Before I left to the Philippines, I did a lot of preparation and research to get a good impression of the islands, the weather, the transport and the kind of route that would suit me best. I always like to read travel blogs, guidebooks and websites before I travel to a country. That preparation helped me a lot in the Philippines. The country is easy to love, but because it is spread out over so many islands, it is still good to know a few things before you go. These are my personal tips before you travel to the Philippines.
Visa for the Philippines
As a Dutch citizen, I did not need to request a visa in advance for the Philippines. I got a stamp in my passport for 30 days on arrival, as long as I had a passport that was valid for at least six months and proof of onward travel. That was all very easy.
For my foreign readers, it is important to know that the Philippines also allows visa free entry for many other nationalities for short tourist stays, but the exact rules do differ by country. Some travelers can enter visa free for 30 days, while others may need to arrange a visa before departure. If you want to stay longer, there are also extension options once you are in the Philippines.
Please always check the latest visa rules for your own nationality before you book your trip, because agreements and requirements can change.
Vaccinations for the Philippines
Several websites show different recommendations for vaccinations. For the Philippines you should make sure your standard vaccinations are up to date. These standard essential vaccinations are Measles Mumps Rubella, Diphtheria Tetanus Polio and varicella, which is chickenpox. I got an extra shot of measles because I was not sure if I got it in the past and to make sure I was covered I took a shot.
Besides these vaccinations, I had the recommended vaccinations Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Optional vaccinations are Hepatitis B and Rabies. Advice about vaccinations and malaria can still depend on your route and travel style, so I would always check with a travel clinic before you leave.
Besides that, I brought a 3 day emergency package of malaria pills with me. Have you been feverish or flu like in the tropics for more than 24 hours, then keep in mind that it may be malaria. Go to a hospital to have your blood tested for malaria and preferably consult with your travel insurance company about a good hospital on the spot.
Bring DEET mosquito prevention with you anywhere and everywhere!
Safety in the Philippines
I wrote a separate blog about staying safe while traveling, so I will keep this part short here. In general, I personally never felt unsafe for a minute in the Philippines. What stood out to me most was not so much crime, but nature. Typhoons, earthquakes and volcano activity can have a real impact on travel plans. Just before I left, Mt Taal erupted and flights were cancelled. I was lucky that I could still depart on time.
There are also parts of the southern Philippines where governments continue to warn against travel because of kidnapping and security risks, especially in parts of Mindanao and the Sulu area. This usually does not affect the classic traveler route through places like Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Siargao, Siquijor and Palawan, but it is always smart to check the latest travel advice before you go. If you want to read more, you can continue to my guide on travel safety tips.
Be Aware: Kidnappings occur in the south of the Philippines and in the southern sea and island destinations. Usually for ransom. The risk of kidnapping is especially high in the province of Zamboanga del Norte on the island of Mindanao and on the Sulu islands.
Transport in the Philippines
I found it very easy to travel in the Philippines. Tour operators or locals who want to help you are everywhere. Transport by ferries and flights went smooth for me, all depending on weather conditions of course. The distances in the Philippines are long and because there are so many islands, transport by water or air is essential. I booked all in advance via 12Go Asia, perfect way to prepare your travel, this saves time during your trip!
Flights make the trip easy and fast and the ferries go often and on time, but of course they take more time. All my transport went on time during my holiday, ferry, plane, tours, everything. This could be very different during typhoon season. Be aware that the roads on the islands are not always the best either.
Book domestic flights early and, if possible, choose a flexible option. In the Philippines, weather can change your plans quickly.
Before boarding the ferry use the following order:
- Buy ferry ticket in advance, preferably couple days in advance some routes go fast (ie. Bohol directly to Siquijor)
- Be one hour in advance at the port
- Check-in with your ferry ticket
- Pay the terminal fee at the terminal ±20PP
- Check in your big luggage
From the ports or airports I normally took a shuttle or tricycle to the hotels and back. I booked some organized boat tours and rented a motorbike to explore the islands. Domestic flights are very common in the Philippines and save a lot of time compared to the ferries. I flew with both Cebu Pacific and Swift Air.
Money in the Philippines
The local currency in the Philippines is the Philippine peso. In my blogs I often use PP for short. I was able to withdraw cash at many ATMs with both my credit card and Maestro debit card, although bank fees do apply. Most of my accommodations were paid in advance through Booking.com, but once I was there, I used cash for most daily expenses.
Compared to Europe, I found the Philippines very affordable. That said, prices do vary by island. More popular destinations such as El Nido, Coron and parts of Bohol can be more expensive, while places like Siquijor, Siargao and Port Barton often felt more relaxed and a bit cheaper.
Weather in the Philippines
The Philippines covers a huge area with thousands of islands, so there is not just one climate or one weather pattern for the whole country. I visited from mid January to mid February, which is considered a good travel period for many parts of the country, and I had almost no rain except in Siargao.
That difference in weather across the islands is exactly why I planned my route the way I did. I started in Siargao and ended in Palawan because I did not want to finish my trip in a place with a higher chance of rain. It really helps to look at regional weather patterns before deciding on your itinerary.
Siargao has a different weather pattern from places like Palawan, so the best route is not only about distance, but also about season.
If you travel during or close to typhoon season, keep your plans flexible. Ferries and flights can be delayed or cancelled when the weather changes.
Other tips for the Philippines
One of the first things I would recommend is getting a local SIM card on arrival. At the airport, you can usually buy one at a booth in the terminal. I bought a Smart SIM with enough data for four weeks and the woman at the counter helped me install it on my phone. In bigger hotels and restaurants, Wi Fi was usually fine, but I was happy to have mobile data in between.
Before I left for the Philippines, I had already downloaded the country in my Maps.me app so I could use offline maps. That was especially useful when I rented a motorbike and had no reception, but still needed to find my way.
I would also bring your own reusable water bottle. In the Philippines, plastic waste and the environment are important topics, and it simply feels better to travel a little more consciously when you can.
The local language in the Philippines is Filipino, also called Tagalog, but almost everybody speaks English. That makes traveling very easy. You also notice traces of Spanish and American influence in the culture and history. Because of the strong Catholic tradition, almost every village seems to have both a church and a basketball court.
Let this inspire your itinerary
I hope these tips before you travel to the Philippines help you a little bit with planning your own trip. For me, the Philippines felt surprisingly easy to travel through, with kind people, beautiful islands and so many good memories. A little preparation before you go just makes everything a bit smoother once you are there.
If you are still in doubt about your route, maybe my Philippines itinerary can inspire you.
Ready to plan your own trip?
If this trip is starting to take shape in your head already, that is a good sign. For accommodation, I usually compare options on Booking.com. For ferries, vans and other transport between islands, 12Go is one of the easiest ways to check routes in advance and keep your plans flexible.
Have you already made a decision on your itinerary yet, check here for a suggestion?!
