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VisaVerge Philippines Confirms Visa-Free Entry for Moroccan Tourists, Requires Etravel RegistrationThe Flight Deal Korean Air: Dallas – Manila, Philippines. $793. Roundtrip, including all TaxesThe Flight Deal Korean Air: Chicago – Manila, Philippines. $811. Roundtrip, including all TaxesThe Flight Deal Korean Air: New York – Manila, Philippines. $774. Roundtrip, including all TaxesTravel Pirates 🇵🇭 Fly to Island Paradise in the Philippines 🏝😍Travel and Tour World Japan’s Changing Tourism Picture Reveals a Rise in American VisitorsThe Flight Deal Korean Air: Los Angeles – Cebu, Philippines. $706. Roundtrip, including all TaxesUS Travel Advisories Philippines - Level 2: Exercise Increased CautionThe Flight Deal Korean Air: Dallas – Cebu, Philippines. $810. Roundtrip, including all TaxesThe Flight Deal Korean Air: Chicago – Cebu, Philippines. $858. Roundtrip, including all TaxesAeroTime Philippine Airlines restores nonstop Manila–Saipan flights from October 25, 2026AeroTime US to provide three King Air surveillance aircraft to the Philippine Coast GuardVisaVerge Philippines Confirms Visa-Free Entry for Moroccan Tourists, Requires Etravel RegistrationThe Flight Deal Korean Air: Dallas – Manila, Philippines. $793. Roundtrip, including all TaxesThe Flight Deal Korean Air: Chicago – Manila, Philippines. $811. Roundtrip, including all TaxesThe Flight Deal Korean Air: New York – Manila, Philippines. $774. Roundtrip, including all TaxesTravel Pirates 🇵🇭 Fly to Island Paradise in the Philippines 🏝😍Travel and Tour World Japan’s Changing Tourism Picture Reveals a Rise in American VisitorsThe Flight Deal Korean Air: Los Angeles – Cebu, Philippines. $706. Roundtrip, including all TaxesUS Travel Advisories Philippines - Level 2: Exercise Increased CautionThe Flight Deal Korean Air: Dallas – Cebu, Philippines. $810. Roundtrip, including all TaxesThe Flight Deal Korean Air: Chicago – Cebu, Philippines. $858. Roundtrip, including all TaxesAeroTime Philippine Airlines restores nonstop Manila–Saipan flights from October 25, 2026AeroTime US to provide three King Air surveillance aircraft to the Philippine Coast Guard
Manila – PhilippinesEl Nido – PhilippinesBoracay – PhilippinesBanaue Rice Terraces – PhilippinesBasilica del Santo Niño – PhilippinesQuiapo Church – Philippines
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🌍 Asia🗓️ Best: Dec–May

Philippines ✓

Siargao

Over 7,000 islands of beaches, reefs and rice terraces

🕒 –:– local time12 stories this week6 sources 6 top placesCapital Manila

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Philippines📸 Photo album · 8 photos · Ultra-HD
Philippines📜 History of Philippines

The story of Philippines

Humans reached the Philippine islands tens of thousands of years ago, as finds in Callao Cave on Luzon and the Tabon Caves of Palawan show. Later, Austronesian seafarers spread across the archipelago, bringing farming, pottery and boat-building skills, while the ancestors of the Ifugao carved spectacular rice terraces into the mountains of northern Luzon. By the first millennium AD, coastal communities called barangays traded with China, Southeast Asia and beyond, and Islam arrived in the south, where the sultanates of Sulu and Maguindanao emerged.

In 1521 Ferdinand Magellan's expedition arrived in the Visayas; he was killed at Mactan in a clash with the local chief Lapulapu, now a national hero. Spain returned under Miguel López de Legazpi, founding a settlement in Cebu in 1565 and making Manila its capital in 1571. For more than three centuries the islands were a Spanish colony, linked to Mexico by the Manila galleon trade, and Catholicism became deeply rooted, leaving baroque churches and colonial towns across the islands.

Read the full history

In the late 19th century reformers such as José Rizal inspired a national awakening, and revolution broke out in 1896. Filipino leaders declared independence on 12 June 1898, but Spain ceded the islands to the United States later that year, followed by the Philippine-American War. American rule introduced English and public schooling, and a Commonwealth was set up in 1935. After Japanese occupation during the Second World War, the Philippines became independent on 4 July 1946.

The decades since have included martial law under Ferdinand Marcos and its peaceful end in the 1986 People Power movement, an inspiration for democratic movements elsewhere. Today the Philippines is a young, lively nation of more than 7,000 islands. Travellers come for limestone lagoons in Palawan, surfing in Siargao, diving in the Visayas, rice terraces, Spanish colonial Vigan and some of the warmest hospitality in Asia.

Timeline

  1. c. 65,000 BCEarly human presence at Callao Cave, Luzon
  2. c. 1400Sultanate of Sulu established
  3. 1521Magellan arrives; killed at Mactan by Lapulapu's forces
  4. 1571Manila becomes the capital of Spanish rule
  5. 1896Philippine Revolution begins; José Rizal executed
  6. 1898Independence declared on 12 June; islands ceded to the US
  7. 1946Independence on 4 July
  8. 1986People Power movement restores democracy
Philippines 🛂 Visa & entry

Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.

  • ASEAN – ASEAN member – many Southeast Asian citizens have easier short visits.

Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:

The latest visa and entry news for Philippines appears below as soon as publishers report it.

Philippines✨ 10 best things to do in Philippines

Things to do in Philippines

  1. Island-hop El NidoKayak into hidden lagoons and beaches beneath towering limestone cliffs in Palawan.
  2. Dive Coron's wrecksExplore sunken Second World War Japanese ships in clear waters.
  3. Surf SiargaoRide the famous Cloud 9 wave or learn on gentler breaks on this laid-back island.
  4. See the Chocolate HillsGaze over hundreds of grassy domes in Bohol that turn brown in the dry season, then meet tiny tarsiers.
  5. Walk the Banaue rice terracesHike through UNESCO-listed terraces carved into the Cordillera mountains.
  6. Explore IntramurosWander Manila's walled Spanish city, Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.
  7. Swim the Puerto Princesa Underground RiverPaddle into a long navigable underground river inside a limestone mountain.
  8. Relax on Boracay's White BeachLounge on powdery sand and watch sailboats at sunset.
  9. Stroll Vigan's Calle CrisologoRide a horse-drawn carriage down cobbled streets lined with Spanish-era houses.
  10. Eat lechon and adoboFeast on roast pig in Cebu and try the vinegar-braised national favourite.
Philippines🗺️ Where to visit in Philippines

Where to go in Philippines

  • 📍
    El Nido and Coron, PalawanPalawan · lagoons & divingDramatic limestone islands, turquoise lagoons and world-famous wreck diving.
  • 📍
    SiargaoMindanao region · surfingA surf and island-life hotspot with palm forests, lagoons and rock pools.
  • 📍
    BoholCentral Visayas · hills & wildlifeChocolate Hills, tarsiers, river cruises and beaches on Panglao.
  • 📍
    CebuCentral Visayas · history & divingHistoric city sights plus whale sharks, sardine runs and waterfalls in the south.
  • BoracayWestern Visayas · beachesA small island with one of Asia's best-known white-sand beaches.
  • 📍
    Banaue and BatadNorthern Luzon · rice terracesAncient terraced amphitheatres and traditional Ifugao villages.
  • ManilaLuzon · capitalA vast, energetic capital with colonial Intramuros, museums and food scenes.
  • 📍
    ViganIlocos Sur · colonial townA UNESCO-listed town with remarkably preserved Spanish colonial architecture.
Philippines✨ Must-do experiences
  • Go island-hopping in El Nido or Coron
  • Swim with whale sharks or dive colourful reefs
  • Surf or relax in Siargao
  • Hike among the rice terraces of the Cordillera
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Philippines🍽️ Taste of Philippines
  • Adobo – meat stewed in vinegar, soy sauce and garlic
  • Lechon – whole roast pig with crispy skin
  • Sinigang – sour tamarind soup with meat or seafood
  • Halo-halo – shaved ice dessert with fruit, beans and ice cream
Philippines🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Philippines

Best time to visit Philippines

The Philippines is tropical, hot and humid year-round, with a dry season and a rainy season. Typhoons mainly affect the north and centre, while parts of the east coast get rain in winter too.

BestDecember to April is the dry season across most of the country, ideal for beaches and island-hopping.
ShoulderMay and November can be hot or showery but less crowded.
AvoidJuly to October brings the south-west monsoon and peak typhoon season, especially in Luzon and the Visayas.
30°☀️Jan
31°☀️Feb
32°☀️Mar
34°☀️Apr
34°💧May
33°💧💧Jun
31°💧💧💧Jul
31°💧💧💧Aug
31°💧💧💧Sep
31°💧💧Oct
31°💧Nov
30°💧Dec

Typical daytime highs and rain in Manila (approximate averages).

Philippines🎉 Festivals & events in Philippines
  • January
    SinulogCebu's huge street-dance festival honours the Santo Niño with drums and colourful costumes.
  • January
    Ati-AtihanKalibo in Aklan hosts one of the oldest festivals, with painted faces and dancing in the streets.
  • February
    PanagbengaBaguio's flower festival features floats covered in blooms.
  • October
    MassKara FestivalBacolod's festival of smiling masks, music and street parties.
  • September-December
    Christmas seasonFilipinos celebrate one of the world's longest Christmas seasons, with parol lanterns everywhere.
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Philippines🧭 Philippines itinerary ideas

How many days in Philippines?

7 daysPalawan paradise

Days 1-2 explore Puerto Princesa and its underground river. Days 3-5 island-hop in El Nido. Days 6-7 take the ferry to Coron for wreck diving and lakes.

14 daysIslands of the Philippines

Days 1-2 explore Manila's Intramuros and food scene. Days 3-7 Palawan for El Nido and Coron. Days 8-10 fly to Cebu and Bohol for the Chocolate Hills and diving. Days 11-14 finish in Siargao for surf and island-hopping.

Philippines🎒 Backpacking Philippines – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $25–40 a day

  • Book domestic flights early with budget airlines – they are often the fastest and cheapest way between islands.
  • Jeepneys, tricycles and local buses are very cheap for short trips.
  • El Nido, Siargao and Moalboal in Cebu have lively, affordable hostel scenes.
  • Eat at carinderias (local canteens) where you point at dishes for cheap, filling meals.
  • Join shared island-hopping tours to split boat costs.
Philippines🛡️ Safety & money in Philippines

Stay safe

  • Check your government's travel advice, as parts of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago carry higher risks.
  • Watch typhoon forecasts in the rainy season and allow buffer days for cancelled flights and ferries.
  • Use official taxis or ride apps in Manila and watch for pickpockets in crowds.
  • Choose reputable boat and dive operators with life jackets and safety gear.

Money

  • The Philippine peso is the currency; cash is essential on smaller islands.
  • ATMs are common in cities but scarce on remote islands, so withdraw before you go.
  • Tipping around 10% is appreciated if service charge isn't included.

Emergency: 911 police, fire & ambulance

Philippines🛬 Getting to Philippines

Main international gateways are Manila, Cebu (Mactan), Clark and Davao, with some international flights to other cities such as Kalibo, Iloilo and Puerto Princesa; there are no land borders, and domestic flights and ferries link the islands.

✈️ Cheap flights to Philippines: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Philippines💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Philippines
  • The Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands.
  • It has the largest Catholic population in Asia.
  • Mount Mayon is famous for its near-perfect volcanic cone.
  • Jeepneys began as converted US military jeeps left after the Second World War.
  • The Philippine tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world.
Philippines❓ Philippines travel FAQ

Philippines travel questions

Is the Philippines safe for tourists?

Most tourist areas are safe, and Filipinos are known for their hospitality. Check your government's travel advice for parts of Mindanao and take normal precautions in cities.

When is the best time to visit the Philippines?

December to April is the best time, with dry, sunny weather. July to October brings heavy rain and typhoons.

How many days do you need in the Philippines?

A week suits one region like Palawan. Two weeks lets you combine Palawan with Cebu, Bohol or Siargao.

Do I need a visa for the Philippines?

It depends on your passport, and some travellers must register online before arrival. Check the official government site or embassy before you travel.

Do people speak English in the Philippines?

Yes, English is an official language and widely spoken alongside Filipino. Getting around involves domestic flights, ferries, jeepneys and tricycles.

Philippines💰 What a trip costs
$price level
$25–40backpacker / day
$70–130mid-range / day

Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).

Philippines🚌 Getting around

Domestic flights and ferries connect the islands. On land, travelers use jeepneys, tricycles, buses and ride-hailing apps in cities.

Philippines🛕 Sacred & spiritual places
  • Basilica del Santo Niño – Cebu's oldest church, home of the revered Santo Niño statue
  • San Agustin Church – Baroque church in Intramuros, the oldest stone church in the country
  • Quiapo Church – Home of the Black Nazarene, centre of a huge January procession
Philippines🤝 Local etiquette
  • Use 'po' and 'opo' to show respect to elders
  • Avoid raising your voice or causing public embarrassment
  • Accept food when offered – hospitality is important

📰 Older Philippines stories Everything our agents ever found – keeps loading as you scroll

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