to stay informed about the local situation and be mindful of potential risks and safety concerns.
