When you think of Philippines, you imagine pristine beaches, cool water bodies, crystal clear skies, white sand and breezy weather. The island country, located in the Asian subcontinent, officially known as the Republic of Philippines, is an archipelagic country in the Southeastern region, with a collection of over 7600 islands.
Places to Visit:
The Philippines offers a diverse range of popular tourist destinations, from vibrant cities to stunning islands and unique natural wonders.
Some of the most popular places include Boracay for its beaches, Palawan (including El Nido and Coron) for its natural beauty, Cebu for its history and beaches, and Manila for its cultural and historical attractions.
- Other notable destinations include the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, the historic city of Vigan, and the surfing haven of Siargao.
For Indians, travelling to the Philippines has been a widely preferred destination. Until now, an e-Visa had to be availed post a meticulous application process, and submission of necessary documents for approval.
However, as per the latest directive released on August 5, 2025, a Declaration on Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Republic of India was signed between the two countries. This landmark bilateral agreement aims to facilitate greater people-to-people exchange, and hence in this regard, a decision to grant visa-free privileges to Indian tourists by the Philippines and he extension of gratis e-tourist visa for Filipino nationals by India was welcomed.
Information on Philippines:
- Capital: Manila
- Population: 4 Crores
- Language: Filipino, English
- Currency: Philippine peso (PHP)
- Religion: Christianity
As of the current exchange rate (subject to change), 1 Indian Rupee (INR) is approximately equal to 0.65 Philippine Pesos (PHP). This means INR 100 is roughly around 65.37 PHP. You must always check the latest rates before travelling or exchanging currency.
Health & Safety:
- When travelling to the Philippines, ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date, especially for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis.
- Visitors are also highly recommended to have travel insurance to cover unforeseen medical expenses.
- Though, the Philippines is generally safe for tourists. Do exercise usual precautions against petty theft.
Transportation:
- Travellers can easily get domestic flights in the Philippines for travel purposes. Airlines like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines offer flights between islands.
- Further, tricycles, jeepneys, and taxis are widely available for local transportation.
- Another way to travel in the Philippines is through ferries, which are a common mode of transport between islands. Do check schedules in advance.
By Air:
There are various connecting flights between India and Philippines from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai.
- Major Airlines: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Thai Airways offer connecting flights to Manila, Cebu, and other major Philippines cities.
- Transit Hubs: Common layover cities include Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.
- Travel Time: Non-stop flights take 7 – 8 hours approximately and connecting flights time can vary depending upon the layover duration, with the ideal travel ranging between 10 to 14 hours.
As of October 1, 2025, Air India will commence non-stop direct flights from Delhi to Manila, enhancing connectivity between India and the Philippines.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Philippines is generally during the dry season, from December to February. This period offers comfortable temperatures, minimal rainfall, and sunny skies, making it ideal for exploring the islands and enjoying outdoor activities. This is the peak tourist season with the best weather. Temperatures are cooler, especially in the north, and humidity is lower.
January is a great time to visit for festivals like the Sinulog Festival in Cebu. The cool-dry season is ideal for island hopping, particularly in January.
Economical Time to Visit: The shoulder months of May and November are ideal for enjoying lower prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather, marking the beginning or end of the rainy season. Among the two, November tends to be cooler than May.
For information related to Visa, travel guidelines and latest information from the Embassy of Philippines, visit The Official Website of the Department of Foreign Affairs – Republic of the Philippines.
