Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan, PhilippinesPhoto: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Find your Bliss in the Philippines
The Philippines, made simple: seven thousand islands, warm people and easy island hopping
The Philippines is a country of more than seven thousand islands: the limestone lagoons of El Nido and Coron, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, the surf breaks of Siargao, the old walled city of Intramuros in Manila and some of the friendliest people anywhere. It can feel daunting, with domestic flights, ferries, typhoon season and the eTravel form to get right. This guide takes the guesswork out so you travel with confidence.
Your trip, step by step
- Before you flyEntry rules, eTravel, seasons and money, answered
- LandingManila's airport terminals, SIM cards, ride apps and your first night, explained
- Your days in the PhilippinesIslands, cities, food and festivals, planned at a realistic pace
- Home againDeparture tips so the last day is calm too
Where to go, eat and stay
- Plain answersClear, honest guidance on the questions first-timers actually ask.
- Official sourcesEntry, health and safety facts point you to the official pages to confirm.
- No price surprisesWe explain pesos, environmental fees, island hopping tours and tipping so costs never catch you off guard.
- Free to useEvery guide and the trip planner are free.
Our promise
The Philippines should feel like paradise, not a puzzle. We answer the questions about entry, money, flights, ferries and safety before they start, so you arrive confident and ready to find your Bliss.
Coming home to see family from California, Toronto, Dubai or Sydney, or finally seeing Palawan for yourself? This guide was written with you in mind.
How to use this guide
Four steps from first idea to a trip that feels easy.
- Choose your islandsCity, lagoons, diving, surf or countryside: start with the destinations that fit you.
- Sort the essentialsEntry rules, eTravel, travel advice, money and the right season, checked against official sources.
- Pick your placesUse our places to visit list for food, culture, nature and stays on each island.
- Plan your routeUse the free trip planner to link Manila and two or three island groups without wasting days in transit.
Everything your Philippines trip needs
Free tools and guides for every stage of the journey.
Destinations
Manila, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol and Siargao, each explained in depth.
Explore destinationsPlaces to visit
More than a hundred restaurants, beaches, markets, bars and stays, from classics to hidden corners.
See places to visitFlights and stays
Search flights into Manila and Cebu, and stays on every island.
Plan travelPlaces finder
Restaurants, sights and stays mapped around each base.
Find placesFree trip planner
Tell us your dates and interests and build a route that fits.
Plan your trip
The classic Philippines trip
Manila, Palawan and the Visayas
Most first trips land in Manila, spend a day or two in Intramuros and the food halls, then fly to Palawan for El Nido and Coron before crossing to Cebu and Bohol for whale sharks, waterfalls and the Chocolate Hills. Add Siargao for surf and slow island days. Two to three weeks shows you the best without rushing.
- Intramuros, Binondo and the food scene in Manila
- Lagoons and island hopping in El Nido and Coron
- Canyoneering, sardine runs and Kawasan Falls in Cebu
- The Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and Panglao beaches in Bohol
Start with the destinations
See how Manila, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol and Siargao fit together.
Philippines destinationsPlan with confidence
Your route, without the worry
The Philippines rewards a little preparation: eTravel done before you fly, domestic flights booked with buffer days, the right season for each island and a ride app on your phone. Our free planner helps you shape it.
- Realistic flight and ferry links between islands
- The right months for each region
- Where to base yourself
Where to go in the Philippines
From the capital on Manila Bay to the lagoons of Palawan, the reefs and waterfalls of Cebu, Bohol's hills and Siargao's surf.
Metro Manila, Luzon
Manila
The walled city of Intramuros, Chinatown food, museums and the bars of Makati.
Read the guidePhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Palawan province, MIMAROPA
Palawan
Limestone lagoons, island hopping, wreck diving and the Underground River.
Read the guidePhoto: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cebu province, Central Visayas
Cebu
The country's oldest city, canyoneering, sardine runs and thresher sharks.
Read the guidePhoto: Patrickroque01, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bohol province, Central Visayas
Bohol
Chocolate Hills, tiny tarsiers, river cruises and Panglao's beaches.
Read the guidePhoto: PNA photo by Joey O. Razon, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Surigao del Norte, Mindanao
Siargao
Cloud 9 surf, palm forests, lagoons and a laid back island pace.
Read the guidePhoto: Wolfgang Hägele, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A note from our founder
A note from our founder
My first time visiting Kenya, I was genuinely surprised with how fast it began feeling like home. The people are so friendly, the food is delicious and familiar, and the accommodations are modern and upscale.
During my travels throughout the continent, I commonly hear tourists share stories about being scammed or taken advantage of, which is both frustrating and disheartening.
Living in Kenya for the last 2 years, I have had the great fortune to meet a network of wonderful Kenyans who have continuously help guide my family's journey. Their shared knowledge has not only greatly enhanced our overall experience here, but it has also saved us tons of time, energy, and resources.
With BlissPoint Travel, my hope is to build a global community that is willing to share useful, uncommon knowledge so that we can all blissfully enjoy the wonders our world has to offer.
Questions we hear most
Is the Philippines safe to visit?
Most visits are trouble free, and the main tourist islands of Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Siargao and Boracay see millions of visitors. Take care with petty theft and scams in Manila, respect typhoon warnings, and avoid the parts of western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago covered by government warnings. Read your own government's travel advice before you go.
What is the capital of the Philippines?
Manila, on Manila Bay in the island of Luzon. It is part of the wider Metro Manila region, and most international flights land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
It depends on your passport. Many nationalities can enter visa free for a set number of days, while others need a visa from a Philippine embassy. Everyone must complete the free eTravel form online before arrival. Check the Bureau of Immigration and Department of Foreign Affairs sites before you book.
How many days do I need in the Philippines?
Ten days covers Manila and one island group, such as Palawan. Two to three weeks lets you add Cebu and Bohol or Siargao at a relaxed pace, allowing for domestic flights and weather.
When is the best time to visit the Philippines?
December to May is the dry season across most of the country, with March to May the hottest. June to November brings the southwest monsoon and the main typhoon months, though Siargao and the east have their own patterns.
Can BlissPoint Travel book my trip?
We are a free travel guide, not a tour operator. Use our trip planner to shape your route, and our partner links to compare flights and stays.
Ready to find your Bliss in the Philippines?
Use the free trip planner to shape your days, or send us a question through the contact page.