Discover 7,641 islands of pure paradise, each with its own story to tell
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From world-class diving to pristine beaches, volcanic adventures to cultural experiences - the Philippines has it all!
Often called the world's best island, Palawan offers dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine lagoons, and the famous Underground River.
Teardrop-shaped paradise famous for Cloud 9 surf break, but offering so much more than just waves.
Historic city meets pristine nature. Swim with whale sharks, dive with sardines, and explore waterfalls.
Tiny island famous for being the only place on Earth where you can reliably see thresher sharks year-round.
Famous for unique geological formations, tiny tarsiers, and some of the Philippines' best beaches.
World-famous for powder-soft white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife scene.
Everything you need to know for a smooth Philippines adventure
Brownouts are common throughout the Philippines - expect 5.7 power interruptions averaging 8.8 hours without power. These occur due to storms, aging infrastructure, and rotational outages. Always ask your hotel if they have a backup generator! Consider bringing portable power banks or solar chargers.
Globe: Best nationwide 4G, tourist-friendly
Smart: Fastest 5G speeds in cities
DITO: Budget option, limited remote coverage
Cost: ~$2 USD per GB
Note: Siargao, Palawan, Coron have unreliable connectivity
Daily Budget: $35-90 USD (₱2,000-₱5,000)
Backpacker: $50/day all-inclusive possible
Mid-range: $70-100/day comfortable
Luxury: $150+/day for 5-star resorts
Flights: Inter-island flights very affordable
Dry Season: Dec-May (best for beaches)
Wet Season: Jun-Nov (typhoon risk Jul-Sep)
Peak Tourist: Dec-Feb
Best Diving: Mar-May (clearest water)
Surfing: Sep-Nov (Siargao swells)
Domestic Flights: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia
Ferries: Island hopping in clusters
Popular Route: Manila → Cebu → Bohol → Palawan
Booking: Book flights early for better prices
Airport Tax: Usually included in ticket price
Generator Check: Always ask about backup power
Booking: Use Booking.com for best prices
Peak Season: Book 2-3 months ahead
Resort Transfers: Many offer airport pickup
Wi-Fi: Can be slow, especially on remote islands
Local Cuisine: Adobo, lechon, halo-halo
Vegetarian: Available in tourist areas
Water: Stick to bottled water
Safety: Tourist areas generally very safe
Tipping: 10% in restaurants if no service charge
Discover comprehensive guides and services for the ultimate Philippines experience
Comprehensive travel guide covering all 7,641 islands with detailed hotel recommendations, climate info, and practical travel tips.
Visit Island Travel PhilippinesEssential ferry schedules, routes, and booking information for seamless inter-island transportation and island hopping adventures.
Check Ferry SchedulesPremium TripAdviser excellence-certified travel guide with top-rated hotels, insider tips, and verified travel intelligence.
View Excellence GuideRespectful travel starts with cultural awareness
English Proficiency: Filipinos speak excellent English with American pronunciation due to educational system.
Shyness Factor: Many Filipinos are shy about speaking English despite fluency, often due to fear of criticism about accent or grammar.
Respect Tip: Be patient and encouraging - most Filipinos are actually very proficient in English!
Local Languages: Over 120 languages spoken, Filipino (Tagalog) is official
Warmth: Known worldwide for genuine friendliness and hospitality
Politeness: Often addressed as "ma'am" or "sir" - it's respectful, not servile
Family Values: Family-oriented culture with strong community bonds
Respect: Elders are highly respected in Filipino culture
Colonial Legacy: 400+ years of Spanish, American, and Japanese colonization created complex social dynamics
Colorism Reality: Unfortunately, lighter skin is often preferred due to historical associations with social status
Skin Color Bias: Some light-skinned Filipinos may look down on darker-skinned Filipinos - this is a colonial legacy, not true Filipino values
As a Traveler: Treat ALL Filipinos with equal respect regardless of skin tone. Support inclusive businesses and attitudes.
Removing Shoes: Often required when entering homes
Religious Respect: Philippines is predominantly Catholic - dress modestly at churches
Bargaining: Expected at markets, but be fair and respectful
Photography: Always ask permission before photographing people
Environment: Practice "Leave No Trace" - protect the pristine islands
Due to frequent brownouts, consider these preparations: