The Philippines is made up of over 7000 tropical islands and offers a unique experience for the gap year traveller looking to discover Asia with a difference. Blending ancient and modern, beaches and vibrant cities, magical mountains and rice terraces with ancient culture, Spanish colonial history and Catholic influence with traditional Asian influences, the Philippines is a country of contrasts and charm that is not to be missed!
If you've ever wondered what paradise on Earth looks like, it's this. Rugged limestone cliffs covered in wilderness. Pearly white beaches backed by palm trees. Secret lagoons and shimmering pools of bright sapphire. Even more stunning in person on our Philippines tours, El Nido promises views so beautiful, it almost feels unreal.
Home to the Philippines' finest sunsets and sandy stretches, it's only a matter of time before Port Barton becomes your new favourite place. Who can resist the heavenly beaches and little islands dotted along the bay? Enjoy the island's easy pace, while feasting on the delicious seafood, relaxing at a beach bar, and listening to some live music.
Ever wanted to stay on a private island? Our Philippines group tours make this fantasy a reality, as you spend the evenings stargazing on secluded beaches and wake up in paradise. Enjoy the ocean all to yourselves and discover endless beauty while island-hopping. It's a once-in-a-lifetime moment you need to experience.
Adventure calls in Coron, with historic wreck diving spots and tropical marine life on offer. This breathtaking bay is home to some of the best snorkelling on the planet! After an incredible day spent exploring the ocean and spotting green sea turtles in the wild, celebrate with an epic night out in town.
Reconnect with nature inside Kawasan Falls, one of the most popular day trip activities in Cebu. Famed for its bright turquoise waters, rugged cliffs and surrounding jungle, it's the definition of heavenly. More than a breathtaking setting to kick back in, adventure is around every corner - especially if you go canyoneering!
Flowing from the mountain rivers to the sea, Puerto Princesa National Park has one of the most staggering cave systems on Earth. Only reachable by boat, it's like entering a whole new world as you float along the waters. The ancient rock formations here will make your jaw drop, and if you look closely, you may spot some sleepy wildlife.
Curious about what makes the Philippines such an iconic snorkelling destination? This island country is located inside the Coral Triangle, which many say is like the Amazon Rainforest but for ocean animals. Home to more coral species than anywhere else on Earth, and six of the world's seven sea turtle species, it's an experience that's pure magic.
Picture millions of little fish racing past you, while you snorkel under the sea in crystal-clear waters. This natural phenomenon is world-famous in Moalboal, and if you'd like to tick it off your bucket list, our trips to the Philippines make it possible. When you return to shore, vibrant beach bars and tasty local restaurants await.
Food in the Philippines mixes the influences of Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American cuisine and is distinguished by using a combination of sweet, sour and salty flavours. Rice and noodles provide the base for most meals, with fresh meat, fish and vegetables and sauces. Adobo is a popular method of cooking meat in vinegar, salt, garlic, pepper, soy sauce and other spices. A Lechon (whole pig) is a delicacy of a dish. Popular flavours for cooking include peanut, lemongrass and pepper.
December to April is the best time to visit the Philippines when the weather is pleasantly warm and dry. Between May and November, the wet season sets in and the months of June-September see torrential rain and typhoons.
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
This information is for people travelling on a full âBritish citizenâ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK governmentâs understanding of the Philippinesâ rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in the Philippines set and enforce entry rules. If youâre not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Philippine Embassy in the UK.
To enter the Philippines, your passport must have an âexpiry dateâ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
You can visit the Philippines without a visa for tourism or business for up to 30 days.
You must have a QR code to show that you have registered on the e-travel system within the 72 hours before your arrival in the Philippines. Some airlines will not allow you to board your flight to the Philippines if you cannot show the QR code.
The e-travel registration is free of charge.
Most UK visitors are also expected to have proof of return or onward travel. Immigration officials and airlines may ask for this.
To stay more than 30 days, you can apply for an extension when you are in the Philippines. If you overstay any visa without authority, it is a serious matter. You could face fees and fines, and detention if you cannot pay them, or you could be deported at your own expense.
If you want a visa to live, work, or study in the Philippines, youâll need to meet the requirements of the Philippine immigration regulations. This includes having certain UK documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, UK police certificates and school documents) legalised by the Legalisation Office (not by the Philippine Embassy in London). Â
If your non-Filipino children aged 14 or under are travelling without either parent, you must apply for a waiver of exclusion ground for entry into the Philippines.    Â
To enter the Philippines, you must have certificates to prove youâve had:
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthProâs Philippines guide.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the Philippines. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
You cannot take in more than 50,000 Philippine pesos.
If you are bringing in foreign currency (cash or cheques) worth more than 10,000 US dollars, you must declare it on your foreign currency declaration form on arrival.
If you have stayed in the Philippines for 6 months or more on a tourist visa, you must get an emigration clearance certificate (ECC) during the 72 hours before you leave the country.   Â
If you were in the Philippines on a visa issued by the Department of Justice (DoJ), the Board of Investments (BoI), or the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), you will need a travel pass from the department that issued your visa to leave the Philippines. If you have an ECC, you do not need a travel pass.
If youâre leaving the country from Cebu Mactan airport, you must pay a departure tax of 850 Philippine pesos in local currency or the equivalent in US dollars. Thereâs no longer a departure tax at Manila airport. This information can change and you should check with your airline before you travel. Â
When visiting the Philippines do not get involved with drugs of any kind as penalties are severe.
You must be able to show some identification if asked by the police e.g. a photocopy of your passport.
You should visit your GP around 8 weeks before your travel for any advice about vaccinations or health.
Parts of the Philippines do have a fairly high level of violent crime, including gun crime, although British nationals are not normally targeted. Pick-pocketing and robbery are a problem in populated areas and on public transport, so stay vigilant. Only use taxis from a reputable firm. Safety standards on taxis, buses and boats can be poor. During the rainy season, flash flooding and landslides can happen.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
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