Custom travel to the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the world's most beautiful archipelagos — 7,641 islands scattered over 300,000 km² between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. 115 million inhabitants, 90% Catholic (heritage of 333 years of Spanish rule 1565-1898, then 48 years American), the only majority-Christian Asian country with Timor-Leste. Palawan (voted world's best island 5 times by Travel + Leisure) — El Nido (turquoise lagoons, vertical limestone cliffs, deserted beaches), Coron (WWII shipwrecks, hidden lakes), Puerto Princesa (UNESCO 8.2-km underground river, one of the world's longest). Bohol (Chocolate Hills — 1,268 chocolate-colored conical hills in dry season, tarsiers — 12-cm primates with huge eyes endemic). Cebu (historic center, whale shark diving in Oslob — ethically controversial). Siargao (surfing capital, Cloud 9, world-class wave). Banaue (UNESCO 1995, rice terraces built 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao, '8th wonder of the world'). Manila (Intramuros, Spanish old city). World-ranked diving (2nd largest coral reef after Australia). Fusion cuisine (adobo, lechon, halo-halo). A paradise-island destination perfect for 12-14 days.

Highlights

  • Palawan: El Nido and Coron (turquoise lagoons)
  • Bohol: Chocolate Hills and tarsiers
  • Banaue: rice terraces (UNESCO)
  • Diving at Tubbataha (UNESCO, world top 10)
  • Siargao: world surfing capital (Cloud 9)
  • Manila: Intramuros (Spanish colonial heritage)

Frequently asked questions

When?

December-May (dry season). Avoid June-November (typhoons). March-May very hot.

How long?

12 days for Manila + Palawan (El Nido + Coron) + Bohol. 16 days to add Banaue and Siargao.

Budget?

€2,800-€4,000 per person for 12 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €4,600-€6,800. Flights: €800-€1,200.

Visa?

No for French citizens < 30 days. 59-day visa possible on arrival if needed.

Family?

Yes, from age 8. Long flight but warm welcome, perfect beaches.

How to get around?

Philippine Airlines/Cebu Pacific domestic flights essential between islands. Bangkas for short transfers. Private car in Luzon.

Diving Tubbataha: possible?

Yes, March-June only (dry season). 6-7-night liveaboard from Puerto Princesa, Advanced+ level. World top 10.

Safety?

Generally safe. Vigilance in Manila (pickpockets). Avoid southwestern Mindanao (Sulu, Basilan).

Combine?

Yes: Philippines + Hong Kong (2 h 30 flight), Philippines + Taiwan, Philippines + Indonesia.

Tips?

10% in restaurants. Appreciated in hotels and with bangka guides.