Philippines Travel Guide: Places I Enjoyed as a Filipino
There are still so many places in the Philippines that I want to explore, even though I was born and raised in Manila. It has been years since I moved abroad, but I still think about returning to Cebu, Boracay, Baguio, and Tagaytay, as well as visiting Palawan and Balesin Island for the first time. More often than not, I also find myself reminiscing about previous trips to places that are especially popular with local travelers, like Baler, Pampanga, and Bataan.
I’m from Metro Manila, the National Capital Region that is made up of cities that can feel completely different from one another. I lived and studied in Quezon City in the north, spent many of my teenage weekends in Makati and BGC in Taguig, and later worked in Pasig. I also have fond memories of Manila City itself, especially Binondo and the area around Taft Avenue.
If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, I’d recommend going beyond Metro Manila. A couple of days in the capital may be enough for many travelers, but I feel the country has much more to offer. Boracay gives you that classic island escape, while destinations like Cebu combine city life with beaches, nature, and more adventurous experiences. The Philippines is a beautiful archipelago, and despite its political and socio-economic challenges, it’s a country I’ve genuinely enjoyed and one I still look forward to discovering more of.
Connectivity
Stay connected from the moment you arrive. These guides compare eSIMs, Pocket WiFi, and local SIM cards to help you choose what works best for your trip.
Transfers
Getting around the Philippines often involves more than one mode of transport. These guides cover useful airport, ferry, van, and intercity connections for popular destinations.
Stays & Dining
Hotels I’ve personally stayed at, restaurants I’ve visited, and accommodation guides to help you decide where to stay and eat during your trip.
Seda Vertis North
The Quezon City hotel I come back to whenever I go home.
Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay
My family has stayed here twice, and we’re already looking forward to the next visit.
Best Hotels in Boracay
Where to stay across Stations 0, 1, 2, and 3 based on the type of trip you’re planning.
Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines
A good premium casual dining experience near Manila Airport, especially when you’re celebrating something.
Continue Planning Your Trip
More Travlists guides to help you book the rest of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an eSIM when traveling in the Philippines?
An eSIM is one of the easiest ways to stay connected in the Philippines, especially if you want mobile data ready without registering a local tourist SIM after arrival. Most travel eSIMs can be installed before your trip and offer coverage in Manila, Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, and other major destinations.
What’s the best way to get around the Philippines?
It depends on the destination. Manila and Cebu have ride-hailing apps and taxis, while island destinations like Boracay and El Nido rely more on airport transfers, tricycles, boats, and ferries. Planning your transportation in advance can make traveling between islands much easier.
Where should I stay in Boracay?
Station 1 is known for a wider, quieter stretch of White Beach and more upscale resorts, Station 2 is the island’s busiest area with restaurants and nightlife, while Station 0 offers a more secluded luxury experience. The best area depends on the type of trip you’re planning.
Is it worth booking airport transfers in advance?
For destinations like Boracay, yes. Getting from the airport to your hotel often involves several legs, including land transfers and a boat ride, so booking everything in advance removes much of the guesswork after you arrive.
About the author
I’m Julian, the editor and co-founder behind Travlists. I was born and raised in Metro Manila before moving to South Korea in 2020. Although I now live abroad, I regularly return home and continue exploring different parts of the Philippines whenever I visit.
For this Philippines travel guide, I share places I’ve visited, hotels I’ve stayed at, restaurants I’ve dined in, transportation I’ve researched, and practical travel tips based on growing up in the country and planning trips back as both a local and an overseas Filipino. My goal is to help travelers book with more confidence using firsthand experience, provider research, and official source checks.