Tailor-made Philippines Holidays

Time difference: GMT +8

Flight time: London + 13-14 hours

Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)

Language: Filipino (Tagalog) and English are official languages

Electricity: 220 voltage

Telephone code: +63

Tipping: Isn’t traditionally expected but is becoming more common due to western influences. Upscale restaurants and hotels will likely include a service fee in your bill but feel free to tip an extra 20-50 PHP directly to waiters, maids and bellhops. Leave a 10 percent tip for a great tour guide or masseuse and if you’re travelling by taxi, jeepney or trike, it’s considered polite to round up the fare.

Etiquette: Smile! You’re in the Philippines where a friendly, positive attitude conquers all. With that in mind, losing your temper is frowned upon and causes a deep sense of hiya – shame. Be prepared to answer lots of questions from curious locals and avoid using blasphemous language in this devoutly religious country. It’s also important to show respect for elders, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. If you’re dining with locals, dishes are often served in communal bowls – be sure not to take the last serving.

Religions: In contrast to much of Asia, Christianity is the dominant religion in the Philippines due to decades of Spanish rule. Around 90 percent of the population identify as Christian, most prominently Roman Catholic, and you’ll find stone colonial-style churches dotted across the country. Filipinos tend to be deeply spiritual, particularly the older generation, and religious fiestas are a cultural highlight throughout the year. Minority religions include Islam, Buddhism and Animism.

Visas: You can look up the latest advice on https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/philippines/entry-requirements. Please be aware that this information can change at short notice.

Vaccinations: Health risks vary depending on the destination so it’s essential to check the specific vaccination and hygiene requirements for the Philippenes on the NHS Fit For Travel website.

Expect a year-round tropical climate with occasional downpours in the Philippines. You can enjoy some relief from steamy temperatures though in the cooler, pine-scented Luzon highlands. The dry season is the best time to visit, which broadly falls between November and May, although this can vary due to climate patterns like La Niña and El Niño. While the wet season stretches from June to October, the most tumultuous months in the Philippines are August and October, when typhoons and tropical storms rage. It’s best to avoid travelling then as ferries and flights may be cancelled and roads can become impassable due to the rains.

Traversing the Philippines, which is home to over 7,500 islands, can feel like an overwhelming task. Buses are a painfully slow way to travel and are often accompanied by non-stop power ballads or movies played at full blast. However, budget carriers like Philippine Airlines and Air Asia have now made short trips to hotspots like Cebu and Davao a cinch. In fact, the airline industry has largely overtaken the country’s slower and more perilous boat network. Ferries are still useful for island hopping though and companies like Supercat and Cebu Ferries offer a surprisingly swish experience, complete with jazzy safety videos.

There’s one form of transport you just can’t ignore in the Philippines: the jeepney. These open-backed trucks were originally left behind by departing US forces. Now mass produced, the colourful vehicles are a part of daily life and come decorated with fairy lights, bible quotes and pop lyrics. Look for routes painted onto the side of the van and expect a squeeze; locals will pile in, hang off the back and even ride on the roof, occasionally accompanied by roosters. Trikes (motorbikes with a side car) are a less cramped option and ideal for short trips. In Manila, GrabCar and Uber are just catching on.

Don’t expect to find Asia’s fiery curries and heavily-seasoned soups in the Philippines. The local cuisine is far humbler, based around heaps of rice and grilled or barbeque meat. Saying that, more adventurous eateries are on the rise in large cities, where chefs are adding a modern twist to traditional meals. Then there’s the ubiquitous fast-food chains on every corner, from McDonalds to Filipino staples like Jollibee. Try the national dish, Adobo, which consists of  pork or chicken marinated in a rich soy-based sauce. Expect few vegetables, you’ll be lucky to get a side of sweet potato leaves or pak choy, but local markets are laden with tropical fruit.

Along the coast there’s fresh seafood on offer, including the Filipino version of ceviche, Kinilaw. When it comes to drinks, San Miguel reigns supreme but if you’re brave enough, the local rum and spirits certainly pack a punch. You’ll soon discover that the Philippines has a real sweet tooth, evidenced by its sugary white bread, three-in-one Nescafe sachets and wacky ice cream flavours like corn and purple yam. Don’t miss Halo-Halo, a bowl of ice cream drenched in evaporated milk and topped with everything from syrup to beans, fruit and cornflakes. By contrast, you might want to avoid the infamous Balut, an unappetising duck embryo.

Many aspects of American culture have been incorporated into Filipino life and nowhere is this more apparent than the country’s glitzy megamalls. These glassy havens of air conditioning, designer stores and international brands have a presence in almost every urban hub. Prices might be slightly cheaper than western equivalents, but the shopping experience is largely the same. If you’re after something more adventurous, seek out local open-air markets like Divisoria in Manila, a flea-style mecca showcasing everything from homeware to trinkets and clothing.

Shopping for souvenirs? Then you’ll find a range of indigenous art and religious artefacts straight from local villages. A trip to the Cordillera region will leave you wanting to pick up a carved wooden idol, the likes of which guard the rice terraces. If textiles are your thing, shop for a malong from Mindanao, a versatile wrap-around that’s covered with intricate needlework. Pair this with a coconut-shell necklace or bag yourself some shiny pearls, sourced from the seas around Palawan and Mindanao.

You’ll be hard-pushed not to encounter a festival when you visit the Philippines, given that the calendar is bursting with them, particularly between January and May. This is down to the country’s strong religious roots, with many holidays closely linked to the Roman Catholic calendar. While each town, city and neighbourhood pays tribute to its own patron saint with an annual fiesta, Easter Holy Week is closely observed across the country with church services and street processions.

National celebrations also preside for the Flores de Mayo in May, where parades and parties are held in honour of the Virgin Mary. If you’re visiting in January, head to Kalibo to experience the vibrant Ati-Atihan festival held for Santa Niño, which is renowned for its extravagant float parades and street dancing. Due to its cool mountain climes, Baguio City puts on a stunning flower festival in February and eye-catching events like the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando and Clark’s International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta are also worth making a detour for.