The Philippines is a country made up of islands offering metro cities as well as islands that do not have any electricity. If you want an adventure trip or a vacation where you can do outdoor activities like hiking then the Philippines is the one to place in your destination list. What to pack for a Philippine vacation will greatly depend on where you will stay and what you will be doing. However, the rule of thumb is pack lite. When you have your itinerary already then you can determine what to pack.
Consider the Philippine Weather
The Philippine Islands are tropical and hot. Peak temperatures in the lowlands can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the hottest month of May, but even the coldest month of January sees mean temperatures above 75 degrees. High humidity can make the heat even more pronounced, especially in crowded cities like Manila. To stay comfortable, pack light clothes like T-shirts and shorts made from natural fibers that breathe well. Filipinos are fairly casual and know how to stay cool, so you shouldn’t have any trouble wearing these items for most situations. You may want to pack one more formal set of clothing if you plan on spending a lot of time in the cities, and a light jacket or long pants may be necessary for some points on the islands at a higher elevation.
The country is tropical and warm. In the low lying areas where most of the big cities are located, the temperature can reach as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. May is one of the hottest months. Even during the rainy season temperatures can still get as high as 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The humid air specially in the crowded cities in Metro Manila can be uncomfortable so bring clothes like t-shirts and walking shorts.
Filipinos dress casually and wearing tees and shorts is more the norm wherever you go except for high-end occasions or places like five star hotels. You can also bring formal attire, long pants and a dinner jacket if you are mixing business with your vacation. Women can bring along a formal black dress if there is a foreseen event or a visit to some high end places.
If you are going to visit the higher elevation places like Baguio or the Mountain Province then bring a good jacket since the temperature can go down depending on the time of the year. Scarves are also advisable for these places.
Bring appropriate beach wear if you are going on a beach holiday. Ladies can bring a pashmina or sarong. Filipinos are still a conservative and too much “skin” shown may be frown upon. However, places like Boracay and El Nido have had their share of tourists and somehow the locals have gotten used to seeing foreigners in their two-piece swimwear.
Footwear and Others
Rainy season is between the months of June to October, but rains happen all year long since some islands may have different climates. Expect downpours during the afternoons. An umbrella, a raincoat or a waterproof jacket with hoodie is a must to pack.
You also need to bring a cap and for ladies, a wide-brimmed hat is going to be an important gear. Pack your favorite sunscreen and insect repellent. A towel maybe needed if you are going to the beach. These items actually maybe purchased in the places you will go to if you really want to pack lite. Most major cities have shopping malls and supermarkets where you can readily purchase such items.
If the beach is your destination, a pair of flip-flops or sandals would be the best footwear. For day to day use, bring comfortable walking shoes like sneakers or rubber shoes. Bring appropriate shoes if you are going to a formal gathering.
Do not forget to bring your camera or camcorder to record your visit to the Philippines.