Philippines All-Inclusive Travel Guide
Boracay is the Philippines' headline beach: White Beach is a four-kilometer stretch of powder-soft sand and warm, swimmable water, fringed with easygoing all-inclusives. Getting here takes a connection or two, but the payoff is one of Asia's great shorelines and some of the friendliest people we've met anywhere.
U.S. State DeptLevel 2: Exercise Increased Cautionupdated May 8, 2025 · see latest ↗ · what does this mean?
- Language
- Filipino & English (English widely spoken)
- Currency
- Philippine peso (PHP)
- Power
- 220V, Type A/B/C plugs (US plugs fit, but check voltage)
- Driving
- On the right
- Main airport
- Caticlan (MPH), via Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB)
- Flight time
- ~15–20h+ from the US, with at least one stop
Do you need a passport or visa for the Philippines?
U.S. citizens get visa-free entry for up to 30 days (extendable at a Bureau of Immigration office) and need a passport valid for at least six months with proof of onward travel.
Everyone must complete the free online eTravel registration at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before arrival – it is not a visa, and official registration costs nothing, so avoid third-party sites that charge. Confirm current rules on travel.state.gov.
Is the Philippines safe?
The Philippines carries a country-wide U.S. travel advisory (the current level is shown at the top of this guide), but that headline is driven by parts of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago (the highest-risk, do-not-travel zones), not where you're going.
Boracay and the wider Visayas are well-policed, tourism-focused, and stable. Use normal beach-town sense with valuables and watch the surf on the windier side. Always check travel.state.gov before you fly.
Currency and tipping
The peso is the only currency you'll spend; bring some cash for tricycles, market stalls, and small cafes, as cards aren't universal off-resort. ATMs are easy to find on Boracay.
Tipping is appreciated but modest: a service charge is often added to restaurant bills, and rounding up or 10% for good service, plus a little for guides and drivers, is plenty.
When to visit
The dry season, roughly November to May, is prime Boracay weather – sunny, calm, and ideal for the beach, with the busiest stretch over the Christmas-to-Easter holidays.
June to October is the wetter southwest-monsoon season with more rain and the occasional typhoon swell; it's quieter and cheaper, but expect some grey days.
Getting there & around
There are no nonstops from the US – fly to Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB), then a short domestic hop to Caticlan (MPH), the closest airport.
From Caticlan it's a quick van-and-ferry transfer to Boracay, which most resorts arrange. The island itself is small: walk White Beach or grab an e-trike to get around.
What to do beyond the resort
Sail a paraw outrigger at sunset, island-hop to Crystal Cove and Puka Shell Beach, or kitesurf off Bulabog Beach when the wind's up. Snorkeling and diving here are excellent.
For more, day trips to mainland Panay reach waterfalls and quieter coves, and the food scene – fresh seafood, calamansi everything – is worth wandering for.
Good to know
Power is 220V with Type A/B/C outlets: US flat plugs fit, but bring a converter for anything not rated for 220V. English is widely spoken, so getting around is easy.
Stick to bottled or filtered water, pack reef-safe sunscreen (some areas restrict the rest), and note Boracay enforces an environmental fee and rules to keep the beach pristine.
When to go to Philippines
Beach-comfort at a glance: warmth against rainfall, month by month. Greener is better.
Typical daytime highs (°F) and rainfall for Cebu / Mactan: approximate climate normals, planning guidance, not a forecast.
Storm risk. Typhoon season runs roughly June–December; the central Visayas (Cebu) see fewer direct hits than Luzon, but it's a real planning factor.
Sweet spot. January–April; rainy season runs June–November.
Getting to Philippines
Indicative round-trip fares into Manila (MNL) from the major US gateways, cheapest first. Tap through for live prices and dates.
Where the Philippines resorts are
4 resorts mapped gold stars are five-star properties select a pin for details
The best all-inclusive resorts in Philippines
The Philippines properties we'd actually book. Tap through for photos, real guest ratings, and what's included.
Where to stay in Philippines
The resort areas we cover, and which properties sit in each.
Resort chains in Philippines
The brands operating here. Tap any chain for its full ranking and what its all-inclusive plan really covers.
El Nido Resorts (3) · Shangri-La
Philippines, head-to-head
Torn between two beaches? We put Philippines side by side: price, flights, sand, food, and safety, compared honestly.
Philippines vs Jamaica · Mexico · Dominican Republic · Maldives · Greece · Spain · Turks & Caicos · Aruba · Barbados · St. Lucia · Italy · Portugal · Turkey · Antigua · Curaçao · Brazil · Costa Rica · French Polynesia · Morocco · Egypt · South Africa · Mauritius · Kenya · Tanzania · Mozambique · Thailand · Indonesia · Malaysia · Punta Cana · Cancún · Riviera Maya · Los Cabos · Puerto Vallarta · Montego Bay · Negril · Ocho Rios · Guanacaste · Crete · Bahia · Bora Bora · Malé Atolls · Rodney Bay · Barbados South Coast · Barbados West Coast · Viti Levu · Vanua Levu · Fiji · Croatia · U.S. Virgin Islands · Sri Lanka · Seychelles · Bahamas · Chile · Argentina · United States
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
No – U.S. citizens get 30 days visa-free (extendable). You do need a passport valid six months and the free online eTravel registration within 72 hours of arrival.
Is Boracay safe?
Yes. The Philippines' country-wide advisory is driven by parts of Mindanao and Sulu; Boracay and the Visayas are stable and tourism-focused. Check the current level at travel.state.gov.
What currency is used, and are dollars accepted?
The Philippine peso. Unlike the Caribbean, US dollars aren't generally spent locally – exchange or use ATMs, and carry cash for small purchases.
Do I tip in the Philippines?
Modestly. A service charge is often included; otherwise round up or leave about 10%, plus a little for guides and drivers.
When is the best time to visit Boracay?
The dry season, November to May, for calm, sunny beach weather. December through Easter is busiest; the June–October wet season is cheaper but rainier.
Which airport do I fly into for Boracay?
Caticlan (MPH) is closest, reached via Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB), then a short van-and-ferry transfer. There are no nonstop flights from the US.
Not sure which Philippines resort is right for you?
Take our two-minute quiz and we'll match you, or browse the whole collection.