Philippines Tours in 2024 & 2025

Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Filipino embassy website in your country of departure.

Please note that a yellow fever vaccination will be required upon entry if you’re travelling from the following countries in Africa and Latin America.

Other vaccinations to consider include hepatitis a, hepatitis b, rabies, tetanus, typhoid and polio. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.

The Philippines experiences a tropical maritime climate with three distinct seasons: the hot dry season (March to May), the rainy season (June to November), and the cool dry season (December to February). The average annual temperature is around 26°C (79°F), ranging from 22°C (72°F) in the cooler months to around 28°C (82°F) in the warmer months. In terms of rainfall, you can expect the most of it during the months of July to September.

While there’s no bad time to visit the Philippines, the best time to visit is arguably during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for sightseeing, beach-hopping, and exploring the islands. December, January and February tend to be the best.

It’s customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected — though not compulsory — and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour.

There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from USD $1.50-3.50 per person, per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline USD $20-25 per person, per week can be used.

Internet access in the Philippines is fairly good, and it’s certainly been improving in recent years. You’ll find it good in cities and urban areas, but in rural regions, it may be fairly spotty or even non-existent.

Yes — you’ll find plenty of ATMs in the Philippines, especially in urban areas, and major towns and cities like Manila and Cebu. Most accept Visa and Mastercard cards, but it's a good idea to check with your bank before you travel to avoid any issues with your cards and to see if you’ll be charged withdrawal fees. If you’re heading out into rural areas, it’s a good idea to carry cash with you in case you can’t locate an ATM.

The Philippines has a mixed landscape when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Being gay is legal here, and there is a visible LGBTQ+ community, especially in urban areas like Manila. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no national anti-discrimination laws specifically protecting LGBTQ+ individuals across the country.

As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.

While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.

The official language of the Philippines is Filipino, which is spoken by the majority of the population. English is also widely-spoken, and there are over 170 regional languages spoken here too — including Waray and Cebuano.

While opinions vary in cities like Manila, the general rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t drink the tap water in the Philippines as a traveller. Stick to bottled water, which is widely available and cheap.

Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.

The Philippines is generally safe for travellers, but it's important to remember that petty crime does exist here — particularly in large cities like Manila and Cebu. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t flash your valuables. Avoid areas like western and central Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago due to terrorist activity and violence with insurgent groups. Cyclones can also occur here sometimes too — take heed of local advice.

G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.