Discover
Philippines
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is a paradise for beach lovers, divers and island-hoppers
Think limestone cliffs rising out of turquoise lagoons in Palawan, the powder-soft sand of Boracay, and coral reefs teeming with turtles and whale sharks.
Add some of the warmest, friendliest people in Asia, English spoken almost everywhere, and prices that make luxury surprisingly affordable, and it's easy to see why the Philippines is rising up Australian wish lists.
It's ideal for couples, families and adventurous travellers wanting beaches without the crowds.
Exclusive Holiday Getaways members could be island-hopping in Palawan thanks to our weekly holiday giveaways, while enjoying member rewards and supporting our charity partners.
How to Get There from Australia
Direct flights connect Australia with Manila (MNL), and some services also fly to Cebu (CEB), with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Qantas and Jetstar.
Darwin: about 4 hours
Perth: about 6 hours
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane: about 7.5 to 9 hours
The Philippines is two to three hours behind Australian eastern time.
Editor's note: confirm current direct routes and airlines before planning
Getting Around The Philippines
Domestic flights: the fastest way between islands, with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirSWIFT connecting Manila and Cebu with Palawan, Boracay, Bohol and Siargao.
Ferries and bangkas: traditional outrigger boats for island-hopping tours and short crossings.
Grab: for cars in Manila and Cebu.
Tricycles and jeepneys: the local way to get around towns.
Best Time to Visit
December to May: the dry season and the best time to visit. December to February is cooler, while March to May is hot and sunny.
June to November: the wet season, with typhoons possible, especially from August to October. Prices are lower, but check forecasts and take out travel insurance.
Christmas and Easter: the busiest times, as many Filipinos travel too. Book early.
Things to Do
Palawan
El Nido: island-hopping tours to hidden lagoons, secret beaches and towering limestone cliffs.
Coron: world-famous WWII shipwreck diving, crystal-clear Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon.
Puerto Princesa Underground River: a UNESCO-listed river that flows through a vast cave system.
Boracay
White Beach: four kilometres of powdery sand, famous sunsets and a lively beachfront.
Puka Shell Beach: a quieter, natural stretch at the island's north end.
Sunset sailing: a traditional paraw sailboat cruise at golden hour.
Bohol and Cebu
Chocolate Hills: more than 1,200 symmetrical hills that turn brown in the dry season.
Tarsier Sanctuary: see the tiny, big-eyed primates in a protected habitat.
Moalboal: snorkel straight off the shore among millions of sardines and sea turtles.
Kawasan Falls: canyoneering through turquoise pools and waterfalls.
Siargao and Beyond
Siargao: the surf capital of the Philippines, famous for the Cloud 9 break and laid-back island life.
Manila: explore the historic walled city of Intramuros before flying on to the islands.
Banaue Rice Terraces: ancient terraces carved into the mountains of northern Luzon.
Where to Stay
Palawan: from beachfront bungalows in El Nido to luxury private-island resorts in the Bacuit Archipelago and around Coron.
Boracay: resorts of every level along White Beach, plus quieter luxury options at the island's ends.
Bohol: beach resorts on Panglao Island, close to diving and the Chocolate Hills.
Cebu: city hotels in Cebu City and resorts on nearby Mactan Island.
Siargao: surf lodges and boutique resorts among the palm trees.
Budget Guide
The Philippines is very good value. As a rough guide per person, per day, excluding flights:
Budget: around A$50–90 for guesthouses, local food and shared tours
Mid-range: around A$150–250 for beach resorts, restaurant meals and private island-hopping tours
Luxury: A$500+ for private-island resorts, diving and charters
Domestic flights are cheap if you book ahead, so you can easily combine several islands.
Past Giveaways
Could your next holiday be in Palawan? See our current holiday giveaways for your chance to win a tropical island escape.
FAQs
No. Australians can visit visa-free for up to 30 days. You'll need a passport valid for at least six months and an onward or return ticket. Every traveller must also register online with the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival and show the QR code at immigration.
Popular tourist areas like Palawan, Boracay, Bohol and Cebu are generally safe. Some regions, particularly parts of Mindanao, carry higher risks. Check Smartraveller for the latest advice before you go.
Roughly June to November, peaking from August to October. Typhoons can disrupt flights and ferries, so build some flexibility into your plans.
The Philippine peso (PHP). Cards are accepted at hotels, resorts and malls, but carry cash for islands, tours, tricycles and small shops, as ATMs can be scarce outside towns.
Make your
next Holiday aReality
Turn daydreams into departures. Become a member today and make your next getaway a reality.
Never miss an offer or update
Subscribe and be the first to receive our news and exclusive offers.
Download Our
Mobile App
Download the EHG App to manage your account and use the interactive map to
easily find local deals and discounts near you.
