November to April and it is dry season in the Philippines, the weather is hot and humid. The best time to visit this green archipelago nation known for its pristine beaches and laid back life is December to February when the temperature is a little cooler, usually somewhere between 21 and 30 °C (70-86 °F). A popular hit with visitors is the Surman Festival in Baler, Auroa, during the third week of February, a mardi-gras style celebration replete with dancing, street parades, floats and the eating of the local delicacy surman, or sticky rice cakes in banana leaves. April plays host to the Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival, a local version China's competitive and much famed dragon boat racing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This National Geographic Traveler award-winning trip provides an insightful glimpse of the capital, Manila, as well as rice terrace treks in Banuae and excursions to the cliffs of Sagada and tropical forests of Baguio, across 7 adventurous days.
April-May
A statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is enshrined in Pakil in Laguna and every year between the Friday before Palm Sunday and Pentecost Sunday, the women of Pakil carry the image into the city and commemorate the ‘Seven Sorrows of Our Lady’ by performing seven ‘Turumbas,’ which are wild dances performed in homage to her.
Location Laguna, Philippines
February-April
This week-long celebration is one of the few ethnic cultural festivals in the country. Held in Malaybalay, it commemorates the anniversary of the establishment of Bukidnon as a province and honors the culture of the tribal groups in the region. Traditional tribal costumes are worn and the people perform their native dances in the streets.
Location Malaybalay, Philippines
March-April
This week-long festival takes place throughout Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Locals dress in colorful Roman armor and costumes and parade in the streets. Stories are reenacted and on Good Friday, the men march through the streets, whipping themselves to reflect the suffering of Christ in order to absolve themselves of sins.
Location Marinduque, Philippines
March-April
This traditional religious ritual takes place annually on Good Friday. In a rice field outside the city of San Fernando, repentant sinners are tied and nailed to a cross with stainless steel, disinfected nails, in a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ. Penitents take part in order to cleanse themselves of their sins.
Location San Fernando, Philippines
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