Before deciding where to spend your next vacation, be sure to readour top 13 reasons why visit the Philippines. Learn about what makes the Philippines unique and what makes visitors return and explore more of this tropical getaway.
The Philippinesis anarchipelagofound in Southeast Asia comprised of more than 7,000 islands dotting the Pacific Ocean.Thanks to thegeographical features of the Philippines, the country isgifted with stretches ofpristine white sand beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters.
In fact, several Philippine islands and beaches, like Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao, have been consistently named as the best in the world by major travel publications.
But there’s more to the Philippines than just being an idyllic tropical destination for island-hoppinggetawaysandbeach adventures.
- Explore the widest selections of Philippine toursand best Philippines tour packages for your trip
- See destinations for solo travel in the Philippines
- Read our article on the best golf courses in the Philippines
The Philippines is also home to world-renowned natural wonders like an underground river and rice terraces, incredible diving spots rich in biodiversity, colorful public transportation in the Philippines, unique cuisine, vibrant festivals that showcase its colorful culture, and friendly locals regarded as some of the happiest in the world.
The country's official tourism slogan is “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” because whatever type of travel adventure you’re looking for, you’re bound to discover a fun experience in the Philippines. Read on to find out why visit the Philippines and why it deserves to be on top of your travel bucket list:
1. Summer Weather in the Philippines Almost All-Year
If you want to escape winter, a trip to the Philippines is a must. As a tropical country, the Philippines only has two seasons: dry and rainy seasons.
- Check out our2-week Philippineitinerary packages
The dry season covers November to May, while the rainy season is usually from June until October. It’s still sunny and warm during the rainy months, except when there's a typhoon warning in the area. You can still enjoy outdoor and indoor rainy season activities in the Philippines like surfing, waterfalls tours, river adventures, food tours and more, with cancellations only necessary when there’s a typhoon.
The warmest months are during the Philippines' summer season, covering March, April, and May. January and February are ideal months for travel as the sun shines on, but the weather is cooler overall. Island andbeach destinations in the Philippines, such as Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu,are best enjoyed during the dry season.
2. Friendly and Warm Filipinos
Aside from the Philippines' picturesquespots, the Filipinos' warmth and hospitality is a reason itself for you to visit the country. In fact, the Philippines often rank as thefriendliest country in Asia. The moment your plane lands here, you will be greeted with the genuine and loving smiles of Pinoys.
- Find unique cultural experiences that you can try in the Philippines
Filipinos are very proud of the beauty of their country and their culture. That’s why when they meet travelers who are visiting the country, the locals will go out of their way to help you experience this. Filipinos acting like tour guides come naturally, from teaching you local words to pointing out the best places to visit or delicacies to try.
Communicating with locals is not a problem. English is one of the Philippines' official languages, and most Filipinos speak and understand it.
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Filipinos are very hospitable too. The concept of the "extended family" is an important aspectof their culture. If you have Filipino friends who invite you to their home, theywill treat you like you’re a part of their family. Don't be surprised if they regularly prepare a feast of home-cooked Filipino food for you.
This reason alone will make you feel like the Philippines is your home away from home. Check out this video by the country’s Department of Tourism that showcases the warmth of the Filipino:
3. Budget-Friendly Destination
Cost is one of the major considerations of a traveler. Good thing, traveling in the Philippines is very affordable. For example, there are plenty of day tours that just cost around PHP1000 (USD20).
You will find that there’s a lot of cheap accommodation options for you in the Philippinesas well: from dorm-type hostels tobed and breakfast homestaysthat are both perfect for budget-conscious travelers. For those looking for a better value, resorts also come in a whole spectrum of pricing. Oftentimes,package deals can be found if you know where to look. You will also have plenty of option when planning a Philippines staycation.
- Check our article on the best private resorts near Manila
- Browse our list of the best pet friendly resorts near Manila
- See our picks of the top affordable resorts near Manila
Food in the Philippines is cheap too. For roughly around PHP100-150(USD2-3), you will find yourself a decent breakfast place that offers classic Filipino food with coffee. The same goes for your lunch and dinner.
Evenalcohol is cheap, so you can have a fun nightlife while traveling without breaking the bank. Local transportation doesn’t cost much as well, and you might find them a lot cheaper if you’re traveling with a group so that you can divide the costs.
As a budget-friendly destination, you can spend at least two weeks in the Philippines to explore a good bunch of islands or beaches and land attractions without having to spend that much.
Services, such as spa treatments,haircuts, massages, and fine dining are also relatively cheaper in the Philippines, even those from the top wellness resorts in the Philippines. Make sure to pack these into your itinerary when visiting.
If you’re lucky, you might have some money left after your trip that you can use to buy unique locally-made souvenirs in the Philippines.
4. Philippine Beaches and Islands
The Philippines consistently tops the best beaches and islands lists in the world by international publications. With over 7,000 islands and white sand beaches that stretch from coast to coast, you can’t deny the fact that the Philippines is gifted with the magic of nature’s wonder. It's no surprise many couples choose to have their honeymoon in the Philippinesfor vacation packages for couplesand enjoy island hopping in the Philippines.
- Browse our list of the best beaches in the Philippines
You will not run out of islands to visit in the Philippines. The majority of these best islands in the Philippines are untouched by modernities, offering travelers their much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of life. There are also many beach resorts in the Philippines that will give you the best ocean and sunset views.
The Philippines is home to the most beautiful islands globally, including Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao. Boracay, one of the best tourist spots in Visayasand also one of the best places to visit in the Philippines, is home to the White Beach, a long stretch of powdery white sand where you can enjoy water activities including Boracay helmet diving aside from enjoying the sunset views that you can visit by booking Manila to Boracay packages. You will also have plenty of options for 5-star hotels in the Philippines.
- Check Boracay White Beach activitiesand Boracay tours for your vacation
- Find hotels and resorts in Boracay
Two towns in Palawan are always included in travelers'must-visit list: El Nido and Coron, both home to pristine islands with majestic towering limestone rock formations that you can visit with El Nido island hopping packagesor El Nido toursand El Nido tour package and Coron island-hopping tripsincluded in Coron tour packages.
On the other hand, Siargao, a must-visit Mindanao tourist spot, is fast becoming a hub for surfers and beach lovers and features untouched islands that you can visit by joining a Siargao island-hopping adventureand booking Siargao tour packages. Aside from surfing in Siargao, it is also a popular destination for workationor to bookextended stay in hotels.
- Check out our list for the best honeymoon resorts in the Philippines
- Find hotels and resorts in El Nidoand Coron resorts
If you're staying in the Philippine capital of Manila, beaches are around 2 hours away when you go to the beach resorts in Batangas. There are also countless beach resorts near Manila. You can rent a car in Manila for a hassle-free vacation.
5. Natural Wonders Unique to the Philippines
The Philippines is blessed with unique natural wonders and these are some of the best places to visit in the Philippines. Be in awe when you do the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour, which will take you to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
It’s the longest navigable underground river globally and is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The Puerto Princesa Underground River features an underground river cave system with impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations and one of the best caves in the Philippines.
- Check other Palawan experiencesaside from the Underground River
- Find resorts and hotels in Puerto Princesa
The Philippines is also home to the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, thousands of hills that look like giant chocolate Kisses (like the chocolate brand). Chocolate Hills in Boholactually resulted from coral deposits through rain and erosion. Check out our Bohol hotel and tour package for an all inclusive trip.
- Check out our list of the best farm stay resorts in the Philippinesto experience agritourism in the Philippines
If you want to see the mounds in their brown color, it is best to go onChocolate Hills toursduring the dry season of November to May. They turn green during the rainy season of June to October.
- Find otherBohol activitiesthat you can add to your itinerary
- Discover hotels and resorts in Bohol
If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to live back when modernization hasn’t taken place in the Philippines yet, a trip to the Cordilleras in North Luzon will give you an idea. You will see the Rice Terraces of the Ifugao, an indigenous group of people living in the Cordillera mountains.
This spectacular mountain landscape with terrace after terrace of man-made rice fields dates back to pre-colonial Philippines and is considered a repository of Philippine culture, tradition, and craftsmanship and is one of the must-visit Luzon tourist spots.
- Explore North Luzon with activities inBenguet
The waterfalls in the Philippines are also an enchanting sight. You can explore some of the Philippines' best waterfalls by joining tours to Kawasan Falls in Cebu, Pagsanjan Falls in Pangasinan, and Bomod-ok Falls in Sagada.
- Find more waterfall excursions for your trip.
Other natural wonders in the Philippines include the Taal Volcano in Batangas, the smallest active volcano globally, and Mayon Volcano in Legazpi City of Albay province, which has the world’s most perfect cone.
- Plan your trip with this detailed travel guide to the Philippines with a sample itinerary, the best time to go, how to get around, and top things to do.
6. Colorful and Fun Philippine Festivals
Filipinos sure know how to throw a street party, and they do it in colors and full costumes. Festivals in the Philippines are some of the most joyous, fun, and loudin Asia. Make sure to have your camera ready to snap the wildest smiles and happy faces.
Festivals (or fiestas) in the Philippines are either religious, historical,or cultural. Religious festivals honor Roman Catholic figures, historical festivals celebrate significant events, while cultural festivals celebrate a bountiful harvest or promote products.
One of the religious festivals includes Ati-Atihan Festival celebrated in Kalibo, Aklan, every January in honor of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). Watch performers with extravagant costumesand celebrate with the locals as they anticipate the parade and go crazy over food stalls and a lot of street dancing.
- Check Aklan tours that you can add to your Ati-Atihan Festival itinerary
Yet another much-awaited festival every January is theSinulog Festival in Cebu, also in honor of the Santo Niño, which attracts millions of festival-goers.
The annual Grand Street Parade features street performers doing the Sinulog Festival Dance while clad in colorful costumes. You'll be treated to a fireworks display and get to join street parties that will make you feel like you’re a part of one big community.
- Find Cebu trips and experiencesthat you can add to your Sinulog Festival itinerary
- Discover hotels in Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Cordova, and Talisay
Filipinos’ love for merrymaking is also evident in the Panagbenga Festival, the pride of Baguio City. If you love flowers or gardening, this one is a must-see. Check out our Baguio hotel promo package for the best deal.
Panagbenga Festival is an annual flower festival celebrated every February featuring life-sized floats that come in all shapes and sizes, all made with real flowers!
- Check out tours in Baguioand read up on Baguio tourist spots for your Panagbenga Festival trip.
- Discover hotels in Baguio City
7. Delicious Filipino Cuisine
If there’s one thing to describe the Philippines that will set it apart from neighboring Asian countries, it’s being the melting pot of different cultures having been colonized by Spain, the US, and even Japan.
Not only that, the Philippines has deep ties to the Malays and the Chinese. This rich history and diverse cultural influence is evident in Filipino cuisine, which is unique to its neighbors.
- Find Filipino food trips for your vacation in the Philippines
Despite having food that has either taken its roots from another culture or has been recreated to fit the Filipino taste, the Philippines has still successfully carved its own space in the gastronomic scene.
Some most notable Filipinofoods include adobo, chicken or pork meat cooked in soy sauce and vinegar, and lechon or roasted whole pig, which the late Anthony Bourdain swore by as the best pig he has ever tried.
There's alsobalut (duck embryo), a Filipino street food perfect for those who like trying exotic dishes, and halo-halo, a famous summer staple with crushed ice, milk, and sweetened fruits.
Your trip to the Philippines won’t be complete without feasting on fresh (but really affordable!) seafood. If you can’t get enough fresh crabs, shrimps, and other tasty seafood dishes, do a food tour in Roxas City in Capiz, the Philippines' Seafood Capital.
Want to taste the sweetest mangoes? Add a Guimaras Island day explorationto your itinerary.
Island-hoppingin the Philippines usually includes lunch in one of the islands, served boodle-fight style with freshly-cooked seafood and tasty tropical fruits.
For another culinary destination, join Pampanga trips, the Philippines' Culinary Capital, which isjust a few hours away fromManila.
- Discover hotels in Pampanga
8. Incredible Diving and Snorkeling Spots
Diving spots in the Philippines offer an underwater experience like no other. In 2006, a team of marine conservationists declared the Philippines as the geographic center of marine biodiversity in the world.You will find that the Philippines is morethan just its beaches and islands; it’s also a paradise for underwater life.
Palawan is home to Tubbataha Reef diving, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which boasts more than half of all known corals. Here you will find yourself swimming with turtles, black and white-tip reef sharks, and manta rays, among others, and admiring the beautiful corals under the water.
- Check diving tours in the Philippines. including learn to dive and fun divefor certified drivers
- Read our guide on diving in Coron
Cebuprides itself on diving spots that are at par with the world’s best. You can visit Cebu'sMoalboal sardine run, where you can do the sardine run experienceand swim with millions of sardines.
Another renowned diving spot in Cebu is diving in Malapascua, where thresher sharks are more commonly seen. Other species you’re sure to see in Cebu diving spots are lionfish, batfish, tunas, and many more when you book a Cebu tour package.
Also located in Visayas is the diving spot called Apo Island Dumaguetewhere you can swim with giant sea turtles.
Another worth checking out is the diving packagein Anilao, Batangas, only hours away fromManila. Diving in Anilao is perfect for travelers who have limited time to explore diving spots in other islands or provinces and are looking for scuba diving holidays for beginners. Another spot near Manila is diving in Puerto Galeralocated in Mindoro. Puerto Galera diving spots are known for incredible marine life because of its location in the heart of the Coral Triangle.
9. Exciting Outdoor Adventures
The Philippines has a wide range of picturesque mountains and trails for hiking adventuresthat you can choose from, and they all come in different sizes. So whether you’re a beginner or a pro,hiking in the Philippines will be a great adventure for you. One thing is sure, you will berewarded with beautiful sceneries, may it be a sea of clouds, picturesque landscapes, or even majestic waterfalls.
- Read our article on travel insurance in the Philippines
Some of the must-try hiking tours include the Mount Pulag hikein North Luzon, Mount Pinatubo day hike in Tarlac with 4x4 trail ride, Mount Pico de Loro hiking tour in Batangas, and the highest in the country, Mount Apo in Davao.
Wherever you are in the country, there is surely at least one mountain to hike.
The country also doesn’t run out of exciting and adrenaline-pumping watersports that are also the best places in the Philippines for family vacation. Join the fun canyoneeringin Cebu, white water rafting tour in Cagayan de Oro, and parasailing in Boracay.
- Make the most of your visit to Cagayan de Oro and try these tours:
- Book aCagayan de Oro airport transfer
There’s absolutely no reason for you to stay indoors and not enjoy these activities outside when in the Philippines. Even more perfect is if you get to share the thrill with your friends or fellow travelers.
As a traveler, you’re also exposed to the realities of the world, seeing how much tourism can affect a place and its local community. Filipinos are becoming more aware of this impact, too, with the rise of ecotourism in the country.
If you’re an advocate of ecotourism, the Philippines offers experiences tailored to fit just for you. Youcan avail yourself of eco-friendly tours inBatanes, Bohol, Palawan, Camiguin, and Cebu.
10. Encounter Wild and Rare Animals
The Philippines is rich in biodiversity and is home to many unique animals. One of these is the Philippine tarsier, which is one of thesmallest primates in the world. These nocturnal creatures have distinct big eyes and can be found inBohol province. You can also visit the Abatan River in Bohol, which is home to some of the rarest fireflies in the Philippines and in the world.
The Philippines is also rich in marine biodiversity, which makes it one of the best diving destinations in the world. The sardine run in Moalboal and diving with thresher sharks in Malapascua are some underwater experiences you can book.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience is swimming with whale sharks (locally known as butandings). Oslob in Cebu provinceand Donsol in Bicol province are destinations known for this experience. It's best to experience them in their natural migratory route,where you can see and swim with them at a safedistance to reduce the stress to these giant gentle creatures.
Another beautiful creature not to miss when visiting the Philippines is the majestic Philippine Eagle, its national bird.
It’s one of the largest and rarest eagles, and youcan visit themDavao’s Philippine Eagle Center when you join a Davao City trip, a must-add to a Davao itinerary.
- Find hotels in Davao
11. Unique Philippine Transportation: Jeepney
Once you arrive in Philippine airports, you’ll notice colorful vehicles plying Manila's roads and other busy centers in the country. These are called jeepneys or jeep and are unique to the Philippines as one of the main local public transportation. The fare is quite cheap too.
Riding a jeepney is considered by many travelers as a must-do when in the Philippines because of the local and cultural immersion.
Jeepneys are usually painted in loud colors, with their route plastered in front of it. Take note of local words like “para” (stop) and “bayad po” (here’s my payment) if you’re riding a jeepney.
The Filipinos’ culture of being helpful is also reflected as they help one another transfer payment to the driver, especially if you’re seated right at the door of the jeep.
Another interesting transportation mode is the Philippines’ version of a motorized rickshaw known as the tricycle or trike. This is similar to Thailand’s tuk-tuk, only it is a motorbike with a sidecar attached to it.
There’s another version of the tricycle which uses a bicycle; the locals call it pedicab. These two vehicles are meant for shorter drives and are usually found in provinces with narrow roads and fewer jeepneys.
Make sure to take a photo of yourself as you experience these unique transport vehicles because no trip to the Philippines is complete without riding like a local. Some places in the Philippines are best explored throughtricycle transport tours for a more rugged travel experience.
12. Preserved History of the Philippines
The best way to get to know one place is to understand its history, and the Philippines has its fair share of stories as it played many roles in the history of the world.
Learn about the Philippines’historical and heritage tours and experiences from the precolonial period to the Spanish, American, and Japanese occupations to find out about the events that shaped the country into what it is today.
The Walled City, Intramuros, is a gem situated right at the heart of the Philippines' capital — Manila. It was built starting in 1521 and was the seat of power in the Philippines during the Spanish era and houses some of the most important architectural landmarks in the Philippines.
As you walk around Intramuros, you will see the proof of Filipino resilience embedded in each ruin.
Ride around Intramuros on a bamboo bike ride with a guideor a horse-drawn carriage tour, and you will find some of the best repositories of the past, including two of the oldest churches in the Philippines: San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral.
One of the best Intramuros escapadesis a trip to Fort Santiago in Manila, a magnificent Hispanic stone fortress that houses Philippines museums.
Another must-see is the Rizal Shrine, which pays tribute to the Philippines’ national hero from the Spanish era, Jose Rizal.
Nearby is the oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo, where you can do aBinondo day tripand feast on tasty Chinese dishes.
- Learn about the Philippines’ history when in Manila with tours to the National Museum Complex
- Find hotels in Manila
Another must-try for history buffs is a tour of Corregidor Island, where you will find ruined buildings and tunnels, all reflections of the past, including the tragic Bataan Death March during the American-Japanese War.
For a more vibrant experience, join Calle Crisologo trips located at the New7Wonders Cities of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, with well-preserved Spanish-era cobble-stone streets and houses.Check out our guide on how to create an Ilocos itinerary to explore more of this region.
If you are interested in digging deeper into Philippine historybeyond the colonial era, joining theTabon Cave explorationin Palawan is necessary. It’s known as the Cradle of Philippine Civilization because of the significant archaeological artifacts found here.
13. Fun Nightlife with Filipinos
As one of the happiest people globally, Filipinos know how to throw the best parties, be it in the city or the pristine white sand beaches and islands.
Want a beach party under the stars? Head over to the island of Boracay, where you can do a pub crawl or enjoy the famed Boracay nightlife. Do you like partying while overlooking the city scrapers? Check out the bars in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.
Are you more into hip speakeasies and laid-back bars? Visit Poblacion, Makati’s strip of nightclubs and bars. Whether you like your parties loud or low-key, Filipinos sure know how to do it.
- Discover hotels in Makatiand Taguig
- Read up on things to do in Makati
Don’t miss the opportunity to try local beers in the Philippines. It’s cheap and is regarded by foreign travelers as one of the best in the world, especially San Miguel Beer pale pilsen. Another famous party activity in the Philippines is karaoke, where you belt out your favorite songs on the streets or in a private room.
Discover for Yourself Why It’s More Fun in the Philippines
The Philippines as a travel destination isn’t just about its beautiful beaches and islands. It marries everything a traveleris looking for: culture, history, natural landscape, and most importantly, people. You will not run out of things to do, and you will not get tired of exploring something new.
Wherever you go, no matter how long you’ve got, the Philippines has a lot to offer, and you won’t even have to spend that much. As long as you know where to go and how to live like a local, it will feel like home.Read our article on the best cars to rent for a road trip in the Philippines if you want to explore on your own.
Don’t think twice about whether it’s worth booking a trip to the Philippines: it surely is, and you will most likely find yourself looking forward to your next trip here again.
Start planning your trip, check out the best Philippines tours packages, and read up on Philippine travel guides for the best adventure you’ll ever have. If you want to indulge during your trip, book a stay at one of the luxury hotels in the Philippinesor try glamping in the Philippines.
Book the bestPhilippines guided tourswith Guide to the Philippines, the leadingPhilippines travel agencyand travel booking websitefor hassle-freeonline trip bookingservices. Check out ourbestPhilippines tour packages,Philippines vacation packages all inclusive,andhoneymoon packageto top destinations like Boracay, Siargao, Cebu, Bohol, and more top tourist destination in the Philippines and find outwhyvisit the Philippinesis a must, especially for beach lovers.
