The Philippines welcomed 7.7 million international tourists in 2025, a 35% increase from the previous year, and the momentum continues into 2026. With its 7,641 islands, the Philippines offers a staggering diversity of experiences. El Nido's crystal lagoons consistently rank as the world's most beautiful, Boracay's White Beach is a perennial global top-10, and swimming with whale sharks in Oslob is a bucket-list experience that generates massive word-of-mouth referrals. For travel agents, the Philippines represents untapped potential with lower competition than Thailand or Bali.
Why the Philippines is Your Next Big Seller
- Visa-free for 157 nationalities - 30-day visa-free entry for most countries including India (with valid US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, or UK visa). No visa hassle means easier conversions
- English-speaking country - Clients feel comfortable knowing English is widely spoken everywhere. This is a massive selling point over competitors
- Incredible value - 5-star beach resorts from SGD 100/night, island hopping tours from SGD 25/person, gourmet seafood dinner for SGD 15
- Instagram goldmine - El Nido, Coron, Siargao, and Batanes generate viral content that sells itself
- Diverse experiences - Beaches, diving, surfing, rice terraces, volcanoes, whale sharks, underground rivers - all in one country
Palawan: The World's Best Island
Palawan has been voted the World's Best Island multiple times by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler readers. The province contains two distinct tourism zones: El Nido and Coron, each offering world-class experiences.
El Nido
- Island Hopping Tour A - Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island. The Big Lagoon with its emerald water surrounded by karst cliffs is the Philippines' most iconic image. Full day, SGD 20-30/person
- Island Hopping Tour C - Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach (swim through a hole in the cliff to reach a hidden lagoon). Another must-do
- Nacpan Beach - 4km stretch of golden sand consistently rated among Asia's best beaches. Far less crowded than Boracay
- Luxury resorts - El Nido Resorts (Miniloc, Lagen, Pangulasian) offer exclusive island resort experiences accessible only by boat
Coron
- Kayangan Lake - Crystal clear freshwater lake surrounded by limestone cliffs. The "cleanest lake in Asia"
- Japanese shipwreck diving - WWII Japanese warships create one of the world's top wreck diving sites
- Twin Lagoon - Hot and cold water lagoons connected by a narrow gap in the cliffs
- Malcapuya Island - Pristine white sand island with virtually no development. Paradise defined
Boracay: The Party Beach Paradise
After its famous rehabilitation closure in 2018, Boracay returned cleaner, more regulated, and more beautiful than ever. White Beach's 4km of powdery white sand and crystal turquoise water remains unmatched in Southeast Asia.
- White Beach - Divided into Stations 1 (luxury/quiet), 2 (center/nightlife), and 3 (budget/laid-back). Match your client to the right station
- Island hopping - Crystal Cove, Crocodile Island, Puka Beach. Half-day SGD 15-25/person
- Sunset sailing - Paraw sailing boats at sunset with drinks. Boracay's signature romantic experience
- Helmet diving - Walk on the ocean floor without diving certification. Popular with non-swimmers
- D'Mall - Open-air shopping and dining complex in Station 2. Evening bar scene with fire dancers
Capacity limit: Boracay now limits daily tourists to maintain quality. Peak season (Dec-May) bookings should be made well in advance.
Cebu & Bohol: Adventure Hub
- Oslob whale shark encounter - Swim alongside the world's largest fish in shallow water. Controversial but incredibly popular. SGD 15-20/person. Best visited early morning
- Kawasan Falls canyoneering - Trek, jump, and swim through a series of waterfalls and natural pools. The most exciting adventure activity in the Philippines
- Bohol Chocolate Hills - 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills that turn chocolate brown in dry season. Unique geological wonder
- Bohol tarsier sanctuary - See the world's smallest primate in its natural habitat
- Moalboal sardine run - Snorkel with millions of sardines in a swirling ball formation just meters from shore. Free and year-round
Siargao: The Surfing Capital
Siargao is the Philippines' coolest island, attracting a young, hip crowd with world-class surfing, island hopping, and a laid-back coconut palm paradise atmosphere.
- Cloud 9 - World-famous surf break hosting international competitions. Lessons available for beginners
- Sugba Lagoon - Paddle boarding and diving platform in a hidden turquoise lagoon
- Island hopping trio - Naked Island, Daku Island, Guyam Island. Three perfect tiny islands in one tour
- Magpupungko Rock Pools - Natural tidal pools with crystal clear water over flat rock formations. Best at low tide
Sample Philippines Itineraries
7-Night Classic Philippines
Day 1: Arrive Manila, Intramuros historical tour, Mall of Asia evening
Day 2: Fly to El Nido, beach sunset
Day 3: El Nido Island Hopping Tour A (Big & Small Lagoon)
Day 4: El Nido Tour C (Hidden Beach, Secret Beach), Nacpan Beach
Day 5: Fly to Boracay, White Beach evening
Day 6: Boracay island hopping, sunset sailing
Day 7: Boracay leisure day, fly to Manila
Day 8: Departure
10-Night Adventure Philippines
Day 1: Arrive Cebu
Day 2: Oslob whale sharks + Kawasan Falls
Day 3: Moalboal sardine run, fly/ferry to Bohol
Day 4: Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuary, Panglao Beach
Day 5: Fly to El Nido
Day 6-7: El Nido island hopping tours
Day 8: Fly to Siargao
Day 9: Cloud 9 surfing, Magpupungko rock pools
Day 10: Siargao island hopping
Day 11: Departure via Cebu or Manila
Practical Information
- Best time: November to May (dry season). December-February is peak. Avoid June-October typhoon season for beach destinations
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP). USD and SGD easily exchanged. ATMs widely available
- Internal flights: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines connect all major islands. Domestic flights from SGD 30-80 one-way. Book early for best rates
- Safety: Tourist areas are very safe. Avoid Mindanao southern region. Standard precautions in Manila
- SIM card: Cheap data SIMs available at airports. Globe or Smart networks recommended
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