35+ Philippines Travel Tips for Visiting Philippines for the First Time

The best time to visit is November to May, during the dry season. This is perfect for beach activities, diving, and island hopping. However, the Philippines is a great destination year-round, with different regions offering unique experiences.

We offer a variety of tours, including:

• Budget-Friendly Group Tours – Share costs and explore with fellow travelers.
• Private Tours – Fully customized itineraries with private transport and guides.
• Island-Hopping Adventures – Visit multiple islands in one trip.

The Philippines is divided into three major island groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Luzon is the largest group of islands and is home to Metro Manila, the capital of the country, and Quezon City, the country's second largest city. There are several lush mountains on its northern end, where you will find striking terraces. For beach lovers, Palawan is often rated as one of the best islands in the world due to its white sands, lagoons and excellent scuba diving. Visayas is the hometown of Cebu City. As the first settlement in Spain, this modern city attracts many tourists due to the remains of colonial architecture. Tourists also flock to the picturesque paradise of Boracay to enjoy the lively party scenes on the island. Mindanao is located in the southern part of the Philippines. Currently, due to civil unrest, it’s not recommends going to the area.

December through February is the ideal time of year to visit the Philippines. These months fall within the country’s dry season and are some of the coolest. March, April, and May are also great months to visit—though expect steamier weather. The average temperature in May is around 83 degrees with the humidity reaching its highest levels. Escape the heat by heading to the mountains—there are several mountain ranges, especially on the island of Luzon where Manila, the country's capital, is located. Higher elevations provide cooler temperatures year-round.

As the second largest archipelago in the world, the Philippines spans more than 7,000 islands. For many years, the Philippines has been under the rule of Spain and the United States. At the same time, it has maintained close cultural relations with its Asian neighbors, especially China. The result of this multicultural history has made the Philippines a melting pot of culture, language and cuisine. Its cuisine is a hodgepodge of any other cuisine in the world. The Philippines is often referred to as the "Celebration Capital of the World" because of its festive calendar.

✔ Domestic Flights, and ferries as listed in the itinerary

✔Accommodation (3 stars or 4 stars based on location)

✔ Land and boat transfers

✔ Guided tours and activities

✔ Entrance fees to attractions

✔ Some meals (varies per itinerary)

✔ Professional local guides

The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season from November to May, when the weather is sunny and ideal for island hopping, beach trips, and outdoor adventures. The peak season is from December to April, so booking in advance is recommended. The rainy season (June to October) is still a good time to visit, especially for fewer crowds and lower prices, but some activities may be weather-dependent.

Our Philippines group tours include standard three-star accommodations for comfort and affordability. However, in Palawan, we offer an option to upgrade to four-star hotels for a more luxurious stay.

Group Tours – More affordable, shared with other travelers, and follow a fixed itinerary.

Private Tours – More flexibility, ideal for families or couples, allows customization and provides a more exclusive experience.

Most of our Philippines Island Hopping Tours include:

✔ Boat transfers between islands

✔ Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, and sometimes fins)

✔ Life vests for safety

✔ Expert local guide for navigation and insights

✔ Entrance fees for specific islands or protected areas (depending on the tour)

✔ Picnic lunch or snacks (for full-day)

Always check the specific tour details, as inclusions may vary.

Group Tours – More affordable, shared with other travelers, and follow a fixed itinerary.

Private Tours – More flexibility, ideal for families or couples, allows customization and provides a more exclusive experience.

Most El Nido tours include:

✔ Boat transportation

✔ Licensed tour guide

✔ Life vest & safety gear

✔ Buffet lunch (for full-day tours)

✔ Snorkeling mask

✔ Accommodation

For a well-rounded experience, 3 to 5 days is ideal:

3–4days– Enough for the top island-hopping tours (Tour A & C) and some beach time.

5–6days– Allows for all four island-hopping tours (A, B, C, D) and have some relaxation time. Since each tour takes a full day, you'll need at least 4 days just for the tours.

Direct Flight to El Nido (Fastest & Most Expensive)

From Manila or Cebu– AirSwift offers direct flights to El Nido Airport (Lio Airport).

Flight Time– Around 1 hour 20 minutes from Manila.

Via Puerto Princesa (Cheaper Option)

Fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS) Airport, then take a van or bus to El Nido.

Van travel time– 5 to 6 hours

Via Coron (Ferry Option)

Ferry from Coron to El Nido(Montenegro or Atienza Ferry).

Travel time– Around 4 to 5 hours.

Best For– Travelers doing a Palawan loop (Coron → El Nido).

Both are stunning, but they offer different experiences:

If you have time, visiting both Coron and El Nido is highly recommended!

Here are the top attractions you shouldn’t miss:

Kayangan Lake– The most famous and photogenic lake in Coron, known for its crystal-clear waters and limestone cliffs.

Twin Lagoon– A stunning lagoon where warm and cool waters mix, accessible by swimming or kayaking.

Barracuda Lake– A unique dive site with a thermocline effect, creating different water temperatures.

Skeleton Wreck– A shallow WWII shipwreck, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Malcapuya Island– A secluded island with powdery white sand and turquoise waters.

Pass Island– A peaceful paradise with pristine beaches and vibrant marine life.

Tapyas Summit– A 700-step climb to a breathtaking panoramic view of Coron Town and the islands.

Maquinit Hot Springs– One of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, perfect for relaxation after a day of island hopping.

The best time to visit Coron is during the dry season, from November to May when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm—ideal for island-hopping and diving.

Peak Season (December to April):Best weather but more tourists, so book tours and accommodations in advance.

Off-Peak Season (June to October):Fewer crowds, but there’s a chance of rain and typhoons.

If you want great weather without large crowds, visiting in November or early May is a good option.

There are two main ways to reach Coron:

By Air: The fastest way is to fly to Francisco B. Reyes Airport (Busuanga Airport)from Manila, Cebu, or Clark. The flight takes about 1 hour from Manila.

By Ferry: You can take a ferry from Manila to Coronvia 2GO Travel, which takes 11-14 hours. There are also ferries connecting Coron and El Nido, which take about 4-5 hours.

Once you arrive at Busuanga Airport, it's a 30-40 minute van ride to Coron town, where most hotels and tours are located.

3-4 Days: Enjoy a well-rounded adventure with at least two island-hopping tours, such as Tour A (lagoons & reefs) and Reef & Wrecks Tour (shipwreck snorkeling & diving).

5+ Days: Explore deeper and at a relaxed pace with Tour A, Reef & Wrecks, and Island Escapade Tour, plus the Coron Town Tour (half-day) for a cultural touch.

1 Day: Get a quick but complete experience with the Super Ultimate Tour, covering top spots like Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and Skeleton Wreck.

Absolutely! We offer multi-destination packages, including Bohol + Cebu + Dumaguete + Palawan combinations for a well-rounded Philippines adventure.

By Air

From Manila– Direct flights to Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) take approximately 5 hours.

From Cebu– There are no direct commercial flights, but private charters are available.

From Davao, Clark, or Other Cities– Some airlines operate seasonal or connecting flights via Manila or Cebu.

By Ferry

From Cebu– The most common route is via fast ferries that take 5 to 2 hours, arriving at Tagbilaran Port.

From Dumaguete– A 2-hour ferry ride connects Dumaguete to Tagbilaran.

From Siquijor– Travel time by ferry is around 5 to 2 hours

Boracay vs. Palawan (El Nido & Coron, Philippines)

Boracay:More developed, easy to get around, buzzing nightlife, luxury resorts, and water activities like parasailing and kiteboarding.

Palawan:More untouched, dramatic limestone cliffs, and hidden lagoons, and better for island-hopping and adventure seekers.

Boracay vs. Bali, Indonesia

Boracay:Better sand quality, smaller island, party-centric, and clear waters.

Bali:Larger, more diverse landscapes (beaches, rice terraces, volcanoes), stronger surf culture, and deeper cultural experiences.

Boracay vs. Phuket, Thailand

Boracay:More compact, walkable, and has a laid-back island feel despite tourism.

Phuket:Bigger with more variety (beaches, temples, and city life), but some beaches can be overcrowded.

Boracay vs. Maldives

Boracay:More budget-friendly, vibrant, and accessible.

Maldives:Ultra-luxury, remote, more about overwater villas and private island resorts.

Boracay vs. Hawaii (Oahu & Maui)

Boracay:More tropical island-party vibe, better for budget travelers.

Hawaii: More diverse landscapes (volcanoes, waterfalls, surfing), larger in scale, and with a mix of city and nature.

Boracay offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. Some popular areas to stay include Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3, each offering different vibes and amenities.

Station 1: Known for its upscale resorts and quieter beaches, ideal for those seeking luxury and tranquility.

Station 2: The island's commercial hub, offering a mix of mid-range accommodations, dining, shopping, and vibrant nightlife.

Station 3: Offers a more laid-back atmosphere with budget-friendly options, perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.