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If you’re planning on visiting the Philippines, it’s important to know what you should expect before setting foot on its beautiful shores. You’ll find some of the friendliest people in the world here, plenty of delicious foods and some of the best diving and snorkelling in the Pacific Ocean. But there are also some things you should know before your trip that can help ensure that you have an unforgettable time in this incredible country.

The visa process

Visitors can enter the Philippines by air, sea or land. The visa process for each is different. Visitors travelling by air will need a passport with at least six months of validity and a return ticket, a round-trip ticket, or proof of onward travel. For those arriving by sea, they must have documents that show their country of citizenship and that they are entering through an authorised port of entry.

How to get around

It’s important to know how you’ll get around before booking your flights. There are a variety of options, including renting a car with a driver, taking public transportation, or using ride-sharing apps like GrabCar.

Where to stay

If you want to stay in a hotel, some of your best options are Crowne Plaza Manila (Manila Bay), Grand Hyatt Manila, and Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa. If you’re looking for budget accommodations, try Hostelworld.

What to eat 

Chances are, you will be craving Filipino food while in Manila. Here are some dishes that you should try: fried lumpia (a type of egg roll), lechon manok (grilled chicken), sisig (fried pork with onion and chilli), sinigang na baboy (pork stewed in sour soup) and kaldereta (tomato sauce, meat and vegetables). For a little bit more Westernised fare, Pizza Hut is a good option for lunch or dinner. But if your taste buds can’t get enough of Filipino cuisine then order Tapsilog – this dish consists of garlic rice topped with a sunny side up egg and sweet soy sauce mixed with seasoned beef strips or Chicharon which is deep-fried pork rinds which are usually served as a side dish. The country also offers a range of novel/future foods.

Things to do

Take a dip in the ocean. Visit any of these islands: Coron, Cebu, Boracay, Palawan, or El Nido. Shop till you drop in Metro Manila and Cebu City. Ride a jeepney and see Manila’s colourful streetscapes (don’t forget your camera). Explore the museums like the National Museum of Anthropology and Museum of Contemporary Arts.  

And on that note – be sure to take advantage of all of the discounted Philippine travel promos out there right now.

Tips for staying safe

Safety is always a concern when visiting a foreign country. Here are some tips for staying safe: 

Keep your belongings close and in sight when in public. Don’t carry anything around that you can’t afford to lose, such as your wallet or phone. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery, especially if it’s flashy or eye-catching (e.g., if you have anything with diamonds).