Philippines

Vivid green rice terraces, dazzling beaches, year-round sun, mountains tempered with charming villages and numerous opportunities for diving, island-hopping and surfing, the Philippines offers a wide range of opportunities for every type of traveler.

Trek through the jungle-covered mountains, scale the volcanic landscapes, dive into warm waters and meet the warmhearted people of the Philippines for an exotic and exciting experience.

Highlights

The Philippines has so many great islands that it was hard to chose. Below our picks of the best places to visit.

Coron and Calamianes Islands - make a cruise around the stunning islands of Coron and the Calamianes Islands.
The rice terraces of Banaue - visit the rice-terraces of Banaue and trek through the awe-inspiring rice-terrace countryside.
Palawan - explore the island of Palawan with its limestone cliffs, crystal clear blue water, and powdery sand beaches.
Donsol -swim with whale sharks around Donsol.
Cantanduanes - if you like surfing then this is the place to be.
The underground river on Palawan - this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a 8.2-kilometer river which is said to be the longest navigable underground river in the world.
Apo Island and Apo Reef - experience some world-class diving on Apo Island, Apo reef, Palawan and many more.

What to eat

Filipino food is a mixture of Chinese, Spanish and Malay cuisine. It is not as famous as many other Asian cuisines, but definitely some lovely dishes you should try. Every island (and that are many) has its own specialty.

Chicken Inasal - chicken marinated in lemongrass, calamansi, salt, pepper and garlic and brushed with annatto seeds oil.
Pinakbet – this is a vegetable dish of okra, eggplant, bitter gourd, squash, tomatoes and bagoong (shrimp or fish paste).
Sinugno - tilapia fish is grilled then simmered in coconut milk and chili.
Sinanglay - Fresh tilapia stuffed with tomatoes and onions, then simmered in coconut milk and wrapped in pechay leaves (similar to bokchoy).
Dessert Lumpia - sweetened bananas baked in lumpia wrappers, then drizzled with caramel and chocolate.
Ukoy - Crispy shrimp fritters with a vinegar dipping sauce.
Adobo – chicken or pork is sautéed, then simmered with the marinade along with garlic, vinegar and soy sauce.

When to go

The Philippines has a hot and humid tropical climate with a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. January and February are the coolest months and good for travelling, while March, April and May are very hot. Be aware that during the wet season typhoons can hit the islands.

What to know

At the moment nearly all countries don’t need a visa to enter the Philippines for stays of less than 22 days - you'll be given a 21-day visa on arrival in the country. If you are planning to stay longer apply at a Philippine embassy or consulate for a three-month single-entry visa, which usually costs US$30. For the latest visa information click here.