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Philippine Travel Advisory

The Philippines: Pearl of the Orient Sea

Avanti travel destinations.

• PHILIPPINES
• YEAR ENDERS

VIGAN TRAVEL GUIDE | Itinerary + Budget + Map [UPDATED 2022]

Vigan is a city located on the northwestern coast of Luzon in the Philippines. It is the capital of the Ilocos Sur province and the only UNESCO World Heritage City in the country. Recently, it won as one of the New Seven Wonders Cities of the World. The main draw of Vigan City are its well-preserved Bahay na Bato structures located at the Meztizo District, its historical core. Currently, there are 187 listed ancestral houses in town. Besides this, it also boasts of beautiful colonial churches, a plaza that comes alive with a fountain show at night, a free-roaming zoo and numerous historical museums. The city’s cuisine is also quite interesting and numerous restaurants around the area makes it readily accessible to visitors. There is no denying the popularity of Vigan City for the typical tourist and even veteran travelers. And for those planning to visit it anytime soon, here’s an intensive travel guide, complete with a 2-day and 3-day sample itinerary for a DIY tour of the Vigan City.

HOW TO GET TO VIGAN CITY

Vigan City is located 408 kilometers away from Manila. Although there is an airstrip in the city, it is mainly used as a runway for chartered flights. Commercial flights are available via Skyjet, but these are few and far between. One option is to fly to Laoag City, and from there, take a two-hour bus ride to Vigan        From Manila, the usual way to get to Vigan City is by taking a bus. The trip takes about eight to ten hours long. Most tourists, including myself, take the night trip to sleep off the long ride and arrive at the city early the next morning.

SPEAK VIGAN

HOW TO GET AROUND VIGAN CITY

Tricyles and karitelas (horse-drawn carriages) are the main mode of transportation in Vigan City. Getting around is easy enough since one can practically hail these two at any area within the city center. Minimum fare for both is at ₱15.00 per person, rising up to ₱20.00 or more as one gets farther out. To avoid being charged more than the usual, be sure to board legit tricycle operators as indicated by a large Vigan plate up its roof.

VIGAN ORGANIZED / PACKAGED TOURS

Tours around Vigan City can either be availed via tricycles or karitela . While I prefer the latter for a more complete old-world experience, the former can be convenient especially if you’re pressed for time. Tour fees are computed at ₱150.00 per hour, per vehicle. A karitela can comfortably seat four individuals, so the more you are within the coach, the cheaper it is. Alternatively, hotels and lodgings, especially high-end ones, also offer tours via air-conditioned vans and even tuktuk . There are also a few places where one can rent bicycles, if you prefer a more hands-on experience (₱150.00/day).

WHERE TO STAY IN VIGAN CITY

There are numerous places to stay while in Vigan City. There are backpacker inns, moderately-priced lodges and luxurious hotels to choose from. The most interesting accommodations are renovated ancestral houses converted as lodgings. It’s also preferable to find a place near the Meztizo District where Calle Crisologo is located since most of the tourist spots and restaurants are only a hop away from there.

WHERE TO EAT IN VIGAN CITY

Whether you’re looking for authentic Ilocano cuisine, traditional Filipino meals or the comfort of western dishes, Vigan City has it all. Restaurants, cafés and even fast-food chains abound in the city. Be sure to also check out the street food carinderia scenes in the area for a legit taste of Bigueño eats. A list of must-eat in Vigan includes empanada , okoy , longanisa , bagnet, and poqui-poqui .

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN VIGAN CITY

Vigan City thrives because of its history, so expect a lot of historical walks and museums in the area. From old colonial churches, cobblestone street, to restored ancestral houses; history buffs would have a field day roaming around town. But besides these, the city also offers other attractions; it has a black sand beach, a free-roaming zoo, pottery shops and abel textile workstations.

FESTIVALS IN VIGAN CITY

WHAT TO BUY IN VIGAN CITY

There are only a few other places in the country as abundant in souvenirs as Vigan City. The amount of keepsakes one can buy while in the city is staggering. The town’s shopping center is located at its most famous street, Calle Crisologo. Be sure to bring enough cash (and extra bags) if you plan to bring some stuff home.

VIGAN TOURIST SPOTS MAP

VIGAN SAMPLE ITINERARIES

Vigan City can be toured in one whole day. During my first visit, since I didn’t know where the tourist attractions were, I hired a kalesa to tour me around the city. Since it charges by the hour, I just let it show me where the interesting locations are in the city without me going down to save on tour expenses. The only place I went down was at the Hidden Garden, which is located at the fringes of town and would be impractical to walk to. After the tour, I simply walked to all the tourist spots on my own. The good thing about this is that I was able to savor each location without always thinking about how much my cucero or driver would be charging me right after. The downside is you would be walking a lot. Alternatively, one can simply ride a tricycle or kalesa to go from one spot to another for a minimum fare of ₱15.00. The far areas, like Mindoro Beach, Baluarte and the tourist spots in Caoayan are of course much more expensive to go to, haggle with your driver before boarding. Below, I listed a typical day tour, two-day and three-day Vigan itinerary. One can actually go back to Manila in the morning of the second day if one so wishes, but to cover everything, I suggest you go back in the evenings instead. The third day I outlined mostly takes on sites outside Vigan City, but still near enough to access on the way back to Manila.

► VIGAN ONE DAY ITINERARY / DAY TOUR / DAYTRIP

₱1,075.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)

• Early morning arrival • Breakfast (Recommendation: Kusina Felicitas)   ₱150.00 | AVERAGE BREAKFAST MEAL WITH DRINKS • Avail of Karitela Tour   ₱300.00 | ₱150.00/HOUR RATE, WILL TAKE ABOUT 3-4HOURS   Bantay Church Bell Tower   Burgos Museum   Syquia Mansion   ₱75.00 ENTRANCE FEE   Arce Mansion   ₱50.00 ENTRANCE FEE   Crisologo Museum   Simbaan a Bassit   Pagburnayan Pottery   Hidden Garden (Lunch)   Mindoro Beach   Baluarte • Lunch at Lilong & Lilang Cafe at Hidden Garden   ₱200.00 | AVERAGE BREAKFAST MEAL WITH DRINKS • Continue Karitela Tour • Finish tour at Calle Crisologo, buy souvenirs   ₱??.00 | ABSOLUTELY UP TO YOU • Visit Burgos Plaza and Vigan Cathedral • Afternoon snack at Plaza Burgos Empanadahan   ₱100.00 | AVERAGE MEAL WITH DRINKS • Watch Dancing Fountain show at Plaza Salcedo • Dinner (Recommendation: Cafe Leona)   ₱200.00 | AVERAGE MEAL WITH DRINKS • Depart Vigan

► VIGAN TWO DAYS ITINERARY

DAY ONE | ₱1,130.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)

• Early morning arrival • Check in at hotel (leave bags at the lobby if early check in isn’t allowed)   ₱530.00 | CHEAPEST AVAILABLE HOTEL VIA AGODA (₱1,060.00 2PAX) • Breakfast (Recommendation: Kusina Felicitas)   ₱150.00 | AVERAGE BREAKFAST MEAL WITH DRINKS • Do a Vigan Walking Tour   Burgos Museum   Syquia Mansion   Arce Mansion   Crisologo Museum   Simbaan a Bassit   Pagburnayan Pottery • Lunch (Recommendation: Lampong’s Restaurant)   ₱150.00 | AVERAGE BREAKFAST MEAL WITH DRINKS • Visit Calle Crisologo, buy souvenirs   ₱??.00 | ABSOLUTELY UP TO YOU • Visit Hotel Luna Art Gallery • Visit Burgos Plaza and Vigan Cathedral • Afternoon snack at Plaza Burgos Empanadahan   ₱100.00 | AVERAGE MEAL WITH DRINKS • Watch Dancing Fountain show at Plaza Salcedo • Dinner (Recommendation: Cafe Leona)   ₱200.00 | AVERAGE MEAL WITH DRINKS

DAY TWO | ₱700.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)

• Breakfast   ₱0.00 | COMPLIMENTARY HOTEL BREAKFAST • Early hotel check out (Leave bags at the lobby) • Avail of Karitela Tour   ₱300.00 | ₱150.00/HOUR RATE, WILL TAKE ABOUT 3-4HOURS   Mindoro Beach   Hidden Garden   Baluarte   Abel Loom Weaving Center   Pinakbet Farm (Lunch)   ₱200.00 | AVERAGE MEAL WITH DRINKS   Bantay Church Bell Tower • Dinner   ₱200.00 | AVERAGE MEAL WITH DRINKS • Depart Vigan

► ₱1,830.00 ~ TOTAL BUDGET FOR A TWO-DAY TOUR PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO

► VIGAN THREE DAYS ITINERARY

• Follow previous Day One itinerary

DAY TWO | ₱1,230.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)

• Follow previous Day Two itinerary (But don’t check out of the hotel just yet)   ₱530.00 | CHEAPEST AVAILABLE HOTEL VIA AGODA (₱1,060.00 2PAX)

DAY THREE | ₱1,265.00 PER PERSON (GROUP OF TWO)

• Breakfast   ₱0.00 | COMPLIMENTARY HOTEL BREAKFAST • Hotel check out (Leave bags at the lobby)   ₱530.00 | CHEAPEST AVAILABLE HOTEL VIA AGODA (₱1,060.00 2PAX) • Visit Banaoang Bridge   ₱10.00 | APPROXIMATE JEEP FARE FROM VIGAN CITY • Ride the Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone Zipline   ₱500.00 | TWO-WAY ZIPLINE • Visit Narvacan Shrine   ₱15.00 | APPROXIMATE JEEP FARE • Lunch at Narvacan   ₱200.00 | AVERAGE MEAL WITH DRINKS • Visit Santa Maria Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site)   ₱10.00 | APPROXIMATE JEEP FARE   • Go back to Vigan / Depart

► ₱3,625.00 ~ TOTAL BUDGET FOR A THREE-DAY TOUR PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

If you have more time on hand and you still have some days left before going back home, Vigan City is a good jump-off point to extend your vacation up the northern parts of the Philippines. Here are some of the places you can easily go to.

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150 comments.

Wow!!!! Kinakabog ang Lonely Planet! Pero this is really useful. Nice one Idol!

Thanks Darwin! San na mga blog mo about Vigan?! :D

Imbahhhh! Speechless! Parang taga-Vigan lang kung makagawa ng guide oh!

Salamat Edmar! If you have something to add to the travel guide, just let me know ha! :)

lahat ba ng attractions, museums, shops open monday to sunday??? tnx

Most are open the whole week, except for the museums, which are closed on Mondays

can you give us an estimated cost for the 3-day itinerary? :)

Budget for a Vigan trip would be different from group to group, depending on where do you plan to stay, how many meals would you eat in a day and where would you want to eat. It all depends on how lavish or how thrifty you are with your money.

Beautiful place in the Philippines : Vigan is a 5th class city in the province of Ilocos Cur, Philippines and the capital province of http://dailycome.com/philippines-visiting-in-the-city-of-vigan-ilocos-sur/

I always wanted to visit Vigan. The tips on this blog is so helpful. Amongst all I've read, this one's perfect 👌and will be my travel guide. Thank you ☺

No problem Christine! Enjoy your Vigan trip! :)

I was looking for a Vigan itinerary and of course the first thing I visit is your site! :) Thanks for this Christian! By the way, I have a new consolidated travel & lifestyle blog over on Sunset Goddess Manila . Hope you get to visit me over there! Cheers!

Long time no hear ah! I'm sure you'll have lots of fun in Vigan, don't forget to bring home some longanisa and bagnet! :)

Hello, I would just to ask anyone of you where can you find affordable van rental (all-in) from Manila to Ilocos places? Thanks a lot!

Hi.. please check Q10 Travel and Tours for your trips to Ilocos..

May car/van rentals po ba sa vigan?

Hi August, van rentals within Vigan you mean? Vigan is very small, I would suggest renting a karitela or a horse-drawn carriage instead :)

thanks sa itinerary very usefull lalo na sa mga first timer na gustong mag roundtrip.. :p

You're welcome, this Vigan travel guide is really made for first time visitors in the city :)

Very very helpful guide.

Thank you Larraine, enjoy Vigan City!

Hi will the museums be open on Nov 1 & 2?

Hi Almarie, sorry for the late reply. I have no idea if the museums are open on holidays. Were you able to get in?

thank you for this very helpful blog..... is there a lodge or inn at the Mindoro beach yung cheap lang thanks

Yes, there is an old resort right beside Vigan's beach :)

Paki-add ang mga programs at awards ng vigan. Project kasi namin. PLS.

Hi, sure that would be great! Could you link me to a page where I can find those info? Or could you email them to me? :)

Very informative. Thank you! I'll go to Vigan! Sana hindi ako mawala. 😆

Hi Jana, for sure you won't get lost in Vigan, it's not that big, really :)

Haha, hindi ka mawawala sa Vigan. Kung sakali man, just ask around for directions, Vigan peeps are very friendly :)

Hi, I wil be going to vigan next month and I am planning to rent a bicycle, I was wondering if it is safe to bike as I will plan to bike from vigan heritage to the mindoro beach.

From what I've personally seen, it looks quite safe to bike around Vigan, even all the way to Mindoro Beach

Very helpful blog...thank you

Thank you Ley, enjoy your Vigan trip :)

Hi.. may I know how much will it cost per person. please reply. thanks much!! ☺

Your Vigan budget would depend greatly on where you'll be staying and how often and where you're gonna eat

Need a Trip-Advice of Planning a 4/5 Day-Trip to Vigan City Hi ! We are tertiary students (a lady and gentleman), have searched from websites to learn that there will be a week-long celebration of “art-festival” in May in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, two of us tourists from Hong Kong attempt to travel Vigan City to join such an amazing experience for a Four to Five-days (4 ~ 5) trip, the details of the trip are followings :– 4 days trip – 01/05 (Sunday morning am) – 04/05/2016 (Wednesday evening pm); or 5 days trip – 30/04 (Saturday evening pm) – 04/05/2016 (Wednesday) We have a numbers of Questions as follows :– What is the shorter or faster ways (transportation) to get Vigan City such as direct flight to Laoag City, Baguio–Loakan Airport, or Tuguegarao Airport, to shorten the long–distant transportation, 1–hour bus travelling from Laoag City to Vigan City instead of 6–hour bus travelling from Manila to Vigan City ? How many flight within (to and from) Manila and Laoag City ? Another problems is public security or social problem in Philippines. As you know since the Manila hostage crisis that seven Hong Kong tourists were killed in 2010. My brother told me he went to a countryside in Kalusunan a couple of years ago and felt unsafety there. As you know since the Manila hostage crisis that seven Hong Kong tourists were killed in 2010. We worry about the public security problems. But I read many websites described Vigan city, those tourists after travelling the city told they felt comfortable and enjoyed so much. Is there safety or any social security problems there, could any of you give us any travelling tips, to avoid any tricks, or help for tourist if any problems ? Does it provided any RELIABLE Local Guide or Local Tours travelling Vigan City ? If any, how much does the product cost ? In what currency ? Thank you very much for your above advices

The shortest way is via Laoag airport. The airport in Baguio is no longer operational. There are about three flights daily to Laoag via Manila. Vigan is very, very safe. No need to worry about security. Tours can be availed via the many kalesa (horse-drawn carriages) around the city. Tours are paid in peso. Fees are set at P150.00 per hour. Hope you enjoy your Vigan tour!

Christian Sangoyo, Firstly, thank you very much for your reply here indeed. Your in depth and amazing introduction with the available links for the travaling spots of Vigan City become my major reference of tour guide. WELL DONE !! However, could you give me one more your advice that, both of us tourists, put forwards our trips, that we are going to a 5D4N trips Vigan and Laoag (and Pagudpud if time allows) the forthcoming Easter 25-29/03/2016. As we have learnt of the rich religious and cultural influences in Vigan and Laoag, we would like to experience such a holy Easter there, but we wonder if all shops and services such as caterings and souvenir shops will be closed due to the regular holiday between the coming Easter, would you offer us any more opinions please ? Thank you very much for your advice. Looking forwards to hearing from you soon. May god bless you !! Cheers !! Vivienne.

Hi Vivienne, I haven't celebrated Easter at Vigan yet, but if I were to guess, the shops and restaurants would be open, with only a few closing down. The reason, a lot of Filipinos generally travel during the Easter break.

One more question that We wonder if all shops and services such as caterings and souvenir shops will be CLOSED A BIT EARLIER OR EVEN CLOSED due to the regular holiday between the coming Easter, would you offer us any more opinions please ? Thank you !! Vivienne

During Good Friday and Black Saturday, there might be some shops that would close, but I don't think all the shops would close. :)

Thank you so much for your opinions my friend !! I think both of us tourists will rest assured to enjoy our Vigan and Laoag tour the forthcoming Easter !!

No problem Vivienne, update me regarding your Vigan trip! :)

As a first time back-packer, this is really a huge help. KUDOS! :) I will be planning more escapades alone in the future and I will surely refer to your blog, Sir. :)

Hi Grae, Vigan was also the first place I backpacked solo!

Hello, How much po estimate per head sa 3D tour?

Hi Jezreel, will post a trip budget section soon :)

Hello Christian! Im from Vigan, Iloco is the dialect of Ilocanos/Bigueños. Thank you for your remarks. :)

Hi! Thank you for that, will update this Vigan guide soon :)

Hello! Im travelling to Vigan this coming month, and planning to do a side trip to Baguio. And acc. to what I have read, PARTAS bus trans. offers VIGAN-BAGUIO TRIP. May I know what are the departure time and rates of PARTAS. Thank you in advance, and your blog is super helpful!

Hi Gerrlene, a Vigan-Baguio tour sounds great! Unfortunately, I don't have a detailed schedule regarding Partas' Vigan-Baguio route. I suggest you call them up. :)

Hi, Me and my friends are planning to visit Vigan by our own car. Do you think is it advisable na magdala ng car or better commute na lang? And aside from that, Can you tell me kung anong hotel ang maayos and affordable to stay in which is malapit lang sa tourist atttaction. By the way, we're travelling with kids. thank you...

Hi Raymon, Vigan by car is good since you can stop on a few other spots on your way to Vigan. The only downside is it can be quite tiring due to the long drive. For accommodation, Grandpa's Inn is quite close to Calle Crisologo and is not that expensive. :)

Hello Christian Sangoyo.Gusto namin mag vacation in Vigan ng Girlfriend ko, taga Pampanga pa kasi kame, ask ko lang if paano makaka punta sa Vigan, saan kami sasakay? and if ever ilan bus, then sana sa pa balik din namin ng pampanga anu yung magiging route ng bus. salamat

Hi Gabriel, buses bound for Vigan pass thru Dau bus terminal, you can board from there straight to Vigan. The only thing is, you have to take a chance regarding the seats since buses might leave full from Manila :)

another Question Sir Christian ng check ako ng mga hotel sa vigan, my alam ka ba na mag kano yung per night ng hotel sir?. yung sana mejo mura?

Hi Gabriel, you may check Agoda to sort the prices for hotels: http://www.agoda.com/?cid=1649989

Hello sir. Nagpplan po kami umalis ng friend ko at pumunta ng Vigan ng katapusan nitong May. Dalawa lang po kami. If ever, how much po per person ang kailangan naming dalhin? Okay na po ba per person ang 1600.00? Included na ang fare, foods, and transpo sa Vigan.. Guto lang po kasi namin ng matipid yet memorable trip. Please reply. <3 Thanks

Him sorry for the delayed response. P1,600 is a bit too low for a budget since the fare itself from Manila is at P600 one way. I'll put up a budget section here in the future :)

Hi Christian. I'll be traveling to Vigan for 3days on September alone. I'll be using your blog as my travel guide. As much as possible, Id be visiting all what u have shared in here. But can you suggest a hotel for me? I just need a clean and cheap hotel/inn where I can sleep at night, place my bag and shower. I;ll be out all day til night exploring Vigan.

Hi Cherry, I usually recommend Grandpa's Inn, it's set on a real ancestral house, it's cheap and it's just a minute by foot from Calle Crisologo. :)

Thank you. I'll check the place out.

how long is the estimated traveltime from manila?

As posted above, Vigan is about 8 to 10 hours by bus from Manila

Hi christian we are from bacolod negros occidental me, my husband and my little 1yr old girl planning to visit vigan this year my concern is meron bang air transportation going vigan from bacolod? Im considering my baby kasi sa way na buss manila to vigan 8-10hr

Hi, unfortunately, there are no flights going in to Vigan

i will travelling tomorrow. and i am reading your blog for about months already. just wan to know if the itenirary can walk?

Yes, most of the places are walking distance from each other :)

i am a solo traveler and i am following your itinerary.. please let me know fare for this? since i dont have car. and do you have how much is the cost? will it be safe to trave alone?

It is quite safe to travel alone in Vigan. As for the fare, I listed them above :)

thanks for this! I find this very useful.. I just want to know, how will I avail the kalesa tour?

Hi there, there are a lot of kalesa available near the plaza. Just ask one of them :)

hi po baka po you may want to rent an innova..you may contact us at 09323535742.. we will give you a big discount.. thanks

hello po .. punta po kami vigan sa 29-30 galing po kami baguio at biyahe kami ng 8 am mga kahpon nanjan na po kami advice naman po san hotel na mura or inn na maganda at very low price but quality namalapit lang sa tourist spot para ma sulit namin oras salamat po sa sagott

by the way dalawa lang po kami ng asawa ko.. is 10000 very good budget na ? pero tipid padin sana kami sa hotel para mas madami kami mabili na pasalubong

Hi! Ask lang po ano kaya magandang itenirary if we want to go to pagudpud ,sand dunes and wind mill? Okay na po kaya ang 3 days 2 nights if we will copy your itenirary plus pagudpud, sand dunes and wind mill?.. May entrance fee po ba sa mga museum? Thank you. God bless

3 days and 2 nights for Vigan plus Pagudpud, Sand Dunes and Bangui Windmill is doable, especially if you have a car. Museums charge minimum entrance fees, less than a hundred pesos per head :)

Hi Christian, good job for this one. Just want to comment on the translation of Good evening. I guess it is more appropriate to use "Naimbag a rabii". And this is the most commonly used. :-) An ilokano reader here. :-)

Hi, thank you for that! Updated the language section :)

Hi, are there overnight buses traveling from Vigan to Baguio? How late or how early are the trips? Thank you.

Hi Aian, I'm not sure if there are overnight Vigan to Baguio buses. Better check with them directly.

Hello po pwede po bang magtanong anu po ang mabuting transportasyon papunta ng vigan ? Kasi po ang boyfriend ko Hindi gusto ng bus

There's no other public transpo going to Vigan besides buses. What you can do, if you want to ride via vans, is to join tour groups from Manila

Hi! So helpful ng blog mo. Hopefully mapuntahan namin ng boyfriend ko lahat ng places na nakaindicate dito. Salamat :-)

Hi Fatima! How many days are you staying in Vigan? Enjoy your trip!

Good eve po Kc pg pupunta aq ng vigan sa may partas po ung hotel n pgsstayan q ok lng po b n sa my cubao aq sumakay ppnta ng Vigan bka po kc mli ung bus n masakyan q

Hi, yes you may ride any buses going to Vigan from Cubao. It's quite easy to get around Vigan City by tricycle or even by walking, once there.

Thank you so much po pte if ever po anong hotel ang recommended mo n ok pg stayan for couple ?

Hi Kallen, I usually stay at Grandpa's Inn since I'm on a budget. But if you have cash to spare, there are much more luxurious hotels in Vigan. You may check this link: https://www.agoda.com/city/vigan-ph.html?cid=1649989

Hi! Sa mga inn's ba dapat magpareserve ka habang nasa manila or kaya naman na pagdating na lang sa vigan?

Hi Kaycee, you may reserve at Grandpa's Inn from Manila :)

Hi sir Christian, ask ko lang wer exact located yung partas terminal sa cubao? Are they operating everyday going to Vigan?

Partas Cubao is along Aurora Boulevard. If your on the southbound traffic on Edsa, it's on the right. Yes, they have daily trips to Vigan.

Thanks Christian! Anyway, malapit lang ba yung Grandpa's Inn sa bababaan ng bus? Im coming from Manila and it's my first time kasi, tapos solo pa kaya hindi ko alam :) Plus, I'm planning to take the night trip, kung 6-8hrs yung travel time, hindi ako makakapag stay agad sa Grandpa's Inn, right? Any suggestions? Thanks!

Hi Kaycee, Grandpa's Inn is near the bus stations in Vigan. If you have a big luggage, you can ride a tricycle for a minimal fee. Vigan is quite small, you'll be there in no time. Regarding early check in, better call them if they would allow it. When I stayed there before, they let me check in early. If it's not possible, just leave your bag at the lobby and tour Vigan first until check in time :)

After vigan po sana gusto ko pumunta ng bangui wind mills, malayo po ba yon from vigan?

Hi, the Bangui Windmills is just an hour or so away from Vigan. There are buses going there regularly from the city. :)

This is one very useful and helpful blog. My family will surely use your guide. Hopefully we can go to the places you have listed here. Thanks! :)

Hi Edna! Thanks for finding my Vigan travel blog helpful :)

thank you so much for the info about Vigan actualy i have research paper about vigan and this one is very helpful for my report, thank u so much.

Hi Arsiel, glad to be of help! What's your Vigan report about?

I really enjoy reading your blog. very informative and detailed. Can you give an advise reagrding Pros & Cons if mag-travel kami during holy week (Mon-wed)? We really appreciate that. God bless

Hi Ricky, there is only cons in traveling to Vigan during the holy week. Everything is going to be full and there would be a huge crowd around Calle Crisologo. Better if you reschedule your trip on date that's not a holiday

I'm planning to travel to Vigan this summer and I'm from Santiago City, Isabela what particular buss travels direct to Vigan? Thank you

Hi Evelyn, I haven't really tried going to Vigan via Isabela yet. But I'm sure there are buses that can connect the two together. Do share your bus trip here after you've visited Vigan please :)

I'm thankful for this informative blog coz I'm planning to visit Vigan this holy week and it will surely a big help for someone like me that is first timer in this City. Kudos to the author!

Hope you enjoyed your Vigan trip! :)

Sir, sabi nang nakapuntang friend ko mahal daw po ang binibiling tubig sa vigan, advisable po ba magdala nang tubig para makatipid :) pupunta po kasi kami ngaung april 20-23 17 po kami at sa group tour po kami

May mga covenience stores naman po dun, but it would definitely help if you bring your own reusable water bottle :)

hi can i ask if how often ang bus trips from vigan going to cubao, especially this holy week. cant hold any online bus booking, so chances are we are going to buy ticket when we are at vigan na. pls advise on this

Hi, sorry but the frequency of trips to and from Vigan changes depending on the season and the whims of the bus companies. Better call them :)

Sir your blog is very helpful. I'm planning to visit vigan and I'm a solo traveller. I was just wondering meron bang cheap lodges/accomodation around 300-500 per night (just like in baguio.) na nagoffer near sa bus terminal na babaan or sa calle crisologo? I'm worried where to stay when I get there. Short budget lang 6k for 2 days

No need to find a hotel near the terminal, Vigan is very small. You can find cheap inns around town. 6k is more than enough for two days

hi! can i do this for 1 day tour in vigan?

Yes, you can definitely do Vigan on a day tour

Any suggestion where we can leave our things since we just want day tour in vigan and go straight to Laoag.

Hi Jan, that seems like a problem since there are really no malls in Vigan where you can leave your bags. What you can do instead, is rent a karitela to tour around Vigan, that way you can just leave your things at the carriage while you explore the town's tourist spots.

May byahe po ba going laoag from monumento near lrt station.

Hi Gladz, there are currently no bus going to Vigan from Monumento.

Hi, do you know for the recommended inn there? clean and OK for the budget. Thank you

I usually recommend Grandpa's Inn. But if you want the lowest price, you may check here https://www.agoda.com/city/vigan-ph.html?cid=1649989

Hi Christian, Let's say 2 peolke are to take Day 1 and half of Day 2, what's the estimated total cost of vacation?

Hi Chrein, traveling around in Vigan is not that expensive. Will post a detailed budget guide soon, but I'd say 2,000 pesos is more than enough.

Thank you very much Christian. I appreciate it. 😊

No problem! Enjoy your Vigan trip :)

Hello sir! Thank you so much for this. Really helpful for our upcaoming trip. Ask ko lang po. Since we are traveling from Manila-Baguio and Vigan. We want to go to Bangui Windmills. Ikang hours po ba? And do you have IT for that too? Your reaponse is very much appreciated, Sir! God Bless

Hi Korene, the Bangui windmills is about two hours away from Vigan by car. By bus, it's about 2.5 to 3 hours :)

Hi thanks for this blog, we're planning to spend our Christmas in Vigan. I just want to know kung open po ung mga pasyalan this coming Christmas? thanks.

Hi Joyce, yes, I would assume that most of the tourist spots in Vigan are open during Christmas

Hello? I just saw your blog when i was looking for direction on how to go to Ilocos. I tried visiting travel fb pages but they dont have sched for the date im free so i think ill just go there alone. Good thing i found your blog to help me out. Im scared though coz ill by myself and im a woman. This will be my first time traveling as far as Ilocos. I hope its safe. I dont know if you can or you are allowed to do so but, can you please message me in fb messenger? Never mind. I'll do the things you have in this blog so im not like a lost stray tourist haha! Thanks for your blog. Great help

Hi Emily, Vigan is very safe even for solo female travelers. You have nothing to worry about. :)

Hi sir, thank you for the helpful guide, ask ko lang po, how much po yung night stay in grandpas’ inn?? Pls reply po.. thank you so much

Hi Patty, please contact Grandpa's Inn directly for an updated room rates :)

Hi po sir.. may direct na bus trip po ba from manila to vigan? thank you po Godbless

Hi, yes there are direct buses from Manila to Vigan. I listed them on the article above :)

Please put some business hours so that we may see up until when the tourist spot is available, thank you

Will do that on the next update, thanks for the suggestion :)

How can I avail the Karitela Tour? Thanks

You can avail of Vigan's Karitela tours at the plaza area. Just talk to one of the many kucheros in the area, they basically have the same rates :)

sir maiikot po ba namin mga sikat na pasyalan sa vigan from 12noon to 9pm including baluarte? ano po magandang gawin o unahin para masulit po namin ung 9hrs, salamat,

yes, you can visit a lot of places in Vigan from 12pm to 9pm. I suggest you visit the museums first, since they close by 5pm or so, then baluarte, then the other areas that are still open by night. Take a kalesa tour, so the driver can recommend which places to go to first

Your blog is marvelous. We are traveling to Vigan with a toddler any recommendation?

Hi, Vigan is a good place to visit even if you have kids. What are you particularly looking for? :)

Your posts are very thorough and informative. I was born and raised in the Philippines but I never made it to this place. Thanks for this post, I will be adding this to my must-see places in the Philippines the next time I'm in the country.

You should indeed visit Vigan! It's one of the more interesting places in the Philippines

Hi! I am very amazed by your blog. Every tip in your blog is so useful. The way you promote the place it is like you are a local there. It is very informative. I found it very essential especially when I want to travel and when I really am on a tight budget. It has many options from budget, midrange, and luxury. It encouraged me to visit the place. It gives me ideas on how I will handle my finances and how I will plan my time upon visiting that specific destination. Amongst all of your blog that I have read each one of them is perfect! This inspires me to discover wonderful places in our country. Thank you!

Awwww, thank you for appreciating my work. Enjoy your travels!

Global Travel

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Zamboanga City Travel Guide & Itinerary (Tagalog)

Pagdating sa makukulay na destinations sa Pilipinas, isa sa mga unang maiisip mo ay ang Zamboanga . Hindi lang dahil sa makulay na vinta na naging simbolo na ng region na ito, pero dahil na rin sa marami pang bagay na nagbibigay kulay sa probinsya. Mula sa rosy hues ng Pink Beach, bright orange na curacha crabs, hanggang sa makukulay na costumes sa Hermosa Festival, siguradong hindi magiging dull ang trip mo kapag nagpunta ka dito.

Makulay rin ang history at food scene ng Zamboanga kaya marami talagang attractions na puwedeng puntahan at mga pagkain na pwedeng tikman. Kaya kung nag-pplano ka na mag-travel ulit for the first time in over two years, isa ito sa mga destinations na puwede mong puntahan. May beach, mga isla at iba pang natural attractions, heritage sites, at masasarap na pagkain na siguradong maeenjoy mo.

Nasa post na ito ang mga information na kailangan mo para magplano ng trip to Zamboanga City. Nandito ang mga puwede mong puntahan, kainan, at iba pang kailangan mong malaman para gumawa ng itinerary.

WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding Zamboanga City

Ang “Zamboanga” ay tumutukoy sa maraming geographical areas. Ang Region IX ay tinatawag rin na Zamboanga Peninsula at binubuo ng mga probinnsya ng Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, at ng limang mga city. Ang limang city na ito ay Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian, Isabela de Basilan, at ang pinaka malaking urban hub sa region, ang Zamboanga City.

Sa airline industry kapag sinabing Zamboanga, madalas ay ang city ang tinutukoy dahil dito located ang Zamboanga Internation Airport (ZAM) . Para malinaw, sa guide na ito, kapag sinabing Zamboanga, ang tinutukoy din ay ang city.

Sinasabing nanggaling ang pangalan ng Zamboanga sa Samboangan na ang ibig sabihin ay daungan. Ang ibang sources naman ay sinasabing ang pangalan ng lugar ay mula sa Indonesian jambangan na ang ibig sabihin ay lugar ng mga bulaklak kaya tinatawag din ang Zamboanga na “City of Flowers” .

Malalim ang history ng Zamboanga City bilang settlement. Mate-trace ito mula noong 12th century noong dumating ang mga Subanon sa lugar. Sa paglipas ng panahon, marami na ring mga Tausug, Yakan, Sama-Banguingui at Sama-Bajau ang lumipat dito mula sa Basilan at Sulu archipelago. Islam ang naging dominant religion dito. Noong dumating ang panahon ng pananakop ng mga Kastila, ginawa nilang military stronghold sa Mindanao ang Zamboanga na naging dahilan ng pagdating ng Christian settlers dito.

Ang mahabang history nito ay nagbunga ng pagkakaroon ng complex at eclectic mix ng Zamboanga. Malapit rin ito sa Malaysia, Brunei, at Indonesia kaya maraming mga influences ang nakakapasok dito. Makikita ito sa culture, languages, religions, at cuisines dito.

Ngayon, ang Zamboanga ay isang highly urbanized chartered city . Politically independent ito at nagsisilbing economic, educational, at cultural hub ng region.

Ito ang ilang mahalagang ipormasyon about Zamboanga na kailangan mong malaman bago ang iyong trip.

• Location: Zamboanga City, Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula)
• Nicknames: Asia’s Latin City, City of Flowers
• Language: Chavacano o Cabacano ang most common na ginagamit dito, isang Spanish-based Creole na mix ng Spanish at ibang native lnguages.
• Modes of Payment: Cash. Marami ring establishments na tumatanggap ng credit cards at GCash, pero karamihan ay mas preferred pa rin ang cash. Siguraduhing magdala ng cash lalo na para sa transportation at small purchases.

How to get to Zamboanga City

Ang Zamboanga City at mga kalapit na municipalities ay ginagamit ang Zamboanga International Airport (ZAM) na gateway din papuntang Basilan. Most Tawi-tawi-bound travelers ay nag-ttransfer din sa Zamboanga Airport dahil walang direct flights mula Luzon o Visayas papuntang Bongao.

Karamihan ng local airlines ay may flights mula Manila papuntang Zamboanga. Pero kung naghahanap ka ng affordable fares, may daily flights to Zamboanga City ang AirAsia . Ang travel time ay 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Bawat booking ay may complimentary na 7kg carry-on baggage allowance. Kung weekend trip lang ang balak mo, posibleng enough na ito. Pero kung gusto mo ng mas comfortable na biyahe, puwede ka ring mag-add ng Value Pack na may kasamang 20kg check-in baggage allowance, standard selection, meal, at Tune Protect insurance (para sa baggage delay at 1 hour on-time guarantee protection). Mayroon din silang Premium Flex kung saan may option kang palitan ang date at time ng iyong flight up to two times.

Kung manggagaling ka sa Manila, ang flights ng AirAsia papuntang Zamboang ay nag-ooperate sa NAIA Terminal 4.

Upon Arrival at the Airport

Paglapag sa airport, didiretso kayo sa Arrival area kung saan ninyo kukunin ang check-in baggage (kung meron).

Pagdating sa Arrival Hall, makikita niyo na may tent kung saan sila nag-checheck ng entry requirements. As of writing, tinatanong nila kung saang parte ng Pilipinas ka galing at tsaka nila titignan ang requirements mo. Make sure to double check the entry requirements to Zamboanga at ang protocols depende sa origin mo bago ang iyong trip.

Zamboanga Airport to City Center

Nasa loob ng city center ang Zamboanga airport kaya hindi problema ang mahabang travel time. Pagkalabas ng airport, sasalubungin ka ng mga taxi drivers na nag-ooffer ng ride papunta sa city. Puwede ka ring pumunta sa labas ng airport gate kung saan nakapila ang mga tricycle.

Ito ang mga rate:

• Taxi: Flagdown rate, P40. Kung malapit sa City Hall, nasa P80 ang fare.
• Tricycle: P20 for the first km, P5 per additional km

Pero madalas, nakikipag deal ang mga driver para sa presyo. Usually, nasa P150-200 ang sinisingil nila.

Where to Stay in Zamboanga

Ang mga hotel sa Zamboanga ay concentrated sa dalawang key areas: sa city center na malapit sa seaport , at sa area malapit sa airport . Hindi nalalayo ang dalawang areas na ito sa isa’t isa at parehas na accessible. May mga budget-friendly options din in both areas, at maraming dining at shopping establishments sa paligid. Pero isang dapat iconsider ay ang traffic during rush hour. Dahil dito, mamili ng area na pag-sstayan based sa inyong itinerary.

Kung ang pakay mo sa Zamboanga ay puntahan ang Pink Beach o mag day trip sa Basilan, mas magandang mag-stay sa gitna ng city. Kung ang gusto mo namang puntahan ay nasa north ng city tulad ng Once Islas at Merloquet Falls o kung ayaw mo lang mag-worry na baka ma-miss mo ang flight mo pauwi, mas ideal na mag-stay sa area na malapit sa airport.

Ito ang ilang hotels na puwede niyong i-book para sa Zamboanga trip ninyo:

• Grand Astoria Hotel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Ever O Business Hotel. Check Rates & Availability!
• Hotel Primera. Check Rates & Availability!
• Winzelle Suites. Check Rates & Availability!
• Marcian Garden Hotel. Check Rates & Availability!
• W Hotel. Check Rates & Availability!
• L’Meridian. Check Rates & Availability!

Search for more Zamboanga Hotels!

How to get around Zamboanga City

By public transportation.

Pinaka common na modes of transportation sa city ay ang jeep, tricycle, at taxi. Pero kung ayaw mo na isipin pa ang mga ruta ng jeep, ang pinaka-convenient ay ang tricycle o mas kilala bilang “tricy” sa parteng ito ng Mindanao.

Ito ang approved tricycle fare:

• P20 para sa first kilometer
• P5 per succedding km.

Pero in reality, hindi lahat ng tricycle drivers ay sumusunod sa fare matrix. To give you an idea, usually, nasa P40-50 per person ang bayad para sa tricycle ride. Kung mas malayo tulad ng papuntang seaport mula sa airport, umaabot sa P75 per person ang pamasahe.

May mga taxi rin, pero hindi ito ganoon karami. Ang flagdown rate ay P40 .

Ano man ang piliin mo na mode of transportation, siguraduhin na iconsider ang rush hour traffic lalo na kung may scheduled flight ka o boat ride.

By Packaged Tour

Mayamaan ang history ng Zamboanga City kaya ang best way to get around ay sumama sa guided tour. Mas maiintindihan niyo ang significance ng bawat attractions at mas maaappreciate niyo ito this way. Kung gusto ninyo mag-join ng guided tour, pwede kayong mag-book sa Buenas Travel & Tours at iTravel Tourist Lane.

Puwede ninyo silang i-contact dito para sa kanilang rates at iba pang inquiries:

• iTravel Tourist Lane Contact Person: Errold Bayona (062) 991-1174, +63917-722-6410 www.itraveltouristlane.com
• Buenas Travel and Tours Contact Person: Jun Camins +63905 381 7889

Things to do in Zamboanga

Maraming attractions na puwedeng puntahan sa Zamboanga kaya marami kang pagpipilian depende sa interests mo at sa time and budget na meron ka. Ito ang ilan sa mga pinaka-popular na tourist spots na puwede mong isama sa iyong itinerary.

Pink Beach (Grande Sta. Cruz Island)

Ito ang pinaka-kilalang attraction sa Zamboanga City na located off the coast of Zamboanga Peninsula. Ang highlight nito ay ang buhangin na may rosy blush kapag nasisinagan ng araw. Kinilala ito ng National Geographic bilang isa sa World’s 21 Best Beaches noong 2017.

Pero don’t expect na bright ang pagka-pink nito. Mula sa malayo, parang usual na white beach lang ito, pero nagiging mas visible ang pagka-pink nito kapag mas malapit. Ang pink na kulay ng sand dito ay galing sa mga nadurog na red organ-pipe corals (tubipora musica) na dinadala ng alon sa shore.

Mula sa city center, puwede kang mag-tricycle papunta sa Paseo del Mar na main jump off point papunta sa Sta. Cruz Grande Island. Nandito ang Santa Cruz Island Ferry Terminal kung saan ka sasakay ng bangka papunta sa isla. nasa 20 minutes na boat ride papunta dito.

Bukod sa Pink Beach, pwede mo din i-explore ang lagoon na puno ng mga mangroves. Puwede kayong mag-join ng separate guided boat tour para mapuntahan ito at matuto tungkol sa iba’t ibang types ng mangroves at makakita ng upside-down jellyfish . Puwede rin kayong mag-row ng colorful na vinta dito!

Puwede niyo rin daanan ang Little Santa Cruz Island para sa quick sand bar experience. Pero tandaan na puwede lang mag-stay dito for 10 minutes.

Ito ang ilang information na dapat ninyong malaman kung pupunta kayo sa Santa Cruz Islands.

• Mag register in advance! Strictly regulated ang number of visitors kaya kailangan mag-register.
• Nagsisimula ang registration at boat service at 7:00 AM. Day tour lang ang puwede at hindi pinapayagan ang overnight stay.
• Ang boat fee papunta sa Pink Beach ay P1000 (good for up to 10 passengers). Kung mas maliit ang group niyo, parehas pa rin ang rate ng boat.
• Kung gusto niyong mag-join ng boat tour sa lagoon, make sure na sabihin ninyo sa bangkero na maghahatid sa inyo sa Pink Beach. Ihahatid nila kayo sa maliit na community malapit sa entrance ng lagoon. May additional na P200 fee ang transfer na ito.
• Pagdating sa lagoon entrance, lilipat kayo sa mas maliit na “yellow boat”. P300 ang rent sa bawat yellow boat at good for 2 passengers ito.
• Ang lagoon tour guide fee ay P300. Ang isang tour guide ay pwedeng mag lead ng 5 boats max. Puwede kayong maki-join sa ibang mga bangka para ma-split niyo ang guide fee.
• Puwede lang mag-arrange ng tour bago mag-12 noon! After 12 noon, hindi na sila mag-aaccept ng booking. Make sure na sundin ang mga rules and regulations sa pag-explore. Ang Grande Santa Cruz Island at ang Little Santa Cruz Island ay protected area.
• Ipinagbabawal sa island ang single-use plastic. Ang mga single-use water bottles, plastic bags, plastic straws, sachets, junk food in plastic containers, at plastic candy wrappers ay hindi allowed. Magdala ng reusable water bottle. Kung magdadala ka ng pagkain, gumamit ng reusable containers. Nagiinspect sila ng bags bago ang boarding.

Ito ang mga fees sa island:

Pink Beach Entrance Fee: P20 + P5 (terminal fee) Boat to Pink Beach: P1000 (up to 10 pax) Boat to entrance: P200 (up to 10 pax) Yellow paddle boat rental: P300 (good for 2 pax) Tour guide fee: P300 (good for up to 5 boats) Additional stop at Sandbar: P200 (up to 10 pax) Cottage Rental Fee: P100-P500 (depending on the size)

Zamboanga City Tour

Maraming historic at recreational sites sa city center at surrounding areas kung saan makikita niyo ang ilang bahagi ng makulay na history ng city. Puwede niyong puntahan ang mga attractions na ito DIY-style, pero madalas ito rin ang common stops ng mga organized tours.

• El Museo de Zamboanga. Meron itong dalawang gallery na nag-shoshowcase ng culture at history ng city.
• Pasonanca Park. Spacious na green space kung saan makikita ang Scout Limbaga, convention center, amphitheater, aviary, floral garden at butterfly sanctuary, at public swimming pools.
• Fort Pilar Shrine and Museum. Itinayo noong 17th century at naging Spanish military defense post. Mayroon ditong open-air 18th-century Marian shrine— ang Our Lady of the Pillar— na may altar at stone seating para sa mga devotee na gustong magdasal at mag-reflect.
• Climaco Freedom Park. Ipinangalan sa late Zamboanga City Mayor na si Cesar Climaco na isang local hero na pinatay noong 1984.
• Paseo del Mar. Waterfront recreational park na may mga souvenir shops, local food vendors, at eateries. Magandang spot ito para manood ng sunset.
• ZSCMST Bird Sanctuary. Isang protected area sa loob ng Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology kung saan nag-bbreed at nabubuhay ang mga great white egrets.
• Zamboanga City Hall. Kinikilala na isang National Historical Site. Originally, ito ang official residence ng US Military Governor ng dating Moro Province.

Once Islas Cruise (11 Islands)

Ang Once Islas ay mga isla off the coast of Zamboanga City. Hindi lahat ng isla ay open to the public, pero ang mga accessible na isla ay magandang spot para mag-swimming, sunbathing, at iba pang beach activities. May mga designated snorkeling spots din para sa mga gustong makita ang underwater scene.

Ito ang mga isla na accessible sa public:

• Bisaya-Bisaya Island na may white beach at scenic rocky cliffs. May natural pool din sa nearby island kung saan puwedeng mag-swimming.
• Buh-Buh Island na kilala sa seaside mosque dito.
• Baung-Baung Island kung saan may fair sand.
• Sirommon Island na madalas na lunch stop. Mayroon din itong fine white sand at viewpoint.

Day trips lang ang allowed sa mga island na ito at may limit na 200 visitors per day. Dahil dito, required na magpa-register in advance bago kayo magpunta. Para mag-book, mag-send lang ng email sa [email protected] one week bago ang inyong trip. Isesend sa inyo ang mga guidelines at steps after ng booking inquiry. Hindi allowed ang walk-ins.

Jump-off Point: Panubigan Ferry Terminal in Barangay Panubigan Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, Saturday – Sunday, 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM; Mondays & Fridays, CLOSED. Pwedeng magbago ang schedule without prior notice kaya i-check muna bago ang inyong trip. Boat Rates: P1200 (BiBa o Bisaya-Bisaya at Baung-Baung Route, good for 5 pax); P2000 (Island Cruise, good for 5 pax) Fees: Entrance Fee – P100/head Environmental Fee – P100/head Guide Fee – P300 (good for 5 pax) Cottage Fee – P150

Merloquet Falls

Two hours away mula sa city center, malapit sa boundary ng Zamboanga Sibugay sa north at Zamboanga del Norte sa west ay makikita ang brethtaking na two-tiered Merloquet Falls . Sinasabing pinaka-maganda ito hindi lang sa buong region pero sa buong bansa. Ang pinaka-photographed part nito ay ang malawak na terraced drop na may magical at intricate textured cascades instead na smooth straight drop lang.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Apollo D Recalde (@apollodivarecalde333)

Location: Merloquet Falls road, Barangay Sibulao, Zamboanga City Admission Fee: FREE Parking Fee: P20

Heritage Shops & Markets

Madalas ay kasama rin ang mga shop na ito sa mga city tour, pero kung talagang gusto mong mag-shopping, ito ang mga puwede mong puntahan.

• Yakan Weaving Village. Dito, makakabili ka ng mga traditonal products at mga practical accessories tulad ng bag, pencil cases, at Yakan fabrics. Makikita mo rin dito ang traditional process ng Yakan weaving. Puwede mo rin itong subukan kung gusto mo.
• Canelar Barter Trade Center. Shopping center ito kung saan maraming iba’t ibang local at imported goods mula Malaysia at Indonesia. Makakabili ka dito ng mga pagkain, damit, tela, accessories, at mga souvenirs.
• Aderes Flea Market. Located sa Guiwan ang market na ito kung saan makakabili ka ng freshly caught curacha o spanner crabs, lobsters, shellfish, at iba pang seafood.

Day Trip to Malamawi Island

Ang Malamawi Island ay hindi parte ng Zamboanga City. Sakop ito ng Isabela City sa katabing probinsya ng Basilan. Pero possible itong day trip destination mula Zamboanga dahil easily accessible ito mula sa port ng Zamboanga City.

May stunning white beach sa isla na kilala bilang Malamawi White Beach. Ngayon, private beach na ito called Pahali Resort .

Para makapag day trip dito, kailangan mong i-avail ang pinaka-murang package na ino-offer nila— ang seafood tray worth P2,999 (good for 5 pax). Kahit solo or duo lang kayo, kailangan niyo pa ring mag-order nito para makapag day trip. Puwede ninyong i-message ang resort sa kanilang Facebook page para mag-book.

Mula sa Zamboanga sea port , kailangan niyong sumakay ng ferry o fast craft papuntang Isabela City para makarating sa resort. Nasa 1 hour and 40 minutes and biyahe dito. Paglabas sa Isabela Port, kumanan papunta sa James Strong Boulevard hanggang makarating sa waiting shed sa bandang kanan. Dito, sasakay kayo ng bangka papuntang Carbon Port ( P10 )

Pagdating sa Isabela City, pwede kayong pumunta sa Tourist Assistance Center para mag-register o dumiretso sa resort. Puwede kayong mag-tricycle papunta sa Pahali Resort (P50/person, one-way).

Where to Eat in Zamboanga

Isa sa best things sa Zamboanga City ay ang diversity ng mga pagkain na mahahanap mo dito. Ang kanilang cuisine ay resulta ng makulay at complicated history ng lugar kaya naman makikita mo dito ang influences ng iba’t ibang kultura. Ito ang ilan sa mga iconic food spots na dapat mong subukan kapag bumisita ka sa Zamboanga.

• Alavar Seafood Restaurant. Pinaka-kilala ito sa curacha (spanner crabs) na merong signature Alavar sauce nila na gawa sa coconut milk, aligue (crab fat), at iba’t ibang spices. Nasa P1500-1700 per kilo ang serving nito na good for at least 4 persons. Bawat order ay may 3 to 4 crabs depende sa laki nito.
• Bay Tal Mal. Dito, matitikman mo ang mga Moro dishes. Pwede mong orderin ang kanilang latal na platter ng 10 native dishes para marami kang dish na ma-try. Kasama sa mga dishes na ito ang tiyula itum o beef na may black soup mula sa charred coconut at beef kulma na similar sa beef curry.
• Hacienda de Palmeras Hotel and Restaurant. Sinasabing dito nag-umpisa ang makulay na dessert called knickerbocker. Similar ito sa halo-halo, pero meron itong mga fruits like mango, pineapple, at watermelon, at may strawberry ice cream sa ibabaw.
• Jimmy’s Satti. Paborito itong satti place ng mga locals. Ang satti ay similar sa chicken or beef satay na may sweet at medyo spicy na sauce. Isa pang lugar kung saan pwedeng subukan ang satti ay ang Andy’s Special Satti.
• Dennis Coffee Garden. Nagsimula ang restaurant na ito sa Jolo, Sulu. Nag-seserve sila ng traditional Tausug coffe called kahawa sug at iba’t ibang native merienda items o bangbang sug. Ilan dito ang rice cakes, deep fried bananas at kamote.
• Tetuan. Isang street ito na may mga kiosks na nagbebenta ng kilo-kilong lechon. Isa sa pinaka-popular dito ang Prince Tasty Lechon. Ang lechon nila ay may calamansi, garlic, onions, pepper, at bay leaf.

Huwag niyo din kalimutan subukan ang mga street food! Meron dito ng mga usual Pinoy favorites tulad ng banana que, fish balls, at kwek-kwek, pero may mga local street food din sila. Subukan ninyo ang chikalang o purple rice cake na parang pilipit o karioka, pastil o empanada, at mee goreng . Makikita niyo ang mga ito sa RT Lim Boulevard at Paseo del Mar .

Sample Zamboanga Itinerary

Ito ang sample itinerary for a 4-day 3-night trip to Zamboanga City. Ang itinerary na ito ay DIY-style, using public transportation. This also assumes na ang hotel ninyo ay nasa city center. Recommended na mag-join ng guided tour para mas ma-apapreciate ninyo ang ang sites, pero kung gusto niyong maka-tipid, puwede niyong gamitin ang itinerary na ito or use it as a guide to make your own.

Day 1- Arrival, City Tour

-Arrival in Zamboanga -Tricycle to hotel -Drop bags at hotel -Mag tricycle papunta sa Pasonanca Jepney Terminal -Sumakay ng jeep papunta sa Pasonanca Park -Explore Pasonanca Park -El Museo de Zamboanga -Butterfly Sanctuary -Sumakay ng jeep papuntang Palmeras -Palmeras (lunch, try knickerbocker) -Sumakay ng jeep papuntang city center -Hotel check-in -Sumakay ng tricycle papuntang Fort Pilar -Fort Pilar & Museum -Pilar Shrine -ZSCMST Bird Sanctuary -Paseo del Mar -Sumakay ng tricycle papuntang SM Mindpro -Dinner at Bay Tal Mal -Back to hotel

Day 2- Pink Beach, Canelar Barter

-Wake up call -Bumili ng food para sa lunch at snacks (make sure na ilagay sa reusable container) -Sumakay ng tricycle papuntang Paseo del Mar -Registration/briefing -Sumakay ng bangka papuntang Pink Beach -Explore Pink Beach -Lagoon Tour -Lunch -Stop at sandbar -Sumakay ng bangka pabalik sa mainland -Sumakay ng tricycle papuntang hotel -Shopping at Canelar Barter -Sumakay ng tricycle papuntang Alavar -Alavar curacha -Sumakay ng tricycle pabalik sa hotel

Day 3- Once Islas

-Wake up call -Bumili ng pagkain para sa lunch at snacks -Sumakay ng tricycle papuntang bus/van terminal -Sumakay ng bus/van papuntang Panubigan Crossing -Sumakay ng tricycle/habal-habal papuntang Panubigan port -Registration -Island hopping tour -Sumakay ng tricycle/habal-habal pabalik sa highway -Mag-abang ng bus pabalik sa city center -Sumakay ng tricycle papuntang Dennis Coffee Garden -Dennis Coffee Garden -Sumakay ng tricycle pabalik sa hotel

Day 4- Departure

-Wake up, pack up -Hotel checkout -Sumakay ng tricyle papunta sa airport -Flight back to Manila

Frequently Asked Questions

Kailan ang best time to visit zamboanga city.

January to May ang driest period.

Year-round destination ang Zamboanga. Hindi tulad ng karamihan ng mga region sa Pilipinas, stable ang weather patterns dito at hindi masyadong nadadaanan ng mga bagyo. Best time para sa mga turista ang January to May dahil less chances of rain sa panahon na ito.

Pinaka-maulan mula June to November, at ang peak ay October . Pero hindi kagaya sa ibang regions, mababa ang amount ng rainfall sa Zamboanga kaya hindi ito masyong makaka-apekto sa inyo. Bukod dito, ang pinaka-maulan na buwan ng October din ang isa sa pinaka best time na pumunta dito dahil sa Hermosa Festival.

Ang Hermosa Festival ang fiesta ng city, in honor sa kanilang patron saint na La Virgen Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza na pinaniniwalaan na milagrosa. Month-long ang celebration na ito at ang actual feast day ay tuwing October 12. Maraming mga exciting activities sa first two weeks ng October tulad ng Regatta na isang vinta race.

Common greetings at phrases in Zamboanga City

Chavacano o Chabacano ang pinaka-common language na ginagamit sa Zamboanga City. Ito ang nag-iisang Spanish-based creole language sa Asia. Para itong pinaghalong Spanish at iba’t-ibang Filipino language. Karamihan ng vocabulary sa Chavacano ay galing sa Spanish, pero ang grammatical constructions at structures nito ay katulad ng sa ibang Philippine languages.

Habang nasa city ka, puwede mong gamitin ang mga basic greeting at ibang useful phrases na ito. Magandang way din ito para maka-interact ang mga locals at matutunan ang kanilang culture.

• Good morning! – Buenas Dias!
• Good afternoon! – Buenas Tardes!
• Good evening! – Buenas Noches!
• Thank you very much! – Muchisimas Gracias!
• Welcome! – Bienvenidos!
• How much is this? – Cuanto esté?
• I’m sorry. – Perdona mi.

Kamusta ang data signal sa Zamboanga City?

Malakas ang signal ng Globe at Smart sa city center pero spotty at unreliable na ito sa mga isla at iba pang remote corners ng city.

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Philippines Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Best Time to Go to the Philippines

• January to March | Ideal Months to Travel in the Philippines
• April to June | Summer and Peak Season in the Philippines
• July to October | Rainy and Off-Peak Season in the Philippines
• November to December | Holiday Season in the Philippines

Geography of the Philippines

• Arriving at Manila Airport: What You Need to Know

How to Get Around the Philippines

Hotels in the philippines, best hotels and resorts in luzon, best hotels and resorts in visayas, best hotels and resorts in mindanao.

• Best theme hotels and resorts in the Philippines

Must-Visit Tourist Spots in the Philippines

• Manila | The Capital of the Philippines
• Palawan | Gateway to the Best Islands in the Philippines
• Boracay Island | Tropical Paradise
• Cebu | Islands, Diving, Historical Sites, and More
• Bohol | Countryside and Island Tours
• What to Eat in the Philippines
• Suggested 2-Week Itinerary in the Philippines
• Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to the Philippines

Discover the treasures of the Philippines from beaches and islands, highlands, historical spots, and must-try food and fun activities. Find out the best time to visit and the best tourist spots. Learn how to get around from the Manila airport. Discover the best places to eat. Take inspiration from a 2-week itinerary that will take you around the best destinations in the country. Read this article for an introduction to traveling around the Philippines. 

It can be difficult to decide where to travel first in the Philippines. There are so many beautiful, postcard-worthy white sand beaches and pristine islands all over the Philippines, complete with crystal clear waters and rich and diverse marine life.

• Explore the widest collection of Philippine tours for your vacation
• Check out flights to the Philippines

Travelers who love swimming would find it hard to leave, as idyllic  beach trips , exciting  island-hopping adventures , and incredible  diving tours  are abundant here. The Philippines' beaches are among the best in the world as well, whether it's white sand, black volcanic sand, or even pink sand in some places. 

See our popular Tours by Top Destinations in the Philippines

Boracay island hopping tour with lunch & snorkeling, best coron island hopping tour in palawan island with lunch & transfers, puerto princesa underground river tour in palawan island with lunch & transfers.

• Find the best Philippines vacation packages for a hassle-free trip
• See destinations for solo travel in the Philippines

You can also take your pick from the Philippines' best festivals  that showcase the locals' culture and experience unique food trips that will get you craving for more Filipino food . 

If you're traveling to the Philippines soon, this ultimate guide has everything you need to know to plan your trip. 

The Philippines has two distinct seasons, wet and dry. The dry season starts from November until June. These months are considered the best time to travel to most destinations in the Philippines .

The wet season, on the other hand, is from July to October. During this time, an average of nine typhoons hit the Philippines and may cause flooding and landslides in some areas. While not all typhoons make landfall, the heavy rains may still affect your trip, so make sure to check weather forecasts. 

• Check out our  2-week Philippine itinerary packages

Note, though, that it doesn’t rain every day, nor does it rain the whole day during the wet season, unless there is a typhoon. It's still best to check the weather forecast for your Philippine destinations when planning a trip. Weather-wise, here’s what you can expect when traveling in the Philippines and where to go.

See our popular Best Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

January to march | ideal months to travel in the philippines.

January to March is usually the ideal period to travel to the Philippines. Even if there are bigger chances of precipitation, these are the months of the year when the temperature is cooler. The month of March also signals the upcoming festivals and the long weekend of Holy Week (Easter).

These months also highlight some of the biggest and grandest festivities:

The province of Aklan, where Boracay Island is located, commemorates the Ati-Atihan Festival in the second week of January. Check Boracay tours  and Boracay tour packages with hotel and airfare for your island getaway.

The highly anticipated annual Sinulog Festival   in the province of Cebu is celebrated every third Sunday of January. Check Cebu activities  and Cebu packages  for your trip.

Millions of devotees gather in Quiapo in  Manila City to join the procession during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival is usually every February or March. For 2024, it will be held in New Clark City, Tarlac. Read our Philippine Hot Air Balloon 2024 guide to learn more.

See our popular Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Tickets & Packages

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The Summer Capital, Baguio City , parades beautifully-adorned floats with flowers during the Panagbenga Festival in February. Check Baguio tours  and Baguio package deals with hotel  to make your trip more fun and hassle-free.

There are weeklong religious activities during Holy Week (Easter) in March or early April all over the country, but more specifically in Pampanga . Check Pampanga experiences  to make the most of your vacation.

April to June | Summer and Peak Season in the Philippines

During this time, the temperature and humidity levels are highest. This marks the summer season in the Philippines. Locals plan beach getaways or vacations in their hometowns. Expect that beach resorts will most likely be fully booked and have higher rates. 

The sun is the strongest from April to June, so precautions are needed when spending most of the time under the sun. Lather sunblock every two hours to avoid sunburn.

See our popular Island Hopping Tours

El nido island hopping tour to the best lagoons & pristine beaches in palawan island.

Some popular summer destinations in the Philippines include:

The natural, scenic, and hidden gems of Palawan. Check some Palawan activities  and learn more about the province in this Palawan travel guide . 

The white beaches, crystal clear waters, and extreme water sports of Boracay . 

The surfing paradise of La Union , Baler, Zambales, and Siargao. Check  Siargao adventures  and   learn more about Siargao in this guide . Book Siargao tour packages with airfare . 

The beaches and diving spots in Batangas . Explore the marine life of Batangas through an Anilao diving tour. Check other Batangas escapades .

• Check out our article on the Best Beaches to Visit in the Philippines

Aside from beaches and  island hopping tours in the Philippines, here are other summer season activities you can try:

Watch the Moriones Festival in Marinduque and how the people in Pampanga  celebrate the season during Holy Week. Check some activities in Marinduque and tours in Pampanga .

Taste the freshest catch in Dagupan City during Bangus Festival every April.

Head to Quezon Province and witness the colorful Pahiyas Festival, a thanksgiving festival held every 15th of May.

Witness the festivities and watch the beautiful women of the country all dressed up during Flores De Mayo.

Take part during the different pistang bayan (town fiestas) in the provinces of Batangas and Bulacan. 

In June, take part in the combined Pintados-Kasadyaan festivals of Tacloban City that features a sailboat race, the Subiran Regatta, and the religious rite Balyuan. Join a Tacloban city tour to get the full experience.

Join the celebration of St. John the Baptist's feast day, where locals get doused with water on June 24th. It’s officially called the Wattah Wattah Festival or Basaan Festival in Filipino. It's usually celebrated in Batangas, Bataan, and Nueva Ecija, to name a few.

July to October | Rainy and Off-Peak Season in the Philippines  

The volume of rainfall in the Philippines increases from July to August . These months are considered the wettest months, although it does not necessarily mean that it will rain all day long.

When typhoons hit, most of the islands in the country are affected, making trips around the country (depending on where the typhoon hits) difficult. Expect flight delays and even cancellations in some cases.

Philippine flights to different islands and beach resorts are cheaper during these months. Go to the beach, enjoy a food trip, or visit museums and historical places. Here are some other rainy season activities in the Philippines that you can try:

Go surfing and island hopping in Siargao . Browse our Siargao tour packages with airfare . 

Watch the dramatization of the blood compact between Sikatuna and Legazpi in Bohol during the Sandugo Festival. Check some  Bohol activities  and Bohol travel packages for your escapade.

Catch the colorful Pagoda Festival in Bulacan.

Witness the street parades and dances in the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City . Check Davao activities to best experience the province.

Observe the Fluvial Parade of the Nuestra Señora Peñafrancia in Naga City.

Watch the elaborate and colorful MassKara Festival in Bacolod City. Check some Bacolod tours and learn more about the province in this Bacolod travel guide .

For Filipinos, Christmas or the holiday season starts as early as September or the beginning of the -ber months. Some establishments start to decorate their stores with Christmas ornaments as early as September 1st.

November to December | Holiday Season in the Philippines   

November marks not only the beginning of the dry season but also the start of the long holiday celebration in the Philippines. These are the best months to visit Philippine cities because of the night markets, light and sound shows, and Christmas bazaars.

• Read our article on the Top Philippine Christmas holiday destinations

November to December are the best months to do your holiday shopping, as most malls are on sale and extended operating hours. However, there are other things you can do too:

Watch the Higantes Festival (giant paper effigies) in Rizal. 

Appreciate a grand Christmas experience in San Fernando, Pampanga, and its Giant Lantern Festival. 

Enjoy the cold weather and admire the views of Banaue Rice Terraces while sipping a hot cup of tea or coffee in Benguet . 

Choosing the best time to visit the Philippines depends on what kind of activity you want to do. Come at different times to appreciate everything the country has to offer.

See our popular Sagada-Banaue Tour Packages

2-day trip to buscalan village, home of legendary tattoo artist apo whang-od, 2-day sagada adventure shared tour from manila with hotel & trip to banaue & baguio highlands, scenic 3-day sagada shared tour package from manila with side trip to banaue & baguio highlands.

The Philippines' geography  is divided into three island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Before planning a trip to the Philippines, it's important to know where your chosen destinations are. Your transportation, schedule, and budget will depend on the distances between each place. You can also book all-inclusive Philippines vacation packages that will take you around the top tourist spots in the country. 

If you're outside the Philippines, your first destination will most likely be Manila , the Philippine capital located in Luzon.  Most connecting flights to other destinations in the countries continue from  Manila Airport .

The Luzon island group also includes other big islands and island groups like Palawan, Batanes , Baguio, and Vigan . Top Luzon activities include city sightseeing, beach adventures, and some island-hopping trips. Check out the top Luzon tourist spots that you should visit. 

See our popular Luzon Tour Packages

Stunning 5-day beach & nature package to palawan island from manila city, budget-friendly 4-day coron palawan package at skylodge resort with flights from manila & tour, comfy 4-day coron palawan budget package at ruhe suites with flights from manila, tour & transfers.

Visayas   is located   in the central part of the Philippines. Cebu is the main gateway to other Visayas destinations. Visayas is home to destinations like Boracay, Bohol, Iloilo, Negros Region, Leyte, and Siquijor. The top activities and best tourist spots in Visayas include idyllic beaches, island-hopping, outdoor adventures, and food tours.

See our popular Visayas Tour Packages

Mindanao is located in the southern part of the Philippines. Davao City is the main gateway to other destinations in this island group, which includes Siargao, Camiguin, Zamboanga, and Cagayan de Oro, to name a few. Top things to do and best tourist spots in Mindanao include outdoor adventures, beach escapades, and island-hopping.  Check out our Davao tourist spots itinerary if you're exploring Davao City and Samal Island .

• Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to the Top 15 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in the Philippines

Given the number and variety of things to do here, filling your itinerary for a week or so when traveling in the Philippines won’t be a problem. 

See our popular Mindanao Tour Packages

Arriving at manila airport: what you need to know      .

Like any metropolitan city, Manila can be confusing for first-time visitors with flights to Manila , starting with arriving at the airport. Manila international airport, officially known as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or Manila Airport , has four terminals, which are not connected via airport rail link. Consider this when booking your flights, as inter-airline transfers may be complicated.

• Dubai to Manila flights
• Singapore to Manila flights
• LAX to Manila flights
• Hong Kong to Manila flights
• Bangkok to Manila flights
• Taipei to Manila flights
• Jakarta to Manila flights
• Nagoya to Manila flights
• Seoul to Manila flights
• Doha to Manila flights
• Istanbul to Manila flights

However, there are now Point-to-Point (P2P) shuttle buses that you can board to transfer airports in the Philippines , or you can book a taxi or Grab car via the Grab App (like Uber) if you have connecting flights. You can also book rent a car in Manila services. These transport options take public roads, so allot sufficient transfer time if you plan to transit between airlines. Here's a rundown of these four airport terminals:

NAIA Terminal 1

Terminal 1 serves all the international flights from and to Manila except for the ones operated by airlines in NAIA Terminal 2 and NAIA Terminal 3.

NAIA Terminal 2

Terminal 2 houses the domestic and international flights of the country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, and its affiliate PAL express. Starting July 2023, AirAsia and Royal Air domestic flights have been transferred to Terminal 2. This terminal is also known as the Centennial Terminal to commemorate the centennial declaration of Philippine independence.

NAIA Terminal 3

Terminal 3 caters to international flights operated by Cathay Pacific Air, AirAsia, Emirates Airline, Cebu Pacific Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Delta Air Lines, All Nippon Air, and Singapore Airlines, as well as all some domestic flights of Cebu Pacific Air. It has a transit lounge (airport hotel) and a massage place.

NAIA Terminal 4

Terminal 4, the smallest of the four, serves domestic flights from CebGo, AirSwift, and SkyJet.

See our popular Manila Transfers

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• Cebu to Manila flights
• Davao to Manila flights
• Tacloban to Manila flights
• Iloilo to Manila flights

Outside Manila: Clark International Airport

A secondary international airport nearest to Manila is Clark International Airport. It takes two to three hours to travel from Manila to Clark, which is 93 kilometers away. One transport option is through the Premium point-to-point (P2P) Bus Service. This bus service has a station at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City, which is ideal if you come from the southern part of Metro Manila. If you're coming from the northern part of Metro Manila, take the P2P bus from its North EDSA MRT / Trinoma Station in Quezon City.

You can also hire a car rental service from Clark to Manila  for a more comfortable and private transportation. Just make sure you have the requirements to rent a car in the Philippines .

Currency Exchange and ATMs

All airport terminals have money changers open 24/7 in both the arrivals and departure areas. There are ATMs as well that accept foreign-issued cards though fees may apply. Read our guide about money exchange in the Philippines .

Source: https://currencyrate.today/converter-widget

Free SIM Card

Once you arrive in Manila airports, take advantage of the free SIM cards given by the Philippines' major telecommunications companies: Globe and Smart. You can top up your credit in convenience stores like 7-Eleven all over the country.

Transportation to and from the Manila airports

All Manila airports have taxi stands. You can get a coupon taxi (white) that’s dispatched by airport personnel and charged a fixed price or a yellow taxi that’s metered. Both are more expensive than regular white taxis but relatively safer to use.

There are also shuttle buses that will take you to the nearest metro station. However, if it’s your first time in the Philippines, taking this route is not as comfortable as taking either an airport taxi or booking an accredited taxi/cab, hire Manila car rental  services, or carpool through the Grab App .  If you are traveling in a big group and have a lot of luggage, booking a van rental in the Philippines  or a budget car rental in the Philippines may be advisable. 

For a hassle-free arrival or departure, check out our Manila airport transfers . 

The primary way of getting around the Philippines is by buses, planes, and ships/ferries. Boat rides are great for inter-island trips with short distances; for everywhere else, flights are recommended.

Depending on when you visit, you can find a lot of cheap flights in the Philippines . In fact, sometimes it’s cheaper to book a flight than a ferry. The biggest flight carriers are Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and AirAsia.   

Within small towns and cities, the primary modes of transport are bus, jeepney, or tricycle (like Thailand’s tuk-tuk or India’s auto-rickshaw, but smaller). In addition, major cities have taxi cabs and the Grab app. Only Manila has the metro system. If you want to go around the country in style, you may book an SUV rental in the Philippines or  luxury car rental in the Philippines .

You can also book self-drive car rentals in the Philippines if you want to explore on your own. Read our article on the best cars to rent for a road trip in the Philippines .

For inter-island transportation, sea transfers such as ferries are the best option. Secure your Philippines ferry ticket booking  in advance for a hassle-free trip. 

See our popular Sea Transfers & Ferries in the Philippines

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It is not hard to find accommodations in the Philippines . In top destinations, you would find various options, from 1- to 5-star hotels, ranging in price from budget to luxury. 

For budget travelers, there are numerous hostels, guesthouses, and homestays all over the country. Note that budget places are less likely to have a hot shower available, and in some places, there would be no Wifi.

It's highly recommended to book at least one night (or more) in advance, especially in popular destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Puerto Galera during peak season (e.g., summer and holidays).

Read our article guides on the best hotels and resorts in top destinations in the Philippines: 

• Best hotels in Manila
• Best serviced apartments in Metro Manila
• Best beach resorts near Manila
• Best hotels near Manila Airport
• Best glamping resorts near Manila
• Best hotels in BGC Taguig Metro Manila
• Best hotels in Makati City
• Best hotels and resorts in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in El Nido, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Coron, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in San Vicente, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Port Barton, Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Antipolo
• Best hotels in Baguio
• Best resorts in Baler
• Best resorts in Batangas
• Best affordable Batangas resorts
• Best pet-friendly resorts in Batangas
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• Best resorts in Bataan
• Best resorts in Bulacan
• Best resorts in Cavite
• Best resorts in Laguna
• Best hotels in Laoag Ilocos Norte
• Best resorts in La Union
• Best hotels in Legazpi City Albay
• Best resorts in Palawan
• Best hotels and resorts in Pampanga
• Best resorts in Pangasinan
• Best resorts in Puerto Galera
• Best resorts in Quezon Province
• Best hotels and resorts in Sorsogon
• Best hotels and resorts in Subic
• Best hotels in Tagaytay
• Best Tagaytay hotels with a view of Taal Lake
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• Best resorts in Zambales
• Best resorts and hotels in Boracay
• Best beachfront resorts in Boracay
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• Best Boracay Station 1 resorts
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• Best Boracay hotels and resorts for families
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• Best beachfront resorts in Bohol
• Best hotels in Bacolod City
• Best hotels and resorts in Cebu
• Best beachfront resorts in Cebu
• Best luxury hotels and resorts in Cebu
• Best budget-friendly hotels in Cebu City
• Best hotels near Cebu airport
• Best hotels in Iloilo City

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• Best beachfront resorts in Siargao
• Best Siargao hotels and resorts for groups
• Best Siargao budget hotels and resorts
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With over 7000 islands, you will definitely need to prioritize when deciding on the places to visit in the Philippines. Much depends, of course, on how long you will have in the country and what you are interested in doing. For starters, you can check out our article on the top tours in the Philippines .

Here are some of the most popular destinations in the Philippines that you shouldn't miss out on: 

10-Day Beautiful Palawan Beaches Tour Package to Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido & Coron

Exciting 4-day cebu package with accommodations + island hopping & whale shark watching tours, manila | the capital of the philippines.

It has, for example, the old Spanish fortress in Intramuros  that provides you with a glimpse of what the city used to be under over three centuries of Spanish rule. Nowhere is the Spanish influence seen more clearly than in the Walled City, from the cobbled streets to the restored houses. Make sure to join Intramuros tours to get the full experience.

• Check   Manila activities  that you can add to your itinerary

Highlights in Intramuros include the old churches of San Agustin, built in 1587, and the Manila Cathedral, originally built in 1571 and governed by the Archdiocese of Mexico. Outside Intramuros, there’s also the historic Quiapo Church, whose annual Feast of the Black Nazarene every January attracts millions of devotees.

See our popular Manila Tours & Activities

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You can also try some of the trips around Binondo , the oldest Chinatown in the world. You can also watch one of the best sunsets in the Philippines along the Manila Bay at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex.

When booking a hotel in Manila , we recommend booking accommodations either in Manila City or in Makati City . Both of these destinations have plush hotels, high-end shopping malls, and various bars and restaurants that offer a range of local and international cuisines.

See our popular Binondo Tours

Palawan | gateway to the best islands in the philippines.

You’ll see beautiful powdery, white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, towering limestones, hidden lagoons, and even a safari. 

See our popular Palawan Tours and Activities

Puerto Princesa , the capital of Palawan, is often the first place that travelers go to, as it has frequent and affordable flights to and from Manila and Cebu. It is home to the Underground River , one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines . The city is the jump-off point for Honda Bay island hopping ,  Underground River tour , and several Palawan destinations like El Nido and San Vicente.

• Learn more in our article on the top attractions and activities in Puerto Princesa

Coron is another popular destination in Palawan. There are direct flights and boats from Manila to Coron (via Busuanga Airport, an hour from Coron town proper), making it a possible first destination for the Palawan leg of your Philippine itinerary.

If you’re into water activities, Coron is the getaway you might be looking for. It is best known for wreck diving and snorkeling, island hopping to hidden lagoons surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, and the iconic Kayangan Lake. Check out our Coron tour packages with airfare .

Google Coron, Palawan, and the first photo you'll see is of the view going to the freshwater lake. It's why Coron island-hopping  is popular with both locals and internationals.

See our popular Coron Tours and Activities

Coron is the best place for wreck diving because it has a handful of sunken ships hidden beneath its waters, some of which are big enough to be explored inside, while some are shallow enough to be seen by snorkelers. If you're not a certified diver, dive shops in Coron have Discover Scuba activities too.

• Learn more in our article on the top activities and places to see in Coron

El Nido is another well-known destination in Palawan. Over the years, the town has transformed from one that doesn’t even have an ATM and 24-hour electricity into a popular holiday destination.

There are regular island-hopping trips in El Nido that take you to various islands and beaches such as the Hidden Beach, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Hidden Lagoon, Paradise Beach, and Natnat Beach, among others.

• Read our guide on the top activities and attractions in El Nido  

See our popular El Nido Tours and Activities

Boracay island | tropical paradise.

Boracay became a popular destination for local and international travelers because of its fine, white sandy beaches (led by the famous White Beach ), its combination of Boracay nightlife scene and family-friendly atmosphere, and its many accommodations across budgets.

Watching sunsets may be cliché to some, but the sunset in Boracay is definitely one of the best you’ll see in the country. The silhouette of sailboats, the shadows of people walking along the shore, and the sky turning from blue to a fiery red and into a faint orange is an image you won’t quickly forget.

• Browse our Boracay tour packages with airfare

See our popular Boracay Vacation Packages

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Most Boracay hotels are lined up in White Beach grouped into Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. However, you can easily visit the other beaches there during your stay. Puka Beach, for example, may not have sand as fine as White Beach, but if you go early enough, you can avoid the crowds and have a relaxing hour or two by the beach.

Bulabog Beach is becoming a popular destination for kitesurfers. The winds here are strong enough for those who want to try something new or improve their skill. There are several shops offering lessons and provide rental gear too. 

You’ll have plenty of options in Boracay when it comes to food, as there are markets, budget restaurants, Western food, buffets, and bars that cater to different kinds of tastes. Read our article on the best restaurants in Boracay  to learn more. There are fun activities like Boracay pub crawls too! Indeed, Boracay is the destination to be if you want a bit of everything in one place.

• Read our guide on the top things to see and do in Boracay

See our popular Boracay Tours and Activities

Cebu | islands, diving, historical sites, and more.

The province of Cebu is another popular place to visit because of the range of natural, historical, and cultural attractions. 

Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island in the north are famous beach destinations because of their pristine beaches and sky-blue waters. Visitors usually combine a trip to these two destinations. Both islands provide a laid-back atmosphere if you want to just spend the whole day relaxing. 

See our popular Cebu Tours and Activities

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Malapascua is best known for its thresher sharks. It's the only place in the world where this species is consistently seen almost every day. 

Bantayan Island, on the other hand, is more for beach bumming and snorkeling. It has a healthy coral garden you can explore and a long coastline of white sandy beaches.

Make sure to go to the south of Cebu as well and include Moalboal in your Philippine itinerary. This is where you can experience the famous sardine run tour . Seeing the hundreds of thousands of sardines swimming beneath you (or above you if you choose to dive) is definitely an awesome experience unique to Cebu.

A must-try during your visit to Cebu is the fun canyoneering experience . It is an adrenaline-pumping activity where you jump into a pool of water from around 25 meters high. You’ll also get to trek and enjoy some moderate hiking activities and take the plunge at the azure waters of Kawasan Falls . 

See our popular Kawasan Falls Tours

Other places of interest in Cebu province include hiking Osmeña Peak, trekking to Tumalog Falls, lounging in Tingko Beach, Lambug Beach, and Basdaku Beach, just to name a few.

• Check our article on the  Top Tourist Spots in Cebu  

Cebu City, the capital of Cebu province, is cosmopolitan and developed. You can join a historical tour in Cebu that will take you to sites like Magellan’s Cross, as well as old churches and museums, among others. There is a variety of restaurants offering local and international food, too.

If you’re a meat-eater, never miss the famous lechon (suckling pig) that Anthony Bourdain called “the best pig ever.” There are countless bars and shopping malls for entertainment as well.

The Queen City of the South has the second busiest airport in the Philippines located in Mactan , flying to 25 domestic and 22 international destinations. From here, the best beaches in Cebu are easily accessible by private transportation and public buses. 

You also have several options for accommodation, whether you want to splurge or stick to a tight budget.

See our popular Cebu Vacation Packages

Relaxing 3-day cebu package at dusit mactan resort with airfare from manila or clark & transfers, relaxing 3-day cebu package at bluewater maribago resort with airfare from manila, bohol | countryside and island tours.

The island of Bohol is another must-include in your Philippine itinerary. There are endless tourist spots in Bohol that you can visit. You can do a countryside day tour of Bohol, but why spend only one day in one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Philippines?

Bohol has many beaches and activities for those who want to see more of the region. Make sure to explore Panglao Island to make your trip more fun and exciting! Start your trip by trying Alona Beach activities such as fly fish, UFO, parasailing, banana boat ride, and many more.

A trip to Bohol is incomplete without joining  Chocolate Hills tours . These green hills that turn brown during the summer months will remind you of Hershey’s Kisses, hence the name. The viewpoint was affected by the major earthquake in 2015, but it has since been restored.

See our popular Bohol Tours and Activities

• See our guide on how to go to Chocolate Hills

Another must-see is the tarsier, a tiny primate (around 3.5 to 6 inches long) with huge eyes that can only be found in Southeast Asia. You can visit tarsier sanctuaries in Bohol, where you can see these tiny and cute creatures (do not hold or touch them, though).

While in Bohol, try the Loboc River Cruise experience . It provides you with a relaxing and scenic way to see the countryside while feasting on Filipino cuisine and being serenaded by local performers.

Bohol also has relics of Spanish colonial times; you’ll see several old churches that provide you with a glimpse of the province’s historical and cultural heritage. While some of these churches were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake, most of them have been restored, including Baclayon Church.

These destinations are only some of the best places to visit in the Philippines. The country has plenty more to offer travelers with various budgets and preferences for their trip. 

See our popular Bohol Vacation Packages

Fuss-free 3-day bohol package at mithi resort with airfare from manila & transfers, 4-day premier bohol beach club resort package with breakfast & airport transfers, what to eat in the philippines  .

Filipino food is one of the most underrated in Asia. Most international visitors know what to expect from Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese food but are usually totally clueless about the Philippines' local cuisine. 

Filipino cuisine is actually one of the most diverse in the world. Because of its colonial past, it has influences from the west as much as it has oriental roots. Note, though, that the cuisine is meat-heavy. Vegetarian or vegan guests traveling outside major cities may find it hard to look for restaurants that provide vegetarian or vegan options.

If you are a first-time visitor in the Philippines and don’t know what Filipino food to try, here are some of the best food in the Philippines that you should keep on the lookout for in your culinary and food trips .

See our popular Food Tours

Manila binondo & intramuros full-day tour with guide & transfers, coffee farm tour at amadeo cavite near manila & tagaytay with live brewing & tasting sampler, iloilo city heritage & historic churches tour with lunch & transfers.

The name adobo was given by the Spanish due to the similarity to adobo or adobar, a cooking practice that also uses vinegar and soy sauce indigenous to Iberia. It is considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines due to its popularity across all regions.

Sisig is a favorite pulutan (food eaten with alcohol) accompanied by a local beer. The dish is made of chopped parts of a pig’s head and liver. Onions, chopped chili peppers, eggs, and calamansi are added. It is normally served in sizzling plates.

This appetizing dish originated from Pampanga, the culinary capital of the Philippines. Hundreds of sisig variations are available today, such as tuna, squid, tuna, milkfish, and mussels. If you are looking for a vegetarian version of Sisig, some restaurants serve mushrooms and tofu sisig. Read more about it on our travel guide to Pampanga .

3. Lechon 

The pig is roasted for hours with occasional basting. It is served with a local sauce in some regions. One of the most famous foods in the Philippines, lechon is a must-try for anyone coming to the country. The best lechon in the Philippines are from Cebu. Read our travel guide to Cebu to learn more about it.

4. Sinigang

Sinigang is a Filipino soup or stew characterized by its sour and savory broth. A classic Filipino dish, sinigang is what most Filipino kids ask their moms for if they are sick. The sour taste is from the use of tamarind to flavor the broth.

This traditional food in the Philippines has evolved so much that several tamarind alternatives are being used these days. It includes guava, mango, kamias, santol, and even watermelon.

5. Caldereta

Caldereta is another classic Filipino dish and stew. This savory dish is cooked originally using goat meat, but beef, chicken, or pork can also be used these days.

Tomato sauce, liver spread, vegetables, bell peppers, and cheese are added to the meat. The name of the dish is derived from the Spanish word caldera or cauldron in English. 

6. Crispy Pata

Crispy pata or pork knuckles is a famous Filipino pork dish among Filipino family dinners.

This dish is made by boiling the entire pork knuckles with seasonings for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender. It is then frozen overnight with another batch of seasonings and then deep-fried until the skin is crispy. 

7. Chicken Inasal

8. Dinuguan

The name dinuguan derives from the word “dugo” or blood; hence the word dinuguan means “to be stewed with blood.” It is made of pig’s blood and offal.

Dinuguan is similar to the Irish black pudding except that it is a stew instead of sausage. Aside from being eaten with rice, Filipinos also pair it with puto (steamed rice cake).

9. Fish Kinilaw

Fish kinilaw is the ceviche of the Philippines. Made of raw fish, this appetizing dish is denatured using vinegar as a primary ingredient. Onions, ginger, chili peppers, black peppers, and calamansi are added for flavoring.

Popular fish used for kinilaw includes yellowfin tuna, mackerels, and marlins. 

10. Halo-Halo

Halo-halo is a Filipino favorite snack or merienda . This cold snack and dessert consists of crushed ice, evaporated milk, and various ingredients such as beans, jellies, tapioca pearls, mixed fruits, leche flan, purple yam, and even ice cream.

Halo-halo is extremely popular, especially during the summer months, to cool off from the heat. You can find a lot of food stands selling halo-halo in the local neighborhoods.

Taho (soy pudding) is a popular street food in the Philippines . This healthy snack is made of soft tofu, caramelized brown sugar, and tapioca pearls. It is comfort food that you can buy from street peddlers, usually in the morning. In local neighborhoods, local peddlers walk or bike around houses. When you hear a deep voice shouting "taho," just shout back "taho" to call the peddler's attention to buy a cup. 

For non-Filipinos, you might have heard of balut from your adventurous friends who keep telling you that you have never been to the Philippines if you haven’t tried this Filipino street food.

Balut is a boiled fertilized egg embryo that is eaten from a shell. Don’t let it scare you, though; balut tastes like an ordinary egg with a tasty soup. It's usually sold in the streets at night, with some vendors going around local neighborhoods at night shouting "balot."

Suggested 2-Week Itinerary in the Philippines        

Creating an itinerary for a trip to the Philippines can be difficult, especially for a first-time visitor. This 2-week itinerary in the Philippines will give you an idea of how to maximize your time in the country.

See our popular 2 Weeks Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

Ultimate 2-week beach & adventure holiday package from manila city, 2-week stunning islands & beaches tour package to coron, puerto princesa & el nido palawan, best 2-week islands & adventure tour package to el nido & coron in palawan, cebu, siquijor & bohol.

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Day 1: Manila

If you only have 2 weeks, a day tour in the capital city Manila is enough. If you're spending more time here, check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Manila .

Things to do in Manila for 1 day:

Explore Intramuros . It used to be the center of government during Spanish times.

Visit Rizal Park. It’s a favorite leisure spot for the locals.

Watch the Manila Bay sunset along Roxas Boulevard.  

Go on a Binondo food tour and enjoy authentic Chinese food at the oldest Chinatown. 

Read our article on Manila layover activities for more ideas. 

Ride a night bus going to Baguio and travel to Banaue.

Day 2-3: Banaue 

The mountain province of Banaue is famous for its iconic rice terraces. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Located at around 1500 meters above sea level, it uses an ancient irrigation system where water comes from the rainforest above it. 

Things to do in Banaue for 2 days:

Walk around the rice terraces.

Check out the local village and watch an Ifugao cultural show.

Trek to Batad and check out Tappiya Waterfalls. Depending on when you go, you can swim there, too.

If you have more time to spare, go to Buscalan in Kalinga and get a traditional tattoo from Apo Whang-Od . 

Take a night bus going back to Manila so you can arrive early the following day. 

Day 4: Layover in Manila + Fly to El Nido

If you have time to explore Manila before your flight, head to the bustling city of Makati , where you can explore shopping malls or parks, and treat yourself to a good meal or a bit of shopping. You can go to Poblacion Makati and have some drinks , get a relaxing massage , or join a game night in BGC .

Make sure to withdraw enough cash for El Nido, Palawan. The ATMs in El Nido don't always have enough cash. Many places don’t accept credit cards yet, so you might want to plan just in case.

Day 5-7: El Nido, Palawan

Things to do in El Nido for 3 days:

Join an El Nido island hopping trip  which runs for a full day. Each tour has a different itinerary, so it’s up to you to select which sites you would like to visit. You can allot 1 tour a day.

Do the Taraw Cliff via ferrata canopy walk and see the stunning view of the town and the islands. 

Drink beers or cocktails and watch the sunset of El Nido in Las Cabanas.

Day 8-9: Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Things to do in Puerto Princesa for 2 days:

Explore the  tourist spots in Puerto Princesa  City or go island hopping in Honda Bay . 

Book a tour of the underground river for Day 9 (you should book this in advance). The whole tour will take 5-6 hours.

See our popular Puerto Princesa Tours and Activities

Day 10-12: Bohol

You can’t fly directly to Bohol from Puerto Princesa, but you can fly to Cebu and then take a ferry to Tagbilaran, Bohol . The flight takes about an hour while the fast ferry takes about 2 hours.

Several fast ferries travel between Cebu and Bohol, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding transport to Bohol.

No advance booking is necessary. Just go to the ferry terminal in Pier 4 North Reclamation Area.

Things to do in Bohol for 2 days:

Do the  Bohol countryside tour  where you can visit most top Bohol attractions like the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Bilar Man-Made Forest, Baclayon Church, and Blood Compact Shrine. 

Join Bohol island hopping tours where you can have the chance to see dolphins and snorkel at the incredible Bohol diving sites like Balicasag Island . 

Explore Alona Beach in Panglao Island. There are several bars and restaurants there if you need a break from lounging in the beach.

For more adventurous activities, a trip to Danao Adventure Park is where you can experience the Plunge (canyon drop) as well as other exhilarating activities.

Private Tour to Bohol Island's Chocolate Hills & Tarsier Monkey Sanctuary

Private tour to bohol island's chocolate hills with lunch on a river boat cruise & transfers.

Day 12-14: Cebu

Things to do in Cebu for 2 days:

When you arrive, go around Cebu City or book Cebu tour s and check out its top attractions, including the Magellan’s Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño.

Alternatively, you can go directly to Moalboal, around 2 hours from the city, where you can go island hopping and swim with the sardines if you book Moalboal tours .

From Moalboal, head to Alegria and Badian for the canyoneering and the Kawasan Falls adventure .

There are several flights from Cebu to Manila , so going back to Manila on Day 14 won’t be a problem. Just make sure to check your flights and allot extra time for delays so you won’t miss your flight out of the country! An easier way to a multi-destination itinerary in the Philippines is by booking all-inclusive Philippine tour packages . 

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to the Philippines 

Now that you know which destinations you should add to your trip to the Philippines take note of these helpful tips: 

Is it safe to visit the Philippines?

Generally, yes. But it's always best to be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure at all times and be wary of strangers. If you're planning to do outdoor activities, check out our guide on travel insurance in the Philippines .

What are the Philippine citizens called?

We are called Filipinos (not Philippinos).

What languages are spoken in the Philippines?

The Philippines has two official languages: English and Filipino. This makes it easier for travelers to get around since English is widely understood and spoken.

While Spanish was the country's official language in the 19th and early 20th centuries, only a very small percentage of the population speak or understand it now.

A lot of words, however, derive their origin from Spanish. All over the Philippines, around 180 languages (and dialects) are spoken, 12 of which are used by at least one million people.

Do I need a visa to visit the Philippines? 

Passports holders from any country except the following either don't need a visa or can pay for a visa on arrival:

Afghanistan

Bosnia and Herzegovina

North Korea

Sierra Leone

South Sudan

Taiwan (have to apply for an ETA online)

Timor-Leste

If unsure, double-check with your embassy.

Is Wifi widely available all over the country? 

Most hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in major cities would have Wifi connectivity, but the connection's quality varies widely, depending on location. You can use data but note that the signal can be weak to nonexistent in many islands. 

Can I use my credit card? 

Cash is still king in the Philippines. You can use credit cards in shopping malls and restaurants in major cities, but once you go out of the major cities, and especially in the islands, credit cards are not usually accepted.

Before leaving Manila or other major cities, make sure to acquire enough cash. A lot of destinations do have ATMs and money changers, but check before you leave.

Discover what the Philippines has to offer. With so many destinations to travel to, start planning your trip now!  Read our travel guides  to learn more and explore our collection of  Philippine tours and activities  for your trip. 

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TAGAYTAY TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

Long before Manila-dwellers began a long-distance affair with the highlands of Baguio, Sagada and Kalinga, they have been in a long-standing romance with Tagaytay. It’s not a high-maintenance relationship. The physical connection is there. It is geographically close, easily accessible, and it doesn’t demand too much time or money. It’s the kind that will last over more decades.

Tagaytay is no stranger to me. I live in a Batangas town not too far away from Tagaytay. For the longest time, every time I would come back home, the van that I was riding would drive through the city. And since I started earning on my own, it would be my go-to place for clarity or peace of mind. And I’m not alone in this.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING TAGAYTAY

Located just around 60km from Manila, Tagaytay City has always been the go-to destination for those wishing to escape the searing heat of the capital, especially in the summer season. They come here for two reasons: a cooler climate and a breathtaking view of Taal Lake and Volcano.

Most people think that Taal Volcano is the small cratered hill on one end of the island in the middle of the lake often depicted in postcards and photographs. The truth is, that is Binintiang Malaki , just one of the volcano’s many cones and craters. Taal Lake itself was actually the caldera of an enormous ancient volcano formed after cataclysmic eruptions in the prehistoric times. The only active part now is that island in the middle of the lake called Volcano Island .

Like a giant balcony with a fantastic view, Tagaytay is perched on the northern ridges of Taal Lake, attracting thousands of vacationers and supporting its massive tourism industry. Its highways and inner alleys are lined with a wide array of accommodations, from luxury villas to budget hotels, and restaurants, ranging from fine dining to its homegrown fast food places.

Tagaytay is also a great base for travelers who wish to explore neighboring municipalities like Alfonso and Amadeo, and even parts of Batangas like the volcano itself, Nasugbu, and Lemery.

Tagaytay takes a rectangular shape on the map, so it’s easy to navigate. At the very center of it is the Tagaytay Rotonda, from which stems out four main roads:

• Emilio Aguinaldo Highway , which connects Tagaytay to Imus, Dasmarinas, and Manila.
• Tagaytay-Calamba Road , which links the city to the towns of Laguna. If you’re coming from South Luzon Express Way (SLEX), you’ll eventually hit this road going to Tagaytay.
• Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway , which can take you to Alfonso (Cavite) and Nasugbu and Lemery (Batangas).
• Tagaytay-Talisay Road , which cuts across a forested slope to Talisay (Batangas), where Taal Volcano is located.

Being familiar with these roads will make your travel planning a lot easier, especially when picking a hotel and places to visit.

Here are more useful bits about Tagaytay.

• Language: Tagalog is used by most. But English is widely understood and spoken.
• Currency: Philippine peso (PHP, ₱). PHP100 is around USD 1.90, EUR 1.69, SGD 2.57 (as of April 2019).
• Modes of payment: Credit cards are accepted by many establishments but CASH is still king (and queen) in Tagaytay.
• Electricity Info: 220V, 60Hz. Plug and socket Type A.

WHERE TO STAY IN TAGAYTAY

In places like El Nido or Batanes, I usually don’t mind staying in a guest house with no view and no frills because I would be spending much of my time outside anyway. But Tagaytay is one of those destinations where accommodations can make or break a trip. It’s all about the ambience and the experience. Whether you’re visiting Tagaytay to unwind, attend a conference, or have a romantic weekend, it is important to consider the location.

Best Area to Stay in Tagaytay

Tagaytay has become a major tourist magnet that it has become almost synonymous with this corner of Cavite. Property-owners often market and label their hotels, lodges or guesthouses “Tagaytay” even when they are technically located in surrounding municipalities like Alfonso, Silang, and Mendez. Try to keep that in mind when searching for a place to stay.

For tourists, there are three main areas that are great bases when exploring Tagaytay and nearby towns:

• Tagaytay Rotonda Area. Often casually referred to as simply Olivarez. It is the center of the city. As explained above, the major roads running across the city start or end here. It is surrounded by countless lodging and dining options. It is also the main transportation hub.
• Along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway. This is a little bit farther than the Rotonda area, but this has the best view of the lake and the volcano, provided that you book a hotel on the lakeside. This is also where SkyRanch and Ayala Malls Serin are located.
• Along Tagaytay-Calamba Road. This area is closest to tourist spots like Tagaytay Picnic Grove and People’s Park in the Sky. Lots of restaurant and hotel options too, with some also offering a good view of the lake.

Personally, I like staying along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road because it’s a lot quieter and has the best view of the lake. If you don’t trust my word, here are the top budget hotels in Tagaytay as scored by Agoda users.

Top Budget Hotels and BnBs in Tagaytay

The best hotels in Tagaytay are expensive, but there are some exceptions. Bed-and-breakfast places also offer a great alternative. Here’s a list compiled using Agoda reviews.

• Containers by Eco Hotel. Check Rates & Availability!
• F8 Bed and Breakfast. Check Rates & Availability!
• The Carmelence Lodge. Check Rates & Availability!
• Joaquin’s Bed and Breakfast. Check Rates & Availability!
• ZEN Rooms Hotel Georgina Tagaytay. Check Rates & Availability!

Top Apartments and Condo for Rent in Tagaytay

If budget is an issue, then ditch the hotel and consider staying at a BnB, guesthouse, or apartment for rent, which are significantly cheaper. There’s been a considerable number of condo units for rent at Wind Residences (SMDC) along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway and Tagaytay Prime Residences near Rotonda. Here are the top rated apartments/condo units on Agoda.

• An Oasis in Tagaytay. Check Rates & Availability!
• Sky’s at Prime Residences -Tagaytay. Check Rates & Availability!
• CatherinePlace Tagaytay – Wind Residences Tower 3. Check Rates & Availability!
• Wind Residences by Missionarte. Check Rates & Availability!
• Mary’s Crib Tagaytay. Check Rates & Availability!

Photos above were provided by the resorts via Agoda.

Search for more Tagaytay Hotels!

HOW TO GET TO TAGAYTAY

Manila to tagaytay by bus.

You can catch a bus to Tagaytay at the following terminals.

• Uniwide Coastal Mall in Paranaque. Make your way to the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), also called South West Integrated Provincial Terminal. Board a bus bound for Tagaytay, Mendez (neighboring town), or Nasugbu. This bus will be taking Emilio Aguinaldo Highway.
• DLTB Terminal at LRT Buendia area (near LRT Gil Puyat Station), Pasay City. Board the bus bound for either Nasugbu or Calatagan. This will be taking South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Carmona Exit and will pass through Tagaytay.

Fare: Around P87. Travel time is 2-3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Might be much longer during rush hour.

Some important reminders.

• DO NOT TAKE THE BUS TO LEMERY. Lemery-bound buses take the SLEX + STAR Toll. It doesn’t pass through Tagaytay. Buses are not allowed to take Diokno Highway, which connects Tagaytay and Lemery. I know this because I’m from Lemery and our house is very close to Diokno Highway.
• If your hotel is located along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway and you’re on a Nasugbu or Calatagan bus, you don’t need to get off at Olivarez or Rotonda. You can stay in the bus and tell the conductor to drop you off at the hotel.
• If you’re going to SkyRanch or Wind Residences , there’s a big chance the bus will not really pass by either even if the driver or conductor says so. Most buses take Mahogany Avenue, which bypasses a section of Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway approaching Mendez. Instead, they will drop you off at the Petron Gas Station. That’s okay, though, because it’s within walking distance. (SkyRanch is a longer walk but very manageable.) SEE MAP BELOW.

Manila to Tagaytay by Van

You can also ride a shared van to Tagaytay. Vans bound for Nasugbu, Calatagan or Lemery pass through Tagaytay. You can find one at the following places.

• Starmall EDSA-Shaw. You’ll find vans bound for Lemery at the terminal in front of the mall, along EDSA.
• Alabang. There are vans bound for Tagaytay at Festival Mall Alabang, near the Goldilocks exit. (I haven’t tried it, though.) In addition, there used to be vans bound for Lemery dispatched from the parking area of Starmall Alabang. But they already moved to the area behind the mall, near the ukay-ukay area and PNR Train counter. The number of available vans and passengers has been dwindling so you might be in for quite the wait.
• Metropoint Mall. I’m not sure if there are still vans here going to Calatagan. There used to be, but I haven’t checked in a long time. If there still is, you can take the van going to Calatagan. If vans no longer operate here, you can cross to the other side of EDSA and catch a bus to Calatagan instead.

Whatever you take, tell the driver to drop you off in Tagaytay.

Fare is P180-P200, depending on which part of Manila you’re originating. It’s pricier because vans behave like point-to-point shuttles. Even though you’re alighting in Tagaytay, you’re still paying for the full journey. A passenger getting off in Tagaytay pays the same as another getting off in Batangas.

Important reminders:

• If you’re taking a van to Lemery, tell the driver to drop you off in Tagaytay. Unlike their bus counterparts, Lemery-bound vans usually pass through Tagaytay. However, there are instances when the driver chooses to take the SLEX-STAR Tollway route. It usually happens when there is heavy traffic in Tagaytay/Santa Rosa areas. To be sure, let the driver know that your destination is Tagaytay so he won’t take any detour.
• Vans don’t follow any fixed schedule. The vehicle will NOT leave the terminal unless it is full. If you’re in a hurry and there’s only one vacant seat, you can pay for it and the driver will gladly start the journey. If time is of the essence and there are a lot of empty seats, take the bus instead.

HOW TO GET AROUND TAGAYTAY

There are no taxis in Tagaytay, and Grab doesn’t have any presence either. There are only three modes of transportation available:

• Jeepney. When traveling within the city, the most usual way is by jeepney. From Olivarez/Rotonda, you can take a jeepney to any direction. You can also ride one from any point along the highway back to the city center. Minimum fare is P9, which increases as you go father.
• Bus. You can also take the bus if you’re coming from Rotonda area and going to Mendez, Alfonso, Nasugbu or any destination along Nasugbu-Tagaytay Highway.
• Tricycle. This is the closest thing to a taxi that you can get. You can charter a tricycle to take you straight to your destination. When I asked, “special trips” within the city cost P100. Special, meaning you won’t be sharing the tricycle with anyone else. But if you’re going to the city center, you can pay the per-person charge, which should be around P20. Maybe higher or lower, depending on distance.

THINGS TO DO IN TAGAYTAY & NEARBY TOWNS

Taal volcano.

UPDATE! Taal Volcano recently erupted and is closed to the public.

Tagaytay offers the best views of Taal Volcano. But you know what’s better than admiring it from afar? Being on the volcano itself. From Tagaytay, you can travel to the Batangan town of Talisay, where you can charter a boat that can take you to the volcano island. Once there, you’ll start your trek to the breathtaking caldera. Good if you’re a group so you could split the expenses.

How to get there: From Tagaytay, you can charter a tricycle to take you to Talisay for P150-200. Then, find a boat, which costs P2000 (maximum of 6 pax). It’s also possible to reach Talisay by jeepney, but I don’t have the details.

I’m not fully familiar with this route, to be honest. I’ve been to Taal Volcano and hiked to its main caldera before, but I didn’t come from Tagaytay. I went straight to Talisay via Tanauan.

SkyRanch Tagaytay

SkyRanch is a relatively new attraction in Tagaytay. Perched on a cliff, overlooking the lake, this is an amusement park built for the enjoyment of the whole family. There are rides for kids and activities for the kids-at-heart. The most arresting structure is the SkyEye , a 63-meter ferris wheel with 32 gondolas. It’s also lined with restaurants and food kiosks!

Hours open Monday-Friday, 10am-10pm Saturday-Sunday, 8am-10pm

Entrance Fee Weekdays: P80 Weekends: P100

Here are the attractions at SkyRanch and the corresponding admission fees.

SkyEye: P150 Super Viking: P100 Flying Bus: P100 Sky Cruiser: P100 Log Coaster: P100 Safari Splash: P120 Bumper Boat: P100 Bumper Race: P100 Drop Tower: P100 Express Train: P80 City Rail: P80 Mini Viking: P50 Racing Car: P50 Nessie Coaster: P50 Wonder Flight: P50 Red Baron: P50 Boat Parade: P50 Toy Swing: P50

How to get there: From Olivarez, ride a jeepney bound for Mendez or Nasugbu. Get off at Sky Ranch. Fare is around P15.

✅ MORE INFO HERE: SKY RANCH TRAVEL GUIDE

Tagaytay Picnic Grove

Another family-friendly park in Tagaytay. For the longest time, this was the go-to place for relaxation, but a lot has changed (or have not changed) over the years. More attractions like the zipline and cable car ride were introduced, which are great for families. I personally think the park itself has lost its main appeal. But check it out regardless.

Entrance fee: P50

Parking Fee: P35, cars; P50, vans or jeepneys.

Zipline & Cable Car Rates: Weekdays: 1-way ride, P200; 2-way ride, P300. Weekend/Holidays: 1-way ride, P300; 2-way ride, P400.

Hut/Cottage Rental: P100, P150, P300, P500

Operating hours: 7am-7pm

People’s Park in the Sky

It used to be known as Palace in the Sky. Built under Marcos in 1979, it was supposed to be a guest house for visiting US President Ronald Reagan. But due to turning political tides back then, the “palace” was not finished and the visit cancelled. After the EDSA revolution, the name changed to People’s Park in the Sky.

Today, it hasn’t been well-maintained but remains a top attraction in Tagaytay because of the fantastic vista. After all, it stands at the highest point of Tagaytay, allowing a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape.

How to get there: From Olivarez, charter a tricycle for P150 for special trip or P50 per person.

Puzzle Mansion

Puzzle-lovers unite! The Puzzle Mansion in Tagaytay’s Barangay Asisan houses the world’s largest collection of jigsaw puzzles — all 1028 pieces of them — as certified by the Guiness Book of World Records. This was owned by Georgina Gil-Lacuna who collected these puzzles from her travels.

Entrance fee: P100

Hours open: 8am-5pm

How to get there: From Olivarez/Rotonda, ride a jeepney bound for Alfonso or Nasugbu. Get off at Brgy. Asisan. You can tell the driver to drop you off at the corner going to Puzzle Mansion. Fare: P15. Then hail a tricycle to take you to Puzzle House. Fare: P100.

Caleruega is located in Nasugbu, Batangas, but it is easily accessible from Tagaytay. The place got its name from the municipality of Caleruega in Spain, the birthplace of the father of the Order of the Preachers, Saint Dominic de Guzman. It was built to serve as a venue for contemplation, but has made a name for itself over the years as one of the most well-known wedding venues in the country. It also harbors well-maintained retreat houses and well-manicured gardens.

How to get there: At Olivarez/Rotonda, take the jeepney bound for Nasugbu and tell the driver to drop you off at Hillcrest/Evercrest. Fare: P25. From KC Hillcrest entrance, hail a tricycle to Caleruega Chapel. Fare: P50.

More info: CALERUEGA TRAVEL GUIDE

Fantasy World

Fantasy World is an unfinished theme park project in the middle of the rolling hills of Lemery, Batangas. (Yep, it’s in Lemery!) Although the construction was halted, they were able to build the castle, which was the park’s centerpiece.

Over the past years, it has become a filming location for movies like Got 2 Believe (starring Claudine Barretto and Rico Yan) and Fantastica (Vice Ganda) and TV shows like GMA 7’s Majika (Angel Locsin, Dennis Trillo).

The rides are not operational, but the park and the castle remains Instagram-worthy. It’s a favorite prenup spot too.

Entrance fee: P100 per person. This used to be P1000 for a group of 10, but this has been changed in November 2019.

How to get there: From Olivarez, ride a jeepney or bus to Boundary (Cavite-Batangas boundary). Fare: P25 for jeepney, P39 for bus. At the boundary, ride a jeepney bound for Lemery and ask to be dropped off in front of Fantasy World. Fare: P18. If there are no jeepneys, you can take a tricycle but it’s pricey. Fare is P200 per ride (not per person).

Tip: There is a cafe nearby called “ Brewed For You .” If you’re visiting around lunch time or you just get hungry, you can stop by and have a bowl of Batangas lomi (P100) and a cup of kapeng barako (P40).

More info: FANTASY WORLD TRAVEL GUIDE

Tagaytay Food Trip

One of the things my cousins and I used to do when we were kids was count the number of restaurants when we were passing through Tagaytay. Many of them are standing strong to this day. From local bulaluhan to western restaurants to food parks to fast food chains, there’s no shortage of dining places in Tagaytay.

Leslie’s and Josephine Restaurant are two local favorites for families. Don’t forget to order a bowl of sinful bulalo! If you’re celebrating something special or you’re simply after ambiance and elegance, there’s Antonio’s Restaurant and Sonya’s Garden (farther in Alfonso).

Bag of Beans has also made a name for themselves for their generous servings of scrumptious dishes. Aside from their main branch along Mendez Crossing, they have five other branches now including one at Summit Ridge (near Robinson’s Supermarket and SM Wind Residences) and one near Silang Crossing (Athena). Try their roast beef!

There budget-friendly places too. Mushroom Burger is the first that comes to mind. It’s a fast-food-style resto featuring mushrooms as their main ingredients. If you’re staying along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, you can easily get here. If you’re coming from SkyRanch, it’s just a 10-minute walk away.

SAMPLE TAGAYTAY ITINERARY

Below is a sample overnight Tagaytay itinerary, good for a weekend. It assumes you’re a party of two, splitting some of the costs and taking public transportation from Manila.

DAY 1: CALERUEGA & FANTASY WORLD 05:00 am – Bus to KC Hillcrest (Nasugbu), P130 08:00 am – Tricycle to Caleruega, P25 (P50/2pax) 08:15 am – Caleruega Entrance Fee, P30 10:30 am – Tricycle to Boundary, P50 11:30 am – Jeepney to Fantasy World, P18 12:00 pm – Lunch at Brewed For You Coffee Shop, P300 01:00 pm – Fantasy World, P100 03:00 pm – Jeepney back to Boundary, P18 03:30 pm – Bus to Tagaytay, P39 04:30 pm – Hotel check in, rest 06:30 pm – Dinner, P200

DAY 2: SKYRANCH & PICNIC GROVE 07:30 am – Early check out 08:00 am – Jeepney to Picnic Grove 08:30 am – Picnic Grove, P50 09:00 am – Zipline, P300 10:30 am – Jeepney to Olivarez 10:45 am – Jeepney to Mushroom Burger 11:00 am – Lunch at Mushroom Burger, P150 12:00 pm – Walk to SkyRanch 12:15 pm – SkyRanch, Budget: P500 03:00 pm – Jeepney to Olivarez 04:00 pm – Bus back to Manila, P87

If you spend P2400 on accommodations (P1200 per person), the itinerary above will set you back around P3400 (USD 67, SGD 90, EUR 60) per person, with some allowance for incidental expenses.

Note that the bulk of the cost is the zipline, which costs P300 on weekdays and P400 on weekends. If you’re not interested in this, you can skip this too.

If you decide to skip Fantasy World and Zipline, the total cost will be pushed down to only around P2800 (USD 54, SGD 73, EUR 48) per person.

If you want to keep track of your expenses when traveling around Tagaytay, download the LISTA app! It’s a mobile app that will help you watch your spending so you know you’re not going over your set budget and avoid running short of funds! It was originally meant for small businesses, but guess what? Travelers can use it, too!

All you need to do is enter how much budget you have for the trip and as you explore, type your expenses. The app will do the rest. It will tell you how much you still have left. It works offline so no internet connection needed.

Another key feature is the SAVINGS CHALLENGE! Using the LISTA app, you can set a target amount and the frequency you’re comfortable with so you know when you’re financially ready to make your next Tagaytay getaway happen!

Excited for your next trip? I-LISTA na ‘yan!

✅ DOWNLOAD LISTA HERE!

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ • 4️⃣ • 1️⃣7️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Any more helpful detailed instructions other than “van terminal near the station” for LRT Gil Puyat? Would like to find that FX terminal. (By the way, no signs for visiting commuters that says LRT Buendia, just LRT “Gil Puyat”.) Second question: do you know that the DLTB terminal there is still running services from that terminal to Tagaytay, and have not been moved to PITX?

Hi! We checked again today and found that there are no longer vans bound for Lemery near the LRT station. But the DLTB bus terminal still operates there.

We’ll update the post accordingly.

Thanks so much for checking that question about Tagaytay transport from around LRT Gul Puyat.

Planning to organize a trip. We’re heading from Cagayan Valley. 3D2N in Batangas + Tagaytay. Asking for ur help.

From Ortigas, I’ll be heading to Hill’s Creek Garden (Alfonso, Tagaytay). Please recommend the best route (for commute).

Will appreciate your feedback.

Hi, am trying to find an easier way with least transfers to get from Wind Residences in Tagaytay to Anilao. Would you happen to know of a good route?

Hi, I’m a fan po! :) We’ll be going to tagaytay from Taytay, Rizal (commute). Do you where we can ride po? Thank you so much!

Di ko po alam. Di po ako familiar sa byahe from Taytay. :(

This is a very helpful post. Especially regarding the route buses usually take (Mahogany) as plenty of tourist visit Sky Ranch.

Hi. If I will be coming from SM Mall of Asia, where will I ride a bus to tagaytay? And is there a bus station in tagaytay to manila?

Hi. We’re going to tagaytay this Dec 26th. May available po kayang transpo? Bus or Van?

Hi! We’re also going to tagaytay next week. Meron pong bus from PITX going tagaytay. Meron din sa buendia na nag wawait sa harap ng mcdo. Para sure po try asking customer service sa PITX. Hope this helps! :)

I have read lots and lots of articles on this subject and yours really stands out thank you.

We plan for Tagaytay this Saturday, January 23, 2021.. any body please tell us if there’s any restriction to be avoid..we start from Monumento Caloocan City…we have our own vehicle..

hello po, ask ko lang po sana kung operational pa yung mga van sa starmall edsa crossing papuntang tagaytay?

Is dog allowed in all the destination spot on tagaytay…and also dogs are allowed in vans and buses…thank u

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29 comments :.

Hi Mervs, Nice itinerary pero parang kulang. Di mo sinama ang Guiuan. It's a VERY HISTORIC and BEAUTIFUL place. Research about it. ;) Joel

Okay, I must admit this is better. ^_^ I got confused with where to set a starting point in Samar after I read your last two post. Thanks for such as detailed info.

@Joel - that's why this is just a "SAMAR Travel Guide"... I've never been to Guiuan kaya hindi cya kasama dito... Nag side trip lang ako sa Balangiga... I'll create an Eastern Samar Travel Guide pag nakapunta na ako dun... Thanks!

@Glen - thanks for appreciating... hope it would help you when to plan a visit to Samar.. ^_^

I wish I could. ^_^ I'll be having my first vacation from work on October 2012. I'm looking forward to visiting Palawan and I've had downloaded quite a handful of reviews from other Pinoy Travel Bloggers. Do you happen to have posts about Palawan? Thanks. ^_^

@Glen - wo! great choice! I've only been to Coron... Check this out --- http://www.pinoyadventurista.com/search/label/Palawan

Great! Thanks for the link. ^_^

Cool! When in Eastern Samar, do visit the lowly but beautiful town of Sulat (lots of old houses lined up, para ka lang nasa Vigan), the surprisingly vibrant city of Borongan, and Calicoan Island in Guiuan: nice beaches, good diving site. I hope very soon maging operational na ang commercial flights to Guiuan because they have a nice charter airport which used to be a classified airport by the US during the war. And of course the gem that is Guiuan Church...the most beautiful church I've seen in Visayas. :)

I really appreciate this post.It is very informative. :D

ganda po ng mga pics, anyways ask ko lang kung magkano aabutin ang fare mula manila at kung ano ang marecommend mo na means of travel from manila. maraming salamat. DirectionsOnWeb.blogspot.com

Your ITs are very helpful talaga. As always. :D

Very detailed Mervz. Yung walang idea kung saan at paano pumunta ay makakarating talaga. Been to Samar several times pero work related. This will help me pag tourism na ang punta ko hehe

@belladonna - thanks a lot po... cheers!!! ^_^ @Lagalag - Salamat... i would still recommend a direct flight from Manila to Calbayog or Tacloban then from there, travel by land... pwede din naman mag bus ka from Manila if you have time to spare... ^_^

@Elal - Thanks a lot... hope it could help you plan your next trip! ^_^ @Aleah - salamat po... ay ganun? sana nga next time magkaroon ka na ng time for some R&R... nice din kc ang beaches sa Samar especially sa Marabut... :)

Ikaw na talaga ang itinerary expert Mervs! this is very detailed! :)

I haven't been to Samar but I will bookmark this page and use it as reference pag nagka chance ako pumunta. Very informative and useful post!

hi mervz! patrick of DOT8 here.. thanks sa mga blogs mo.. we never got to meet nung nandito ka.. anyway Dir. Tiopes would like to extend her thanks for continuously blogging about Region8. we do hope we could meet up soon.

@Simurg - ahehehe! thanks Francis! @lakwatsero - salamat po.. visit Samar po... it's a nice place and has a lot of thing and places to explore...

@Patrick - salamat patrick... salamat din sa lahat ng help.. please give my regards to Fir Tiopes... till next time po... see you soon! :)

Nice opener for the province of Samar... See Guian as well, Calicoan Island is a hidden paradise there. I've never been there but base from the magazines it is a worthy to discover that hidden of Eastern Samar.

I am from Borongan but I am ashamed to admit na di ko pa nalibot ang lalawigan na aking pinagmulan. Magagamit ko itong itinerary kung sakaling makauwi ako ngayong taon. :)

hi Pinoy Adventurista, Just asking where did you stay in tacloban city? we'll be in taht city by sun, feb 12, 2012. thanks!

I stayed at GV hotel Tacloban

Just booked a flight here for october! balak ko sana mag biri kaso sabi maalon daw sa ganung panahon? hanap ako ng backup dito sa blog mo mervz :)

nice daw ang Biri... di pa rin ako nakakapunta dun eh... hehehe! enjoy and have fun in Samar! :)

Hi Pinoy Adventurista! My family is from Samar (Western Samar) and I've spent all the summers of my youth visiting this enchanted province. I know how to speak Waray and really, Samar is the home of my soul. But I'm ashamed to say that I haven't even visited some of the destinations in your post. While I've been to Northern Samar and Samar, I haven't even set foot on Eastern Samar (that's my goal for 2013!) Biri is an awesome place--went there August 2011 and it's simply awe-inspiring :) Thank you for your posts, which simply make me homesick. Must visit the hometown soon :)

Im from Samar too and been around these sites as well. Tourism is slowly popping now in the province thanks to some individuals leading the way like the pioneers of extreme caving. Samar has also some notable falls to be proud of. Usually when I take friends to tour Samar, I suggest to start from Northern Samar (there's a direct flight from Manila to Catarman) and visit Biri from there. Then the same route as this. Although I haven't been around much in Eastern Samar, it's on the check list with Calicoan Island in Guiuan on top.

HI Pinoy Adventurista! I just wanna ask, how much is the fee if you'll get a local tour guide 'round Eastern Samar?

naku, di po ako sure kung how much, di ko pa kasi na-try... madali lang po mag ikot sa samar, maganda po ang transportation system nila dyan, so i think di na kailangan ng guide... :)

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

Best List of 500 Common Tagalog Phrases for Travel

• , April 26, 2024

With beautiful beaches, unique history, and remarkable people, millions of tourists all over the world have included the Philippines as a must-visit destination in Asia. Aside from its strategic location and unique culture tied to other countries, which makes it a perfect destination is its native community. You see, Filipinos may seem shy, but they are actually one of the most fluent English speakers in the world. But, to make your adventure even more exciting, why not try to dazzle the locals with your superb Tagalog speaking skills?

You know, there is much more beyond mahal kita or “ paalam .” To get you started, we have put together a solid list of about 500 words featuring the common Tagalog phrases for travel that you need to learn as you immerse yourself in the culture and its people. Additionally, as you learn Tagalog through this article, you will also explore a brief overview of the country’s history, culture, and language.

Table of Contents

What Are Some Tagalog Phrases for Travel?

Start with the list of 50 useful words and phrases in Tagalog:

• Kamusta – Hi/Hello!
• Kamusta ka? – How are you?
• Patawad – I’m sorry.
• Ipagpaumanhin nyo po. – Excuse me.
• Paalam, (Sa muling pagkikita.) – Goodbye (see you).
• Ano ang pangalan mo? – What’s your name?
• Ang pangalan ko ay. – My name is…
• Mayroon akong isang kapatid na lalaki. – I have one younger brother.
• Ako ay nag tatrabaho sa … – I work at…
• Ikinagagalak kitang makilala. – Nice to meet you.
• Katapusan ng linggo – Weekend
• Umaga – Morning
• Gabi – Night
• Anong oras na ngayon? – What time is it?
• (time) …na. – It’s… (time).
• Ano? – What?
• Sino? – Who?
• Magkano? – How much?
• Ako ay nagugutom. – I’m hungry.
• Nakapag reserba na ako ng lamesa. – I’ve already reserved a table.
• Gusto kong umorder ng… – I would like to order…
• Maaari ko bang makuha ang bayarin? – May I have the bill?
• Saan ang pamilihan? – Where’s a shopping center?
• Gusto kong bumili ng… – I would like to buy…
• Magkano ito? – How much is it?
• Gusto ko itong ibalik. – I would like to return this.
• Pwede mo ba akong bigyan ng discount. – Can you give a discount?
• Dumiretso – Go straight
• Liko sa kaliwa / kanan – Turn left / right
• Malayo – Far away
• Dito – Here
• Sunod sa – Next to
• Saan ang Istasyon ng tren? – Where is the train station?
• Saan ako makakabili ng Ticket? – Where can I buy a ticket?
• Magkano ang ticket na ito? – How much is this ticket?
• Saan ang banyo? – Where is the restroon?
• Nasaan tayo? – Where are we?
• Tulong! – Help
• Naiwala ko ang walet ko. – I lost my wallet.
• Gusto ko pumunta sa pulisya. – I want to go to the police office.
• Masama ang pakiramdam ko. – I feel sick.
• Pakitawagan ang doktor. – Please call the doctor.
• Hindi ako hiyang sa… – I’m allergic to…
• Ambulansya – Ambulance
• Sakit ng ulo – Headache
• Gusto ko magpa reserba. – I’d like to make reservation.
• Kasama ba ang Almusal? – Is breakfast inclued?
• Paano ako makakarating sa Hotel? – How can I get to the hotle?
• Gusto ko ng nag iisang kwarto. – I want a single room.
• Nakalimutan ko ang susi ng kwarto. – I forgot the room key.

Before going through the next list of words and phrases, you should also have a language learning app that you can practice vocabulary with from time to time. The perfect solution is Ling , where you’ll not just get 200+ lessons to improve your language skills, but you’ll also have an AI chatbot and grammar lessons to review. It’s the perfect package in one single app. Especially, if you’re trying to communicate with your Filipino loved one or just want to reach out to potential friends or business partners.

Download the Ling app on the Play Store or App Store now!

How Do You Say I Want To Travel To The Philippines?

Greetings In Tagalog

Basic conversation in tagalog, numbers in tagalog.

Time and Date In Tagalog

Questions in tagalog, eating out/dining out in tagalog, tagalog shopping vocabulary, tagalog direction words, direction phrases in tagalog, emergency words and phrases in tagalog, health vocabulary in tagalog, tagalog words when sightseeing, accommodation words and phrases in tagalog, food and drink in tagalog, fruits in tagalog.

Frequently Asked Questions For Tagalog Phrases For Travel

What is a typical filipino phrase, what is the meaning of mabuhay.

Mabuhay, which also means long live, is a traditional Filipino greeting that was used to celebrate victory or as a chant by the Filipino revolutionaries. However, it is now commonly used to greet foreigners. But, it can still be used as a way to celebrate an achievement in your life or a successful event.

How do you use this word in a Tagalog sentence?

For example:

What Is The Philippines Current Tourism Slogan?

The 2024 Philippine Tourism Slogan is Love The Philippines. This slogan is changed yearly by the Department of the Philippines.

If you want to know more about the culture, history, and Tagalog language, we have more information for you!

History of the Philippines and the Tagalog Language

Despite the country’s turbulent history, Filipinos still managed to become one of the friendliest and warmest people in Asia. Aside from being a travel destination because of its food and beautiful beaches, the Philippine archipelago also attracts tourists through its colorful history.

Before its discovery by the Spanish empire, the country was populated by rival tribes, which all had distinct traditions, gods, and datu (chieftains or rulers). Unfortunately, earlier records regarding their culture were destroyed as the Spaniards colonized the country. With the land ruled by Spanish governors for more than 300 years, Filipinos were able to adopt its language, religion, customs, and even naming traditions.

Additionally, countries like the United States and Japan have also targeted the country due to its tactical position. It has become one of the major maritime trade routes, which is why the locals are well-versed in different languages and are familiar with other countries’ traditions.

As the way of living changed over time, the Philippines’ language has also been under consistent development. While Tagalog is considered the official language, you may be surprised to know that there are also about 170 regional dialects. Some of the examples are Cebuano, Chavacano, Waray, and Hiligaynon.

Culture of the Philippines

The country’s unique yet diverse culture is deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of its foreign colonizers and its neighboring countries. Due to its strategic location and a humble number of islands, history proves that the Philippines has always been part of the trade route of other nationalities such as Malays, Arabs, Chinese, and even Westerners. And since it is often visited, the locals have grown to love, learn, and ultimately adopt the cultures, dialects, cuisine, and even languages of these foreign visitors.

For instance, scattered all over the country are different religious monuments, mosques, and shrines in the hopes of catering to the varied religious communities existing in the country. While it is true that most of the Filipinos are baptized as Catholics, there are still a considerable number of people who come from different religions. The country and the government fully recognize this by proclaiming specific holidays for each!

Despite having an intense blend of traditions, Filipinos developed distinct qualities that set them apart. For instance, even today, the locals (along with their extended families) still put a premium on joining community festivals as this is an opportunity for them to show appreciation towards music, fashion and art, food, and religion.

What Is The Tagalog Language?

You might be wondering why the Philippines does not seem to have its own writing system, unlike other Asian countries. Well, to be honest, the country has its old writing system called “Baybayin.” While the origins of Baybayin are still unclear even today, it can be noted that the script is influenced by Proto-Sinaitic script. This 14th-century writing was rampantly used in Luzon back in the 16th -17th century, but it has somehow lost its popularity as the locals learned about the English.

Note : In 2018, the Baybayin is slowly being revived by the country, so some of the busiest places in Manila are adapting Baybayin translations in government signages. As a tourist, you do not have to worry since about 90% of signage are still in English.

Tagalog Language Structure

Ready to speak Tagalog? To navigate the Philippines like a pro, allow us to share with you the basics, such as the Tagalog alphabet and sentence structure.

Tagalog Alphabet

What makes Tagalog an easy language to learn is that its alphabet is reasonably easy to memorize. Each letter is called titik or letra , and each of them represents a spoken sound that is directly similar to the English alphabet. The modern Filipino alphabet holds over 28 letters: a 26-letter set from the Latin alphabet, one special Spanish “Ñ” ( /ɲ/ or sounded as “enye”), and the Tagalog digraph “Ng” ( /ŋ/ as the “ng” in words like “sing,” “length,” and “thing”).

Tagalog Sentences

Compared to English, the Tagalog sentence stricture can be deemed as somewhat flexible. To form basic sentences in the Tagalog language, you may use the structure “Adjective +Subject/Pronoun.” For instance, you may simply say Maganda si Beng , which is literally translated as “Beautiful is Beng.” Another example is Naiinitan ako , which literally translates to “Feeling hot me.”

Of course, you may also use the classic SVO agreement to make sentences like Ako ay pagod , which means “I am tired” in English.

Tips to Learn Tagalog Fast

Learning any language entails that one must put effort and set aside time to actually read, write, listen, and converse using the target language. Scientifically, it is found that if you will set aside time and immerse yourself in the language, you are trying to learn (may it be through music, movies, or apps) every single day, then there is a huge chance that you will become proficient in no time.  To speed things us as you learn Tagalog, we listed three major tips below:

• Focus on vocabulary. Language proficiency is highly dependent on strong vocabulary size. It plays a significant role as words and phrases alone can help build context, which can significantly assist in analyzing what is being said.
• Play Tagalog music . Not only is this a great tool for immersing oneself in the vocabulary words, Tagalog slang, and phrases, but it also helps in giving you an idea about the Philippines’ culture and traditions.
• Use mobile apps . Unlock the Tagalog language by consistently allowing yourself to learn systematically through dedicated language apps and websites.

Best Apps for Learning Tagalog While Traveling in the Philippines

For learning the Tagalog language, you may find it easier to use the applications below since they all offer distinct multimedia experiences depending on your needs. Our app recommendations are all available to use, whether your device is an Android or an iOS.

With the concept of gamification, the Ling app makes a great companion for both beginners and experts. You see, it is packed with exciting challenges, dialogues, and systematic quizzes that can help strengthen your knowledge in areas such as grammar, pronunciation, and memorization of words and phrases.

Simply Learn

This Simply Learn application is basically a phrasebook that contains native voice samples, learning techniques, and pronunciation tips. This can be your go-to app for checking whether you are saying the words and phrases in the right manner.

Vocly is mainly focused on enhancing your vocabulary in Tagalog. Through a mixture of multimedia elements, users will be able to have fun and engaging learning sessions through mini-games.

Write Me mainly targets to improve your writing prowess in the Tagalog language.   It can greatly help beginners recognize and write on their own each of the characters in the target language.

500 Common Tagalog Phrases for Travel (Infographic)

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Samal Island, Davao (2024 Complete Travel Guide)

I never knew Davao had access to probably one of the best beaches in the Philippines. I only found out recently that Samal Island was accessible from the city. It’s just 30 minutes away by boat. So if you’re ever feeling stressed at work in Davao, just ride a boat and let the beach take all your worries away.

Sounds good to be true? Nah. It’s real and true.

If I were to compare it to another beach in the Philippines, it would be Kalanggaman Island (sorry, I haven’t been to Boracay yet sooooo). Both islands had fine, white sand and the waters surrounding them are clear and turquoise blue in color.

It’s paradise, I tell you.

Do you have travel insurance? This is something you should have but wish you never want to use. Accidents can happen anytime and having travel insurance can save you a lot of money in case something goes wrong during your travels! Never travel without one. Get a free quote here.

About Samal Island

The Island Garden City of Samal, also known as IGaCoS, is a part of the Metropolitan Davao area. It’s for everyone wanting a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

This island is quite blessed with abundant marine life, white sand beaches, flourishing flora and fauna, and spectacular rock formations. Apart from that, it is also home to the well-known Pearl Farm Beach Resort, which according to its name was once a pearl farm.

Packed with adventure and inland treasures, Samal Island is where travelers can go for an island hopping, snorkeling, diving, and beach bumming activities. This is one of the must-visit places if you’re going to Davao anytime soon.

Currency:  $1 USD = 52.26 PHP

How To Get Around:  The best way to explore Samal island is by riding a habal-habal or renting a motorbike. You can also rent a mutlicab (a smaller version of a jeepney).

ATMS: There are a few ATMS on the island. However, I’d recommend you to bring some cash in case the ATMs aren’t working. For foreign cards, there’s a withdrawal fee of around P150 per transaction.

Festivals: 

• Kabasan Festival –  (28th day of May) “Kalabasan” in local terms means “seashells”. Kalabasan Festival is an annual celebration of the abundance of marine life. This is a week long event which showcases the culture, native products and local talents in the island.
• Igacos Festival- (1st to 7th day of March) Icagos Festival is a week long event which celebrates the Island Garden of Samal’s founding anniversay. You can find here sand sculpture competitions, mountain biking tours, fluvial parades, boat races and a lot more.

Best Months To Go: The best times to go is during the dry season from January to May. The rain is minimal and the waves are calmer. August is also one of the best months to visit since its the fruit season. You can buy mangosteen, marang, durian, rambutan for a very cheap price.

Where to Eat:  There are a lot of  karinderias that offer home-made Filipino dishes for only P60 to P100 per meal. Most meals consist of meat, vegetable, and seafood.

How To Get There

Let’s start the adventure.

• Fly from Manila or Clark to Davao City. Time of travel is around 2 hours. You also have the option to fly from  Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Iloilo, or Singapore. You can book your tickets on Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, and Philippine Airlines. For international flights, direct flights are offered by Singapore Airlines and Silk Air.
• Upon arrival at Davao International Airport, you’ll need to ride 2 jeepneys or a taxi to get to the pier. This is where you’ll need to ride a boat going to Samal Island.
• At Sta. Ana Wharf, ride the Palboros boat to get to Kaputian, Samal for around P60 (for a one-way ride). The boat ride is around 45 minutes long.
• Another way to get to Samal Island is via Sasa Wharf. Here, you will have to ride the bus which will go onboard the vessel ship going to Samal Island. The ferry ride only lasts 5 minutes!

Travel Tip: Check schedules and availability of buses, ferries, taxis or flights to book online with 12Go Asia.

Diving and Snorkeling

The coral gardens and marine life surrounding Samal Island is superb! You can see here lots of fishes, corals, starfishes, giant clams and a whole lot more! Here are the best places to snorkel and dive in Samal:

• Giant Clam Sanctuary
• Coral Garden Marine Park
• Angel’s Cove
• Aundanao Fish Sanctuary

The Carabao Dive Center in Davao City offers diving activities at the Coral Garden. An intro dive costs around P850 with your own dive master and equipment included in the payment.

• Location: F. Hermanos Bldg., Sta. Ana Pier, Monteverde St., Davao City
• Contact: (0928) 504 7642
• Email: [email protected]

Samal is one of the cheapest places to dive in the Philippines. Intro Dives are at P850 pesos and Open Water Certification starts at P12,500.

On the other hand, snorkeling with giant clams will set you back around P1,900 per person (for a group of five).

Island Hopping

Talicud Island, Malipano Island, and Ligid Island are only some of the islands near Samal that you can explore with a boat. You can also request your boatmen to go to the best snorkeling spots, so you’re hitting two birds with one stone while you’re at it.

Book a Samal and Talicud Island Tour on Klook Here

You can also book a Samal island hopping tour here.

Watch the Sunset

The Philippines offers some of the best places and beaches to watch the sunset. Samal island is one of those. It’s one of the most magical moments at the end of the day to spend with your loved ones. So don’t miss this.

Dip in a Kawa Hot Bath

Detoxify when you take a dip in a kawa hot bath at Samal Mango Haven for only P299 for 30 minutes. The chirping birds and rustling leaves as you soak is definitely the best way to destress and relax in Samal. Aside from the kawa hot bath in Samal Mango Haven, you van also enjoy a body massage or venture into the Japanese caves. Oh and don’t forget to stay for their lunch buffet.

• Location: Samal Mango Haven, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal
• Contact: (0945) 107 8474
• Facebook: facebook.com/SamalMangoHaven

Maxima Aquafun

Banana boats, snorkeling, diving, jet skis, and super slides going straight to the ocean are just some of the exciting things that Maxima Aquafun offers. The entrance fee is only P300 per head. To get here, you’ll have to ride a boat at 9:00 AM at Sta. Ana Wharf, then head back at 4:00 PM for only P150 per person (round trip tickets).

Hagimit Falls

Despite not being among the most popular waterfalls in the Philippines, Hagimit Falls is a beauty to behold on its own. The small and gentle cascades you’ll find provide a serene place to rejuvenate.

Fee: P60 per head (includes environmental fee)

You also have the option to rent cottages (P350) or tables (P200). If you prefer to camp, pitch your tent and stay for the night.

Mount Puting Bato

If you prefer to hike, there’s Mount Puting Bato on Samal island. It’s great for beginners and those training to climb Mt Apo, the tallest mountain in the Philippines. Standing at only 1,755 feet above sea level, you’ll get the best panoramic views of the island and the neighboring islands at the summit.

Monfort Bat Sanctuary

Recognized by Guinness as the largest colony of Geoffrey’s Rousette Fruit Bats, Monfort Bat sanctuary. In 2016, the bat population here was at 1.6million. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can witness such beautiful creatures in personal. You can choose to join the Bat Emergence Night Tour to watch the bats emerge from the cave. Entrance fees only cost P100.

• Location: Sitio Dunggas, Brgy. Tambo, Babak District
• Contact: (0917) 705 4295
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.monfortbatsanctuary.org

Sinkhole rappelling

Sinkhole rappelling is only open upon request at the local tourism office . Make sure you book in advance. Bet Depression is one of the best and most interesting destinations in Samal with its hectare wide depression and 500 hundred ft depth. Enjoy your rappelling adventure and be rewarded with a magnificent brook inside a cave at its deepest parts. Beware though. There’s no cleared path going back up, so you’ll have to deal with a grueling hike.

The Baga Cave on Talicud island is one of the best places to go spelunking. The surrounding local folklore about this cave will make you want to explore its depths and chambers. Its name was derived from the Filipino word for “lungs” because the champers are shaped like capillaries. The trek inside will last you around 4 hours however, you can decide how long you want to stay here.

Check Out Talicud Island

If you’re staying in Samal island, the Talicud island is a paradise found at the back of Samal. The stunning beach and fine sand in Talicud island will make you wish you never leave. The diverse marine life is great for snorkeling, too. Entrance fee for day trips is at P75 while camping is at P50 to P150. For larger groups, you can opt to rent a cottage for only P400 to P1,800.

You also have the option to book a tour at Isla Reta Beach Resort for only P100. To get here, you’ll have to ride a habal-habal or van to Kaputian beach. From here, you can rent a boat going to Talicud Island for only P30.

Visit Vanishing Island

The Salipaan Shoal only shows up during the low tide. For this reason, it was called the “vanishing island”. It’s worth a visit if you’re going to Samal Island. Its crystal clear waters are great for snorkeling, too. Rent a boat for only P250 to P300 to get here. This usually includes lunch and a 3-hour stay on the island.

Blue Bird View Deck

Just pay P10 to get access to the view deck and witness the stunning view of Samal Island, Wishing island, Taklobo Giant Clam Sanctuary, and South Malipano.

Where To Stay

La vida orchard samal bed and breakfast.

• BOOK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED RATES:  Booking.com
• You can also check  HotelsCombined  to compare rates

Free WiFi, airconditioned rooms and private bathroom, what more can you ask for? La Vida Orchard Samal Bed and Breakfast is one of the most hospitable bed and breakfast on the island.

Hof Gorei Beach Resort Davao

• BOOK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED RATES:  Booking.com  |  Agoda
• You can also check  HotelsCombined  to compare rates

Expect air-conditioned rooms with balcony, terrace, minibar, TV and a private bathroom when you book a room at Hof Gorei Beach Resort Davao. There’s also an outdoor pool and tropical gardens around the property.

Kalipay sa Baybay

Kalipay sa Baybay has clean, white sands and clear blue waters. With accommodating staffs, this resort is one of the best places to relax.

Chema’s by the Sea

Chema’s by the Sea provides standalone cottages and an outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi is also available. Each cottage is fully air-conditioned and has a refrigerator, TV, toiletries, and private balconies.

Beach Room Studio

• Book via Airbnb

This is the perfect getaway for discerning guests, enjoying spectacular views with a large infinity pool overlooking Davao City and the Gulf, to find solitude and to completely relax to make your stay truly unforgettable.

Lankenua Lodgings

Featuring a swimming pool, a garden and a bar and views of the sea, Lankenua Lodgings is set in Samal and offers homestay accommodation with free WiFi.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort

Amidst the lush greenery and white sand, Pearl Farm Beach Resort has 2 outdoor swimming pools, bar, and a restaurant. Each room was designed with local and traditional materials.

Airbnb Davao

Aside from hotels and resorts, you can also opt to stay at an Airbnb .

Get your P2,200 ($44) Airbnb discount here!

Responsible Travel Tips

When traveling to one place, make sure you practice responsible tourism. Here are some tips to do so.

1. Respect the environment

Don’t litter. Please hold onto your trash until you find a garbage can. Don’t bring home the sand or any seashell. Leave them where they belong. Missing seashells can have potential detrimental environmental impacts.

Related:  16 Eco-Friendly Travel Products for the Earth-Loving You

2. Avoid single-use plastic

Bring your eco bag and refuse single-use plastic.

3. Shop local

Keep the traditional crafts alive and support local artisans. Buy from them. And try not to haggle, P20 may seem small to you but it can mean a lot to them.

4. Always ask permission

Be sure to ask for permission first when taking photos or videos, especially when it comes to children

What to Pack for Samal Island

• Eco-friendly Reusable Water Bottle
• Light Rain Jacket (especially from June to November) 
• T-shirts, a Nice top, and a Long-sleeved Shirt
• Power Adapter
• Universal Waterproof Phone Case
• Packing Cubes
• Microfiber Towel
• Travel Insurance
• Sneakers, Hiking Shoes (if you’re planning to hike) and Some Flats
• Reusable Straw and Reusable Bag (no to single-use plastic!)

Related Article:  The Only Travel Packing List You’ll Ever Need (Trust Me)

You might also like…

• Davao Crocodile Park: How To Survive The White Water Rafting Adventure
• 10 Epic Things To Do In Davao That You Shouldn’t Miss
• 30 Crazy Fun Things To Do In Cebu, Philippines
• 10 Unforgettable Things To Do In Siquijor
• A First-Timer’s Guide to Boracay Philippines

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