Philippines vacations

Before you explore the Philippines’ white-sand beaches, discover its fascinating capital. From architectural wonders and top-notch museums to street food feasts, Manila deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Where powdery beaches meet rugged mountains, you’ll find the teeming metropolis of Cebu, home to historical sites, outdoor adventures and one of the best nightlife scenes in the Philippines.

Relaxing beach days meet vibrant nightlife in Boracay, a tiny Filipino island with stellar shorelines, beautiful sunsets and a party vibe that’s the envy of Southeast Asia.

For adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts, one of the best things to do in the Philippines is to explore the country’s volcanos. If you’re up for a challenge, hike the symmetrical cone of Mount Mayon, the Philippines’ most active volcano. Or pair a 4x4 excursion with a hike around Mount Pinatubo, which is home to an emerald-green lake and beautiful views.

Thrill seekers can swim alongside giant whale sharks off the coast of Sorsogon in southern Luzon or with dugongs around Calauit Island. If you prefer to stay on land, head to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, northeast of Tagbilaran. And you can see some of the world’s largest eagles at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City.

Filipinos celebrate year-round with a calendar of festivals. Join the crowds in January for the Ati-Atihan Festival, a Mardi Gras–style celebration in Kalibo on Panay Island. Or head to Cebu City in January for the colorful Sinulog Festival. In December, things get festive with the Giant Lantern Festival held in San Fernando, known as the ‘Christmas Capital of the Philippines.’

With thousands of islands to choose from, there’s no shortage of dreamy beaches in the Philippines. Sun worshipers flock to the white sands of Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island in Cebu. And in Palawan, snorkelers explore the shipwrecks around Coron Bay’s beaches. Prefer to surf? Siargao Island’s Cloud 9 break draws wave riders from around the world.

Marvel at the Banaue Rice Terraces, known as the ‘stairway to heaven’ by the Ifugao people. In Bohol, don’t miss the conical Chocolate Hills, which legend says are the calcified tears of a giant. Love movies? Visit the Pagsanjan Falls in the province of Laguna, famously featured in the final scenes of Francis Ford Coppola’s film ‘Apocalypse Now.’

With Chinese, Mexican, Malay and American influences, Filipino cuisine is a fusion of global flavors. When visiting local restaurants in the Philippines, look out for popular dishes like ‘adobo’ (meat cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and spices), ‘lechon’ (spit-roasted pig) and ‘kilawin’ (Filipino ceviche). For dessert, try ‘halo-halo,’ made from shaved ice, evaporated milk and a mixture of toppings.

Plenty of museums in the Philippines offer a slice of the country’s rich culture. In the capital city of Manila, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology are always worth a visit. And in Makati, the Ayala Museum showcases Filipino culture, art, history and heritage. Bookworms should head to the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center in Marikina.

It can be hot and humid here year-round, but the dry season between November and April is generally the best time to visit. December to February are the coolest months and ideal for outdoor activities. If you’re traveling on a budget, consider the low season between June and September. But be prepared for rougher seas and passing typhoons.

While it’s slightly pricier than other Southeast Asian countries, it’s still very possible to plan a cheap vacation in the Philippines. You can expect to pay about 200 Philippine pesos (₱) for an inexpensive meal and ₱70 for a local beer.