The main factor to take into consideration when planning a trip to the Philippines is how you're going to get around between the islands. Unless you've got a lot of time to spare, it's probably not feasible to try and see more than a couple of main islands or you'll find that you're spending most of your holiday travelling. Take local public holidays into consideration when planning your schedule.Both ferries and planes ply regular routes between Luzon and the principal islands; if you're going to smaller islands, you'll usually need to fly or sail to the nearest large island and make your way by local boat the rest of the way. As transportation can be awkward, it's worth spending a bit of time before your trip planning how you're going to get from A to B and booking transfers in advance if possible - it'll save a lot of wasted time and energy once you're actually there.

By Train
Commuter trains can only be found in Manila. Fares are five times higher than the jeepney (see below), but the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) system and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems are the clear choice if you want to avoid the traffic jams. In addition, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) is an option for those travelling in Luzon Island, although it is advised that you keep your windows closed since squatters living along railway lines often throw trash at trains.

• The minimum driving age is 18.
  
• .An international driving licence must be obtained if you wish to drive while in the Philippines and should be carried along with your national driving licence.
  
• There are no obvious rules to the road and drivers tend to do their own thing wherever and whenever they see fit.
  
• Local drivers drive very close to other vehicles, and may often drive through red lights.
  
• Driving off the national highways is particularly dangerous, especially at night, and should be avoided.
  
• Pedestrians should be aware that drivers do not generally stop to let them cross.
  
• Taxicabs are cheap. The flag down rate is PHP25, and PHP2 for every 3km thereafter. Beware though of errant taxi drivers in Manila who "forget" to turn on the meter and argue with the passenger as to correct rates when they are about to get out. Manila is particularly notorious for taxi drivers who charge "tourist rates."

By Boat
Most inter-island travel is by boat. For those wishing to travel around central and southern Philippines, your first stop has to be Cebu City - the country's shipping gateway.A reliable inter-island shipping company is the WG&A Ferry Service, Tel: +63 (0)2-241-9701, ranked as the first for service by the Philippine Maritime Authority. WG&A's overnight boat fares (tourist class) cost between PHP370 and PHP430.Some destinations can be reached by catamaran called SuperCats. Catamaran fares are between PHP240 to PHP680 depending on the destination. Catamarans are fast and what would normally take 12 hours by overnight boat can be reached in two to three hours. Outrigger boats ply shorter routes between islands. Largely unregulated, these are often run by island folk. Fares are generally between PHP15 and PHP60.