Philippines
Seven thousand islands, two oceans, and a country best read by ferry rather than by road.
The Philippines is the archipelago that operates most clearly as a sea route — ferries are still the most common way to travel between the major islands, and the country’s personality changes from sea to sea. English is widely spoken, the food is a Spanish-Malay-Chinese-American hybrid, and the coastline is the longest in Southeast Asia. Most international flights land in Manila or Cebu; domestic flights then radiate out to the famous islands. Plan around typhoon season (June–November) and the Holy Week travel rush in the spring.
Cities & Regions
When to Go
The dry season is roughly December through May, with the cooler months (December–February) the marquee window. March, April, and May get progressively hotter; April and May are the months locals head for the beaches. The wet southwest monsoon brings the typhoon season from June to November, with September and October the highest-risk months for storms. The dry side of an island depends on which monsoon is active, so travelling between coasts can let you stay in good weather for longer than the calendar would suggest.