Travel To Philippines

From the buzz of Manila to the lagoons of Palawan and the surf breaks of Siargao, the Philippines delivers island-hopping adventure with a laid-back twist. You can hike through the UNESCO-listed Banaue Rice Terraces, dive with sea turtles off Apo Island, or catch a sunset on Batanes, a spot most travelers never reach.

With Rough Guides’ tailor-made travel in the Philippines, exploring this wildly diverse archipelago is hassle-free. Our local experts design each Philippines trip around what you love: food, surfing, diving, hiking, and handle every detail so you don’t have to.

Trip Planning FAQ

What does a trip to the Philippines look like?

A typical Philippines itinerary blends big-name sights with places you’ve probably never heard of. You might start in Manila for street food and history, then fly to Palawan for limestone cliffs and island-hopping in El Nido. Cebu offers a blend of city life and waterfall hikes, while Siargao is the go-to destination for surfing and island vibes.

Looking for something quieter? Dive Apo Island’s coral gardens, cycle through Camiguin’s volcanoes, or visit Batanes, closer to Taiwan than Manila and worlds apart in pace.

Can I customize my Philippines trip?

Absolutely. Every Rough Guides trip is custom-built around your interests, timeframe, and travel style. 

Want to skip the crowds and focus on diving? Keen to combine city life with remote beaches? Our local experts will design a route that suits your priorities, from the pace of travel to the type of accommodation. 

You can tweak the itinerary as much as you like, or let them surprise you with places you didn’t even know existed.

How far in advance should I start planning?

Planning 3 to 6 months ahead is ideal, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (December to April) or around local festivals, such as Sinulog in Cebu.

Tailor-made travel in the Philippines gives you flexibility, but booking early means better options for flights, ferries, and boutique hotels, especially on harder-to-reach islands like Batanes or Camiguin. Our local experts help lock in the logistics, even if you're short on time.

Is it more expensive to book Rough Guides tailor-made travel?

Not really. Costs are similar to planning the same trip on your own, but with more value packed in. That includes insider tips, vetted accommodations, trusted drivers and guides, plus 24/7 on-the-ground support. 

You won’t waste time figuring out ferry schedules or worrying about where to stay. We do the hard work, so your only job is to enjoy the ride.

Who are the Philippines' local experts?

Our local experts live and work in the Philippines. They know which ferry is most reliable, how long it really takes to get from Bohol to Cebu, and which food stall in Manila is worth your time.

They’ll help you avoid the tourist traps and plan a trip that feels genuinely connected, not canned. Think of them as your on-the-ground fixers, ready to shape your trip and troubleshoot if needed.

Ready to plan your Philippines trip? Talk to a local expert today and start building your custom itinerary.