Best of the Philippines: Manila & surfing capital Siargao
from £2,220 per person
See a different side to the Philippines on a trip built just for you, by someone who lives there.
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.
Dry season: December to May
Coolest, most comfortable months: December to February
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.
£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.
How it works
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.
Free to plan. No commitment until you book
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Meet your local experts
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.
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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.
Working with TravelLocal has helped us grow our business and support our local community.
Today, take a bangka boat away from Siargao to swim with stingless jellyfish in Sohoton Cave, a hidden natural paradise.
Traveller stories

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.

This was our second time traveling with TravelLocal, and everything was perfectly organized. Many thanks to the entire team for an unforgettable holiday.

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


+78k78,000+ travellers have had a more authentic, tailor-made holiday
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Good to know

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.
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