ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES

• 10 Mar 22

  NEWS
  Philippines hopes to open borders to all foreign tourists

  The Philippines hopes to extend its open border policy to all travellers next month. Currently, ...Read more
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  Philippines hopes to open borders to all foreign tourists - News & announcements

  The Philippines hopes to extend its open border policy to all travellers next month. Currently, it offers visa-free access to travellers from 157 countries. The Department of Tourism said the government is targeting April to extend it to all foreign travellers. Since reopening nearly a month ago, the Philippines has welcomed73,000 tourist arrivals. “It’s not big compared to the pre-pandemic levels but, we were pleasantly surprised,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.  

• 04 Mar 22

  TRAINING | COMPETITION
  Philippines Specialist

    WHY CHOOSE THE PHILIPPINES?   The Philippines’ gorgeous white-sand beaches, stunning scenery, naturally carved ...Read more
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  Philippines Specialist - News & announcements

   

  WHY CHOOSE THE PHILIPPINES?

    The Philippines’ gorgeous white-sand beaches, stunning scenery, naturally carved limestone formations, unforgettable adventures, friendly and outgoing locals, colorful festivals, world-class diving and surfing sites, fascinating history, and a glorious mix of cultures are just some of the many reasons to visit the Philippines. Whether travelers are coming to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture and flavorful cuisine or to get pampered during a spa vacation, there’s something for everyone!   Several of the country’s islands have been globally recognized as top destinations, promising once-in-a-lifetime adventures and experiences. Topping the world’s best islands are Palawan, Boracay, Siargao, and Cebu. As a year-round tropical destination, its 7,641 islands offer fun for every type of traveler, from aquatic sports to land-based escapades to aerial exploits, from extreme, on-the-edge thrills to relaxing retreats, engaging cultural experiences, and mindful ecotourism activities. It also attracts visitors for a myriad of other reasons: medical tourism, volunteer opportunities, and cruising. Its people are the world’s great hosts with impeccable and incomparable service ethics, the Philippines boasts of its warm, friendly, cheerful, and hardworking people.   But no matter the reason, travelers will discover that one thing is certain: it’s more fun in the Philippines, providing lifelong memories through unforgettable experiences and activities. Learn more about the Philippines by becoming a Philippine Specialist. ENROLL NOW!

• 13 Feb 22

  NEWS
  Free booster shots for tourists in Boracay

  With the Philippines open again to foreign travellers, island hotspot Boracay hopes to lure tourists ...Read more
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  Free booster shots for tourists in Boracay - News & announcements

  With the Philippines open again to foreign travellers, island hotspot Boracay hopes to lure tourists with free booster shots. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said tourists can get free booster shots during a holiday on the island. Officials said the local adult population and all hospitality workers are 100% double jabbed as the 'Resbakuna sa Botika' booster programme was launched. It allows foreign visitors to get a booster. "We are really at the forefront of this development. We have the advantage of having fully-vaccinated workers and residents. We are more than ready to open Boracay to foreign tourists," Gov. Florencio Miraflores said. Romulo-Puyat said tourists are able to walk in and have their booster shots at licensed pharmacies across the island. There are currently no active Covid-19 cases on the island. The Philippines reopened borders to foreign travellers last week. Quarantine-free is allowed for double-vaccinated adult travellers from over 150 countries who also test negative for the virus. Children under the age of 18 are exempt.

• 21 Nov 21

  NEWS
  Philippines prepping for tourism reopening

  The Philippines is preparing to reopen to fully vaccinated tourists coming from select countries. It ...Read more
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  Philippines prepping for tourism reopening - News & announcements

  The Philippines is preparing to reopen to fully vaccinated tourists coming from select countries. It hasn't set a reopening timeline but expects to welcome international tourists again 'soon,' the country's Department of Tourism said. A Special Technical Working Group on Travel is currently discussing the protocols. Visitors from its green list will be allowed. There are currently 44 countries and territories on the Philippines green list such as China, Japan and India.   Read full story

• 02 Nov 21

  Partner News
  Discover 8 Of The Most Romantic Philippines Destinations

    The Philippines Department of Tourism highlights these destinations that offer the best sights and ...Read more
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  Discover 8 Of The Most Romantic Philippines Destinations - News & announcements

    The Philippines Department of Tourism highlights these destinations that offer the best sights and make for the perfect romantic vacation for honeymooners or mini-mooners.  

   “Couples looking for a memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway can find them in our pristine beaches and mountain trails, where they can go hiking, biking, diving, or simply lounge comfortably.  We are preparing these romantic destinations for your visit when international borders reopen, ensuring that health and safety protocols are securely in place.” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.

    These beautiful islands provide the perfect backdrop to create more wonderful memories, and couples are sure to fall in love all over again not only with each other, but also with the Philippines.  

  1. LONG BEACH, SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN

    Take a romantic sunset stroll on the gorgeous shores of Long Beach. At a 14.7 km stretch, the longest white-sand beach in the Philippines is also the second-longest in Southeast Asia.   Enjoy the laid-back rural vibe at the beach and lounge lazily on the sand while gazing at the undisturbed view of the horizon. Cool off at the clear, turquoise waters or head out to the majestic Pamuayan Falls where you can traipse into the forests for a glimpse of the rich flora and fauna of the area. You can also go island-hopping via a short boat ride to discover other hidden gems of San Vicente.  

  

  

  LONG BEACH, PALAWAN

  2. BANTAYAN ISLAND, CEBU

    Located at Cebu’s northernmost tip is Bantayan Island. This emerging destination is full of beautiful spots to have your couple photos taken.   Some of the attractions that offer unforgettable moments and make dramatic backdrops are the secluded Paradise Beach and Virgin Island, the Obo-Ob Mangrove Garden with its rustic bamboo bridge, the Kota Park Pier, and the Kinatarkan Lighthouse. For a taste of history, visit the centuries-old St. Peter and Paul Parish Church made of coral stones, and for a taste of local Cebuano cuisine, look for restaurants that offer Sutukil or grilled seafood from the catch of the day.  

  

  PARADISE BEACH, BANTAYAN ISLAND, CEBU

  

  BANTAYAN ISLAND, CEBU

  

  BANTAYAN ISLAND, CEBU

  

  ST. PETER AND PAUL PARISH CHURCH, BANTAYAN ISLAND

   

  3. SAMAL ISLAND, DAVAO

    The Island Garden City of Samal is composed of two beautiful islands and is dotted with many resorts where couples can enjoy a luxe and romantic getaway amid the white sand and clear tranquil waters.   A memorable meal under the stars can be arranged, where you can enjoy the freshest seafood and toast with a choice of wines. In the daytime, you can arrange for a picnic at the cascading Hagimit Falls or take a day trip to the Pearl Farm Beach Resort for some sightseeing and to try out its water activities such as jet skiing and diving. Hike hand in hand at the beginner-friendly Mt. Puting Bato or catch Vanishing Island before it becomes submerged from the tides.  

  

  ENJOY A ROMANTIC MEAL UNDER THE STARS ON SAMAL ISLAND

   

  

  PEARL FARM, SAMAL ISLAND

   

  

  SAMAL ISLAND

   

  

  SAMAL ISLAND

   

  4. BUKIDNON GLAMPING SITES

    Enjoy a romantic vacation under a canopy of stars and a natural ambience at the glamping sites that are available in Bukidnon. The cool climes make it perfect for snuggling together in the glamp tents that are set up in the mountains or overlooking the grand Bukidnon landscapes. Taglucop Strawberry Hills lets you wake up to a field of flowers and fruits, serenaded by the relaxing calm that is characteristic of the Bukidnon province.   Dahilayan Forest Park has cabin-like tents that offer a treetop view. Even while you are surrounded by nature, the glamping sites offer top-notch service and delicious dishes made from the fresh produce of the area. While in Bukidnon, take a sight-seeing trip to the other tourist attractions of the Province such as Lake Pinamaloy in Don Carlos and the solemn beauty of the Abbey of the Transfiguration in Malaybalay City.  

  

  PAMINAHAWA RIDGE, BUKIDNON PROVINCE

   

  

  DAHILAYAN FOREST PARK

   

  

  STRAWBERRY HILLS GLAMPING TENT

   

  

  BUKIDNON GLAMPING SITE

   

  

  TAGLUCOP STRAWBERRY HILLS GARDEN

   

  

  ABBEY OF THE TRANSFIGURATION

   

  5. BORACAY ISLAND

    The world-renowned Philippines island with its white sand and blue waters is one of the top wedding and honeymoon destinations in the country.   Aside from lounging at the beach with a drink in hand to catch a breathtaking sunset, travellers can enjoy myriad other adventures such as sampling the vibrant nightlife and enjoying the local cuisine from its choices of restaurants. For some quality couple time, travellers can explore quieter beaches such as Diniwid, Puka, Ilig-Iligan or Balinghai, or enjoy activities such as diving, snorkelling, and parasailing. Some resorts can also set up a special seaside dinner for two.  

  

  WORLD-RENOWNED BORACAY IS ONE OF THE PHILIPPINES TOP WEDDING AND HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

   

  

  PUKA BEACH, BORACAY

   

  

  STUNNING BORACAY SUNSETS

   

  6. BATANES ISLAND

    Each Batanes attraction is picture-perfect and offers many romantic activities. The wide-open spaces at Rakuh-a-Payahman (also called communal pastureland) and Vayang Rolling Hills give you a clear view of forever under the blue due to its vast landscapes and seascapes.   Perhaps, the tallest structures in Batanes are its most romantic ones – its lighthouses, set against a dramatic backdrop of the sky makes for great couple photo opportunities. Couples can bike through the island to explore its breathtaking grandeur or book a boat ride to Sabtang Island to visit vernacular stone houses that were built to withstand any storm and use only local building materials.  

  

  ENJOY THE WIDE OPEN SPACES OF RACUH-A-PAYAHMAN, BATANES ISLAND

   

  

  BATANES COASTLINE

   

  

  BATANES CULTURE

   

  

  BATANES COASTLINE

   

  

  SABTANG LIGHTHOUSE, BATANES

   

  7. SICOGON ISLAND AND ISLAS DE GIGANTES, ILOILO

    For a relaxing island experience, take a trip to Iloilo’s tropical gems Sicogon Island and Isla de Gigantes.   Be swept off your feet with the gorgeous vistas at Sicogon’s Barangay Buwaya Beach, with powder-fine sand leading to unbelievably clear waters. Fall in love with the rustic life of the fishing community and commune with nature at the rock formations and craggy peak of Mt. Opao. Islas de Gigantes is another destination for nature lovers who will enjoy its offbeat charm and the friendly hospitality of the local communities. Book a boat ride to enjoy the tranquillity of the secluded beaches at Antonia, Cabugaw Gamay Island, and Bantigue or climb the lighthouse found at the island’s Northern part for a clear, calm view of the seas.  

  

  SICOGON ISLAND AND ISLAS DE GIGANTES, ILOILO

   

  

  SICOGON ISLAND AND ISLAS DE GIGANTES, ILOILO

   

  

  SICOGON ISLAND AND ISLAS DE GIGANTES, ILOILO

   

  8. INTRAMUROS, MANILA

    Promenade along the cobbled streets of Intramuros to get a feel of its old-world charm. You may also imbibe the timeless beauty of this historic city on a bike ride, as it passes through notable landmarks such as the Baluarte de San Diego, Plaza Mexico, and Puerto Real.   Visit the centuries-old churches San Agustin and Manila Cathedral that are both popular for weddings and take dramatic dusk photos at the ramparts and garden of Fort Santiago. Book a romantic dinner at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant or at the La Cathedral Café to cap a perfectly romantic day.  

  

  TAKE A ROMANTIC EVENING STROLL IN THE FORT SANTIAGO GARDEN

   

  

  EXPLORE FORT SANTIAGO

   

  

  HISTORIC LANDMARKS

   

  

  MANILA CATHEDRAL

   

  

  SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH

   

  SAFE JOURNEYS

    As the country prepares its myriad travel attractions, the Philippines Department of Tourism is ensuring a safe visit via standardized health and hygiene protocols in its destinations.   The Tourism Department has been awarded a SafeTravels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in recognition of its adoption of “health and hygiene global standardized protocols” that will ensure safe travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, conducts thorough inspection and assessment, to ensure that only those who are accredited are allowed to open and receive guests.   The Philippine government through its Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is constantly updating its protocols to safeguard Filipinos and foreign nationals who are travelling to the Philippines.   To learn more about the Philippines’ travel safety visit philippines.travel

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