Philippines travel guide
Things to do in the Philippines depend on the region. Palawan has El Nido's coast, Coron and the underground river area. Cebu offers waterfalls and diving access, Bohol the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers, and Boracay beaches. Manila suits history and culture, and Siargao surfing. Plan transfers with buffer time.
Facts checked 3 Nov 2026
The Philippines suits a mix of beach days, waterfalls, wildlife, city history and mountain landscapes. Activities are region-specific, so pick a few that match your pace rather than trying to see everything. Our research gives the highlights below. Where it does not give timings or access details, we say so.
Boracay is known for its beaches. El Nido, in Palawan, offers coastal scenery, bays and a slower pace with one hotel base. Our Palawan El Nido 5N package keeps free time for beach days and includes an optional coastal outing. Check the weather before any boat trip, and confirm the operator in advance.
Cebu is known for waterfalls and access to diving. Waterfall areas can be slippery, so wear suitable footwear and carry water. Check the weather before you leave, because heavy rain can affect access. Diving is an extra activity: book with a reputable operator, and confirm the safety briefing and costs first.
Bohol is known for the Chocolate Hills and for tarsiers. Allow time for stops along the way, and wear sun protection in the afternoon. Confirm the entry arrangements for the tarsier visit before you travel, because access can change. Our Philippines Islands 6N package covers both sights on separate days.
The underground river area is one of the Palawan highlights. Access, timing and entry arrangements depend on the operator and the weather. Treat it as an optional day, and confirm it with your planner before you book.
Manila is known for history and culture. It is also the main international entry airport, so many travellers pass through it on arrival. Our research does not list specific Manila sights or timings, so ask your planner for suggestions.
Siargao is known for surfing. Our research does not give surf seasons, lessons or operator details, so check these with a local operator before you plan. Our current packages do not include Siargao.
The Banaue Rice Terraces offer mountain scenery and indigenous heritage. This suits travellers who want landscapes and culture rather than beaches. Our research does not give access or travel times, so confirm them with your planner before you plan a visit.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and was last checked on 2 November 2026. Where our research does not give a detail, such as opening times, access or prices, we say so and ask you to confirm with your planner.
Read the Philippines travel guide for the full overview, then see places to visit, best time to visit and trip cost. Our Palawan El Nido 5N and Philippines Islands 6N packages show two ways to plan these activities.
Ready-made trips
El Nido 5N
Cebu 3N · Bohol 3N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Philippines.
It depends on the region. In Palawan, the El Nido coast, Coron and the underground river area are the highlights. Cebu offers waterfalls and diving access. Bohol has the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers. Boracay is known for beaches, Manila for history and culture, Siargao for surfing and Banaue for mountain scenery.
Island travel is common in the Philippines, by domestic flight or ferry. Our research does not give specific tour details, so confirm the options with your planner. Schedules can be unpredictable, so keep buffer days in your plan.
Our research lists Cebu for access to diving. Diving is an extra activity and is not in our package inclusions. Book only with a reputable operator, and confirm the costs, the safety briefing and the weather before you book.
Wear suitable footwear, carry water and use sun protection. Pack a waterproof bag for valuables. Check the weather before you leave, because heavy rain can affect waterfall access and boat trips.
Our research names the underground river area as a Palawan highlight, but it does not give visit details. Access, timing and entry arrangements depend on the operator and the weather. Treat the visit as optional, and confirm it with your planner before you travel.
Manila is known for history and culture, and it is the main international entry airport. Our research does not list specific sights or timings. Ask your planner for suggestions that fit your dates, and confirm opening times before you go.
Packages include sightseeing as set out in your itinerary. Entry fees and activities not listed in the itinerary are extra. Our Palawan El Nido 5N and Philippines Islands 6N packages list their main activities in the day-by-day plan.
Keep valuables secure, use official taxis or reputable ride-hailing services, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Check weather alerts before any boat trip or island transfer, because conditions vary by island and season.
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