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Introducing Philippines

When is the best time to visit?
Weather is most pleasant from December-February. This is the dry season and the high season—with the mild and sunny days, you can expect lots of fellow travelers, especially around Christmas and the New Year. That said, you can escape the throngs by avoiding the most popular tourist areas—ask your specialist for their recommendations. 

March through mid-May is also typically dry, with rising temperatures as the months go by. International travelers are replaced by vacationing locals, with crowds peaking again during Holy Week. The rest of the year is considered the wet season—rainy days are common and typhoons are possible, but this is a good time to avoid crowds and find deals if you feel like taking your chances. Cebu, Bohol, and Palawan tend to be sheltered from big storms, making them good bets for this time of year.

Where should you go?
Made up of a dizzying number of islands—more than 7,000 in all—the Philippines offers its fair share of brilliant beaches along with all the tropical trappings you've been daydreaming about. Palawan is a crowd pleaser, with stretches of untouched coast to laze on, fantastical limestone formations to kayak around, and brilliant reefs with great snorkeling visibility. Divers will head to Visayas, hikers and bikers will revel in the mountainous Cordillera, and Luzon offers luxe resorts and excellent windsurfing on the northern side. 

How many days do you need?
Five days in the Philippines makes for a sweet but very short trip—you'll want to maximize your time by focusing on one region. For example, stick to Palawan and you can snorkel the coral reefs of Ulugan Bay, kayak around limestone formations in El Nido, and explore multiple islands in a very limited timeframe.

With more than a week to spend, you can combine Palawan with time in the Cordillera: see the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, spend a night in Batad, a village within an amphitheater of rice terraces, check out the bizarre hanging coffins of Sagada, and more. If you plan to spend 2 weeks or more in the Philippines, you'll be able to see it all at a relaxed pace and time to spare—if you're feeling bold, why not add a side trip to swim with whale sharks in Donsol?

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 10 days · 14 days · 15 days

Philippines Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Beautiful islands of Palawan
Map of Highlights of the Philippines: Sand, Sea & Mountains - 15 Days
Highlights of the Philippines: Sand, Sea & Mountains - 15 Days

Discover the best of the Philippines on this 15-day tour as you paddle, snorkel, hike, and fly across the country. Begin in Manila, working your way north to the Banaue Rice Terraces before flying south to Bohol, Cebu, and Mactan islands. Continue west and end the adventure in Puerto Princesa and the ever-popular El Nido.

Hidden Lagoon in Coron
Map of Philippine Honeymoon: Boracay, El Nido & Coron - 11 Days
Philippine Honeymoon: Boracay, El Nido & Coron - 11 Days

Covering some of the Philippines' most desirable beaches, this 11-day tour offers the perfect romantic getaway for couples. Stay in luxury resorts in exotic locations from private islands to jungle hideaways. Enjoy customized private tours of nearby islands, snorkel shipwrecks, and lounge beachside with a cocktail in hand.

Puka Beach, Boracay
Map of Philippines Beaches, Waterfalls & Lagoons - 15 Days
Philippines Beaches, Waterfalls & Lagoons - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary offers the perfect combination of adventurous and relaxing activities. You will snorkel shipwrecks and aquamarine lagoons, visit secluded beaches, and climb and rappel slippery trails. Enjoy the Philippines as you island hop your way across the country, ending on the white sandy beaches of Boracay.

El Nido, Palawan
Map of Island Hopping in the Philippines: Manila, Donsol, Cebu & Palawan - 20 Days
Island Hopping in the Philippines: Manila, Donsol, Cebu & Palawan - 20 Days

Spend 20 days island hopping in the Philippines, hitting some of the country's major highlights. You'll begin in Manila, the country's busy capital. Then, you'll swim with whale sharks and snorkel in Donsol. Next, you'll fly to beautiful Cebu, swimming in pristine waterfalls, seeing the famous chocolate hills, and looking for marine turtles. Finally, you'll arrive in Palawan, the country's largest province. Adventures include visiting shipwrecks, exploring an underground river, and hiking to hidden lakes.

The Batad rice terraces with local Ifugao men
Map of The Cordillera: Banaue, Batad & Sagada - 6 Days
The Cordillera: Banaue, Batad & Sagada - 6 Days

Trek through the Philippines' Cordillera and marvel at its natural and cultural heritage. Discover famous rice terraces, quaint villages, sacred waterfalls and rivers, extensive cave systems, and the hanging coffins of Echo Valley.

Discover the tropical beauty of Palawan
Map of Palawan: Adventure in Paradise - 6 Days
Palawan: Adventure in Paradise - 6 Days

Palawan's exotic geography and diverse vegetation are exceptional in a country that already has its fair share of awe-inspiring sights. This six-day adventure will have you snorkeling, seeking out wildlife, riding an underground river, and kayaking the El Nido islands. Discover why Palawan is in a league of its own when it comes to tropical destinations.

Make the Most of Your Time in Philippines

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Discover the very timid tarsier on Bohol, the Philippines
How Many Days to Spend in the Philippines

While six days is a popular duration for kimkim travelers, 10 days are recommended for a more thorough trip to the Philippines. You can spend time on the archipelago's largest...

Philippines Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Philippines Content

Night markets and street food await when the sun goes down in Manila
Map of 2 Weeks in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in the Philippines, you can delve into the country's culture, nature, and islands on a highlights tour featuring Dumaguete, Bohol Island, and Cebu City, or opt for an active adventure that gets you out hiking among terraced rice fields, dramatic valleys, and to serene waterfalls. You can also pack in stays in six different destinations on a fast-paced tour. Or, if it's beach time you're after, set your sights on an island paradise trip featuring Bohol, Palawan, and Coron.

On an itinerary to Bohol, you'll spend some time contemplating the distintive Chocolate Hills
Map of 10 Days in the Philippines - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in the Philippines - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in the Philippines, you can split your time between Manila, Cebu Island, and Boracay during a well-rounded tour of the city, mountains, and beaches. Or, delve into the local culture and stay in rice terrace-surrounded villages while making your way between Manila, Banaue, and Baguio. Other options include a relaxing island-hopping trip featuring Palawan and Coron, memorable diving opportunities from Moalboal, and nature excursions on Bohol Island.

Sample the white-sand beaches and vibrant nightlife of the Philippines
Map of Philippines Beaches & Nightlife: Manila, Boracay, Cebu & Coron - 14 Days
Philippines Beaches & Nightlife: Manila, Boracay, Cebu & Coron - 14 Days

Immerse yourself in the culture, beaches, and nightlife of the Philippines on this 14-day itinerary that takes you from the bustling streets of Manila to some of the best tropical islands. Cycle across the capital's Intramuros district and road trip to the Taal volcano before trading the city for the tropics on Boracay, where you can split your time relaxing on the beach and dancing the night away. Round out the trip with visits to Cebu and Coron to trek to waterfalls, and discover World War II shipwrecks.

Philippines Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 10 Days in the Philippines - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in the Philippines - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 1 Week in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 2 Weeks in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Philippines
Travel specialist Cami Sarmiento
active 5 days ago

Cami Sarmiento

I'm the vice president of Uncharted Earth, an adventure travel company that specializes in lesser known and relatively undeveloped travel destinations. We seek out unspoiled nature destinations and...

read more...
Travel specialist Leo Cuesta
active 4 days ago

Leo Cuesta

I'm the founder and president of Uncharted Earth, an adventure travel company that specializes in lesser known and relatively undeveloped travel destinations. We seek out unspoiled nature...

read more...
Travel specialist Thao Huynh
active 5 days ago

Thao Huynh

I'm Thao, a seasoned travel specialist with over 8 years of experience in the industry. I am passionate about helping clients plan and book the perfect vacation, whether it's a romantic getaway, a...

read more...
Travel specialist Shona Zhang
active 39 mins ago

Shona Zhang

With strong passion for traveling,I worked as an English-speaking guide for 10 years with travel agent.I love to travel and communicate with different tourists from all corners of the...

read more...

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

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Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Philippines

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Philippines - 10 days
Philippines | Jul 7 - Jul 17, 2024

S
Sabrina C.
Australia | Reviewed on Jul 21, 2024
The whole process using Kim Kim and Cami was amazing. The minute we arrived and picked up everything went smoothly. We enjoyed all the hotels, tours and islands we visited! A perfect plan, day of rest and then a tour day. We will definitely use Kim Kim again in the future. Read more

The whole process using Kim Kim and Cami was amazing. The minute we arrived and picked up everything went smoothly. We enjoyed all the hotels, tours and islands we visited! A perfect plan, day of rest and then a tour day. We will definitely use Kim Kim again in the future.

Hotel Review
El Rio y Mar Resort
Coron

Amazing destination, incredible welcoming staff. Such a highlight for our trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Cami Sarmiento
Cami
Cami Sarmiento
Local specialist in Las Vegas, NV | Replied on Jul 22, 2024

Thank you for your wonderful review Sabrina! I’m very happy to hear you and Harry had an amazing time in the Philippines, and that you enjoyed the destinations, hotels and activities planned for you.
Thank you for choosing to travel with us. It was a pleasure to organize your trip and I look forward to organizing another unforgettable trip for you in the future!
Cami

Ana Santos, the tour leader was extremely hel...
Philippines | Apr 30 - May 17, 2024

G
George G.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on May 26, 2024
Ana Santos, the tour leader was extremely helpful in addressing any questions we had during our tour. Cami Sarmiento did an excellent job organizing our trip. The hotels were great. We were picked up and dropped off on scheduled on every occasion. The local guides were always on time and they did an excellent job ensuring we engaged in the activities for which they were responsible. Local guides always answered ur questions with the appropriate level of detail. It would be helpful if, in... Read more

Ana Santos, the tour leader was extremely helpful in addressing any questions we had during our tour. Cami Sarmiento did an excellent job organizing our trip. The hotels were great. We were picked up and dropped off on scheduled on every occasion. The local guides were always on time and they did an excellent job ensuring we engaged in the activities for which they were responsible. Local guides always answered ur questions with the appropriate level of detail.

It would be helpful if, in the future, you provide tour participants guidelines for who should be tipped during the tour and the percent or amount that is appropriate. We have traveled extensively with organizations such as National Geography, Overseas Adventure Travel, Kensington Tours and Insight Travel. And, these organizations typically provide this type of information to avoid confusion and surprises.

Local specialist: Cami Sarmiento
Cami
Cami Sarmiento
Local specialist in Las Vegas, NV | Replied on Jun 10, 2024

Thank you for your wonderful review George! I’m very happy to hear you and Michele had an amazing time in the Philippines, and that you enjoyed the activities planned for you.
Thank you for your feedback. I'll make sure to include a note about tips in the trip instructions of our future guests.
Thank you for choosing to travel with us. It was a pleasure to organize your trip and I look forward to organizing another unforgettable trip for you in the future!
Cami

Very happy with Kimkim service. Our trip to t...
Philippines | Apr 12 - Apr 23, 2024

marisa
marisa s.
Greece | Reviewed on May 05, 2024
Very happy with Kimkim service. Our trip to the Philippines was made special. Leo planned everything according to our budget . Allowing time for us to chill and rest when needed so Everything was planned perfectly well. All our guides were very nice and friendly. The drivers tours and guides were always on time. Also our guide kept in touch to make sure all was going well. The hotels chosen all had good standard. All our day tours for the island hopping were amazing. I highly recommend... Read more

Very happy with Kimkim service. Our trip to the Philippines was made special. Leo planned everything according to our budget . Allowing time for us to chill and rest when needed so Everything was planned perfectly well. All our guides were very nice and friendly. The drivers tours and guides were always on time. Also our guide kept in touch to make sure all was going well. The hotels chosen all had good standard. All our day tours for the island hopping were amazing. I highly recommend kimkim for their professional services! Definitely five stars ⭐️

Hotel Review
Amorita Resort
Authenticity & Character
Everything
Location
It’s right next to the beach that’s full of bars and restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on May 11, 2024

Hi Marisa,

Thank you for your review and I'm glad you had a great time in the Philippines! We look forward to working with you on another trip in the future!