Philippines Travel Guide

Philippines: Salt, Smiles and Slow Boats

This is where time forgets itself — and you forget why you needed to rush.
The Philippines is a feeling, not a checklist. It’s early boat rides, late sunsets, dogs on beaches, and kids yelling “Hello!” as if it’s your name.

There’s no single culture, no one rhythm. Just tides, languages, laughter, and the occasional karaoke battle you didn’t ask for (but somehow win).

Scroll down for more travel photos.

Quick Facts

Capital: Manila
Population: Approx. 115 million
Language: Filipino & English (plus 180+ regional languages)
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
Time Zone: Philippine Time (UTC +8)
Climate: Tropical – hot, humid, typhoon-prone
Visa Requirements: 30-day visa-free for most nationalities
Top Religions: Christianity (mostly Catholic), Islam in the south
Safety: Generally safe – local scams exist, and natural forces (storms!) are real
Transport: Tricycles, jeepneys, ferries, motorbikes, domestic flights
Vibe: Laid-back, hospitable, wave-washed
Best for: Island-hoppers, snorkelers, chill seekers, people who like karaoke

Top 5 Attractions

1. El Nido (Palawan)
Towering limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and secret beaches that feel made just for you.

2. Banaue Rice Terraces (Luzon)
Hand-carved mountainside steps over 2000 years old — a quiet masterpiece in green.

3. Cebu & Moalboal
Swim with sardine balls, chase waterfalls, and discover why lechon is a national obsession.

4. Siargao Island
Surf, coconuts, palm-fringed roads and soul-soothing sunrises. A mix of Bali vibes and local roots.

5. Bohol (Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers)
Geological wonders and wide-eyed tiny primates. Also: rivers, butterflies and quiet inland villages.

Activities

  • Island-hopping (literally the national sport)

  • Diving & snorkeling: Apo Reef, Tubbataha, Coron wrecks

  • Caving, ziplining, volcano hiking (yes, there are volcanoes!)

  • Surfing in Siargao, chilling in Panglao

  • Floating karaoke parties on bamboo rafts

  • Sipping halo-halo under a mango tree

Culture & Etiquette

  • Filipinos are famously friendly — but don’t mistake kindness for weakness

  • Modesty is appreciated in villages and churches

  • Always greet with a smile and light tone

  • Take off shoes inside homes

  • The concept of “hiya” (shame/respect) runs deep — don’t embarrass people

  • “Yes” sometimes means “maybe” – read the tone, not just the word

What Not to Do

  • Don’t insult family or religion – both are sacred

  • Don’t expect strict schedules – “Filipino time” is real

  • Don’t be flashy – low-key = less stress

  • Don’t litter – locals care about their beaches

  • Don’t joke about martial law, Duterte, or typhoons unless invited in

Tipping in the Philippines

Tipping isn’t mandatory in the Philippines, but it’s widely appreciated — and often quietly expected in tourist areas.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Restaurants:
    Many mid-range to high-end places include a service charge (usually 5–10%).
    If not, leave 10% or just round up generously — especially if service was good.
    In small eateries or carinderias: tipping isn’t expected, but leaving coins or small change is kind.

  • Hotels:
    Porters: ₱20–₱50 per bag
    Housekeeping: ₱100–₱200 for your stay
    Concierge: Use your judgment — especially if they go above and beyond.

  • Taxis / Grab / tricycles:
    For taxis and Grab: round up the fare or add ₱20–₱50.
    Tricycles: no tip expected, but rounding up is common and appreciated.

  • Tour guides / drivers:
    Yes, absolutely.
    Private guide: ₱300–₱500 per day (or more if they’re great).
    Drivers: ₱200–₱400 depending on time/distance.

  • Massage / spa services:
    10% is a nice touch if service charge isn’t already added.

How to tip:
Cash is king. Hand it discreetly, with a “thank you” and a smile. No envelopes or drama needed.

Don’t stress it:
Filipinos are famously chill — even a small tip is received with big gratitude.

Cannabis in the Philippines
(as of 2025)

Cannabis is strictly illegal, even in small amounts. Penalties are harsh and non-negotiable, including long prison sentences. While there’s some conversation around medicinal use, as a traveler: don’t even think about it. Seriously.

Please note: Always check the current laws and regulations at the time of your travel to Thailand, as they may change after this information was published. I am not responsible for any legal issues arising from changes in the law.

Destinations by Region

Luzon

Manila – Chaotic, historic, and full of contrasts
Baguio – Mountain coolness and creative energy
Banaue & Sagada – Terraces, caves, and ancestral echoes
La Union – Surf, sunsets and soft vibes

Visayas

Cebu – A bit of everything: beaches, cities, waterfalls
Bohol – Quirky hills, river cruises, tarsiers
Negros – Sugarcane fields and scuba spots
Boracay – White sand, turquoise water, and now, less party – more peace

Mindanao

Siargao – Surf central and soulful escape
Camiguin – Tiny island, big volcano energy
Davao – Urban meets jungle – durian capital, too
Note: Some areas of western Mindanao are best avoided due to unrest – check travel advisories

Final Note

The Philippines isn’t just a country. It’s a warm hello, a bowl of rice, a wave from a passing boat.
It teaches you to wait, to float, to sing out loud even if you’re off-key.
It’s easy to love and hard to explain.
But if you let it, it stays with you — like salt on skin and a song in your head.

Tropical beach with clear turquoise water, sandy shore, rocky formations, lush green hills surrounding a bay, and small huts near the beach.
People loading supplies onto an auto rickshaw or tuk-tuk in a tropical setting with numerous tall palm trees and a clear sky.
Children playing and laughing outdoors on a dirt field, with a woman and a girl in the background, during sunset.
Traditional Indonesian meal served on banana leaf includes rice, grilled fish, satay skewers, egg, fried eggplant, green chilies, tomato wedges, and spicy soy sauce
A boat floating on calm water during a vibrant pink and purple sunset with silhouetted islands in the background.
Aerial view of a turquoise lake surrounded by lush green and bare trees, with three kayakers paddling on the water.
Aerial view of lush green islands with turquoise waters in a tropical sea, surrounded by mountains.
A tricycle taxi with a passenger cabin parked on an urban street, with buildings, cars, and power lines in the background, in a city in the Philippines.
Tropical beach with palm trees along the sandy shoreline, blue sky, and calm ocean water in the background.
Colorful jeepney with yellow front bumper, rainbow decorations, and various signs on it, driving on a street with trees and other vehicles nearby.