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Travel Tips For Philippines

Embark on an unforgettable journey to one of Southeast Asia's most picturesque destinations, the Philippines. With Thrillophilia's Philippines tour packages, you can explore vibrant cities, stunning beaches, and breathtaking natural wonders while immersing yourself in rich culture and warm hospitality.

The Philippines boasts beautiful cities like Manila, Davao City, Cebu, and Vigan. Make sure to explore picturesque beaches such as Tawala, El Nido, Siargao, and Alona. For thrill-seekers, adventure activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, and surfing are a must for a truly enriching experience.

The country is also home to natural wonders like Chocolate Hills, Taal Volcano, Puerto Princesa Underground River, and Mayon Volcano. One of the best tips for visiting the Philippines is to experience diverse wildlife, lively nightlife, and unique dishes. Immerse yourself in vibrant festivals like Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, and Pahiyas. So, pack your bags and get ready for the ultimate adventure in the Philippines with your loved ones!

Here are some of the best travel tips for Philippines:

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01

Check The Weather Before Travelling

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Before traveling, one of the essential Philippines travel tips is to check the weather conditions. The country experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season, from June to November, often brings heavy rainfall and the possibility of typhoons, which can disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities.

On the other hand, the dry season, from December to May, offers ideal weather for beach visits and island hopping. Monitoring the weather forecast will help you plan your itinerary more effectively and ensure a safe trip.
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02

Bring An e-Sim or Portable Wifi

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There are good wifi connections available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in urban cities like Manila and Boracay. However, the internet connection is poor on its rural islands, the most stunning parts of the Philippines.

To avoid any inconveniences during your trip, it is best to purchase a local SIM card or an e-sim. You can go for local SIM cards like Globe or Smart, both of which are easily available in convenience stores and malls.
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03

Book in Advance to Avoid Peak Seasons

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The peak season to visit the Philippines starts from December to April during which you will experience maximum rush and crowd. This is why booking your stays, flight tickets and restaurant reservations in advance is advisable to ensure availability.

Additionally, during peak season, the prices for almost everything double up. However, booking everything in advance saves you the hassle of last-minute chaos and paying extra. Also, if you are on a shoestring budget, this tip is your best way of saving money and experiencing the best of the Philippines.
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04

Try Local Cuisine

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Try out the local cuisine in the Philippines which allows you to explore some unique dishes as well as learn about their local culture. The authentic Filipino cuisine has influences from Spain, China, India, Malaysia and Indonesia. Some of the best local dishes include Adobo, Sinigang, Pancit, Lechon, Kinilaw and Chicken Inasal.

The sweet-savoury taste in these local dishes comes from the coconut milk cream whereas vinegar is mainly used to marinate the meat. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to relish delicious local desserts like Halo-Halo, Bibingka and Leche Flan.
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05

Expect Delays Wherever You Go

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One of the major travel tips for visiting the Philippines is to include a buffer time in your daily itinerary. A fascinating tip to remember is that being relaxed and late is a rooted part of their culture, so expect delays almost everywhere.

The delays can extend to local transport, restaurant services, flights and even activities. Although it can be frustrating for punctual travellers, remember that you are on vacation and utilise that time to soak in the mesmerising views around you.
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06

Public transportation isn’t the best

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Public transport is the cheapest in the Philippines, however, it is always advised to go for taxis or rented vehicles for a convenient experience. Local transportation like buses, jeepneys and tuk-tuks run on unpredictable schedules and over the limit capacities which can be an unpleasant experience for some travellers.

To avoid this, it is best to hire a local taxi which will take you to your desired destination with ease. For a more budget-friendly option, you can also rent a car or a scooter and enjoy self-driving amidst the stunning scenery of the Philippines.
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07

Protect Your Stuff

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Like any other bustling tourist destination, there are risks of petty theft in the Philippines. To avoid any inconveniences, it is important to take some precautions so that you can be tension-free during your trip. First and foremost, try to keep your valuables like watches and original jewellery inside the safe of your hotel rooms.

Secondly, always carry copies of your IDs and leave the originals back at the hotel. Also, be cautious around someone getting too friendly in the name of helping and always keep your backpack in front of you.
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08

Everyone Speaks English

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A major benefit of travelling to the Philippines is that the locals are well-versed in the English language. As it is one of the official languages of the country, there are no language barriers, allowing you to communicate freely. You will be able to easily ask for directions, order food at restaurants without hesitation and interact with the locals.

Additionally, the road signs, travel guides and menus are in English. However, it is still useful to learn some basic Filipino phrases if you are planning a visit to some of the remote islands to avoid any inconveniences.
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09

Go Island Hopping

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Island hopping is one of the most popular activities in the Philippines as it is an archipelago, consisting of more than 7000 islands. Some of the most popular islands that you can visit include Boracay, Palawan, Bantayan, Siargao, Coron, Luzon and Cebu.

Here, you can also enjoy thrilling water sports like snorkelling, paddleboarding, jet skiing, scuba diving, surfing and subwing. However, if you are looking for some lesser-known gems with a more tranquil ambience then visit islands like Palaui, Bohol, Limasawa, El Nido, Siquijor and Balabac.
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10

Always Carry Cash

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The most important of all the Philippine travel tips is to carry sufficient cash. ATMs are easily available in the urban cities like Manila and Boracay. However, these facilities are rarely found in rural islands like Batanes or Siquijor Islands.

Additionally, the ATMs charge a hefty conversion fee and have certain withdrawal limits. This is why it is always advisable to convert your currency in advance to avoid any inconveniences during your trip.
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People Also Ask About Philippines

  1. When should I visit the Philippines?

    The Philippines is a year-round destination, offering unique experiences throughout the year. However, if you are looking for ideal months then plan your trip between December to February. During these months, you will experience the best possible weather conditions, offering mild temperatures, clear blue skies, cool breezes and vibrant scenery.
  2. Which is the cheapest month to travel to the Philippines?

    May to October are the cheapest months to plan your travel to the Philippines if you are on a budget. During these months, there is low footfall due to rain, however, if you are someone who does not mind rain can definitely visit in these months. Additionally, you will not only get to save money on hotel and flights but will also have the opportunity to explore the place peacefully.
  3. Which currency is used in the Philippines?

    Philippine Peso is the official currency of the Philippines. 1 INR is equal to 0.67 PHP which you can convert at the money exchange offices or airports with minimal conversion charges. This way, you will get to save money on the hefty conversion charges of the ATMs and travel around the Philippines with ease.
  4. Is the Philippines expensive to visit?

    No, the Philippines is one of the most budget-friendly countries in Southeast Asia. A Philippines 5-6  day tour package can range between INR 40,000-50,000 per person. These packages can include accommodations, meals, local transportation, tours, activities and guides. Additionally, you can save your budget by visiting in the off-season as well as booking things in advance.
  5. What do I need before entering the Philippines?

    You will need to get your approved tourist visa before entering the Philippines. To apply for the visa you will need important documents like valid passport ID, passport-size photographs, to-and-fro flight tickets, bank statements, proof of accommodation and travel insurance.
Newly Added Philippines Experience
At first, I was nervous about this as this is my first international solo trip but the company I booked Thrillophilia and the team was professional they encourage and ensured that the trip was good which makes me felt comfortable and booked it... Yes, the package I chose was my dream destination and the booking price they offeres was matched with my budget, and the trip duration also was exactly what I am looking for. Right from the airport I was received by the friendly representative and even helps me with the documentation part and checked in at the pre-booked hotel. The hotel they selected was beautiful with all facilities and hospitable staff. The picked-up and dropped-off were exactly on-time. The staff was always there to help with all our needs and as well if there is any problem they solved it in real-time. The daily tours were well-organized and well-managed the main part of my trip was the sightseeing in Manila, evening cruise ride, and 100% the tour to Boracay which we indulged in many different water-based activities like Sea-diving, Kayaking, Banana ride, jet-ski, and lots more activities at the beaches and had great leisure time with pictures clicked...KUDOS
Excellent
I'm so glad that I took this trip with Thrillophilia they organized our trip beautifully!!! It was a family trip but still, we didn't face any kind of a problem at all the entire 8 days instead we enjoyed the trip like anything the highlight of our trip was the visiting to the islands, on this trip we indulged in water-sports adventure activities like snorkeling, scuba diving and had great leisure time and feel the beauty of the place with the stunning views from the pristine beaches... Hotels they arranged for us gave us a luxury experience the staff there were very professional and friendly with great hospitalities and service...Picked-up and drop were on time always, Special thanks to the team for helping and guide us the entire trip with perfection... We missed nothing form the package we booked and to be honest we get more than we are expected...
Excellent
Such an amazing decision we've made!!! our trip was well-organized by Thrillophilia, We are happy with the itinerary they make for us, the service they provided to us the entire trip was absolutely great. By the way, our trip was out of this world, beyond expectations. What a rich and beautiful culture, country, and people. We had everything set-up perfectly by the professional. Once arriving at the country we have received a warm welcome from the wonderful staff and the driver. The hotel they booked for us was luxurious. Very thoughtful activities they arranged for us... Incredibly we explored the Puerto Princesa Honda Bay's the white sandy beaches and the surrounding areas were truly beautiful we had a great time in snorkeling, Scuba-diving, etc, Amazing visit to the different islands and an unforgettable trip to Iwahig witness the fireflies was such an amazing expereince...The whole tour was safe and enjoyable...
Excellent
A very memorable trip we had in the Philippines, to be honest, wasn't sure about this trip and what to expect but this turns out to be a big surprise for us. Beautiful place and kind-hearted people, The one who looks after my trip was extremely helpful and responsive to all my questions, queries, and concerns during my trip. The itinerary was well-planned and included all requirements, surely we had everything from the itinerary and we enjoy our leisure time in Manila Ocean Park, market, a food tour, and nearby hotel sightseeing... We witness alot of things on this trip...
The agent I spoke for my trip planning and who helps me out with the booking was very kind, polite, and professional helps to organize the perfect family vacation trip to the Philippines which was incredibly helpful...They planned with a detailed itinerary and answered all of our endless questions...The trip was in a budget and the services were simply amazing...The trip goes as per the itinerary and the arrangements and the activities came with the package were beyond our expectations...All the 5-days trip was full of joy, happiness, and surprises...We get more than enough than what we are truly expected
Excellent
Have already recommended this to several friends!!! I was in love with this trip! the destination was so perfect for everyone and it is suitable for a family vacation, honeymoon trip, and solo trip. The biggest advantage also was that we booked this with Thrillophilia and they already plan our trip and they know exactly what we are looking for. We had great communication the entire trip with the team... The day tours were well-arranged and the places we covered were fantastic. We had a great stay throughout and also very satisfied with everything they provided to us. Thumbs Up...
The package we choose from Thrillophilia was fulfilling and satisfying though which worth all our investment on the trip, I really liked the way the team treated us the entire trip. Accommodation, meals, sightseeing and picked-up and dropped-off were spot-on. A beautiful island with lots to see and experience, we clicked lots of pictures for a lifetime to remember all the moments we had on this trip... The whole trip was full of joy and happiness... Thank you to Thrillophilia.
I had an amazing trip to the Philippines with my family! All because the package I choose was fulfilling and satisfying one. All pickups were on time with a good vehicle they arranged for us. It was a flawless execution of the itinerary, The coordinator was helpful, and supportive throughout the trip which we faced no issues at all during our trip... The place is truly beautiful especially the islands, culture, and people...We had the most wonderful and unforgettable trip.
Superb
Special thanks to Thrillophilia for a seamless and incredible adventure we had in the Philippines this trip was very well-planned and well-executed. Each event/activity was thoughtfully planned in which we enjoyed every single day on this trip... The place really beautiful and proud country with amazing sightseeing, scenic beauty, culture, and history...The overall arrangement like hotels, transfers, and the services was spot on... We are looking forward to using Thrillophilia again in the near future for our next adventure.
Excellent
A great decision we had made for taken this vacation trip through Thrillophilia and the destination of the trip was really amazing... It was smooth & without any hustle in the whole trip, The way they are planning the trip was very interesting right from day 1 with full details about the trip, From the airport, we were received by the staff with a warm welcome, and helps us with all the documentation part and as well helps with the checked-in at the hotel... The hotel was cool and very comfortable though with great breakfast they served us, the vehicle arranged for us too was really good along with a very professional driver, We had an amazing full-day tour to Honda Bay Island the place is so gorgeous with the views and surrounding areas we had great swimming there and walked at the beaches along with many pictures we clicked, We get to learn about their amazing culture and history, We even went for shopping, we explore the wildlife in Puerto Princesa, We had great communication with the locals they were very helpful and friendly... Both days and night we just had a great time every time...Really LOVE IT 100%

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