Northland’s current owners live primarily in the US, so we know how hard it can be to travel to Southeast Asia. But few good things come easy, and we’re here to share our tips and tricks to make your trip more enjoyable!

In the end, it’s worth it!

Tips:

1. If you plan to travel further in Southeast Asia, book your flights so that your stopover is in the destination you plan to go to next. From the US, it is relatively easy to stop over in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam or Thailand on your way to/from Manila. We love combining trips to the Philippines with stays in other countries. And there’s no shortage of options for any budget!

2. Most western international flights to the Philippines fly into Manila. If this is you, take 1-2 days in Manila to acclimate. We recommend staying in an iconic luxury hotel in Manila, like the Peninsula, Dusit Thani, or Shangri-La. By staying in the very cosmopolitan district of Makati, at a hotel used to foreign tourists, you give yourself time to acclimate to the jet lag, the heat, and the different language. Check out Poblacion while you’re at it!

3. If the Philippines is not your first stop or you’re coming from another Southeast Asian country, you may be able to fly into Bacolod-Silay Airport directly depending on your passport.

4. Like many other Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines requires six months of passport validity from the departure date, so make sure you have the time. Also check the allowed duration of stay without a visa. For US citizens, its 30 days or less.

5. Most Filipinos speak some English, which makes it a great first stop in Southeast Asia.