When white sandy beaches meet turquoise waters, the Philippines opens the door to an adventure paradise with 7,641 islands. This coral kingdom is a cost-effective vacation destination with crystal clear waters and world-class diving experiences. Whether you want to relax or push your limits, this guide will take you to the perfect travel plan.
1. Must-read before departure: visa and flight guide
1.1 Visa fast track
- US and Canadian visa holders: enjoy 7 days of visa-free entry
- Ordinary tourist visa: costs 35 USD and is issued within 3 working days
- E-visa: can be applied for online via the Philippine Immigration Bureau website
1.2 Flight options
- International flights: preferentially land at Manila International Airport (MNL)
- Recommended domestic airlines:
- Cebu Pacific: covers 36 destinations, with one-way tickets starting from USD 20
- Philippine Airlines: offers more spacious seats and free meals
- New routes after the pandemic: regular direct flights from Beijing/Shanghai to Cebu
2. In-depth review of the top five must-visit islands
2.1 Boracay: the perfect beach holiday
Transportation:
- After arriving at Kalibo Airport (KLO) by plane, take a 2-hour bus ride and a 15-minute ferry ride
- New direct flights to Caticlan Airport after the pandemic
Special experiences:
- Take a barefoot stroll along the 4-kilometre white beach
- Sunset sailing cruise (recommended to book 2 hours in advance)
- 3-metre cliff diving at Yapak Beach
2.2 Momo Pat Silk Island: A paradise for diving enthusiasts
Core highlights:
- One of the only two places in the world where you can see thresher sharks year-round
- Depth requirement: 30 meters or more (AOW diving certificate required)
2.3 Palawan: Explore the ecological secrets
Three core areas:
- El Nido: Island hopping routes A/B/C (recommended route C to the secret lagoon)
- Coron Island: WWII shipwreck diving (requires diving experience)
- Amanpulo: Luxury experience on a private island (from 1,200 USD/night)
2.4 Siargao Island: Surfers’ Mecca
Wave point grading:
- Novice area: Cloud 9 Beach white wave area
- Expert area: Jeginhos tube wave area (wave height up to 4 meters)
2.5 Bohol: a cost-effective choice
Classic three-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Chocolate Hills + Tarsier Conservation Area (entrance fee: 5 USD)
- Day 2: Snorkeling at Balicasag Island + Trailing Beach at Virgin Island
- Day 3: Lunch on a bamboo raft on Loboc River (15 USD/person including transfer)
3. Unique experiences in-depth analysis
3.1 Guide to swimming with whale sharks
Comparison of the two main observation points:
- Tongsod (wild whale sharks): 5am departure required during the peak season from November to June
- Oslob (artificial feeding): visible year-round, with more tourists
3.2 Guide to exploring volcanoes
Legazpi must-do activities:
- Hiking at Mayon Volcano (requires a climbing permit)
- Tabacoo Hot Spring (natural hot spring with high sulfur content)
- Ruins of Cagsawa Church (remains of a volcanic eruption)
4. Transportation and accommodation money-saving plan
4.1 Island-hopping transportation optimization
Recommended shipping companies:
- Montenegro Shipping (Cologne-El Nido route, 25 USD/person)
- 2GO Travel (overnight ferries, which can save accommodation costs)
4.2 Accommodation recommendations for all price ranges
Budget (<50 USD):
- Boracay: homestay with kitchen near D’mall
- Siargao: Kermit Surf Lodge (includes free surfboard)
High-end (>150 USD):
- Mactan: Shark Bay Resort (includes diving package)
- Coron Island: Two Big One Island Resort (private yacht transfer)
5. Safety instructions and cultural taboos
5.1 Important safety guidelines
- You must wait 24 hours after diving before taking a plane
- You need to carry mosquito spray during the rainy season (to prevent dengue fever)
- You are not allowed to go to a hot spring within 12 hours after deep diving
5.2 Local cultural etiquette
- You need to take off your shoes before entering a church (some churches provide shoe covers)
- Tipping standards:
- Luggage handling: 1-2 pesos per piece (about 0.02-0.04 USD)
- Restaurant service: 0.5-1 peso per person (put in the bill folder)
- Prohibited behavior: picking up corals or shells in non-designated areas
6. Recommended travel equipment list
Diving essentials:
- Diving socks (to prevent coral scratches)
- Quick-drying cape (for getting on and off the boat)
Photography equipment:
- Floating mobile phone case (Waterproof Case recommended)
- Folding tripod (suitable for solo travelers)
Special equipment:
- Jellyfish protection suit (essential for surfing in Siargao Island)
- Non-slip river shoes (for volcano hiking)
From world-class diving sites to hidden ecological secrets, each island in the Philippines holds unique surprises. Plan your adventure with this guide now! We have prepared three free places to give away the “Diving in the Philippines” ebook. Leave a comment in the comment section which island you want to go to the most to enter the draw.
