Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

Philippines

1 rules found

Cultural sensitivitiesEveryday mannersPlace-specific guidance · Philippines

Philippines: avoid too much intimacy in public

Do

Behave appropriately in public

Don’t

Overly intimate behaviour in public

It may be treated as 'grave scandal', punishable by a fine or 6 months in prison.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Philippines travel advice

Site-specific notes 2

Taken from the "don'ts" on each site page here. Open a site for its full etiquette and background.

Boracay

Don't litter on the beach (heavy fines)
don't touch starfish or sea urchins
don't step on coral when snorkelling in protected areas.

Palawan

Don't touch coral or take shells
don't wear sunscreen into the lagoons (choose reef-safe products)
don't feed wildlife.