🛫 [Major Gateways]
- Cebu Mactan (CEB): Beach resort, diving, and island-hopping hub
- Bohol Panglao (TAG): Direct international/domestic gateway to Bohol
- Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL): Capital international hub
- Clark (CRK): Northern leisure and golf hub
🚄 [Inter-Island & Transit]
- Fast Ferries: OceanJet connecting Cebu and Bohol in 2 hours
- Local Rides: Tricycles (motorized rickshaws) and Jeepneys
- Ride-Hailing: Grab (essential in Manila and Metro Cebu)
🚌 [Transit Advice]
- Airport Transfers: Pre-booked hotel shuttles or official Grab booths strongly advised
- Tricycle Fares: Confirm destination and fare before boarding
🛂 [Visa & Entry]
- 30-day visa-free entry for eligible tourist nationalities (passport valid 6+ months)
- eTravel Portal: Mandatory online registration within 72 hours before departure (QR code)
- Proof of Onward Travel: Return or onward flight ticket required upon check-in
⏱️ [Time Zone & Flights]
- GMT+8 (1 hour behind Korea/Japan)
- Direct flights approx. 4h ~ 4h 30m from major East Asian hubs
🌸 [Best Season & Weather]
- Dry Season (Dec–May): Clear emerald waters, perfect for island hopping and diving
- Rainy Season (Jun–Nov): Afternoon downpours and tropical weather watch required
🍔 [Food & Price Level]
- Prices: San Miguel beer 60–85 PHP / Jollibee meal 120–180 PHP / 1-hr Massage 500–800 PHP
- Payments: Cash (PHP) strongly preferred; credit cards often carry a 3–5% fee
⚡ [Voltage & Plugs]
- 220V, 60Hz
- Plug Type: Type A 2-pin flat plugs most common
📱 [Essential Apps & Language]
- Ride-Hailing: Grab
- Language: English is an official language, spoken fluently at hotels and tour operators
⚠️ [Booking & Partnership Notice]
* Flight, hotel, car rental, and tour booking links are provided via official affiliate partnerships (Trip.com). All bookings and cancellations are handled directly by the service providers.
🗣️ Essential Local Phrases
Hello
Tagalog greeting
Kumusta
Pronunciation: “Kumusta”
Thank you
Thank you
Salamat
Pronunciation: “Salamat”
How much is it?
Price check
Magkano?
Pronunciation: “Magkano?”
Discount please
Bargaining
Wala bang tawad?
Pronunciation: “Wala bang tawad?”
Where is the restroom?
CR = Restroom
Nasaan ang CR?
Pronunciation: “Nasaan ang CR?”
Delicious!
Compliment
Masarap
Pronunciation: “Masarap”
Please help me
Help request
Tulong
Pronunciation: “Tulong”
Can you speak English?
English conversation
Can you speak English?
Pronunciation: “Can you speak English?”
🔢 Local Numbers Guide (Shopping & Dining)
1
Isa
(Isa)
2
Dalawa
(Dalawa)
3
Tatlo
(Tatlo)
4
Apat
(Apat)
5
Lima
(Lima)
10
Sampu
(Sampu)
100
Daan
(Daan)
1,000
Libo
(Libo)