Team Out of Town
Why You Should Visit The Philippines During Winter
Many travelers prefer Hawaii for its world-renowned beaches, but they may not realize that the Philippines offers an equally stunning yet far more affordable tropical getaway. In the Philippines, you can enjoy a luxurious holiday—staying in beautiful seaside resorts, savoring fresh local seafood, and taking island-hopping tours—without stretching your budget. Because much of the country is still relatively unknown to many international tourists, you’re less likely to encounter large crowds on the beaches or at the major sights. With its clear turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and warm, sunny climate, the Philippines is a tropical gem that should be high on your bucket list of winter sun destinations.
Sunset Philippines by Mike Aunzo via Unsplash
Below are reasons why you should pack your bags this winter and head to the Philippines or the Pearl of the Orient Seas:
The Endless Summer
As a tropical country, the warm temperatures and sun last throughout the year. This is a perfect escape from the cold climate. You will find your deserved sun-fix here.
Never-ending attractions in Boracay
If you love staying on the beach for hours, lying back while enjoying cocktail after cocktail, then Boracay beach in the Philippines is perfect for you. Many travel magazines have voted Boracay as one of the most stunning beaches in the world. For this reason, Boracay Beach should be a must-visit. Even if you love fun water activities, the island is considered the liveliest of the 7,641 islands in the Philippines.
Fun activities include beach bumming, parasailing, banana boat riding, Ziplining, jet skiing, and island hopping. There are also activities for those who prefer to stay seated, in addition to sports. There are plenty of attractions in Boracay Island, which you can visit independently or with the help of a tour guide. Either way, the cost will be very low, so it is probably advisable to hire a tour guide to help you and ensure you are in safe hands. When you have everything in order, there is a fun spot called Ariel’s Point where you can kayak, cliff jump, and also snorkel.
Dazzling Old Manila
This old walled city was built by Spaniards over 400 years ago, and many of the buildings here reflect the colonial Spanish style. Intramuros is closely similar to Old Havana, for example, the Fort Santiago building in old Manila is strikingly identical to Morro Castle in old Havana.
Luxury Hotels and Beach Resorts
Five-star hotels in the Philippines are very cheap, averaging 350 USD a night. Additionally, these hotels are international chains such as Shangri-La, Peninsula, and Sofitel. Staying at these hotels is much cheaper than at most popular travel destinations worldwide. Overall, the Philippines offers generally affordable vacations compared to other beach destinations worldwide.
Amazing Weather
Winters in the Philippines are generally warm, averaging around 26 °C, with little rainfall because many tropical countries experience rain during the summer. Winter is the most pleasant season in the Philippines and also the peak tourist season. Swap the cold weather for sunny tropical weather in the Philippines and work on your tan this winter.
White sand beaches in El Nido
The island has 50 beautiful beaches, some of which are only accessible by boat. El Nido is perfect for island hopping tours, with 4 different typical tours, A-D. According to many visitors, the highly recommended tours are A and C. Tour A includes 3 lagoons, where you can swim and snorkel. Tour C provides for visits to numerous secluded beaches, the most notable being the Hidden Beach on Matinloc Island. The fun part about this beach is that to reach it, you will need to swim through a hole in the rocks.
The Island of El Nido also offers excellent scuba diving at El Nido Bay. It is pretty calm and suitable for beginners. There is also a 40-meter long tunnel for experienced divers, the tunnel was discovered in the 90s. El Nido also has a school of fish and coral.
Colorful Festivals
In the Philippines, January is a festival month, particularly in the Visayas region. You will need an extended vacation to witness these festivals, though. The best festivals include Sinulog of Cebu, Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan, which takes place every January 3rd, and Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival on the 4th Sunday. These festivals will ensure you don’t have winter blues.
Less crowd
In the Philippines, it is customary for people to return to work and school right after the New Year. Because of this, if you extend your winter vacation until the beginning of March, you will often find yourself with just a few other guests—or even completely alone—at your resort. The best part of this quieter season is that many resorts and luxurious hotels offer noticeably lower rates, giving you more comfort and privacy for less.
The Touch of Home
Major Philippine cities exude a cosmopolitan, international charm that warmly welcomes visitors. During the Christmas season, you can prepare your own indulgent holiday treats using widely available ingredients from local grocery stores. Alternatively, you can sit back and savor a creamy cup of eggnog in the inviting ambiance of hotels and restaurants across the city.
Experience unique New Year celebrations.
New Year’s in the Philippines is usually very loud, as families set off firecrackers to drive away bad luck. When midnight strikes, the sky explodes with color as fireworks bloom overhead, filling the night with dazzling lights and thunderous booms that are a joy to watch.
White Christmas
Contrary to what you are used to during Christmas, the snow in the Philippines during this period is usually accompanied by white beaches. Instead of snowball fights, splash water; instead of building snowmen, build sandcastles. The Philippines will offer a real scenery change, a cold Christmas? Argh!
Fun-pact outdoor activities
For those who prefer physical activity to beach relaxation, there are numerous options such as hiking trails, forest walks, and hot spring resorts. Walking tours in the Philippines during winter are marvelous as there is no sweating.
Minimum rain and little chance of a typhoon
The rainy season in the Philippines is in the summer. That is when the country experiences destructive typhoons. However, in December, the weather is chilly, with minimal or no rain.
No feeling alone
In the Philippines, the winter season is synonymous with love and happiness. Visitors always feel at home during the Christmas period in the Philippines. Filipinos are also known for being loving and hospitable, so don’t be caught by surprise if local families invite you to join in the Media Noche or Noche Buena.
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels and Resorts in the Philippines via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Boracay Travel Tour Packages You Should Try
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Also read:
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