Philippines Holidays

With so much to explore, filling your time whilst you’re in the Philippines couldn’t be easier. If you fancy doing some island-hopping during your holiday, El Nido on Palawan Island is the place to go. Discover secluded bays, hidden beaches and crystal-clear lagoons – all in a jam-packed day tour.

You’ll find plenty more things to do on the nearby island of Cebu. There are loads of beautiful beaches on the mainland where you can swim, snorkel, or windsurf to your heart’s content. Or, you can venture to one of the neighbouring, pint-sized islands for a taste of tropical paradise.

Alternatively, head to Bohol Island to get stuck into endless jungle activities. Spend some time wildlife-watching, trekking and zip-ling, before paying a visit to the famous Chocolate Hills.

The islands that make up the Philippines are packed with jaw-dropping natural beauty. And, the same can be said for the miles of ocean that lies between them. If you’re keen to explore as part of an unforgettable diving expedition, one of the best starting points is Coron. Journey a few miles from the shore and swim far below the waves to see the sunken WW2 ships that have slowly transformed into marine life-filled reefs.  

If you’re not quite ready to tackle scuba diving, there’s lots to see with just a snorkel mask and flippers. Make tracks for Calauit Island for the chance to swim alongside dugong – quirky-looking mammals that aren’t too dissimilar from manatees. Or, visit Moalbul to see the seven-million-strong sardine run.

If you prefer being at the centre of the action, there are tons of lively towns and cities for you to visit during your Philippines holiday. But, equally, this country isn’t short of ‘hideaway-style’ spots, either. If you have the time, we’d recommend a trip to one of the smaller, lesser-known islands. Home to wide stretches of pristine, white sand and a whopping seven volcanoes, Camiguin Island is sure to impress.

Or, you can head over to the equally-stunning Siargao Island. Known for its top-class surfing scene, here you can spectate pros at the annual Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, or grab a board and give it a go yourself. Top off your stay here with some more adventure – you could go caving and cliff-jumping around the island, or rope-swinging over the Maasin River.

Like most tropical destinations, there are two distinct seasons in the Philippines – wet and dry. For a safe bet weather-wise, we’d recommend planning your trip during the coldest months of the dry season, in either December, January, or February. During this time, you can expect lots of sunny days and comfortable temperatures that sit in the high-twenties.

It's also worth keeping in mind some of the top festivals and events that take place throughout the year. In January, over in Cebu, there’s the week-long Sinulog Festival, where you can enjoy concerts, parties and parades galore. Or, you can head to Pampanga in February for their annual Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.