Palawan
This stunning province is home to some of the most beautiful pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, lush verdant forests and limestone cliffs.

Manila
Founded in 1571, Manila is a hustle bustle chaotic mix of modernity and history, its walled city featuring extravagant Spanish churches and underground jails used by Japan in WWII. Hop in a jeepney vehicle, the brightly coloured mode of public transport, for a truly local experience.

Bohol Island
Bohol offers historical charm and remarkable landscapes including the man-made mahogany forest of Biliran, the Sipatan Hanging Bridge, the Loboc River, and the incredible Chocolate Hills. Visit the island’s Tarsier sanctuary to view the smallest primates in the world.

Cebu
Just a short flight from Manila, Cebu City is the country’s second largest city, with a strong Spanish and Chinese flavour.

Siargao Island
This beautiful tropical island features the renowned Magpupungko rock pools, Sugba Lagoon, famed for its vivid emerald-green waters, and the iconic Coconut Viewpoint. As the sun sets, watch the sky transform into a breathtaking palette of colours over a sea of coconut palms.

Boracay
The most popular white sand beaches are on Boracay Island, and with that comes a plethora of bars and restaurants. The beaches north of White Beach are a more relaxed option.

The most pleasant months for travelling are in the dry season which is November through to April.

Pristine beaches, and beautiful waterfalls. If you like diving, snorkelling, kayaking, or just relaxing on a sandy beach, the Philippines islands are the spot for you!

I flew straight to Cebu as I wanted to experience more of the islands than a big city like Manila. Best way to get around is either explore by jeepney, jump on a habal habal (motorbike taxi), or rent your own scooter/motorbike. About a 2hr 45 min drive from Cebu is Moalboal, where you can go to experience the beautiful Kawasan Falls. Beautiful scenery here and the locals are super friendly.

There are a few islands only a 2–4-hour fast ferry ride away from Cebu like Siquijor and Bohol. However, to get to Boracay or Siargao, you’ll want to fly.

I’d also recommend visiting Boracay Island which has the beautiful White Beach. You’ll want to stay near Station 2 area for all the good food and vibes. Check out ‘Nonie’s’ for the best tasting fresh ingredient dishes – rich in flavours, and with great hospitality.

Be sure to get Bohol to experience a sunrise walk taking in a one-of-a-kind landscape of the Chocolate Hills. Here is where you can also visit an eco-tourism area located in Corella, Bohol to see the Tarsier’s. They are the second smallest leaping primate and very cute!

Nicki

Currency The Filipino piso (or peso) is the official currency of the Philippines.

Language Tagalog and Cebuano are the most commonly spoken native languages in the Philippines, but Filipino and English are the only official languages taught in schools, and English is fairly widely spoken.

Why we love it The Philippines offer a Southeast Asian experience like no other, combining pristine white-sand beaches with ancient terraced rice fields and towering volcanoes set in verdant forests. The people are delightfully joyous and warm, the food a real cornucopia of flavours, and the heady mix of Spanish, Asian and other cultures makes for a really interesting and eclectic atmosphere.

Weather The dry season from November to April is a great time to travel, but bear in mind temperatures are highest in March and April. The wet season from May to October offers hot sunny days with occasional rain, but with fewer crowds. Whenever you go, expect warm weather, but be prepared for anything as rain, wind and temperatures can be unpredictable!

Social customs & quirks A relatively traditional society, Filipinos dress modestly and treat elders and those of higher social standing with respect. In terms of timekeeping, Filipinos take a rather relaxed approach to punctuality (except for more formal situations). Family is at the heart of any Filipino community, as is warm hospitality and plenty of smiles. If you are lucky enough to be invited into a local’s home you are in for a treat! Filipino cuisine has had many and varied influences over the years, predominantly from China, Spain and North America, merged with local ingredients such as the kalamansi lime which provides a sour element, combining with sweet, salty and spicy elements to produce uniquely Filipino flavours.

Festivals & events The Philippines do festivals well – colourful, joyful and always with a feast! One of the most popular is the Ati-Athihan Festival in the third week of January, a week-long celebration of tribal dancing, elaborate costumes, religious parades and free-flowing drinks! The Chinese lunar new year in late January or early February is enthusiastically celebrated even among non-Chinese Filipinos, with dragon dances, street parties and fireworks in Manila.