Philippines Tours

The dry season, from November to May, is the prime time to visit the Philippines. During these months, most of the islands receive plenty of sunshine and little rain, making them ideal for a beach vacation. Additionally, from January to May, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a lively atmosphere of traditional festivals, many of which honor the Infant Jesus, and be amazed by exotic street performances and other cultural events. June to October is the rainy season, and the weather becomes more unpredictable; rain can come at any time, which might disrupt your island tour plans. However, the abundant rainfall can also give the rural landscape a mysterious, untouched feel, making it perfect for exploring the highland regions and rice terraces of Baguio, Sagada, and Banaue.

Yes, traveling to the Philippines is generally safe, especially in major tourist destinations like Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, and Bohol. While safety concerns such as theft and kidnapping targeting tourists exist in some areas, including Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, these risky zones are usually not included in typical Philippine tour packages. Although typhoons and earthquakes often occur from July to August, most are minor and cause only regional damage. You can check local weather updates before your trip, but there’s usually no need to worry too much. Still, we want to remind you that when exploring cities or beaches alone, avoid remote, poorly lit areas, and do not go out alone at night. Also, avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep your money in different places.

If you want a relaxing beach vacation with sunbathing and lively beach parties, Boracay, known for its world-famous White Beach, is definitely the best option. If you’re more into nature and mountain scenery, Bohol and Baguio have many surprises to offer. For snorkeling lovers, exploring the karst lagoons and the diverse underwater limestone formations of El Nido and Coron is an exciting experience. Or, if you’re interested in history and culture, Manila and Cebu feature rich Spanish colonial heritage, while the fascinating indigenous cultures of Sagada and Banaue’s mountainous regions will leave a lasting impression. Check out the ready-made Philippines vacation packages above for more details. We’re always happy to customize the best Philippines tour packages for you.

Since the Philippines’ public transportation system is underdeveloped and inconvenient, Jeepneys, tricycles, and banca boats are the most common modes of transportation for locals. For independent travelers, taking taxis or chartering a boat can be unreasonably expensive and may pose safety risks. Therefore, we recommend booking our Philippines guided tours with a private car to avoid transportation hassles. Still, if you want to experience local life firsthand, you can also take a short jeepney ride in Manila or Cebu.

1. Breathable and lightweight clothing helps keep you dry and cool throughout this hot and humid country year-round.
2. Flip-flops and walking shoes - Flip-flops or sandals are essential for the beaches, while sturdy walking shoes keep your feet comfortable during mountain hikes.
3. Waterproof bags let you enjoy island hopping, snorkeling, and other water sports without worrying about getting your belongings wet.
4. Sun protection - Bring your sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, and cover-up to prevent sunburn from the strong sun on tropical islands.
5. Insect repellent - Since many mosquitoes and bugs are present on the islands and in the countryside, using mosquito repellent or bug spray can protect your skin from bites.
6. Raincoat or umbrella - Even during the dry season, there’s always a chance of rain in the Philippines, so it’s wise to carry an umbrella.
7. Water bottle - Tap water in the Philippines is not drinkable, so we recommend bringing your own water bottle, preferably with a built-in filter.

It’s not mandatory to tip during your Philippines tour, but some Filipinos may see not tipping as impolite. If you’re satisfied with the service, it’s better to tip taxi drivers, servers, and hotel staff PHP 50-100 (around USD 1-2). For private Philippines tours, we recommend tipping your driver USD 2 per day, and your tour guide USD 5-10 per day.