This list covers 14 things to do in the Philippines. It runs loosely from the classics to the quieter places. Each entry says what it is, who it suits and when to go.
The country is spread over many islands, so most trips focus on one or two areas. Manila and Cebu make easy starting points from Changi. Palawan, Bohol and Siargao work well as a second stop.
1. Walk the old walled city of Intramuros
Intramuros is the Spanish-era walled city in the heart of Manila. You can walk along the walls, explore Fort Santiago and step inside San Agustin Church. It suits solo travellers and couples who like history. Older children usually enjoy the fort and the gates.
When to go: December to May, early in the day when the streets are quieter.
2. Eat your way through Binondo
Binondo is Manila's Chinatown, a busy grid of old streets, temples and food stalls. You can graze on dumplings, noodles and hopia, a flaky pastry with sweet filling. If you like hawker food at home, this will feel familiar. It suits everyone, though families may find mornings easier than the evening crowds.
When to go: Any time of year, ideally on a weekday morning.
3. Watch the sunset at Rizal Park and Manila Bay
Rizal Park, also called Luneta, is a large public park with the Rizal Monument at its centre. It gives children open space after a day of museums and traffic. Couples can walk on to the Manila Bay waterfront for the sunset. It is a simple, low-cost way to end a Manila day.
When to go: Late afternoon in the dry season, when skies are more often clear.
4. Island-hop around El Nido
El Nido in northern Palawan is known for limestone cliffs, lagoons and small beaches in Bacuit Bay. Most visitors see it on day boat trips that stop at several spots. Couples and families with confident swimmers get the most from it. Solo travellers can join shared boats and meet other people.
When to go: December to May. The southwest monsoon brings rain to the west from May to September.
5. Ride into the Puerto Princesa Underground River
This is a boat trip into a long cave river near Puerto Princesa. Inside, it is dark and quiet, with rock formations lit by a lamp. It suits families with children who can sit still in a small boat. Book ahead and check the current arrangements before you go.
When to go: The dry season, December to May.
6. Swim the lakes and lagoons of Coron
Coron, also in northern Palawan, has clear lakes and lagoons such as Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon. Divers come for the old shipwrecks in the surrounding waters. Couples and solo divers tend to love it. The steps up to viewpoints suit families with older children more than toddlers.
When to go: December to May, when seas are usually calmer.
7. Spend a slow day on Boracay's White Beach
White Beach is a long strip of pale sand on the small island of Boracay. Shallow water in calm months suits families with young children. Couples come for sunset sails, and solo travellers find it easy to meet people. Expect it to be lively rather than remote.
When to go: The dry season, avoiding the peak typhoon months of July to October.
8. See the Chocolate Hills and Loboc River in Bohol
The Chocolate Hills are rows of rounded grassy mounds in the centre of Bohol. They turn brown in the dry months, which gives them their name. You can pair them with a slow trip on the Loboc River and a stop to see tarsiers at a conservation area. A day with a hired car and driver works well for families.
When to go: Late in the dry season if you want the hills at their brownest.
9. Trace history and eat lechon in Cebu City
Cebu City packs several old sights into a small area. Magellan's Cross, the Basilica del Santo Niño and Fort San Pedro are close together. The city is also known for lechon, whole roast pig with crisp skin. It suits short trips and families who want history and food without long transfers.
When to go: Any time. Festival weeks bring big crowds, so check the dates if you want to join or avoid them.
10. Walk Calle Crisologo in Vigan
Vigan in northern Luzon has a cobbled street lined with old Spanish-colonial houses. Horse-drawn carts called kalesa carry visitors around the old town. Couples and history fans enjoy the evening walk when the lamps come on. Children usually like the kalesa ride.
When to go: December to May.
11. Trek the Banaue and Batad rice terraces
The Ifugao rice terraces climb the mountainsides of northern Luzon. Banaue has easy viewpoints, while Batad needs a steep walk down and back up. Getting there is a long road trip from Manila, so plan a few nights. It suits fit solo travellers, couples and families with teenagers.
When to go: The dry season. Mountain roads are slow in heavy rain, so check conditions before you set off.
12. Explore caves and cliffs in Sagada
Sagada is a small mountain town with pine forests and cooler air. Visitors come for Sumaguing Cave and the hanging coffins near Echo Valley. Hiring a local guide makes the cave routes easier to follow. The slippery rock suits solo travellers and active couples more than young children.
When to go: December to May.
13. Learn to surf on Siargao
Siargao is a relaxed island with palm-lined roads and the well-known Cloud 9 surf break. Beginners can take lessons on smaller waves near General Luna. Boat trips to nearby sandbars, islets and Sugba Lagoon suit families who would rather not surf. Solo travellers and couples often stay longer than planned.
When to go: Surf conditions vary through the year, so check before booking. Avoid the peak typhoon months if you can.
14. Take a cool day trip to Tagaytay
Tagaytay sits on a ridge above Taal Lake, with a volcano island in the middle of the lake. It is a gentle day out by road from Manila. You can stop at viewpoints, fruit stalls and roadside eateries serving bulalo, a rich beef soup. It suits families and couples who want a break from the city.
When to go: Any time of year. Mornings tend to give the clearest views, and it is worth checking the volcano's current status first.
Before you go
- Seasons: The dry season runs from December to May and the rainy season from June to November. The southwest monsoon brings rain to the west of the country from May to September.
- Typhoons: Typhoon season peaks from July to October, when nearly 70% of typhoons form. About 20 tropical cyclones form in the region each year, and 8 or 9 of them cross the Philippines. Leave slack in your plans if you travel in these months.
- School holidays: The December school holidays in Singapore fall in the dry season, so beaches and flights get busy. Book early if you are travelling as a family.
- Emergencies: Dial 911 for police, fire, medical help and disaster response. It is free and works 24 hours a day.
- Singapore Embassy: 505 Rizal Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila. Tel +63 2 8856 9922. Emergency +63 917 860 4740. It is Singapore's only mission in the Philippines.
- Entry, health and safety: Rules can change. Check MFA's travel advice, linked from the Philippines travel page, before you book and again before you fly.
Prices, opening times and transport details change often. Check them close to your travel date.
Before you go: travel insurance for the Philippines
Before you fly, get your travel insurance through Shenton Brokers for your trip. Compare travel insurance for the Philippines to see today's prices from every insurer we compare, with the destination's travel notes and MFA's latest advice. Or get a quote for your own dates.
Buy it as soon as you book: trip cancellation pays only for events after the policy starts.