The Philippines isn’t particularly a tourist hub like Thailand or Singapore, however, that is about to change as the country has eased its visa restrictions—especially for Indian travellers. With the Philippines now visa-free for Indians, it’s expected that the number of Indian nationals visiting the country will rise significantly in the coming years.
If you too are planning a summer vacation and are not sure where to go, we suggest that you take a trip to the Philippines. Here are some of the best places to visit and useful tips for your Philippines trip.
Visa-Free Philippines: Top Attractions, Tips, And More
The Philippines Visa-Free For Indians: What You Need To Know
The Philippine Embassy in New Delhi recently announced that Indians will be able to travel to the Philippines without a visa.
As the Philippines introduces visa-free entry for Indian tourists, it will surely lead to a boost in tourism in the country.
However, Indians will be granted visa-free access under two specific conditions as stated below:
14-Day Visa Free Entry
Indian nationals will be allowed to enter the country visa-free for a total of 14 days. However, the intent should be strictly tourism and leisure.
For business meetings, cultural events, and other activities that are not tourism-related, Indians will have to apply for a visa.
30-Day Visa Free Entry
Not just a visa-free entry for 14 days, Indians can also gain a visa-free entry of 30 days if they hold visas or permanent residencies of the AJACSSUK countries. These countries are mentioned below:
- Australia
- Japan
- America
- Canada
- Schengen countries
- Singapore
- United Kingdom
There are some more requirements that Indian nationals must meet before they can be granted visa-free entry to the Philippines. These have been mentioned in detail in the Philippines Visa-Free Guide article on our website.
Best Places To Visit In The Philippines
The Philippines is a small country to look at, but let us tell you that it is made up of about 7,100 islands!
Yes, you heard it right!
With an island archipelago home to 7,100 islands, we recommend noting down all the places that you plan to visit in the Philippines.
This will help you sort out your itinerary without having to panic at the last minute over delays, cancellations, or other emergencies.
Here are some of the must-visit destinations in the Philippines:
Manila: The Historic Capital City
Manila is the capital of the Philippines, and you’ll most likely land at the airport here – so why not explore this city?
The country was Spain’s colony for a long time, which is why you’ll see plenty of Spanish influence on the local culture not just in this city, but also across the entire country.
Spend a day or two exploring Intramuros, Manila’s historic walled district to know more about the country’s history.
This walled district was once an important fortress equipped with moats, cannons, and bulwarks. We suggest taking walking tours as you’ll also get to explore the churches, museums, plazas, and other buildings in Intramuros.
To get a taste of modern Manila, we recommend exploring the Manila Bay area and Makati. The former is home to Manila’s buzzing nightlife, shopping streets, and plenty of restaurants.
The latter, on the other hand, is the business district of Manila. Overall, we recommend spending a few days exploring the best of both the old and the new in Manila.
Boracay Island: An Island Paradise
Boracay is the island you’ll think is straight out of a dreamy paradise. With its pristine white sand beaches, azure blue waters, and lush green mountains, every corner of the island manages to take your breath away.
White Beach is the most famous beach on this island stretching over 4 kilometers. It is the perfect place to spend time on the island as it is lined with cafes and restaurants.
When the sun sets, Boracay unleashes its vibrant nightlife filled with live shows, performances, and unmissable fire shows.
Not just that, but Puka Beach is also a great place to unwind as it has fewer crowds than White Beach. Boracay Island is also known for its adrenaline-pumping water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and jet skiing, so make sure you try all of these!
Overall, if the beaches excite you more than anything else, you must definitely visit Boracay Island when in the Philippines.
Palawan: Where Nature Is At Its Finest
If you look at pictures of Palawan online, you’ll find a striking similarity to the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand. While the latter have become tourist hotspots, the Filipinos have put in their best efforts to preserve Palawan and keep it as pristine as possible.
Today, it is one of the last ecological frontiers of the country due to the immense natural beauty and ecological importance it carries.
El Nido and Puerto Princesa Underground River are two of the most important attractions of Palawan. While El Nido is the perfect place for unspoiled beaches and lagoons, the latter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This underground river is one of the world’s longest of its kind and is definitely a stunning sight to behold.
Besides these attractions, you must also visit Coron. This underrated gem in Palawan is known for its pristine snorkeling spots, azure lakes, and World War II shipwrecks.
Tips For Visiting The Philippines
- There are no direct flights from India to the Philippines. However, there are connecting flights that halt for a layover at Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur.
- Carry plenty of cash with you when traveling in and around the country. While there are ATMs in cities like Manila and Cebu, these might be sparse in other regions and cities. Plus, not all ATMs might accept international cards, so it’s better to have sufficient cash on you beforehand.
- Ride-hailing platforms like Grab, inDrive, and Move It come in handy for inter-city travel or even traveling within the same city.
- Not every booking or service is available online. To avail a few services, for example, a bus ride from point A to point B, you might have to physically go to a bus station, check for an available seat, and confirm your seat.
- Carry enough sunscreen and summer-appropriate clothing especially if you’re visiting the country between December and April. Pack light but pack smart – this way you’ll carry your essentials without overstuffing your suitcases.
- Learn a few Filipino phrases as they can come in handy when conversing with the locals. Filipino (Tagalog) is the official national language and words like magandang umaga (good morning), kamusta (hello), salamat (thank you) and masarap (delicious) are just a few words that can help you connect with the locals.
Summing Up
Philippines is a country that offers the best of old world charm and a much-needed digital detox. It is not just home to some of the best nightlife in Asia but also has a serene, calm side to it that’s seldom explored.
As the Philippines introduces visa-free entry for Indian tourists, it is expected that many Indians will fly down to explore the country.
If calm beaches, historic cities, and chaotic-buzzing nightlife interests you, the Philippines is the place to go!
FAQs
How Many Days Are Enough For The Philippines?
10 to 14 days are enough to explore the most well-known tourist attractions in the Philippines. The country looks small but is made of plenty of small islands, so consider adding a couple of buffer days to your itinerary, just in case traveling between them takes more time than expected!
What Are The Best Months To Visit The Philippines?
December to April are the best months to visit the Philippines. This is when the weather is dry, pleasant, sunny, and conducive for sightseeing in the country.
Do You Need A Visa For The Philippines?
No, Indians do not need a visa to enter the Philippines as per the latest announcement by the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi. There are few requirements that you must meet for the same.
