TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE PHILIPPINES
The Island nation of the Philippines is the twelfth most populous country in the world and is made up of more than 7500 islands. There are thought to be 195 languages spoken throughout the islands and 2000 of the islands are populated. Luzon is the largest island and is where the capital Manila is located.
The Philippines is an island paradise and is thought to have more than 36,000 beaches. There are 5 different colours of beaches from white, black, brown, pink and pebble beaches. The Philippines are made up of many reefs with Apo being the largest reef. The Philippines is a fantastic place for seeing sea life by snorkeling and scuba diving.
We spent a month exploring the Philippines and visited several different islands. In this guide we discuss the best ways to get around and our experience of using those modes of transport. This article also explores the islands we visited and why we went where we did.
The Philippines was one of the highlights of our 6 month trip around south-east Asia and definitely on the list of places we’d like to return to. To make the most of your trip in the Philippines, enjoy the slower pace of life, spend time with the locals and enjoy the island lifestyle. As they say, it’s always more fun in the Philippines and we couldn’t agree more!
When To visit the philippines?
We landed in the Philippines in mid January, typically the best months to visit are December-February when the temperature ranges from 24-31°C. These months are typically referred to as the cooler dry season with less humidity.
July to October - considered as the low season, this is the best time to visit if you’d like to avoid the crowds and have a good chance of finding cheaper deals. As a budget friendly destination, this is when prices are the cheapest as you are less likely to get dry weather that is more typical in January to April however temperatures are still relatively warm.
January to April - this is the dry season where temperatures average 30-34°C and is the best time for guaranteed good weather and less humidity. Along with the better weather expect more crowds as this is the peak season to visit.
How to get to the Philippines
If you are arriving as an international traveler, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport services various international flights. We flew to Cebu from Singapore with ease and the airport is now connected to over 21 international destinations. Cebu city is approximately a 20 minute drive from the airport depending on city traffic. If you’re unable to find a direct flight to Cebu, there is the option of getting a connecting flight from Manila airport (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) as this is the largest and busiest airport in the Philippines. The majority of visitors will arrive in Manila which has more flights and they are usually cheaper. We decided to fly to Cebu because it was closer and more central to the islands that we wanted to explore.
How to Get around the philippines
There are many different forms of transport in the Philippines. We took a taxi when we landed in Cebu due to a late evening flight. This was the easiest option for us to head straight to our accommodation for the night. Taxis are not the cheapest option, although they can be the most convenient and stress free. Here are the common types of transport you’ll find in the Philippines.
Planes - for longer journeys to and from islands. The main airports to the Philippines for International flights are Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) and Cebu (Mactan-Cebu).
Tuktuks - cheap and convenient for a trip from the beach to town.
Jeepney - The locals use these as a type of bus service, they are generally very cheap but can be crowded.
Private Hire - For those looking for luxury, A/C and convenience. The price will also reflect this.
Pedal Tuktuk - The cheapest form of transport, also the slowest.
Ferry - When visiting the Philippines you will use the ferry services to get between islands.
Which Islands to visit?
The Philippines are made up of more than 7,500 islands of which 2,000 are inhabited. It can be overwhelming when trying to decide which islands to visit and this guide will give you an overview of the islands. We have also written detailed guides for each island which should help with planning your itinerary for a memorable trip.
Bohol
We loved Bohol, we were originally only planning to spend a couple of nights on the island but ended up staying for 5 nights. We had just arrived from Singapore and the beautiful beaches and weather meant that we spent the week on the beach and exploring the island. It was a perfect start to our Philippines adventure, Bohol is home to the tiny tarsier, chocolate hills and beautiful beaches. Read our guide to Bohol here.
Siquijor
Know as the magic island of the Philippines, Siquijor is a beautiful smaller island that is easy to navigate and enjoy the relaxed island lifestyle of the Philippines. Add Siquijor into an island hopping loop with Cebu and Bohol. You will love your time on this small island and its very laid back lifestyle. It is said that the island used to be home to people practising witchcraft. Read about our visit here.
CEBU
Cebu is sometimes overlooked compared to other islands in the Philippines. It is often used as a springboard to get to other islands in the area and while people pass through many miss out on what Cebu has to offer. The secret has started to spread on the incredible experiences on offer on this island and read our guide to Cebu here.
Palawan
Palawan is a long island in the west Philippines which will take longer to reach from the main airports Manila and Cebu. The effort is justified though, and after long hours of travel you are greeted by some of the best scenery that the Philippines has to offer. Throw in some of the best beaches in the world and you are onto a winner. In the north of the island is the popular El Nido, with towering limestone karst rocks that create some dramatic scenery and secluded, palm smothered beaches. Read our guide to El Nido here.
Islands on our list to visit next time…
Siargao
Known as the ‘surfing capital’ of the Philippines, this small tear drop shaped island with turquoise lagoons, caves and beautiful white sand beaches.
Coron
This island is known for its diving wreck sites and epic limestone karst landscape, beaches and lakes.
MALAPASCUA
Famous for its reefs and diving a smaller island off the north tip of Cebu and well worth a visit. You will see some of the bluest water in the world here.
NEGROS
Home to Dumaguete, a vibrant city that is a port town and connection hub for your island hopping experience. Negros is the 4th largest island in the Philippines.
