Visayas is an island group located in the center of the Philippine archipelago. This area is a known travel destination because it is mostly composed of islands with pristine beaches, interesting cultural festivities, historical sites and a number of attractions suited for every kind of traveller.

If you’re going to travel around Visayas or if you’re looking to stay on one of the islands, you have to be well-prepared. Understand that travelling to one of the islands of the region or even backpacking across the different provinces will need a certain set of gear to ensure your comfort during travels.

Sun protection

You’re going to spend most of your holiday on the beach if you’re going to Visayas so you need to take a large bottle of sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. If you’re going sightseeing, make sure to don sunglasses and a hat because the heat of the sun can be really unbearable especially if you’re travelling during the summer.

Comfortable footwear

For those looking to go around the many interesting attractions in Cebu, Bohol or any other province in Visayas, make sure to wear your most comfortable pair of shoes. You might also want to bring hiking shoes with you in case you want to go trekking or if you’re looking for a different kind of holiday adventure while you’re in the islands. Rubber sandals are also great for those days that you will be spending on the beach.

Cool clothing

If you’re going to travel around Visayas, your suits and sweaters will have to be left behind. You will need clothes made of cool cotton material. A thin cardigan will be great to have if you’re travelling during the colder seasons because the evenings can get a bit chilly.

Visayas is a well-loved holiday destination in the Philippines and is frequented by both foreigners and locals alike. If you’re going to spend a vacation in one of the region’s islands, it’s wise to time your travels wisely to get the most out of your break. Here are the best and the worst times to travel around Visayas.

June to August

This is the typhoon season in the country. The best thing about traveling around this time is that the hotel rates are relatively lower and many airlines are willing to offer discounts on airfare. The temperature is also moderate so it can be a bit more bearable than the scorching summer. The only problem is traveling to the islands around this time can be tricky. You really have to pay attention to the weather forecast particularly if you intend to travel on water to get from one island to the next.

March to May

This is the summer season so expect clear skies and calm waters when you travel to Visayas around this time. You also don’t have to worry about getting your flights or ferries canceled because there are no typhoons don’t usually occur during this season. Just be ready for the scorching heat as temperatures can go up to as much as 38 degrees centigrade. You will have to pack a lot of sunblock and water to keep you from getting dehydrated on the way.

November to February

This is probably the best time to travel to the islands because the weather is cooler. If you’re coming from another country, traveling around this season will give you the opportunity to enjoy the longest Christmas season as Filipinos everywhere actually start decorating for the holidays as early as October. Just be warned that since this is a peak season, accommodations in the Visayas islands are a bit pricier. You might also want to book your tours ahead of time.

Visayas is one of the best summer destinations in the country. It fits the cliché of the sun-soaked paradise with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and enchanting natural surroundings. In terms of history, this part of the Philippines is just as rich as the other islands in the country.

The region is composed of several islands so expect to spend most of your holiday on the beach or going on ferry rides to get to one place to another. Everywhere you look, there’s bound to be a magnificent beach or coral reef to entice you to stick around and stay.

There are nine major islands in Visayas – Bohol, Cebu, Samar, Leyte, Panay, Negros, Guimaras, Romblon and Siquijor. It will take weeks for you to explore each one and selecting just one destination can be a challenge as each province has its own charm. For every island, a different language is spoken so it would feel like you’re in a different world altogether. Thankfully, a lot of people can speak and understand English so if you’re coming from another part of the globe, you can easily get help from the accommodating natives.

If you want a typical holiday, head for Boracay – an island that seems like a world of its own with its happening night life. It’s probably the most popular holiday destination in the region, welcoming thousands of tourists regardless of the season. If you’re one who wants a different kind of holiday, going from barrio to barrio will allow you to immerse in the area’s rich culture. You can even visit Siquijor, the black magic island – known to be the home of faith healers and witches.

The best way to explore the islands is to start your tour at the tip of Bicol where you can ride a ferry to Samar, then down to Leyte. Make a stop in Cebu for its historic sites and beaches, Bohol for the infamous Chocolate Hills, Panay, Negros and then Boracay to relax and unwind before you head back home.

Islands of paradise

Welcome to Asia’s best selection of tropical islands, the Visayas group in the Philippines. Experience the mouthwatering travel possibilities these numerous islands offer, from world class diving to stunning beaches, luxury resorts, friendly Filipino hospitality and endless coconut palms. We have the best of the Visayas covered here.

Plan your travels and update yourself on travel in the Visayas with this blog from an expert resident of Boracay and the Philippines. We plan to soon upgrade this into a full tourist info site with more than 100 pages and plenty of stunning pictures on the Visayas. Let us reveal the best of these islands.

From popular Boracay, across Panay and Negros to Bohol and Cebu we have the popular places covered. And then there’s the out of the way gems in Southern Leyte, the West coast islands of Samar, even the Romblons and sweet little Siquijor. Discover the individual flavours and highlights of each island right here.