The Philippines consists of an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, with a combined shoreline longer than the US. Colonised by the Spanish in 1521, the country takes its name from king Philip of Spain. In 1898, it became a colony of the United States, as a result of which it is now the third largest English speaking country in the world. Filipinos have a rich and colourful culture, combining Asian, European, and American influences, and the country's natural physical beauty is making it an increasingly popular destination for travellers. The immaculate Amanpulo on Pamalican Island has long been an Original Travel favourite, but that left 7,099 other islands in the Philippines just begging to be turned into luxurious eco-retreats. Many of the islands don't even have a name, and the Philippines seems to float on its own in the Pacific. Separated from Indonesia and Indochina by miles of ocean, the country's history is relatively undramatic; unlike many of its neighbours, it has not seen the rise and fall of dynasties. This may be due to the archipelago's linguistic, cultural and racial diversity - over 111 dialects are spoken in its various regions.

Philippines holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Why visit Philippines with Original Travel

Travelling with us means enjoying a trip that has been meticulously crafted by our team of experts, each knowing their specialised country like the back of their hand. Tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind, we can customise itineraries based on your taste, be that an architecture aficionado, a food fanatic or an environment enthusiast. Working hand-in-hand with local Concierges and guides, we’ll uncover spots perfect for you. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our curated experiences are supported by an array of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline and an app full of recommendations.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Philippines

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

Our Philippines holiday collections

Discover different ways to explore Philippines

Philippines Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Philippines Testimonials

1 reviews
4.5 / 5
"We had an absolutely fantastic trip. We loved El Nido - the people could not have been friendlier, the activities were extremely well organised! I will definitely be recommending both El Nido and Original Travel to friends. Thanks again for all your help. We hope to book another holiday with you in the not too distant future! "
Harriet - Birmingham
Published on 19th August 2019

Our Philippines
specialists

Who better to entrust with your travel plans than our team of consultants, boasting eleven Conde Nast Top Travel Specialists among them? With regular research trips, they stay up to date on the best experiences and newest properties. And guess what – our expertise doesn’t end there. While you’re away, we’ll hook you up with the best guides around, teeming with contagious passion for their beloved country. For the finer details, our Concierges are clued up on your likes and dislikes and are just a WhatsApp away for personalised tips and tricks on where to go and what to see. In short, we’ve covered every possible travel-related base.



100% tailor-made holidays

Understanding Your Needs

Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday

Personalisation

We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities

Our Services

All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges