This post covers all the essential information you need before travelling to the Philippines. Firstly, I’ll talk about one of the most important parts of planning your trip: deciding on your itinerary.
Next, we’ll look at the best time to visit the Philippines. As you’ll soon discover, the Philippines is an archipelago of over than 7,000 islands, so the weather can vary considerably depending on which island you visit.
You will also find information on entry requirements, visas and safety, as well as plenty of other useful tips to help you prepare for your trip.
What to visit in the Philippines
The Philippines is divided into three main island groups:
🏝️ Luzon (North) – The northern region is centred around Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, which is home to the capital city, Manila. The region also encompasses one of the country’s most popular beach destinations: the province of Palawan.
🏝️Visayas (Central Philippines) – The islands of Cebu and Bohol, which we visited, belong to this island group, and are part of the Central Visayas region. Boracay, located in Western Visayas region, is also part of this group.
🏝️ Mindanao (South) – Mindanao is not only the second-largest island in the Philippines, but also the name given to the southern island group, which includes Siargao Island. Often referred to as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is part of the Caraga region.
I never seriously considered planning a full itinerary for the Philippines because I felt I would need at least two weeks to see everything I wanted to. Realistically, that’s rarely possible for us.
So, for our first (and so far only) trip to the Philippines, we chose Bohol, an island offering the perfect combination of beautiful beaches, lush nature, and fascinating cultural attractions. After spending almost a full day travelling from Singapore to Bohol, and another full day on the return journey, we had four full days to explore the island. Although I would have liked to spend more time there, it was enough to discover Bohol.
You can read all about it in my Bohol posts:
Other destinations in the Philippines on my wish list:
🏝️🤿 El Nido – Famous for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking untouched landscapes. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here, including kayaking, snorkelling and diving. One of the most popular experiences is an island-hopping expedition from El Nido to Coron, where you can spend the nights in beach huts.
🏖️🌴Boracay – Best known for its white sand and turquoise waters. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines and offers a wide selection of resorts, restaurants and cafés.
🏝️🏄♀️ Siargao – A must-visit for surfing enthusiasts. It has also become well known in recent years for its relaxed atmosphere and growing café and restaurant scene.
Be sure to explore the Love the Philippines website, where you can browse destinations based on your interests, whether that’s beaches, diving, nature, or cultural festivals.
When to travel to the Philippines
The Philippines has two main seasons:
☀️ Dry season – The period between December and May is the hottest time of year, with March, April and May being the months that experience the highest temperatures.
🌦️Rainy season – From June to November. During this period, temperatures remain high, and there is frequent rainfall. Tropical storms and typhoons are also more common, particularly between July and October.
The Siargao region is a little different from the rest of the Philippines. The rainy season here usually runs from November to February, with the period between October and December being the one most commonly associated with typhoons. April and May are typically the driest months, although the period from July to September is also a popular time to visit the island.
If I had to recommend one month to visiting the Philippines, it would probably be April. However, this is also peak season for many tourist destinations, so flights and accommodation tend to be more expensive.
Useful links before travelling to the Philippines
Earthquakes in the Philippines
It’s worth knowing that the Philippines lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic zones. Consequently, minor earthquakes are relatively common throughout the country.
Entry requirements for the Philippines
📅 Passport validity
As with many other countries, the Philippines requires your passport to be valid for at least six months after your date of arrival. Make sure you check your passport’s expiry date well before you travel.
📄 Visa
Visit the website of the Philippine Consular Services to find out if you need a tourist visa to enter the Philippines. Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the section titled “Guidelines on the Entry of Temporary Visitors to the Philippines”, then select the country that issued your passport.
As a holder of a Portuguese passport, I can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days.
Another way to check the latest entry requirements is to visit the website of your own country’s Foreign Affairs or Foreign Office. I always refer to the Portuguese Communities Portal, which provides up-to-date travel advice for Portuguese citizens travelling abroad. You can find the Philippines page here.
🛂 eTravel Arrival Card
Before travelling to the Philippines, you’ll need to complete the electronic eTravel Arrival Card via the official eTravel Philippinnes website.
You can register either on your computer or using the mobile app. Once you’ve finished, you’ll receive a QR code. You should either print this code or save it on your phone, as you may be asked to show it later.
The eTravel Arrival Card can be completed up to 72 hours before your arrival in the Philippines. When completing the form, it’s useful to have the following information ready:
Nobody asked to see our QR codes before boarding, but Changi Airport was very busy that day, so I wouldn’t assume that’s always the case.
👉 Important: the eTravel Arrival Card is completely free of charge. You should never have to pay to obtain your QR code.
If you have any questions, take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions section on the official eTravel Philippines website..
Can you drink tap water in the Philippines?
No. Although tap water may be treated in some areas of Manila, throughout most of the Philippines it’s recommended to drink only bottled, filtered or properly treated water.
It’s also advisable to avoid ice from questionable sources, particularly in more remote areas away from the main tourist destinations.
If you’re travelling with children, it’s worth reminding them of these precautions before your trip.
Most hotels provide complimentary drinking water in the rooms, which can also be used for brushing your teeth.
Cash
I recommend bringing some Philippine pesos with you before travelling to the Philippines. Although credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels and many restaurants, you’ll still come across smaller expenses that need to be paid in cash.
For instance, taxi fares, ferry terminal fees, and baggage handling charges are often payable only in local currency.
One thing I found quite curious was how often there seemed to be a small fee to pay: there was a terminal fee to enter the port, a luggage handling fee on the ferry, and so on. These fees were only small amounts, usually around 20 Philippine pesos, but it’s worth carrying some cash so you don’t get caught out.
Travel Insurance
For information about health risks, recommended vaccinations, or diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, I usually refer to TravelHealthPro. Although the website is aimed at travellers from the UK, I find it to be an excellent source of up-to-date health advice before travelling to the Philippines.
Hopefully you won’t need to use it, but make sure you take out a comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover before you go on your trip.
Mobile Data
Before travelling, I usually buy a mobile data package through Airalo (eSIM).
Simply download the app, create an account, choose your destination and preferred data package, complete the payment, and install the eSIM on your phone. Before purchasing, make sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology here.
For more useful travel information before travelling to the Philippines, take a look here, where you’ll find details about the local language, currency, religion and customs.
I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to the Philippines!
*This post contains affiliated links, and if you make a reservation/purchase through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost you.
