The best kept secret in Asia
Well, it is not so much of a secret anymore! People are now clueing into the beauty of The Philippines as it's quickly becoming the place to visit in Asia.
Quick Summary
Top Tip: The pull of paradise islands such as Palawan is strong, but don't overlook the north of Luzon. Here you'll find stunning rice terraces and a very different side of The Philippines.
Currency: Philippino Pesos
Visa: The Philippines offers a visa on arrival for most nationalities staying up to 30 days.
Safety: On the whole, The Philippines is very safe, especially if you stick to the tourist areas. There are some parts of Manila which are dodgy (avoid Mindanao), but the majority of the country is safe.
When to go: The Philippines has similar seasons to the rest of South-East Asia
Peak Season: Dec - April (avoid Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter as the whole country is on holiday and hotels get fully booked)
Off Season: Rainy season between May and October
Walk My World Cost Index: $$$ - The main tourist hubs like Palawan and Coron can be some of the most expensive places in South-East Asia. Places like Siquijor and parts of Cebu are a lot cheaper.
ATM charges in the Philippines are shocking ($6-7 USD per transaction + your bank fees), so try to withdraw as much as possible each time.
Inspiration
The Philippines has it all and here are our favourite places you have to visit including: El Nido, Coron, Cebu, Luzon, Siquijor and all the things that make them memorable.
The most instagram worthy places in the Philippines including paradise islands, stunning waterfalls, incredible beaches and the most picturesque places that you really need to visit.
Cebu
The ultimate itinerary for an adventurous trip to Cebu, Philippines! We’ll take you through the places you must visit as well as top tips for avoiding the crowds, where to stay and all you need for the trip of a lifetime!
Everything you need to know about hiking up Aguinid Falls: what to expect, how to get there, the costs involved and how difficult it is.
Everything you need to know to visit the epic Inambakan Falls: what to expect, how to get there, the best time to visit and entry fees.
All you need to know about a trip to Tumalog Falls - one of the Philippines’ most instagrammable spots, including how to get there, entrance fee, the best time to visit and where to stay nearby.
A comprehensive guide to the 8 best Cebu Waterfalls: the most beautiful, the quietest and the best for adventure. We’ll tell you how to get there, what to expect and how much they cost.
How to get the stunning Kawasan Falls to yourself and have a magical time, including the best time to go, which parts to visit when and how to get there (even by bus).
Coron
A comprehensive guide to help you decide where to stay in Coron for all budgets, including luxury islands, budget gems, great mid-range options and everything you need to know when picking your accommodation.
Kayangan Lake - one of the highlights of a trip to Coron, Palawan. Here’s how to have the best time: when to go, how to get there, how to avoid the crowds, the viewpoint and hike to get to the lake.
It doesn’t get wilder than swimming at Twin Lagoons in Coron when no one else is there! Here’s what to expect, how to get there, the costs and how to avoid the crowds at this iconic spot.
All the best things in Coron that you can’t miss: stunning lakes, paradise beaches, deserted islands, sandbars, epic sunset views and hot springs in this incredible place. Here’s what to do and how to do it.
How to visit Banul Beach without the crowds: what time to go, how to get there and everything you need to know to have this piece of paradise to yourself.
The key to island hopping Coron? Book a private tour! It isn’t as expensive as you think (especially if you’re with 2 or more other people). Here’s how to organise a trip to paradise: where to go, the best time to do it, how much it will cost and detailed tips to ensure you go to these stunning places without the crowds.
El Nido - Palawan
How to get the stunning Big Lagoon El Nido all to yourself! How to organise your trip, the new rules, the best time to go and what to expect from our favourite place in El Nido Palawan.
A comprehensive guide to having the best island hopping trip in El Nido: how to organise it, where to go, what to expect, how much it costs and what you need to know to have the best trip round these paradise islands.
How to visit some of the best beaches in El Nido without a tour! Here’s the best beaches you can get to by kayak, motorbike, tricycle or van from El Nido.
Luzon
The Philippines is no longer the best kept secret in Asia. Gone are the days when savvy backpackers like us used to tell people about this incredible country which no one else was going to. So many people fly into Luzon and immediately head to Boracay, Palawan or other islands without seeing the amazing things to see in Luzon. Here's our guide to why you should give Luzon a bit of your time.
Siquijor
We love Siquijor! An island that has all could you want in South-East Asia: beautiful beaches, stunning waterfalls, friendly people and great value food & accommodation. Here’s how to plan your trip to this hidden gem.
Cambugahay Falls - a paradise waterfall in Siquijor. We’ll tell you how to get this incredible place to yourself as well as how to get there, the best time to go and what to expect from this stunning waterfall.
The perfect 2 week Philippines itinerary to find those picture perfect paradise islands, beaches and waterfalls. We’ll give you an in-depth guide to the best places to visit, hotels to stay and how to see it all without the crowds.