Unmissable Insider Philippines Travel Tips

Are you planning to travel to the Philippines? Get ready for an eye-opening experience. Like the country's national dessert, halo-halo (meaning "mix-mix"), the Filipino influence is mixed with Southeast Asian cultures.

Here, the centuries-old traditions of indigenous tribes mingle with deep-rooted Catholicism, Spanish passion and American pop culture. Street food stalls glisten in the shadows of skyscrapers. It doesn't matter if you're from the country or Manila, all of life's problems are solved with a karaoke session.

Our Manila-born Filipino expert shares some tips for traveling to this enchanting archipelago.

Best travel tips for the Philippines? Embrace the “Bayanihan Spirit”.

Community is everything in the Philippines. The term bayanihan describes how people work together to uplift their fellows (patriots). And it's not just in times of crisis: in the past, entire villages would help a family move their nipa huts (built with bamboo poles).

Today it manifests itself in intimate kindness. Renovating your home? Thirsty after riding a tuk tuk all day? Your loved ones support you.

As a traveler, it is worth noting how the "Spirit of Bayanihan" will affect your travels. For example, if you're paying an entrance fee to an attraction, know that your guide's tip will likely be your salary; What you pay to enter is invested back into the community.

Of course, this is not the case with the big tour operators, so supporting a small independent business here is a virtuous practice.

Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Manila | © Richie Chan/Shutterstock

Ride a jeep like a local

The humble jeepney is a Philippine icon: WWII-era Japanese trucks transformed into colorful travel vehicles. You'll find them everywhere, transporting locals like the country's public transport.

It might sound scary, but it's a surefire way to save money (a trip costs about eight pesos or 12 pence) and experience local life.

To pay for your trip, you have to rely a little on Bayanihan's attitude: give your money to the driver next to the passenger line (it's better to pay the exact amount so you don't have to deal with various things).

Getting to the destination is a bit complicated: you won't find official timetables or maps, so it's best to start talking. Jeepney terminals often have "barkers" who direct people to their vehicles; otherwise, ask your fellow travelers: most Filipinos speak at least conversational English.

"Stop po!" to stop. (please stop) or pull the rope across the roof to turn on the "brake light". It may seem scary at first, but trust the process!

Consider island time

In the Philippines, things are on a more relaxed schedule; Also known as "Island Time" or "Philippine Time". Travelers should therefore be nimble and nimble when arranging their trips: expect delays in transport schedules, especially in remote areas.

If you find yourself waiting in one place for too long, look up, enjoy the view, and to gain some perspective, ask yourself a simple question: when will you be sitting on a green tropical island?

Island Time Factor is the smartest travel tip in the Philippines © Arlo Magicman / Shutterstock

Respect your elders

The Philippines has a deep respect for the older generation: the more you live, the more you live, and this deserves recognition. It is awarded with a traditional gesture known as the po hand.

When Filipinos meet an elderly person, they bow their heads and gently hold the elder's hand and place it on their forehead.

If you're visiting someone's grandparents, be sure to visit and show them your respect (if you're lucky, you'll get a big kiss on the cheek like my lola (grandmother)).

Often people use the word po at the end of a sentence when addressing people in high positions. This includes adults, but also bosses, parents, family; You will also find that service people will use it when talking to customers.

Add "po" to your sentences for more street cred as you improve your Tagalog skills.

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Related blog post The sustainable journey starts with you

Like other Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines has reduced its waste imports in recent years; It is reported that 1,500 tonnes of waste will be returned to Canada in 2019.

The region has always been a dumping ground for the Global North, generating mountains of trash that threaten wildlife and local communities.

If you are going to more remote areas, you should travel smart. Bring an extra bag for your trash, especially if you're going to a beach that doesn't have trash cans.

Don't eat or buy seashells: they actually provide a home and food for marine life and help filter pollution into seawater.

When you run out of beer bottles, look for local bottle collectors who pay to take them to recycling centers.

Lechon Kawali, a traditional Filipino dish © Kim David/Shutterstock

Eat like a Filipino, the easiest travel tips for Filipinos!

If you plan to survive on a staple diet of chicken and rice in the Philippines, you're running out of time. The unique sweet, salty and sour Philippine cuisine is as diverse as the 7,000 islands that make up the archipelago.

While you're on the Cebu pop-up menu, go for the kawali lechon at Leslie's: slow-roasted pork with crispy golden skin. If you're in Angeles, Pampanga, try the famous sisig of Aling Losing Sisig (a dish invented and popularized in Anthony Bourdain's Explore Parts Unknown): pork cheek and liver, seasoned with calamansi, served over a blazing fire. , scratch plate.

While in Manila, take the opportunity to try sinigang at Corazón: fresh and tasty fish and vegetable stew, sweet and sour with tomato or tamarind.

A few notes on food etiquette: Filipinos often eat with a fork and spoon (it's best to scoop out the rice), but sometimes they use their hands to mix the flavors. Most restaurants offer napkins for this reason, so don't be afraid to get caught.

Drink like a Filipino

Shoot! Filipinos love a good drink, which is reflected in their vibrant drinking culture. On weekends, patrons pack Videoke's lounges, live bars and festivals, partying late into the night with pulutans (snacks).

The alcohol here packs a punch with a Red Horse beer base at 8% ABV. If there's one drink to watch out for, it's Tanduay rum: an intoxicant that burns the throat but is easily swallowed with Coke.

There really isn't an equivalent word for "health" in the Philippines. Most people jingle the glasses as a simple 'smile', 'click' or even the Japanese 'kanpai' (the national flavor of love for all things J and K-pop).

But when it comes to booze, things get uniquely Filipino. If you end up with a local group, someone acts as a tanguero: a person who serves drinks.

They all drink from the same glass in a custom called "Tagge". By sharing these drinks, bonds are strengthened and the world is a better place.

Pescador Island, Moalboal, Philippines © Daniel Lambor/Shutterstock

rules of hospitality

The Philippines is famous for its friendly local attitude - tourists say "it's more fun in the Philippines" for nothing! However, if you are caring for someone in hospital, there are a few things to keep in mind.

If a local invites you to eat, you may feel compelled to share. So if you want to split the bill, make it clear before you meet.

Conversely, if you extend an invitation, you'll be expected to cover the costs (and if you're celebrating a birthday, people will assume you're paying for everyone, which can get expensive very quickly, trust me).

If you cross paths with someone, it may not be obvious. A culture of "saving face" is widespread in the Philippines, where some people avoid brutal honesty if it means avoiding confrontation or embarrassment. So if he says something wrong, take the initiative to apologize and take the blame.

Avoid hidden fees

Low costs make the Philippines an ideal destination for budget travelers, but don't forget to pack extra cash in case you encounter any surprises. This includes airport terminal fees, which can cost up to 750 pesos (£11) for international flights (and usually between 150 and 250 pesos for domestic travel).

Fortunately, in Manila and Boracay, this is included in the price of your plane ticket. However, if you're transferring from Cebu or Iloilo, you'll need to shell out some cash (and we literally mean cash, no card payment).

Also be aware of ATM commissions when withdrawing cash. You will get the best rates when withdrawing money at BDI, BPO or Metrobank ATMs. Withdraw a decent amount of 10,000 pesos (£150) to last you a comfortable couple of days so you don't have to visit the ATMs again.

Mayon Volcano, Legazpi City, Philippines © cristan pago74/Shutterstock

your heart sings

In the Philippines, karaoke is more than just relaxing: it's a community ritual. Love ballads are a popular choice and are sung with little irony; even in most touring bands, it's deeply respected when it's one's turn to take the mic. If you find yourself next to a karaoke machine, remember this and give it a try!

You can find karaoke in every neighborhood of the country, so take the opportunity to enjoy the country's favorite pastime.

Don't miss our drop-down list of the best beaches in the Philippines and find out more in the Philippines drop-down menu, as well as our custom travel itinerary rough guide for the Philippines drop-down list.

You can also read about Philippines foldout content and fun adventure vacations on our favorite islands in Philippines foldout content.

This article is presented in collaboration with the Philippine Department of Tourism.

We may earn a commission if you click on links in this article, but this does not affect our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we believe will enhance your travel experience.

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