Discover the Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide , beaches, and attractions in the Philippines with our comprehensive travel guide. From Cebu to Boracay, find insider tips on where to stay, what to eat, and can’t-miss activities for your dream Filipino vacation.
Table Of Content Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide
Getting to the Philippines: Your First Steps
So here’s the deal – most of us fly into either Manila or Cebu. I actually skipped Manila because everyone said to, but honestly? I regret it. Manila has this crazy energy that’s worth experiencing for a few days, kinda like Bangkok but with its own Filipino twist.
Oh, and a quick tip about SIM cards! Grab one at the airport when you land. I tried to be clever and save a few pesos by waiting to buy one at a 7-Eleven (like I usually do in Thailand or Vietnam), but it was a total nightmare. The airport staff will set everything up for you – trust me, it’s worth the extra couple of dollars!
Cebu: Your Gateway to Adventure
I started my journey in Cebu City, staying near Fort San Pedro. Between us? Not the best choice. The city’s pretty intense, especially when you’re jet-lagged and adjusting to the heat.
Whatever you do, DON’T miss trying lechon (roasted pig) while you’re in Cebu! I waited until my last days to try it and totally kicked myself. Cebu’s lechon is famous throughout the Philippines for good reason – the skin is perfectly crispy, and the meat is incredibly juicy and flavorful.
MAP Of Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide
Kawasan Falls: Canyoning Paradise
You’ve probably seen those gorgeous blue falls on Instagram, right? That’s Kawasan, and canyoning there was one of the highlights of my trip! But here’s what nobody tells you – tour quality varies WILDLY. I paid 2,700 pesos for what turned out to be a super rushed 2-hour tour, while others paid 1,500-1,800 for 4-5 hour adventures with way more jumps. Do your homework before booking!
Moalboal: Underwater Wonders and Relaxation
After the hustle of Cebu City, Moalboal was such a breath of fresh air! Just a bumpy 4-hour bus ride away (which cost me only about $4 – such a bargain!), this laid-back beach town completely stole my heart in Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide.
I stayed at Villa Alexandra, which was absolute perfection – it’s on a mango farm right by the ocean! The owners were incredibly helpful, and they’re adding a restaurant and pool that should be finished by the time you read this.
For dinner, we hit up Three Bears for some amazing Western food (sometimes you just need a break from rice) and Zen’s Kitchen for authentic Filipino dishes that blew my mind. Both places were packed with travelers swapping stories – such a fun vibe!
Coron: Island Hopping Heaven in Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide
The weather in Moalboal turned nasty during my stay, so I made the snap decision to chase the sunshine to Coron. Best. Decision. Ever.
Coron Town isn’t fancy, but it’s super convenient as a base. Everything’s walkable, and there are plenty of cafes where you can plan your island-hopping adventures over an iced coffee.
Speaking of island hopping – yes, it’s pricier than I expected (around $30-40), but WORTH EVERY PENNY. We did the “Ultimate Tour” which combined the best spots from several tours. The limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and underwater world left me speechless. If your budget allows, spring for a private tour to beat the crowds Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide.
Don’t miss hiking up to Coron Viewpoint! Everyone goes at sunset (which I’m sure is gorgeous), but I went at midday and had the entire viewpoint to myself! Follow it up with a dip in the saltwater hot springs that evening – one of only a few in the world. The water hits about 100°F, so definitely save this for nighttime when the air is cooler.
El Nido: Postcard-Perfect Palawan
El Nido’s beauty honestly made my jaw drop. I took the ferry from Coron (though if you have the cash, look into expedition tours between the two – they look AMAZING).
I stayed at Continental Hostel, which was brand new and about a 15-minute walk from the action. The breakfast was delicious, and the common area was perfect for meeting other travelers.
My absolute favorite day in El Nido? Renting a kayak for 500 pesos and paddling to Lapus Lapus and Papaya beaches. There were literally only five other people there! The beaches were pristine, with the clearest water I’ve ever seen. Pack some small cans of tuna if you go – there are adorable puppies on the beach who would really appreciate a little snack.
Another must-do is renting a scooter and driving to Nacpan Beach. The roads were surprisingly good, and cruising through the countryside with the wind in my hair was pure freedom. Nacpan itself? Possibly the most perfect beach I’ve ever seen. Just be warned – the sand gets SCORCHING hot by midday!
Port Barton: The Hidden Gem in Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide
If I could keep one place in the Philippines secret, it would be Port Barton. This tiny coastal town hasn’t been overrun by tourism yet, and it feels so authentically Filipino. The pace is slower, the prices are lower, and the vibes are immaculate Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide.
I stayed at Pisces Toon in a little private cabin run by a lovely local family. The breakfast they served was out of this world – all homemade Filipino specialties that I’m still dreaming about.
We hired a local fisherman to take us to White Beach for the day – 15 minutes by boat to what felt like our own private paradise. The beach was lined with coconut trees, the sand was powder-soft, and I had one of those perfect “I can’t believe this is my life” moments watching the sunset there.
Boracay: World-Famous White Beach
It was quite the journey to get to Boracay—flight to Caticlan, motorbike to the port, ferry to the island, and then another tricycle to my hotel—but it was all worth it when I saw White Beach for the first time.
By making my reservation long in advance, I was able to get a great deal on a hotel at the Belmont in the New Coast neighborhood. They provided a free shuttle to Station 2, which has all the restaurants and activity, and it was smoothly quiet in contrast to the main beach areas.
For what it was, I thought the pricing was a little high. The tastiest pizza and chicken wings I’ve ever had in the Philippines can be found at Mr. D’s Pizza, which is tucked away down a side street but offers a far better lunch Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide!
Hundreds of vibrant kites against a clear blue sky made for an amazing sight to behold at Bulabog Beach, which is only a five-minute walk from White Beach. made me regret not scheduling a lesson!
Bohol: Chocolate Hills and Tiny Primates
Bohol offered such a different experience from the beach destinations. I stayed on Panglao Island at Bellevue Sea Resort, which had an amazing dive center right on site Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide.
Renting a motorbike was the perfect way to explore. The ride to the Chocolate Hills was an adventure in itself – cruising through tiny villages, jungle stretches, and rice fields. When I finally saw those perfectly cone-shaped hills stretching to the horizon, I understood why they’re a national treasure.
On the same day, I visited the Tarsier Sanctuary, which was such a special experience. These tiny creatures with their enormous eyes are only found in this part of the world, and they’re critically endangered. They’re about the size of my fist but have the most soulful eyes I’ve ever seen Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide!
Transportation Tips Around the Philippines
Getting around the Philippines taught me a lot about patience! Local buses are dirt cheap (like $4 for a four-hour ride) but don’t expect AC or comfortable seats. The upside? You’ll meet locals and see parts of the country most tourists miss.
Domestic flights save time but book EARLY. I watched prices triple as my travel dates approached.
And for short distances, tricycles work well but ALWAYS negotiate. The first price they quote is usually at least double what locals pay. I got better at bargaining as my trip went on!
Planning Your Philippines Adventure
If I could do it all again, I’d definitely allow at least a month. There’s just so much to see, and travel between islands takes time. The weather can be tricky too – it might be pouring on one island and sunny on another, so build some flexibility into your plans Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide.
Budget-wise, island-hopping tours and transportation between islands were my biggest expenses. Food and accommodation can be quite reasonable, especially if you eat like the locals do!
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Balabac Island
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The one place I didn’t make it to but is top of my list for next time is Balabac Island in southern Palawan. Everyone I met who’d been there described it as “the Philippines before tourism” – completely unspoiled beaches with hardly any visitors. It’s harder to reach and accommodations are basic, but the photos I’ve seen look like absolute paradise.
Filipino Hospitality: The Real Treasure
You know what made my trip truly special? The Filipino people. I’ve traveled to a lot of countries, but I’ve never encountered such genuine warmth and helpfulness. Even when language was a barrier (though many Filipinos speak excellent English), someone would always appear to translate or assist.
I lost count of how many times locals went out of their way to help me find a place, recommend a restaurant, or just share stories about their lives. That kind of authentic connection is what travel is all about, right?
FAQ Of Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide
What is the best time to visit the Philippines?
The dry season from November to May offers the best weather conditions for traveling the Philippines. December to February provides cooler temperatures, while March to May offers the hottest weather but clearest waters for diving and snorkeling.
How many days do you need to visit the Philippines?
Allow at least 2-3 weeks to properly explore the Philippines. With over 7,000 islands, you’ll want at least 3-4 days per destination to enjoy the beaches, activities, and local culture without rushing Ultimate Philippines Travel Guide.
Do they speak English in the Philippines?
Yes, English is widely spoken throughout the Philippines, making it one of the easiest Southeast Asian countries for English speakers to navigate. Even in remote areas, you’ll typically find locals with good English skills.
