Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls
Leap off towering limestone cliffs and swim through turquoise river canyons in Badian, Cebu.
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Overview
Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands that make up one diverse country that embodies the spirit of South East Asia. With a unique set of cultures, cuisines, and attractions, Philippines is one of the most attractive destinations in the far east. The many islands that make up the country lend themselves to some amazing experiences, and Philippines is bound to be one country that you will visit more than once. The capital of Philippines, Manila and its metropolitan area, known as Metro Manila is a bustling area that offers many great attractions, including historic churches, parks, museums, theatres, shopping malls, and monuments.
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Essential Information
When to Visit
Peak season
December - April
The dry season offers cooler, comfortable temperatures and the clearest skies, perfect for beach trips and outdoor activities.
Off-season
June - October
Characterized by the southwest monsoon, bringing frequent rainfall and occasional typhoons, though offering lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
HI / Lo°C
Rainfall
Sunshine
Jan
30° / 22°
10-20 mm
7 Hours
30° / 22°
10-20 mm
7 Hours
Feb
31° / 22°
5-15 mm
8 Hours
31° / 22°
5-15 mm
8 Hours
Mar
32° / 23°
5-20 mm
9 Hours
32° / 23°
5-20 mm
9 Hours
Apr
34° / 24°
15-30 mm
9 Hours
34° / 24°
15-30 mm
9 Hours
May
34° / 25°
100-150 mm
7 Hours
34° / 25°
100-150 mm
7 Hours
Jun
32° / 25°
200-280 mm
5 Hours
32° / 25°
200-280 mm
5 Hours
Jul
31° / 24°
250-350 mm
4 Hours
31° / 24°
250-350 mm
4 Hours
Aug
31° / 24°
300-420 mm
4 Hours
31° / 24°
300-420 mm
4 Hours
Sep
31° / 24°
250-350 mm
4 Hours
31° / 24°
250-350 mm
4 Hours
Oct
31° / 24°
150-220 mm
6 Hours
31° / 24°
150-220 mm
6 Hours
Nov
31° / 23°
100-150 mm
6 Hours
31° / 23°
100-150 mm
6 Hours
Dec
30° / 23°
50-80 mm
6 Hours
30° / 23°
50-80 mm
6 Hours
Flight Time from London
Typically via indirect routing
14h 30m
Currency
PHP
Philippine Peso
Time
GMT +8
Asia/Manila
Airport
Ninoy Aquino International
MNL
Languages
Filipino
English
Visa
For stays under 30 days
Visa Free
Population
Estimated population
117 million
Famous For
Visa Information
UK travellers don’t need a visa for short visits to the Philippines. If you’re planning to stay longer than 30 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa extension or the appropriate long-stay visa. Before travelling, all passengers must complete the free eTravel registration within 72 hours before arrival. You may also be asked to show proof of onward or return travel, accommodation details and sufficient funds for your stay.
Passport Validity Check
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in the Philippines.
Visa-Free Entry
Tourist Waiver
Planning a beach holiday, island-hopping adventure or business trip? British citizens can travel to the Philippines without a visa before departure
- Stay for up to 30 days visa-free.
- Complete the mandatory eTravel registration within 72 hours before arrival.
- Carry proof of onward or return travel
- as this is required for entry.
- Immigration officers may also ask for proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.
Visa Extension
Visa Extension
Want to spend more time exploring the Philippines? You can extend your stay after arriving in the country.
- Apply for an initial 29-day extension
- allowing a total stay of 59 days.
- Submit your application through the Philippine Bureau of Immigration before your visa-free stay expires.
- Further extensions may be available if you continue to meet the immigration requirements.
Long-term stay
Long-Stay Visas
Planning to work, study, retire or relocate to the Philippines? You may apply for Long-stay before departure
- Providing proof of return or onward travel is mandatory to secure entry.
- Immigration officers may request documentation for your accommodations and evidence of sufficient funds.
Things to Do
Discover the incredible mix of outdoor thrills, rich historical landmarks, and world-class natural wonders scattered across the Philippine archipelago.
Adventure
Test your limits with high-energy activities across the islands' unique geological formations.
Kitesurfing at Bulabog Beach
Ride the intense Pacific winds on Boracay's famous eastern shore, a world-renowned destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
History
Step back in time to explore colonial heritage, legendary landmarks, and indigenous landscapes preserved through generations.
Exploring Intramuros
Walk down the cobblestone streets of Manila's walled-city enclave, featuring Spanish era fortresses and baroque stone churches.
Visiting Basilica del Santo Niño
Pay respects at the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, located in the historic heart of Cebu City.
Rice Terraces of Banaue & Batad
Marvel at the 2,000-year-old hand-carved agricultural steps built into the mountains of Ifugao by ancestors of the indigenous people.
Nature
Immerse yourself in spectacular biodiversity, geological anomalies, and world-heritage marine ecosystems.
Cruising the Underground River
Navigate the deep limestone caves of Puerto Princesa on Palawan, a spectacular subterranean river system protected as a UNESCO site.
Island Hopping in El Nido
Sail past jagged limestone karst cliffs to find hidden lagoons and untouched white-sand beaches on Cadlao and Miniloc Islands.
Viewing the Chocolate Hills
Gaze over Bohol's legendary geological formations, featuring over 1,200 grass-covered symmetrical mounds that turn brown during the dry season.
Top Attractions in the Philippines
Must-visit landmarks and stunning natural landscapes that should define your Philippine bucket list.
Rizal Park
Stroll through Manila's grand historical urban park honoring the national hero José Rizal, surrounded by museums and ornate gardens.
Coron Island
Gaze over jaw-dropping lakes, shipwrecks from WWII, and towering limestone cliffs across the northern tip of Palawan.
Mayon Volcano
Witness the breathtaking, perfectly symmetrical active stratovolcano situated in Albay, Bicol Region.
Siargao Island
Relax in the surfing capital of the Philippines, known for its iconic Cloud 9 tube ride, extensive coconut woodlands, and tidal pools.
What to Eat
Savor the incredibly bold, sour, sweet, and savory elements of authentic Filipino cuisine across the country.
Adobo
Taste the legendary national dish of chicken or pork slow-simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves.
Lechon Cebu
Indulge in whole-roasted pig stuffed with local herbs, resulting in extraordinarily crispy skin and intensely flavored meat.
Sinigang na Hipon
Warm your soul with a classic sour soup flavored with tamarind, featuring fresh prawns, radish, tomatoes, and native green vegetables.
Halo-Halo
Cool down with the quintessential Filipino dessert of shaved ice, evaporated milk, sweet beans, fruits, jellies, and ube ice cream.
Sizzling Sisig
Listen to the crackle of this savory favorite made from finely chopped pork cheek, ears, and liver, seasoned with calamansi and chili.
Kare-Kare
Enjoy a rich, thick peanut stew featuring oxtail and vegetables, served traditionally with a side of savory fermented shrimp paste.
Chicken Inasal
Relish Bacolod's famous flame-grilled chicken marinated in calamansi, lemongrass, and ginger oil, basted with distinct achuote seed oil.
Balut
Test your culinary boundaries with this iconic hot street food of boiled, developing duck embryo eaten straight from the shell.
Crispy Pata
Clamor for this decadent deep-fried pork trotter that features incredibly crunchy skin paired with exceptionally tender, moist meat inside.
Pancit Guisado
Share a platter of these classic wok-stir-fried bihon and canton noodles cooked with fresh sliced vegetables, pork, and seafood.
Mango Float
Taste standard dessert perfection made with layers of sweet Philippine mangoes, graham crackers, and sweetened whipped cream.
Lumpia
Snack on crispy, golden-fried Filipino spring rolls stuffed with seasoned ground pork, carrots, and sweet onions.
Facts about Philippines
The Philippines is a unique Southeast Asian archipelago filled with fascinating stories, featuring thousands of tropical islands, ancient rice terraces, vibrant festivals, and extraordinary wildlife.
The Philippines has more than 7,600 islands, with around 2,000 inhabited.
Filipino and English are the country's official languages, making communication easy for most visitors.
It is one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries, rich in unique wildlife and plant species.
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is one of the world's longest navigable underground rivers.
The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras have been carved into the mountains for over 2,000 years.
The Philippines celebrates thousands of fiestas each year, showcasing local culture and traditions.
The Philippine tarsier is one of the world's smallest primates and is native to the country.
The country lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, home to many active volcanoes and hot springs.
Jeepneys are a colourful symbol of the Philippines and one of its most iconic forms of transport.
The Philippines is one of the world's largest producers of coconuts, which are widely used in local cuisine.
Tips for Visiting Philippines
A few tips can make your trip around the Philippines much easier, from island-hopping between destinations to planning around the tropical weather.
Register for the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival and keep your QR code handy for check-in and immigration.
Travelling between islands? Allow extra time, as flights and ferries can be delayed by weather, especially during the rainy season.
The dry season (December to May) is generally the best time for beaches, diving and island-hopping.
Carry some cash when visiting smaller islands and rural areas, where card payments may not always be available.
Download Grab before arriving in Manila or Cebu for convenient, cashless taxi journeys.
Drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water, particularly outside major cities.
Pack sunscreen, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle for the tropical climate.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and other religious sites to respect local customs.
Check the latest travel advice before visiting Mindanao, as some areas are subject to security restrictions.
Travel Advice & Safety
Travel confidently around the Philippines by taking a few sensible precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy places, stay informed about the weather and check local travel advice before exploring more remote regions.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire Department
- 911
- Ambulance
- 911
Is it Safe to Travel to the Philippines?
The Philippines is generally safe to visit, especially in popular destinations such as Palawan, Boracay, Cebu and Bohol. In busy cities like Manila, keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in crowded transport hubs and markets. If you're travelling during the rainy season, keep an eye on weather forecasts, and always check the latest travel advice before visiting parts of Mindanao.
Key Safety Considerations
Belongings: Keep your phone, passport and valuables secure in crowded transport hubs, markets and popular tourist areas.
Petty Crime: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or displaying expensive jewellery, particularly after dark.
Regional Travel: Check the latest travel advice before visiting parts of Mindanao, where some areas remain subject to security warnings.
Swimming: Always follow local warning flags and lifeguard advice, as strong currents can occur even on popular beaches.
Natural Hazards: The Philippines is prone to typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic activity. Follow local authorities' guidance during severe weather or emergencies.
Road Safety: Traffic can be busy and unpredictable, particularly in larger cities. Allow extra travel time and stay alert when crossing roads.
Adventure Activities: Follow safety briefings and wear the recommended protective equipment for activities such as diving, canyoning and zip-lining.
Wildlife: Avoid touching marine life or coral reefs, as some species can cause injury and protected areas have strict conservation rules.
Local Laws & Culture
Language: Filipino and English are the country's official languages, and English is widely spoken throughout the Philippines.
Churches: Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites by covering your shoulders and knees where appropriate.
Drugs: The Philippines has strict drug laws, and offences involving illegal drugs carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.
Smoking & Vaping: Smoking and vaping are prohibited in many indoor public places and some outdoor areas. Always follow local regulations and designated smoking areas.
Photography: Ask permission before photographing local people, particularly in Indigenous communities or during cultural and religious events.
Respect: Show courtesy to local customs and traditions, especially during religious celebrations and community festivals.
Tipping: A service charge is often included in restaurant bills. If it isn't, leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated.
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