Philippines Travel Guide 2025 - Beauty Not to Be Missed (Updated)
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Palawan, Bohol and Eni are the jewels of the Philippines, each shining with its own unique light. In this tropical paradise, travelers can enjoy the gifts of nature and explore the magnificent oceans and diverse ecosystems. From the underground rivers of Palawan to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol to the dive resorts of Ione Island, this tour will take you to the most beautiful landscapes of the Philippines.
Palawan - Natural Wonders of the Philippines
Travel Preparation
- Baggage packing:
- Clothing: Lightweight summer clothing including short-sleeved shirts, shorts and long skirts. For cooler temperatures at night, bring a light jacket.
- Bathing suits: It is recommended to bring 2-3 sets of bathing suits for use at different beaches and dive sites.
- Sunscreen: Choose a high SPF sunscreen, sunscreen lip balm, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable hiking shoes for exploring national parks and nature reserves.
- Medicines: Carry your usual medicines, anti-allergy medicines, painkillers and anti-mosquito lotion to prevent mosquito bites and other health problems.
- Travel Documents:
- Make sure your passport is valid and have copies in case you lose it.
- Book airfare and accommodation in advance and print out confirmation emails.
- Prepare local maps and travel guides for ready reference.
- Cash and Payments:
- Prepare cash for small purchases. Many vendors and markets in the Philippines do not accept credit cards. Cash can be withdrawn at the airport or from local banks.
- Prepare an international credit card for large purchases.
- Internet connection:
- It is recommended to purchase an eSIM package from PhoneSIMGo to ensure that you stay connected while traveling for easy navigation and finding information.
Trip Highlights
- Underground River National Park:
- Boat Cruise Experience: Take a boat ride inside the Underground River to see the spectacular limestone caves and underground rivers and experience nature's magic.
- Biodiversity: pay attention to the ecology inside the caves and possibly see bats, fish and unique plants.
- Island Hopping:
- Island Adventure: take part in an island hopping activity to explore small islands such as Banawe and Piyos, enjoying sandy beaches, snorkeling and sunbathing.
- Snorkeling: snorkel among gorgeous coral reefs, observe colorful tropical fish and marine life, and experience the rich underwater ecology.
- Ecotourism:
- Guided Tour: choose an eco-tour program to learn about local flora and fauna and their habitats, and enhance your environmental awareness.
- Cultural Village Tour: Visit a local indigenous cultural village to learn about traditional lifestyle and handicrafts.
- Gourmet Experience:
- Local Specialties: taste fresh seafood, tropical fruits and local specialties such as Palawan's roasted pig and coconut rice.
- Market Shopping: Buy fresh ingredients and experience the daily life of the locals at the local market.
Transportation
- International & Domestic Flights:
- Arrive in Puerto Princesa by domestic flights from Manila, flight time is about 1 hour and flights are frequent.
- Local Transportation:
- Taxi & Motorcycle Rental: Use a cab or motorcycle for easy transportation between the city and major attractions.
- Jeepney: Local jeepneys are a common mode of public transportation to experience authentic Filipino life.
- Tour Bus:
- Many tour operators offer bus services to and from major attractions for free-traveling tourists.
- Boats:
- When traveling to nearby islands, you can choose to take a local boat to experience the fun of the sea.
Health security
- Drinking water is safe:
- It is recommended to drink bottled water and avoid drinking raw water as it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated.
- Insect control measures:
- Use bug spray during outdoor activities, especially at dusk, to prevent mosquito bites.
- Medical facilities:
- Basic medical facilities are available in Palawan but may not be sufficient in remote areas. It is advisable to carry your usual medicines to ensure that you can cope with emergencies.
- Be aware of weather changes:
- The weather in the tropics is unpredictable, so keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared with rain gear.
- Diving Safety:
- Before diving, make sure you know the safety information of the dive site and follow the dive guidelines to ensure safety.
Cultural Background
- Indigenous Culture:
- Palawan is home to a wide range of indigenous cultures, reflecting a rich history and traditions that visitors can learn about by visiting the Cultural Village.
- Festivals:
- Regularly organized local festivals, such as the Palawan Cultural Festival, attract a large number of tourists and showcase local customs and traditions. 3.
- Handicrafts:
- Purchase local handicrafts such as weaving and carvings that showcase the unique cultural heritage and are worth collecting by tourists.
- Traditional music and dance:
- Rich traditional music and dance performances reflect the local artistic charm, which tourists can enjoy during festivals.
- Culinary Culture:
- Palawan's cuisine is fresh and healthy, especially seafood and tropical fruits, which are favored by tourists.
Mint Island - Beautiful Beaches & Chocolate Hills
Preparation for travel
- Packing:
- Clothing: Lightweight summer clothing, breathable short sleeves and long pants for the tropical climate. Temperatures may be cooler at night, so bring a light jacket.
- Bathing suits: bring several sets of bathing suits for the different beaches and dive sites.
- Sunscreen: Choose a high SPF sunscreen, sunscreen lip balm, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Comfortable shoes: shoes suitable for trekking for exploring sites such as the Chocolate Hills.
- Medicines: Carry common medicines, anti-allergy medicines, painkillers and anti-mosquito lotion to ensure that you are prepared for any unexpected health problems.
- Travel Documents:
- Ensure your passport is valid and have copies in case you lose it.
- Book airfare and accommodation in advance and print out confirmation emails.
- Prepare local maps and travel guides for ready reference.
- Cash and Payment:
- Prepare some cash. Many vendors and markets do not accept credit cards, so it is recommended to withdraw money at the airport or from a local bank.
- Prepare an international credit card for large purchases.
- Internet connection:
- It is recommended to purchase PhoneSIMGo's Philippine eSIM package to ensure that you stay connected during your trip for easy navigation and finding information.
Travel Highlights
- Arona Beach:
- Leisure activities: enjoy white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters for swimming, sunbathing and water activities such as kayaking and windsurfing.
- Nightlife: there are many restaurants and bars near the beach where you can enjoy food and music in the evening.
- Chocolate Hills:
- Viewpoint: climb up to the viewpoint to see this unique landscape from above, the best time to take photos is early morning or dusk.
- Hiking: Take a hike around the Chocolate Hills to experience the charm and tranquility of nature.
- Dolphin Watch:
- Sea Excursion: Join a dolphin watching tour and go out to sea in the morning to observe the elegant posture of dolphins and experience the fun of being in close contact with nature.
- Diving & Snorkeling:
- Coral Reef Adventure: Dive in the coral reefs of Bohol, observe the rich marine life and experience the wonderful world under the sea.
- Museum & Culture:
- Museum Visit: visit the Bohol Museum to learn about the history and culture of the island and enhance your understanding of local customs.
Transportation
- International & Domestic Flights:
- Arrive at Tabilaran Airport in Bohol by domestic flight from Manila, flight time is about 1 hour.
- Local Transportation:
- Taxi: Easy to use cabs at the airport and in the city.
- Motorcycle Rental: good for exploring the surrounding area, flexible and free for self-driving.
- Jeepney:
- Local jeepneys are the most common mode of transportation, cheap and rich in local characteristics, suitable for short trips.
- Walking:
- The main attractions in the city are close to each other, walking tour is a good choice to better experience the local culture.
Health security
- Safe drinking water:
- It is recommended to drink bottled water and avoid drinking raw water to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Insect prevention measures:
- Use bug spray when outdoors, especially at dusk, to prevent mosquito bites.
- Medical facilities:
- Mint Island has basic medical facilities, but it is recommended to carry your usual medications in case of emergencies.
- Be aware of weather changes:
- Weather changes quickly in the tropics, stay tuned to the weather forecast and carry rain gear with you.
- Beach Safety:
- Be aware of waves and tides when swimming to ensure safety, especially at unsupervised beaches.
Cultural Background
- Multiculturalism:
- Mint is a crossroads of many ethnic cultures, reflecting a rich history and traditions that visitors can learn about by visiting the Cultural Village.
- Festivals:
- Colorful local festivals are held regularly to attract visitors and showcase the local culture.
- Handicrafts:
- Mint Island handicrafts such as weaving and carving demonstrate a unique cultural heritage and are worth purchasing as souvenirs for visitors.
- Traditional Music and Dance:
- A rich variety of traditional music and dances, reflecting the local artistic charm, can be enjoyed by visitors during festivals.
- Gourmet Culture:
- Mint Island's cuisine is fresh and healthy, especially seafood and tropical fruits, which are favored by tourists.
Eni Island - A Diver's Paradise
Travel Preparation
- Packing:
- Clothing: lightweight summer clothing including short-sleeved shirts, shorts and long skirts, and a light jacket for the evening.
- Bathing suits: Prepare multiple sets of bathing suits for different beaches and dive sites.
- Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Comfortable shoes: shoes suitable for hiking and easy to explore the island.
- Medicines: Carry common medicines and anti-mosquito lotion with you to cope with unexpected health problems.
- Travel Documents:
- Make sure your passport is valid and have copies in case you lose it.
- Book air tickets and accommodation in advance and print out confirmation emails.
- Prepare local maps and travel guides for ready reference.
- Cash and Payment:
- Prepare some cash. Many vendors and markets do not accept credit cards, so it is recommended to withdraw money at the airport or from a local bank.
- Prepare an international credit card for large purchases.
- Internet connection:
- It is recommended to purchase PhoneSIMGo's Philippine eSIM package to ensure that you stay connected during your trip for easy navigation and finding information.
Trip highlights
- Diving & Snorkeling:
- Known for its crystal clear waters and abundant marine life, Eni Island is an ideal place for diving and snorkeling. You can take a diving course and explore the colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.
- Island Hopping:
- Join an island hopping program to explore the surrounding islands such as Bacuit Bay and El Nido, enjoying sandy beaches, blue waters and a variety of water activities.
- Natural Hot Springs:
- Relax in the natural hot springs of El Nido Island and enjoy a unique spa experience to soothe the fatigue of traveling.
- Sunset Viewing:
- Enjoy a spectacular sunset on the beach and take beautiful photos for unforgettable memories.
- Ecotourism:
- Join an eco-tour to learn about the flora and fauna of Aini Island and their habitats, and increase your awareness of environmental protection.
Transportation
- International and Domestic Flights:
- Take a domestic flight from Manila to reach the airport in Eni Island, the flight time is about 1 hour.
- Local Transportation:
- Taxi & Motorcycle Rental: Use a cab or motorcycle for easy transportation between the city and major attractions.
- Jeepney: local jeepneys are common public transportation to experience authentic Filipino life.
- Boat:
- When traveling to nearby islands, you can choose to take a local boat to experience the fun of the sea.
Health and Safety
- Safe Drinking Water:
- It is recommended to drink bottled water and avoid drinking raw water to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Insect control measures:
- Use bug spray when outdoors, especially at dusk, to prevent mosquito bites.
- Medical facilities:
- Basic medical facilities are available on Aini Island, but it is recommended to carry your usual medication in case of emergencies.
- Be aware of weather changes:
- Weather changes quickly in the tropics, so keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared with rain gear.
- Diving Safety:
- Before diving, make sure you know the safety information of the dive site and follow the dive guidelines to ensure safety.
Cultural Background
- Multicultural:
- Eni Island is a crossroads of many ethnic cultures, reflecting a rich history and traditions that visitors can learn about by visiting the Cultural Village.
- Festivals:
- Colorful local festivals are held regularly to attract visitors and showcase the local culture.
- Handicrafts:
- Handicrafts such as weaving and carving on Aini Island demonstrate a unique cultural heritage and are worth purchasing as souvenirs for visitors.
- Traditional music and dance:
- A rich variety of traditional music and dances, reflecting the local artistic charm, can be enjoyed by visitors at festivals.
- Gourmet Culture:
- The cuisine of Aini Island is fresh and healthy and is favored by tourists, especially seafood and tropical fruits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to the Philippines
1. When is the best time to travel in the Philippines?
- The best time to travel is from November to May every year when the weather is dry for outdoor activities and beach vacations.
2. How do I travel from Manila to Palawan, Bohol and Eni?
- Taking a domestic flight is the most convenient way. Manila has direct flights to Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Tabilaran (Bohol), and Ini.
3. What are the local transportation options?
- Cabs, motorcycle rentals and jeepneys are available between the city and the main attractions. Traveling between islands usually requires a boat.
4. Can I use my credit card in the Philippines?
- Most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, but cash is more common in vendors and markets. It is advisable to carry some cash with you.
5. How can I stay in touch and avoid high roaming charges?
- Avoid high international roaming charges by using PhoneSIMGo's Philippine eSIM service, which allows you to activate your local data package as soon as you arrive in the Philippines. This is convenient and fast for travelers.
6. How safe is drinking water in the Philippines?
- It is recommended to drink bottled water and avoid drinking raw water to prevent gastrointestinal upset. In remote areas, it is best to carry bottled water with you.
7. What are the safety precautions for diving and snorkeling?
- Make sure you choose a reputable dive center, follow the instructions of your dive guide, check your equipment, be aware of changes in the marine weather and keep a safe distance.
8. What are the local medical facilities?
- Medical facilities in Palawan, Bohol and Eni are basic but may be limited in remote areas. It is advisable to carry your usual medication and seek local medical attention if needed.
9. What are the cultural practices in the Philippines?
- The Philippines has a rich cultural tradition where respect and courtesy are very important. A simple greeting such as “Kumusta” (hello) is a good start when interacting with locals.
10. How do I stay safe while traveling?
- Avoid going out alone at night, keep your personal belongings safe, and be aware of local safety conditions. Stay in touch using cell phone apps such as PhoneSIMGo so you're always ready to ask for help in case of an emergency.