Travel the Philippines well
7,641 islands, one honest pocket guide. Plan your route, eat like a local, stay safe, and leave every place a little better than you found it. Everything here works offline.
Before you fly
The five things that trip up most first-time visitors.
Entry: eTravel, passport, onward ticket
- Register on eTravel (etravel.gov.ph) within 72 hours before arrival and again before departure. It is free — ignore look-alike sites that charge a fee.
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond your stay.
- Many nationalities get 30 days visa-free; extensions at Bureau of Immigration offices. Check immigration.gov.ph for your passport.
- Have a return or onward ticket — airlines and immigration ask for it.
Money: cash is still king
- Carry pesos everywhere outside malls and big hotels. Islands like Sagada, parts of Siquijor and remote Palawan have few or no ATMs.
- Keep ₱20–₱100 bills and coins for jeepneys, tricycles and snacks — change is scarce.
- ATMs charge ~₱250 per foreign withdrawal; take larger amounts less often.
- GCash and Maya QR payments are everywhere in towns — some apps now accept foreign numbers.
Get connected on day one
- Buy a Globe, Smart or DITO SIM at the airport; registration with your passport is required by law.
- Or install an eSIM before you fly.
- Download offline maps (Google Maps / Organic Maps) for every island you'll visit.
- Grab works in big cities; save this guide to your home screen.
Weather decides your route
- Dry season (Amihan) ~Nov–May: best for islands. Hottest Apr–May.
- Wet season (Habagat) ~Jun–Oct: greener, cheaper, typhoon risk — ferries get cancelled.
- Leave 1 buffer day before any international flight when island-hopping.
- Follow PAGASA for official forecasts and storm signals.
Three words that open doors
Salamat po — thank you (respectful). Magkano po? — how much? Para po! — stop here, please (on a jeepney).
English is widely spoken; a little Filipino is deeply appreciated. See the phrasebook →
Pay the small fees, follow the rules
Many places charge environmental or terminal fees (e.g. El Nido eco-fee, Boracay environmental fee, port terminal fees, Underground River permits). They fund the places you came to see — budget ₱50–₱400 each and keep receipts.
Jump in
Plan your trip
Pick 2–3 places and stay 3+ days in each. The Philippines rewards slow travel — every island change costs you most of a day.
Trip budget calculator
What things cost
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Carinderia / local eatery meal | ₱80–₱150 |
| Casual restaurant meal | ₱200–₱450 |
| Tourist-area restaurant | ₱500–₱900 |
| 1.5 L bottled water | ₱25–₱40 |
| Homestay / basic guesthouse | ₱500–₱1,200 |
| Standard hotel, private A/C room | ₱1,200–₱3,000 |
| Beach resort, mid-range | ₱3,000–₱6,000 |
| Jeepney ride | ₱13–₱15 minimum |
| Tricycle, short hop | ₱20–₱100 (agree first) |
| Taxi flag-down (Metro Manila) | ₱45 + distance |
| Inter-city bus / van | ₱200–₱1,000 |
| Fast ferry (e.g. Cebu–Bohol) | ₱500–₱1,000 |
| Island-hopping group tour | ₱1,200–₱2,500 |
| Domestic flight, one-way | ₱1,500–₱6,000+ |
| Scooter rental, per day | ₱350–₱600 |
Prices drift — treat as a guide. Holy Week and 20 Dec–5 Jan are peak pricing.
Fair pricing — how to pay kindly · haggling etiquette, tipping
- If a price is listed, pay it. If not, ask gently: “Magkano po?”
- You may be quoted a visitor price. If you can afford it, consider it a small contribution; if not, negotiate politely — never aggressively.
- Never haggle over ₱10–₱50. Pennies to you, a meal to them.
- Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated: ₱20–₱50 for good service, or round up; ~10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge.
- Grab shows the fare upfront. Taxis: insist on the meter — politely decline a “special rate”.
Fair exchange honours both buyer and seller.
⟦banknote⟧ Currency converter
Works offline with a rate you save. Check today's rate (bank app, Wise or a money changer's board) while you have signal, then type it in below.
⟦table⟧ Quick reference table
⟦car-taxi-front⟧ Fare estimator
Roughly what a ride should cost — and a quick check of whether a quote is fair.
⟦scale⟧ Was I overcharged?
Itinerary builder
Balanced, realistic routes — travel days included.
When to go
Tap a month to see weather, crowds, festivals and public holidays.
Month by month
Regional weather — not everywhere is the same
- West (Palawan, Boracay, western Luzon): clearest dry/wet pattern — driest Dec–May.
- East (Eastern Visayas, Siargao, eastern Mindanao): rain spread through the year; often driest Mar–Jun. The northeast monsoon brings rain Nov–Feb.
- Highlands (Baguio, Sagada, Cordillera): 10–22 °C, cold nights Dec–Feb, fog any time — bring a jacket.
- Mindanao: south of the main typhoon belt; fewer storms.
- Wet-season myth: it rarely rains all day — usually 1–3 hour downpours, then it clears.
- Typhoon season peaks Jul–Oct but storms can come Jun–Dec. Signals #1–#5 are raised by PAGASA; at Signal #1+ sea travel is often suspended.
⟦backpack⟧ Packing list
One list for your whole trip. Tick the activities you'll do and it adds what you need — each item once, marked Essential, Recommended or Get there (easy to buy or rent locally). It remembers your ticks.
Packing list
Power & connectivity
How long will my power bank last?
Signal & power reality
- Plugs: Type A/B and C, 220 V 60 Hz. Bring a universal adapter.
- Remote islands may run generators only in the evening (e.g. 6 pm–midnight).
- Airplane mode + dim screen can stretch battery 3–5×.
- No signal? Calls to 911/112 may still connect via any network.
- Brownouts happen — a head torch is worth packing.
Where to go
Honestly described, no hype. “Busy” means more people and more services; “remote” means beautiful but go prepared.
The three island groups
Luzon — north
Largest island and seat of government: Manila, the Cordillera highlands and rice terraces, Ilocos heritage towns, Batanes, Pinatubo, Bicol and Mayon Volcano.
Visayas — centre
Beaches, island-hopping, festivals and warm hospitality: Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Siquijor, Iloilo, Bacolod, Negros, Leyte and Samar. (Palawan sits to the west, with its own airports.)
Mindanao — south
Vast nature and cultural diversity: Davao, Siargao, Mount Apo, Lake Sebu, Bukidnon highlands, Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga. Check advisories for the southwest.
In-depth guides
Metro Manila — capital & gateway
Sixteen cities in one sprawl: colonial history, skyscrapers, markets and quiet parks. Treat it as 1–2 days, not your whole trip.
- Intramuros — the walled Spanish city: Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church (UNESCO), Casa Manila. Rent a bamboo bike or walk.
- Binondo — the world's oldest Chinatown; go hungry for a food walk.
- Rizal Park, National Museum complex (free entry), Quiapo Church.
- Makati / BGC for business-district dining; Quezon City for local life.
Traffic is heavy: distances take longer than maps suggest. Use trains outside rush hour (7–10 am, 5–8 pm), Grab, or the Pasig River Ferry.
More: philippinestravelguides.com/philippines-travel-guide/metro-manila-travel-guide/
NAIA — Manila airport survival
- Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 are separate buildings. Airline terminal assignments changed several times in 2023–2025 — check your airline's terminal on the day.
- Allow 45+ minutes to transfer between terminals, more in traffic. Self-transfer between international and domestic flights needs a long buffer (3–4 h+).
- Arrival: immigration → baggage → customs. Exchange only a little at the airport (poor rates). Buy a SIM in arrivals.
- Only use the official taxi bays, airport buses or Grab pick-up points. Ignore anyone offering rides inside the terminal.
- Departures: arrive 3 h before international, 2 h before domestic. Gates change at short notice.
Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Clean, green capital of Palawan and home of the Puerto Princesa Underground River — UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature: an 8 km navigable river through a cave system emerging into the sea.
- Daily entries are limited — book the permit through accredited operators or the city tourism office well ahead.
- Also: Honda Bay island-hopping, Ugong Rock, Iwahig firefly watching, mangrove paddling.
- Respect Tagbanua ancestral lands; ask before entering restricted areas; buy crafts directly from makers.
- Onward: vans to Port Barton (3–4 h) and El Nido (5–6 h).
Sagada, Mountain Province
A quiet highland town of pine forests, hanging coffins, terraces and Igorot culture. A place for reflection, not partying.
- Sites: Echo Valley hanging coffins, Sumaguing Cave, Bomod-ok Falls, Kiltepan sunrise, weaving and pottery.
- Register at the tourism office on arrival (environmental fee) and use registered local guides — required for most sites.
- Getting there: overnight bus from Manila direct (~10–12 h) or via Baguio/Bontoc. Winding roads — daylight only by self-drive.
- Nights drop to 10–15 °C. Bring cash — ATMs are unreliable. Keep voices low; never touch coffins or disturb rituals.
Religion & sacred places
About 80% of Filipinos are Roman Catholic; there are large Protestant, Iglesia ni Cristo and Aglipayan communities, and Islam is the second-largest faith, concentrated in Mindanao. Indigenous beliefs live on, and freedom of religion is protected.
- Cover shoulders and knees in churches and mosques; remove shoes in mosques.
- Ask before photographing worshippers or rituals; stay quiet during services.
- Holy Week, Christmas, Ramadan and town fiestas shape travel — expect closures and crowds.
Offline map
Destinations, hospitals, airports and ferry ports — no internet needed. Pinch or scroll to zoom, drag to move, tap a pin for details and the nearest hospitals.
Pins are approximate (town level) — good for orientation and distances, not turn-by-turn navigation. Coastline: Natural Earth (public domain).
⟦hospital⟧ Hospital finder
Major hospitals and island health centres near the places travellers go. In an emergency, call 911 first.
Getting around
Planes link the big hubs, ferries link the islands, and jeepneys, tricycles and vans do the rest.
Common routes
| Route | How | Time | Tip |
|---|
By air
- Main gateways: Manila (MNL), Cebu (CEB), Clark (CRK), Davao (DVO), Iloilo, Bohol-Panglao (TAG), Puerto Princesa (PPS), Kalibo/Caticlan for Boracay.
- Carriers: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia; small planes to El Nido and Siargao.
- Book 2–3 months ahead; check baggage limits — promo fares often include only 7 kg cabin bags.
- Cebu is a great second hub — many Visayas and Mindanao routes skip Manila.
By sea
- Fast craft (1–4 h): OceanJet, 2GO/SuperCat, FastCat, Montenegro, Starlite and others.
- RoRo / overnight ships for long hauls; cabins available.
- Bring your passport — required at every port. Terminal and environmental fees are extra.
- Trips are suspended when PAGASA raises storm signals or sea conditions are rough. Never pressure a captain to sail.
- Book 1–2 days ahead in peak season; seasick? Sit low and central.
Jeepneys — how to ride
- Check the route signboard on the side; ask the driver “Dadaan po ba sa …?” (Does this pass …?).
- Pass your fare forward: “Bayad po” — others will hand it on and pass your change back.
- Say “Para po!” or tap the roof to stop.
Minimum fare ₱13–₱15. Modern e-jeepneys may take cards.
Grab, taxis, tricycles, habal-habal
- Grab: fixed upfront fares in major cities; has an emergency button.
- Taxis: ask for the meter before you set off; check the plate and ID on the dashboard.
- Angkas / JoyRide: app motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila and Cebu — helmet provided.
- Tricycles: short trips only; agree the price first. “Special” = you hire the whole trike.
- Habal-habal: informal motorbike taxi in rural areas — negotiate, insist on a helmet.
Buses, vans & trains
- Provincial buses leave from company terminals (Victory Liner, Genesis, DLTB, Ceres). Air-con buses are cold — bring a layer.
- Vans (UV Express) are faster but cramped; buy two seats for luggage on long rides.
- Manila rail: LRT-1, LRT-2, MRT-3. Use a Beep card. Avoid 7–10 am and 5–8 pm.
Renting a scooter
- Common on Siargao, Siquijor, Bohol, Palawan, Camiguin. ₱350–₱600/day.
- You need a valid licence (your home licence works for 90 days; an IDP helps). Wear a helmet — it's the law and police check.
- Photograph the bike before riding; avoid night riding on unlit roads (dogs, goats, potholes).
- Check your travel insurance covers motorbikes.
Food is love
Food here is how people say “I see you, you are welcome.” Served to the guest first, shared from one plate, always with rice. Kain tayo! — let's eat.
National classics
Regional specialities
Street food
Eat safely
Water & ice
Don't drink tap water. Refill stations are everywhere — bring a bottle. Ice in restaurants is usually factory-made tube ice (safe); avoid ice of unknown origin at remote stalls.
Follow the queue
Eat where the line is longest — high turnover means fresh food. Watch it cooked hot if your stomach is sensitive.
Allergies
Peanuts, shrimp paste (bagoong) and fish sauce hide in many dishes. Ask: “May mani po ba?” (peanuts?) “May hipon po ba?” (shrimp?). Carry your own allergy card in Filipino.
If your stomach rebels
Traveller's diarrhoea usually clears in 2–3 days. Sip oral rehydration salts (ORS, sold as “Hydrite” and others at every pharmacy). See a doctor for blood, high fever or 3+ days.
Eat slowly. Taste deeply. Notice the hands that prepared it. Masarap po! — it's delicious — makes hearts happy.
Culture, respect & words
Understand the heart of the culture before you arrive — respect is the best souvenir you can bring.
Etiquette that matters
Do
- Use po and opo with elders and strangers.
- Greet by time of day: Magandang umaga / hapon / gabi.
- Ask before photographing people — always, especially in indigenous communities.
- Cover shoulders and knees at churches, mosques and sacred sites.
- Remove shoes when entering homes.
- Accept food offered with grace; try a little.
- Say “Makikiraan po” when passing between people.
Easy-to-miss signals
- Smiles can mean embarrassment or discomfort, not only happiness.
- Indirect “no”: a soft “maybe”, “I'll try” or silence often means no. Don't push.
- Pointing is often done with pursed lips; beckon with palm down, not one finger.
- Raised eyebrows = yes / hello.
- Losing your temper in public causes deep loss of face — and rarely helps. Stay calm and smile.
- Public displays of affection should be modest.
Visiting sacred & indigenous lands
- These are living spiritual homes and ancestral territories, not “tourist spots”.
- Some require guides or permission — that is stewardship, not restriction.
- Speak softly. Leave offerings alone. Take nothing.
- Ask: “How may I honour this place and your people?” — and listen.
Leave it better
- Reef-safe sunscreen; never touch or stand on coral; don't feed fish.
- Never collect shells, sand or coral — it's illegal in protected areas.
- Say no to whale-shark feeding tours and animal shows — choose responsible operators.
- Carry your rubbish out from islands with no waste collection.
- Eat at family places, stay in community-run homestays, buy directly from artisans.
⟦message-square-text⟧ Show this to a local
Big, clear cards in Filipino and Bisaya for moments when speaking is hard — emergencies, allergies, taxis and food. Tap a card to show it full-screen.
⟦badge-check⟧ Translation check list · for a native speaker
Cards with a badge have not yet been checked by a native speaker. Check first cards are medical or safety-critical — please have them checked before you share this guide. Check wording cards are less critical; the Bisaya (Cebuano) lines are the least certain.
After a native speaker has checked a card, update its wording and set its p, f and c flags to 0 in the CARDS list inside this file — the badge then disappears.
Phrasebook
Filipino (Tagalog). In the Visayas and Mindanao many people speak Cebuano/Bisaya — a few Bisaya words are included.
Phrasebook
Pronunciation tip: every letter is spoken; “ng” as in sing; “mga” = “ma-NGA”.
⟦headphones⟧ Listen & practise
Hear each phrase spoken by your phone's built-in voice, repeat it out loud, and keep track of what you've learned. Tap ⟦volume-2⟧ next to any phrase above to hear it.
Phrase audio practice
Practice session
⟦book-open⟧ Pronunciation guide
- Vowels are short and pure: a = “ah”, e = “eh”, i = “ee”, o = “oh”, u = “oo”. Every vowel is spoken — Ba-ha-i, never swallowed.
- Every letter is spoken. There are no silent letters.
- ng sounds like the end of “sing” — even at the start of a word: ngayon (nga-YON, now).
- mga (the plural word) is said “ma-NGA”.
- Stress can change the meaning: BU-kas = open, bu-KAS = tomorrow. Salamat is sa-LA-mat. Listen and copy the rhythm.
- po / opo are short and soft — add them for respect, especially with elders.
- r is a light tap, like the Spanish r.
- Bisaya uses the same sounds; og and ug both sound like “oog”.
The voice comes from your device, so it can sound robotic or slightly off — real people are the best teachers. Ask “Paano po sabihin…?” (How do you say…?) and copy them.
Public holidays
Banks and offices close; transport and resorts fill up around long weekends.
Holiday calendar
Movable dates (Holy Week, Chinese New Year, Eid) are calculated; Eid dates are confirmed by proclamation and may shift by a day. Extra special non-working days are often declared during the year.
Festivals
The conscious traveller
The traveller's pledge
I travel not just to see sights, but to understand people. I will walk gently on this land. I will honour the cultures I meet. I will give more than I take. I will be a guest, not a customer. I will carry kindness as my passport.
Pause before you click
- Am I photographing this person with dignity?
- Would I want someone treating me this way in my home?
- Am I taking more than I am giving back?
- Am I seeing the people, or just the scenery?
The best souvenir is not something you buy — it is the goodness you became while you were there.
Safe & wise
The Philippines is generally safe and welcoming — millions visit every year. Nowhere is 100% safe everywhere: stay aware and trust your gut.
Emergency numbers
Save your embassy number in My trip → Emergency card. Numbers change — confirm with your accommodation.
Words if you're in trouble
- Tulong po!
- Help, please!
- Tumawag kayo ng pulis!
- Call the police!
- Kailangan ko ng doktor.
- I need a doctor.
- Nasaan ang ospital?
- Where is the hospital?
- Naligaw ako.
- I'm lost.
- May allergy ako sa …
- I'm allergic to …
First aid guide
Field guidance only — get medical help when in doubt. Big towns have hospitals; islands may only have a rural health unit.
First aid
Dengue & mosquitoes
Dengue is common, especially in the wet season. Day-biting mosquitoes — protect yourself at dawn and dusk too.
- Repellent with 20–30% DEET or picaridin; long sleeves at dusk.
- Symptoms: sudden high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, joint/muscle pain, rash.
- Paracetamol only — no aspirin or ibuprofen. Drink lots of fluids; get a blood test (CBC/NS1).
- Warning signs (often day 3–7 as fever drops): severe belly pain, vomiting, bleeding gums, drowsiness → hospital now.
Heat, sun & dehydration
- 28–35 °C and humid. SPF 50 reef-safe sunscreen, hat, shade 11 am–3 pm.
- Drink ~3 L/day; more when hiking.
- Home-made ORS: 1 L clean water + 6 level tsp sugar + ½ tsp salt. Sip slowly.
- Heatstroke (hot dry skin, confusion) is an emergency — cool immediately and call 911.
Sea & water safety
- Ask locals where it's safe to swim; rip currents exist. Red flag = no swimming.
- Caught in a rip: don't fight it — swim parallel to the shore, then in.
- Wear life jackets on bangkas; check the boat has them before you board.
- Jellyfish season varies: vinegar helps box-jellyfish stings; seek help for severe pain.
- Dive only with accredited shops; check your insurance covers diving.
Typhoons, earthquakes & volcanoes
- Typhoons mostly Jul–Oct (can be Jun–Dec). Follow PAGASA; when signals go up, ferries and flights stop. Stock water, cash and charged batteries.
- Move to higher ground if told; never cross flooded roads or rivers.
- Earthquake: drop, cover, hold on. On the coast after a strong quake, head inland/uphill.
- Volcanoes: obey PHIVOLCS alert levels and exclusion zones (Taal, Mayon, Kanlaon, Bulusan).
Common scams & how to dodge them
- Fake eTravel sites charging fees — the real one is free: etravel.gov.ph.
- “Meter broken” taxis — get out or use Grab.
- Money-changer sleight of hand — count your cash at the counter before leaving.
- Friendly stranger invites you to a card game or a “family party” — politely decline.
- Unofficial tour sellers at piers — book through accredited desks or your accommodation.
- Drink spiking in nightlife areas — watch your drink.
Personal safety habits
- Don't flash cash, phones or jewellery; carry a day's money separately.
- Bags in front in crowds and on trains. Phones get snatched from jeepney windows.
- Licensed transport only; never accept unsolicited rides.
- Share your itinerary with someone at home.
- After dark, stick to lit, busy areas; avoid isolated beaches alone.
- Check your government's travel advisory, especially for parts of western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.
- Drugs carry extremely severe penalties. Don't.
Day-trip readiness check
⟦pill⟧ Pharmacies & medicines
Pharmacies are in every town, and many city branches open late or 24 hours. Most everyday medicines are sold without a prescription — often by the single tablet or sachet.
⟦search⟧ Medicine finder
Generic names and the brands Philippine pharmacies commonly stock. Show the generic name — brands change.
General information, not medical advice. Read the label, check allergies and interactions, and ask the pharmacist — they're well trained and helpful.
⟦store⟧ How buying medicine works
- Big chains: Mercury Drug, Watsons, The Generics Pharmacy, Southstar Drug, and Rose Pharmacy in the Visayas. Small towns have local drugstores.
- You can buy single tablets or sachets (“tingi”) — handy for short trips.
- Generics are much cheaper and equally effective — ask “Meron po bang generic?”
- Antibiotics need a prescription. See a doctor instead of guessing.
- Check the expiry date and keep receipts for your insurance.
⟦briefcase-medical⟧ Bringing your own medicines
- Bring enough for the whole trip plus a week, in the original packaging.
- Carry a copy of your prescription with the generic names and doses.
- Controlled medicines (strong painkillers, some sleep, anxiety or ADHD medicines) may need extra documents or a permit — ask your embassy or the Philippine embassy before you travel.
- Injections and syringes: carry a doctor's letter. Keep insulin cool (a cooling pouch helps).
⟦stethoscope⟧ Seeing a doctor
- Emergencies: hospital emergency room or 911. Find the nearest hospital.
- Non-urgent: hospital outpatient clinics or private clinics; a private consultation is often around ₱500–₱1,500.
- Small islands: the rural health unit gives basic, low-cost care.
- Animal bites or scratches: an Animal Bite Treatment Center the same day (rabies).
- Bring your passport and insurance details; private hospitals may ask for a deposit.
⟦syringe⟧ Health before you travel
- See a travel clinic 4–8 weeks before departure.
- Routine vaccines up to date; commonly recommended: hepatitis A and typhoid.
- Ask about hepatitis B, rabies (rural trips, long stays, animal contact) and Japanese encephalitis (long rural stays).
- Dengue: the best protection is avoiding mosquito bites day and evening — ask your clinic about vaccine options.
- Check your own country's travel-health advice for the Philippines.
First aid kit
Wound care
- Sterile gauze, bandages, plasters, tape
- Povidone-iodine or antiseptic wipes
- Saline / eyewash, nitrile gloves
- Tweezers, small scissors, safety pins
Medicines
- Paracetamol (fever/pain — safe if dengue)
- ORS sachets — the most important item
- Antihistamine, hydrocortisone / calamine
- Antidiarrhoeal (short-term), motion-sickness tablets
- Your prescriptions in original packaging + copy of prescription
Tools
- Digital thermometer
- Space blanket, whistle
- Head torch, power bank
Primary survey — DRABC
- Danger — make it safe for you
- Response — speak loudly, squeeze shoulder
- Airway — head tilt, chin lift
- Breathing — look, listen, feel ≤10 s; not breathing → CPR
- Circulation — stop major bleeding with pressure
Emergencies & help
Typhoons, earthquakes, a lost passport or a stolen phone — what to do, step by step, even without signal. In danger right now? Call 911.
⟦tornado⟧ Typhoons & storms
About 20 tropical cyclones enter Philippine waters each year, most between July and November. Most trips are only delayed — if you prepare early and follow official warnings.
⟦wind⟧ What the storm signals mean
PAGASA raises Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals 1–5 per province. Tap a signal.
⟦cloud-rain⟧ Rainfall warnings
- Yellow
- Heavy rain. Flooding possible in low-lying areas — monitor.
- Orange
- Intense rain. Flooding is threatening — avoid rivers, low roads and slopes.
- Red
- Torrential rain. Serious flooding expected — follow evacuation orders.
Floods and landslides kill more people than wind. Never walk, ride or drive through floodwater.
⟦radio⟧ Where to get updates
- Emergency alerts on your phone: with a local SIM you receive government cell-broadcast warnings — read them.
- PAGASA (pagasa.dost.gov.ph and its social media) for signals and tracks.
- Your accommodation, the barangay and the town hall (LGU) — they announce evacuations.
- Coast Guard and ferry offices for sailing suspensions; your airline's app or SMS for flights.
- A battery FM/AM radio keeps working when mobile data is down.
⟦clipboard-check⟧ Storm readiness checklist
Tick as you go — it remembers. Start when a storm appears in the forecast.
⟦plane⟧ Stuck because of a storm?
- Stay where you are safe. Don't try to “beat the storm” by boat.
- Flights: airlines usually offer free rebooking or refunds for weather cancellations — check their app/SMS and keep confirmations.
- Ferries: tickets for suspended trips are normally rebooked; keep your ticket.
- Insurance: keep every receipt (extra nights, food, new tickets) and written proof of the cancellation.
- Extend your room early — rooms fill fast when everyone is stranded.
- Get cash before the storm; ATMs and card machines fail during power cuts.
- Tell family and your embassy where you are; many embassies have traveller registration.
- Add a buffer day before international flights in typhoon season.
⟦house⟧ After the storm
- Wait for the all-clear — the calm “eye” passes and the wind returns from the other side.
- Stay away from fallen power lines, damaged buildings, rivers and slopes (landslides continue after rain).
- Floodwater carries disease — avoid wading; if you must, wash and treat cuts; see a doctor for fever days later (leptospirosis).
- Drink only sealed or treated water (water tools).
- Expect days of disruption: power, signal, roads and ferries. Help locals where you can — and don't take resources communities need.
⟦activity⟧ Earthquakes, tsunamis & volcanoes
The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”. Small quakes are common; serious ones are rare — knowing three actions is enough.
⟦shield-alert⟧ During an earthquake
- Drop to your hands and knees.
- Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table, or against an inside wall away from windows.
- Hold on until the shaking stops.
Outside: move away from buildings, poles and slopes. On a bike: stop away from overpasses and wires. Don't run outside during shaking — falling debris injures most people.
⟦waves⟧ Tsunami — natural warnings
- On the coast, a strong or long earthquake is your warning — don't wait for an official alert.
- If the sea suddenly pulls back, or you hear a roar from the sea: go now.
- Move inland and uphill (or to the 4th floor+ of a strong concrete building) on foot.
- Stay away until officials say it's safe — more waves can follow for hours.
⟦mountain-snow⟧ Volcano alert levels
- 0
- Normal
- 1
- Low-level unrest
- 2
- Increasing unrest
- 3
- Magma rising — eruption more likely
- 4
- Hazardous eruption imminent
- 5
- Hazardous eruption in progress
PHIVOLCS sets the levels (Taal, Mayon, Kanlaon, Bulusan…). Never enter a Permanent Danger Zone; ash: stay indoors, wear an N95 mask, protect your eyes.
⟦search⟧ Lost or stolen
Stay calm — this happens to many travellers and every problem below has a known fix. Pick what happened.
⟦file-text⟧ Incident notes for the police & insurance
Write it down while it's fresh. Copy it to show the police (for the blotter), your embassy and your insurer.
⟦stamp⟧ Visa, immigration & leaving the country
Rules change — always confirm with the Bureau of Immigration (immigration.gov.ph) or your embassy.
⟦calendar-days⟧ Staying longer
- Many nationalities enter visa-free for 30 days (some for less or more) — check your passport's rule before you fly.
- You can usually extend at Bureau of Immigration offices in major cities (some services online) — apply before your stay expires. Fees apply.
- Staying beyond 59 days generally also requires an ACR I-Card (alien registration card).
- Keep the receipts and stamps of every extension with your passport.
⟦triangle-alert⟧ Don't overstay
- Overstaying brings fines and penalties that must be settled with immigration — sometimes before you're allowed to board.
- Missed your flight because of a storm and your stay ends? Go to a BI office or contact them before the expiry date.
- Never pay “fixers” offering to sort out immigration — use official BI offices only.
⟦plane-takeoff⟧ Leaving the Philippines
- Register on eTravel (etravel.gov.ph — free) within 72 hours before departure.
- Arrive 3 hours early; terminal fees are usually included in your ticket.
- The travel tax applies to Filipino citizens and residents, not to tourists on short stays.
- Make sure your passport shows your entry (and any extensions) — especially if it was replaced.
⟦package⟧ Customs — what not to carry
- Declare more than ₱50,000 in pesos or foreign currency worth over US$10,000.
- Never take shells, coral, sand, turtle or wildlife products — it's illegal to collect and export them.
- Illegal drugs carry extremely severe penalties. Never carry a bag or parcel for someone else.
- Prescription medicines: keep them in original packaging with a copy of your prescription (see medicines).
Document vault
Photos or PDFs of your passport, visa, eTravel QR, insurance and bookings — on this phone only, ready offline when an official, hotel or hospital asks. Lock it with a PIN to encrypt everything.
⟦file-plus⟧ Add a document
⟦book-open-check⟧ Emergency booklet
One printable page set with your emergency card, hotlines, embassy, insurance, route, bookings and document photos. Print it (or save as PDF) and keep a paper copy separate from your passport.
⟦shield-check⟧ Good practice
- Store: passport photo page, visa or extension stamps, eTravel QR, insurance policy, flight and hotel bookings, driving licence and IDP, prescriptions, vaccination record.
- Don't store: card numbers with CVV codes, PINs or passwords.
- Also keep a copy somewhere else — emailed to yourself or with family at home.
- Without a PIN, anyone who can open this page on your phone can see the documents. Set a PIN and lock your phone too.
- If you forget the PIN, encrypted documents can't be recovered — that's what keeps them safe.
Find your way
Lost on a trail, a back road or in a new town? These tools use your phone's GPS and compass — they work without mobile data. Keep your battery above 20% for emergencies.
⟦locate-fixed⟧ My location
Read it to rescuers or text it to someone. Coordinates work in every map app and with every rescue service.
⟦compass⟧ Compass & back to my place
Save your hotel, campsite or bike, then follow the arrow back. Hold the phone flat, away from metal.
Compass off
⟦map-pinned⟧ Places to return to
⟦footprints⟧ Trail recorder
Record your path on a hike or a ride and retrace it. Keep this page open while recording; the screen stays on if your phone allows it.
Saved trails
⟦siren⟧ SOS signal
Three of anything means distress. Use the flashing screen at night or to signal a boat; the whistle sound carries further than shouting. Call 911 first if you have any signal.
Turn your screen brightness and volume up. The flashing uses a lot of battery — signal when you see or hear rescuers, a boat or a vehicle. Mirror, fire and ground signals are in the field guide.
Activity safety guide
How to enjoy the Philippines' best outdoor adventures and come home in one piece. Each guide covers before you go, gear, on the spot, warning signs and local rules — with a ready-to-go checklist that remembers your ticks.
⟦shield-check⟧ 10 rules for every outdoor activity
Motorbike guide
Riding is the best way to explore islands like Siargao, Siquijor, Bohol and Camiguin — and the most common way travellers get hurt. Ride slower than you think you need to, in daylight, with a proper helmet, and you'll have the best days of your trip.
⟦wrench⟧ Before every ride
Three quick tools: check the bike, check your fuel, tell someone your plan.
⟦clipboard-check⟧ Pre-ride check
Two minutes before you ride off. Resets for each new ride.
⟦fuel⟧ Fuel range
Typical: 110–125cc scooter 4–5 L tank, 40–50 km/L · 150–160cc scooter 5–8 L, 35–45 km/L · 150–250cc dual-sport 7–12 L, 30–40 km/L. Hills, two people and luggage use more.
⟦send⟧ Share my ride plan
Especially when riding solo: tell someone where you're going and when to worry. A text message works even without mobile data.
⟦scale⟧ Rules & papers
Police and LTO checkpoints are common, especially in towns and at island entry points. Be polite, stop, and show your papers.
⟦id-card⟧ Licence & documents
- A valid foreign licence that covers motorcycles is accepted for 90 days after arrival. Carry it with an International Driving Permit — it avoids arguments at checkpoints.
- Staying longer? You'll need to convert to a Philippine licence at the LTO.
- Always carry the bike's OR/CR (registration papers) — ask the rental for a copy — plus your licence and ID.
- Registered bikes carry compulsory third-party insurance (CTPL); it covers injuries to others, not you or the bike. Check that your travel insurance covers motorbikes — most only do if you're licensed and wore a helmet.
⟦shield⟧ The laws riders break most
- Helmets are compulsory for rider and passenger (Motorcycle Helmet Act, RA 10054) — a proper, standard helmet, strapped.
- No drink- or drug-riding (RA 10586). Fiesta nights and weekends are when crashes spike.
- No phone in hand while riding (Anti-Distracted Driving Act, RA 10913). A mounted phone for navigation is OK if it doesn't block your view.
- Children as passengers (RA 10666): only if they can reach the foot pegs, wrap their arms around the rider and wear a proper helmet — and not on busy highways.
- Expressways (NLEX, SLEX, TPLEX…) generally only allow motorcycles of 400cc and above. Scooters use national roads.
- Follow posted speed limits — many towns are 30–40 km/h, and checkpoints watch for it.
⟦key-round⟧ Renting a bike
⟦bike⟧ Which bike?
- Automatic scooter, 110–160cc — the island standard. Easy, light, fine for loops like Siquijor, Siargao and Camiguin. About ₱350–₱600/day.
- Big scooter (150–160cc) — more comfortable for two people and longer distances. About ₱600–₱1,000/day.
- Semi-automatic / manual — only if you already ride one; gears plus gravel is not the place to learn.
- Dual-sport / trail (150–250cc) — for rough roads and mountains (Cordillera, rural Palawan). About ₱800–₱1,500/day. Experienced riders only.
- Weekly and monthly rates are much cheaper — ask.
⟦search-check⟧ Before you take the keys
- Brakes: both levers firm, bike stops straight. Tyres: real tread, no cracks or bulges.
- Lights, horn, indicators, mirrors all working.
- Video the whole bike with the owner present — every scratch — and get a written receipt listing the price, dates, deposit and damage.
- Deposit: avoid leaving your passport. Offer a photocopy plus a cash deposit instead.
- Ask for a helmet that fits (it shouldn't move when you shake your head) and a second one for a passenger.
- Get the owner's number, ask what to do in a breakdown, and who pays for a flat or theft.
- Note the fuel level — usually you return it the same.
⟦ship⟧ Taking a bike on a ferry
- RoRo ferries carry motorbikes; pay a vehicle fare at the port.
- Bring the OR/CR, your ID, and for a rental a signed letter of authority from the owner with a copy of their ID — ports often ask.
- Arrive early, ride on and off slowly — ramps are steep and slippery.
- Most island rentals don't allow ferries; ask first.
⟦lock⟧ Parking & theft
- Lock the steering, take the key, and use a disc lock overnight.
- Park where people can see the bike; pay the parking attendant (₱10–₱20) — they watch it.
- Don't leave your passport, phone or money in the under-seat box.
⟦route⟧ Road sense in the Philippines
⟦triangle-alert⟧ Expect the unexpected
- Traffic drives on the right; overtake on the left.
- Horn = “I'm here”, not anger. A short tap before overtaking and on blind bends is normal and polite.
- A vehicle flashing its headlights usually means “I'm coming through” — not “go ahead”.
- Dogs, chickens, goats, carabao and children can step out anywhere.
- Tricycles and jeepneys stop and pull out without signalling. Buses overtake hard — give them room.
- Rice or copra drying on the road in rural areas is very slippery. Ride around it slowly.
- Sand and gravel on corners, unmarked speed bumps, potholes, metal bridge plates and wet painted lines.
⟦mountain⟧ Mountains, rain & night
- Mountain roads (e.g. Halsema Highway to Sagada): fog, trucks, landslides and cold. Use both brakes and engine braking; on long descents, stop to let a scooter's brakes cool.
- Rain: roads are slickest in the first 30 minutes. Slow down, brake earlier, avoid painted lines. Wait out heavy downpours.
- Never ride through flooded roads — you can't see potholes, current or open drains.
- Storm signal raised? Don't ride. Fallen trees, landslides and debris follow typhoons.
- Avoid riding at night outside towns: unlit vehicles, pedestrians on the road, animals and drunk drivers.
⟦fuel⟧ Fuel & repairs
- Petrol stations are in every town; in remote areas look for roadside “litro” bottles (₱5–₱15 more per litre).
- On remote loops, fill up whenever you're below half.
- Flat tyre? Look for a “vulcanizing” sign — they're everywhere and a repair costs about ₱50–₱150.
- Bigger problems: a “motor shop” or call the rental owner before paying for repairs.
⟦backpack⟧ Gear that matters
- Helmet with a visor or sunglasses, gloves, closed shoes, long trousers — road rash and exhaust burns are the most common injuries.
- Rain suit or poncho, buff/dust mask, sunscreen (hands and neck burn fast).
- Phone mount, power bank, offline map, dry bag, bungee cords.
- Water, small first-aid kit, cash in small bills.
- Get off on the left — away from the hot exhaust.
⟦user-round⟧ Riding solo
Plan & check in
- Send your ride plan before you leave and an “arrived safely” message when you get there.
- Share live location when you have signal; agree a “worry time” with someone.
- Download the offline map and screenshot the route — signal disappears on mountain and coastal roads.
- Fill in your emergency card so anyone helping you can see your blood type, allergies and contact.
Ride within your limits
- Daylight only; aim to arrive two hours before sunset (see sunset times).
- Rest every 60–90 minutes — heat and glare tire you faster than you notice.
- Turn back if roads, weather or your energy get worse. There's no prize for finishing the loop.
- Keep cash, water and your phone on your body, not in the bike.
Staying safe
- The Philippines is generally welcoming to solo riders — locals will often stop to help.
- Avoid isolated roads and beaches after dark; trust your gut and move on if something feels wrong.
- Solo women riders: dress modestly in rural areas, and stick to daylight and busier routes.
- Don't ride after drinking, even “just one”.
If something goes wrong
- Get yourself and the bike off the road; switch on hazard lights.
- Call 911 if hurt; call the rental owner for breakdowns.
- Ask a shop, tricycle driver or barangay hall for help — phrases below.
⟦users⟧ Riding in a group
Groups are safer and more fun — if everyone knows the plan. Brief before you leave, every day.
⟦list-ordered⟧ Roles & formation
- Lead rider: knows the route, sets a pace the slowest rider is comfortable with, signals hazards.
- Sweep (last) rider: experienced, carries the first-aid kit, tools and a charged phone; never passes anyone; stops for anyone who stops.
- Least experienced riders right behind the leader, not at the back.
- Staggered formation on straight open roads (alternate left and right of the lane, about 2 seconds behind the rider in front of you in your track).
- Single file on bends, mountain roads, in towns, rain and poor road surfaces.
- Keep the rider behind you in your mirror. If they disappear, slow down; the leader stops at the next safe place.
- Keep groups to 4–6 bikes; split bigger groups with their own lead and sweep.
⟦hand⟧ Hand signals
Agree on them before you ride. Signal with the left hand; keep the right on the throttle.
- Left turn
- Left arm straight out
- Right turn
- Left arm out, forearm up (or use indicators)
- Slow down
- Left arm out, palm down, move it up and down
- Stop
- Left arm out, forearm pointing down, palm back
- Hazard on road
- Point at it — left side with the left hand, right side with the right foot
- Single file
- Left arm up, index finger raised
- Staggered
- Left arm up, index and little finger raised
- Need fuel
- Point at the tank
- Need a break / drink
- Thumb to mouth
- Pull off / stop here
- Arm out, pointing to the side of the road
- Follow me
- Arm up, palm forward, swing forward
- You lead
- Arm out, wave the rider forward
⟦map-pinned⟧ Briefing checklist
- Route, fuel stops, lunch stop and regroup points (every turn-off or junction if there's no signal).
- Who leads, who sweeps; phone numbers in everyone's phone (rider list below).
- What to do if separated: stop at the last regroup point and wait — don't go searching.
- Agreed turnaround time to be back before dark.
- Everyone has fuel, water, a charged phone and their emergency card filled in.
⟦siren⟧ If a rider crashes
- Lead stops the group well off the road. Sweep parks behind the crash with hazard lights to protect the scene.
- Two riders warn traffic from both directions (about 50–100 m away).
- One person checks the rider (danger, response, airway, breathing, bleeding) and calls 911. Keep the helmet on unless they can't breathe.
- One person handles the bikes and photos; one contacts the rental and insurance.
- Report to the police for a blotter (official record) — insurers and rentals ask for it.
⟦users-round⟧ Riding with a passenger
- Passengers need a helmet too. Two people make braking distances longer and steering heavier — slow down.
- Brief them: feet on the pegs at all times, lean with the bike, hold the rider's waist or the grab rail, no sudden movements.
- Most 110cc scooters struggle uphill with two adults — choose a 150cc+ for hilly islands.
⟦contact-round⟧ Group rider list
Everyone's name, phone and blood type in one place — saved on this phone. Copy it into your group chat.
⟦life-buoy⟧ Crashes, injuries & breakdowns
⟦siren⟧ After a crash
- Make the scene safe: hazard lights, warn traffic, turn off the engine.
- Check for injuries; call 911. Don't move the injured or remove their helmet unless they're in danger or can't breathe.
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, plates and IDs; exchange details.
- Don't argue about fault at the scene — wait for the police and get a blotter.
- Call the rental owner and your insurer.
⟦bandage⟧ Common riding injuries
- Exhaust burn: cool under running water for 20 minutes, cover loosely; see a clinic if it blisters widely. Prevent it by getting off on the left.
- Road rash: clean out all grit with clean water, antiseptic, non-stick dressing, keep it covered — infections are common in the heat.
- Tetanus booster if it's been 10+ years.
- Any head knock with confusion, vomiting or drowsiness → hospital. Nearest hospital.
⟦wrench⟧ Breakdowns
- Flat tyre: push to the nearest “vulcanizing” shop — don't ride on it.
- Won't start: kill switch on? Side stand up? Brake lever pulled while pressing start (scooters)? Fuel?
- Out of fuel: ask any sari-sari store for “gasolina, litro” — many sell bottles.
- Overheating or strange noises: stop, let it cool, call the owner.
⟦languages⟧ Phrases for riders
⟦map⟧ Scenic rides
Distances are approximate; ride times are relaxed, with stops. Check road and weather conditions locally.
Ride like a guest: slow through villages, wave back at the kids, and leave every road the way you found it. Ingat sa biyahe! — Take care on the road.
Off-grid & outdoors
For trekking, camping, remote islands and the day things go wrong. Preparedness is not fear — it is respect for the future.
⟦sunrise⟧ Sun, moon & tides
Daylight, moon and tide strength for any place and date — calculated on your phone, no internet needed.
Sunrise and sunset calculator
⟦calendar-days⟧ Next 7 days
⟦waves⟧ Tide planner
Tides differ a lot between bays, so exact times need local data. Get one high-tide time for where you are — from the resort's tide board, the boatmen, or a tide table (NAMRIA) before you go offline — and this planner estimates the next highs and lows. Tide strength (spring/neap) is shown above for any date.
⟦droplet⟧ Water & survival tools
Water planner
Purification timers
Filter cloudy water through cloth first. Above ~2,000 m boil for 3 minutes.
Water source risk check
Field guide
4-7-8 calming breath
Inhale through the nose 4 s · hold 7 s · exhale slowly 8 s · 4 rounds. A long exhale tells your nervous system you are safe.
S.T.O.P. when panic hits
- S — Stop
- Don't move. Just pause.
- T — Think
- What do I know? What don't I know?
- O — Observe
- Resources, risks, weather, daylight left.
- P — Plan
- One small step, then the next.
Priorities, in order
- Calm & safety — treat injuries
- Shelter — hours
- Water — days
- Signal for rescue
- Food — weeks
Panic kills — calm preserves. One breath, one step at a time.
My trip
Your route, notes, expenses and emergency card. Saved only in this browser on this device — nothing is sent anywhere. Use backup to move it to another phone.
⟦route⟧ My route
Enter your stops once — Home then shows a daily view: today's place, your next move, sunrise and sunset, the nearest hospital and timely reminders.
Route planner
No stops yet. Add your first stop — usually the city you fly into.
⟦ticket⟧ Bookings
Flights, ferries, hotels and tours — kept offline on this phone. Today's and tomorrow's appear on Home; tap one to show the reference in big letters at a check-in counter.
Booking wallet
⟦plus⟧ Add a booking
⟦lock⟧ Stored only on this phone (not encrypted) and included in your backup file. Don't save passwords or card numbers here.
⟦notebook-pen⟧ Notes, money & safety
Expense tracker
Emergency card
Shown when you tap SOS. Fill it before you need it.
Saves automatically.
My travel intention
Daily conscious-travel check
Travel journal
Kindness counter
Backup
Download everything you saved here as a file, or restore it on another device. Documents have their own export in the document vault.
Fun on the road
For long bus rides, ferry waits and rainy afternoons. Everything works offline.
⟦gamepad-2⟧ Games
Five games, four worlds each: Beach → Mountain → Jungle beach → Concrete jungle. Clear a world to unlock the next.
⟦star⟧ Quizzes & road-trip fun
Philippines trivia
Filipino phrases quiz
Photo scavenger hunt
Road-trip bingo
Tap what you spot. Four in a row wins.
About this guide
Online & offline
You're using the online version. It keeps working without signal once it has loaded, and you can install it from your browser menu (“Add to Home Screen” / “Install app”).
Prefer a single file? Download the offline version — one HTML file you can keep on your phone, laptop or USB stick and open with no internet at all.
Offline companion · 2026 edition
Created by Jasher Munar Villaruel · PTG Offgrid Digital Tools, built on the Coherent Science Framework (calibration MWW-CAL-2026).
Built with honesty, authenticity and accountability — to serve travellers and the communities they visit. No tracking, no ads, no internet needed.
Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — free to share and adapt with credit; not for commercial sale.
Support this project
If this guide serves you well, a contribution of ₱111 a month (or what you can) keeps it free and growing.
The creator also builds custom offline apps, personalised travel guides and sovereignty-aligned digital tools.
Official sources
- Department of Tourism — tourism.gov.ph
- eTravel (free) — etravel.gov.ph
- Bureau of Immigration — immigration.gov.ph
- PAGASA weather — pagasa.dost.gov.ph
- PHIVOLCS volcanoes & quakes — phivolcs.dost.gov.ph
- Local government units and tourism offices — for local fees and rules
- And the people — the most up-to-date information comes from those who live there.
Compiled from public sources and community knowledge. Conditions change — confirm locally. Educational guide, not a substitute for official or medical advice.
Keep it on your phone
- Save this .html file to your phone (Downloads / Files).
- Open it in your browser and bookmark it, or use the browser menu → Add to Home screen.
- It works fully offline. Your notes stay on this device.
© 2026 Jasher Munar Villaruel · PTG Offgrid Digital Tools · CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 · “Tourism measured not by arrivals, but by how deeply we are changed.”