Philippines Travel Guide for Travel Partners
Philippines
With videos from the Philippine Department of Tourism.
Destination management in the Philippines
Dong DMC delivers Philippines programs — Manila, Palawan, Cebu and Bohol — through vetted island-specific partners inside the Dong DMC brand framework. Travel agencies get one quote, one contract and one point of escalation, with no hand-offs at borders, for Philippines-only programs or combinations with Vietnam and Cambodia. Programs run at B2B net rates under the agency's brand.
The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,641 islands, where Spanish-era stone churches sit a short flight from limestone lagoons and coral walls. Three centuries of Spanish rule, five decades of American influence and much older island cultures meet in its food, its festivals and its warmth. This guide was built from a familiarisation trip hosted by the Philippine Department of Tourism in 2025, and is written for travel partners shaping their first, or next, Philippines program.
November to April is the season to go: dry, breezy and clear, with calm seas for island hopping and long beach days. June to October brings the southwest monsoon and the typhoon season; programs still run well, but island and boat days need buffer time in the schedule.
Direct flights link Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang with Manila in around three hours, on carriers including Vietnam Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.
Manila is the main hub, with frequent flights to Cebu, the gateway to the Visayas, and to Davao, the largest city in Mindanao. A few island-to-island routes exist, such as Bohol to Palawan, but they are limited and often pricier, so most itineraries connect through Manila or Cebu.
Metro Manila is made up of 16 cities and one municipality, including Manila, Makati, Pasay, Parañaque, Pasig, Las Piñas and Taguig.
Most five-star hotels are in Makati, Taguig (BGC) and the Bay Area in Pasay and Parañaque, such as The Peninsula Manila and New World Makati Hotel. In Manila, there are also some notable hotels like The Manila Hotel and Diamond Hotel.
1. The Peninsula Manila: A renowned 5-star hotel in Makati, offering premium services and a prime location.
2. Okada Manila: A luxury resort with a casino and world-class amenities.
3. Nobu Hotel, City Of Dreams Manila: A modern Japanese-style hotel, perfect for those seeking luxury and comfort.
Boracay offers a wide range of hotel options to suit all budgets, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly accommodations. Some highly-rated hotels include:
1. Movenpick Resort & Spa Boracay: A 5-star resort with modern amenities, a prime location, and excellent service, just 3 km from Puka Beach.
2. Henann Lagoon Resort: With a large lagoon-style pool and well-appointed rooms, this is an ideal choice for those seeking comfort and relaxation.
3. Boracay Uptown Hotel: Located in the heart of the island, offering easy access to everything Boracay has to offer.
4. Shangri-La Boracay: The pinnacle of luxury with private villas, exclusive floating loungers, and breathtaking ocean views.
5. The Lind Boracay: With a unique design and premium services, this is the perfect destination for those seeking a luxurious experience in Boracay.
1. Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort: Located on Mactan Island, 19 km from SM City Cebu shopping mall, this resort offers luxurious accommodations with an outdoor pool, free parking, a fitness center, and a lush garden. It features a private beach area and serves a diverse buffet breakfast, including American, Belgian, and English dishes with dairy-free and gluten-free options. Recreational activities include billiards, table tennis, rock climbing, and cycling.
2. Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort: A beachfront 5-star hotel on Mactan Island, offering luxurious accommodations with an outdoor pool, fitness center, sports facilities, and a restaurant. The resort is conveniently located 1.8 km from Shangri-La Beach, 2.8 km from Mactan Newtown Beach, and 17 km from SM City Cebu shopping mall.
3. Oceanica Resort Panglao: Centrally located on Panglao Island, Bohol, near the National Monument, Chocolate Hills, and Alona Beach. This 5-star resort offers high-quality accommodations with access to massage services, an outdoor swimming pool, and an in-room fitness area.
4. Amorita Resort: Surrounded by lush gardens, Amorita Resort boasts stunning views of the Bohol Sea and the famous Alona Beach. It is about a 40-minute drive from Tagbilaran Airport and Port. Guests can enjoy mountain biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding, as well as snorkeling and scuba diving. The resort also offers event and conference venues. The on-site Saffron Restaurant serves continental cuisine and popular Filipino dishes, with special menus available upon request.
Metro Manila is two cities in one. Makati is the country's business district of glass towers and hotel lobbies; old Manila runs along the bay, where the walls of Intramuros and the 1912 Manila Hotel hold the city's history. Across the Pasig River, Binondo, often called the world's oldest Chinatown, is best explored on foot and by appetite. Beyond the capital, the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon offer volcano views, waterfalls and quiet coastal towns within a day's drive.
Intramuros, the "Walled City", was founded by the Spanish in the late 16th century as the seat of colonial power; its name is Latin for "inside the walls". Badly damaged in the Battle of Manila in 1945 and carefully restored since, its gates, cobbled streets and churches are the best walk into the country's colonial past.
Historical Significance
+ Spanish Colonial Period : Intramuros served as the seat of government and power during Spain’s rule in the Philippines. It housed the Governor-General’s residence, military barracks, churches, and schools, making it the political and religious center of the Spanish colonial era.
+ Architectural Heritage : The district is renowned for its Spanish colonial architecture, featuring fortified walls, gates, and bastions that were strategically built to protect the city from foreign invasions and local uprisings.
+ Impact of World War II: Intramuros suffered severe destruction during the Battle of Manila in 1945. Many historic buildings were reduced to ruins, leading to extensive restoration efforts in the post-war years.
Highlight
+ Fort Santiago: Built by Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi, this fortress served as a military defense post and later as a prison. Philippine national hero José Rizal was imprisoned here before his execution.
+ Manila Cathedral: Officially known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, this is the premier church of the Philippines. It has been rebuilt multiple times due to wars and natural disasters.
+ San Agustin Church The oldest stone church in the Philippines, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its Baroque architecture and historical significance.
+ Casa Manila: A museum showcasing colonial-era life, displaying antique furniture and household items from the Spanish period.
+ Walls & Gates: The defensive walls stretch approximately 4.5 km, with notable gates like Puerta de Isabel II and Puerta del Parian, which once controlled access to the city.
Manila programs for your clients
Dong DMC delivers Manila ground services through vetted local partners inside the Dong DMC framework: one quote, one contract, one point of escalation, and net rates for travel partners.
Philippines DMC · Contact the partner desk · Vietnam DMC for Philippine travel agencies
Boracay, Palawan, Cebu and Bohol
Island programs are delivered through vetted island-specific partners. Ask for net-rate options for group, incentive or FIT programs, on their own or combined with Vietnam and Cambodia on one contract.
+ Moalboal: A diving paradise known for its vibrant coral reefs and massive sardine run, where millions of sardines swim in mesmerizing formations. Other activities include kayaking and surfing.
+ Malapascua: A hidden gem with pristine beaches and stunning coral gardens. It is especially famous for diving with Thresher sharks, one of the few places in the world where they are seen almost daily.
+ Swimming with Whale Sharks in Oslob: Oslob offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim alongside gentle whale sharks, making for an unforgettable and unique experience.
A short ferry ride from Cebu, Bohol is home to the Chocolate Hills: more than a thousand grassy domes that turn cocoa-brown in the dry months.
Beyond the hills, Bohol keeps its pace gentle: the Tarsier Conservation Area, home to one of the world's smallest primates; Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the country; and the Loboc River, where lunch is served on the water to the sound of local musicians.
Together, Cebu and Bohol make one of the easiest island pairings in the country: beaches and dive sites, colonial history and natural wonders, linked by a two-hour fast ferry.
+ Tarsier Conservation Area: Home to one of the world’s smallest primates, the Philippine tarsier, known for its big, expressive eyes. This sanctuary was established to protect this rare and endangered species.
+ Panglao Island Hopping: Explore Panglao’s rich marine ecosystem, including dolphin watching and snorkeling at Balicasag Island, one of the best coral reef diving spots in the Philippines.
+ Loboc River Cruise: Enjoy a scenic river cruise along the Loboc River, featuring Asian buffet dining and live cultural performances, offering a relaxing and immersive experience.
+ Chocolate Hills Adventure Park: Thrill-seekers can enjoy activities such as zip biking, trekking, horseback riding, and camping, set against the iconic Chocolate Hills backdrop.
Filipino food is bold and generous: sour, salty and sweet in the same meal, and made for sharing at long tables.
Start with adobo, the closest thing to a national dish: chicken or pork slow-braised in vinegar, soy, garlic and peppercorns, and eaten with plenty of rice.
You should also try:
✔ Sinigang – A tangy and spicy sour soup flavored with tamarind, often made with pork or shrimp.
✔ Lechon – A crispy roasted suckling pig, a signature dish at Filipino celebrations.
✔ Halo-halo: A refreshing summer dessert made with shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, jelly and evaporated milk.
✔ Crispy Pata – Deep-fried pork knuckles with a crispy exterior and tender meat inside, a Filipino party favorite.
✔ Kare-Kare – A savory oxtail stew cooked in a rich peanut sauce, traditionally served with shrimp paste (bagoong).
✔ Tinolang Manok – A light and healthy chicken soup cooked with green papaya and chili leaves, offering a comforting and nutritious meal.
Adobo
Sinigang
Lechon
Halo-halo
Crispy Pata: A deep-fried pork knuckle with a crunchy skin and tender meat inside, a must-have dish at Filipino celebrations.
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Kare-Kare – A rich and flavorful oxtail stew cooked in a thick peanut sauce, typically served with shrimp paste (bagoong) for added depth of flavor.
Tinolang Manok – A light and comforting chicken soup made with green papaya and chili leaves, offering a mild yet nourishing taste.
A travel creator joined a Dong Thi trip to the Philippines and filmed it as it happened: reef swims in clear water, island boats and sunset dinners on the sand. The footage gives travel partners real moments to share with clients.
Dong Thi and the Philippine Department of Tourism: communication partnership
For partner programs, Dong DMC delivers Manila, Palawan, Cebu and Bohol through vetted island-specific partners inside the Dong DMC framework. Contact the partner desk.
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