Neighborhoods
Where to Stay
4 distinct areas, each with its own personality
Palawan
$$–$$$Consistently voted world's best island. El Nido's limestone karst lagoons, Coron's WWII shipwreck diving, and the Puerto Princesa underground river.
Siargao
$$Philippines' surf capital and island life paradise. Cloud 9 surf break, island hopping (Naked Island, Daku, Guyam), and a laid-back digital nomad scene.
Boracay
$$–$$$White Beach — 4km of powdery white sand. After a 6-month clean-up in 2018 it reopened better than ever. Best for parties and beach clubs.
Manila (BGC)
$$–$$$Bonifacio Global City — modern high-rises, rooftop bars, world-class restaurants, and Manila's safest, most walkable district.
Planning
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season
BestBest weather. Clear skies and calm seas for island hopping and diving.
Shoulder
GreatSome rain, fewer tourists. Eastern islands (Siargao) get waves from swells.
Typhoon Season
RainyTyphoons can disrupt travel to most islands. Palawan and Cebu are slightly more protected.
Transport
Getting Around
Grab
Dominant ride-hailing app in the Philippines. Essential in Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
Angkas
Motorcycle taxi app for beating Manila traffic. Faster and cheaper for short trips.
Other Transport Options
- →Tricycle: Motorbike with sidecar — main local transport on smaller islands and provincial towns.
- →Habal-habal: Motorcycle taxi, essential on Siargao for getting between spots.
- →Bangka boat: Long outrigger boats for island hopping. Charter your own or join group tours.
- →Philippine Airlines / Cebu Pacific: Domestic flights essential for large distances (Manila–Palawan, Manila–Siargao).
Arrival
Airports
Ninoy Aquino International Airport
7 km from Makati CBD, 30–60 min by taxi or Grab
Mactan-Cebu International Airport
12 km from Cebu City, 25 min by taxi
Stay Active
Fitness & Recreation
Gyms, studios, and recreation spots in Philippines
Anytime Fitness Philippines
24-Hour Gym ChainThe most accessible gym option in the Philippines. 100+ locations nationwide including Cebu and Davao. Your home membership grants access. 24/7 with key fob entry.
Freedom Bar BGC
CrossFit & Functional FitnessBGC's most popular CrossFit box. Daily WODs, Olympic weightlifting, and endurance programs. Drop-ins welcome with advance booking. Strong expat and local professional community.
El Nido Dive Center
Scuba DivingThe Philippines has some of the world's best diving — Tubbataha Reef, Apo Island, and El Nido's limestone karsts and underwater caves. PADI certification courses available.
Cliff jumping at Kawasan Falls
Adventure & SwimmingThe canyoneering route from Kawasan Falls is the Philippines' most popular adventure activity — waterfall jumps, cliff dives, and swimming through turquoise canyons. Half-day guided trip.
Siargao Surf Camps
Surf School & CampCloud 9 is one of Southeast Asia's best surf breaks — a hollow right-hand tube over a shallow reef. Beginner surfboards available at surrounding beach breaks. Multiple surf camps operate.
Travel Insurance
Protect Your Trip
Don't skip this. Medical emergencies abroad can cost tens of thousands.
Tap water not safe — drink bottled water. Dengue is present year-round. Medical facilities in Manila and Cebu are decent; remote islands have limited care. Typhoon season July–November. Ensure policy covers island evacuation.
SafetyWing
Best for digital nomads & long-term travelers
Subscription-based travel medical insurance. Renew monthly, cancel any time. Great for remote workers staying 1–3+ months.
World Nomads
Best for adventure travelers
Covers 200+ activities including surfing, scooter riding, and diving. Popular with backpackers and active travelers.
Allianz Travel
Best for trip cancellation coverage
Comprehensive coverage with strong trip cancellation and interruption benefits. Ideal for expensive pre-paid bookings.
Know Before You Go
Legal Guide
Important laws and customs every traveler must know
Drug Laws
Under President Duterte's drug war, thousands were killed with limited due process. Current administration is still strict. Possession of any narcotics carries mandatory minimum sentences of 12 years. Any involvement with drugs as a foreigner will result in immediate detention.
Travel Advisories
Western Mindanao and Sulu Archipelago are under Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisories due to terrorist group activity (Abu Sayyaf). Stick to tourist areas — Palawan, Siargao, Boracay, Cebu, and Manila are safe.
Ocean Safety
Jellyfish (box jellyfish) are present in some areas. Respect strong currents on surf breaks. Never dive without a professional guide on shipwreck dives.
Experiences
Top Tours & Activities
El Nido Island Hopping Tour A
from $25Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon. Best tour in El Nido.
Siargao Island Hopping
from $20Naked Island, Daku Island, Guyam Island — Siargao's iconic three-island tour with snorkeling.
Coron Shipwreck Diving
from $60WWII Japanese shipwreck diving in crystal-clear Coron Bay. Suitable for beginner and advanced divers.
Manila Food & Heritage Tour
from $40Intramuros walled city, Binondo Chinatown food tour (world's oldest), San Agustin Church.
After Dark
Nightlife
The best bars, clubs, and late-night spots in Philippines
BGC Bar Strip (Manila)
Bar DistrictBonifacio Global City rooftop bars and clubs — the safest and most upscale nightlife area in Manila
Revel at the Palace
NightclubManila's largest club complex inside The Palace entertainment block — three venues in one
La Laguna Beach Club
Beach ClubSiargao's island-style beach club — pool parties, live DJs, fire dancers on weekends
The Hangar Siargao
NightclubSiargao's main club venue — biggest sound system on the island, late nights after Cloud 9
Ready to book?
Find flights to Philippines
Pick your dates below — we pre-fill MNL so you land on the right results instantly.