Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,000 lush, tropical islands of great natural beauty, fascinating colonial remnants and some of the best beaches and diving in Asia. The Philippines features jade-colored rice fields, long, pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, active volcanoes and rainforest-covered mountains. As one of the most diverse nations in Asia, the Philippines boasts fascinating tribal people in the more remote areas of northern Luzon, and in Mindanao, the southern Philippines, where few tourists ever venture.

Europeans first encountered the Philippines during Magellan's voyage to circumnavigate the globe in the early 1500s, when the archipelago was a disparate collection of tribal kingdoms. Subsequent Spanish missions succeeded in uniting the kingdoms under the Spanish flag, naming the country "Las Filipinas" after King Philip II. Colonized by Spain for over 300 years, then by the United States for another 40, the Philippines was a major Pacific theater of World War II, as the Allies sought to overturn the Japanese occupation. In 1946, the Philippines finally became an independent republic. Centuries of Western colonization have deeply influenced the culture, creating a unique amalgam of traditional Eastern practices and modern Western sensibilities. 

Despite centuries of colonial rule, Filipinos are exceedingly friendly and outgoing and very welcoming to visitors. About 80 percent of its 94-million-strong population is Roman Catholic, and the Philippines is one of the largest English speaking nations in the world.

Philippines Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Philippines Itineraries

Classic Philippines

Beginning in the bustling capital of Manila and finishing in the relaxing paradise of El Nido, this 11-day itinerary takes you through the Philippines' most popular destinations. Taste Manila's Chinese-Filipino heritage, witness centuries-old rice terraces, explore caves and see the hanging coffins, and lounge on white sand beach on this balanced getaway.

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,500
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Adventure and Relaxation in Batanes and El Nido

Begin your Philippines adventure by “shooting the rapids” in dugout canoes. Then relax with island time touring around Batanes before returning to adventure by trekking to the 20th century’s most powerful volcano. Balancing your adventure and relaxation experiences, you’ll finish your 13-day holiday by lounging on El Nido’s lush white-sand beaches.

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,100
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Caramoan Peninsula Explorer: From Manila and Luzon to Donsol and Siargao

ATV rides, swimming alongside the world’s largest fish, and relaxing on lush gold-sand beaches are all in store on this 15-day luxurious adventure through the Caramoan Peninsula in the tropical Philippines chain. Enjoy helicopter rides and a full day’s pampering at an exclusive spa on this one-of-a-kind holiday.

Duration
15 days / 14 nights
Price Per Person
From $43,200
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Colors & Cultures of Negros, Philippines

An incredible fusion of Latin and Asian culture, the Negros is home to a fascinating atmosphere in the Philippines. This 13-day itinerary takes you to an authentic Filipino festival, inside old-world churches, into the vibrant barrier reefs and inside a culture unique the world over found only in the Negros-chain.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,700
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Culture and Diving in the Philippine Islands

Divers and snorkelers alike will delight in this 17-day two-part luxurious holiday in the Philippines. The first half is spent exploring the Filipino culture, natural features and history. The second half is spent exploring the active corals, several dive sites and lush white-sand beaches from a lush cruise charter.

Duration
17 days / 16 nights
Price Per Person
From $17,200
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From the Relaxing Philippines to Fast-Paced Hong Kong

Embark on an exciting 12-day adventure through the Philippines, starting in Manila, where you’ll visit Intramuros city, and continue on to the cobblestone streets of historic Vigan and Bohol’s chocolate hills. Round off the trip with a luxurious stay in Hong Kong, capturing the iconic skyline from Victoria Peak.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,300
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Heritage and Islands of the Philippines

Island hop through the idyllic Philippines on this 16-day luxury tour. Visit several of the country’s historical heritage sites, relax on serene beaches and experience Latin-Asian fusion cultures. Gorge on fresh local food in the popular markets. Search for lively fish as you snorkel Palawan's active coral reefs.

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Price Per Person
From $11,400
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Island-Hopping in the Central Philippines

There’s no need to narrow down which heavenly island you will visit in on this 12-day trip through the Central Philippines island chain. Revel in luxury as you stay in the best hotels throughout your journey. Stroll along white-sand islets and snorkel alongside beautiful sea turtles on this exciting adventure.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,100
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Manila, Boracay & Pamalican: Cities & Beaches of the Philippines

Discover the most famous beaches and best-kept secrets of the Philippines in this luxurious tour of the islands. Live it up in the big city before plunging headlong into lazy days on Boracay, El Nido and Amanpulo, with stunning scenery and crystal waters.   

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,580
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Pristine Palawan

Explore natural limestone caves and cliffs in Puerto Princesa, take a river cruise inside a subterranean cave and snorkel lively coral reefs. Stay in the finest hotels in the Philippines for complete relaxation as you enter the perfect gateway for discovering the country’s historical past on your 12-day luxury trip.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,000
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Amanpulo
Preferred Hotel

Amanpulo

Pamalican Island, Philippines

Located on a private island, Amanpulo is possibly the perfect beach escape. Pamalican island is secluded and offers a variety of sea, sand and tropical-retreat pleasures, in exclusive comfort and in traditionally styled accommodation. The 40 Beach, Hillside and Treetop Casitas are modeled on local bahay kubo dwellings, and each has its own golf cart for island exploration. All casitas come with a flat-screen satellite television, DVD/CD player and iPod dock, all connected to a surround-sound system. This romantically remote...
Amorita Resort
Preferred Hotel

Amorita Resort

Bohol, Philippines

Secluded atop a limestone cliff on the southern edge of Bohol's Panglao Island, Amorita is a tranquil seaside retreat that marries world-class service with signature Filipino hospitality. The luxury resort overlooks the azure-colored Bohol Sea and elegantly punctuates the vibrant tropical landscape along Alona Beach. Embodying the natural treasures of Bohol - limestone, shimmering blue waters, pristine white sand, and lush tracts of greenery - Amorita integrates key elements of the surrounding environment to create a distinct island ambience and...
Ariara Island
Preferred Hotel

Ariara Island

Palawan, Philippines

An 125-acre private island in the Palawan region, Ariara Island is one of the most stunning resorts in the Philippines. Only one party can book the fully-staffed property at a time (two to 20 guests), giving visitors ultimate exclusivity. The resort has 10 beach cottages and jungle villas, each with a large bedroom, a four-poster bed, a walk-in wardrobe, and an enormous marble bathroom with either a wooden bathtub or a marble bathtub hand-carved from a block of Romblon marble,...
El Nido Pangulasian
Preferred Hotel

El Nido Pangulasian

El Nido, Philippines

Located on a private island with breathtaking scenery comparable to Vietnam's spectacular Halong Bay, Pangulasian Island is the first and only luxury accommodation available in this pristine hideaway setting. Known as the “Island of the Sun”, guests at Pangulasian can enjoy stunning views of the sunrise and sunset from the expansive white sandy beach stretching over 2400 foot. The resort has 42 select palm-thatched beach villas built with a contemporary Filipino flair. The high-end amenities include an infinity pool, restaurant,...
Fairmont Makati
Preferred Hotel

Fairmont Makati

Manila, Philippines

Manila’s Fairmont Makati is located at the heart of the Philippines’ premier art and business district of Makati, which ranks among the world’s busiest centers of commerce and culture. Although directly connected to Manila, Makati is typically considered a highly modernized, cosmopolitan city of its own thanks to its dense population, as well as its ample concentration of multinational and local businesses. Fairmont Makati has cemented a place among the capital’s finest five-star hotels thanks to its classy amenities and...
Makati Shangri-La
Preferred Hotel

Makati Shangri-La

Manila, Philippines

Located in the heart of Manila’s business and commercial district, Makati Shangri-La is a luxury hotel moments from the capital’s best shops, bars, and restaurants. The hotel’s 699 rooms have a classic feel, with wood-paneled walls, an alcove ceiling, and a muted color palette. Soothing touches like a Zen waterfall on every floor creates a feeling of serenity that’s hard to come by in the bustling area surrounding the hotel. Leisure amenities include a full-service spa, an outdoor swimming pool,...
Nay Palad Hideaway
Preferred Hotel

Nay Palad Hideaway

Siargao, Philippines

Nay Palad Hideaway provides a tropical island escape at its finest, on the stunning Siargao Island in the southern Philippines. With its all-inclusive packages, guests never have to worry about signing bills or carrying their wallet around, since everything guests could possible want or need is included in the room price. Only ten villas make up this exclusive resort, all extremely luxurious, with private terraces and stunning views of the lush, tropical surroundings. Dining is fresh, and meals are cooked...
Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa
Preferred Hotel

Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa

Boracay, Philippines

Unlike the majority of hotels packed side-by-side on this famous island’s 3-mile stretch of white-sand beach, Shangri-La carved out its own little tranquil retreat. Set on a hillside away from the crowds, this 219-room hotel is in an enclave with its own private beach. Opened in early 2009, the hotel incorporates indigenous materials in its contemporary design. Rooms are decorated with abaca-weave rugs and lamps made of capiz shells. Every room has a balcony with a view of either the...
Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa
Preferred Hotel

Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa

Cebu, Philippines

Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa is the finest luxury resort in Cebu. Located on a beautiful private beach and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the resort has 537 rooms & suites, all equipped with the latest state-of-the-art facilities including internet & cable TV, as well as balconies with either sea or garden views. The resort is ideal for families, boasting an adventure Zone, an indoor playground, and E-Zone, a complete entertainment hub with arcades and two state-of-the-art karaoke rooms. The...
The Peninsula Manila
Preferred Hotel

The Peninsula Manila

Manila, Philippines

Strategically placed on the corners of Ayala and Makati Avenues, The Peninsula Manila is close to premier shopping facilities and within easy access of Manila's numerous attractions. The hotel is a nine kilometers drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and just six kilometers from Manila's domestic airport. Elegantly furnished in classic style, the hotel's 351 rooms and suites provide modern, technologically advanced conveniences, including complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access. The Gallery Club Lounge is available 24 hours a day,...
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Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

Weather in Philippines

Throughout most of the archipelago, the best time to visit The Philippines is in the summer between December and February, when the weather is dry.

  • The climate is mostly tropical and tempered by constant sea breezes. There are three distinct seasons: the rainy season (June to September), the cool and dry (October to February), and the hot and mainly dry (March to May). In the lowlands, temperatures remain fairly high throughout the year, while mountainous areas tend to be cooler.
  • The central and northern islands have a tropical monsoon climate, similar to that of Indochina, with a single season of heavy rain.
  • Rainfall is particularly heavy from August to October, when much of it comes from typhoons in the South China Sea. The most severe of these typhoons produce very high wind speeds and torrential rain. Most of them develop east of the Philippines and move westward into the South China Sea, where they deepen and intensify.
  • In the dry season, the weather is sunnier and more pleasant
  • The southernmost islands have an almost equatorial climate with significant rain year round.

Multi-Country Specialists

Philippines Goes Well With

Travelogues

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