Over seven thousand islands of beaches and reefs
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands in Southeast Asia. It is known for white sand beaches, limestone lagoons, coral reefs and rice terraces in the northern mountains. Filipinos are famously warm, and English is widely spoken. It suits beach lovers, divers and island hoppers with time to travel between islands.
Tap a card or a pin. Add a place to a day of your trip, or look for tours.
Limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and beaches visited on island hopping boat tours. It is one of Asia's most scenic coasts.
Clear lakes, coral reefs and Second World War Japanese shipwrecks for diving. Kayangan Lake is a highlight.
A navigable river running through a cave system into the sea. Boats glide past formations and bats.
A small island with White Beach, known for sunsets and water sports. Rules limit numbers to protect the island.
Ancient rice terraces carved into mountains by the Ifugao people. Batad is an amphitheatre of terraces.
Over a thousand cone shaped hills that turn brown in the dry season. A viewing deck shows them well.
An island famous for the Cloud 9 surf break, lagoons and palm forests. It has a relaxed feel.
The walled Spanish city of Manila, with San Agustín Church, a UNESCO listed baroque church. Fort Santiago is inside.
A Spanish colonial town with cobbled streets and houses. Horse carriages still run.
A remote marine park in the Sulu Sea with some of the best diving in the world. It is only reached by liveaboard boat.
Millions of sardines swirl just off the shore, and turtles swim nearby. Snorkellers can see them from the beach.
Turquoise waterfalls used for canyoneering trips. It is a fun day of jumps and swims.
A near perfect cone volcano rising above farmland. The Cagsawa Ruins frame it.
A cool mountain town with hanging coffins, caves and pine forests. Treks lead to waterfalls.
A small island known for folk healing traditions, waterfalls and quiet beaches. It is easy to explore by scooter.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it: pick cities, add places to days, see the weather for your dates.
Each city with a guide opens its own page: map, where to stay, what to eat.
Capital and main hub.
gateway, history · Open the city guidePalawan lagoons.
beaches · Open the city guideWrecks and lakes.
diving · Guide comingBeach island.
beaches, nightlife · Open the city guideCentral hub.
gateway · Open the city guideDiving and sardines.
diving · Guide comingBohol base.
beaches · Guide comingSiargao surf.
surf · Guide comingGateway to the Underground River.
nature, transit · Guide comingSurf and island life.
surf, relaxing · Guide comingEasygoing coastal city near Apo Island.
snorkelling, relaxing · Guide comingMountain base for the rice terraces.
hiking, culture · Guide comingCapital, mountains and colonial towns.
Manila, Banaue, Vigan
Lagoons, reefs and limestone.
El Nido, Coron, Underground River
Island hopping and diving.
Boracay, Bohol, Cebu
Surf islands and remote areas.
Siargao, Camiguin
Volcano country with green rice fields and surf.
Mayon, Legazpi
Choose how long you have, then add the whole route to a trip as places and nights.
Best: December to May. The dry season brings calm seas for island hopping.
Typhoons mostly hit from June to November, especially in the north and east, while some areas such as Palawan see less impact.
January. Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.
80°F daily high, 74°F average, 5.8 in
Average of past years from NASA POWER, worked out at each city's position. A place far from these cities can be quite different.
The US State Department rates the Philippines Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime, terrorism, unrest and kidnapping, with higher levels for parts of Mindanao.
Domestic flights and ferries link islands, but connections take time and weather causes delays.
Food, transport and many stays are cheap.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Members see the rules for their own passport here.
Passport and visa rules change often and without notice. Always check the official pages before you book and again before you travel.
| Entry | Rules change, so check the Philippine government's eTravel portal and your own government's travel advice before you book. |
| Plugs | Type A, B, C; 220 V |
| Tap water | not safe |
| Tipping | A service charge is often added; extra tips are appreciated. |
| Payments | Carry pesos in cash for islands and small places; cards work in cities. |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Etiquette | Filipinos are polite and use po and opo as respect. Smile, avoid public anger and be patient. |
| What to wear | Cover shoulders and knees in churches. |
| Driving | On the right |
| Between cities | Domestic flights connect Manila and Cebu to most islands, and ferries link nearby islands. Jeepneys, tricycles and vans handle local trips. Grab works in cities. |
| Main airports | MNL, CEB, PPS, MPH |
| Ride apps | Grab |
The islands were home to many seafaring communities and sultanates before Spain colonised them from 1565, spreading Catholicism. After the Spanish American War in 1898, the United States took control. Japan occupied the islands in the Second World War, and independence came in 1946. The People Power revolution of 1986 ended the Marcos dictatorship.
Researched 2026-10-13. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.