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)

Sample itineraries

Classic Philippines: Manila, Palawan, Bohol

Duration : 12 days

Route : Manila (1 night) → Palawan El Nido flight (4 nights) → Coron flight (2 nights) → Bohol flight (3 nights) → return Manila flight (1 night)

Complete Philippines: add Banaue and Siargao

Duration : 16 days

Route : Manila (1) → Banaue rice terraces (2) → Manila (1) → Palawan flight (4) → Coron flight (2) → Bohol flight (3) → Siargao flight (3) → return Manila flight

Private island Amanpulo: ultimate luxury

Duration : 8 days

Route : Manila (1 night) → private flight Amanpulo (5 nights) → Manila (1 night) → return flight

When to go

December-May is the best period (dry season, 25-32 °C, calm sea). Avoid June-November (rainy season, frequent typhoons July-October, especially on Luzon). March-May very hot (35 °C+).

  • Cool dry season (December – February) — All sites, calm sea, end-of-year festivities
  • Hot dry season (March – May) — Tubbataha (March-June only), brown Chocolate Hills
  • Rainy season (early) (June – August) — Typhoon risk, some islands closed (Cebu, Visayas)
  • Rainy season (late) (September – November) — Surfing in Siargao (Cloud 9 World Surf League September)

Practical information

Generally safe in tourist zones. Vigilance in Manila (pickpockets, scams) and southwestern Mindanao (Sulu, Basilan not recommended). No visa for French citizens < 30 days. Cards accepted in upscale hotels and restaurants, cash elsewhere (peso or USD). Avoid tap water (bottled water). English spoken everywhere (convenient). 10% tipping appreciated. Typhoons (June-November) — check weather before inter-island transfers. Significant pollution in Manila.

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.