Attracting more international travellers every year, the Philippines is an exciting place to visit for first-timers. With its idyllic paradise scenes, high-quality resorts, and varied activities suited to all kinds of people, including thrill seekers and families, there’s every reason to go and see what the country is all about.
Travelling anywhere for the first time can be made so much easier when you’re in the know, so here are a few handy hints and tips to keep in mind when planning your trip to the Philippines and while you’re exploring.
You can get everywhere from Manila.
Travellers from Australia and New Zealand will typically enter the country through the capital, Manila. From Manila, you can choose to travel to many off-the-beaten-path locations, with the city’s airport providing frequent and convenient flight connections. Budget carriers like Cebu Pacific and full-service airlines such as Philippine Airlines offer flights to a wide range of destinations, from remote, barely touched islands to other well-known cities and hubs across the Philippines.
Prepare for the climate at the time of year you’re travelling.
The Philippines has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity. Like many parts of Southeast Asia, it has a distinct wet and dry season, with the dry season running from November to May. Depending on the activities you are planning, you should also keep in mind that the Philippines experiences cooler weather from November to February and hotter temperatures from March to May. The cooler season could be ideal for some adventure activities the Philippines is known for, like cycling or hiking tours.
Caramelized Banana at a street food stall
The rainy season spans from June to October, with occasional rainfall and storms. There will still be plenty of sunshine during this period to enjoy the beaches, but while it may not always be the perfect beach weather, the rain is known for enhancing the lush landscapes and many scenic spots around the country.
Carry cash with you wherever you go.
The Philippines is a largely cash-based economy for everyday transactions, so ensure you have cash on hand to avoid issues when buying food, drinks, or other essentials. Fortunately, things like street food or small souvenirs are generally inexpensive compared to different destinations, meaning you won’t need to carry large amounts around. It’s also helpful to have smaller denominations available to make paying for things more manageable, like avoiding difficulties with change and helping vendors retain their cash reserves for other customers.
Make the most of the street food and local restaurants.
Don’t be afraid to dive into the vibrant street food culture and local dining scene of the Philippines – if you are, you’ll miss out. Not only is the local street food affordable – typically costing anything from a few cents to a couple of dollars – but it’s also a great way to experience authentic Filipino flavours. Look out for popular Filipino favourites like BBQ pork skewers, sweet banana spring rolls (turon), crispy cheese sticks, and creamy coconut milk ice cream (sorbets).
Avoiding restaurants to save money is also not necessary, unlike in many other destinations. Meals at most local establishments in the Philippines are priced similarly to global fast-food chains, but they offer much more flavourful and higher-quality food.
