The Philippines is one of the best diving destinations in Southeast Asia, suitable for every level. Beginners are well catered for in places like Moalboal, El Nido and Panglao in Bohol, all of which have dive schools where you can get certified or do your first dives. More experienced divers should look at Malapascua for thresher shark sightings, the WWII wrecks of Coron for world-class wreck diving, and Tubbataha Reef — a UNESCO World Heritage Site only accessible by liveaboard between March and June — which is widely considered the best diving in the entire country.

Island hopping in the Philippines requires a mix of transport. Ferries work well for shorter distances between neighboring islands like within Central Visayas. For longer distances, flying is almost always the better option since ferries can be slow and complicated. Within islands, jeepneys and buses cover most ground, while tricycles are useful for shorter hops. Always negotiate tricycle rates before getting in.

Two weeks is the minimum to cover the highlights without rushing, but three weeks is more comfortable, and maxing out the visa free stay of 30 days would be perfect. This allows you to visit several islands and slow down on the beautiful beaches of Palawan. Factor in travel days between islands as flights can eat into your time more than you’d expect.

Oslob in Cebu is the most well-known spot, but the sharks there are hand-fed daily which disrupts their natural behavior and causes long-term harm. For a more responsible experience, Donsol in Luzon and Southern Leyte are the main alternatives. Both have a season running roughly from November to May, with the best chances between February and May, however sightings are not guaranteed. Southern Leyte is arguably the better option as chances of sightings seem to be higher here and it has good diving regardless of whether whale sharks show up.

The Philippines is generally safe for tourists in the destinations covered in this guide. The main things to watch out for are petty theft, ATM skimming and overcharging on transport which are all manageable with common sense. Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago in the south are a different story and best avoided due to ongoing security concerns, but these are far from the tourist trail anyway.

The Philippines is the only predominantly Catholic country in Asia, and that alone sets it apart from its Buddhist and Muslim neighbors. The reason is 333 years of Spanish colonial rule, which began when explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Cebu in 1521 and the islands were named after the Spanish King Philip II. The legacy runs deep: around 20% of Tagalog words derive from Spanish, most Filipinos carry Spanish surnames (imposed by a colonial decree in 1849), and Catholic festivals and churches are woven into daily life across the islands. This heritage makes it a fascinating and uniquely familiar place to explore.

The Philippines is slightly more expensive than budget favorites like Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, and roughly on par with Thailand. Food and accommodation are affordable, but transport is where costs add up fast. Getting around between the different islands often requires taking a domestic flight, which is something I underestimated on my first trip. Plan your route carefully and factor in transport costs from the start.