Things to Do in Philippines

About Philippines

The Philippines has over 7,600 islands. In Palawan, limestone cliffs rise straight out of green water, while up in Luzon's mountains, rice terraces step down slopes that locals have farmed for centuries. Filipinos are warm hosts—you'll notice it immediately. Spanish churches anchor old town squares. Their bells still ring. Meanwhile, bamboo beach huts along the coast promise nothing but quiet and sand. Puerto Princesa has underground rivers. Bohol has the chocolate hills—odd, round formations that turn brown in the dry season. The landscapes here don't need exaggeration. This isn't just a beach trip. The country offers striking scenery, deep history, and people who genuinely care whether you had a good day.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Book domestic flights early through Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines for island hopping. Use Grab for city transport, habal-habal motorcycles for rural areas, and always negotiate tricycle fares beforehand—typically 10-20 pesos for short rides.

Money: Carry cash as many establishments don't accept cards. Withdraw from BDO, BPI, or Metrobank ATMs for best rates. Keep small bills (20-100 peso notes) for street vendors, tricycles, and tips. Budget 1,500-3,000 pesos daily.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering homes, use 'po' and 'opo' when speaking to elders, and point with lips or full hand, never a finger. Dress modestly in churches and rural areas—cover shoulders and knees.

Food Safety: Eat at busy local carinderias for authentic, fresh meals. Avoid tap water; buy sealed bottles. Try balut, adobo, and fresh seafood, but ensure meat is well-cooked. Street food is generally safe if freshly prepared and hot.

When to Visit

The Philippines enjoys a tropical climate with three distinct seasons. The dry season (November-April) offers the best weather, with temperatures averaging 25-32°C and minimal rainfall (10-50mm monthly). This peak period sees hotel prices increase 30-50%, especially during Christmas and Holy Week (March/April). December-February provides the coolest, most comfortable conditions for sightseeing, while March-May becomes hotter (up to 35°C) but perfect for beach activities. The wet season (May-October) brings heavy rainfall (150-400mm monthly), typhoons, and humidity, but also lush landscapes and 40-60% lower accommodation costs. September-October typically sees the most severe weather. Shoulder season (late April-early June) offers reasonable prices with increasing temperatures. Major festivals include Ati-Atihan (January), Sinulog (third Sunday of January), and Pahiyas (May 15). Adventure travelers may appreciate the wet season's dramatic scenery and fewer crowds, while beach lovers and families should stick to November-April. Surfers will find optimal waves during the wet season on the Pacific coast and dry season on the western shores.