Philippines
7,600 islands, crystal lagoons, and the world's most beautiful beaches
Overview – Best Places to Visit in Philippines
The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia's most underrated and undervisited destinations for Indian travellers — an archipelago of 7,641 islands with some of the most spectacular island scenery in the world. Palawan's El Nido and Coron have routinely ranked among the world's best beaches and most beautiful destinations, with turquoise lagoons enclosed by towering limestone karsts. Boracay is the Philippines' most famous beach resort, with its pristine White Beach, while the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and the Banaue rice terraces of the Cordillera highlands offer unforgettable inland experiences. The Philippines also has the highest English proficiency in Asia — communication is easy, locals are famously welcoming, and the Filipino-Indian cultural connection is warmer than most.
Things to Do in Philippines
Top attractions and experiences for your Philippines tour package
El Nido (Palawan)
The crown jewel of the Philippines — jagged limestone karsts enclosing hidden lagoons, secret beaches, and vibrant coral gardens. Island hopping tours (A, B, C, D) cover the best spots over 4 days.
Coron (Palawan)
A paradise for divers and snorkellers — Japanese WWII shipwrecks, a freshwater-saltwater lake (Barracuda Lake), Kayangan Lake (Philippines' clearest lake), and stunning Twin Lagoon.
Boracay
The Philippines' most famous beach island — White Beach's powdery white sand and crystal water, with a vibrant restaurant and nightlife strip. Best visited outside July-August (typhoon risk).
Chocolate Hills (Bohol)
More than 1,200 perfectly cone-shaped grass-covered hills that turn chocolate brown in dry season — one of Southeast Asia's most surreal natural landscapes.
Banaue Rice Terraces
2,000-year-old rice terraces carved into the mountains of Ifugao by indigenous peoples — the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How to Reach Philippines
By Road
Not accessible.
By Air
Fly to Manila (MNL) from Mumbai (8h), Delhi (8.5h), Chennai (7h) — often connecting via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. From Manila, take a domestic flight to El Nido/Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Boracay (Caticlan), or Cebu. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Air Asia Philippines operate domestic routes.
By Train
Not applicable.
Philippines Trip Cost – Budget Breakdown
₹50,000–65,000 per person (guesthouse, local transport, island hopping tours)
per person
₹85,000–1,10,000 per person (beachfront resort, private island tours, restaurants)
per person
₹1,80,000+ per person (luxury resort El Nido or Amanpulo, private island-hopping)
per person
Where to Stay in Philippines
- Spin Designer Hostel El Nido / Almond Tree Inn Coron
- El Nido Resorts (Miniloc) / Discovery Shores Boracay
- Amanpulo (Pamalican Island) / El Nido Resorts Apulit Island
Must-Try Food in Philippines
Lechon
Whole roast pig with crackling skin — the centrepiece of Filipino celebrations. Cebu lechon is considered the best in the country.
Adobo
Chicken or pork braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves — the Filipino national dish. Every household has its own recipe.
Sinigang
A sour tamarind-based soup with pork, shrimp, or fish and vegetables — one of the most comforting and distinctive Filipino flavours.
Halo-Halo
The Filipino summer dessert — shaved ice with sweetened red beans, jackfruit, coconut, jelly, ube (purple yam) ice cream, and condensed milk. Spectacular and refreshing.
Sisig
A Pampanga dish of chopped pig's head (cheeks, ears, snout) sizzled on a hot plate with onions, chilli, and calamansi lime — now famous nationwide.
What to Buy in Philippines
Divisoria, Manila
Cheap wholesale textiles, clothing, toys — very crowded, only for adventurous shoppers
Greenhills Shopping Center, Manila
Pearls, gems, replica designer bags — good pearl deals
El Nido local market
Dried seafood, sarongs, local handicrafts, bamboo crafts
Philippines Travel Guide – Tips & Advice
- 1Manila is primarily a transit hub — minimize time there and fly directly to Palawan, Boracay, or Bohol
- 2Book island-hopping tours with licensed operators only — environmental permits are required in El Nido and Coron
- 3Bring waterproof bags and dry bags for island hopping — all luggage goes on the boat in the open
- 4Cebu is a useful secondary hub — Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines connect Cebu to most island destinations
- 5Apply for e-visa well in advance — the process can take 5-7 working days
- 6Filipino street food is excellent — try lechon (roast pig), sisig (sizzling pork), and halo-halo (shaved ice dessert)
Philippines Travel Guides
Philippines FAQs – Philippines Tour Package Questions
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