Results for "Philippines"

Hi, After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling. We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times. Thanks for your suggestions!

Hey everyone! I’m landing in Puerto Princesa with my best buddy in 10 days. I’d like to explore the island a bit, probably by scooter. We’re planning to head to El Nido for a tour, but not right away, I think. Any great spots you’d recommend in Palawan? Must-sees? Any tips for the southern part of the island? Thanks in advance for your awesome suggestions, and safe travels to all!!

Hi everyone. I’m leaving for almost 3 months in the Philippines (11 weeks total) starting in early May. I already have my round-trip ticket. The problem is, I don’t have time to get a 2-month visa because the process takes nearly a month. From what I’ve read here and there, I need a return ticket valid for less than a month when I arrive in the Philippines to prove my good faith. After that, I can apply for a 30-day extension at the immigration office. I’m planning to either buy a fully refundable ticket to the nearest country or a fake ticket. For 3 months, I’ll need to extend my visa two more times before my return date to France. My question is this: Will immigration ask me each time I extend my visa by one month to show proof of an exit ticket matching the new visa extension date? Is it possible to extend directly by 2 months before the initial 30 days expire? Thanks in advance for your experiences and tips! 😊

Hi there,

I’m going on a cruise next January and will have a stop in

Coron, Boracay, and Puerto Princesa

for one day at each place.

What do you recommend for a day’s activities?

It could be a private tour or a small group.

Hi there, We’ve never visited Palawan before. This time, we’d like to spend a few days there. We’ll be there from the evening of October 30th until the early morning of November 5th (our return flight is at 7:20 AM). We’re arriving in Puerto Princesa and leaving from there as well. While ChatGPT gave us an itinerary suggestion, I’d still love to hear other opinions—don’t want to rely on it blindly.

Here’s ChatGPT’s proposal:

Saturday, October 31: Pearl farm + local waterfalls • 9:00 AM: Private car to Brook’s Point pearl farm (1.5–2 hour visit). • 1:00 PM: Local lunch + drive to Nagtabon Falls (1-hour jungle hike). • Overnight in Puerto Princesa. Sunday, November 1: Tabon Caves (Quezon) • 8:00 AM: Private car from PPS to Quezon (3 hours). • 11:00 AM–3:00 PM: Visit Tabon Caves (2–3 hour hike, unique archaeological site). • Return to PPS late afternoon or stay overnight in Quezon if you prefer. Monday, November 2: Puerto Princesa → Port Barton • 8:00 AM: Private car from PPS to Port Barton (3–4 hours). • Afternoon: Stroll around the village, small market, acclimatization. • Overnight in Port Barton. Tuesday, November 3: Private boat from Port Barton • 8:30 AM: Private boat for island hopping (snorkeling at Twin Reef / Fantastic Reef + peaceful Maxima Island). • Return by 4:00 PM. Wednesday, November 4: Hike in Port Barton + return to PPS • Morning: Hike to Pamuayan Falls or local jungle (1–2 hours). • 1:00 PM: Private car from Port Barton to PPS. • Overnight near the airport in PPS. Thursday, November 5: Flight from PPS to Dumaguete • Early morning flight from PPS to Dumaguete (direct or via Cebu, with plenty of buffer time).

What do you think? Where can we find trustworthy private drivers without getting ripped off? Any recommendations for typical hotels or guesthouses? Our flights are already booked—arriving in PPS at 6:30 PM and departing at 7:20 AM.

Thanks for your advice!

We’re planning a trip to the Philippines from April 22 to May 8, 2026. Flight from Geneva with a layover in Turkey and Manila. Our itinerary: Angeles – Busuanga – Palawan…

The Philippines are a dream destination, but is it possible to travel there safely? I’ve heard that checked luggage often gets lost, tap water isn’t safe to drink, and mosquitoes are everywhere.

For water, what’s the best solution to carry in a backpack? Is a filtering water bottle 100% reliable?

For mosquitoes, should we treat our clothes with repellent? Are you vaccinated against hepatitis A, malaria, or dengue? Or is there an oral treatment to take?

Thanks for your feedback!

I'm looking for 4 to 10 adult participants for a road trip starting from Cebu City or Mactan. The tour costs 2,000 €, to be divided by the number of participants. Hotels, meals, and drinks are at your own expense. Ferries and pumpboats are included, but not terminal fees. This is a 14-day journey visiting more than 7 islands:

Camotes Island Malapascua Island Kalanggaman Island Bantayan Island Negros Iloilo Boracay Island Sumilon Island

That’s where we’ll part ways for those who want to visit Siquijor Island independently.

It’s a great opportunity to explore a large part of the Visayas and make the most of your vacation—unlike many I’ve seen who didn’t. I’ve been married to a Cebuana for 17 years. We have two kids, one of whom was born in Cebu. We live in France and own a house in Cebu that’s unoccupied, like many foreigners married to Filipinas. For those who want to do this tour with kids, I suggest finding the same number of adults so you don’t have to pay for their participation—1 adult = 1 child.

Best regards, and see you soon in Cebu and/or Paris.

David

Hi there, We’re heading to Cebu, Bohol, Negros, and Siquijor soon. Our guide is handling hotel and ferry reservations, and we’ll pay day by day. Is it easy to pay for accommodations by card, or is it better to have cash? Also, any idea about the cost of living? Is 1000 € per person for 3 weeks enough for accommodation, food, and ferries? That’s the estimate he gave us. Thanks in advance! 😊

Hi, We’re planning to go to Bohol from El Nido (Airswift flight from El Nido to Cebu, then ferry to Bohol). I can’t find any info about the checked baggage price for the flight. The airfare to Cebu includes a 7 kg carry-on. Does anyone know about checked luggage? Thanks in advance

Hi everyone, I’m planning a trip in April 2026 and I’m looking for a travel companion. My destination isn’t completely set yet, but I’m leaning toward the Philippines. Other options are open too, like Brazil or Argentina. The idea is to share the trip and the good times in a respectful and relaxed vibe. So if you’re interested in my post, don’t hesitate to reach out. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Hi everyone, I’d like to check the schedules for Ocean Jet ferry tickets between Siquijor and Tagbilaran (Panglao) on February 23, 2026, but no times are showing up. I’m connecting to a flight afterward, so I’d really like to plan ahead. Is it possible there’s no route (even for several days around that date), or is it just too early for the schedules to be posted? Thanks so much!

Hi there,

Have you visited Negros Island? Any spots you’d recommend for 4 nights?

Hello everyone, Here’s the follow-up to our recent experience (5/11). Upon arrival at Manila T3, don’t look for the immigration office before passport control (this was info we’d gathered but turned out to be outdated). Go through passport control with your eTravel, grab your luggage with a trolley because the obstacle course begins. Head toward the exit hall, turn right, exchange a minimal amount at one of the two counters, continue toward Burger King, turn right, take the elevator at the end of the corridor to the 3rd floor (departure area), then turn right as you exit the elevator, head to the right, go around the big pillar on the left, and you’ll reach the immigration office that will process your extension quickly for the modest sum of 4070 pesos (the price increased due to a new tax as of June). This little route will save you from asking a thousand questions and getting just as many different answers. Next, logically, buy a local SIM card. There are two small kiosks side by side on the ground floor, Smart and Globe. Prices here are triple what you’ll find in the city, but honestly, if I had to do it again, I’d get both SIMs at the airport. For one simple reason: it’s a hassle in the city—you have to find the shop in a mall, go there, wait in line, explain what you want, and it takes forever. We got a Globe SIM at the airport and a Smart SIM in Baguio, and we really struggled. The cheapest rate offered by Globe at the airport is 1500 PHP for 1 month, with calls and 80GB of internet. It’s oversized, but be careful—they’ll try to sell you an even more expensive SIM upfront (2500 PHP). Smart offers roughly the same terms. It’s pricier, but it’s a turnkey solution—the hostess handles registration with the authorities (passport, etc.) and configures your phone. Finally, almost at the far right, there’s a Grab kiosk (taxis, the Asian Uber, which I highly recommend—it’s so convenient!). They’ll arrange a safe taxi for you no matter your destination in Manila. Watch your belongings during all these tasks that keep you occupied—a tourist had their bag stolen while we were there! All this took us two hours from the moment we got off the plane, but you’ll likely save time with these tips. There you go—you’re ready to face Manila’s traffic jams on your way to your hotel. This is just a summary of our own experience; I hope it helps. Have a great stay! 😊

Hey everyone!! I’m planning a 3-month trip to the Philippines for May 2026. As a diving enthusiast, I’d love to hear about must-visit diving spots. I’m traveling with a buddy, and we don’t really want to spend all our time moving around, so if you have recommendations for one area that’s better than others for diving, that’d be great! What do you think are the best diving sites? (I’d appreciate an overview of the country so I can decide based on that.) Compared to my buddy, I love macro photography (nudibranchs, etc.), so I’d also love any tips on that. And completely unrelated to diving, but I’d also like info on places to visit (national parks, reserves, etc.) to see the local wildlife. Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to reply! Safe travels, everyone!

Hi,

I was wondering if it’s possible to go directly from Siquijor to Apo Island to stay there for a few days?

Hi everyone, here’s our itinerary. Arriving on the evening of December 13th. Departing on January 7th. Thanks in advance for your tips and valuable feedback.

Manila – 1 night Coron – 4 nights Coron to El Nido cruise – 2 nights El Nido – 4 nights Port Barton – 5 nights Flight from Puerto Princesa to Vigan Vigan – 2 nights Sagada – 2 nights Banaue – 2 nights Bagabag – 1 night Manila – 1 night I’ve only booked the flight to Manila and the Manila/Coron flight so far. Is it possible to book boat trips, accommodations, and the Puerto Princesa flight last-minute?

Thanks in advance. Florence

Hi, We’re heading to the Philippines in November and had planned to spend some time in Cebu, specifically Moalboal. What’s the current situation with the roads after the earthquake? Any risks of aftershocks? Thanks for your advice!

Hi there. For taking photos while snorkeling, is it better to go with a disposable camera or a waterproof pouch? If a pouch, which brand is reliable? Thanks for your feedback!

Hi, Could recent travelers let me know the price for the 2D/1N trek in the rice terraces when booking directly on-site upon arrival? Is it possible to join a group? Thanks for your replies, best regards

Hi there, Between Sagada and Banaue, I’m thinking of spending a night in Bontoc. Are there any interesting villages to see around Bontoc (accessible by vehicle)? Is the Bontoc-Maligcong road worth it... landscapes? Same question for the Bontoc-Barlig road? Thanks in advance for your tips!