2022 Travel Guide to the Philippines from Singapore

Travel Bestie
22 Apr 2022 - 9 min read

Known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and churches, the Philippines is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia.

There are plenty of possibilities for nature, wildlife, adventure, entertainment, and nightlife.

The people are incredibly kind and welcoming, and they will go out of their way to put a smile on your face. If you are planning to travel to the Philippines any time soon, this is the travel guide for you.

Image by Meo Fernando from Pexels

Best Time to Travel to the Philippines

Based on your preferred temperature range, you may choose a month to visit the Philippines.

The dry season, which lasts from November to April, is the best time to explore the country. Because rainfall is at its lowest during the dry season, even the most isolated places and islands are easily accessible.

The weather is also great for sightseeing and hiking excursions. Temperatures in March and April are greater than in December and January, even during the dry season.

Image by Ylanite Koppens from Pexels

Meanwhile, the rainy season lasts from June to October and is best avoided due to the increased risk of typhoons. Typhoons are the most devastating, and most trips and activities are cancelled as a result.

Best Flight to Take to the Philippines

The only way to reach the Philippines from Singapore is by using air transportation.

Flights of major airlines departing from Changi Airport arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which is located in Manila City (MNL). Non-stop flight time is between 3 hours 40 minutes only.

Image by flypal_korea from Pixabay

The most commonly used airlines from Singapore are Singapore Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Jetstar, and Philippines Airlines.

By taking Philippines Airlines, you may take only 4 hours 10 minutes from Changi Airport to Manila.

The next operating airline that may take you to the Philippines is Singapore Airlines.

Singapore Airlines operates one time daily, and it will fly you to Manila as well. It has three different times of take off, which is 9:15 am, 12:10 pm, and 7:10 pm. This flight time is on the current updated system, and it may change in future. The average flying hour from Changi to Manila is about 4 hours 40 minutes.

Image by Tobias Rehbein from Pixabay

In addition, you may also take Cebu Pacific to get to the Philippines, specifically Manila. They also provide two different take-off times, which are 1:35 am and 4:05 am. They only operate 1 to 2 times weekly.

The frequency of flight take-off may change from time to time. You need to frequently check their system for the updated information released or updated from the company.

Best Places to Visit in the Philippines

Boracay

Image by BANITA TOUR from Pixabay

The Negritos were the first to arrive and establish in this area. The people's primary occupations were farming and fishing. However, after a few years, people began purchasing rice and other products in return for the coconut shell, which was readily available here.

Later, people and families from Panay began travelling here for holidays, and this location quickly became one of the most popular tourist sites.

Boracay is an island located about an hour's flight from Manila and Cebu, both in the Philippines.

With a total length of about 7 kilometres, this island is quite tiny.

This island is flanked on both sides by two beaches and has clean water on all four sides.

This romantic destination attracts visitors worldwide, particularly from China, Taiwan, Korea, and other important Asian countries.

Image by travelphotographer from Pixabay

Boracay was ranked as the second-best island in 2013 and has quickly risen to become one of the top tourist attractions in the Philippines.

Along this stretch of white sand, there are several hotels, stores, and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the deep blue waves as well as the magnificent scenery.

When to visit:

Boracay is best visited during the dry season, which begins in November and ends in April. This period is known as the 'Amihan season,' bringing a chilly, northeast wind that sweeps the island.
The seawater is ideal for swimming, diving, and other sports due to the low humidity and rainfall.
Boracay's temperature is consistent throughout the year, averaging 30°C during the day and 25°C at night.
The dry and rainy seasons are two separate portions of the year in this country. The monsoon season lasts from May to October. Between May and October, the weather is pleasant yet humid.

Travel Requirements in Boracay

Those wanting to enter Boracay must fulfil the requirements below:

1.
Fill-up OHDC Registration Form in touristboracay.com 3 days prior to the trip;
2.
Travellers must provide a negative RT-PCR test or saliva testing taken 72 hours before they can be permitted entry to the island;
3.
Travellers must provide a vaccination card;
4.
Travellers must obtain a Certificate of Undertaking for children 12 years old and below if they are travelling with children along;
5.
Travellers are also encouraged to present booking confirmation for hotels from DOT-accredited establishments with CAO; and
6.
Travellers will need to present their roundtrip flights and travel details as well.

Manila

Image by travelphotographer from Pixabay

Manila, the metropolis of considerable trade and the seat of the Philippine national government's executive and judicial institutions, is also the country's capital and has architectural and cultural relics from the Spanish colonial period, such as the Walled City of Intramuros.

In the year 2012, the Globalisation and World Cities Research Network designated the city as a global city.

It is the Philippines' second most populated city, located on the eastern side of Manila Bay.

Image by travelphotographer from Pixabay

When to visit:

The months of January to April are the greatest for visiting Manila since they are the driest.
Even if the temperatures are high in March and April, it is an excellent time to avoid the rain.
The dry season is the perfect time to rent a bike and ride about Manila, making sure to stop at Intramuros, the city's oldest neighbourhood.
Manila's rainy season runs from June to November. However, it does rain in December.

Manila is a bustling metropolis that can be visited all year, although the wet season is hot and humid, preventing tourists from seeing the city. During this period, certain Manila streets are also flooded.

Travel Requirements in Manila

Those wanting to enter Manila must fulfil the requirements below:

Fully vaccinated visitors must:Provide a negative RT-PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure from their country of origin, or a negative laboratory-based Antigen test taken no more than 24 hours prior to departure from their country of origin;Provide proof of vaccination;Conduct self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms up until 7 days after their arrival.Fully vaccinated visitors will be exempted from any quarantine requirements.
Unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or unverified visitors must:Provide a negative RT-PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure from their country of origin, or a negative-laboratory-based Antigen test taken within the first 24 hours prior to departure from their country of origin;Undergo a mandatory facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative result;Conduct self-monitoring for any signs of COVID-19 in their system.

Cebu

Image by Christian Paul Del Rosario from Pexels

Cebu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, with stunning white sand beaches and incredible diving opportunities.

It offers a vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants, and a diverse range of shopping opportunities for all types of shoppers.

Diver’s love diving among turtles and white tip sharks in Cebu's coral gardens. It's the ideal location for anybody looking to relax and unwind on a gorgeous island break.

Islands to explore:

Cebu Island - Cebu is made up of many islands, the largest of which is the namesake Cebu Island, which runs about 200 kilometres north to south. This island has many hidden nooks, coves, and beautiful beaches where you may relax.
Nalusuan Island - A diver's paradise with neon coral and colourful fish.
Bantayan Island - Probably the most famous island in the region for its breathtaking beaches.
Camotes Island - Where you can explore Santiago Bay, Danao Lake, and Bukilat Cave.

Adventurers will be ecstatic to learn about Cebu's incredible waterfalls, such as Kawasan Falls, where they can go rappelling, rock climbing, and even waterfall jumping.

Image by Jeremiah Odejerte from Pexels

The hilly part of Cebu is ideal for trekking through rich vegetation and animals, including the endangered tarsier.

Cebu also offers a variety of gastronomic experiences, including bakasi (saltwater eels), Lechon (roast pig), and tuslob buwa (pig brains). If you're still sceptical, consider this: the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain once declared tuslob buwa to be the greatest pork he'd ever had!

When to visit:

Between October and January is the greatest season to visit Cebu since the days are sunny, the evenings are cool, and the humidity is significantly lower than the rest of the year.
You'll also get to see Cebu's yearly Sinulog Festival if you visit in January.

Travel Requirements in Cebu

Those wanting to enter Cebu must fulfil the requirements below:

1.
Valid identification for both fully vaccinated and non-vaccinated visitors;
2.
A vaccination card/certificate for fully vaccinated visitors;
3.
A medical certificate is issued within 24 hours of the trip for unvaccinated visitors.
4.
A negative RT-PCR test from any DOH-accredited laboratories was taken within 72 hours of the trip or an Antigen/Saliva Test was taken within 24 hours.

Puerto Princesa

Image by Islander from Canva

The capital city of Palawan, Puerto Princesa, is located on the western coast of the island and is the Philippines' second biggest city by area yet one of the least heavily inhabited.

It has been named the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines, thanks to its lush greenery and beautiful white-sand beaches.

Thousands of people flock to Puerto Princesa to see the UNESCO historical monument - the subterranean river - and tourism has evolved to become the principal source of income for the inhabitants.

Image by Islander from Canva

Many adventurous activities, scenic beaches, and inexpensive unique products make this city a favourite tourist destination, particularly among Filipinos.

The city is also suitable for budget travellers, with low-cost lodging and a convenient transportation system. It is a safe city to visit, and many single travellers go there.

When to visit:

The months of July through September are the finest for visiting Puerto Princesa since the weather is pleasant.
Throughout the year, the Palawan areas have a tropical environment with high humidity.
Summer runs from January through May, with the monsoon season peaking in June and July.
The months of October, November, and December have less rainfall, making it a wonderful time to come for individuals who like a beach holiday.

Travel Requirements in Puerto Princesa

Those wanting to enter Puerto Princesa must fulfil the requirements below:

For vaccinated tourists:Provide a valid identification;Obtained an approved S-PASS; andPresent a vaccination card and/or Vaccination Certificate from VaxCert.
For unvaccinated or partially vaccinated tourists:Provide a valid identification;Obtained an approved S-PASS; andProvide a negative test result for COVID-19 via RT-PCR. The test must be taken 72 hours before check-in at the airport and it has to come from any DOH-approved laboratory.

Banaue

Image by John Renzo Aledia from Pexels

Banaue township is around a two-hour journey from Bontoc or a three-and-a-half-hour trip from Cauayan airport in Northern Luzon (the closest for the time being).

Both local and international visitors travel to the town to witness the spectacular rice terraces, some of which stretch back 2,000 years.

The region features five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant tribal culture, and peculiarities that are exclusively observable in the province of Ifugao.

Food, family, and farming all play essential roles in the lives of the people who live here. Walking around town, you'll frequently hear people carefully listening to country-western music leftover from the American occupation.

Handmade smoked rice wine is frequently shared over a meal, and riding on the top of a jeepney is a common event.

Many rural communities still have traditional Ifugao dwellings, farming traditions are intact, and spiritual rites and superstition are still practised – but headhunting is not.

Image by kmarius from Pixabay

Regardless of how intriguing the people are, there is no escaping the reality that the true purpose of coming here is to watch or climb through the breathtaking terraces.

Batad - Often regarded as the highlight due to its size and amphitheatre-like appearance.
Banaue - Easily accessible and can be viewed from the roadside.
Bangaan - A small village nestled among lush perfectly kept paddies.
Mayoyao - A little further away and less visited but, according to some, equal to Batad in its magnificence.
Hapao - May be visited on the way to Sagada.

Travel Requirements in Banaue

Those wanting to enter Banaue must fulfil the requirements below:

They must have a printed or digital copy of their booking confirmation given by the Banaue Tourism Office.
They must have and present a valid vaccination card or certificate.
They must register at the triage area or at the Municipal Tourism Centre before entering and pay the environmental fee of 50 pesos at the same time.

Ready to explore the majestic Philippine attractions? Book your flight via Traveloka and enjoy great deals!

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