Philippines tours reach well beyond the postcard beaches, threading the Cordillera’s rice-terraced highlands and the limestone seascapes of Palawan into one slow journey. Few archipelagos surprise you so often.
Philippines tours draw you into one of Southeast Asia's most layered and undervisited destinations. More than 7,000 islands stretch across the western Pacific, shaped by centuries of Malay, Spanish and American influence — a blend that produces colonial plazas, UNESCO-listed terraces and some of the region's most spectacular island scenery. From the walled streets of Intramuros in Manila to the ancient Cordillera highlands, the Philippines rewards travellers who look beyond its famous shores.
Our small group Philippines tours combine the country's two great landscapes in a single journey: the cool rice-terraced mountains of northern Luzon — Banaue, Batad and the remarkable hanging coffins of Sagada — with the turquoise waters and limestone karsts of Palawan, including the Puerto Princesa Underground River and island hopping around El Nido. These Philippines travel packages are carefully paced for travellers seeking genuine cultural depth alongside natural beauty.
Philippines
Small-group departures led by local experts, plus private tailor-made itineraries shaped around your interests, pace and dates.
The Philippines is routinely underestimated as a cultural destination. Beyond its beaches, a world of highland villages, Spanish heritage towns and ancient traditions rewards travellers who venture inland.
Few countries offer UNESCO World Heritage Sites as contrasting as the Banaue Rice Terraces and the Puerto Princesa Underground River. A Philippines trip that takes in both gives a complete picture of the country's natural and cultural depth.
The Philippines has a reputation — well earned — for hospitality. Travelling here on a small group tour allows genuine encounters with local communities, from Ifugao villages in the Cordillera to the fishing families of Palawan, in a way that larger tours rarely permit.
Despite its natural beauty, the Philippines attracts far fewer Western travellers than comparable Southeast Asian destinations. Philippines holidays here feel unhurried, unscripted and largely crowd-free — particularly in the highlands.
See itinerariesThe Philippines doesn't announce itself — it unfolds gradually, island by island, terrace by terrace.
From the field
Sweet spot: May
The Philippines has two dominant seasons: the dry season runs from November to May, bringing clear skies and calm seas, while the wet season from June to October brings heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons, particularly in the north. For exploring the Cordillera highlands and Palawan, the dry months offer the most reliable conditions — trails are passable, the underground river accessible and El Nido's seas at their calmest and clearest. March to May can be warm in the lowlands, though the highlands stay pleasantly cool. Our Philippines holidays depart in May, catching the final weeks of the dry season when the rice terraces are lush and green and the waters around Palawan are at their most inviting.
Dispatches, field notes and practical advice from our specialists.
Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”
Alexis
“Fabulous, unusual destination, and great people. A private tour of somewhere little-visited, with great service from start to finish and excellent knowledge and advice from Undiscovered Destinations throughout.”
Steve
“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”
Anna
“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”
Grete
“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”
Frank
“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”
Cathy
“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”
Lynn
“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”
Andy
“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”
Jennie
“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”
Debbie
“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”
Alexis
“Fabulous, unusual destination, and great people. A private tour of somewhere little-visited, with great service from start to finish and excellent knowledge and advice from Undiscovered Destinations throughout.”
Steve
Every one of our Philippines journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
We’ll build one around you.
The Philippines lends itself exceptionally well to a tailor-made approach — its island geography means the shape of a private journey can be as expansive or as focused as you choose. A private traveller might spend longer in the Cordillera highlands, walking deeper into the rice terrace landscape around Batad or spending additional nights in Sagada to explore its caves and trails at a gentler pace. In Palawan, a private itinerary can extend the island-hopping days around El Nido or add time in Puerto Princesa beyond the underground river.
Undiscovered Destinations can build a private Philippines holiday around your pace and interests, with private transport, expert local guides and a considered range of accommodation throughout. Speak to our team to start planning your journey.
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Our Philippines tour packages start from £4,495 per person. This includes accommodation throughout, most meals, all internal transport, entrance fees and the services of an expert local guide. International flights are not included and can be arranged separately — our team is happy to advise.
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
We constantly monitor official travel advice, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Philippines Travel Advice, and will always advise clients of any warnings before departure. At the time of writing, there are no specific warnings against travel to the parts of the Philippines that we visit on our tours.
Please contact us if you have any specific concerns or would like to understand what measures are in place to ensure your trip remains safe and trouble-free.
Join a small-group departure, or let our Philippines specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.
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