Philippines
A country of more than seven thousand islands, mixing limestone cliffs, rice terraces and Spanish-era churches.
Icons
The sea, the mountains, and what colonial rule left standing.
- Limestone islands rising from the seaEl NidoPalawan
Small boats work a circuit of lagoons and hidden beaches. The tours are sold as lettered routes.
- More than a thousand rounded hillsChocolate HillsBohol
Named for the brown they turn when the grass dries in the dry season. A viewpoint takes in the whole field.
- Terraces carved into the mountainsCordillera rice terracesNorthern Luzon
Hillsides shaped by hand over two thousand years. Reached from Manila on an overnight bus.
- Old Manila inside its wallsIntramurosManila
A Spanish-era walled city with churches and a fort. Heavily destroyed in the war, with parts since rebuilt.
- A river running through a cavePuerto Princesa Subterranean RiverPalawan
Boats travel up an underground river that empties into the sea. Daily visitor numbers are capped.
- The island known for surfingSiargaoNortheast Mindanao
Palm-lined roads and a reef break that made its name. Tidal pools and lagoons are toured by boat.
World Heritage
Churches, terraces, and marine sites.
- Churches built to survive earthquakesBaroque Churches of the PhilippinesSeveral regions
Four churches listed together for thick walls and low profiles designed against quakes. The freestanding bell towers follow the same logic.
- A living cultural landscapeRice Terraces of the Philippine CordillerasNorthern Luzon
Still farmed, so the landscape and the way of life are listed together. It has previously appeared on the endangered list over maintenance.
- A Spanish colonial townscapeHistoric City of ViganNorthwestern Luzon
Cobbled streets and timber shophouses surviving from the colonial period. Known for the horse carriages in its streets.
- A reef far offshoreTubbataha Reefs Natural ParkSulu Sea
An open-sea reef reachable only by liveaboard dive boat. The season is short.
- A subterranean river parkPuerto Princesa Subterranean RiverPalawan
Listed for the river running beneath limestone mountains and its ecosystem. Permits are required in advance.
Where to go
With this many islands, domestic flights are close to essential.
- ManilaThe capital and gatewayLuzon
Most international flights land here and connect onward. Traffic is heavy, so allow generous transfer times.
- CebuThe central hubVisayas
An international airport with links to Bohol and Siargao. City and islands sit close together.
- PalawanLimestone coastlineWest
El Nido, Coron and the underground river are all on this island. Internal journeys are long, so leave slack.
- BoracayWhite sandCentral
A small island long known for its beach. It was closed for a period for environmental rehabilitation.
- BoholHills and tarsiersVisayas
The Chocolate Hills, a river cruise and a sanctuary for small primates. Reached by boat from Cebu.
When to go
Dry season, wet season, and typhoons.
- Dry seasonDecember to MayThroughout
Calm seas and reliable island tours. The best window of the year.
- Wet seasonJune to NovemberThroughout
Frequent rain, with boat trips cancelled on some days. Prices fall.
- TyphoonsConcentrated July to OctoberEastern seaboard
Several pass each year and stop flights and ferries. Build spare days into the plan.
- Holy WeekThe week before EasterThroughout
Domestic travel surges and rooms get expensive. The dates move each year.
Before you go
English works, and the planning is mostly about island hops.
- EntryVisa-free short stay for Korean passports, with an e-arrival formThroughout
Short tourist stays are visa-free, and onward tickets may be requested. An electronic arrival form is required before landing.
- LanguageFilipino and EnglishThroughout
English is official, so signage and instructions are largely in English. Regional languages are used alongside it.
- MoneyPeso, cash essential on the islandsThroughout
Cards work in cities, but many small islands are cash only. Some islands have no ATM at all.
- Getting aroundDomestic flights and ferriesThroughout
Flying is fastest between islands; ferries depend on the weather. Leave ample time between connections.
- On the waterCheck currents and swellThe coasts
Island tours are cancelled in poor conditions, and that is the right call. Life jackets are required by most operators.
- Emergency number911Throughout
Reaches police, ambulance and fire, and English is spoken. Medical facilities are far from remote islands, so keep your insurance contact to hand.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change from year to year and by season. Check the official guidance for each site and operator before you travel.