General Travel Tips in Philippines: what actually matters to know

While heavy rains can occur, they are often short-lived. Allocate buffer time in your itinerary (e.g., 1/3 of your trip) to account for potential weather disruptions. Opt for accommodations with breakfast included, as local restaurants and cafes offer diverse and affordable dining options, including fresh seafood and fruits. Expect meal costs to be around 20-30% lower than in Moscow. Water temperatures in August typically range from 27-30°C. Consider islands like Panglao, Siquijor, Negros, Moalboal (on Cebu), and Boracay (Station 3) for good beaches, clear water, and marine life. Palawan is also noted for its excellent beaches, though access might require additional travel.

For active travelers, islands like Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros offer diverse activities including diving (e.g., sardine run and turtles in Moalboal, free diving lessons), biking, hiking, and exploring unique natural sites like volcanoes and waterfalls. Each island has a distinct atmosphere: Negos with its mountains, volcanoes, and local bamboo houses; Siquijor for its relaxed vibe, sunset bars, and DJs; Palawan for long beaches and surfing. El Nido is noted as being noisy and dirty with limited activities beyond one excursion, though its island beaches are popular. Boracay is considered good for about a week of relaxation. Some find the Philippines more about constant movement compared to other destinations like Phuket or Bali, but many appreciate its unique beauty and variety, especially those who spend 3-4 days per location. It is suggested that for those seeking primarily static beach vacations, other regions might be more suitable.

While potentially more expensive and less comfortable than some neighboring countries like Vietnam (which is often cited for better English proficiency and visa run ease), the Philippines provides a wide array of landscapes and activities. Travelers can customize itineraries by exploring different islands and beaches, catering to various preferences from active exploration to relaxation. For those interested in business or networking, Southeast Asia has online communities for connecting with entrepreneurs and professionals.

Costs for food, local transfers, and recreational activities (like diving) can be kept within $1500–$2000 for two weeks, depending on the level of activity. Prices for food and hotels on Palawan can be significantly higher (up to 3x) compared to other tourist hubs like Boracay.

Siquijor is recommended for a peaceful environment with a respectful local population and minimal street vendors, offering a tranquil atmosphere outside of weekends. Avoid large cities like Manila.

To mitigate fatigue during the start of the trek, use the zip-line option to reach the jumping points. Distributing activities like canyoneering, whale shark watching, and snorkeling over several days is highly recommended to prevent physical exhaustion.

For inter-island flights, Trip.com is a suggested platform, known for potentially accepting Russian payment cards. Regarding currency, it is generally better to use local currency (PHP), but USD can be useful for exchange.

Scooter rental in El Nido was noted to be significantly cheaper than in Boracay.

Key tips: arrive at the whale shark spot in Oslob by 06:00-07:00 to avoid crowds. Canyoneering in Moalboal requires basic swimming skills and physical activity. Local food specialty is 'Lechon'.