Philippines
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General Travel Guide: The Pearl of the Eastern Sea
The Philippines is an archipelago that will steal your heart. With its slogan "It's more fun in the Philippines," the country promises and delivers, offering an adventure on each of its thousands of islands. It is a place where nature is shown in its maximum splendor: from beaches that seem straight out of a dream and seabeds that are a rainbow of life, to perfect volcanoes and rice fields that climb mountains. But the true treasure of the Philippines is its people. Filipinos, with their everlasting smile and incredible hospitality, will make you feel at home. Its culture is a fascinating melting pot, a mix of Malay traditions, Spanish colonial heritage and modern American touches. Get ready for a journey of breathtaking landscapes, exotic flavors and unforgettable human experiences.
Capital
Manila
Population
109.581.078
Langue
TL, Inglés
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
0
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de Philippines
Expériences uniques
Do an 'Island Hopping' in Palawan
It is the quintessential Filipino experience. It consists of sailing in a 'bangka' (traditional boat with outriggers) to explore desert islands, secret lagoons with turquoise waters and white sand beaches. El Nido and Corón are the most famous starting points for these excursions, which often include a delicious lunch of grilled fish prepared by the crew on some paradisiacal beach.
Travel in a Jeepney
Jeepneys are the colorful and iconic means of public transportation in the Philippines. Originally made from World War II American military jeeps, today they are adorned with extravagant and vibrant designs. Getting on one and traveling side by side with the locals is a loud, chaotic and absolutely authentic cultural immersion into Filipino life.
Sing in a Karaoke
Karaoke is more than a pastime in the Philippines; It is a national passion. You'll find it everywhere, from bars and restaurants to people's homes. It doesn't matter if you have a good or bad voice, Filipinos will encourage you to pick up the microphone and sing. It's an incredibly fun way to socialize and share laughter.
Live a Local Festival (Fiesta)
The Philippines has a calendar full of 'holidays' in honor of patron saints, historical events or harvests. Festivals like Sinulog in Cebu or Ati-Atihan in Kalibo fill the streets with parades, dances in colorful costumes and thunderous music. To participate in a fiesta is to witness the devotion, joy, and community spirit of the Filipino people.
Eating with your hands (Kamayan)
The traditional way of eating in the Philippines is 'Kamayan', using your hands. The food is served on a large banana leaf and shared among everyone. It is a tactile and communal experience that connects you in a deeper way with local food and culture. Many restaurants offer this option for groups.
Explore the Batad Rice Terraces
Considered by many to be the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', these 2,000-year-old terraces were carved into the mountains by the Ifugao tribe. Trekking through these spectacular landscapes, seeing how the locals continue to grow rice in the traditional way and bathing in the Tappiya waterfall is an experience that transports you to another world.
A Feast of Sour, Salty and Sweet Flavors
Filipino cuisine is an exciting fusion of Malay-Polynesian, Chinese, Spanish and American influences. It is characterized by its unique combination of sour, salty (alat) and sweet (tamis) flavors. Rice is the mainstay of every meal, and vinegar, soy sauce, and calamansi (a local lime) are essential ingredients in your pantry.
Filipino cuisine is an exciting fusion of Malay-Polynesian, Chinese, Spanish and American influences. It is characterized by its unique combination of sour, salty (alat) and sweet (tamis) flavors. Rice is the mainstay of every meal, and vinegar, soy sauce, and calamansi (a local lime) are essential ingredients in your pantry.
Sawsawan (Dip Sauces)
No Filipino meal is complete without a variety of 'sawsawan'. Each diner usually prepares their own sauce by mixing ingredients such as soy sauce, vinegar, calamansi, garlic, onion and chili peppers. This customization allows each person to balance the flavors of the dish to their liking.
Snack
Filipinos don't just eat three meals a day. The 'snack' is a light meal that is eaten mid-morning and mid-afternoon. It is an important part of social culture and an opportunity to enjoy delicacies such as pancit, kakanin (rice cakes) or a refreshing halo-halo.
Plats Iconiques
Dressing
Unofficially considered the national dish, adobo is a stew that can be chicken, pork, or both, marinated and simmered in a sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Each family has its own recipe, but the result is always a tasty and comforting dish.
Sinigang
A sour and flavorful soup that defines the Filipino love for sour flavors. Traditionally, the acidity comes from tamarind, but other fruits such as calamansi or kamias can also be used. It is prepared with meat (pork, beef) or fish and a wide variety of vegetables.
piglet
The star dish of any celebration. It is a whole pig slowly roasted over charcoal until the skin is incredibly crispy and the meat is tender and juicy. The Cebu pig is particularly famous throughout the country.
Sisig
Originating from the Pampanga region, this dish is a popular starter served sizzling on a hot plate. It is made with finely chopped and cooked parts of the pig's head, seasoned with calamansi, onion and chili peppers.
Kare-Kare
A rich and creamy stew with a characteristic thick peanut sauce. Traditionally it is prepared with oxtail, but it can also include other meats and a variety of vegetables such as eggplant and green beans. It is served with 'bagoong' (fermented shrimp paste) on the side.
Pancit
Introduced by Chinese traders, 'pancit' (noodles) has become a mainstay of Filipino cuisine. There are countless varieties, but one of the most common is Pancit Bihon, thin rice noodles stir-fried with pieces of meat, shrimp and vegetables.
Boissons typiques
San Miguel Beer
The most famous and consumed beer in the country. San Miguel Pale Pilsen is a national icon, but the brand offers many other varieties. It is the perfect companion for the tropical Philippine climate.
Calamansi Juice
Calamansi is a small citrus fruit, a hybrid between mandarin and kumquat, and its juice is incredibly refreshing. It is served cold, often sweetened with a little honey or sugar.
Buko Juice (Coconut Water)
Straight from the young coconut (buko), this drink is the quintessential tropical hydration. The coconut is often served whole, cold, with a straw. Sometimes the tender coconut meat is also added.
Sago't Gulaman
A sweet and refreshing drink very popular in street stalls. It consists of a brown sugar syrup (arnibal) with tapioca pearls (sago) and gelatin cubes (gulaman).
Desserts traditionnels
Halo-Halo
The quintessential Filipino dessert, which means 'mix-mix'. It's a colorful and extravagant mix of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and a variety of toppings like sweet beans, jellies, candied fruits, and 'leche flan', all topped with a scoop of 'ube' (purple yam) ice cream.
Flan Milk
Inherited from Spanish cuisine, it is an incredibly rich and creamy egg flan. The Filipino version uses a lot of egg yolks and condensed milk, which gives it a denser texture and more intense flavor than traditional flan.
Ube Halaya
A thick, sweet pudding made of grated 'ube' (purple yam), coconut milk and sugar. Its vibrant purple color is completely natural. It can be eaten alone or as an ingredient in other desserts such as halo-halo.
Biko
A very popular glutinous rice cake (kakanin). The rice is cooked with coconut milk and jaggery, and is often topped with 'latik', which is the solid, toasted remains left behind when the coconut milk is reduced.
Que voir par thème
The Philippines is such a diverse country that offers endless possibilities. Here we propose different ways to discover its many treasures, from dream beaches to ancient cultures.
Paradise Beaches and Island Life
With more than 7,000 islands, the choice of beaches is endless. Palawan (El Nido and Corón) is famous for its lagoons and cliffs. Boracay for its powder-fine white sand. Siargao for its perfect waves for surfing and its relaxed atmosphere. And less known ones like Malapascua or Bantayan offer a quieter getaway.
A Spectacular Underwater World
The Philippines is one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the world, located in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Tubbataha Reef Natural Park is a UNESCO-protected marine sanctuary. In Corón you can explore wrecks from World War II. In Malapascua you can dive with the elusive thresher shark, and on Apo Island you can see turtles everywhere.
Green Landscapes and Mountain Adventures
Beyond the beaches, the interior of the Philippines is spectacular. The Banaue and Batad Rice Terraces in the Cordillera are a testament to human ingenuity in harmony with nature. In Bohol, the Chocolate Hills offer a unique landscape. The country is also dotted with volcanoes, such as the perfectly conical Mayon or Pinatubo with its crater lake.
Colonial Heritage and Historical Roots
The 300 years of Spanish rule left an indelible mark. The walled city of Intramuros in Manila takes you back in time with its stone churches and cobblestone streets. Vigan, in the north, is the best preserved Spanish colonial city in Asia, with its ancestral houses and horse-drawn carriages.
Ancestral Culture and Living Traditions
In the most remote regions you can discover the indigenous cultures of the Philippines. In the mountains of Luzon, the Ifugao tribes continue to tend their rice terraces. In Sagada, you can observe the unique tradition of hanging coffins. Visiting these communities offers a fascinating insight into the country's cultural diversity.
Parties, Color and Joy
Filipino life is marked by parties. Almost every town and city has its own festival, most of them religious in origin but celebrated with incredible fervor. Cebu's Sinulog in January, Kalibo's Ati-Atihan and Baguio's Panagbenga (flower festival) are some of the largest and most spectacular, filled with parades, music and dancing.
Conseils de voyage
Greetings and Courtesy
Hospitality is essential. Filipinos are very friendly and respectful. It is common to use 'po' and 'opo' when talking to older people to show respect. A smile and a 'Salamat' (thank you) will always be well received.
Internal Transportation
To move between islands, internal flights and ferries are the main option. Within cities and towns, the most common and economical means of transportation are tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) and the iconic and colorful jeepneys. Always agree on the price of the tricycle before getting on.
Language
The official languages are Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and by younger generations, making communication much easier.
Tips and Bargaining
Tipping is not mandatory but is highly appreciated, especially if the service has been good. In restaurants you can leave 10%. Bargaining ('tawad') is a common practice in local markets and when taking a tricycle, but it should always be done with a smile and in a respectful manner.
This guide offers you a glimpse of the immense beauty and diversity of the Philippines. Each island has its own personality and secrets to discover. We encourage you to explore beyond the well-known destinations, interact with local people and let yourself be carried away by the relaxed and joyful rhythm of island life. The Philippines is not just a place to visit, it is a feeling that stays with you. Mabuhay and good trip!
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