Overview for Philippines
The second-largest archipelago in the world, with over 7000 tropical islands, the Philippines is one of the great treasures of Southeast Asia and rewards those who go the extra distance to reach it. And because it’s off the beaten path, the Philippines is a great place to escape the hordes who descend on other parts of Southeast Asia. First and foremost, the Philippines is a place of natural wonders – a string of coral-fringed islands strewn across a vast expanse of the western Pacific. Below sea level, the Philippines boast some of the worlds best diving and snorkelling. Above sea level, it has a fantastic landscape with wonders enough to stagger even the most jaded traveller.
Of course, any traveller who has been here will tell you that it’s the people and their culture that makes the Philippines unique. Long poised at the centre of Southeast Asian trade, colonised by a succession of world powers, the Philippines is a vivid tapestry that reflects its varied cultural inheritance. The Philippines truly qualifies as one of the last great frontiers in Southeast Asian travel. Cross whichever ocean you need to and see for yourself.
WHEN TO GO
The Philippines is warm throughout the year, with brief despites possible from December to February. For most of the country, the dry season is roughly November to May. Rains start in June, peak in August, and start tapering off in October. Typhoons are common from June to early December. But in parts of the country the seasons are flipped. Eastern Mindanao, Southern Leyte, Samar and Southeast Luzon are rainy from December to March and relatively dry when the rest of the country is sopping. The central Visayas are sheltered from the monsoon rains and thus have less pronounced seasons. These areas are liable to have rain at any time of the year, but it usually won’t be too serious unless there’s a typhoon stirring up trouble.