By booking a flight with World Pinoy Flights between London and Manila, the traveller in the UK is more likely to be excited about the adventures awaiting them in the archipelago but gets to be dampened by the realities of travelling: safety, visas, and the must-knows that make a trip an adventure and not a nightmare. Here is my personal experience during the 10-day trip around Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, as well as a list of travel tips that are thoroughly researched and gathered as personal tips, official advice, and the helpful locals I encountered on the trip.
The reason why World Pinoy Flights makes the first leg easy
I flew directly from Heathrow Airport to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). World Pinoy Flights were at competitive prices, the on-time performance was very good, and the welcome kit on the aeroplane was personalised with my name on it. Yes, this was the local Pinoy touch of the airline marketing claims. The cabin crew was also able to speak both English and Tagalog, and the short layover in Manila seemed more of a welcoming reception than a logistical challenge.
A charming Filipino crew member manned the check-in desk and told me about baggage allowance and my visa needs, and even suggested that I should take a short tour of the island in Manila during the layover. This personalised real-time customer service assisted in demystifying what otherwise would be a very stressful initial step of searching for travel advice Philippines for many travellers in the UK.
Travel Guide Philippines: Packing and Planning
Prepare to Pack Wisely: Travel Essentials
The Philippines travel advice is easy: several light dry bags, a universal power plug (Type A, B, and C), sunscreen (SPF 50+), a reusable water bottle, and a mini first-aid kit. Due to the islands that make up the archipelago, consisting of rice paddies, one needs a light rain jacket because rainfall is unreliable during the summer seasons. I also had a small palm-sized guidebook on the World Pinoy Flights site, which lists the local events, restaurants recommended, and beaches hidden, all good bets when one would want to have an authentic and local experience.
Knowing Local Culture and Etiquette
I was soon informed that warm and hospitable people are the Filipinos. This is to say that, when you have had a deep flight, a mere ‘Magandang pagoda’ (Good to see you) is a fantastic introduction. A humble dress and proper demeanour would go a long way when in churches or even when in the villages of the indigenous people. These minute details form the cultural travel advisory of the Philippines, and observing them makes you feel secure and accepted.
Philippines Visa Process and Visa Documents
Most travellers coming out of the UK have the ability to go to the Philippines visa-free as long as they have a valid return ticket, enough money and a passport with a valid life of 6 months, but these do not guarantee any entry, and so you must have one. Nevertheless, the pandemic and a shift in policy occasionally make it vital to verify the current information on the Philippine Embassy website or a source about travelling to the Philippines.
Upon arrival in the country, the NAIA immigration officer was polite and requested my passport and evidence of travel. I also carried a UK passport and some bank statements. The visa procedures were simple, and I got my tourist visa stamped on the green portion of my passport, and I was allowed to remain within the stipulated period of the trip.
Safety, Security and Health Tips
Philippine Safety Tips for UK Travellers
The Philippines is fairly tourist-friendly. I stayed in popular flights such as Manila-Cebu, Cebu-Davao and Davao-Boracay. I never walked alone in poorly lit places after sunset, and this is a universal precaution. My practical exposure to local police in Manila proved that most of the tourists were treated with respect; local police are highly trained and offer English services.
Health, Safety and COVID-19 News
My GP advised me to take some vaccines before travelling, such as the diphtheria, tetanus and typhoid, and the existing COVID-19 vaccines. The airline also provided health kits on board, and the airport was equipped with visible dispensers of masks and hand sanitisers. I also bought a local SIM card at the airport to ensure that I could get the internet easily, and this was useful in terms of real-time flight details and getting around the beautiful coastal towns.
Pilgrimage to the Archipelago: Luzon to Mindanao
Luzon – Manila, Tagaytay and Bataan Historical Trail
I had two days in Manila after flying with World Pinoy Flights. I also went on a one-day tour to Tagaytay, which is a volcanic ridge that overlooks Taal Lake, a breathtaking photo opportunity. You can find more tourist attractions in Manila to plan your visit. On the third day, I went to the Bataan Historical Trail and was introduced to the history of the place during WWII. The tour guides at the location were well-versed; I carried a sticky note to pose simple English questions, and safe and acknowledged communication was essential.
Visayas – Cavite, Cebu, and Coron
I booked a domestic flight with Cebu Pacific, from Manila to Cebu. The Welcome to Cebu door was a glimpse of the colourful culture in this city. I took a ferry ride to Coron in Palawan, which was a memorable place of submarine wreck diving and sheer limestone cliffs.
Mindanao – Davao, Camiguin and the Lake Apolaki Trek
My visit to Davao and Camiguin Island was the best part of the trip. I participated in a guided walk to Lake Apolaki, which is a breathtaking crater lake that took a 2-hour walk-through, a perfect fit in case I wanted to have an adventure. The natives provided free and fresh coconut milk, which locals use, a pure taste of local life. To learn more about authentic local experiences, see the guide to Philippine street food.
Conclusions: Why World Pinoy Flights Should be Your First Choice
World Pinoy Flights has a great booking system and open prices, and the customer support is excellent. The in-flight service and the after-sales customer service desk were really useful in offering convenient offline travelling websites in the Philippines and the localised ambience, which made me feel totally relaxed. It is hard to get a combination of low fares and authentic cultural touchpoints in an airline, and that is why I used them in my international and domestic flights.
FAQs about Travel Advice, Philippines
Do I need a visa to travel to the Philippines from the UK?
You can enter visa‑free for up to 30 days if you have a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. For longer stays, apply for a visa at the Philippine Embassy.
What health checks are needed pre-travel?
Most travellers need to be up to date with routine vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid). The test could be necessary for COVID-19, according to the latest travel advisory from the Philippines.
Is it safe to travel in the Philippines?
Yes, with standard safety precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night, keeping valuables secure, and staying informed via local news.
What are the major travel necessities when visiting the Philippines?
Light clothes, a rain jacket, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, a small first aid kit, a universal power adapter, and a local SIM card. For a complete list, see what to pack for the Philippines.
What is the most appropriate way to experience local culture?
Respectfully treat locals, have them recommend something to you, and enjoy local festivals or markets. The travel guide to the Philippines will mark cultural sites that should be visited.
