Independent Philippines Travel Guides
Philippines Compass is a practical travel guide for discovering cities, islands, beaches, waterfalls, mountain towns and less-visited places across the Philippines.
The goal is simple: help you decide where to go, what is worth seeing and how to build a trip that makes sense on the ground. Our guides cover well-known destinations alongside smaller attractions and places that are easy to miss when planning from abroad.
Planning information can change. Always confirm important transport, weather and access information before a long journey.
Recently published
New destination guides, practical itineraries, local attractions and trip-planning ideas from around the Philippines.
Explore by region
The Philippines changes dramatically from region to region. A Manila city break, a Palawan island trip and a few days in the mountains of Luzon are completely different experiences. Start with the part of the country that fits your trip.
Historic Manila, Makati, BGC, Quezon City and day trips to places such as Tagaytay, Batangas, Clark and Rizal.
Explore Manila & Nearby →Baguio, Sagada, Banaue, Batanes, La Union, Ilocos, Pangasinan, Bicol and other destinations across Luzon.
Explore Luzon →El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, San Vicente, Balabac, Culion and quieter parts of Palawan.
Explore Palawan →Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Negros, Iloilo, Boracay, Leyte, Samar, Apo Island and surrounding islands.
Explore the Visayas →Siargao, Davao, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Surigao, Lake Sebu, Zamboanga and other destinations in Mindanao.
Explore Mindanao →Quiet beaches, waterfalls, lesser-known islands, mountain areas, small towns and alternatives to busy destinations.
Find Hidden Gems →More than sightseeing
Sometimes choosing the activity comes before choosing the destination. These sections make it easier to browse the site by the kind of experience you want.
Practical planning
We try to answer the questions that appear once a destination moves from an idea to an actual trip.
Before you travel
Distances on a map do not always tell the whole story. Traffic, ferry schedules, road conditions, rain and sea conditions can turn what looks like a short transfer into a much longer day.
For that reason, a useful itinerary needs some flexibility. This matters especially when a trip includes islands, boats, mountain roads or remote attractions.
About the site
Philippines Compass is an independent travel information website built around one country with an enormous number of places to explore.
Many travelers begin with the same familiar names: Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Bohol, Palawan or Siargao. Those destinations deserve useful coverage, but they are only a small part of what exists across the Philippines.
That's why the site also covers smaller beaches, waterfalls, public markets, mountain areas, heritage sites, provincial towns and attractions that may only make sense as part of a wider itinerary.
The aim is not to tell every traveler that every destination is amazing. A useful guide should help you understand what a place offers, how it fits into a trip and whether it is likely to be worth your time.
Travel details are never permanently fixed. Prices, schedules, access conditions, weather and local rules can change, so important information should always be confirmed close to the date of travel.