Love & LayoversWhy Visit Philippines?
The Philippines is more than 7,000 islands of white-sand beaches, limestone lagoons, coral reefs and some of the friendliest people in Asia. English is widely spoken, island-hopping is the main event and costs are reasonable once you're there.
A first trip usually combines Manila with the countryside and beaches of Bohol and the dramatic lagoons of El Nido, Palawan. Domestic flights make it easy to hop between islands.
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Philippines Itineraries: 3, 5 or 7 Days
Pick 3, 5 or 7 days. Each longer plan builds on the shorter one: the first days stay the same and the extra days add more places. Costs are approximate per person per day; prices and timings change, so check before you book.
Manila: Intramuros & Binondo
Bohol: Chocolate Hills & tarsiers
Panglao island hopping
To El Nido, Palawan
5-day planEl Nido Tour A: lagoons
5-day planEl Nido Tour C or Nacpan Beach
7-day planBack to Manila & departure
7-day planFilipino Food to Try
- Adobo — Chicken or pork braised in vinegar, soy sauce and garlic; the unofficial national dish.
- Sinigang — Sour tamarind soup with vegetables and pork or prawns.
- Lechon — Whole roast pig with crackling skin, especially famous in Cebu.
- Kare-kare — Oxtail and vegetables in peanut sauce with shrimp paste.
- Pancit — Stir-fried noodles, often served at celebrations.
- Halo-halo — Shaved ice with sweet beans, fruit, ube and leche flan: the ultimate dessert.
For Indian travellers: Filipino food is meat-heavy and vegetarian options are limited outside big cities. Manila (Makati, BGC) has several Indian restaurants; on the islands, tell restaurants clearly what you don't eat.
Best Time to Visit Philippines
Dry season (December–May): the best time for beaches, with January to April the driest and calmest. March to May is hot.
Wet season (June–November): rain and the risk of typhoons, which can cancel flights and boat trips. Travel is still possible but keep plans flexible.
Temperature: warm all year (about 26–33°C).
Getting Around Philippines
Domestic flights: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia connect Manila, Cebu, Bohol and Palawan. Book early and check baggage allowances.
Ferries and boats: link many islands; check weather advisories before travelling.
In cities: use Grab in Manila and Cebu. Jeepneys and tricycles are cheap local options; agree tricycle fares first.
Vans: shared vans connect Puerto Princesa and El Nido (about 5–6 hours).
Travel Essentials
Visa for Indians: at the time of writing, Indian tourists can enter the Philippines visa-free for a short stay, with a longer visa-free stay for those holding a valid visa or residence permit from countries such as the USA, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen states, Singapore or the UK. Others can apply for a Philippine e-visa online. Everyone must complete the free eTravel registration online within 72 hours before arrival. These rules have changed recently, so check the Philippine embassy website for the current length of stay. Rules as of October 2026; always check the official website before you travel.
Money: Philippine peso (₱). ₱1 is roughly ₹1.5. Cards work in cities, but carry cash for islands, tricycles and island tours; ATMs in El Nido can run out.
Daily budget (per person): a mid-range room share, food, local transport and an island tour come to about ₱3,000–5,500 a day, plus domestic flights.
SIM card: Globe and Smart sell tourist SIMs at the airport; registration with your passport is required by law.
Plugs: types A, B and C, 220V. Indian round-pin plugs may not fit type A/B sockets, so bring a universal adapter.
Tips: use reef-safe sunscreen, don't touch coral, and keep plans flexible in the wet season.
Philippines FAQs
Do Indians need a visa for Philippines?
At the time of writing, Indian tourists can enter the Philippines visa-free for a short stay, with a longer visa-free stay for those holding a valid visa or residence permit from countries such as the USA, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen states, Singapore or the UK. Others can apply for a Philippine e-visa online. Everyone must complete the free eTravel registration online within 72 hours before arrival. These rules have changed recently, so check the Philippine embassy website for the current length of stay. Rules as of October 2026; always check the official website before you travel.
How much does a Philippines trip cost per day?
Plan for roughly ₱3,000–5,500 per person per day (about ₹4,500–8,300) for a mid-range trip, covering accommodation, food, local transport and sightseeing. Prices are approximate as of October 2026.
How many days do you need in Philippines?
3 days covers the highlights: Manila: Intramuros & Binondo, Bohol: Chocolate Hills & tarsiers and Panglao island hopping. With 5 days you can add To El Nido, Palawan and El Nido Tour A: lagoons, and a full week adds El Nido Tour C or Nacpan Beach and Back to Manila. Our 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries build on each other, so you can stop at any point.
When is the best time to visit Philippines?
Dec–May. Dry season (December–May): the best time for beaches, with January to April the driest and calmest. March to May is hot.
Never miss a trip
New travel films every week on YouTube, plus daily stories, Reels and food finds on Instagram.
Prices, visa rules and opening details change often. Figures here are approximate as of October 2026, so please check official websites before you book.
