Best Places To Buy Travel Guides In The Philippines

The Philippines is a tropical paradise, boasting over 7,000 islands, emerald rice fields, teeming megacities, and a unique blend of cultures. With its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant people, it's no wonder that the Philippines is becoming a must-visit destination for travellers seeking adventure and relaxation.

When planning a trip to the Philippines, it's essential to have a reliable travel guide to make the most of your journey. Here are some recommended sources to help you explore this beautiful country:

- Guide to the Philippines: This website offers comprehensive information on destinations, activities, and travel tips for the Philippines. It also provides booking services for tours, activities, and accommodations.

- Stoked to Travel: This website features a detailed Philippines travel guide with essential information and tips gathered from personal travel experiences. It covers topics such as money, transportation, health, and cultural insights.

- Adventure in You: This comprehensive guide, written by a local expert, provides valuable insights on what to do, where to go, and how to get around the Philippines. It includes personal recommendations and suggestions for a memorable trip.

- Lonely Planet: The renowned travel guide publisher offers an extensive Philippines guide, covering must-see attractions, latest stories, and practical information for travellers.

- Guide to the Philippines: This website offers a wealth of information on destinations, activities, and frequently asked questions about travelling in the Philippines. It also provides booking services and travel packages.

In addition to these online resources, you can also find travel guides for the Philippines in book form. Amazon offers a variety of guidebooks, such as Lonely Planet Philippines, The Rough Guide to the Philippines, and Insight Guides The Philippines.

With these resources at your disposal, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the beauty and diversity of the Philippines, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

Online

There are many online resources for travellers to the Philippines, from travel blogs to official tourism websites. Here are some of the best:

• Guide to the Philippines: This is the Philippines' biggest travel marketplace, offering a wide range of travel services, including flights, hotels, cars and experiences. You can download their app or access their services through their website.
• Lonely Planet: The Philippines section of the Lonely Planet website offers a comprehensive travel guide, with information on attractions, the latest stories, and tips for travelling in the country.
• The Travelista: This blog post offers a detailed 3-week Philippines itinerary for island-hopping, including information on transport, accommodation, activities, and budgets.
• Adventure in You: This blog post is a comprehensive guide to the Philippines, written by a local expert. It covers everything from general information and visa requirements to specific recommendations for places to visit and things to do.
• Stoked to Travel: This Philippines travel guide includes a range of essential tips, from handling poor weather and unexpected hassles to saving money and staying safe.

These online resources offer a wealth of information for travellers to the Philippines, covering everything from visa requirements and transportation to recommended activities and attractions. They are a great way to research and plan your trip before you go.

Bookstores

When it comes to purchasing travel guides in the Philippines, there are several bookstores, both online and physical, that you can explore. Here's a list of bookstores for you to check out:

National Book Store

National Book Store is a popular bookstore chain in the Philippines that offers an extensive array of books, including travel guides. They opened their doors to online orders in May 2020, providing customers with the convenience of shopping from home. National Book Store also has a wide range of office supplies, making it a one-stop shop for those looking to stock up on stationery as well. You can find their books on their official website, or on e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada.

Fully Booked

Fully Booked is another leading online bookstore in the Philippines, offering a diverse selection of books. Their digital catalogue is comprehensive and browsing through it can feel similar to wandering through the aisles of their physical stores. Fully Booked started providing delivery services in April 2020, making it convenient for customers to get their books delivered straight to their doorstep. You can shop from their official website or through platforms like Shopee and Lazada.

Books From Underground

Located in Lawton, Manila, Books From Underground is an independent bookstore nestled beside the famed Manila City Hall. The bookstore offers a range of local and international titles at reasonably low prices. They underwent a spectacular makeover in 2020, transforming the underpass into a modern and spacious area with new light installations and murals. You can visit their physical store or order books online through their official Facebook page.

Solidaridad Bookshop

Solidaridad Bookshop, established in 1965 by acclaimed Filipino writer F. Sionil Jose, is a classic bookshop loved by many Filipino bookworms. Located in Ermita, Manila, it offers a wide selection of foreign and Filipino literature, including poem collections, anthologies, history books, and novels. The late National Artist for Literature, F. Sionil Jose, curated the bookstore himself, and it has since become a popular destination for book lovers.

Artbooks PH

Artbooks PH, located on Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong, is a peaceful haven for bookworms. The bookstore features clean, white interiors with wooden bookshelves, creating a serene atmosphere for browsing. Artbooks PH specializes in local titles that focus on art and culture, making it the perfect destination for artists and art enthusiasts. They are the only bookstore of their kind in all of Manila, dedicated to championing Filipino art and culture.

Tradewinds

Tradewinds is a small bookstore located in the old Walled City of Manila, specifically in Intramuros. They specialize in Filipiniana publications and have an extensive collection of literature on Philippine history, art, social sciences, politics, and travel. Their large, iconic sign hanging in the middle of the shop showcases the diverse range of topics they cover.

Airports

The Philippines is an archipelago, so flying is the most convenient and fastest way to get around and see its attractions. Here is a guide to the country's airports.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

Also known as Manila Airport, NAIA is the country's main flight hub and the busiest airport in the Philippines. It is located in the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila. It has four terminals, which serve different airlines and routes. Terminal 1 is the oldest terminal and handles international flights, accommodating around six million passengers a year. Terminal 2, also known as the Centennial Terminal, was once exclusively dedicated to the national flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, but now serves domestic flights. Terminal 3 is the newest and largest terminal, with a capacity of 13 million passengers a year. It serves as a hub for international flights. Terminal 4, also known as the Old Domestic Terminal, caters to domestic flights.

Clark International Airport

The second most prominent airport on Luzon Island, Clark Airport serves the Angeles and Mabalacat Cities. It has one passenger terminal building for domestic and international flights. It can accommodate about four million passengers per year.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Also known as Cebu Airport, this is the second primary flight hub in the country and the gateway to the Visayas Islands. It is located on Mactan Island and is about 15 kilometres from Cebu City. It has two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights. Terminal 2 is renowned for its design and won an award at the World Architecture Festival in 2019.

Iloilo International Airport

Also known as Cabatuan Airport, Iloilo Airport is one of the biggest, busiest, and most modern airports in the country. It is located about 19 kilometres northwest of Iloilo City. It facilitates four major airlines: Cebu Pacific, Philippines Airlines, Air Asia Philippines, and CebGo. These airlines fly domestic routes, and Cebu Pacific also operates international flights to and from Hong Kong and Singapore.

Francisco Bangoy International Airport

Also known as Davao Airport or Davao International Airport, this is the largest flight hub in Mindanao. It serves Davao City and the rest of the Davao Region. It has one massive passenger terminal that features a Malay architectural design, with 14 international and 14 domestic check-in counters, and four passenger jet bridges.

Other International Airports

• Laoag International Airport
• Subic Bay International Airport
• Puerto Princesa International Airport
• Kalibo International Airport
• Bohol–Panglao International Airport
• Bicol International Airport
• General Santos International Airport
• Zamboanga International Airport
• Bacolod–Silay Airport
• Cagayan North International Airport
• Laguindingan International Airport

Hotels

The Philippines is a tropical paradise, with over 7,000 islands to choose from. The country offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury beachfront villas to budget-friendly hostels, catering to all types of travellers. Here is a guide to help you navigate the best options for hotels and resorts during your stay in this beautiful country.

Manila, the Capital City:

Manila, the bustling capital, offers a variety of choices, from high-end hotels in the city centre to budget-friendly options and hostels. If you want the convenience of being close to the airport, there are also hotels near Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Makati City and Bonifacio Global City are excellent areas to stay, offering a mix of luxury accommodations, shopping, and vibrant nightlife.

Palawan Island:

Palawan is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, and the resorts here provide a tranquil escape. In Puerto Princesa, the gateway to the island, you can find both resorts and budget hotels. El Nido, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons, offers beachfront resorts and budget accommodations. Coron town, famous for its diving spots and pristine lagoons, also has a range of options, from resorts to budget hotels.

Boracay Island:

Boracay is a tropical paradise known for its powdery white sands and vibrant nightlife. The island offers a mix of luxury and budget accommodations. Along White Beach, you'll find high-end resorts and hotels, while there are also budget-friendly options available.

Cebu Island:

Cebu Island presents a blend of beaches, history, and adventure. In Cebu City, you can find both luxury and budget hotels. Mactan, Moalboal, Oslob, and Malapascua are popular destinations for beachfront resorts, with options ranging from upscale to affordable.

Bohol Island:

Bohol Island is ideal for those seeking natural wonders and a vibrant coastal scene. Alona Beach offers a variety of accommodations, from beachfront resorts and hotels to budget-friendly hostels. For a more secluded experience, Bohol also has resorts nestled in peaceful settings, such as those near the famous Chocolate Hills.

Other Destinations:

The Philippines has much to offer beyond these popular destinations. Siargao, Davao City, and Zamboanga in Mindanao region boast incredible nature and adventure attractions. Vigan City in Luzon region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering historical charm. Iloilo and Negros in Visayas region provide access to breathtaking islands and unique food tours.

When planning your trip, it is advisable to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons in top destinations, to secure your preferred choice of stay. Enjoy your tropical getaway in the Philippines and take advantage of the diverse range of hotels and resorts that cater to all budgets and preferences!

Travel agencies

When it comes to travel agencies, there are several options for travellers looking to book a trip to the Philippines.

Guide to the Philippines

One of the most reputable travel agencies in the Philippines is Guide to the Philippines. This agency is accredited by the country's Department of Tourism (DOT) and is a member of the Tourism Promotions Board, an agency under the DOT that focuses on marketing the Philippines. Guide to the Philippines also has partnerships with various tourism stakeholders, including the DOT and Philippine Airlines. The agency offers a wide range of products, from day tours to airport transfers, and provides end-to-end customer service to ensure a safe and worry-free travel experience. Their office is located at Gate 1, Andrews Avenue, in Pasay City, and they can be contacted via email or their social media pages.

TravelOnline Philippines

TravelOnline Philippines is another popular choice for travellers. As a local Philippines travel agency, they offer over 200,000 hotels worldwide and are partnered with local airlines such as AirAsia, Philippines Airlines (PAL), and Cebu Pacific. They also offer all-inclusive packages that include flights, hotels, transfers, and freebies, all at competitive prices. With a commitment to offering the best prices and a network of specialised websites, TravelOnline aims to make booking a holiday hassle-free.

TourRadar

TourRadar is a website that offers a list of Philippines travel companies and tour operators with reviews. Some of the companies featured on their website include One Life Adventures, INTRO Travel, Vio Travel, TruTravels, G Adventures, Wanderlands Travel, CTPH TOUR, and many more. TourRadar provides an overview of each company's offerings, as well as customer reviews, to help travellers make an informed decision.

Rakso Travel

Rakso Travel is a travel agency with a strong presence in the Philippines. With over 20 years of experience, they offer a range of services, including international airfare and tour packages. They have a loyalty program called R-Points, which allows customers to earn rewards and benefits. Rakso Travel has physical offices in various locations in the Philippines, including Makati City, Manila, Angeles City, Cebu City, and Davao City.

These travel agencies provide a range of options for travellers looking to book a trip to the Philippines, offering everything from all-inclusive packages to customised tours. It is always recommended to research and compare multiple agencies to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Frequently asked questions