Explore The Ultimate Philippines Bucket List: 25 Top Activities, featuring the best things to do across the country from island hopping in Palawan and snorkeling with whale sharks to surfing in Siargao and hiking volcanic landscapes. Discover must-visit destinations, iconic experiences, and travel inspiration to help you plan the perfect Philippines adventure.
Philippines Group Tours
The Philippines packs more into a single trip than almost anywhere else on earth — 7,000+ islands, world-class diving, jaw-dropping island scenery, and a warmth from locals that makes you want to stay. Our small group Philippines tours take you beyond the resort strip and into the real thing.
Choose East for the energy of Cebu, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and Boracay’s famous white sand. Choose West for Palawan’s limestone karsts, El Nido’s hidden lagoons, and Coron’s shipwreck dives. Or do both on the Philippines Expedition — 23 days, both coastlines, zero compromises.
Every tour runs in small groups of likeminded travellers — adventurous, social, mostly solo. By day three, they tend to feel like old friends.
The Philippines packs more into a single trip than almost anywhere else on earth — 7,000+ islands, world-class diving, jaw-dropping island scenery, and a warmth from locals that makes you want to stay. Our small group Philippines tours take you beyond the resort strip and into the real thing.
Puerto Princesa: (PPS)
Currency
Say Hello
Famous Dish
Adobo – Marinated meat/vege braised into a stew
Local Beer
Major Airports
Puerto Princesa: (PPS)
Visas
Dialling Code
Timezone
Philippines Map: Top Spots
On Tour in The Philippines with @onelifeadventures
Tour Styles Explained
East, West or both?
Best for: First-time Philippines visitors who want variety — culture, nature, and beach all in one trip.
Best for: Scenery seekers and ocean lovers who want Palawan's world-famous landscapes with as much time as possible to soak them in.
Best for: Travellers who don't want to choose — do both! If you have the time to see the Philippines and embrace it all.
Your Philippines Tours
All four tours are fully inclusive — accommodation, transport, activities, and select meals sorted. Pick a Classic for 10 or 14 days, or throw caution to the wind and do the full 23-day Expedition. No one’s ever regretted it.
We’ve Got You
Not sure where to start? Our team’s always here to help plan your trip and answer any questions along the way. Book a free call with a travel specialist. Just part of what we do - no commitments required.
Why travel with One Life to the Philippines?
The Philippines is where One Life Adventures began. Our very first tour departed for these islands — and the response was so strong it became the foundation everything else was built on. More than a decade later, it remains one of our most booked destinations. That kind of staying power doesn’t happen by accident.
What keeps people coming back is years of local knowledge, strong guide relationships, and an itinerary refined across hundreds of departures. You’re not getting a template — you’re getting a trip that’s been lived in and improved every single time.
FAQs for the Philippines
Do I need a visa to travel to the Philippines?
Most countries will get a free 30 day tourist visa in the Philippines upon arrival. Check your specific Philippines visa requirements here by entering your nationality.
For more information about visas, please visit our FAQ page.
Will I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance on all One Life Adventures trips is compulsory. Our group leader will be taking care of you from the moment you arrive, though things can happen which are out of our control. This is why we require everyone who travels with us to have their own travel insurance by the time they depart for the trip. You will have a much more enjoyable trip knowing that you are covered no matter what happens! When you are choosing your insurance policy, it’s important to make sure it covers the following things:
- Adventure activities included in the tour
- Medical expenses
- Personal belongings (in cases of lost luggage or theft)
- Missed flights
What is the best time of year to visit the Philippines?
The Philippines has two main seasons — dry (November to May) and wet (June to October). The dry season is generally the best time to visit, with the sweet spot being November through April when conditions are ideal for island hopping, snorkelling, and beach time. OLA runs Philippines departures across both seasons — check individual tour departure dates for availability.
Is the Philippines safe for solo travellers?
Yes. The Philippines is one of our most popular destinations for solo travellers, and has been since our very first tour departed there.
Travelling in a small group takes care of the safety and logistics concerns that can make solo travel daunting. Our local guides know these islands well and are with you throughout.
What is the Philippines known for?
The Philippines is best known for its extraordinary island scenery. Particularly Palawan, consistently rated one of the world’s best islands alongside world-class diving, vibrant marine life, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and some of Southeast Asia’s most welcoming communities.
What are the best beaches to visit in the Philippines?
The Philippines is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world, each with its unique charm. Boracay’s White Beach featured in our Philippines East tour, is famous for its powdery, white sand and vibrant nightlife. Palawan, often regarded as the country’s jewel, offers secluded beaches like those found in El Nido and Coron, where crystal-clear waters and dramatic limestone cliffs create postcard-perfect views. For a more peaceful escape, you can explore the tranquil shores of Port Barton, a hidden gem that offers a serene setting perfect for snorkelling or beach camping.
Visit Port Barton & El Nido on our 10 & 14-day tours and Coron exclusively on our 14-day West tour. Better uet, take on our 23-day Philippines Expedition tour and you’ll visit all of these stunning locations over three weeks.
Can I do the Philippines as a solo traveller?
Absolutely 🙂 The majority of guests on our Philippines tours travel solo. The small group format means you arrive alone and almost immediately have a group of likeminded people around you. It’s one of the reasons the Philippines works so well as a first group tour destination.
What is the difference between the East and West Philippines tours?
East covers Cebu, Bohol, Moalboal, and Boracay — more varied, culturally rich, and ideal for first-time visitors. West focuses on Palawan — El Nido on the 10-day, with Coron added on the 14-day — and is the choice for scenery and ocean lovers. Can’t decide? The 23-day Expedition covers both.
Giving Back in the Philippines
At One Life, travel is about more than the destination. Here’s how our Philippines tours give back to the communities that make them possible.
- Local basketball sponsorship — We fund uniforms for the local team, and our tour groups show up to cheer them on when they play.
- School visits — We have ongoing relationships with four schools in Port Barton. Every tour visits one, and guests regularly bring school supplies or make donations directly to the school.
- Beach clean-up — On our final morning in Port Barton, we invite the group to walk the beach and collect rubbish before we leave. A small act that adds up across hundreds of departures.
- Stray dog welfare — In our early years of running Philippines tours, we supported a local stray dog program to provide care and neutering for animals in the community.
Travel Tips & Info
The Ultimate Philippines Bucket List: 25 Top Activities
Best Christmas Destinations in Asia: Japan, Philippines & Vietnam
The holiday season is a magical time to travel. Imagine strolling through glittering streets in Tokyo, sipping hot cocoa while snowflakes fall in Seoul, joining the world’s longest Christmas celebration in the Philippines, or discovering the festive spirit hidden in Vietnam’s bustling cities.
Everything You Need To Know About Coron Island
Coron is an island in the Calamian Islands in the province of Palawan, Philippines. It is located in Busuanga. There are beautiful and clean beaches and the best way to explore by foot. If you want to see something truly unique, we would suggest visiting Barracuda...







