Philippines travel tips from a local expert

At every twist, turn, and hop across its many islands (about 7,641 make up the archipelago), the Philippines never fails to stun and surprise with its diversity of natural and cultural draws. We speak to Kévin, one of our locally-based experts, for insight into his personal highlights and other top Philippines travel tips to help you make the most out of your time away.

What’s your favorite thing about living in the Philippines?

Living in the Philippines has many great aspects, but one of the best things is the warmth—both from the people and the climate.

Filipinos are known for being incredibly friendly, welcoming, and hospitable. Whether you’re a visitor or a long-term resident, you’ll often feel like part of a community. The culture emphasizes strong family ties, a love for celebrations, and a generally positive outlook on life (bahala na or a “go with the flow” attitude).

What is one thing you would recommend someone visiting your country should do?

When visiting the Philippines, don’t miss the chance to swim with turtles and explore the vibrant underwater world filled with fish, corals, and marine life. You’ll find plenty of incredible spots for this experience, with some of the most popular being Apo Island, Pamilacan Island, Balicasag, Moalboal, and Port Barton.

Read more Philippines travel tips: What to do in the Philippines

What’s one piece of advice you would give someone visiting your country?

Avoid rushing between distant destinations—instead, focus on exploring one region with minimal and convenient transfers for a more enjoyable experience.

What are your country’s top three highlights?

Camiguin, Siquijor, and Camotes are three underrated gems in the Philippines, offering stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and a peaceful island vibe. Here’s why you should visit each:

Camiguin, “the island born of fire”

• It’s home to seven volcanoes, including Mount Hibok-Hibok, offering incredible landscapes.
• It also has unique attractions like the Sunken Cemetery, a historic site submerged underwater.
• You can relax here in hot and cold springs, such as Ardent Hot Springs and Sto Niño Cold Spring.
• From here you can access White Island, a stunning sandbar with breathtaking views of the mountains and sea.

Siquijor, “the mystical island”

• It’s known for its healing traditions, shamans, and mystical folklore.
• It’s home to gorgeous waterfalls like Cambugahay Falls, where you can swing into crystal-clear waters.
• It also offers pristine white-sand beaches, including Salagdoong Beach with cliff-diving spots.
• The peaceful and laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a quiet island getaway.

Camotes, “the lost horizon of the south” ️

• Here you’ll find unspoiled beaches like Santiago Bay, offering powdery sand and clear waters.
• Don’t miss the mysterious Bukilat Cave, a natural cave pool with sunlight streaming in.
• Lake Danao is perfect for kayaking and enjoying scenic views.
• Being less touristy than other destinations, Camotes is a hidden paradise for relaxation.

Each of these islands offers a unique experience, whether you’re into adventure, culture, or simply unwinding in nature.

Read more: The best beaches in the Philippines

When is the best time to visit your country?

The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season, which runs from January to May. This period offers sunny days, pleasant temperatures, and ideal conditions for island hopping, beach trips, and outdoor adventures.

The best months to visit are January and February for cooler weather (25–30 degrees Celsius, or 77–86 degrees Fahrenheit), perfect for exploring cities, mountains, and beaches; and March to May, the hotter months (30–35 degrees Celsius, or 86–95 degrees Fahrenheit), which are best for beach lovers and diving but can be crowded due to the local summer holidays.

If you want fewer crowds, June, July and August in the Visayas are great options, since the region is usually spared from typhoons. Of course, you should expect some rain showers, but these are relatively short. For diving and snorkeling, March to June offers excellent underwater visibility.

Months to avoid are September to December, when the rainy season brings occasional typhoons—especially from September to November, which can disrupt travel plans.

In your opinion, what dishes should anyone visiting the Philippines try?

The best dish in the Philippines depends on personal preference, but if there’s one iconic must-try, it’s adobo! Why adobo? It’s the unofficial national dish of the Philippines. A flavorful blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns gives it a rich, savory, and slightly tangy taste. It can be made with chicken, pork, or even seafood and vegetables. Every region (and even every household) has its own unique twist on adobo!

A true hidden gem dish in the Philippines is laing, a Bicolano specialty made from dried taro leaves cooked in creamy coconut milk, with chili, garlic, shrimp paste, and sometimes dried fish or pork. It has a rich, spicy, and umami-packed flavor that gets better as it sits, making leftovers even tastier! Despite its simplicity, it’s a comfort food favorite in the Bicol region but remains underrated compared to more popular dishes like adobo or sinigang.

Kinilaw is another amazing Filipino dish you definitely shouldn’t miss, particularly if you like fish! It’s a Filipino-style ceviche, typically made with fresh raw fish (often tuna or mackerel), but sometimes also with other seafood like shrimp, squid, or even pork. The fish is marinated in a tangy mix of vinegar, calamansi (Filipino lime), or lemon juice, along with chopped onions, ginger, and chili. It’s typically served with salt, pepper, and sometimes coconut milk for added creaminess. Kinilaw is often enjoyed as an appetizer or pulutan (a snack to accompany drinks). It’s super refreshing and light, perfect for the hot tropical climate. The tangy, salty, and slightly spicy flavors combine for a taste that’s unique to Filipino cuisine. It’s fresh, local, and deeply tied to the coastal culture—so trying it is a great way to experience the local lifestyle.

Read more: The food of the Philippines

Make it happen

For more Philippines travel tips from our local experts, get in touch today and start planning your dream itinerary together. An exciting adventure awaits!