Visiting the Philippines: Important Info for Exploring the Pearl of the Orient

Found in the western Pacific Ocean close to the equator, the Philippines is on just about every traveler's bucket list. With the post-card-like beaches in Palawan, world-class dive sites in Cebu, and the jaw-dropping Catanduanes Mountains of Bicol, it's no wonder everyone wants to visit this archipelago of approximately 7,640 islands. Before you start your journey around to the Philippines, be sure to check out this guide with lots of important information to help you on the road.

How to Get to the Philippines

The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia and has multiple flight connections between some of the main cities in the region and from around the globe.  If you're coming from other countries in Southeast Asia, there are direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Phnom Penh. For those flying in from Europe, there are direct flights from Istanbul and many cities in the Middle East, like Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai, so you can make a quick stopover there before catching your connecting flights. From the US, Philippine Airlines has flights from New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

The Currency in the Philippines

The currency in the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP). As of today, the exchange rate from USD to PHP is $1 = PHP 58.36, but this is constantly changing. If you arrive in the Philippines with USD or most other currencies, you'll be able to change them at any of the currency exchange offices, but make sure you're getting a fair rate. Suppose someone tries to offer you a lower rate than the average, get the current rate up on your phone, and show them; if they decline to give it to you, just walk away and go to another place. Alternatively, you can always withdraw money from an ATM or pay with your credit/debit card, but be aware that cash isn't accepted everywhere.

Transport in the Philippines

Unlike most Southeast Asian countries, getting from A to B in the Philippines isn't the most straightforward process. Depending on where you plan to visit, you can expect to utilize a mix of flights, boats, buses, and taxis to get where you need to go. If you're choosing to do some island-hopping, as many visitors do, taking flights is by far the most time-efficient option. Popular spots like El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa, and Siargao all have airports with connections to larger hubs like Cebu and Manila. However, catching a ferry or boat may be a more wallet-friendly alternative if you're traveling on a tight budget. Naturally, these take significantly longer than flights and usually involve taxi or bus rides to and from the ports, but they're great options for those with a flexible schedule. To reach some islands, including Boracay, you'll need to hop on a boat for part of the journey. When you're exploring various parts of the same island, which is common in the likes of Palawan and Cebu, buses and shuttles will often be your best bet. For example, in Palawan, buses connect busy tourist towns like Port Barton and El Nido, and the same goes for spots like Moalboal and Oslob on Cebu island.

The Weather Seasons in the Philippines

No matter where you're headed, it's important to look into the typical weather conditions for the time of year you're expecting to visit. The Philippines is a tropical country, and as such, has two distinct seasons: the dry season, between December and May, and the rainy season from June to November.  During the dry season, generally considered the best time to visit, the weather steadily changes as the months progress. From December until February, the country receives minimal rainfall, and temperatures tend to hover at around 23°C (73°F) to 33°C (91°F). Things heat up from March onwards, with temperatures often peaking in May before the wet season kicks in. Many travelers choose to visit in the rainy season, as prices are usually lower than during the peak tourist period. Although it's a more affordable time to explore the Philippines, you may need to prepare for some potential weather-related interruptions to your plans. Between the rainy conditions and the country's location in the Pacific Ocean, many of the islands are prone to heavy downpours, high winds, and, in some cases, typhoons. In the event of potentially dangerous weather, many boats, flights, and tours are canceled at the last minute. Moreover, power cuts are commonplace, bringing a host of additional challenges to your trip.  If you're hoping to save some cash but don't want to run the risk of encountering unfavorable rainy season weather, visiting during the shoulder seasons may be worth looking into. During months like November and May, the weather begins to change. This means you might experience some rainfall and humidity, but it's much less likely to substantially alter your plans.

Best islands to visit in the Philippines

As we already stated at the beginning of this article, the Philippines has around 7,640 islands, so you'll want to focus your attention on a select few if your time is limited. Here are some you don't want to miss:

Cebu: Kawasan Falls canyoneering, Cebu City, Moalboal, and diving in Kansantik in the Olango Channel.

Siargao: Magpopongko Rock Pools and Flats, Alegria Beach, and Cloud 9 Surfing Area.

Palawan: El Nido, Las Cabañas Beach, Port Barton, Island Hopping Tour around El Nido and El Nido Marine Reserve Park.

Bicol: Mayon Volcano, Subic Beach, and Sumlag Lake.

Luzon: Manila, Hanging Coffins of Sagada, Banaue Rice Terraces, and Mount Pinatubo.

Boracay: Ariel's Point, Motag Living Museum, Mount Luho, Boracay Bat Cave, and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Pack Your Bags for a Trip Around the Pearl of the Orient

The Philippines is undoubtedly one of Asia's most alluring destinations. With this trusty guide to provide you with all the insider information, you'll be sufficiently prepared for an unforgettable adventure around these magnificent, postcard-perfect islands.