The Philippines is a great place for island hopping and scuba diving, with over 7,000 islands full of white sand beaches, rainbow corals, and turquoise waterfalls. One of the best known islands is Palawan, which was ranked by Travel + Leisure as the most beautiful island in the world.

Climate

The climate of the Philippines is tropical, so the weather is hot and humid year round. The rainy season runs from June to October (with the typhoon season generally being September and October), and the sunny season runs from November to May. It’s still possible to visit Philippines in the rainy season, but give yourself some extra days as a buffer in case of bad weather.

Safety

The Philippines is generally a safe place to travel, but there are a few areas to steer clear of. Some parts of Mindanao can be dangerous due to terrorism and kidnappings. With that said, I’ve traveled in many parts of the Philippines and haven’t witnessed any crime. Attitudes toward foreigners usually seem welcoming. The biggest safety risks are probably motorbike accidents and natural threats, like dengue fever or malaria. Be sure to wear mosquito spray in rural areas, especially during the rainy season.

Budget

The Philippines is a very budget friendly travel destination, with hostels available from $5 and private hotels from $10. Meals are also cheap, costing about $1 to $5 depending on location. Transportation in the Philippines is generally by motorbike or car, and these can be rented, but hiring a driver is cheap and often preferable. Transportation apps like Grab are great for getting around.