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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,000
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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 island caters to those who wish to 'hammock' and beach-comb during their days in paradise, and also to those who seek a more active agenda of ocean adventures. There are tennis courts, a high-tech, air-conditioned gym, and a serene, 100-foot pool. The open-air Garden and Beach Salas are discreetly secluded and offer holistic body treatments. Wi-fi is available throughout the property. Amanpulo is a one-hour flight on the resort's private plane from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila. Flights are scheduled throughout the day to meet arriving guests.

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 organic modern aesthetic. Amorita Resort features 82 suites and 14 villas, with upgraded quarters adding balconies, bathtubs, and sea views. Resort facilities include a private beach, spa, gym, as well as two infinity pools. There are two world class restaurants on the property, Saffron and Tomar Tapas x Bar. Amorita Resort is only a 40-minute drive from Bohol's Tagbilaran Airport, and Bohol is only an 80-minute flight from Metro Manila.
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, plus an open-air shower. The cottages are surrounded on two sides by wide verandas with cooling ceiling fans, which provide ample room to relax and enjoy the view with comfortable seating, hammocks, and a breakfast table. The Lodge lies at the center of the settlement as a hub for guests to come together, socialize, dine (meals are prepared by private chefs), and entertain. There is also an infinity-edge swimming pool that looks out to the beach and the 140-meter pier, which has a cabana. Various water sports are available and the Island Manager is also a qualified PADI instructor, able to guide you on diving excursions to the private reef, nearby dive sights, and WWII shipwrecks, as well as on night dives. Yoga instruction, massage treatments, boat excursions, and photography services are available upon request. Ariara Island can be reached via private boat or helicopter transfer from Busuanga Airport in Coron, or by a chartered amphibious aircraft from Manila Bay.
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, a private dining area, beach bar, poolside grill, boutique, library, gym, spa, hiking trail with viewing deck, five-star dive center and a marine sports center. The deluxe abodes rest either on stilts above the lush flora and fauna or beside the beach or pool, all just a stones throw from warm inviting water. The villas, decorated with a neutral palate and natural materials, are spacious with their own private balcony (some have private pools and bath tubs), complimentary Wi-Fi, international TV channels, iPod dock, tea and coffee making facilities and mini-bar.

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 top-flight hospitality team. In terms of dining, the hotel’s unique offerings promise to satisfy the gastronomic desires of even the most discerning guests. And what’s more, the hotel is located within walking distance of some of Manila’s most sought-after attractions, including the Zuellig Building, 6750, Ayala Museum, the Glorietta Shopping Complex, and Greenbelt – one of the country’s most fashionable shopping malls. The sprawling metropolis of Manila beckons with a little bit of something for everyone, from culturally immersive explorations into the city’s music and art scenes to day trips adventuring among the country’s 7,100 islands. Whatever the journey, Fairmont Makati welcomes guests with a safe haven of five-star luxury and relaxation amid the urban landscape of the capital city.
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, a fitness center and tennis courts. There is no business center, but broadband Internet access and a fax machine is available in every room. The highlight of the hotel is its restaurants, which are popular even with the locals. Of note is the dim sum and Cantonese fine dining at Shang Palace, and Sunday brunch at Circles’ extensive international buffet. Fine dining Japanese and two sophisticated lounges round out the dining scene. Shangri-La Manila is a 30-minute drive from the Manila International Airport.

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 to order, whenever and wherever guests please. Guests never have to leave the resort, with its stunning infinity pool and luxurious surroundings being more than enough for anyone on holiday, but those who do venture out will enjoy the verdant, ancient mangrove forest surroundings, which can be explored through various vehicles on guided tours. Of course, with Siargao Island being one of the world’s surfing capitals, surfing lessons and equipment are available in abundance.

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 resort’s lush tropical gardens or Boracay’s turquoise sea. CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, is a spa village set within the resort, and it features treatments based on Chinese and native Philippine healing concepts. Other leisure amenities include one of the country’s largest free-form swimming pools, outdoor tennis courts, and a fitness center. Dining choices include a cliff-top seafood grill and an intimate Italian restaurant set amidst treetops. The hotel is a 45-minute flight from Manila, plus a 15-minute boat ride from the ferry station beside the Caticlan Airport.

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 resort spa, Chi, is one of the finest in the Philippines. Sporting activities include tennis, golf, table tennis, snooker/billiards and sailing. The Shangri-La is 15 minutes away from Mactan International Airport.

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, providing live musical entertainment and all-day refreshments and nibbles, including a breakfast buffet, The Peninsula Afternoon Tea, gourmet canapés and an open bar with a curated selection of spirits and sommelier-selected wines. The thoughtfully-designed private lounge is enhanced with custom-designed tables and soft furnishings arranged in an intimate lounge setting. Continental and Pan-Asian cuisine is served at The Peninsula's many restaurants, including Old Manila and Spices, which are two of the top restaurants in the city. Salon de Ning, the hotel's quirky lounge, features musical entertainment on most evenings.

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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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