Top Travel Trends in the Philippines for 2025

If you’ve been itching to travel more this year, you’re not alone. The Philippines is buzzing with fresh energy in 2025—from secret destinations finally getting the spotlight to eco-friendly adventures and even smarter ways to explore. Whether you're planning a solo escape, a barkada trip, or a family vacay, here’s the lowdown on what’s hot (and cool) in Philippine travel this year.

Also read: Nagsasa Cove Zambales Travel Guide: Hidden Beach Escape

1. Sustainable travel is no longer just a buzzword

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Eco-friendly trips are having their moment, and honestly, it’s about time. Travellers are now more conscious about how their adventures impact the planet—and that’s reshaping how we explore the Philippines. In Palawan, for example, there’s a growing push for marine conservation. Some resorts now ban single-use plastics and even run coral restoration programs you can join. Over in the Mountain Province, locals are leading community-based tours, which means your trip supports the people who call these places home.

If you want to travel guilt-free, look for tour operators and stays that walk the talk on sustainability. Bonus: these places usually offer richer, more meaningful experiences too.

2. These emerging destinations deserve a spot on your bucket list

Move over, Boracay. These up-and-coming gems are serving fresh views and fewer crowds.

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Siargao: Still a surf haven, but now with more hiking trails, yoga retreats, and eco-lodges popping up. The island’s vibe is all about slow travel and being in the moment.

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Romblon: Known for marble, but the beaches here? Unreal. Think powdery white sand, coral gardens, and fewer tourists. It’s like Palawan’s quieter sibling.

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Ulugan Bay, Palawan: If you’ve been to El Nido and Coron, Ulugan Bay is your next stop. You can kayak through mangroves, go dolphin-watching, and explore hidden coves without the usual crowd.

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Iloilo City: This one’s for the city lovers. Heritage houses, Spanish-era churches, and a river esplanade that’s perfect for golden hour walks. It’s a city with soul—and amazing food.

3. Smart travel tips that make your trip smoother

• You don’t have to spend big or get stressed to have a good trip. Here are a few lowkey but helpful tips:

• Travel during off-peak months to skip the long lines and overpriced rooms. Plus, you’ll get better photos without the photobombers.

• Pack light, especially if you’re flying between islands. Smaller planes = stricter baggage rules.

• Book early for activities that require permits (hello, Kawasan Falls and Mount Pulag). It’ll save you time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.

4. Tech-savvy travel is the new normal

This year, expect travel to be smoother thanks to tech upgrades across the country.

Remote workers are loving digital nomad hubs in places like Bohol and Siargao. Think coworking cafes with strong Wi-Fi and even stronger coffee.

Cashless is king. You can now pay for jeepney rides, snacks, and tours using GCash or Maya in most major destinations.

Want to check out your hotel room before booking? Virtual tours are now common, so you know exactly what you're getting.

5. Food trips are going hyperlocal and super worth it

Image credit: Marinatuna Seafood Restaurant | Official Facebook Page

Filipino food is evolving in the best way. Beyond the classics, you’ll find:

Farm-to-table meals in the Cordillera highlands—fresh veggies, heirloom rice, and stories behind every dish.

Seafood trails in places like Aklan and Roxas City. Imagine eating oysters harvested just minutes before they hit your plate.

Night market crawls in Davao and Manila, where you can snack your way through grilled everything and sweet street desserts.

Also read: 7 Reasons to Visit Batanes at Least Once in Your Life

Planning your trip?

If you want help piecing together your dream getaway, you can always hit up travel agencies like Nihosi Travels and Tours. They’ve got local connections, customisable packages, and they actually listen to what kind of trip you want.

So whether you're after that quiet beach nobody knows about, or a food trip that turns into a full-blown adventure, 2025 is your year to explore the Philippines in a deeper, cooler, and more meaningful way.