TravelWhiz by Wendy Orr
Palawan Philippines El Nido limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoon

Philippines Vacations — 7,641 Islands of Extraordinary Beauty

Philippines

Best Time to Visit: November through April
Climate: Tropical with a wet season (June–October) and a dry season (November–May). Temperatures are warm year-round (27–32°C).

The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia's most extraordinary travel destinations — an archipelago of 7,641 islands with some of the world's most beautiful beaches, world-class diving, extraordinary marine biodiversity, and the warmest hospitality in Asia. Palawan's El Nido, Boracay's White Beach, and the extraordinary Tubbataha Reef make the Philippines one of the world's great beach and diving destinations.

Why Visit Philippines?

  • Palawan — consistently ranked the world's most beautiful island, with extraordinary El Nido and Coron
  • Boracay — White Beach, one of the world's most beautiful beaches
  • Tubbataha Reef — a UNESCO World Heritage marine reserve with extraordinary diving
  • Chocolate Hills, Bohol — an extraordinary geological formation of 1,268 conical hills
  • Whale sharks, Oslob — swim with the world's largest fish in Cebu

Things to Do in Philippines

Wendy can arrange any of these experiences as part of your personalised itinerary.

El Nido Island Hopping, Palawan

Take an island hopping tour through the extraordinary El Nido archipelago — limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches.

Boracay White Beach

Relax on the extraordinary White Beach in Boracay — one of the world's most beautiful beaches, with fine white sand and crystal-clear water.

Whale Shark Snorkelling, Oslob

Swim with whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu — an extraordinary experience, though controversial due to the feeding of wild animals.

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Visit the extraordinary Chocolate Hills — 1,268 conical hills that turn chocolate brown in the dry season, a UNESCO tentative World Heritage Site.

Tubbataha Reef Diving

Dive the extraordinary Tubbataha Reef — a UNESCO World Heritage marine reserve accessible only by liveaboard, with extraordinary marine biodiversity.

Intramuros, Manila

Explore the extraordinary Intramuros — the walled city of Manila, with extraordinary Spanish colonial architecture and history.

Ready to book your Philippines trip?

Wendy handles flights, hotels, transfers, and experiences — all in one place.

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Where to Eat in Philippines

Wendy's recommended restaurants — from fine dining to authentic local cuisine.

Fine Dining

Gallery by Chele, Manila

The Philippines' most celebrated restaurant — extraordinary modern Filipino cuisine by chef Chele González.

Filipino Cuisine

Lechon de Cebu

The most celebrated dish in the Philippines — extraordinary whole roast pig, a must-eat in Cebu.

Seafood

Dampa Seaside Market, Manila

Manila's most extraordinary seafood experience — choose your fresh seafood from the market and have it cooked to order.

Where to Stay in Philippines

Wendy has personal relationships with these properties and can often secure upgrades and exclusive rates.

El Nido Resorts, Palawan

Luxury

The most celebrated resorts in Palawan — four extraordinary eco-resorts on pristine islands, with exceptional service and world-class diving.

Shangri-La Boracay

Luxury

Boracay's finest resort — beautiful beach, exceptional spa, and world-class service on the extraordinary Punta Bunga Cove.

Amanpulo, Pamalican Island

Luxury

One of the world's most extraordinary private island resorts — 40 casitas on a pristine island in the Sulu Sea, exceptional service.

Planning Your Philippines Trip

📅 Best Time to Visit

November through April — the dry season with the best weather for beaches and diving. May through October is the wet season and typhoon season.

🌤️ Climate

Tropical with a wet season (June–October) and a dry season (November–May). Temperatures are warm year-round (27–32°C).

✈️ Getting There

Connecting flights from Calgary to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) via Tokyo, Seoul, or Hong Kong. Total travel time approximately 16–20 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions — Philippines

Do Canadians need a visa for the Philippines?

No — Canadian citizens can visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days with a valid passport. This can be extended to 59 days at immigration offices.

Which island is best in the Philippines?

Palawan (El Nido, Coron) is the most beautiful; Boracay has the best beach; Cebu has the best diving and whale sharks; Siargao is the best surfing destination.

Is the Philippines safe for tourists?

The main tourist areas of the Philippines (Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol) are generally safe for tourists. The southern Philippines (Mindanao) has some security concerns — Wendy will advise on safe itineraries.

Book Your Philippines Trip with Wendy

As your trusted travel consultant, Wendy handles every detail of your Philippines vacation — from flights and hotels to transfers and experiences. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.

Book Your Philippines Trip with Wendy

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