Samal Island
Visiting the Philippines is a place I highly recommend. After spending nearly 4 weeks island hopping and getting to know the country, I learned a thing or two that I wish I had known. The Philippines is made up of over 7,000+ islands for you to explore and I barely touched the surface on this journey.
While I was visiting the Philippines, I went to Manila, Bohol, El Nido, Samal, and Davao. Each island was so different and something amazing to offer its visitors. The one thing that remained consistent was the incredible hospitality and the food. You are going to be treated like family and fed well. I hope these tips help you in your plans for visiting the Philippines and if you have any questions, leave a comment.
Visiting The Philippines: 17 Tips:
- Don’t leave the airport without the local currency, Pesos – I cannot stress how important this is. It took me 6 days to find an ATM that was international and would take my debit card. Normally I would get the local currency at my airport but they did not carry it. If you are heading to more remote islands, I would highly suggest to make this a top priority. It is very rare to find places that take credit card. Everyone wants cash.
- Tip: Some of the airports charge a fee of 100-200 pesos just to wait in the terminal for your flight. This is done by cash only.
- Tip 2: Make sure to set your debit card on a travel alert so you are not denied cash when you need it.
- Tip 3: You can check with your hotel before arrival and see if they have an international ATM, as some of them do. However, if you are taking a taxi from the airport, you will need local currency.
- Traffic can be overwhelming – this is not the same as Columbus, Ohio traffic jam in the afternoon leaving work. I’m saying it can take you 1 and a half hours to go 3 kilometers in traffic during their rush hours because a lot of people live here. It will literally be stop and go traffic for the duration of the trip, so prepare yourself for this while visiting the Philippines.
- Tip: Plan ahead if you need to get somewhere that is time sensitive, especially the airport.
- Bonus: Use Uber to get around. With their fixed rates you never have to guess what your fare will be. I paid about 200 pesos to take the hour and a half drive. To break that down, the exchange rate with U.S. dollars is 45 pesos to 1 USD. Not even $5 dollars for an Uber.
- Try everything that is UBE – UBE is a purple yam and the Filipino culture loves it. They have created all kinds of amazing foods from it and it can be addicting! From gelato to jams, cakes to pastries – don’t miss this unique food.
UBE jam is my favorite – hands down
- Get a portable wifi hotspot – most lodging has wifi in the big cities and it works great. When you are roaming the cities it is nice to stay connected and not have to pay a fortune in international cell service. I use Skyroam when I travel and it’s as low as $8 dollars a day for a 24 hour connection.
- Bonus: Skyroam allows you to add up to 5 devices – this means you can run it on your phone and computer or even it share it with your travel companions.
- Double Bonus: Skyroam is very lightweight and can fit in your pocket or easily into your bag.
- Side note: Skyroam does not work in every country. Skyroam does work in over 100 countries but it is still adding new countries. Check before you purchase one to make sure it covers the areas you are going to.
- Don’t drink the water – some people will tell you not to others will tell you it is ok. If it is from a faucet, I would suggest no. Stock up on water, even to brush your teeth. All the hotels I stayed in over my visit actually provided 2+ bottles per day as part of the room.
- Tip: there were a few times I was massively dehydrated and asked my hotels for more water and they provided it. Don’t be afraid to ask. Otherwise, you can purchase some and its very cheap.
- Take in a sunset – No matter which island you find yourself on while visiting the Philippines, they are equally as magical! I was fortunate enough to see many sunsets during my trip and its very easy to fall in love.
- Tip: The sunsets were different around the islands from oranges to purples – but all just as lovely!
Sunset in Manila
Sunset in Bohol
- Tip: The sunsets were different around the islands from oranges to purples – but all just as lovely!
- It is hot in the Philippines – Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines keep a warm wet climate year round. There is a lot of breeze to go around though – as it glides through the 7,000+ islands.
Pearl Farm Beach Resort
- Tip: Even if the sky is dark grey during the day, wear sunscreen. That dark sky still has a sun and it is going to burn your skin if you don’t take precautions. I made the big mistake of not using sunscreen because it looked stormy – and then I spent the next four days in bed burnt to a crisp. Don’t let something you can prevent ruin your trip.
- Tip 2: If you are burnt, stay inside. The sun and heat will make it worse than it is. I left my hotel for supplies the day after I got sunburn and it felt like my skin was melting. Cool showers, aloe and sleeping in a cool bed with little to no clothing so it doesn’t irritate your skin – this will do wonders.
- Bonus: there are places you can get an aloe massage for your burn and it’s not very expensive. I would highly recommend this.
- If you plan to visit more than one island, try to pack everything into a carry-on – there are many local air carriers that allow you a carry-on up to a certain weight free of charge. They charge for extra weight and for checked luggage. Keeping a carry-on allows you to move through the airports quickly and not to over pack. As an added bonus, you save money by not having to check your luggage .
- Tip: The weather is pretty warm so you won’t need winter gear to visit. Think light clothes, bathing suit and 2 pairs of shoes: 1 flip flop and 1 tennis shoe or dress shoe, depending on your plans.
- Bonus: laundry is unbelievably cheap to do. Maybe $2-3 USD for a good amount.
- Pack flip flops, they are essential – it does rain and the streets hold the water for a little while – having flip flops you can wash off helps in not ruining your shoes. I would suggest rubber flip flops since leather ones will get wet and then stink. I was caught in the rain several times and I am so glad I had shoes that could withstand the flooded streets and not fall on my face. You’ll be glad you packed these.
- Tip: if you forget to pack them, no worries. Everywhere sells them. You’ll be able to secure a pair in no time.
- The Philippines is more than just beaches – the beaches are beautiful and offer different color sands, but there is also jungles and mountains. Get out there and explore! You won’t regret taking in more of the countries beauty.
- The Philippines can be done on a backpacker budget or a luxury budget: Southeast Asia is reputable for being a backpacker and budget travel area. However, after staying in luxury properties for most of my trip, I can assure you there is plenty of luxury to go around. The islands offer something for everyone: you can go as cheap as $10 a night in some hostels to $1000+ a night in villas over the water. It’s all about how you want to tailor your trip.
- Bonus: no matter what your travel style, the Filipino culture is extremely hospitable and offers top notch service.
- Bring common medications with you: I did get sick a few times and I needed Imodium, was severely dehydrated and had a cold. You know what medications work best for you – pack some back-ups just in case you find yourself sick. Sometimes it can be hard to find things you know and are used to using in foreign countries. It never hurts to be prepared when visiting the Philippines.
- Tip: It wouldn’t hurt to bring a mini first aid kit. I needed band-aids a few times from cutting my foot on some coral..and guess who didn’t have anything? Yep-me.
- Everyone I met spoke perfect English and it is wildly popular throughout the country – this was a huge bonus for me. Being able to communicate in full sentences really helps the transition. This isn’t a make or break deal for travel for me nor should it be for anyone else, but it is comforting knowing you will be able to talk to people and get where you are going or whatever you need. The culture loves tourists and they will engage you and get to know you.
- Bonus: Don’t be surprised when you have a flood of new friends – the culture is very friendly!
- Definitely visit more than one of the islands – since the Philippines are made up of over 7,000+ islands .. you might as well visit more than one. Deciding on which island to visit is going to depend on what your interests are. If you want to swim with whale sharks (seasonal) then you will want to go to Cebu. If you want to island hop and see the most famous islands and lagoons, then El Nido will be your destination.
- Tip: getting between the islands is not very expensive. Book in advance and save a little money on your tickets and/or ferry or bus fares.
Island hopping in El Nido
River cruise in Bohol
- Tip: getting between the islands is not very expensive. Book in advance and save a little money on your tickets and/or ferry or bus fares.
- Pack bug spray and use it – if you are visiting the Philippines, bring bug spray! Zika has sort of died out, so that isn’t such a big worry, but there are still bugs. It may be easier to just take the precaution. There are a lot of mosquito’s, so even if they aren’t carrying Zika, they are still going to bug you.
- Eat your food Kamayan – which means with your hands. It’s traditional to eat food without utensils and to bond with others in the Filipino culture. I was able to do this once on my trip and it really brought the table together – versus everyone being on their cell phones. This was a great cultural experience I had while visiting the Philippines.
- Get a window seat on the plane – You don’t want to miss being able to see the beautiful water and the islands coming to, moving among or leaving when visiting the Philippines. Even when it is gloomy out you can see the magical colors of the water around the islands.
Views leaving Bohol, Philippines
Pin for Pinterest:
Good thing you enjoyed iur lovely country. The drinking water made me laugh. Lol
Author
I had a wonderful time. It was never really clear about the water – some hotels said yes some said no. I figured better play it safe.
Well, if you have a sensitive stomach is not really advisable to drink. Better buy those on convenience stores at 5 galons if you are to stay for a week or so. We Filipinos are used to drink purified water from water stations because the tubes used underground tend to be contaminated by rust.
Author
Oh that makes sense. Thank you for explaining better to me.
Excellent post! Such helpful tips- thanks Nicki!! xx
Author
Any time – glad you liked it <3
Great tips! I’m planing to visit Philippines and I was just unaware of a lot of things, sunscreen, bugs, traffic, water… I read every single words. Very well written as well. I wonder how hospitals work in any emergency situation?
Author
I am not sure – I was fortunate enough to not have to go because the hotels I stayed in had nurses on staff – but I would assume its like a lot of hospitals around the globe: backed up
This SO makes me want to go to the Philippines! I had no idea that there were over 7,000 islands – so much to explore. Amazing post, definitely saving this.
Author
Thank you! I hope you get to visit – it is seriously a magical place 🙂
I have heard so much about the Philippines lately that I really want to go in the near future. I have visited other countries nearby and I can see some similarities. I love adopting the culture of the country I’m visiting so eating with my hands won’t be a problem for me 🙂
Author
I really hope you get to visit – it is such an amazing experience
Philipines is so close to my country India and I have dreamt of going here for long. Your post accelerates that feeling. I like number 9. Flip Flop is important in many Asian countries. I prefer them over shoes anyday. In India we are used to eat with hands, so I think that will come naturally to me.
Author
It does sound very similar – I hope you will visit and see the magic I was able to see 🙂
Fingers crossed
What does the purple yam taste like? That sounds…interesting ha ha! Have wanted to visit the Philippines for a long time now. I imagine the traffic & number of people will be similar to what I remember from India! Good advise about always having local currency before you step off the plane – I think that’s a good idea regardless of country as conversion fees can often be worse than back home!
Author
UBE is sweet – and has an odd texture as a jam .. but it is delicious
Philippines is one of the places I want to go to next year and your article made me really excited to go now! your photos are awesome as well
Author
Thank you so much. Do let me know if you go – I have plenty of information to share.
Im really glad you enjoyed the Philippines! Hope you can go back someday! 🙂
Author
I am secretly planning to go back in as soon as a couple months 😉
Love the tips and how you have elaborated on them.It actually helps getting cash in the local currency of the country you are visiting before boarding the flight.That way one has the local currency as soon one lands and not dependent on the ATM’s.Would love to do Philippines in a budget and it appears to be doable as well.
Author
I don’t like to leave my airport without the local currency but unfortunately they didn’t carry it. It wasn’t considered one of the top ones that are requested.
When I was in the Manila airport I couldn’t find a cash exchange either… But when I got to China I was able to sell back my leftover currency and get dollars.
In the Manila airports there now PayPal machine or machine kiosk that accepts left over currency.
So many gorgeous photos – it looks like you had an absolute blast! Thanks for your handy tips 🙂
Author
Thank you so much! I had an amazing trip – it was life changing
would love to visit Philippiness but some typhoon has hit the nation and am really let down by that. I wil definitely plan for a trip once things get sorted some time soon. Will refer back!
Author
A lot of friends are still there and things seem to be fine – I would not let that deter you from going. There were 2 typhoons while I was there and everything is fine.
I am going to the Philippines over thanksgiving. Your post was incredibly helpful! Great blog!
Thank you so much Nicki for this positive remarks during your stay here in our place. And to all have yet to visit our beautiful place of Bohol our hands are wide open to welcome you. You may visit our site for some ideas of what you may do during your future stay here in our place. Welcome you all to BOHOL. http://Www.experienceboholtours.com
Author
Thanks so much for your kind words! I truly loved Bohol ❤️ I was there 3 days and fell in love. I hope to come back soon
Your tips reminded me about the time I depleted all the pesos from an ATM in exchange for $100 USD. I realized early in the trip how important Pesos were essential in fares, snacks and souvenirs.
This is a really excellent guide to the Philippines. Your tips are point on exact of advice for a newbie. I’ve traveled to the ppines on four separate occasions now and I can definitely agree with your advice.
Love this post! Much love from the Philippines ❤️
Happy to find this post! I’m planning a visit for March and really appreciated these tips!
This is a very helpful guide!
OMG! I went to Philippines too! I just followed you! Love this post! XOXO Let’s keep connected!
I will be taking my first trip to the Philippines in February and have all these worries about pickpockets etc, Heck I was even worried about not having enough to get around! your post put me at ease though, Awesome read 🙂
Hi, awesome post, very thankful!
Quick question: how to do it with the money? How much cash you recommend to bring with you for 3 weeks? I don´t know where to keep it during my swimming, or kayak, or diving…
hi you may visit our site for cashless bohol tour bookings. http://www.experienceboholtours.com
This was a great read! These tips will definitely come in handy when I go to the Philippines later this year!
Thank you for this informative posting on Facebook. I will be traveling to Manila in May for a short business trip the 1st hopefully of many for not only business but also for leisure and sports as I will be looking to sponsor a Boys Basketball team . I have heard from many Filipino Friends here in the states that Basketball is very popular there.
Author
Thanks ron. Where did you find this on Facebook? Can you send me the link.
Have a wonderful time on your trip – its an amazing country.
I found this on my Home page about 4 days ago it was on your eatlivedrink home page I will try to send link.
Author
Thanks. It’s circulating somewhere in Europe because I’ve had tons of people visiting my page the last couple days from Facebook. Was just curious 🙂
Hi, for your Bohol Tour online bookings (cashless) you may visit our site http://www.experienceboholtours.com
Came across your blog today and I’m glad that you’ve been to the PHL already! Awesome that you enjoyed your stay in our country! 🙂
We have visited the Philippines 8 times. Your advice is great. The wonderful people we have met are a main reason we go back. I have not used a hospital or doctor, but did go to a dentist in a small town (arrangements were made by the resort). While his office was not well-equipped, he was very professional and his treatment was the same as my dentist at home recommended when we got back.
I went to Manila this past May from 5/10 to 5/15 and I had a great time. I will be going back in 2018 as I will be setting up my business there. I loved the people who I met and the food was fantastic. Looks like a place I might retire to
Ihave been to the Philippines 3 times and love the place , the traffic is chaos but the people are so friendly. Yes only drink bottled water and yes take the local money as cash is king there. I am going back at the end of the year
Thanks so much for this very helpful advice, I have noted everything as I plan on visiting for the first time in 2 weeks ?