7,641 islands of astonishing diversity — El Nido's limestone karst lagoons, Bohol's Chocolate Hills, Palawan's underground river, and a Filipino hospitality that makes visitors feel like family.
- Capital
- Manila
- Population
- 114,123,600
- Area
- 300,000 km²
- Languages
- English, Filipino
- Currency
- Philippine Peso (PHP)
- GDP
- $497,495M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Adobo,Lechon (both unofficial)
Annual visitors
1,483,000 (2020)
Safety
Moderate (4.35/100k)
Big Mac
$2.84
Avg temp
26.3°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 116 · Ambulance 116 · Fire 116
Travel guide
The Philippines (Filipino: Pilipinas), officially the Republic of the Philippines (Republika ng Pilipinas), is an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands in Southeast Asia. The country has one of the world's longest coastlines with many fine beaches and excellent diving. There is great cultural diversity due to the many islands, many waves of immigration, and a mixture of foreign influences — the country has been trading with nearby nations for several thousand years and was a Spanish colony from 1562 to 1898, then American until 1946. It would take decades to visit and experience everything. Many locals speak English well and a lot of the others have at least some English. Food and accommodations are cheap, many destinations have excellent infrastructure, and the people are cheerful and friendly; perhaps the easiest way to recognize a Filipino abroad is to see who has the broadest smile.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Philippines
Best time to visit
November–May is the dry season and the best time to visit. Palawan and Coron best November–April. Siargao surfing: August–November. Typhoon season June–September affects some islands. El Nido best December–March.
Visa
Citizens of 60+ countries including US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia receive 30 days visa-free, extendable to 59 days at immigration offices.
Highlights
Boracay Island’s White Beach is the most famous beach in the Philippines. The premier destination for the ultimate paradise experience, White Beach is about four kilometers long and its coast is dotted with hotels, restaurants, resorts, shops, and other businesses associated with tourism. White Beach is known worldwide for its long stretch of powdery white sand and pristine water. White Beach is divided into three boat stations – Station 1 where the sand is the finest and where most luxury resorts are located, Station 2 the busiest and most crowded due to concentration of restaurants, resorts, bars and shops, and the more laidback and less crowded Station 3 where cheaper accommodation can be found. Take note that there is no physical barrier of some sort to separate the stations. Anyone can explore any station any time of the day. It is the Philippines’ foremost tourist attraction, a tropical paradise enjoyed by crowds, and a kitesurfing haven for water sports enthusiasts. The white sand beach is formed by a large piece of coral ground and stretches smoothly. The sand is white and delicate. There are many tourists here and all kinds of leisure and entertainment facilities are available. At night, it transforms into a huge bar, which is decorated with lights and music. It is colorful, no wonder that many people who come to vacation stay here from morning to night.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (6)
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Major cities
Manila
The Philippines' chaotic, vibrant capital with Spanish colonial Intramuros, world-class malls, and extraordinary street food.
Cebu City
The Philippines' oldest city and gateway to the Visayas islands, whale sharks at Oslob, and the Chocolate Hills.
El Nido
Palawan's crown jewel — a dramatic landscape of limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and some of Asia's finest beaches.