The Philippines is a true travel paradise with beautiful white sand beaches, pristine blue waters, and incredible hospitality. If you are visiting for the first time it can be both exciting, and also a little intimidating. Here are some of the best travel tips for first time visitors to the Philippines to help you enjoy your visit.
1. Familiarize yourself with the weather
The Philippines has a tropical climate with two seasons: Wet (June – October) or Dry (November – May). The dry season is great to enjoy the beach, island hop, or site see. If you are traveling during the wet season, be prepared for rain showers, tropical storms, or possibly even typhoons. It is highly recommended to check the local weather at the island you will visit to plan for that day.
2. Be mindful in your choice of destinations
While the Philippines is an archipelago with over 7,000 islands, it is extremely difficult to see everything in a single week. First-time visitors generally choose some of the popular destinations (like Boracay for beaches, Palawan for natural wonders, Cebu for a little bit of culture and adventure, and so on). When choosing to travel somewhere, be very aware of what islands will be chosen, or else there will be a lot of travel time eating into the trip. It would be better to focus on only a few islands.
3. Be aware of local culture and customs
Filipinos can be very friendly and hospitable people – but a huge part of that is out of respect for people. A few things like “Salamat” (thank you) or “Magandang araw” (good day), will go a long way. Also, be considerate of what to wear, especially when visiting churches or rural places. Lastly, always ask for permission when taking a picture with locals.
4. Transportation Tips
Taking public transport can be an adventure in itself! Most towns or cities operate with jeepneys, tricycles, as well as buses, often the most common form of public transport for residents to go around! For long distances, domestic flights can be cheap and are definitely faster than on the ground. For those looking for convenience, or on hot or rainy days you can use ride-hailing apps like Grab, which are available in many of the major cities.
5. Stay Safe and Healthy
In general, the Philippines is a generally safe country but, like any country, it is best to be aware of your surroundings. For example, keep your valuables safe, do not walk in dark areas at night, be careful of large crowds, it is probably not a big deal, but be wary of public transportation for example. Tap water is not something foreigners can drink, so stick to supermarket products or bottled filtered water, sunscreen is required and insect repellent is a must.
6. Money and Budget
The Philippine peso (PHP) is the currency you will use. Credit cards can be used in the larger cities or at many resorts, but you will likely want to bring cash for small towns, farmers market, and transportation. There are many ATMs available to get cash, but there is no harm in having some cash on hand just in case.
Conclusion
Going to the Philippines for the first time can be an amazing experience if you plan accordingly. After getting a feel for the weather, how you want to get to places, taking the time to appreciate the local culture, and taking travel tips into account, your travels will go smooth and enjoyable. The beauty of the scenery in the Philippines, and the hospitality of its people will make you want to return again!