Planning your first trip to the Philippines? There are a few things you really should know before you arrive.
The Philippines is an incredible country to explore, but travelling here can be very different from what you might expect. With 7,641 islands scattered across the Coral Triangle, tropical weather, long travel times, local customs and plenty of quirks you won't find in a typical guidebook, a little preparation can make a big difference. Distances that look short on a map can take much longer to travel, especially when islands, ferries and local transport are involved. And yes, the water really can be as blue as you see on Instagram, with palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs and incredible marine life attracting visitors from around the world. Cebu is a particular favourite with travellers, offering waterfalls, world-class snorkelling and diving, the famous Moalboal sardine run and a relaxed pace of life. We've lived and travelled in the Philippines and picked up plenty of useful tips along the way – from understanding the weather and getting around, to knowing what a “CR” is, why you should carry toilet paper and why you might want to think twice before booking certain wildlife experiences. So, before you pack your bags, here are some things you should know before visiting the Philippines.
Original: February 2020
Updated: August 2026 
With over 7,600 islands to visit, don't try to see too many in one trip
1. The Philippines is Bigger Than You Think!
The Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands, stretching from north to south across Southeast Asia. It's easy to look at a map and assume you can see several islands in one trip, but the sheer size of the country can come as a surprise to first-time visitors. When planning a trip to the Philippines, think about what you really want to see and resist the temptation to tick off too many destinations. Each island has its own character, landscapes and experiences, and giving yourself enough time to enjoy them is far better than rushing from one place to the next. 
Factor in more time when travelling between destinations, it often takes longer than you think
2. Travelling Around the Philippines Takes Longer Than You Expect
Travelling around the Philippines isn't always as quick or straightforward as you might expect. There are no trains or underground systems connecting destinations, so depending on where you're travelling, you may be relying on buses, taxis, motorbikes, ferries or domestic flights. Traffic can also add considerably to your journey time, particularly around the cities. For example, Moalboal is only around 98km from Cebu City. You might look at the map and expect the journey to take around two hours, but in reality it can take 2.5–3 hours by taxi and around 3–4 hours or more by bus, depending on traffic and road conditions. And that's before you factor in travelling between islands. When planning your trip to Cebu or elsewhere in the Philippines, allow more time than you think you'll need and don't pack your itinerary too tightly. For current transport options and how to get to Moalboal, see our Travel Information page. 
You won't experience a cold winter in the Philippines - it's a hot year-round destination
3. The Weather Isn't Always As Predicted
The Philippines is a tropical country, so it's warm and humid throughout the year, with a generally dry season from December to May and a wet season from June to November. However, with 7,641 islands, weather varies considerably between regions. It could be pouring with rain in Manila while the sun is shining in Cebu, so don't rely on a country-wide forecast. The rainy season doesn't mean it will rain every day, and even the dry season can bring unexpected showers. We experienced three years of La Nina when rain continued well into the dry season, so our advice is simple: always pack a lightweight rain jacket. Typhoons are most common during the wet season, but they don't mean your holiday will be a washout. Check the forecast for the specific island or area you're visiting, particularly before booking boat trips or day trips. Here in Moalboal, we're sheltered by islands to the east and west, so we often experience less severe weather than other parts of the Philippines. For more advice on what to bring, read our helpful guide Essential Items to Pack for the Philippines 
English is widely spoken and understood throughout the Philippines
4. Filipinos Speak Excellent English
The Philippines has two official languages, Filipino and English, and English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country. You’ll find it particularly easy to communicate in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants and when travelling around. Filipino (Tagalog) is the main language in many parts of the country, but languages vary between regions. Here in Moalboal, Cebuano (Bisaya) is widely spoken, and you’ll hear plenty of it alongside English. If you want to be polite and friendly with locals, learning a few simple words in the local language will usually bring a smile: Salamat = Thank you Salamat Kaayo = Thank you very much Palihug = Please Maayong buntag = Good morning Pila? = How much? Dili = No 
You will encounter many friendly locals around the Philippines
5. Locals are Extremely Friendly and Polite
One of the things visitors often notice first about the Philippines is how friendly and welcoming people are. Children may give you a high five, shopkeepers ask how long you're staying, and someone on a motorbike might simply say “hello” as they pass. Almost everyone you meet will address you as “ma'am” or “sir”. If you want the best experience from your trip to the Philippines, interact with the locals. When someone asks where you're going or where you've been, it's usually their way of being friendly and starting a conversation. They may not need to know the answer – sometimes it's simply an opportunity to chat with someone new or practise their English. Filipinos generally try to avoid confrontation, so if something doesn't go to plan, a friendly and polite approach will usually get you much further than being aggressive or demanding. A smile really does go a long way here. 
The mesmerising sardine run in Moalboal
6. The Philippines Is a World-Class Snorkelling and Diving Destination
If you love snorkelling or scuba diving, the Philippines should be high on your list. Located within the Coral Triangle, the country is home to an incredible variety of marine life and some exceptional underwater experiences. Here in Cebu, you don't have to go far to experience it. You can walk straight off the beach in Moalboal and snorkel with millions of sardines, swim with turtles, or explore colourful coral reefs. Around the region, there are also opportunities to dive with thresher sharks in Malapascua and discover some of the Philippines' excellent macro and muck diving sites. Whether you're an experienced diver or simply want to grab a mask and snorkel, the Philippines offers plenty of reasons to get in the water.
Discover what to do and the best things to see when visiting Moalboal.
Oslob whale shark watching is not ethical or responsible tourism
7. Think Twice Before Swimming With Whale Sharks in Oslob
Swimming with whale sharks sounds incredible, and Oslob in Cebu is one of the Philippines' best-known wildlife attractions. But before you book, know that the whale sharks are hand-fed to keep them returning to the area. In February 2025, the Provincial Government of Bohol stopped all whale shark interaction activities in three towns after finding that operators were feeding the sharks with krill to lure them into the area. The province said this violated its no-feeding ordinance and national regulations governing marine wildlife tourism. Read the Philippine Information Agency's report on the Bohol whale shark ban. If another Philippine destination has stopped the same type of wildlife interaction because feeding alters the animals' natural behaviour, why would we recommend doing it in Oslob? For us, that's enough to say don't go. Here in Moalboal, you can see the famous sardine run year-round, along with turtles and an incredible variety of marine life – all in their natural environment. Read our guide to why we don't recommend the Oslob whale shark experience. 
Cash is still King across most islands in the Philippines
8. Cash Is Still King in the Philippines
Although cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops, you still need cash when travelling around the Philippines. Smaller restaurants, local shops, markets, tricycles and some tourist attractions may only accept Philippine pesos, particularly outside the main cities. Don't assume there will always be an ATM nearby either. If you're travelling between islands or staying somewhere more remote, carry enough cash to cover your day and keep some smaller notes for transport, food and small purchases. Cards aren't your only alternative. For example, Moalboal Eco Lodge and some other businesses accept international payments through services such as Wise or Revolut, which can be useful if you don't want to carry large amounts of cash. Our advice? Don't rely on one payment method. Carry some pesos, have a card as a backup, and check with your accommodation before you arrive to see what payment options they accept. 
As the Philippines are the Social Media and text capital of the world, wifi and internet are pretty good
9. Wi-Fi Is Good, But Get a Local SIM or eSIM
Wi-Fi is generally good in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, although connections can be slower or less reliable on some islands and remote areas. Here in Cebu and Moalboal, you shouldn't have any problems. We recommend getting a local SIM or eSIM for mobile data. It makes travelling much easier for checking maps, arranging transport, contacting your accommodation or booking tours when you're away from Wi-Fi. The two main networks are Globe and Smart, both offering affordable prepaid data packages. If you buy a physical SIM, you'll need to register it with valid ID. You'll also see “Load Na Dito” signs everywhere – load is prepaid credit for calls, texts and mobile data. At Moalboal Eco Lodge, we have reliable Wi-Fi, but having your own mobile data gives you more freedom when travelling around the Philippines. 
There are many festivals and National Holidays throughout the Philippines, Sinulog is the biggest in Cebu
10. Filipinos Love to Celebrate
The Philippines has numerous national holidays and festivals throughout the year, so it's worth checking the calendar before you book your trip. Some businesses and attractions may close, while popular destinations can become much busier and accommodation can book up quickly. If you're visiting Cebu in January, Sinulog is the big one. Held in Cebu City on the third Sunday of January, it brings huge crowds, road closures, events and celebrations across the city, so book your accommodation and transport well in advance. Christmas and Easter are also important celebrations in this predominantly Catholic country, while Undas (All Saints' and All Souls' Days) sees families return to cemeteries to remember loved ones. Festivals are a huge part of Filipino life and a great way to experience the country's culture. Find out more in our guide to Filipino culture and traditions. 
Pinoy is an informal colloquial way of describing the Filipinos and their culture
11. A Comfort Room Isn't What You Think
Don't be confused if you see signs for a CR when travelling around the Philippines. It stands for Comfort Room, which simply means toilet or bathroom. You may also encounter something you're less familiar with: the bum gun (known as a bidet here). This small hose beside the toilet is used for washing, and some toilets instead have a bucket and dipper called a tabo. Toilet paper isn't always provided, particularly in public toilets and smaller establishments, so it's worth carrying some with you. And if there's a sign asking you to put paper in the bin rather than the toilet, follow it – some plumbing and septic systems aren't designed to handle toilet paper. It might take a little getting used to, but the bum gun is perfectly normal in the Philippines – and you may even wonder how you ever lived without one! 
Sizzling Sisig is a popular Filipino dish
12. Filipino Food Is Sweet, Savoury and Full of Surprises
Filipino food is a delicious mix of Spanish, Chinese and Southeast Asian influences, but it has its own distinctive character. Expect plenty of rice, noodles, grilled meat, seafood and dishes that balance sweet, salty, sour and savoury flavours. You’ll find familiar favourites such as adobo, sinigang, lechon and pancit, but don't be afraid to try something new. Filipino food varies from region to region, so what you eat in Cebu may be quite different from what you'll find in Manila or Palawan. Filipino food is generally much milder than other Southeast Asian cuisines, but chilli is always available if you like some heat. You can also travel as a vegetarian or vegan in the Philippines, although it takes a little more planning outside the larger towns and cities. Our guide to vegan food in the Philippines has plenty of practical tips. For more inspiration on what to eat, our Filipino food guide covers some of the dishes and flavours you should look out for during your trip. 
Jeepneys are iconic colourful local transportation, each one is painted differently
13. Jeepneys Are a Cheap and Fun Way to Travel
Jeepneys are one of the most recognisable forms of public transport in the Philippines. Originally based on US military jeeps left behind after World War II, they were adapted into the colourful, open-sided vehicles you see everywhere today. They're cheap, often costing just a few pesos for a local journey, and are used by everyone from commuters to schoolchildren. Routes can be confusing at first, but ask a local if you're unsure which jeepney you need – someone will usually be happy to point you in the right direction. And don't forget to look up! Every jeepney is decorated differently, from bright colours and chrome to religious images and personalised artwork. They're practically moving pieces of Filipino street art, so keep your camera ready – just remember that they're local public transport, not a sightseeing bus! 
There are many Spanish influences in the Philippines, especially in Cebu
14. The Philippines Has Spanish and American Influences
The Philippines has a fascinating mix of Asian, Spanish and American influences, and you'll notice them everywhere when you travel around the country. Spain ruled the Philippines for more than 300 years, leaving a lasting influence on religion, food, architecture, language and names. The Philippines is still predominantly Catholic, and you'll see churches, fiestas and Spanish surnames throughout the country. American influence came later and is particularly noticeable in the English language, education, food and popular culture. Even the iconic jeepney has its roots in the US military jeeps left behind after World War II. This blend of cultures is one of the things that makes travelling in the Philippines so interesting – it isn't quite like anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Fun fact: Cebu was the site of the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in 1565 and established the settlement that became the starting point for Spanish colonial rule in the country. 
Crime in the Philippines has lowered over the past few years
15. The Philippines Is Generally Safe to Visit
The Philippines is generally a safe country to visit, including for solo travellers. As with anywhere in the world, use common sense, look after your belongings and take normal precautions. The Philippines is a huge country, so safety can vary depending on where you travel. Some areas have government travel warnings, so check the latest advice for your chosen destinations before you go. Here in Moalboal and around Cebu, you'll see plenty of solo travellers (both male and female) and independent visitors exploring, using local transport and enjoying everything the area has to offer. Use common sense, stay aware and enjoy your trip. 
Karaoke can be heard all over the Philippines
16. Filipinos Are Crazy About Karaoke
The sound of popular songs being enthusiastically murdered can be heard everywhere – especially if I pick up the microphone! Karaoke is a huge part of Filipino culture, and nobody seems embarrassed about singing their heart out. Practice makes perfect, right? Karaoke can be found in local markets, restaurants, at the beach and in people's homes, and it can be very loud. So don't be surprised if you hear someone belting out a ballad late into the evening. If you want to embrace Filipino culture, don't be shy – grab the microphone and join in! Fun fact: Filipino inventor Roberto del Rosario patented his Karaoke Sing-Along System in 1975.
If you're interested to read more, check out our article Fun Facts About The Philippines
Christmas is a season not a day in the Philippines
17. Christmas Is an Entire Season, Not Just One Day
Christmas in the Philippines is a very big deal – and it starts early. The “ber months” (September, October, November and December) mark the beginning of the long Christmas season, with decorations and Christmas songs appearing as early as 1 September. Christmas celebrations continue well into January, with many communities creating elaborate Christmas trees and nativity scenes using whatever they have available – painted coconut trees, old CDs, plastic bottles and plenty of imagination. In Cebu, the Christmas season traditionally carries on until Sinulog in January, when Cebu City erupts into one final huge fiesta before the Christmas season finally comes to an end. So don't be surprised if you hear Christmas songs everywhere for months. And if someone wishes you “Merry Christmas” in January, just go with it! 
The National Sport of the Philippines is basketball, and you will see many courts on every island
18. Filipinos Love Basketball
Basketball is hugely popular in the Philippines and you'll see courts almost everywhere, from busy towns to small barangays. Filipinos are passionate about the sport, whether they're playing a game themselves, watching the NBA or supporting local teams. Don't be surprised to see a basketball hoop squeezed into the smallest space, or a group of locals playing late into the evening. If you're staying somewhere for a while, you may even get invited to join in! 
Roosters can be seen (and heard) at all times of day and night in the Philippines
19. Roosters Are Everywhere
Wherever you travel in the Philippines, you'll hear roosters crowing – often from very early in the morning and throughout the day. You'll also see roosters being kept alongside roads and in residential areas. Cockfighting, known locally as sabong, has a long history in the Philippines and remains part of Filipino culture, so you may see roosters being cared for specifically for this purpose or come across a local cockpit. As an animal lover, I've never attended a cockfight and never will, but it's useful to understand what you're seeing as you travel around the Philippines. You don't have to agree with it or participate, but it is part of the culture you'll encounter. And yes, that rooster crowing at 5am really can be your alarm clock! 
You will encounter a lot of friendly street dogs, this is how we found our dog Jaffy
20. You'll See Street Dogs Everywhere
Street dogs and free-roaming owned dogs are common throughout the Philippines. Some look healthy and well cared for, while others are clearly struggling. You may see dogs searching for food or suffering from skin conditions, and at Moalboal Eco Lodge, we actively try to help by providing medication such as NexGard Spectra. Many dogs are friendly and used to people, but don't assume every dog wants to be touched – some are scared of humans and may react unpredictably. If you'd like to help, there are better ways than simply feeding a dog you meet. Here in Moalboal, monthly spay and neuter clinics help reduce the number of unwanted puppies, and Moalboal Eco Lodge supports these community clinics. You can also visit Moalboal Animal Welfare, where you can spend time with rescued dogs, volunteer for a few hours or a full day, or get involved for longer. It's a lovely way to meet some of the local dogs while supporting people who are working to improve their lives. We know this can be difficult to see when you're travelling, but the good news is that local people and organisations are working hard to make a difference.
10% of every purchase from our Eco Shop is donated towards helping street dogs in Moalboal.
Ask restaurants for free service water instead of buying plastic bottled water
21. Plastic Is a Big Problem
Plastic waste is unfortunately still a visible problem in the Philippines, particularly around beaches, roads and waterways. You can make a difference without becoming a zero-waste traveller – a few simple choices can reduce the amount of plastic you use while you're here. Carry a refillable water bottle and use refill stations whenever they're available.
Small changes add up, particularly when thousands of visitors make them. If you'd like more practical ways to travel responsibly, read our guide to responsible travel in the Philippines. 
Moalboal Eco Lodge is nature immersive accommodation in Cebu
Where to stay in Moalboal, Cebu
When visiting Moalboal, Moalboal Eco Lodge is the perfect place to stay. Located in the middle of a peaceful palm tree field with no traffic noise, it’s close enough to amenities, but far away so you can have a good night’s sleep. Nestled amongst many native trees and plants, Moalboal Eco Lodge have only three exclusive and beautiful Bamboo Cottages suitable for adult solo travellers, couples and friends. We have two private cottages, a spacious Deluxe Queen cottage with sofa, plus a shared breakfast area, kitchen with refrigerator, and a stunning hammock/yoga/sunset deck. Take a look at our rooms!
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