Over 7,600 islands, three major groups and a domestic flight network that concentrates virtually all flights on Manila or Cebu. For those who are visiting for the first time, they are likely to end up seeing airports if they attempt to see everything. The 10 locations are those that are worth creating a first trip around.
Palawan: Limestone and Lagoons
1. El Nido
Island hopping tours: A = Big and Small Lagoon, C = Hidden Beach and better snorkelling. Don’t book online, book in town for cheaper prices.
2. Coron
Diving to the wrecks of a sunken WWII Japanese fleet and Kayangan Lake, the cleanest in the nation. Less noisy than El Nido and more convenient to get to by air. It takes about 4 hours to travel by ferry between the two.
3. Puerto Princesa Underground River
Five miles of navigable river through a limestone cave system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No more than 100 permits will be issued daily and should be booked early.
The Visayas are the beaches and marine life.The Visayas are the beaches and the marine life.
4. Bohol
During dry season the Chocolate Hills change color, as over a thousand mounds become brown. Philippine tarsiers are also found at sanctuaries near by where no talking is allowed (touching is forbidden as it causes stress).
5. Moalboal, Cebu
Millions of sardines swirl in a run just off the coast that can be snorkeled in from the beach. Kawasan Falls is an hour away and the canyoneering route. Just note that the whale shark feeding at Oslob is heavily banded with criticisms from conservationists and Donsol is a wild-encounter alternative.
6. Boracay
White Beach is still a reputable beach, and the closure and rehabilitation of the 2018 was a significant improvement. If crowds are an issue, come in the shoulder season.
Luzon: Mountains and Heritage
7. Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces
The Ifugao mountains in which it was carved and farmed for two thousand years or more. The amphitheatre terraces in Batad are accessible only by a short hike from the street and much more scenic than the views from Banaue.
8. Vigan
A charming Spanish Colonial town with cobblestone streets and restored Mestizo houses, and listed by UNESCO, best visited early morning before the tourist masses.
9. Mount Pinatubo
A 4×4 jeep ride through lahar fields takes visitors to a short hike to a crater lake from the 1991 eruption. One long but not too long day trip from Manila.
Mindanao and the South
10. Siargao
Surf capital of the country: lagoon, rock pools, laid back island town and the break of Cloud 9. The best times to swim are August to November.
Planning Your Trip
When to Go
The dry season is from November to April. Typhoon season runs from June to November, and is highest on the eastern seaboard of Luzon.
Getting Around
Domestic budget carriers provide inexpensive access between the islands, with almost all flights going through Manila or Cebu. Neighbouring islands are connected by ferries. Give buffer days because the weather can cancel class.
Money and Costs
Be sure to bring cash as not all islands have ATMs. Be prepared for small end-of-the-trip and environment fees at nearly all destinations. The medium range trip costs anywhere from $50 to $80 a day.
Language
English is widely used and spoken here and signage is also in English, so it is easier to travel here than in almost all of Southeast Asia.
Choose two, not five, island groups. The depth is what pays in the Philippines and flight connections is what gets you slapped.