Philippines Travel Guide 

Important Things To Know

Currency

The Philippines uses the Philippines Peso which is recognized by the ₱ symbol. 

The banknotes come in 1000 ₱, 500 ₱, 200 ₱, 100 ₱, 50 ₱, 20 ₱, and 10 ₱ format. And there are three coins:10 ₱, 5 ₱, and 1 ₱. 

Batad Rice Terraces in the Philippines. (photo courtesy of G Adventures) (Photo Credit: Provided by GAdventures)

National Languages

The Philippines has a long language history, with over 170 languages and variations in the archipelago country. Currently, the national language is Filipino, a standardized version of Tagalog. 

The other national language is English, which makes it very easy for English-speaking visitors to navigate the country. 

Climate And Weather

The Philippines has a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and high humidity. 

While most countries are divided into winter and summer, it would make more sense to distinguish the Philippines according to its rainfall because the temperature is pretty stable throughout the year. 

June to November is very wet. Typhoon season is from July to October, with as many as 10 typhoons making it through the country. 

December to May, on the other hand, is very dry. December to February is the cooler season whereas March to May is hot and dry. 

When To Visit The Philippines

The best time for your Philippines adventure is from December to February. The temperature is moderate and it’s not raining. During this time you’ll also be able to experience local festivals like the Sinulog festival and Dinagyang festival. 

If you want to enjoy the summer heat and fewer international tourists, visit from May to the start of the typhoon season (July).

Best Places To Stay In the Philippines

The Philippines has many notable travel destinations. But these are our top picks: 

• Manilla is the capital of the Philippines and a must for any traveler. It’s a densely populated and vibrant city you aren’t going to forget. 
• Cebu is perhaps the most visited spot in the country. Here’s where you’ll find gorgeous tropical waters, a variety of activities to enjoy, and some of the most iconic travel destinations in the world. 
• To witness the country’s natural beauty, visit the more laid-back island of Bohol. 
• Our choice for the most breathtaking view has to be the UNESCO world heritage site of Banaue. Here you can see sprawling rice fields, lush green views, and a hand-carved mountainside that is over 2 thousand years old. 
• To immerse yourself in the traditional Philippines, visit Vigan. The northern region is full of the country’s heritage and sites you’ll never forget.