Travel Guide to Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands offering some of Southeast Asia's most stunning beaches, world-class diving, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality. With Spanish colonial heritage, diverse indigenous cultures, and a unique blend of Asian and Western influences, the Philippines provides experiences ranging from urban exploration to remote island adventures.

Most travelers focus on four main themes: island hopping and beaches, diving and water sports, cultural and historical sites, and adventure and nature activities. The beauty is in the variety – you can combine beach relaxation, adrenaline activities, and cultural immersion all in one trip.

With thousands of islands, beach hopping is the quintessential Philippine experience. The country boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches with white sand, turquoise water, and dramatic limestone cliffs.

• Top Beach Destinations:
• Boracay** – famous White Beach with powdery sand, water sports, and vibrant nightlife
• Palawan (El Nido and Coron)** – jaw-dropping limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches
• Siargao** – surfing paradise with laid-back island vibe
• Panglao (Bohol)** – beautiful beaches combined with diving and island attractions
• Nacpan Beach (Palawan)** – 4km of golden sand, less developed
• Bantayan Island** – quiet white-sand beaches, fewer tourists

• Island Hopping Tours** are the best way to explore:
• Visit multiple beaches, lagoons, and snorkel spots in one day
• Tours typically cost ₱1,000-2,500 ($18-45) per person
• Rent private boats for customized itineraries
• Popular routes in El Nido, Coron, Cebu, and Bohol

The Philippines sits in the "Coral Triangle," the world's most biodiverse marine region, making it a world-class diving destination.

• Top Dive Sites:
• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park** (Palawan) – UNESCO site, liveaboard only, March-June
• Apo Reef** – second-largest contiguous reef system in the world
• Coron** – world's best wreck diving with Japanese WWII shipwrecks
• Moalboal** (Cebu) – sardine run, sea turtles, beautiful coral
• Malapascua** – thresher shark diving
• Anilao** – macro photography paradise, near Manila
• Dumaguete** – muck diving and easy access to Apo Island

• Diving Costs:
• Open Water certification: ₱15,000-20,000 ($270-360)
• Fun dives: ₱1,500-2,500 ($27-45) per dive
• Liveaboard trips: ₱60,000-150,000 ($1,070-2,680) for multi-day

• Other Water Activities:
• Surfing** – Cloud 9 in Siargao is world-renowned
• Kiteboarding** – Boracay has excellent conditions
• Whale shark swimming** – Oslob (Cebu) and Donsol (Sorsogon)
• Freediving** – courses and practice in many locations
• Kayaking and paddleboarding** – in lagoons and calm bays

Spanish colonization (1565-1898) left a lasting mark on Philippine culture, visible in architecture, religion, and traditions.

• Colonial Heritage:
• Intramuros, Manila** – walled Spanish city with Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church
• Vigan** – UNESCO World Heritage colonial town with preserved Spanish architecture
• Cebu's Magellan's Cross** – marking arrival of Christianity in 1521
• Baroque churches** – UNESCO sites including Paoay, Santa Maria, Miagao
• Spanish era fortresses** throughout the islands

• Indigenous Culture:
• Banaue Rice Terraces** – 2,000-year-old terraces carved by Ifugao people
• Cordillera region** – indigenous Igorot communities in mountain villages
• T'boli and other Mindanao groups** – traditional weaving and crafts
• Indigenous festivals** showcasing traditional music and dance

• Filipino Festivals:
• Sinulog** (Cebu, January) – massive street dancing festival
• Ati-Atihan** (Kalibo, January) – wildest Philippine festival
• Pahiyas** (Lucban, May) – harvest festival with decorated houses
• MassKara** (Bacolod, October) – festival of smiles

Beyond beaches, the Philippines offers mountains, volcanoes, caves, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

• Unique Natural Wonders:
• Chocolate Hills** (Bohol) – 1,200+ cone-shaped hills
• Puerto Princesa Underground River** – UNESCO site, navigable underground river
• Taal Volcano** – active volcano within a lake on an island
• Mayon Volcano** – perfectly cone-shaped active volcano
• Hinagdanan Cave** – cave system with underground pools

• Trekking & Hiking:
• Mount Apo** (Davao) – highest Philippine peak at 2,954m
• Mount Pulag** – see the famous "sea of clouds" at sunrise
• Taal Volcano** – easy hike to crater lake
• Osmeña Peak** (Cebu) – highest point in Cebu with jagged peaks

• Wildlife Encounters:
• Philippine tarsier** – world's smallest primate in Bohol sanctuaries
• Philippine eagle** – critically endangered national bird at Davao center
• Whale sharks** – swim with them in Oslob or Donsol
• Sea turtles** – nesting sites and swimming spots

The Philippines has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

This is the best time to visit most of the Philippines: - November–February – coolest and most comfortable, Christmas/New Year are peak - March–May – hot and dry, perfect beach weather but can be very hot (35°C+) - Clear skies, calm seas, ideal for beach activities and island hopping - Diving visibility is excellent - Highest prices and most crowds, especially December–February

• Festivals:** Sinulog and Ati-Atihan in January, Easter week is very busy

The southwest monsoon brings rain and potential typhoons: - June–August – frequent afternoon rains but still manageable - September–November – peak typhoon season, especially September-October - Some islands get less rain (Siargao, parts of Mindanao) - Diving can still be good but seas may be rougher - Significantly lower prices (30-60% off peak), fewer tourists - Some island routes may be cancelled due to weather

• Important:** Check typhoon forecasts and be flexible with plans. Trip interruption insurance is essential during this period.

Different regions have different weather patterns: - Palawan – dry season December-May, wet June-November - Siargao – better during wet season (July-November), still surfable year-round - Eastern Visayas – can get rain in November-January from northeast monsoon - Manila – hot year-round, wet June-November

Citizens of most countries can enter the Philippines visa-free for tourism:

• Duration: 30 days for most nationalities (citizens of select countries get 59 days)
• Requirements:
• - Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry
• - Return or onward ticket (strictly enforced – you may be denied boarding without this)
• - Proof of sufficient funds (rarely checked but required)
• Countries included: US, Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many others

If you want to stay longer: - First extension: Can extend for 29 days for approximately ₱3,000 ($54) - Further extensions: Can continue extending monthly up to 3 years total - Process: Apply at Bureau of Immigration offices in major cities - Documents needed: Passport, extension fee, sometimes proof of funds

• SRRV (Special Resident Retiree's Visa) – for retirees 50+ wanting to live in Philippines
• Working visa – requires job offer and employer sponsorship
• Student visa – for enrolled students in Philippine institutions

On arrival, expect to: 1. Complete arrival card (provided on flight or digital) 2. Immigration inspection – passport, visa, return ticket check 3. Customs declaration – strict on bringing in food, plants, large amounts of cash 4. Declare amounts over $10,000 USD

• Prohibited items:** Illegal drugs (death penalty possible), firearms, endangered species products

• Restricted:** Some medications require prescription documentation

The Philippines has a two-tier healthcare system: excellent private hospitals in major cities catering to international patients, and often overcrowded, underfunded public hospitals. Medical tourism is growing due to affordable prices and English-speaking doctors.

• Private hospitals in Manila, Cebu, and Davao offer world-class care with US-trained doctors
• Public hospitals are very cheap but often crowded with long waits
• Provincial/island clinics can be very basic with limited equipment
• Pharmacies are widespread; many medications available without prescription
• Payment: Expect to pay upfront and seek insurance reimbursement

• Routine Care:
• General practitioner visit: ₱500–₱1,500 (US$9–27)
• Specialist consultation: ₱1,000–₱2,500 (US$18–45)
• Prescription medications: ₱200–₱1,200 (US$3.60–21)
• Dental cleaning: ₱800–₱2,000 (US$14–36)

• Emergency Care:
• Emergency room visit: ₱3,000–₱12,000 (US$54–214)
• Overnight hospital stay (private): ₱5,000–₱20,000 per day (US$89–357)
• ICU care: ₱15,000–₱40,000 per day (US$268–714)
• Ambulance: ₱2,000–₱8,000 (US$36–143)

• Specialized Procedures:
• MRI scan: ₱5,000–₱15,000 (US$89–268)
• CT scan: ₱3,500–₱10,000 (US$62–179)
• Appendectomy: ₱80,000–₱250,000 (US$1,430–4,460)
• Treatment for fractures with surgery: ₱50,000–₱200,000 (US$893–3,570)

• Diving-Related:
• Hyperbaric chamber treatment (decompression sickness): ₱50,000–₱150,000+ (US$893–2,680+) per session
• Multiple sessions often required, total costs can reach ₱300,000+ ($5,360+)

• Medical Evacuation:
• Air ambulance to Singapore: US$30,000–60,000
• Air ambulance to US: US$100,000–200,000
• Commercial flight with medical escort: US$15,000–40,000

• Traveler's diarrhea – common from street food and tap water
• Dengue fever – mosquito-borne, risk year-round but higher in wet season
• Malaria – risk in some remote areas of Palawan and Mindanao
• Diving injuries – decompression sickness, ear infections
• Jellyfish stings – box jellyfish present in some areas
• Coral cuts and infections – can become serious in tropical heat
• Heat exhaustion and sunburn
• Monkey and dog bites – rabies risk

Consult a travel doctor 6-8 weeks before: - Routine vaccines – MMR, tetanus, etc. - Hepatitis A – recommended for all travelers - Typhoid – especially if visiting smaller islands or eating street food - Hepatitis B – for longer stays or medical treatment risk - Rabies – if significant animal contact expected - Japanese Encephalitis – for extended rural stays during wet season

• Manila:
• Makati Medical Center – top international hospital
• St. Luke's Medical Center – excellent care, modern facilities
• Asian Hospital and Medical Center

• Cebu:
• Cebu Doctors' University Hospital
• Chong Hua Hospital

• Davao:
• Davao Doctors Hospital

• Hyperbaric Chambers for Diving Accidents:
• AFP Medical Center (Manila)
• Cebu Doctors' Hospital
• Some dive areas have portable chambers but may require evacuation

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for the Philippines, especially if you plan to dive, island hop, or travel during typhoon season. Medical evacuation from remote islands can be extremely expensive, and diving-related injuries require specialized treatment.

• Medical Coverage
• Minimum recommended:** US$100,000
• Better for diving:** US$250,000+
• Must specifically cover diving if you plan to dive (some exclude it)
• Ensure coverage includes decompression chamber treatment (very expensive)
• Verify coverage in private hospitals (public hospitals are impractical for most visitors)

• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• Essential minimum:** US$250,000
• Recommended:** US$500,000+
• Evacuation from remote islands (Palawan, Coron, Siargao) to Manila or nearest city
• International evacuation to Singapore or home country
• Ensure helicopter evacuation is covered for diving accidents

• Diving Coverage
• Standard policies often EXCLUDE diving or limit depth (often to 18m/60ft)
• Recreational diving coverage:** Look for policies covering depths to 30-40m (100-130ft)
• Technical diving:** Requires specialized coverage
• Hyperbaric chamber treatment:** Ensure specifically covered (costs ₱50,000-150,000 per session)
• Dive equipment coverage:** For lost/damaged gear

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption
• Essential for typhoon season (June–November)
• Covers non-refundable flights, hotels, tours if typhoon forces cancellation
• "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) provides maximum flexibility – costs 40-60% more
• Weather-related disruptions are common June–November

• Adventure Activity Coverage
• Verify coverage for island hopping tours (boats can be risky in bad weather)
• Water sports (kiteboarding, surfing, parasailing, jet skiing)
• Trekking and volcano hiking
• Canyoning and cliff jumping

• Baggage & Personal Effects
• Cover cameras, phones, laptops, dive computers
• Theft can occur on overnight buses, crowded areas
• Some island hopping tours have limited security for belongings

• Diving-related injuries – decompression sickness, ear problems, cuts and infections
• Typhoon-related cancellations – flights, ferries, tours cancelled due to weather
• Food poisoning and traveler's diarrhea – very common
• Coral cuts and infections – can become serious
• Boat accidents – island hopping boats range from well-maintained to concerning
• Theft – pickpocketing in Manila, items stolen from beaches/boats
• Motorbike accidents – scooter rentals are common but roads can be dangerous
• Ferry delays and cancellations – weather-related disruptions

When comparing policies, prioritize:

• Diving coverage if applicable – verify depth limits, chamber treatment coverage
• High medical evacuation limits – remote islands make this critical
• Typhoon/weather disruption coverage – if traveling June-November
• Adventure activity inclusion – water sports, island tours, trekking
• 24/7 emergency assistance – English-speaking, knowledge of Philippine healthcare
• Quality private hospital network – cashless treatment at major hospitals

• Liveaboard diving trips – some policies exclude or limit liveaboard coverage
• Motorbike/scooter rental – many policies exclude motorbikes over certain CCs or without proper license
• Remote island travel – verify coverage extends to remote locations
• Pre-existing conditions – buy within 14-21 days of first trip payment to cover pre-existing conditions

• Beach/Island Hopping Trip (No Diving):
• Medical: $100,000
• Evacuation: $250,000
• Trip cancellation: value of prepaid expenses
• Basic adventure sports coverage

• Diving Trip:
• Medical: $250,000+
• Evacuation: $500,000+
• Diving-specific coverage to 30-40m depth
• Hyperbaric chamber treatment explicitly covered
• Trip cancellation with weather coverage

• Extended Stay (3+ months):
• Long-term travel insurance or nomad insurance
• Medical: $500,000+
• Evacuation: $500,000+
• Consider international health insurance rather than travel insurance

The Philippines offers some of Southeast Asia's most spectacular natural beauty, friendliest people, and best value for money. From the pristine beaches of Palawan to the vibrant streets of Manila, from world-class diving to Spanish colonial heritage, the Philippines rewards adventurous travelers who embrace its island-hopping lifestyle.

The country does present some challenges – unpredictable weather during typhoon season, variable infrastructure, and security concerns in certain areas of Mindanao. But with proper preparation, comprehensive insurance, and common-sense precautions, these are manageable.

Whether you're diving with whale sharks, surfing Cloud 9, exploring hidden lagoons, or simply relaxing on a white-sand beach with a fresh coconut, the Philippines delivers unforgettable experiences at prices that allow you to extend your stay and explore further.

Secure comprehensive travel insurance with diving and evacuation coverage, respect local customs, stay flexible with your plans during typhoon season, and embrace the famous Filipino hospitality. Your Philippine adventure awaits.