Itineraries in the Philippines

Planning a trip to the Philippines ?

🇵🇭 In 2020, the Philippines made it up to the top 10 countries to travel to.

The Philippines, over 7000 islands, quickly became a popular destination for world travelers.
Sometimes called the Pearl of the Orient, the perfect name for a country with : warm, humid and tropical climate, white-sand beaches, vibrant-blue water and colourful fish … Dream vacations where you’ll get the perfect combo : relaxing snorkelling sessions by the beach and exploring the busy streets of big cities like Manilla.  From December to April, go discover its wildlife and flora while hiking through the mountains. End your Filipino trip by heading to the many accessible rice fields.
Explore the Southern Filipino cities, a short boat trip away. Make sure to get a glimpse of the tarsier, a small primate with huge eyes ! You’ll be amazed by this little creature !

What to see in the Philippines ?

What to do in the Philippines ?

Live the Filipino way of life !

• If you go to Bohol Island, make sure to go see the famous mountains called the « Chocolate Hills ».
• Not far from Bohol Island, head to Siquijor Island.
• Looking for adventures ? Go to the rice fields of Banaue.
• City dweller ? Explore Manilla and its different neighbourhoods.
• Boracay Island is the perfect place for those who love to dance and party !
• Need to just do nothing ? Go tan in the sun of Palawan Island.

But wait for it, Filipinos also know how to celebrate !

There are many national holidays all year long.

– During the 3rd week of January, many carnavals take place in Negros, Kalibo and Iloilo.
– During the 4th week of January Santo Niño (child Jesus) is celebrated across the country.
– You want to attend a Chinese New Year’s celebration ? Go to Manilla at the end of January/ beginning of February.
– In Baguio, do not the miss the Panabenga Flower Festival during the last week of February.
– Dance for days at the Baragatan Festival in Puerto Princesa during the 2nd week of June.
– Taste the laponnes fruit during the the four days of celebration in Camiguin, in October.
– In Manilla, come and celebrate La Toussaint the day after Halloween (1st of November) ! This celebration commemorates the dead, you’ll be celebrating with a nice diner or even a karaoke !

Languages in the Philippines

We speak Philippin !

Before going, you need to know that Philippin is not a language. But Tagalog is and it is the official language. It is kind of a mix between Chinese, English, Malay and Spanish !

Tagalog 101 :

– Hello : Magandáng umága (in the morning) / Magandáng hápon (in the afternoon)
– Bye : Paálam / Adyós
– Please : Pakí
– Thank you : Salámat
– Sorry : Paumanhin
– Yes : Óo / Ópô
– No : Hindî

But don’t worry, English is widely spoken across the country !

Official currency in the Philippines

Money, money, money

The official currency is Philippin Peso (PHP). Better get a money converter on your phone to manage your expenses more easily. You will also find a lot of American Dollars over there, a very common foreign currency.
If you need to exchange money, don’t worry you’ll find many exchange offices in the big cities (avoid exchanging money at the airport). But credit / debit card are accepted pretty much everywhere and ATMs are easily found. Just don’t forget to tell your bank you’ll be using this card abroad so they don’t suspect fraudulent transactions.

Traveling  in the Philippines

Is the steering wheel on the left or the right ?

Getting around in the Philippines is the easiest with a car. You will need a valid driver’s licence or an International Driving Permit. Better get an insurance too, it is not included in the car rental.
And about the sterling wheel, it is on the left side of the car and people drive on the right side of the road. But be careful, people do not really care about driving rules and regulations !

Overall cost of a trip in the Philippines

Thanks for all the information but how much is this going to cost ?

Transportation :

• Local airlines do have domestic flights, like Cebu Pacific Air (about 1856 PHP/flight) and Philippines Airlines (about 2475 PHP/flight).
• Taking the ferry will cost about 247 PHP/trip. Pretty affordable !
• Renting a car will cost about 1733 PHP for a day. You can also rent a car for a week for a month … With or without a driver.
• A taxi is about 288 PHP/hour or 1856 PHP/day.
• Renting a motorcycle is about 495 PHP/day.
• Gas is about 40 PHP for diesel and 46 PHP for gasoline.

Accommodations :

• Expect about 185 PHP for a bed in a hostel dormitory and 619 PHP for a hotel room (for two).

Eating :

• Expect only about 185 PHP/meal !

If you plan on staying for over 30 days, you’ll be needing a VISA, it will cost 1856 PHP/person.

Useful contact information in the Philippines

If you need to join / go to your embassy while in the Philippines, go to this website for the address, phone number, email adresse and website : https://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/philippines

In case of emergency in the Philippines, call :
– Police 168.
– Makati medical center (Manilla) : 815 99 11
– Firefighters : 816 25 53

Book your trip to the Philippines

Here are different websites to book your trip from :

Ferries :

• http://www.bohol.ph/article107.html
• http://www.schedule.ph
• http://www.negrosnavigation.ph
• http://www.superferry.com.ph

Flights :

• https://www.cebupacificair.com
• http://philippineairlines.com

Practical information in the Philippines

Tips to travelers :

– It is better to give tips in restaurants when it is not included in the bill.
– Do NOT drink tap water, only drink water from bottles or you’re risking getting sick.
– Don’t forget to get a universal adapter to charge your devices.
– Finally, be sure to pack long sleeved/pants and insect repellant spray !