The history of the island country of the Philippines goes back at least 709,000 years ago. Evidence of a species of archaic humans was found in the country about 134,000 years ago, and they were known as Homo luzonensis. In the prehistoric Philippines, the first inhabitants were noted to be the Negrito groups, after which followed the Austroasiatics, Papuans, and South Asians.

The social and ethnic groups eventually grew into various settlements with different degrees of political organisation, social stratification, and economic specialisation. Spanish rule began in the archipelago in 1565, leading to the creation of the first unified political structure now known as the Philippines. It ended in 1898 with the Spanish–American War. The development of the independent Philippine Republic took place in 1946.

• The Philippines is hot and humid, so remember to pack light and loose-fitting clothes so you don’t sweat throughout the day. Also, remember to pack hats, sunglasses, and water bottles in your luggage, and remember to stay hydrated while sightseeing. Consume plenty of water and seek shade occasionally to avoid dehydration. Also, keep some mosquito repellant with you to stay protected from mosquito bites.
• Bring change wherever you go, especially when travelling to smaller provinces or islands. This will be particularly useful when shopping at the local sari-sari stores and hopping on public transport.
• Although learning a few local words and phrases is always polite, it’s essential to know that almost everyone speaks English in the Philippines. This makes it infinitely easier to navigate the country, and the bilingual education provided in the schools proves useful to tourists looking to explore the island country.
• Not all the toilets in the Philippines have toilet paper. Some have them displayed outside the stalls. Therefore, carry some in your bag before going into a public washroom.
• Using local transportation systems is the easiest way to explore the Philippines as they are accessible and cheap.
• The servers in the Philippines usually earn minimum wage. Therefore, it’s polite to tip your servers at restaurants, spas, salons, or anywhere else. 10-15% of your final bill should suffice.

• Famous Tourist Attractions – Manila Chinese Cemetery, Fort Santiago, Chocolate Hills, Celosia Flower Farm
• Things To Do – Hiking, whitewater rafting, sandboarding, paragliding.
• Famous Food – Lumpia, adobo, balut, sinigang, halo-halo.
• Places To Visit – Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Davao, Bohol.
• Souvenirs To Buy: Filipino pearls, handheld fans, textiles and fabrics, coffee beans, and purple yam jam.

• Currency – Philippine peso
• Capital City – Manila
• National Animal – The carabao
• Official language – Tagalog

Here are a few reasons why you should look for Philippines tour packages for your next vacation:

The Philippines constantly appears in the list of the places around the world with the most beaches and islands. This isn’t surprising since the country has more than 7,000 islands and white sandy beaches stretching from one coast to another. These islands and beaches remain untouched by modernism, maintaining their pristine and subtle beauty. Whether you’re travelling with your kids or spouse, the sunsets at these beaches are views you will remember forever.

The joy of visiting a new place is amplified further by its people, and the Philippines has an abundance of this aspect due to the warm, friendly, and kind locals. The people are immensely proud of their culture and heritage and are always delighted to see tourists wanting to learn about their history and traditions. The minute you see them, you will be greeted with a warm smile and the willingness to tell you everything about their scrumptious delicacies, local words, and so much more.

Keeping a budget in mind is necessary on almost every traveller’s to do list. Luckily for enthusiastic tourists hoping to explore the Philippines, maintaining a holiday within a budget is not a problem. The country provides several budget-friendly options for accommodations, transportation, and more.

Believe us when we say that you haven’t experienced a festival until you have experienced one in the Philippines. The people only need a small reason to celebrate and bring out the parade, which they are very good at. The Philippines has cultural, historical, and religious festivals, lined with street dancers, performers, music, and food stalls.

The Philippines is brimming with natural beauty and wildlife. From turquoise lagoons and limestone formations to whale sharks watching and encountering one of the smallest monkeys in the world, the possibilities of discovery are endless in this island nation.

Whether you’re hoping to hike to Mount Apo in Davao or try watersports for the first time, the Philippines has a wide range of thrilling outdoor activities. The country is a blessing for those who are constantly on the lookout for adrenaline pumping activities. Paragliding, skydiving, and canoeing are some of the many outdoor adventures you can seek out during your trip with our Philippines tour packages.

An efficient way to increase your knowledge of any given destination is through its history, and many of the popular spots of the Philippines will help you travel back in time to explore its roots and background. Be it the precolonial era or the Spanish, American, and Japanese occupations, our Philippines tour packages contain plenty of heritage tours that you can select to learn about the country’s history.

While photographs will capture the memories of the rest of your trip, one particular memory you will bring back from the Philippines will linger on your tongue. Yes, we’re talking about the gastronomic experience and the country’s cuisine.

Containing influences from numerous other countries, Filipino cuisine has evolved to carve its own niche. People will surely enjoy the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours offered by the dishes in the Philippines.

While looking at our fabulous Philippines tour packages, you will probably wonder when the best time is to visit the country. The period between December and February is usually considered the ideal time to visit this archipelagic country. This is when the country witnesses its lowest rainfall, and the islands and remote areas are easily accessible.

The weather during this period is appropriate for both trekking and sightseeing. The Philippines’ weather can be divided into the cool-dry season, the hot-dry season, and the rainy season. Even within the dry season, there is a particular month to pick from based on your preference since December and January are slightly lower in temperature than March and April. Before booking one of our Philippines tour packages, peruse the information below to find out what each season brings to the island country of the Philippines.

The temperature during the cool-dry season of the Philippines usually remains between 24 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius. This is when the sun appears after the rainy days, and the humidity level decreases. The northern region feels the coldest at this time, and January brings pleasant weather and cool temperatures. Although February sees a rise in temperature, the ambience remains pleasant.

If you wish to see the Philippines decorated in the glory of festivals, this is the time to visit. During the cool-dry season, an almost endless array of festivities are lined up. These include the Grand Cordillera Festival, Feast of San Clemente, Panagbega, Pamulinawen Festival, and Suman Festival. Since December to April is the peak season in the Philippines, grab our Philippines tour packages as early as possible so we can make the best travel arrangements for you.

During the hot-dry season, the temperature in the Philippines usually stays between 25 degrees and 33 degrees Celsius. The weather gets warmer at this time, with the coastal regions bringing some relief from the heat owing to the pleasant sea breeze. April is hotter than March, giving way to sunny days and bluer skies.

The hot-dry season brings about many festivals and celebrations in the Philippines, such as the Moriones Festival, Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival, and Turumba Festival.

As the rainy season engulfs the Philippines, the temperature fluctuates between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius. Starting from the northern region of the country, the rains eventually make their way to the southern part, with September regarded as the wettest month of the year.

The rains ensure that the country blooms with lush greenery at this time, turning the Philippines into a lush wonderland for the travellers to awe at. The festivals to look forward to in the Philippines during the rainy season include Independence Day, Sandugo Festival, and Kadayawan Festival.

With our Philippines tour packages, you will never run out of activities to indulge in as you roam around the beautiful island of the Philippines. There is much to uncover during your vacation, be it family-friendly activities to enjoy with your spouse or kids or thrilling adventures that get your adrenaline pumping.

A museum with ‘dessert’ in its title? Oh, your kids are bound to love this one! Located in Manila, it is an interactive art exhibition and selfie museum. It is a delightful combination of a museum, candy store, and theme park, with dessert themed installations and art pieces on display. This museum is the first of its kind in Asia.

Covering an area of 25 hectares, Enchanted Kingdom is a theme park in the Philippines that you can take your kids to. The park has plenty of rides and unique attractions, so get on the Space Shuttle, the Ferris wheel, and the flight motion simulator ride while you’re there.

Zoobic Safari is a special petting zoo and animal observation area created in a tropical jungle. It’s the only tiger safari in the Philippines. Spread over 25 hectares, this safari allows visitors to see several animals up close, such as tigers, zebras, snakes, and monkeys.

Built in 1571, Miguel López de Legazpi, a Spanish navigator and governor, developed Fort Santiago. It’s a citadel that came into being for Manila, a new city established in the Philippines at the time. Regarded as one of the significant historical sites in the city, the fort was named after the patron saint of Spain, Saint James. The fort is now part of a historical park, including Plaza Moriones.

Popularly known as the ‘Little Amsterdam’ in Cebu, the Celosia Flower Farm is where you can witness the celosia flowers bloom in all their glory.

Situated in the Philippines’ Bohol province, the Chocolate Hills are made up of at least 1,260 hills, with about 1,776 hills present over an area that spans more than 50 square kilometres. These hills are named this way because the green grass that covers the mountain transforms into a chocolate brown hue when the dry season arrives in the island country. It’s among the most popular tourist attractions in Bohol and is also the only UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines. On 18th June 1988, the country’s 3rd National Geological Monument was declared.

Whether you are a newbie or an experienced hiker, the Philippines covers your hiking dreams. Benguet’s Mount Pulag, the third-highest peak in the country, is a beloved hiking destination that offers a spellbinding view of the clouds you will remember for decades.

Do you want to fly across mesmerising views in the Philippines? You can also do that with our Philippines tour packages through paragliding. Some of the best paragliding trips are in Cavite, Carmona, Cagayan de Oro, and Ilocos Sur.

Perhaps you wish to surf for the first time, or maybe your surfing-loving heart wants to get back into the water after quite a gap; regardless of the situation, the Philippines offers many opportunities for tourists to go surfing. The Siargao Island is among the best surfing locations in the country.

Have you ever jumped from a high point in the sky and made your way down to earth? This particular adventure sport can also be experienced in the Philippines. The Bantayan Island in Cebu is perfect for this purpose.

While there are many spots in the country where you can try this, the best places in the Philippines to go whitewater rafting are Cagayan de Oro and Kalinga.

Who doesn’t want to bring home cute souvenirs from their trip? With our Philippines tour packages, you can do precisely this as you explore the Philippines. Be it shopping malls or local stores, there is an abundance of spots to shop in the Philippines, satiating your cravings for modern and traditional items that you will cherish for decades.

Listed below are some of the items you must look into during your vacation and some of the best places to shop them from:

Given that the Philippines is engulfed by the sea from all sides, it doesn’t surprise that golden and white pearls are some of the country’s most loved souvenirs to carry.

Extracted from the deep corners of the sea, Filipino pearls are among the best you will ever come across. You can choose from necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, and so much more, available in various sizes, shapes, and colours.

You have probably had mangoes before, but have you tried dried ones? If you haven’t, you should try the ones available in the Philippines and pack plenty for yourself and your loved ones back home so they can taste this Filipino delicacy. Delicious and tangy, these irresistible snacks are delightfully chewy without being dry.

The Philippines is gifted with skilled artisans who create a wide variety of wooden handicrafts, which are especially popular in the Province of Quezon, situated in the Calabarzon region.

You can find wooden handicrafts of various types in the country, such as boxes, lampshades, bowls, spoons, décor items, and little trinkets. There are also adorable wooden models of shoes, fish, coconut trees, and barrel man that you can grab to keep on display at your home.

Do you know that the Philippines is among the few countries producing the four main coffee varieties: Arabica, Excelsa, Robusta, and Liberica? Did learning that information just make your coffee-loving heart do a little happy dance? You’re in for a treat because you can pack fresh, high-quality coffee beans for yourself and your family.

These coffee beans have a sufficiently long shelf life and are not too heavy, making them convenient for packing in luggage.

You have probably seen pictures of the locals of the Philippines donning conical hats, which are known as salakot in the country. These hats protect your face, neck, and head from the sun and serve as unique souvenirs. Lightweight and affordable, they can be used to shield yourself from the heat when you’re out for a picnic or even while working outdoors.

Let us tell you about yet another souvenir that will help you get some relief from the hot and sultry weather the country usually witnesses: handheld fans, which are locally called abaniko or pamaypay.

Available in both foldable and non-foldable versions, simple fans are made from anahaw or buri leaves, and the exquisite kind is created using silk tassels. People often carry these fans to weddings and other social occasions, and they are also part of the country’s women’s traditional dress.

Ube halaya, also known as purple yam jam in the Philippines, is exactly what it sounds like and delivers just what it promises: a burst of unique sweetness in your mouth. Ube refers to a purple yam that is first boiled and then mashed before being used in numerous sweet dishes in the Philippines.

When you bring this jam to your country, spread it generously over breads, muffins, pies, cakes, croissants, and other items you choose and consume to your heart’s content.

The Philippines manufactures some original fabrics that are both natural and gorgeous and can be carried back home from your holiday.

Pina, for example, is a traditional Philippine fibre created using pineapple plant leaves. Batik material is also available in numerous colourful designs. You can buy these fabrics in the form of clothes, wallets, towels, and bags.

• Divisoria Market (Manila): For textiles, accessories, bags, clothes, footwear, jewellery, and electronic goods.
• Quiapo Market (Manila): For fresh fruits and vegetables and affordable dinner sets, plates, and kitchenware.
• Carbon Market (Cebu): For home décor, clothes, and fresh produce.
• Robinsons Galleria Cebu: For their vast array of stores, boutiques, and restaurants.
• Bohol Quality Mall (Bohol): This is for their boutiques, restaurants, and bookstores.
• Greenhills Shopping Center (Manila): For clothes, video games, and furniture.

When you buy a souvenir from the Philippines, you get to contribute to their local economy and show your support to the local entrepreneurs and artisans. Several of the products you bring home are made by skilled workers who often come from small communities. Therefore, by purchasing from them, you get to promote the country’s cultural heritage and preserve their traditional craftsmanship, but you also help sustain the livelihoods of the local workers.

Shopping sustainably and responsibly isn’t just something we should do when shopping wherever we live. It’s a point to keep in mind even when we’re shopping on a holiday, and this applies when you shop for anything in the Philippines, as well as with our Philippines tour packages. When you purchase local souvenirs from the Philippines, you contribute to sustainable tourism. Make sure to pick products created from natural materials to preserve the environment and the country’s traditional practices.

The local souvenirs in the Philippines set themselves apart through their intricate craftsmanship and handwoven beauty. They give you a glimpse of the country’s rich heritage, which is why you should get these items for yourself and your loved ones who prefer collecting souvenirs from all over the world.

If you’re travelling to the Philippines, you probably hope to find a mix of sweet, spicy, and savoury dishes. The good news is that the country will not disappoint you. Tagged as the next big thing to watch out for in the culinary world, Filipino cuisine displays various influences throughout its rich history.

The food in the Philippines is influenced by other Asian countries, such as China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, yet it maintains its distinct and unique elements. Our Philippines tour packages allow you to experience all their lip-smacking dishes as you explore the country. Let us explore the various combinations of flavours and traditional cooking techniques you can taste while you’re in the Philippines.

Lumpia is the Filipino version of spring rolls. It is often served as an appetiser for celebrations, gatherings, and sit-down family meals. Its outer coating resembles a thin paper like crepe, and it is usually deep-fried until it transforms into a crispy and hot snack.

The inner contents of lumpia include carrots, onions, cabbage, pork, dried fruits, and other vegetables. To add a touch of sweetness, you can dip the rolls in banana ketchup or a vinegar based dipping sauce.

Adobo is often regarded as the national dish of the Philippines, and it’s among those integral parts of Filipino cuisine that you must try during your trip when you book our Philippines tour packages. It is a dish and a cooking method wherein the vegetables or meats (usually chicken or pork) are marinated in a brine of vinegar, salt, pepper, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorn. The name of the dish has a Spanish origin. It comes from ‘adobar’, the meaning of which is to marinate.

For those genuinely looking to go wild with their culinary experience in the Philippines, balut is a dish you might want to check out. It’s undoubtedly not for the faint-hearted. The dish consists of a boiled egg containing a semi developed duck embryo that is incubated for 14 to 21 days. After that, it is boiled and then eaten directly from the shell. Although it may not sound too appetising to everyone, it tastes better than its description.

To eat balut, you first need to crack open and peel the top of the eggshell. Once you sip out the liquids, you can add the seasonings of your choice and eat the contents directly from the shell.

Sinigang is yet another integral part of Filipino cuisine. It’s a stew or soup that distinguishes itself through its mix of savoury and sweet flavours. Like many other dishes in the Philippines, singing refers to both the dish and the cooking method.

The tamarind based dish is filled with acidic fruits that enhance its taste, such as santol, kamias, batuan, and guava. This sour stew consists of either beef, fish, shrimp, or pork and numerous vegetables, including onions, tomatoes, green beans, okra, eggplant, water spinach, and white radish.

Halo-halo, literally translating into ‘mix mix’ in Tagalog, is one of the most internationally recognised Filipino desserts. The dish’s presentation and taste vary across the island country. It contains milk, legumes, gels, crushed ice, and sweetened fruits. Certain versions can also contain sweetened beans, coconut strips, kaong, leche flan, and macapuno or coconut sport.

An interesting bit about this dish is that it is often served in a tall parfait glass, so you can see the multiple colourful layers of deliciousness you’re about to consume.

Sisig is an appetiser usually served when people gather to drink alcohol, but it can also be served along with rice or other Filipino food. It’s a minced meat dish usually made using pork and chicken liver, but numerous other versions exist today that contain ingredients such as ostrich, eggs, squid, tuna, and mussels.

The dish originated in the Pampanga province, where a restaurant owner invented it. The first sisig was made from grilled pig’s face and ears, combined with liver paste, chopped onions, chilli peppers, and cooked liver.

Lechon translates to ‘roasted piglet’ and is a dish that appears at most celebrations and significant events in the Philippines. However, the dish isn’t made with a piglet but is instead created using a fully grown pig, first seasoned lightly before being roasted whole.

Once the pig is stuffed with spices and herbs like garlic, onions, and lemongrass, it is roasted slowly over charcoal for hours until its outer appearance turns reddish brown. A fun fact to note is that when Anthony Bourdain, the internationally renowned American chef, tasted lechon, he exclaimed, “It’s the best pig ever!”

Chicharon, which originated in Spain, is a savoury snack or appetiser in the Philippines. Although it is commonly made using crispy fried pork belly, there are variations of the dish made using beef or chicken. It’s among those snacking dishes alongside beer and other beverages. The country’s restaurants often serve chicharon along with vinegar to add a bit of sourness to the concoction.

Pancit refers to traditional Filipino noodle dishes in various types, shapes, and sizes. Majorly influenced by Chinese culture, pancit dishes have become an important part of Filipino celebrations, including birthdays and holidays. Although the dish is quite filling, it is usually served alongside rice or other dishes, with both the soupy and dry versions being quite popular.

Certain values are of extreme importance to the people of the Philippines, such as kindness, optimism, spirituality, and friendliness. Societal obligations and relationships often form the base of Filipino values, which firmly believe in group and societal acceptance. Children are taught to be respectful from a very young age, which also entails greeting everyone with titles of respect. Treating elders with respect is a part of the value system of Filipinos, such as accepting their blessings through the gesture of mano, which is when young people touch the back of an older person’s hand to their forehead.

Christianity is the majority faith in the Philippines, and 90% of the country’s population is Christian. Islam and other indigenous faiths are also present.

Cockfighting is a well established and popular Sunday tradition throughout the Philippines. Another tradition that is quite commonly seen across the country is street parades. Every celebration has parades, populated with dance, music, designed floats, and delicious local cuisine.

Numerous elements form part of the arts and culture scene in the Philippines, including literature, painting, theatre, dance, and music. Folk music and dances remain a part of the country’s culture even today.

Explore the Philippines’ vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. Enjoy vibrant culture & breathtaking scenery. Respect local customs and laws. Visit the official Department of Philippines Tourism website.