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Tarsier monkey, Bohol
The Philippines your way

Tailor-made Philippines holidays shaped around your passions

Tarsier monkey, Bohol

Culturally and geographically removed from the rest of Southeast Asia, this green archipelago is best known for its pristine beaches. But, moving inland, there are many other places to visit on your holiday in the Philippines, as our specialists have discovered from their exploratory trips there.

With more than 7,000 islands, it can be hard to decide what to see in the Philippines. You might take a few days in Manila to explore the capital’s heady mix of Asian, Spanish and Middle Eastern cultures. Continue south and you can visit the rumbling slopes of Taal Volcano or the emerald crater lakes of Luzon, while in the north you can discover the vast and ancient rice terraces of Banaue. And, reserving the end of your trip for the Philippines’ telltale white sands, you can enjoy world-class diving through the World War II wrecks off Coron or the bright corals of Malapascua.

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Suggested tours for the Philippines

These tours give you a starting point for what your holiday to the Philippines could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.

Suggested activities for the Philippines

Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience the Philippines.

  • Full day tour to Taal Lake & Taal Volcano
    Taal volcano

    Full day tour to Taal Lake & Taal Volcano

    Manila

    Full day tour to Taal Lake & Taal Volcano

    Taal Volcano and Taal Lake lie approximately 70 kilometres south of Manila. Once you reach the shore of the lake you will board an outrigger boat for the 30-minute trip across the lake to Taal Volcano Island, from where you'll trek uphill through the hardened black lava to the crater rim.

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  • Day trip to Corregidor
    One mile barracks, Corregidor

    Day trip to Corregidor

    Manila

    Day trip to Corregidor

    This fascinating offshore island fortress, 40 kilometres west of Manila, is a treasure trove of information for history buffs.

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  • A day's sailing around Boracay
    Sunset, Boracay, Philippines

    A day's sailing around Boracay

    Boracay

    A day's sailing around Boracay

    On this one day tour you will cruise around the island of Boracay on board a luxury 13-metre catamaran. Cruise includes lunch on board, beer and soft drinks, swimming and snorkelling.

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Why travel with Audley?

  • 100% tailor-made tours
  • Fully protected travel
  • Established for over 25 years
  • 98% of our clients would recommend us

Best time to visit

Our specialists advise on the best months to visit the Philippines, including information about climate, events and festivals.

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Useful information for planning your holiday in the Philippines

What languages are spoken in the Philippines?

The two main languages spoken in the Philippines are Tagalog, which is most common in the north, and Cebuano, which is spoken in the south. More than 100 other languages and dialects are also spoken in the Philippines, including Spanish, which is used across the country. Most Filipinos are bilingual, speaking at least Tagalog/Cebuano and another language most likely to be English.

What's the currency of the Philippines?

The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine piso (PHP), although it’s often called the peso in English. The US dollar is also a widely accepted currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and popular tourist destinations, and you’ll find ATMs in all cities and many smaller towns.

What food and drink should I try in the Philippines?

You should try adobo, made from chicken or pork simmered in soy and vinegar with garlic and black pepper, lechon de leche (roasted suckling pig) and crispy pata (deep fried pig’s knuckles or trotters). Pusit (dried squid) and dried fish are eaten as a snack, often dipped in vinegar or a ubiquitous coconut, soy, vinegar, and fish sauce.

Desserts include the bright purple puto bumbong rice cake, bibingka, a coconut and egg cake cooked in a clay pot, and halo halo, a type of ice-cream sundae. Fresh coconut juice is widely sold, and local craft beer is growing in popularity. Tanduay (local rum) and tapuy (sweet rice wine) are worth trying, as is lambanog, a potent coconut liqueur.

What should I wear in the Philippines?

Light, casual clothes are recommended in the Philippines, although you’ll need something warmer if you’re travelling into the mountains. You should also dress modestly and cover your knees and shoulders when visiting churches and temples out of respect.

How much should I tip in the Philippines?

A tip of 10% is expected in restaurants in the Philippines, but if a service charge is already included an additional 5% is appropriate. If you get a taxi with a working meter, round up the amount, and although guides and drivers will appreciate a tip, this is at your discretion.

Where can I find the latest travel advice for the Philippines?

For the latest travel advice for the Philippines, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.

What can I experience in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, you can visit rumbling volcanoes, pristine beaches, and lush rice terraces, explore vibrant cities, or have a backcountry adventure. You could explore the capital’s storied past on a guided walk though the historic Intramuros district in Manila, see active volcanoes and emerald crater lakes, visit a local family to learn how to cook, or gaze out at the amphitheatre-like rice terraces on a trek to Batad.

The Philippines has many facets and whether you want to see dolphins and whales, visit a traditional village to learn about the Ifugao culture, or enjoy an island-hopping adventure around Boracay, you’ll find plenty to do when you’re looking for something more active than a day on a white-sand beach.

Where can I stay in the Philippines?

From private island escapes to simple beach-side bungalows, the Philippines offers a good range of places to stay in almost all locations. You could choose to stay in a large-scale modern hotel in Manila or opt for something more intimate such as a restored urban villa decked out in contemporary style. On the coast, you’ll have a choice of thatched cabanas at a dedicated dive resort, overwater cottages in secluded coves, or an escape to an exclusive resort on a private island with idyllic views. In some areas, such as northern Luzon, options may be more limited, but our country specialists have sought out the best country inns to get you close to the most significant sights in the area.

How long does it take to fly to the Philippines from the UK?

It takes around 16 hours to fly from the UK to the Philippines.

What's the time zone in the Philippines?

The time zone in the Philippines is UTC+8 hours. The Philippines does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

What's the best way of getting around in the Philippines?

Private transfers are the best way to get around locally in the Philippines. If you’re travelling between islands there are regular ferries, or internal flights if there’s a long distance between islands.

Do I need vaccinations to visit the Philippines?

Your doctor can provide you with vaccine advice for the Philippines. You can also check the suggested vaccinations on the Travel Health Pro website. Please also ensure you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country.

If you’re arriving in the Philippines from a country that is considered to have a risk of yellow fever by the World Health Organization (WHO), then you may be asked to provide proof of vaccination against the disease upon arrival. Speak to your doctor for up-to-date advice.

Do I need a visa to visit the Philippines, and what do I need to check with my passport?

Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for the Philippines. Enter where you’re travelling to and from (including any stopover destinations en route or flight layovers), along with your intended travel dates and passport details, for a full list of requirements.

Other popular destinations

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