Philippines
Over 7,000 islands, turquoise lagoons, and ancient rice terraces: your complete guide to the Philippines.
Our Guide to the Philippines
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Flair
Paradisiacal, exotic, and a dream for divers.
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Best time to visit
December through April (dry season).
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Trip length
Three weeks for island hopping (Palawan, Cebu, Siargao).
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Currency
Philippine Peso — bring plenty of cash for the islands!
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Tipping
Around 10% is customary, unless a service charge is already included.
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Getting around
Domestic flights and ferries connect the islands.
Where is everything in the Philippines?
The Philippines is both a country and an island archipelago with more than 7,641 islands, located in Southeast Asia — more precisely, in the western Pacific Ocean.
The South China Sea to the west separates the Philippines from Vietnam, while the Sulu Sea to the southwest separates it from Malaysia. To the south lies the Celebes Sea, with Indonesia as the closest neighbor.
We’ve pinned the most beautiful islands and top attractions across the Philippines on a map for you.
5 Facts About the Philippines
- The Philippines is home to around 110 million people — it ranks among the 15 most populous countries in the world
- The capital of the Philippines is Manila
- The Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia that is predominantly Christian rather than Buddhist
- The Philippines has 24 active volcanoes
- Basketball is by far the most popular sport in the Philippines
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the Philippines?
The Philippines covers a total area of approximately 343,448 km² — about the same size as Germany, for a rough comparison.
How many people live in the Philippines?
The Philippines is home to approximately 106,512,000 people, making it one of the most populous countries in the world.
What is the capital of the Philippines?
The capital is Manila.
It’s also by far the largest city in the archipelago, located on the island of Luzon. The city proper has around 1.7 million residents, while the greater metropolitan area is home to about 12.8 million.
What languages are spoken in the Philippines?
More than 171 languages are spoken across the Philippines. The official language is Filipino, which is based on Tagalog — spoken primarily on Luzon.
Spanish was the official language until 1987, so many Filipinos still understand or speak it. Other widely spoken languages and dialects include Cebuano, Iloko, and Waray-Waray.
What time zone is the Philippines in?
The Philippines runs on UTC+8 year-round — there’s no daylight saving time. Depending on where you’re traveling from, plan accordingly for jet lag.
What currency is used in the Philippines?
The Philippines uses the Philippine Peso (PHP). One US dollar is roughly equivalent to 56–58 PHP, though exchange rates fluctuate — always check the current rate before you go.
Is the Philippines safe to visit?
Some regions of the Philippines carry elevated safety risks, particularly due to terrorist activity — it’s worth checking your government’s current travel advisories before you book.
Compared to many other Southeast Asian countries, petty crime is somewhat more common in the Philippines. That said, popular tourist areas are generally safe, and most travelers have a trouble-free trip.
One other thing to be aware of: the Philippines has several active volcanoes, so it’s worth monitoring local conditions if you’re planning to visit volcanic areas.
