Philippines tours & tailor-made trips

Plan your dream trip to the Philippines with a local expert

See a different side to the Philippines on a trip built just for you, by someone who lives there.

Custom itinerary planningHandpicked local experts
Complete peace of mindABTA membership, financial protection & 24/7 local support
A fairer way to travelBenefiting local communities
Aerial of San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines

The Philippines spans over 7,000 islands, with Siargao's surf breaks, Palawan's limestone lagoons and Ifugao rice terraces carved by hand centuries ago.

With more than 7,600 islands, the Philippines rewards travellers who take their time. In Palawan, boats weave between the limestone cliffs and lagoons of El Nido's Bacuit Bay, while divers explore Second World War shipwrecks off Coron. Bohol has the curious Chocolate Hills and tiny tarsiers, and in the mountains of northern Luzon, Ifugao communities still farm UNESCO-listed rice terraces carved into steep slopes. Along the way, try adobo, Cebu's famous lechon and halo-halo.

Our local experts live in the Philippines and plan island-hopping routes that flow, timing ferries and flights so you spend more time on the beach and less in transit. Filipino boat crews, guides and family-run resorts see more of your money if you book directly with the team on the ground.

Your Philippines adventure awaits

Best time to visit

Dry season: December to May
Coolest, most comfortable months: December to February

Destination highlights

Island-hop around Siargao, where surfers ride the famous Cloud 9 break and boats slip through the caves and lagoons of Sohoton Cove. In Palawan, paddle Puerto Princesa's Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and swim in the clear water of Kayangan Lake near Coron. See the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, swim beneath Cambugahay Falls on Siquijor and explore the old walled city of Intramuros in Manila.

Price overview

£1,000 - £1,500+

All of our tailor-made trips can be 100% customised to your style—from budget stays to higher-end escapes. Prices are per person, based on a 7-day trip.

Best time to visit

How it works

How would you like to plan your trip?

Build a trip from scratch with a local Philippines expert, or pick a curated itinerary as your starting point and customise it until it's yours.

  • Share your preferencesTravel dates, budget, experiences and more
  • Connect with your local expertReceive your first itinerary within 48 hours
  • Refine your trip togetherFull flexibility and a hassle-free, personal service
  • Book with confidence24/7 support, secure payment, ABTA protected

Free to plan. No commitment until you book

Trip ideas

Recommended trips to the Philippines

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Meet your local experts

Your trip, planned by someone who actually lives there

Our local experts aren’t travel agents working from a brochure. They’re people who live locally and know the destination like the back of their hand. Alongside them, you’ll craft an authentic and immersive trip, filled with intimate knowledge and passion for the place they call home.

Start planning your trip
Aerial of San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines
  • Kevin

    I'll introduce you to the warmth of the Philippines, where you’ll feel part of a community, as the culture emphasises strong family ties, positivity, and a love for celebrations.

  • Brian

    Working with TravelLocal has helped us grow our business and support our local community.

  • Kevin

    Today, take a bangka boat away from Siargao to swim with stingless jellyfish in Sohoton Cave, a hidden natural paradise.

Traveller stories

What our travellers are saying

Photo by traveler Shaila Kondru in the Philippines
Everything was arranged through TravelLocal, and the entire journey ran incredibly smoothly from start to finish. I would highly recommend TravelLocal for anyone looking to explore the Philippines in a well organized and memorable way.

Shaila KondruTravelled in March 2026
Traveler Oliver Dorstewitz in the Philippines
This was our second time traveling with TravelLocal, and everything was perfectly organized. Many thanks to the entire team for an unforgettable holiday.

Oliver DorstewitzTravelled in February 2026
Beach in Palawan
Throughly planned out beforehand and incorporated our specific requests, but was also willing to adjust itinerary mid-trip. Overall, great experience of the Philippines!

Bonnibelle GregoryTravelled in August 2025
Photo by traveler Shaila Kondru in the PhilippinesTraveler Oliver Dorstewitz in the PhilippinesBeach in Palawan+78k

78,000+ travellers have had a more authentic, tailor-made holiday

Places & highlights

Learn more about the Philippines

Coron, Palawan, Philippinen

What to do in the Philippines

From exploring Manila to diving in Malapascua, these are the top things to do in the Philippines, home to many diverse islands.

The food of the Philippines

The food of the Philippines is wonderful and varied. We explore well-known Filipino dishes, from marinated seafood to colorful fruit desserts.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions about the Philippines

Daku Island, Siargao, Philippines
  • The dry season, from December to May, is the best time to visit, with December to February the coolest and most comfortable months. March to May is hot and sunny, ideal for beaches and diving. From June to November, rain and typhoons are more likely, especially in the north and east, though many places stay pleasant between showers.

  • Filipino and English are the official languages, and English is understood almost everywhere, from hotels to market stalls. More than 170 languages are spoken across the islands, including Cebuano in the Visayas and Ilocano in northern Luzon. Saying salamat (thank you) always earns a smile.

  • No. British citizens can visit the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive, and you should carry proof of onward travel. Register on the eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival, as airlines may ask for the QR code. Check the latest entry requirements before you travel.

  • The Philippines uses the Philippine peso (PHP). Cards are accepted in cities and larger resorts, but cash is essential on smaller islands, at markets and for boat trips. Cash machines can be scarce or run out of cash in places such as El Nido and Siargao, so withdraw enough in Manila or Cebu.

  • The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia, between the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea of the western Pacific. Its islands form three main groups: Luzon in the north, the Visayas in the centre and Mindanao in the south. Most visitors fly into Manila, the capital, or to Mactan-Cebu.

  • The Philippines' popular island destinations are well used to visitors. Choose boat operators that provide life jackets, keep valuables secure in Manila, and follow weather forecasts during typhoon season. Official advice varies by region, particularly for parts of Mindanao, so check the latest FCDO travel advice before you travel.

Next steps

Ready to start planning your Philippines trip?

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