Philippines Travel Guide

Begin in Cebu, a perfect mix of city energy and island escapes. In Cebu City, duck into the Basilica del Santo Niño and stroll the carbon-scented markets, then head south for canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, sardine runs off Moalboal, and thresher-shark day trips via nearby Malapascua. Great roads, plentiful ferries, and a deep bench of dive shops make Cebu the easiest springboard for the central Visayas (more trip ideas on the official Philippines tourism site: philippines.travel).

Slide next to Dumaguete/Dauin, a laid-back university town with serious macro diving on its doorstep. The volcanic sands of Dauin are a critter paradise—think flamboyant cuttlefish, frogfish, and nudibranch galore—while nearby waterfalls and hot springs add easy off-day adventures. Just offshore, Apo Island delivers kaleidoscopic coral walls, turtle encounters, and relaxed drifts inside a long-protected marine sanctuary (learn about the reserve’s status via DENR: Apo Island Protected Area).

Cap it in Palawan with twin stunners: Coron and El Nido. In Coron, WWII wrecks rest in gin-clear water alongside limestone lakes like Kayangan and Barracuda; topside views from Mt. Tapyas earn every step. El Nido is all soaring karst and secret coves—split your island-hopping across a couple of tours to reach quieter lagoons and sandbars, then linger for sunset on Las Cabañas. Between these two hubs, you’ll find some of the bluest water in the archipelago and the kind of boat days you’ll still be talking about next year.

The dry season—between November and May—is when the Philippines is at its most glorious. I remember arriving in El Nido in February, greeted by calm seas and golden sunrises. It’s the perfect window for island hopping in Coron, diving off Apo Island, or chasing waterfalls around Cebu. This is also when visibility is best for diving and snorkeling, especially in Apo’s marine sanctuary or the shipwrecks near Coron. Be warned though—it’s also peak season, so book ferries and accommodations early.

June to October brings the wet season, which isn’t a total washout, but it can be unpredictable. You’ll likely get afternoon showers and the occasional storm that disrupts island hopping. I spent a week in Dumaguete in July and still managed to dive most days—just with a raincoat in my dry bag. The bonus? Fewer tourists and lower prices. If you’re flexible and not in a rush, this season has its own peaceful charm.

Traveling through this part of the Philippines is surprisingly affordable. In Dumaguete, I stayed in a comfy guesthouse for $15 a night and had seafood dinners for $6. Ferries between islands cost $5–$20, and local jeepney rides are usually under $1. A day of diving in Apo (including gear and boat) ran me about $30—an unreal deal for one of the best dive spots in Southeast Asia. You can easily keep your daily budget under $50 if you’re mindful.

For mid-range travelers, a daily budget of $75–$100 brings more comfort: beachfront bungalows in Coron, private boat tours in El Nido, or upscale meals in Cebu’s trendier restaurants. Want to splurge on a private dive guide or a luxury island resort for a night? Still totally doable without draining your savings. This part of the Philippines delivers five-star views for backpacker prices, and that’s part of the magic.