Philippines travel guide
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than seven thousand islands, and the variety packs a lot into a single trip. You can dive among shipwrecks in Coron, swim in the lagoons of El Nido, watch whale sharks off Cebu, walk the rice terraces of Banaue and wander the cobbled streets of Vigan. The country divides naturally into regions. Luzon has the capital, Manila, along with the highlands of Baguio and the north. The Visayas bring island hopping around Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Dumaguete, while Palawan is known for its limestone scenery. Mindanao offers surfing on Siargao and quieter cities such as Davao and Cagayan de Oro. The dry season from about November to May is the best time to travel, while typhoons are more likely from June to October. It suits beach lovers, divers and independent travellers who like to move between islands, and you can plan your itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Manila.
Visa for Indian passport holders
E-visa, applied for online before you fly.
Before you go to Philippines
- Currency
- PHP ₱
- Emergency number
- 911 / 117
- Plug type
- Type A, B, C
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Optional
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard
- ATM fees
- ₱250 per withdrawal
Cities in Philippines
- Manila The Pearl of the Orient — Philippines' dynamic capital of Spanish colonial architecture, bustling markets, and world-class museums.
- Cebu The Queen of the South — a busy port city, beach resort destination, and diving hotspot with vibrant nightlife and shopping.
- Puerto Princesa Last Ecological Frontier — blessed with pristine beaches, the Underground River, limestone cliffs, and exceptional marine biodiversity.
- Vigan UNESCO World Heritage Site — a beautifully preserved Spanish colonial town with Calle Crisologo, cobblestone streets, and heritage…
- Baguio The City of Pines — a highland resort destination known for cool weather, pine forests, handicrafts, and cultural attractions.
- Dumaguete City The City of Gentle People — a charming coastal city known for whale sharks, quiet beaches, and laid-back island atmosphere.
- Iloilo City The City of Festivals — a historic city with colonial heritage, vibrant local culture, and proximity to island hopping destinations.
- Boracay The Paradise Island — world-famous for white-sand beaches, kite boarding, sunset parties, and clear turquoise waters.
- Siargao Island A trendy surfer's paradise with world-class waves, lagoons, and a vibrant backpacker and digital nomad community.
- Coron Island paradise of turquoise lagoons, WWII shipwrecks, limestone cliffs, and exceptional diving sites.
- El Nido Gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago — a northern Palawan town famed for towering limestone karst cliffs, hidden lagoons, secluded white-sand…
- Davao Mindanao's thriving city — known for pineapples, durians, Eagle Centre, and as a gateway to Mindanao adventures.
- Oslob A southern Cebu coastal town world-famous for whale shark watching at Tan-awan, complemented by the cascades of Tumalog Falls and the…
- Moalboal A laid-back dive town on Cebu's Tañon Strait coast, renowned for its spectacular sardine run, resident sea turtles, and the house reef off…
- Bacolod City The City of Smiles — a friendly city known for Masskara Festival, sugar plantations, and access to island hopping.
- Quezon City Philippines' largest city by land area — a vibrant urban center with business districts, museums, and cultural venues.
- Batangas Beach and mountain gateway — a jumping-off point for volcano tours, diving, island hopping, and hot spring resorts.
- Badian A western Cebu coastal town best known for canyoneering through the turquoise pools and waterfalls of the Kawasan Falls river gorge, backed…
- Tacloban Gateway to Eastern Visayas — a historic city with colonial past, local crafts, and proximity to island and natural attractions.
- Laguna A populous province known for Enchanted Kingdom theme park, hot springs, and scenic mountain communities.
- Marinduque Island province known for Moriones Festival, hidden beaches, and relaxed island atmosphere.
- Mindoro Island destination known for white sand beaches, underwater cave systems, and a mix of beach and mountain activities.
- Zamboanga City A colorful trading port and gateway to the Sulu Archipelago, known for local handicrafts and seafood.
- Cavite Historic province known for Manila Bay views, historical sites, and as a beach and nature gateway from the capital.
- Tagbilaran Capital of Bohol province, Philippines, and the main gateway (via Bohol-Panglao International Airport, IATA TAG) for the Chocolate Hills,…
- Banaue The Ifugao mountain town at the centre of the Cordillera rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape, and the road head for…
- Siquijor A compact island province in the Central Visayas famed for Cambugahay Falls, the Salagdoong and Paliton beaches, the century-old balete…
- Camiguin A small volcanic island province off northern Mindanao, known for White Island sandbar, Mantigue Island, the Sunken Cemetery, and hot and…
- Cagayan de Oro The largest city of Northern Mindanao and the regional gateway for whitewater rafting on the Cagayan de Oro River, the Bukidnon highlands,…
- Surigao City Capital of Surigao del Norte and the mainland Mindanao gateway to Siargao Island, with fastcraft and RoRo sailings from Surigao Base Port…
- Ormoc Port city on the west coast of Leyte and the fastcraft hub between Cebu and Eastern Visayas, with a paved highway link east to Tacloban.…
Frequently asked questions about Philippines
- Do Indian citizens need a visa for Philippines?
- E-visa, applied for online before you fly.
- What currency is used in Philippines?
- The currency in Philippines is the Philippine Peso (₱). ₱1 is about ₹2.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Philippines?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard. Typical ATM fees: ₱250 per withdrawal. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Philippines?
- Tipping in Philippines: optional. Typically about 10% in restaurants.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Philippines?
- Drink bottled water.
- What plug type does Philippines use?
- Philippines uses Type A, B, C plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Philippines?
- Emergency: 911. Police: 117. Ambulance: 911. Tourist helpline: 151-TOUR (151-8687) / +63 995 835 5155.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Philippines?
- SIM and eSIM available in Philippines.
- What is the capital of Philippines?
- The capital of Philippines is Manila. Time there: IST + 2 h 30 min.