Philippines Holidays

What is the Philippines known for?

The Philippines is famed for its natural beauty and biodiversity. With over 7,000 islands, the landscapes are wonderfully varied, from postcard white sand beaches and dramatic volcanoes to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and the Banaue Rice Terraces. The underwater landscapes are well worth exploring too, with vibrant coral reefs which are home to over 3,000 species of fish.

Warm hospitality is another thing the Philippines is known for. Filipino people are famously friendly, so you can be sure of a warm welcome here.

What food and drink should I try in the Philippines?

Food and drink in the Philippines are centred around bold, fresh flavours. Food is a big part of the culture, bringing people together and encouraging a slower pace of life. Historically, each indigenous tribe had their own recipes and cooking methods, which have been passed down and infused with Chinese, Spanish and American influences to create the dishes you can enjoy today.

Tuck into a hearty bowl of adabo, made by simmering meat in a marinade of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and black peppercorns. Traditionally served with rice, this is a dish you’ll find throughout the Philippines. Or, if you like sweet and sour dishes, order sinigang, a soup made with tomatoes, tamarind and mixed vegetables, sometimes accompanied by green mango for an extra sour kick.

When it comes to dessert, make sure to leave room for halo-halo – shaved ice topped with a generous glug of condensed milk and other sweet treats such as leche flan, fruit jelly and purple yam paste. Enjoy it with a glass of lime juice, coconut water, beer or palm wine, and you’re in for a real treat.

Tipping in the Philippines

There’s no requirement to tip in the Philippines, unlike other countries such as the US. However, it’s not rude to do so, and any tips you feel like giving because of good service will be appreciated – ten percent is the customary amount. You may also find service charges or tip jars are more common in cities, due to the number of international visitors.

Social etiquette in the Philippines

Filipino culture is all about being polite, hospitable and friendly. As a result Filipinos can find it hard to say ‘no’ and so will often say ‘maybe’ or ‘if you say so’ instead.

Overall, you should avoid confrontation and be as friendly as possible during your stay. If you need to raise a complaint about your hotel or food, speak to staff quietly and politely, rather than causing a scene.

As a predominantly Catholic country, modest clothing is commonplace, so you should avoid wearing revealing clothes unless it’s at the beach. This is particularly the case for women. When visiting churches or other places of worship, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.

When is the best time to visit the Philippines?

The best time to visit the Philippines is December to March, when the temperature sits around 26°C-28°C, and the average rainfall is low. The dry season extends to April, but it can be very hot, with temperatures in the low 30s.

What is the weather in the Philippines like?

The weather in the Philippines is tropical, with high temperatures and high humidity. There are only two seasons: dry season and wet season, with the former lasting from November to April.

The rainy season spans May to October, but despite the increased precipitation, you can still expect warm temperatures in the early 30s. Typhoons occur year round but are more likely between July to October.

Where is the Philippines?

The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia, south of China and north of Indonesia. The archipelago is surrounded by the South China Sea, the Celebes Sea, and the Philippines Sea, and more widely, the western Pacific Ocean.

How big is the Philippines?

The Philippines archipelago consists of more than 7,000 islands, spanning 1,150 miles from north to south, and 700 miles at its widest point. The biggest island is Luzon, and it’s also most populated.

What plugs are used in the Philippines?

You’ll find three plug types in the Philippines – A, B and C, with a standard voltage of 220V. A has two flat parallel pins, B has the same two pins but with an additional round pin, and type C has two round pins. If you’re travelling from the UK, you’ll need to take a plug adapter with you.

What is the capital city of the Philippines?

The capital city of the Philippines is Manila, which is located on the island of Luzon.

What language do they speak in the Philippines?

The two official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and English, however there are an astonishing 183 languages spoken across the islands, making the country one of the world’s most linguistically diverse. The most commonly spoken languages are Tagalog and Cebuano.

What is the time difference between the UK and the Philippines?

The Philippines are eight hours ahead of GMT, but do not observe daylight saving time, so when the UK is on BST, the time difference is only seven hours.

What is the currency of the Philippines?

The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine peso (PHP). Each peso is divided into 100 sentimos. It’s not always easy to find an ATM outside of major cities, so make sure to carry enough cash when you travel to rural areas. Keep in mind you cannot bring more than 50,000 Philippine pesos into the country (equivalent to around £650).

Can you drink the tap water in the Philippines?

It’s fine to drink the tap water if you’re in the metropolitan area of Manilla, but if you’re outside of this area you’ll need to stick to bottled water.

When do stores and shops open in the Philippines?

The business hours in the Philippines vary depending on the type of amenity and the location. In big cities, you’ll find shops open around 10am until 10pm, with banks operating from 9am to 5pm. There are also 24-hour convenience stores, so you should be able to get most things you need quite easily.

In rural areas, you may find shorter opening hours, with stores closing one day a week.

How long is the flight to the Philippines from the UK?

It typically takes around 18 hours to fly from London to Manila, with some direct flights available from London Heathrow.

Do I need a visa to visit the Philippines?

British passport holders can visit the Philippines for up to 30 days without a visa. You must have a ticket for the return journey or onward travel, and you’ll need to register with the ‘e-travel’ system before boarding your flight.

What are the passport requirements for the Philippines?

You must have six months left on your passport to enter the Philippines, calculated from the date you arrive.

What are the vaccination requirements for the Philippines?

UK travellers are advised to be up to date with standard vaccinations and boosters such as measles-mumps-rubella and diphtheria-tetanus-polio. However, the only compulsory vaccinations are yellow fever and polio, and only if you’re coming from a country with a transmission risk.