Limestone cliffs, white sand and a bangka boat in the Philippines
South East Asia

Philippines

An archipelago of 7,000+ islands with some of the world's most beautiful beaches — crystal-clear waters, widespread English proficiency, and a growing nomad scene.

✈ Airport Tips
Manila Cebu Siargao Palawan
🗺️ Getting Around

The essential apps and websites every traveller needs before hitting the road

⛴️ Ferries · Buses · Domestic Flights
12Go Asia Most used
The essential tool for Philippines ferry bookings — routes to Cebu, Palawan, Siargao and beyond
Bookaway ↗
Compare ferries between Cebu, Bohol, Siargao and coastal destinations across the islands
Cebu Pacific / AirAsia PH ↗
Domestic flights are often cheapest — book early for Manila–Siargao–Palawan routes
🛵 Ride-Hailing & Bikes
Grab Most used
The #1 app in the Philippines — GrabCar, GrabBike and GrabFood in Manila, Cebu and beyond
inDrive ↗
Negotiate your fare — popular alternative to Grab in Manila and Cebu for budget riders
Maxim ↗
Growing fast across the Philippines — motorbike taxis and car rides at competitive rates

💡 Pro tip: In Palawan and Siargao, tricycles (motorized sidecars) are the main local transport — agree on the price before you get in, or use Grab where available in Puerto Princesa.

📶 Best Local SIMs
1
Smart Fastest 5G speeds — unlimited data plans for island-hopping
Top pick
2
Globe Best rural & island coverage — strong in Palawan & Siargao

📍 Where to buy: Both SIMs sold at NAIA and Mactan Cebu airports. No passport required.

Airport tips

Manila (MNL)
Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the main gateway. Traffic around the airport can be severe, so always allocate extra travel time. Pay attention to your terminal, as transferring between them can take a while.

Cebu (CEB)
Mactan-Cebu International Airport is widely regarded as one of the most efficient and beautiful airports in the country. It’s an excellent hub for exploring the Visayas region and often a less chaotic entry point than Manila.

Clark (CRK)
Located a few hours north of Manila. An excellent alternative if you want to bypass the capital's traffic entirely, with growing connections to regional destinations.
Manila's high-rise skyline at sunset
South East Asia

Manila

  • 🎒 Backpackers — Poblacion (Makati). The undisputed center of Manila's hipster and backpacker scene. Packed with boutique hostels, craft beer bars, speakeasies, and vibrant street life.
  • ⏱️ Best for a Few Days — BGC (Bonifacio Global City). Manila's cleanest, most walkable district and the easiest introduction to the city. Spend time at Bonifacio High Street for food and people-watching, visit the Mind Museum, explore the outdoor art installations, and use it as a comfortable launchpad for day trips to Intramuros, Binondo Chinatown, and Makati. Safe to walk at night.
  • 👔 Business & Luxury — Makati Central Business District (CBD). The traditional financial center. Home to towering corporate offices, high-end shopping at Greenbelt, and premium hotels.
  • 🍜 Restaurants — Binondo. Recognized as the oldest Chinatown in the world. An absolute must-visit for foodies looking directly for authentic Chinese-Filipino street food and heritage restaurants.
  • 🌳 Family Friendly — Rizal Park (Luneta). A sprawling, historical urban park offering wide open spaces, monuments, and a break from the dense city environment.
  • 🎉 Nightlife — Poblacion & BGC. For an edgy, pub-crawl vibe, head to Poblacion. For massive, upscale “superclubs” and VIP lounges, BGC is the place to be.
Aerial view of Cebu's bay, bridge and islands
South East Asia

Cebu

  • 🎒 Backpackers — Moalboal. (Outside the city) The ultimate spot for backpackers looking to dive, see the famous sardine run, and enjoy a laid-back, seaside social scene.
  • ⏱️ Best for a Few Days — Cebu IT Park. A lively, 24/7 neighborhood with restaurants open at any hour and easy access to everything Cebu has to offer. Use it as your base to visit Magellan's Cross and the Basilica in the morning, then arrange a day trip to Kawasan Falls or the beaches of Moalboal. The central location means less time in traffic and more time exploring.
  • 👔 Hotels & Hubs — Cebu Business Park / Ayala. A well-planned, modern commercial district built around the massive Ayala Center mall, favoring higher-end accommodations and convenience.
  • 🍜 Restaurants — Sugbo Mercado. A massively popular weekend night market located in IT Park, offering a huge variety of local and international food stalls.
  • 🌳 Family Friendly — Mactan Island Resorts. Just across the bridge, this area is filled with world-class beach resorts offering private beaches, giant pools, and full family amenities.
  • 🎉 Nightlife — Mango Square. The traditional nightlife area in Cebu City, known for loud clubs, bustling bars, and non-stop weekend parties.

Others

Siargao

✈️ Getting there: Fly from Manila or Cebu to Siargao (sayak Airport) — ~2 hr; or take a ferry from Cebu (~8 hr) 📅 Best time: Mar – Oct — dry season and best surf; Nov–Feb can bring storms and choppy seas

The surfing capital of the Philippines. It has evolved into a massive digital nomad and backpacker hub with a very prominent island-life culture, trendy cafes, and stunning lagoons. Internet has improved significantly here.


Palawan (El Nido & Coron)

✈️ Getting there: Fly to Puerto Princesa or El Nido from Manila (~1.5 hr); or Coron from Manila (~1 hr) 📅 Best time: Nov – May — dry season with calm seas; Jun–Oct monsoon makes island hopping difficult

World-famous for its towering limestone karst cliffs, hidden lagoons, and island-hopping tours. Connectivity can still be a challenge, so it's better seen as a premium vacation spot rather than a long-term remote work base.


Boracay

✈️ Getting there: Fly to Caticlan Airport from Manila (~1 hr), then a 10-min boat to the island 📅 Best time: Nov – May — dry and sunny; Jun–Sep sees strong winds and rough surf (kite season)

Iconic for White Beach—its powdery, impossibly fine white sand. While historically known as a party island, a major rehabilitation effort has made it cleaner and more family-friendly, while still offering great sunset bars.


Bohol

⛴️ Getting there: Fast ferry from Cebu City (~2 hr) or fly from Manila to Tagbilaran (~1.5 hr) 📅 Best time: Nov – May — dry season; avoid Jul–Sep when typhoons can disrupt ferries

A fantastic all-rounder island located near Cebu. Famous for the unique Chocolate Hills, the tiny tarsiers, and beautiful dive spots around Panglao Island.