For most Indian travellers, the first visa-free destinations that come to mind are Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore or Malaysia. But now, a lesser-known South Asian neighbour is quietly becoming a top favourite, and that is, the Philippines. With Manila as its capital, this island nation is drawing more Indian tourists than ever before, thanks to easy travel rules, shorter flight times and plenty of affordable adventure options. The best part is that Indian passport holders can enter the Philippines without any complicated visa paperwork, making it one of the most convenient international getaways right now.
Why is the Philippines suddenly so popular?
The rise in Indian travellers heading to the Philippines is no surprise. Manila is a bustling, modern city with malls, restaurants, nightlife and cultural spots, but the real charm of the country lies in its islands.From the white beaches of Boracay to the limestone cliffs of Palawan and the underwater beauty of Cebu, the Philippines is the perfect tropical escape Indian travellers usually look for.
And because the country is visa-free for Indians, planning a trip is now easier than ever. You don’t need to spend time on long forms, embassy visits or waiting periods. Just book and go. The travel time is shorter too, making it ideal even for long weekends or spontaneous trips.
How to reach the Philippines?
Until recently, travelling to Manila from India used to mean long layovers in Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. Indians would spend nearly an entire day just reaching the destination. That inconvenience kept many travellers away.
But things have now changed significantly. Air India has launched its first non-stop flights from Delhi to Manila, cutting the one-way travel time to roughly six hours. This has made the Philippines one of the easiest and fastest international trips from India.
How affordable is travel, food and stay in the Philippines?
The Philippines is affordable for Indian tourists. Whether it’s travelling via local transport, hostels, hotels or food, you can easily plan a budget-friendly trip. Street food is cheap and delicious, offering everything from grilled seafood to local snacks. Even island activities like boat tours, snorkelling and day trips are also within budget.
Accommodation options range from luxury beachfront resorts to simple homestays, making it suitable for all kinds of travellers including backpackers, families, honeymooners and group trips.
What can you do in the Philippines?
The country has more than 7,000 islands, which means there’s a lot to explore. You can relax on some of the world’s most photogenic beaches, go island hopping, dive with colourful marine life, explore caves, chase waterfalls or just enjoy the cafe and nightlife scene in Manila.
Adventure lovers can try cliff-jumping, scuba diving and shipwreck tours, especially in places like Coron and Cebu. Those who prefer nature can head to Bohol for its forests and the famous Chocolate Hills. The mix of beaches, adventure, food, culture and affordability is making the Philippines a complete package for Indian tourists.
With visa-free entry, direct flights and endless things to do, the Philippines has quickly become a destination worth adding to every Indian traveller’s list.
