Award-winning destinations, top-rated hotels, and insider knowledge for the ultimate Philippines experience
Explore Excellence2025 TripAdvisor Excellence Award for comprehensive island coverage
Recognized for accurate, up-to-date travel information
Consistently rated excellent by travelers worldwide
Award for promoting respectful and responsible tourism
Hand-picked destinations that consistently deliver exceptional experiences
Consistently ranked #1 island worldwide. Home to El Nido's dramatic limestone cliffs and Coron's pristine lakes.
Cloud 9 surf break attracts world-class surfers. Beyond surfing: pristine lagoons and untouched islands.
Only place on Earth with guaranteed year-round thresher shark sightings. Diving paradise.
4km of powder-soft white sand. Vibrant nightlife and water sports. Recently rehabilitated and better than ever.
Top-rated hotels verified by thousands of guest reviews
Eco-luxury on private island. Over-water bungalows and beachfront cottages with all meals included.
From $610 USD/night
Intimate 9-villa retreat on pristine Siargao. Bespoke experiences and world-class hospitality.
From $850 USD/night
Luxury beachfront resort with private beach, multiple pools, and award-winning spa facilities.
From $280 USD/night
Exclusive beachfront resort with powder-white sand rivaling Boracay. Private beach paradise.
From $195 USD/night
Premier dive resort specializing in thresher shark encounters. PADI 5-star dive center on-site.
From $85 USD/night
5-star private eco-paradise in Coron. Two pristine beaches and luxury sustainability combined.
From $450 USD/night
Insider knowledge from thousands of verified travelers
Brownouts are frequent across the Philippines - averaging 5.7 interruptions and 8.8 hours without power annually. This is due to aging infrastructure (30% of outages), storms, and rotational power cuts. ALWAYS verify your accommodation has backup generators before booking. Our excellence-certified hotels all have verified backup power systems.
Recommended Carriers:
Data Costs: ~$2 USD/GB
Reality Check: Siargao, Palawan, Coron have notoriously unreliable connections
Daily Budgets Based on 50,000+ Traveler Reports:
Hidden Costs: Generator rentals ($10-20/day), backup power banks
Pro Tip: June can be excellent for lower prices with manageable rain
Excellence Tip: Many resorts offer seaplane transfers for ultimate luxury
Reality: Even luxury resorts experience outages
Medical Facilities: Best in Manila, Cebu, limited on remote islands
Respectful travel practices recognized by TripAdvisor Excellence Program
English Proficiency: Filipinos speak excellent English with American pronunciation due to educational systems.
Communication Tip: Many Filipinos are shy about speaking English despite high fluency, often due to fear of criticism about accents. Be encouraging and patient.
Local Languages: 120+ languages spoken across islands, Filipino (Tagalog) is standardized national language.
World-Class Warmth: Filipinos are globally recognized for genuine friendliness and hospitality.
Respectful Address: Being called "ma'am" or "sir" is normal politeness, not subservience.
Family Values: Strong family-oriented culture with deep community bonds.
Elder Respect: Age and wisdom are highly valued in Filipino society.
Colonial Legacy: 400+ years of Spanish, American, and Japanese colonization created complex social hierarchies that persist today.
Colorism Reality: Unfortunately, lighter skin is often preferred due to historical associations with colonizer status and wealth.
Discrimination Exists: Some light-skinned Filipinos may discriminate against darker-skinned Filipinos - this is a painful colonial legacy, not authentic Filipino values.
Traveler Responsibility: Treat ALL Filipinos with equal respect regardless of skin tone. Support businesses that promote inclusivity.
Religious Respect: Philippines is predominantly Catholic - dress modestly at churches and religious sites.
Photography Ethics: Always ask permission before photographing people, especially indigenous communities.
Environmental Stewardship: Practice "Leave No Trace" - these pristine islands need protection.
Fair Bargaining: Haggling is expected at markets, but be respectful and fair to local vendors.
Shoe Etiquette: Remove shoes when entering Filipino homes.
Skin Whitening Industry: You'll see many whitening products in stores - this reflects colonial conditioning, not natural Filipino preferences.
Indigenous Heritage: Original Filipino cultures celebrated dark skin as spiritual and beautiful before colonization.
Supporting Change: Choose tour operators and businesses that celebrate authentic Filipino diversity and indigenous culture.
Positive Impact: Movements like #MagandangMorenx are reclaiming brown beauty and Filipino pride.
Responsible Tourism: Support local communities, especially on lesser-visited islands.
Marine Conservation: Never touch coral reefs, don't feed marine life, use reef-safe sunscreen.
Cultural Preservation: Learn about and respect indigenous traditions and beliefs.
Economic Impact: Choose locally-owned accommodations and restaurants when possible.
Excellence Tip: Many resorts offer generator rental services - book in advance during peak season.