Philippines Travel Guide

Philippines Travel Guide

🏯 Introduction

The Philippines is a tropical paradise of over 7,000 islands, offering crystal-clear waters, world-class diving, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that make it a must-visit destination for every kind of traveler.

📍 Quick Facts:
Capital: Manila
Official Languages: Filipino & English (English is widely spoken)
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP) (1 PHP = 1.50 Rs) as of Feb 2025, check rates before travel.

🌸 Best Time to Visit

Season Months Avg Temperature Highlights
☀️ Dry Season Dec–May 25°C to 35°C Best for beaches, sightseeing & outdoor activities
☂️ Wet Season Jun–Nov 24°C to 32°C Fewer crowds, lower prices; occasional typhoons
💸 Budget-Friendly Mid-Jan–Mar & Sep–Nov Varies Cheaper flights & hotels

Plan your trip based on your preferred activities and weather preferences.

🛂 Philippines Visa for Indians

To travel to the Philippines in 2025, Indian citizens can apply for an e-visa online.

To obtain a Philippine visa, Indian citizens must submit the following documents: A valid passport that has a minimum of six months validity from the date of arrival in the Philippines. Two recent passport-sized photographs. A completed visa application form.

If you have a valid US, UK, Schengen or Australian Visa then you can get Visa-Free entry to the Philippines for up to 14 days

Save up to 40-90% on Flight Deals

Explore Flight Deals

🏙️ Top Places to Visit

1. Palawan Island 🌿

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  • A tropical paradise known as "the last frontier" of the Philippines.
  • Puerto Princesa Underground River: A stunning 8.2km underground river.
  • El Nido: Limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons & pristine beaches.
  • Coron: WWII shipwreck diving & crystal-clear lakes.

2. Boracay Island 🏖

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  • Famous for its White Beach, a stretch of powdery sand & clear waters.
  • Diniwid Beach: A quieter, scenic spot.
  • Puka Shell Beach: Known for its unique shells and white sand.
  • Mount Luho: Best panoramic views of the island.

3. Cebu Island 🏊‍♂️

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  • A mix of history & adventure.
  • Magellan’s Cross: A historic Christian landmark.
  • Kawasan Falls: Famous for canyoneering & cliff diving.
  • Moalboal: Incredible reef diving & sardine run.

4. Bohol Island 🏞

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  • A land of unique landscapes & wildlife.
  • Chocolate Hills: Over 1,200 dome-shaped hills that turn brown in dry season.
  • Tarsier Sanctuary: Home to one of the world’s smallest primates.

5. Siargao Island 🏄‍♂️

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  • The surfing capital of the Philippines with laid-back vibes.
  • Cloud 9: World-famous surf break.
  • Sugba Lagoon: Great for paddleboarding, snorkeling & kayaking.
  • Magpupungko Rock Pools: Natural pools perfect for a swim at low tide.

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Top 5 Manila Attractions 🏙

  • Intramuros: A historic walled city from Spanish colonial times.
  • Rizal Park: A national and historic landmark.
  • Robinsons Place Mall: Restaurants, Shops, Coffee etc
  • National Museum: Showcasing art, history, & culture.
  • Binondo (Chinatown): Oldest Chinatown in the world, great for food lovers.
  • Manila Bay Beach: A scenic coastal promenade, best for sunset views.

Must-Have Experiences 🤩

✅ Island-hopping in Palawan, Boracay & Cebu.
✅ Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob.
✅ Surfing in Siargao’s Cloud 9.
✅ Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, Cebu.
✅ Witnessing the Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
✅ Exploring the historic Intramuros in Manila.

💡
Don't forget to rent a private Island or cool Airbnbs!

🏨 Accommodation

From budget-friendly hostels to private beaches, Philippines offers unique accommodations for every traveler.

🍣 Food & Must-Try Dishes

✅ Adobo: Filipino-style curry (chicken or pork).
✅ Sinigang: Sour & savory tamarind-based soup.
✅ Lechon: Roasted whole pig (look up online before ordering).
✅ Halo-Halo: A famous mix dessert.
✅ Pancit: Filipino-style stir-fried noodles.
✅ Lumpia: Filipino spring rolls.

💡
Vegetarian Options: Available but limited – look for Indian or international restaurants in major cities.

📲 Essential Apps & Connectivity

Maps

Google Maps

Essential for navigation in cities.

Kakao Maps

Grab

Taxi and ride-hailing app

MiCab

For Taxi

Kakao T

HappyCow

For vegan and vegetarian food options.

Subway Korea

XE Currency

Currency converter

Klook

Klook

Book discounted tours and activities.

Trazy

Angkas

Motorcycle haling app

Trazy

Lazada & Shopee

Online shopping for essentials

Airbnb

Airbnb

Find unique accommodations and apartments.

💡 Travel Tips & Money-Saving Hacks

  • Exchange Money: At airports, malls, or authorized forex centers. Avoid street vendors.
  • ATMs & Cards: Widely accepted in cities; carry cash for small towns.
  • Tipping Culture: Not mandatory, but 10% is appreciated at restaurants.
  • Public Transport: Use Grab or other apps instead of taxis to avoid scams.
  • Water Safety: Avoid tap water, buy bottled or filtered water.
  • Weather Prep: It’s hot & humid – carry light clothes, sunscreen & an umbrella.
  • Safety: The Philippines is generally safe, but beware of pickpockets in Manila & crowded areas.
  • WiFi & SIM Cards: Get a local Globe or Smart SIM card for data & calls.

💰 Total Cost of Traveling to Thailand in 2025

Estimated Budget for a 7-Day Trip (1 Person) (May change according to personal preferences)

Expense Cost (₹)
Flights ₹40,000 (find up to 40-60% discounted roundtrip deals ONLY on Zomunk)
Accommodation ₹10,000-₹35000
Transport ₹8,000-₹17,000
Food ₹8,000 - ₹20,000
Activities ₹10,000 - ₹20,000
Miscellaneous ₹15,000
Total ₹90,000 - ₹1,20,000 (avg)

Backpacking can be done in cheaper.

Final Thoughts

The Philippines isn't just a destination — it's an experience. Whether you're chasing sunsets on hidden beaches, diving into turquoise lagoons, or sharing laughter with the friendliest locals, the memories you make here will stay with you forever.

If you're planning your next adventure, let the Philippines surprise you in the best way.

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