Why This Place
The Philippines is 7,000 islands of turquoise water — and most of them are empty. Palawan's hidden lagoons, 2,000-year-old rice terraces in the Cordilleras, and Siargao's surf culture make this the most underrated country in Southeast Asia.
7,000+ islands of turquoise water, white sand beaches, and world-class island hopping. Palawan is consistently ranked among the world's best islands. Siargao is an emerging surf and free-spirit destination. The Philippines delivers tropical paradise without the crowds of Thailand.
Why Backpackers Love It
- El Nido's limestone karst islands and hidden lagoons are genuinely world-class — the boat tours rival anything in Southeast Asia
- Siargao is one of Asia's best surf destinations — still has a genuine local character
- English is widely spoken — the most accessible Southeast Asian country for English speakers
- Island-hopping culture is built-in — it's how you see the Philippines
- Coron's shipwreck diving is some of the best in Asia
- Batad rice terraces near Banaue are an IMAX-worthy landscape that relatively few tourists see
WanderRank Score Breakdown
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Worth The Detour· side quests
Batad Rice Terraces
Batad is less visited than Banaue (the famous postcard terraces) and far more dramatic — you're IN the bowl, not looking from a highway viewpoint. The surrounding Ifugao villages are still farming the same terraces their ancestors built.
Local tip: Take the overnight bus from Manila to Banaue, then a jeepney to the Batad junction, then hike 45 minutes down to the village. Stay overnight in a local guesthouse ($10) — the terraces at dawn are worth it.
Chocolate Hills, Bohol
The hills are genuinely inexplicable at scale — hundreds of identical mounds in every direction as far as you can see. Bohol also has tarsiers (the world's smallest primates, with enormous eyes), Loboc River cruises, and some of the Philippines' best beaches at Alona Beach.
Local tip: Take the ferry from Cebu to Tagbilaran ($3), then rent a motorbike ($8/day) to self-explore all of Bohol. The viewpoint entry is $2. See tarsiers at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella — the only sanctuary where they roam free.
El Nido Island Hopping, Palawan
The Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon at El Nido are accessible only by kayaking through a narrow rock passage into a hidden bay — the water inside is dead calm and framed entirely by limestone cliffs. The Philippines' water is genuinely world-class.
Local tip: Tour A ($15) covers the famous lagoons. Bring your own snorkel gear from town — rental gear is poor quality. Sit at the bow for wind and views. The boat captains know the spots — tell them you want less-visited beaches and they'll often oblige.
Where to Stay· WanderRank scored
El Nido
Spin Designer Hostel
Small beach town on Palawan's northern tip. Surrounded by some of the world's most dramatic island scenery. Walking distance to boat departure points.
Rooftop karst island views + best island tour booking in town
Siargao
Kermit Siargao
Siargao's surf hub. Coconut palms, empty roads, slow living. The island's vibe is infectious — people miss flights regularly.
10 minutes from Cloud 9 — Siargao's world-class surf break. Lessons available.
Getting Around
✈ Arrives: MNL (Manila) or Puerto Princesa (PPS) for Palawan
Jeepneys and tricycles in cities. Ferries between islands. Habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) in rural areas.
Airport → City
Key Routes
Manila → El Nido (Palawan)
Manila → Boracay
El Nido → Coron
💡 Tip: Book El Nido flights the moment you have dates — AirSWIFT fills up months ahead. Island-hopping boats are negotiated locally.
Book Transport
12Go Asia
Book buses, trains, ferries & flights across Asia
2Go Travel (Ferries)
$10–40 island to islandBook inter-island ferries across the Philippines — Manila to Cebu, Palawan routes
Grab
$1–4 per rideRide-hailing for SE Asia — cheaper than taxis, download before you land
Rome2Rio
Plan any route — shows every transport option with live prices
Avoid If...
- ·Typhoon season (June–November) can disrupt island travel significantly
- ·Inter-island travel is time-consuming — flights or ferries required for most island-hopping
- ·Some southern islands have genuine travel warnings — check State Department advisories
True Trip Cost10 days
✓ High confidence pricing · 17 months ago
Best window: Next 3 months · pick dates in Google
Quick Info
Visa-free for US citizens, 30 days (extendable to 59 days easily)
November, December, January, February, March, April, May
December, January, February (peak)
Low Crowds
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Easy to exchange. ATMs everywhere. Carry cash for islands.
14–30 days
Logistics
The airport hack
Budget flights + lounge access = free food, showers, and quiet seating on every layover. One lounge visit saves $50–$100 in airport spending.
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