Are you planning to travel to the Philippines? Let Living Nomads tell you the ultimate Philippines travel guide with top attractions, best things to do, useful tips and more through this Philippines travel blog.
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Traveling is a journey to explore white sand beaches, coral reefs under the turquoise sea and impressive historical structures. Located in the middle of the deep blue sea, the Philippines is not only a famous tourist destination but also a paradise of diverse and rich experiences. When you step into this country, you will be immersed in the pristine natural space, the harmony between diverse culture and rich history, along with unique experiences that cannot be compared anywhere else.
Where is the Philippines?
The Philippines is a country located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, in the Southeast Asia region. With a large area of about 300,000 square kilometers, the Philippines has more than 7,000 islands, each island has its own unique characteristics. When you come here, you can enjoy relaxing moments under the golden sunshine, explore the marine life with activities such as diving, surfing, or simply enjoy the fresh air of the ocean.
In addition, the Philippines is also an ideal destination for those who want to explore cultural diversity. From colorful traditional festivals to modern cultural features, you will have the opportunity to learn and participate in unique cultural experiences when coming to this country.
Philippines travel guide: When is the best time to travel to the Philippines?
From December to May is considered the most ideal time to explore the wonderful beauty of the Philippines. During this time, the country has a stable dry season, with little rain and warm weather, creating favorable conditions for participating in outdoor activities and exploring famous tourist destinations.
However, you can also travel to the Philippines in other months of the year:
- From June to November is the rainy season in the Philippines. During this time, travel prices are often cheaper, but you should be careful because there may be storms.
- February and March are the festival seasons in the Philippines. This is the time when many special festivals take place such as the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio and the Flower Festival in Baguio.
- April and May are summer in the Philippines. This is the hottest time of the year, but this is also the best time to go scuba diving and coral viewing.
Philippines Travel Guide – Things You Need to Know
What is the Currency Unit in the Philippines?
The official currency of the Philippines is the Peso, written as PHP. Currently, 1 Peso is about 439 VND. The exchange rate of PHP can fluctuate depending on the domestic economic and political situation as well as the international situation. You should pay attention to check the exchange rate before making currency transactions to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Guide to Exchanging Money in the Philippines
To make traveling to the Philippines more convenient, exchanging money in Vietnam in advance is an important thing that you should consider. This will help you avoid inconveniences and unnecessary costs when coming to the Philippines. Some popular options for you to exchange money are large gold shops, banks or at the airport.
Buy Sim & Wifi in the Philippines
When you prepare for a trip to the Philippines, one of the important things that you should not ignore is preparing a SIM and Wifi connection. You can easily order a SIM and WiFi at Klook. Here, you can find a variety of travel SIM packages and WiFi cards with many options to suit your needs.
Guide to Traveling from Vietnam to the Philippines
Air travel is the most popular and convenient means of transportation to travel between the two countries. International airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Cebu Pacific, VietJet Air,… all offer flights from major cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang to major cities in the Philippines such as Manila, Cebu, Pampanga or Davao. The flight time from Vietnam to the Philippines is at least 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the final destination and the number of stops.
Caticlan Premium Private Transfers from Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH) to Boracay
After arriving in the Philippines, you have many options for transportation such as taxi, bus, jeepney, grab,… However, for speed and convenience, you can refer to the car rental service recommended by Klook:
Where to go, what to do in the Philippines? Famous Tourist Destinations in the Philippines
The Philippines is a beautiful archipelago with more than 7,000 islands, famous for its pristine beaches, fine white sand, clear blue water and colorful coral reefs. This is an ideal destination for those who love to explore nature and experience exciting recreational activities. Below are some famous tourist destinations in the Philippines.
Intramuros, Philippines
Intramuros is an important historical attraction in Manila. Built in the 16th century under the Spanish, Intramuros is one of the best preserved ancient cities in Southeast Asia and is a symbol of the history and culture of the Philippines.
Fort Santiago Ticket in Intramuros Manila
When you step into Intramuros, you will be transported back in time with classic European architecture, ancient stone paths, and solid red brick walls. In addition, you can also enjoy cultural and entertainment activities in the ancient city. Cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops here give you the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine and shop for unique items.
El Nido Philippines
Located at the end of Palawan Island, Philippines, El Nido is a sea paradise with countless bays, marble cliffs, coral reefs, waterfalls, and diverse vegetation. When entering El Nido, you will be conquered by the wild and majestic beauty of the nature of this land.
El Nido Tour A Lagoons & Islands
In addition, not only has wild nature, El Nido also has a rich and diverse culture. Traditional festivals and local arts are cultural experiences not to be missed when you set foot here.
Batan Island Philippines
With its pristine natural landscape, from steep cliffs to lush green grasslands, Batan is a paradise for nature lovers and those who want to explore the unspoiled beauty of Palawan.
It is also known for the oldest ruins in the Philippines, which are clear traces of the country’s rich and glorious past. The stone houses built hundreds of years ago still exist and are preserved intact to this day, creating a space full of grandeur and history.
Pinatubo Lake Philippines
Created from a powerful volcanic eruption in 1991, Pinatubo Lake has now become an attractive destination for you to explore the unique natural beauty of the Philippines. To get to Pinatubo Lake, you will have to go through a mountain climbing trip or a cycling adventure through rough roads, across rivers and fields.
However, when you arrive, you will be captivated by the magical beauty of Pinatubo Lake, with its clear blue water. You can relax on the lake shore and admire the pristine landscape around. Every corner of Pinatubo Lake has its own beauty, giving you unforgettable experiences and memorable memories in your journey to explore the Philippines.
Boracay Island Philippines
With about 7 km of long beach, Boracay is an ideal place for you to relax on the beach, sunbathe and enjoy water sports such as diving, surfing, … Of which, White Beach is the most famous – with fine white sand and clear blue water, creating a beautiful and peaceful scene.
Boracay Tour Package (Island Hopping)
Besides, Boracay also has luxurious and convenient resorts, providing you with comfortable resting space and classy service. From ocean-view rooms to romantic tropical gardens, Boracay will surely satisfy every tourist.
Vigan Old Town Philippines
Vigan – an ancient town located in the province of Ilocos Sur in the Philippines, is a destination rich in history and culture. The development of Vigan dates back to the Spanish colonial period, and today, it is recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage.
Private Laoag and Vigan Full Day Tour from Laoag
This town attracts you not only by its unique architectural beauty but also by its special historical atmosphere. The winding, ancient stone-paved streets, the characteristic slanted wooden roofs along with the Baroque-style architectural works create a unique and attractive cultural picture. Exploring Vigan, you will be immersed in a peaceful space, admire the historical structures and learn about the lives of the indigenous people.
Coron Island Philippines
Coron Ultimate Island Day Tour
As part of the beautiful Palawan archipelago, Coron Island is an attractive destination with unique and attractive natural landscapes. With many long beaches, characterized by clear blue water and fresh air, Coron is an ideal place for you to relax and enjoy the cool atmosphere.
Although the facilities on Coron Island may not be as well developed as other tourist destinations, this gives you a peaceful space and closeness to nature.
In particular, when coming to Coron, do not miss climbing to the top of Tapyas Mountain to admire the panoramic view of the island from a height of 210m above sea level. With 743 steps, the climb will bring you an interesting and exciting experience.
Bohol Philippines
Panglao Island Hopping and Dolphin Watching Tour in Bohol
One of the special features of Bohol is the Chocolate Hills – a unique natural heritage of this island. The name Chocolate Hills comes from the dark brown grass covering the surface of the hillsides, creating a colorful and special landscape that makes them look like large chocolates.
Every year, Bohol attracts thousands of tourists because of its unique and attractive beauty. The image of undulating hills, close together and covered with brown grass creates a very impressive and attractive scene.
Delicious Specialties in the Philippines You Should Try
The Philippines is not only famous for its beautiful natural scenery but also a culinary paradise with a variety of delicious dishes. Some delicious and unique dishes you cannot miss when coming to the Philippines are Mami noodles, adobo, halo halo, tocino, kamaro, tsitsaron, Isaw grilled chicken, lumpia spring rolls, Arroz Caldo porridge, … The above dishes are just a small part of the many delicious dishes of the Philippines. When you come here, you should explore many other unique and interesting dishes to enjoy the diverse culinary experience of this country.
Cheap Hotels in the Philippines to Consider
Henann Regency Resort & Spa
Henann Regency Resort & Spa is one of the famous hotels in the Philippines, especially in Boracay. With a location near the sea and luxurious design, Henann Regency offers you a wonderful resort space. The hotel has a large swimming pool, a great seafood restaurant and a high-class spa service, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beauty of Boracay. (klook, agoda)
- Address: Beachfront, Station 2 Balabag Boracay, 5608 Aklan, Philippines
- Reference price: from 1.7 million VND/night
The Manila Hotel
With its luxurious architecture and modern interior, The Manila is not only an ideal place to stay but also a cultural and historical destination. You can enjoy high-class services, such as restaurants, gyms and spas. Not only that, this hotel is conveniently located, allowing you to visit the attractions around the hotel. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 1 Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila, 0913 Metro Manila, Philippines
- Reference price: from 2.3 million VND/night
Manila Prince Hotel
Manila Prince Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the financial and commercial center of Manila. With modern architecture and classy interiors, this hotel is the perfect choice for your stay. The hotel offers convenient services such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, etc. to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 1000 San Marcelino St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
- Reference price: from 1 million/night
Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort
Located on Panglao Island, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort is a resort paradise with a private beach and lush green gardens. With luxurious and comfortable rooms, this hotel offers you a wonderful vacation experience. In addition, Bluewater Panglao also offers activities such as providing diving tours, snorkeling and visiting nearby tourist attractions. (klook, agoda)
- Address: Sitio Daurong,, Danao,, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines
- Reference price: 3.2 million VND/night
Astoria Current
Astoria Current is located in Boracay and is one of the prominent hotels in the area. With a modern design and luxurious interior, this hotel creates an interesting resort space for visitors. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar, gym and spa. (klook, agoda)
- Address: Sitio Mangayad, Brgy. Manoc Manoc, Station 3, Malay, Philippines
- Reference price: from 1.7 million/night
What to Buy in the Philippines as Gifts?
When traveling in the Philippines, there are a number of interesting and unique local products that you can buy as gifts for family and friends. One of the most popular choices is handicrafts, such as jewelry made from seashells or exquisitely crafted ceramic items. In addition, the Philippines is also famous for products such as Kaycee slippers, Chocnut candy, dried mango, …
Traveling to the Philippines is not just a trip but an enchanting adventure, where you can explore the wild beauty of nature along with the cultural diversity of this country. From white beaches, majestic mountains to vibrant towns and unique traditional festivals, the Philippines is an ideal destination for those who are passionate about discovery and adventure.
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to El Nido you can refer to
- El Nido Tour A Lagoons & Islands
- El Nido Tour C Hidden Beaches & Shrine
- El Nido Tour B Caves & Islands
- El Nido Tour A + C
- El Nido Tour D Lagoons & Beaches
- Tour A El Nido, Palawan
- Tour El Nido Land
- One-Way Fast Ferry Ticket Between Coron and El Nido
- El Nido Nacpan and Duli Beach
- Puerto Princesa to El Nido Van Transfer (Shared or Private)
- El Nido Tours in a Luxury Speedboat
- Shared Van Transfer between El Nido and Port Barton
- Tour El Nido C + A
- El Nido Tour D Lagoons & Beaches
- El Nido Tour A,B,C,D w/ Envi&Lagoon Fees (No Hidden Charges)
- Tour A of El Nido, Palawan
Read more Philippines guide here.
