The Philippines is a beach destination of 7,641 islands. English is one of the official languages, so communication is easy, and every region, from Cebu to Boracay and Palawan, is rich in beaches, diving and pool villas.
Meet coral reefs and sea turtles on an island-hopping tour, snorkel with whale sharks in Oslob, and kayak between the limestone cliffs of El Nido. Plenty of tour operators, restaurants and guesthouses make it easy even for first-time visitors to Southeast Asia.
Parts of southern Mindanao (Sulu, Marawi and others) are under travel advisories. The main tourist areas of Cebu, Boracay and Palawan are safe, but always check the latest safety information before you go.
Visa and entry requirements for the Philippines
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
Visa-free stays can be extended at the Bureau of Immigration (the Bureau of Immigration lists the first 29-day extension at PHP 3,030 in total). A passport with at least six months of validity and a return or onward ticket are required. Parts of southern Mindanao (such as Sulu and Marawi) are under travel advisories; the main tourist areas of Cebu, Boracay and Palawan are not, but check your government’s advice before you go.
- Bureau of Immigration Philippines (Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines)
- Temporary Visitor (9A) Visa Waiver extension fees (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)
- eTravel (Philippine Travel Information System) (Government of the Philippines)
The Philippines at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency | Philippine peso (PHP) |
| Time zone | PHT (UTC+8) |
| Best season | December to May (dry season); watch for rain and typhoons June to November |
| Electricity | 220 V, 60 Hz, Type A and B plugs |
| Languages | Filipino and English (English widely spoken) |
| Safety | Main tourist areas are safe; travel advisories for parts of southern Mindanao |
Cebu: diving, island hopping and resorts
Cebu is the Philippines' second city and one of its most popular beach destinations. Five-star resorts such as Shangri-La, Radisson and Maribago Bluewater cluster on Mactan Island, 30 minutes by car from central Cebu, and in the city you can see historic sites such as Magellan's Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño.
In Oslob in southern Cebu you can snorkel with whale sharks, and tours combining the coral reefs of Apo Island (a protected marine sanctuary) and canyoneering at Kawasan Falls are popular.
Boracay: White Beach and sunsets
Boracay is famous for White Beach, counted among the world's top five beaches: 4 km of pure white sand, an emerald sea, and beach bars and clubs with sunset views, ideal for honeymooners and groups of friends alike. It is one hour by air from Manila plus a 15-minute boat ride, or 30 minutes by air from Cebu.
After a six-month environmental clean-up in 2018 it reopened with cleaner beaches than before. Station 2 is the center of White Beach, and the area around D'Mall, packed with restaurants and bars, is the liveliest.
Palawan: the last natural paradise
Palawan is the jewel of the Philippines, named the world's best island by CNN several times. The limestone cliffs and lagoons of El Nido and the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and the world's longest navigable underground river, are experiences found only in Palawan.
Coron is a mecca for wreck diving on Japanese warships sunk in World War II. From Manila it is one hour by air to Puerto Princesa and 1 hour 30 minutes by direct flight to El Nido.
What to eat in the Philippines
| Dish | Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lechon | Whole roast pig, a must at feasts and celebrations | PHP 500–2,000 per person |
| Adobo | Chicken or pork braised in soy sauce and vinegar, Filipino home cooking | PHP 150–350 |
| Sinigang | A spicy and sour tamarind soup | PHP 200–400 |
| Seafood (Mactan, Boracay) | Grilled shrimp, lobster and grouper | PHP 800–2,000 per person |
| Mangoes and halo-halo | World-class Philippine mangoes, and a shaved-ice dessert | PHP 80–250 |
Philippines budget guide
We estimate the following costs, excluding international flights.
| Itinerary | Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days, 4 nights in Cebu (per person) | Accommodation (4 nights, resort) | KRW 400,000–1,200,000 |
| Food, tours and transport | KRW 200,000–500,000 | |
| 5 days, 4 nights in Cebu, family of four (total) | Five-star resort (4 nights) | KRW 1,600,000–4,000,000 |
| Food and tours | KRW 800,000–1,500,000 |
FAQ
Cebu, Boracay or Palawan: which should I choose?
Cebu for diving, whale sharks and good-value family resorts; Boracay for White Beach, honeymoons and sunsets; Palawan for nature, scenery and wreck diving. For a first visit, Cebu is recommended.
How should I exchange money?
Changing US dollars into pesos at a licensed money changer in the Philippines gives the best rate. Airport exchange counters are poor value, so change only the minimum there.
Is it safe to travel with children?
Five-star resort compounds are very safe. Choosing a Mactan Island resort with a shallow pool and a kids club makes it easy for the whole family.
Are whale shark tours safe?
The Oslob whale shark tours run through licensed operators. Always follow the guidelines, such as no touching and keeping your distance. Children and non-swimmers can join wearing a life jacket.
Is it OK to travel in the rainy season (June to November)?
Even in the rainy season, mornings are often clear with short showers in the afternoon. A direct typhoon hit can cancel flights, though, so travel insurance covering cancellations and delays is essential.
Sources
- Bureau of Immigration Philippines · Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines · accessed 2026-10-30
- Temporary Visitor (9A) Visa Waiver extension fees · Bureau of Immigration Philippines · accessed 2026-10-30
- eTravel (Philippine Travel Information System) · Government of the Philippines · accessed 2026-10-30
- Department of Tourism Philippines · DOT Philippines · accessed 2026-04-25
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.
