Couple at a white sand beach in Coron, Palawan, Philippines

13 Reasons Why You Should Travel to The Philippines Now

Verified expert

Female traveler on a boat in Palawan, Philippines

Before deciding where to spend your next vacation, be sure to read our top 13 reasons why visit the Philippines. Learn about what makes the Philippines unique and what makes visitors return and explore more of this tropical getaway.

The Philippines is an archipelago found in Southeast Asia comprised of more than 7,000 islands dotting the Pacific Ocean. Thanks to the geographical features of the Philippines, the country is gifted with stretches of pristine white sand beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters.

In fact, several Philippine islands and beaches, like Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao, have been consistently named as the best in the world by major travel publications.

But there’s more to the Philippines than just being an idyllic tropical destination for island-hopping getaways and beach adventures.  



 

13 Reasons Why You Should Travel to The Philippines Now

The Philippines is also home to world-renowned natural wonders like an underground river and rice terraces, incredible diving spots rich in biodiversity, colorful public transportation in the Philippines, unique cuisine, vibrant festivals that showcase its colorful culture, and friendly locals regarded as some of the happiest in the world.

The country's official tourism slogan is “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” because whatever type of travel adventure you’re looking for, you’re bound to discover a fun experience in the Philippines. Read on to find out why visit the Philippines and why it deserves to be on top of your travel bucket list: 
Subscribe to newsletter banner

1. Summer Weather in the Philippines Almost All-Year

Coconut trees in a Siargao beach in the Philippines

If you want to escape winter, a trip to the Philippines is a must. As a tropical country, the Philippines only has two seasons: dry and rainy seasons.



The dry season covers November to May, while the rainy season is usually from June until October. It’s still sunny and warm during the rainy months, except when there's a typhoon warning in the area. You can still enjoy outdoor and indoor rainy season activities in the Philippines like surfing, waterfalls tours, river adventures, food tours and more, with cancellations only necessary when there’s a typhoon.

Kalanggaman Island in Leyte

The warmest months are during the Philippines' summer season, covering March, April, and May. January and February are ideal months for travel as the sun shines on, but the weather is cooler overall. Island and beach destinations in the Philippines, such as Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu, are best enjoyed during the dry season. 

2. Friendly and Warm Filipinos

Smiling Filipina in Sinulog Festival, Cebu, Philippines

Aside from the Philippines' picturesque spots, the Filipinos' warmth and hospitality is a reason itself for you to visit the country. In fact, the Philippines often rank as the friendliest country in Asia. The moment your plane lands here, you will be greeted with the genuine and loving smiles of Pinoys. 



Filipinos are very proud of the beauty of their country and their culture. That’s why when they meet travelers who are visiting the country, the locals will go out of their way to help you experience this. Filipinos acting like tour guides come naturally, from teaching you local words to pointing out the best places to visit or delicacies to try.

Communicating with locals is not a problem. English is one of the Philippines' official languages, and most Filipinos speak and understand it.



Filipinos are very hospitable too. The concept of the "extended family" is an important aspect of their culture. If you have Filipino friends who invite you to their home, they will treat you like you’re a part of their family. Don't be surprised if they regularly prepare a feast of home-cooked Filipino food for you.

This reason alone will make you feel like the Philippines is your home away from home. Check out this video by the country’s Department of Tourism that showcases the warmth of the Filipino:

 

3. Budget-Friendly Destination

Habal-Habal, a local transportation in the Philippines

Cost is one of the major considerations of a traveler. Good thing, traveling in the Philippines is very affordable. For example, there are plenty of day tours that just cost around PHP1000 (USD20).

You will find that there’s a lot of cheap accommodation options for you in the Philippines as well: from dorm-type hostels to bed and breakfast homestays that are both perfect for budget-conscious travelers. For those looking for a better value, resorts also come in a whole spectrum of pricing. Oftentimes, package deals can be found if you know where to look. You will also have plenty of option when planning a Philippines staycation.



Food in the Philippines is cheap too. For roughly around PHP100-150(USD2-3), you will find yourself a decent breakfast place that offers classic Filipino food with coffee. The same goes for your lunch and dinner.

Even alcohol is cheap, so you can have a fun nightlife while traveling without breaking the bank. Local transportation doesn’t cost much as well, and you might find them a lot cheaper if you’re traveling with a group so that you can divide the costs.

Chicken inasal with rice in the PhilippinesAs a budget-friendly destination, you can spend at least two weeks in the Philippines to explore a good bunch of islands or beaches and land attractions without having to spend that much.

Services, such as spa treatments, haircuts, massages, and fine dining are also relatively cheaper in the Philippines, even those from the top wellness resorts in the Philippines.  Make sure to pack these into your itinerary when visiting.

If you’re lucky, you might have some money left after your trip that you can use to buy unique locally-made souvenirs in the Philippines.

4. Philippine Beaches and Islands

Island hopping in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

The Philippines consistently tops the best beaches and islands lists in the world by international publications. With over 7,000 islands and white sand beaches that stretch from coast to coast, you can’t deny the fact that the Philippines is gifted with the magic of nature’s wonder. It's no surprise many couples choose to have their honeymoon in the Philippines for vacation packages for couples and enjoy island hopping in the Philippines.



You will not run out of islands to visit in the Philippines. The majority of these best islands in the Philippines are untouched by modernities, offering travelers their much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of life. There are also many beach resorts in the Philippines that will give you the best ocean and sunset views. 

The Philippines is home to the most beautiful islands globally, including Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao. Boracay, one of the best tourist spots in Visayas and also one of the best places to visit in the Philippines, is home to the White Beach, a long stretch of powdery white sand where you can enjoy water activities including Boracay helmet diving aside from enjoying the sunset views that you can visit by booking Manila to Boracay packages. You will also have plenty of options for 5-star hotels in the Philippines.



White Beach in Boracay, Philippines

Two towns in Palawan are always included in travelers' must-visit list: El Nido and Coron, both home to pristine islands with majestic towering limestone rock formations that you can visit with El Nido island hopping packages or El Nido tours and El Nido tour package and Coron island-hopping trips included in Coron tour packages.

On the other hand, Siargao, a must-visit Mindanao tourist spot, is fast becoming a hub for surfers and beach lovers and features untouched islands that you can visit by joining a Siargao island-hopping adventure and booking Siargao tour packages. Aside from surfing in Siargao, it is also a popular destination for workation or to book extended stay in hotels.



If you're staying in the Philippine capital of Manila, beaches are around 2 hours away when you go to the beach resorts in Batangas. There are also countless beach resorts near Manila. You can rent a car in Manila for a hassle-free vacation.

5. Natural Wonders Unique to the Philippines

Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines

The Philippines is blessed with unique natural wonders and these are some of the best places to visit in the Philippines. Be in awe when you do the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour, which will take you to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

It’s the longest navigable underground river globally and is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The Puerto Princesa Underground River features an underground river cave system with impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations and one of the best caves in the Philippines.



Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Philippines

The Philippines is also home to the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, thousands of hills that look like giant chocolate Kisses (like the chocolate brand). Chocolate Hills in Bohol actually resulted from coral deposits through rain and erosion. Check out our Bohol hotel and tour package for an all inclusive trip.



If you want to see the mounds in their brown color, it is best to go on Chocolate Hills tours during the dry season of November to May. They turn green during the rainy season of June to October. 



Rice Terraces in Cordillera Region, Philippines

If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to live back when modernization hasn’t taken place in the Philippines yet, a trip to the Cordilleras in North Luzon will give you an idea. You will see the Rice Terraces of the Ifugao, an indigenous group of people living in the Cordillera mountains.

This spectacular mountain landscape with terrace after terrace of man-made rice fields dates back to pre-colonial Philippines and is considered a repository of Philippine culture, tradition, and craftsmanship and is one of the must-visit Luzon tourist spots.



Kawasan Falls in Cebu, Philippines

The waterfalls in the Philippines are also an enchanting sight. You can explore some of the Philippines' best waterfalls by joining tours to Kawasan Falls in Cebu, Pagsanjan Falls in Pangasinan, and Bomod-ok Falls in Sagada.



Mayon Volcano in Legazpi, Albay

Other natural wonders in the Philippines include the Taal Volcano in Batangas, the smallest active volcano globally, and Mayon Volcano in Legazpi City of Albay province, which has the world’s most perfect cone. 



6. Colorful and Fun Philippine Festivals

Sinulog Festival in Cebu, Philippines

Filipinos sure know how to throw a street party, and they do it in colors and full costumes. Festivals in the Philippines are some of the most joyous, fun, and loud in Asia. Make sure to have your camera ready to snap the wildest smiles and happy faces.

Festivals (or fiestas) in the Philippines are either religious, historical, or cultural. Religious festivals honor Roman Catholic figures, historical festivals celebrate significant events, while cultural festivals celebrate a bountiful harvest or promote products. 

One of the religious festivals includes Ati-Atihan Festival celebrated in Kalibo, Aklan, every January in honor of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). Watch performers with extravagant costumes and celebrate with the locals as they anticipate the parade and go crazy over food stalls and a lot of street dancing.


  • Check Aklan tours that you can add to your Ati-Atihan Festival itinerary

Yet another much-awaited festival every January is the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, also in honor of the Santo Niño, which attracts millions of festival-goers.

The annual Grand Street Parade features street performers doing the Sinulog Festival Dance while clad in colorful costumes. You'll be treated to a fireworks display and get to join street parties that will make you feel like you’re a part of one big community.



Sinulog Festival in Cebu, in honor of the Santo Niño

Filipinos’ love for merrymaking is also evident in the Panagbenga Festival, the pride of Baguio City. If you love flowers or gardening, this one is a must-see. Check out our Baguio hotel promo package for the best deal.

Panagbenga Festival is an annual flower festival celebrated every February featuring life-sized floats that come in all shapes and sizes, all made with real flowers!



7. Delicious Filipino Cuisine

Filipino food

If there’s one thing to describe the Philippines that will set it apart from neighboring Asian countries, it’s being the melting pot of different cultures having been colonized by Spain, the US, and even Japan.

Not only that, the Philippines has deep ties to the Malays and the Chinese. This rich history and diverse cultural influence is evident in Filipino cuisine, which is unique to its neighbors.



Despite having food that has either taken its roots from another culture or has been recreated to fit the Filipino taste, the Philippines has still successfully carved its own space in the gastronomic scene.

Some most notable Filipino foods include adobo, chicken or pork meat cooked in soy sauce and vinegar, and lechon or roasted whole pig, which the late Anthony Bourdain swore by as the best pig he has ever tried.

There's also balut (duck embryo), a Filipino street food perfect for those who like trying exotic dishes, and halo-halo, a famous summer staple with crushed ice, milk, and sweetened fruits.

Halo-halo ice dessert in the Philippines

Your trip to the Philippines won’t be complete without feasting on fresh (but really affordable!) seafood. If you can’t get enough fresh crabs, shrimps, and other tasty seafood dishes, do a food tour in Roxas City in Capiz, the Philippines' Seafood Capital.

Want to taste the sweetest mangoes? Add a Guimaras Island day exploration to your itinerary. 

Island-hopping in the Philippines usually includes lunch in one of the islands, served boodle-fight style with freshly-cooked seafood and tasty tropical fruits.

For another culinary destination, join Pampanga trips, the Philippines' Culinary Capital, which is just a few hours away from Manila



8. Incredible Diving and Snorkeling Spots

Diving in Tubbataha Reef, Philippines

Diving spots in the Philippines offer an underwater experience like no other. In 2006, a team of marine conservationists declared the Philippines as the geographic center of marine biodiversity in the world. You will find that the Philippines is more than just its beaches and islands; it’s also a paradise for underwater life.

Palawan is home to Tubbataha Reef diving, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which boasts more than half of all known corals. Here you will find yourself swimming with turtles, black and white-tip reef sharks, and manta rays, among others, and admiring the beautiful corals under the water.



Sardine run in Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines

Cebu prides itself on diving spots that are at par with the world’s best. You can visit Cebu's Moalboal sardine run, where you can do the sardine run experience and swim with millions of sardines.

Another renowned diving spot in Cebu is diving in Malapascua, where thresher sharks are more commonly seen. Other species you’re sure to see in Cebu diving spots are lionfish, batfish, tunas, and many more when you book a Cebu tour package.

Also located in Visayas is the diving spot called Apo Island Dumaguete where you can swim with giant sea turtles.

Another worth checking out is the diving package in Anilao, Batangas, only hours away from Manila. Diving in Anilao is perfect for travelers who have limited time to explore diving spots in other islands or provinces and are looking for scuba diving holidays for beginners. Another spot near Manila is diving in Puerto Galera located in Mindoro. Puerto Galera diving spots are known for incredible marine life because of its location in the heart of the Coral Triangle.

9. Exciting Outdoor Adventures

Osmena Peak hiking in Cebu, Philippines

The Philippines has a wide range of picturesque mountains and trails for hiking adventures that you can choose from, and they all come in different sizes. So whether you’re a beginner or a pro, hiking in the Philippines will be a great adventure for you. One thing is sure, you will be rewarded with beautiful sceneries, may it be a sea of clouds, picturesque landscapes, or even majestic waterfalls.



Some of the must-try hiking tours include the Mount Pulag hike in North Luzon, Mount Pinatubo day hike in Tarlac with 4x4 trail ride, Mount Pico de Loro hiking tour in Batangas, and the highest in the country, Mount Apo in Davao.

Wherever you are in the country, there is surely at least one mountain to hike.

Mt. Pinatubo 4x4 trail ride in Tarlac, Philippines

The country also doesn’t run out of exciting and adrenaline-pumping watersports that are also the best places in the Philippines for family vacation. Join the fun canyoneering in Cebu, white water rafting tour in Cagayan de Oro, and parasailing in Boracay.



There’s absolutely no reason for you to stay indoors and not enjoy these activities outside when in the Philippines. Even more perfect is if you get to share the thrill with your friends or fellow travelers. 

Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, PhilippinesAs a traveler, you’re also exposed to the realities of the world, seeing how much tourism can affect a place and its local community. Filipinos are becoming more aware of this impact, too, with the rise of ecotourism in the country.  

If you’re an advocate of ecotourism, the Philippines offers experiences tailored to fit just for you. You can avail yourself of eco-friendly tours in Batanes, Bohol, Palawan, Camiguin, and Cebu.

10. Encounter Wild and Rare Animals

Tarsier in Bohol, Philippines

The Philippines is rich in biodiversity and is home to many unique animals. One of these is the Philippine tarsier, which is one of the smallest primates in the world. These nocturnal creatures have distinct big eyes and can be found in Bohol province. You can also visit the Abatan River in Bohol, which is home to some of the rarest fireflies in the Philippines and in the world.

Whale shark in Donsol, Philippines

The Philippines is also rich in marine biodiversity, which makes it one of the best diving destinations in the world. The sardine run in Moalboal and diving with thresher sharks in Malapascua are some underwater experiences you can book.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience is swimming with whale sharks (locally known as butandings). Oslob in Cebu province and Donsol in Bicol province are destinations known for this experience. It's best to experience them in their natural migratory route, where you can see and swim with them at a safe distance to reduce the stress to these giant gentle creatures.

 

 

Another beautiful creature not to miss when visiting the Philippines is the majestic Philippine Eagle, its national bird.

Philippine eagle in Davao, Philippines

It’s one of the largest and rarest eagles, and you can visit them Davao’s Philippine Eagle Center when you join a Davao City trip, a must-add to a Davao itinerary.



11. Unique Philippine Transportation: Jeepney

Philippines jeepney

Once you arrive in Philippine airports, you’ll notice colorful vehicles plying Manila's roads and other busy centers in the country. These are called jeepneys or jeep and are unique to the Philippines as one of the main local public transportation. The fare is quite cheap too.

Riding a jeepney is considered by many travelers as a must-do when in the Philippines because of the local and cultural immersion. 

Manila jeepney

Jeepneys are usually painted in loud colors, with their route plastered in front of it. Take note of local words like “para” (stop) and “bayad po” (here’s my payment) if you’re riding a jeepney.

The Filipinos’ culture of being helpful is also reflected as they help one another transfer payment to the driver, especially if you’re seated right at the door of the jeep.

Tricycle in the Philippines

Another interesting transportation mode is the Philippines’ version of a motorized rickshaw known as the tricycle or trike. This is similar to Thailand’s tuk-tuk, only it is a motorbike with a sidecar attached to it.

There’s another version of the tricycle which uses a bicycle; the locals call it pedicab. These two vehicles are meant for shorter drives and are usually found in provinces with narrow roads and fewer jeepneys.

Make sure to take a photo of yourself as you experience these unique transport vehicles because no trip to the Philippines is complete without riding like a local. Some places in the Philippines are best explored through tricycle transport tours for a more rugged travel experience. 

12. Preserved History of the Philippines

Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros, Manila

The best way to get to know one place is to understand its history, and the Philippines has its fair share of stories as it played many roles in the history of the world.

Learn about the Philippines’ historical and heritage tours and experiences from the precolonial period to the Spanish, American, and Japanese occupations to find out about the events that shaped the country into what it is today. 

The Walled City, Intramuros, is a gem situated right at the heart of the Philippines' capital — Manila. It was built starting in 1521 and was the seat of power in the Philippines during the Spanish era and houses some of the most important architectural landmarks in the Philippines.

As you walk around Intramuros, you will see the proof of Filipino resilience embedded in each ruin.

Ride around Intramuros on a bamboo bike ride with a guide or a horse-drawn carriage tour, and you will find some of the best repositories of the past, including two of the oldest churches in the Philippines: San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral.

Binondo Chinatown in Manila, Philippines

One of the best Intramuros escapades is a trip to Fort Santiago in Manila, a magnificent Hispanic stone fortress that houses Philippines museums.

Another must-see is the Rizal Shrine, which pays tribute to the Philippines’ national hero from the Spanish era, Jose Rizal.

Nearby is the oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo, where you can do a Binondo day trip and feast on tasty Chinese dishes. 

Ruins of Corregidor Island in Cavite, Philippines



Another must-try for history buffs is a tour of Corregidor Island, where you will find ruined buildings and tunnels, all reflections of the past, including the tragic Bataan Death March during the American-Japanese War.

Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

For a more vibrant experience, join Calle Crisologo trips located at the New7Wonders Cities of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, with well-preserved Spanish-era cobble-stone streets and houses. Check out our guide on how to create an Ilocos itinerary to explore more of this region. 

If you are interested in digging deeper into Philippine history beyond the colonial era, joining the Tabon Cave exploration in Palawan is necessary. It’s known as the Cradle of Philippine Civilization because of the significant archaeological artifacts found here. 

13. Fun Nightlife with Filipinos

Live music at a nightclub in the Philippines

As one of the happiest people globally, Filipinos know how to throw the best parties, be it in the city or the pristine white sand beaches and islands.

Want a beach party under the stars? Head over to the island of Boracay, where you can do a pub crawl or enjoy the famed Boracay nightlife. Do you like partying while overlooking the city scrapers? Check out the bars in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.

Are you more into hip speakeasies and laid-back bars? Visit Poblacion, Makati’s strip of nightclubs and bars. Whether you like your parties loud or low-key, Filipinos sure know how to do it.



Don’t miss the opportunity to try local beers in the Philippines. It’s cheap and is regarded by foreign travelers as one of the best in the world, especially San Miguel Beer pale pilsen. Another famous party activity in the Philippines is karaoke, where you belt out your favorite songs on the streets or in a private room.
Subscribe to newsletter banner

Discover for Yourself Why It’s More Fun in the Philippines

Couple at a white sand beach in Coron, Palawan, Philippines

The Philippines as a travel destination isn’t just about its beautiful beaches and islands. It marries everything a traveler is looking for: culture, history, natural landscape, and most importantly, people. You will not run out of things to do, and you will not get tired of exploring something new.

Wherever you go, no matter how long you’ve got, the Philippines has a lot to offer, and you won’t even have to spend that much. As long as you know where to go and how to live like a local, it will feel like home. Read our article on the best cars to rent for a road trip in the Philippines if you want to explore on your own. 

Don’t think twice about whether it’s worth booking a trip to the Philippines: it surely is, and you will most likely find yourself looking forward to your next trip here again.

Start planning your trip, check out the best Philippines tours packages, and read up on Philippine travel guides for the best adventure you’ll ever have. If you want to indulge during your trip, book a stay at one of the luxury hotels in the Philippines or try glamping in the Philippines.

Book the best Philippines guided tours with Guide to the Philippines, the leading Philippines travel agency and travel booking website for hassle-free online trip booking services. Check out our best Philippines tour packagesPhilippines vacation packages all inclusive, and honeymoon package to top destinations like Boracay, Siargao, Cebu, Bohol, and more top tourist destination in the Philippines and find out why visit the Philippines is a must, especially for beach lovers. 



 

 

Popular articles

Link to appstore phone
Install the Philippines’ biggest travel app

Download the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.