Philippines Travel Guide 2026: Palawan, Cebu, Siargao and the Best Islands

The Philippines is one of those destinations that consistently exceeds expectations. Travelers arrive expecting beautiful beaches and leave having experienced something far deeper - a country where strangers invite you to family barbecues, where underground rivers flow beneath cathedral-sized caves, where you can swim with whale sharks in the morning and explore a 400-year-old Spanish colonial city in the afternoon. It is Southeast Asia at its most varied, most welcoming, and most visually spectacular.

The challenge with the Philippines has always been logistics. Unlike Thailand or Bali, where the infrastructure funnels you along well-worn routes, the Philippines requires a bit more planning. Distances between islands are real, domestic flights are essential, and the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise and covers the destinations that genuinely deliver, the transport realities you need to understand, and the budget math for 2026 - so you spend less time stressing over ferry schedules and more time floating in water so impossibly blue it looks digitally enhanced.

When to Visit the Philippines

Dry Season: November to May

This is peak travel season and for good reason. From November through May, most of the country enjoys sunny skies, calm seas, and minimal rainfall. The sweet spot within this window is January to April, when humidity drops to its most comfortable levels and the risk of tropical storms is at its lowest. February and March are particularly excellent - warm but not scorching, with crystal-clear visibility for diving and snorkeling. Expect temperatures between 25-32°C (77-90°F) throughout the dry season, with the hottest months being April and May when temperatures can push toward 36°C in Manila and the lowlands.

The tail end of dry season, April and May, brings the hottest weather of the year. Locals call this the "summer" period, and while beaches are still fantastic, the inland heat can be intense. Holy Week (Semana Santa) in late March or April is when domestic tourism peaks - Filipinos travel heavily during this holiday, so flights and resorts on popular islands book up weeks in advance and prices spike accordingly.

Wet Season: June to October

The southwest monsoon (habagat) brings regular rainfall from June through October, but wet season in the Philippines does not mean constant rain. Typically you get a few hours of heavy afternoon showers followed by sunshine. Some areas, notably the eastern coast of the Visayas and Mindanao, actually have their dry season during these months due to different weather patterns. Prices drop 30-50% across the board during wet season, crowds thin dramatically, and many destinations remain perfectly enjoyable. Siargao's best surf swells arrive between August and November, making wet season the prime time for surfers.

Typhoon Awareness

The Philippines sits in the Pacific typhoon belt, and this is something every visitor needs to understand. The typhoon season runs roughly from June to December, with the highest risk between August and November. Typhoons most commonly affect Luzon (the northern main island) and the eastern Visayas, while Palawan and the western Visayas are less frequently hit. Modern forecasting gives several days of warning, and Filipinos are experienced at preparation. If a typhoon is approaching during your trip, follow local guidance, stay inland, and be prepared for flight cancellations and ferry suspensions that can last two to three days after the storm passes.

Palawan: The Last Frontier

El Nido

El Nido is the image most people picture when they think of the Philippines - towering limestone karst cliffs rising from impossibly clear turquoise lagoons, hidden beaches accessible only by boat, and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. The town itself is a small, slightly chaotic beachside settlement that serves as the jumping-off point for the Bacuit Archipelago, a collection of around 45 islands and islets that constitutes some of the most stunning coastal scenery anywhere on Earth.

The classic way to experience El Nido is through island-hopping tours, labeled A through D. Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island) and Tour C (Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Star Beach) are the most popular and justifiably so. A full-day tour costs around 1,500-1,800 PHP (roughly $27-32 USD) including lunch, kayak rental, and lagoon entrance fees. The Big Lagoon is genuinely breathtaking - you paddle through a narrow gap between limestone walls into an enclosed pool of emerald water surrounded by jungle-covered cliffs. Secret Lagoon requires swimming through a small hole in the rock face to reach a hidden pool, which feels like discovering something ancient and private.

Beyond the standard tours, El Nido rewards those who linger. Nacpan Beach, a 45-minute tricycle ride north of town, is a four-kilometer stretch of golden sand that rarely feels crowded. The road to Nacpan passes through coconut groves and small farming communities - a reminder that Palawan remains largely rural and agricultural despite the tourism boom. Rent a motorbike and explore the coastal roads, stopping at Duli Beach for surfing or Las Cabanas for sunset drinks on a hilltop bar overlooking the archipelago.

Coron

If El Nido is about lagoons and limestone, Coron is about what lies beneath the surface. The waters around Coron Island and Busuanga hold some of the best wreck diving in the world - a fleet of Japanese supply ships sunk by American planes in September 1944 now rest at depths between 10 and 40 meters, encrusted with coral and swarming with marine life. Even without a diving certification, you can snorkel directly above several wrecks in shallow water. The Skeleton Wreck and the Lusong Gunboat are both visible from the surface, their outlines clearly defined through the transparent water.

Above water, Coron matches El Nido's beauty with its own character. Kayangan Lake, reached by climbing 150 steep steps over a limestone ridge, is often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines - the water is a surreal mix of fresh and saltwater, thermoclines creating visible layers of different temperatures as you swim. Twin Lagoon is accessible by swimming through a narrow gap in the rock at low tide, or climbing a short ladder over the wall at high tide. Barracuda Lake, popular with divers, has an eerie underwater landscape of jagged limestone and water temperatures that shift dramatically between hot and cold layers.

Puerto Princesa Underground River

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. A boat takes you into the mouth of a cave where an underground river flows for over eight kilometers through a cathedral-like cavern system of stalactites, stalagmites, and vast chambers. The standard tour covers about 1.5 kilometers and lasts 45 minutes, though extended tours going deeper are available with advance booking. Permits are required and limited daily - book at least two to three days ahead through your hotel or a local tour operator. The park is a 90-minute drive from Puerto Princesa city, through a winding road that hugs the coast and passes through jungle.

Cebu and the Visayas

Cebu City

Cebu is the Philippines' second-largest city and the historical heart of the country - it was here that Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521, and where Spanish colonization of the archipelago began. The Basilica del Santo Nino houses a religious statue said to have been Magellan's gift to the local queen, and Magellan's Cross (though now encased in a wooden shell for preservation) stands in a small chapel near the waterfront. The nearby Fort San Pedro, the oldest triangular bastion fort in the country, dates to 1565.

Modern Cebu City is a sprawling, traffic-heavy metropolis that most travelers use as a transit hub rather than a destination in itself. That said, the food scene is genuinely worth a stop. Cebu is the lechon capital of the Philippines - whole roasted pig with impossibly crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. Lechon stalls and restaurants are everywhere, but the standout experience is trying it at a local carinderia (canteen) where a plate costs around 150-200 PHP ($2.70-3.60 USD). The Carbon Market, the city's oldest and largest public market, is a sensory overload of dried fish, tropical fruit, and household goods spread across a labyrinth of stalls.

Oslob and Moalboal

Two hours south of Cebu City, the small town of Oslob has become famous for its whale shark encounters. Every morning, fishermen lure whale sharks close to shore with small amounts of shrimp, allowing snorkelers and divers to swim alongside these enormous, gentle creatures. The experience is awe-inspiring - a whale shark can reach 12 meters in length, and being in the water next to one is genuinely humbling. However, the practice is controversial. Conservation groups argue that the feeding disrupts natural migration patterns and alters the sharks' behavior. If you choose to go, arrive early (before 7am for the smallest crowds), follow all rules about maintaining distance, and never touch the animals.

Moalboal, on the western coast of Cebu, is the quieter, more eco-conscious alternative and arguably the better dive destination. The Pescador Island marine reserve has walls of coral dropping into the deep blue, and the famous sardine run off Panagsama Beach puts you in the middle of a tornado of millions of sardines - an experience that ranks among the most mesmerizing things you can do underwater. Moalboal also has excellent freediving schools, affordable dive certifications, and Kawasan Falls a short drive away, where turquoise pools cascade through the jungle.

Bohol: Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers

A two-hour ferry from Cebu brings you to Bohol, an island with a personality entirely its own. The Chocolate Hills - over 1,200 nearly identical conical hills spread across the interior - are one of the most unusual geological formations in the world. During dry season, the grass covering the hills turns brown, giving them their chocolate appearance. The viewing platform on the tallest hill provides a panorama that stretches to the horizon, each hill casting its own shadow in the morning light. It looks like a landscape from another planet.

Bohol is also home to the Philippine tarsier, one of the world's smallest primates. These tiny creatures, with their enormous eyes and fragile build, are critically sensitive to stress and noise. Visit only the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, which operates as a genuine conservation site - avoid roadside tarsier attractions where animals are often handled and exposed to flash photography. The sanctuary allows quiet observation in a natural forest setting, and your entrance fee directly funds protection efforts.

Beyond the headline attractions, Bohol has some of the best value beach resorts in the Visayas. Panglao Island, connected to Bohol by bridge, has white-sand beaches, excellent diving at Balicasag Island, and a growing collection of boutique resorts that undercut Boracay and El Nido pricing by a significant margin. Alona Beach on Panglao is the main tourist strip, but quieter stretches like Dumaluan Beach offer more space and lower prices.

Siargao: The Surfing Capital

Cloud 9

Siargao has transformed from a little-known surf spot into one of Southeast Asia's most talked-about island destinations, yet it still manages to feel authentic and uncommercial compared to its more developed counterparts. The island's main draw is Cloud 9, a powerful, hollow right-hand reef break that consistently produces some of the best barrels in the Pacific. The annual Siargao Cup, held in September or October, draws top surfers from around the world. Even if you are not an advanced surfer, watching from the iconic wooden boardwalk that extends over the reef is impressive - the waves are fast, heavy, and beautiful.

For beginner and intermediate surfers, the breaks around General Luna town are much more forgiving. Jacking Horse, Stimpy's, and Rock Island are all within a short boat ride and offer manageable waves on a sandy bottom. Surf lessons run about 500 PHP ($9 USD) per hour including board rental, and the local instructors are patient and skilled. The surfing culture here is relaxed and inclusive - nobody cares if you are a beginner, and the lineup vibe is friendly rather than competitive.

Island Hopping: Naked Island, Daku, and Guyam

Siargao's island-hopping trio is one of the classic day trips in the Philippines. Naked Island is exactly what it sounds like - a bare sandbar sitting in the middle of turquoise open water with no trees, no shade, and no structures. It is strangely beautiful in its simplicity, and the swimming is superb. Daku Island is the largest of the three, with coconut palms, a small fishing community, and local families who prepare grilled seafood lunches for day-trippers. Guyam Island is a tiny palm-covered islet that you can walk around in five minutes - the kind of place that looks like a cartoon desert island. The full tour costs around 1,500 PHP ($27 USD) per boat, typically shared among four to six people.

Beyond the classic trio, Siargao has quieter gems. The Sugba Lagoon, a two-hour boat ride from General Luna, is a deep emerald lagoon enclosed by mangrove-covered limestone - perfect for paddleboarding and cliff jumping. The Magpupungko Rock Pools, accessible only at low tide, are natural tidal pools formed in flat rock shelves where the water is warm, shallow, and impossibly clear. Check tide schedules before visiting - the pools are completely submerged at high tide.

The Siargao Vibe

What sets Siargao apart from other Philippine islands is its atmosphere. General Luna, the main town, has developed a laid-back bohemian scene - think smoothie bowls, yoga studios, surf hostels with communal kitchens, and roadside bars playing reggae at sunset. The island attracts a mix of surfers, digital nomads, backpackers, and young Filipino travelers, creating a social scene that feels organic rather than manufactured. Motorbikes are the primary transport, and riding the palm-lined roads between beaches and surf breaks is half the experience. Stay at least three nights - Siargao rewards slow travel, and rushing through it defeats the purpose entirely.

Boracay

Boracay was the Philippines' original beach superstar, and after a controversial six-month government closure in 2018 for environmental rehabilitation, the island has returned in better shape than before. White Beach, a four-kilometer crescent of powdery white sand lapped by shallow turquoise water, remains one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. The sand genuinely does not get hot underfoot even at midday, and the sunset views from Station 1 (the quieter northern end) are extraordinary.

The rehabilitation brought strict new rules: no beach parties after 10pm, no smoking on the beach, limits on new construction, improved sewage treatment, and caps on daily tourist arrivals. The result is a cleaner, calmer Boracay that has traded some of its party reputation for a more balanced experience. D'Mall, the main commercial area at Station 2, still has plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, but the frenetic overcrowding of the pre-closure era has noticeably eased.

Beyond White Beach, the island has surprises. Diniwid Beach, a short walk north of Station 1, is a secluded cove with a handful of low-key resorts. Puka Shell Beach on the northern tip is wilder and less developed, with rougher sand and stronger waves. Bulabog Beach on the eastern side is the kiteboarding and windsurfing hub, with consistent winds from November to April. If you want the beach resort experience without the commitment of reaching a remote island, Boracay delivers - just temper expectations if you are looking for isolation. This is a well-developed tourist island, and it does not pretend otherwise.

Manila

Intramuros

Manila is chaotic, loud, traffic-choked, and far more interesting than most travelers give it credit for. The Walled City of Intramuros is the colonial heart of the capital - built by the Spanish in the 1570s, partially destroyed in World War II, and now slowly being restored. Fort Santiago, where Philippine national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution in 1896, is genuinely moving. The Manila Cathedral, rebuilt multiple times after earthquakes and wars, stands as a testament to the city's stubborn persistence. Walking the walls at sunset, with the skyline of modern Makati glittering in the distance, gives you a compressed visual history of the country.

The Food Scene

Manila's food scene is the real reason to spend time here. The city has everything from street food stalls serving isaw (grilled chicken intestines) and kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs) for 20 PHP to fine dining restaurants earning international recognition. Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown, is a food lover's paradise - dumplings, noodle soups, lumpia, and hopia (sweet bean pastries) served from century-old bakeries. The Poblacion neighborhood in Makati has become the city's nightlife and dining hub, with rooftop bars, speakeasies, and restaurants serving modern Filipino cuisine that reinterprets traditional flavors with contemporary techniques.

Manila as a Hub

For practical purposes, Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the main gateway to the Philippines for international travelers. Most international flights arrive here, and the domestic terminal connects to virtually every island destination in the country. Budget one night in Manila on arrival to recover from jet lag and get oriented, and consider spending one to two days exploring if time allows. The city is not for everyone - the traffic is legendary, and the contrast between gleaming malls and dense informal settlements can be jarring - but it offers a depth of culture and history that beach destinations simply cannot match.

Getting Around the Philippines

Domestic Flights

Flying is essential for covering the Philippines' vast distances efficiently. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) are the two main carriers, with AirAsia Philippines also serving popular routes. Manila to El Nido (Lio Airport) takes about 75 minutes. Manila to Siargao (Sayak Airport) takes two hours. Manila to Cebu is just over an hour. Cebu also serves as a secondary hub with direct flights to Siargao, Bohol, and other Visayan islands. Book domestic flights two to four weeks ahead for the best prices - last-minute fares can be three to four times higher. Expect to pay 2,500-5,000 PHP ($45-90 USD) for most one-way domestic flights when booked in advance. Check our cheap flights guide for strategies on finding the lowest fares to and within the Philippines.

Ferries and Boats

Inter-island ferries connect many destinations that flights do not serve directly. 2GO Travel operates overnight ferries between major ports (Manila to Coron, Cebu to Bohol, and many more), with cabins ranging from basic dormitory bunks to private air-conditioned rooms. FastCat and other operators run shorter routes throughout the Visayas. For island hopping within a destination - El Nido tours, Siargao day trips, getting to smaller islands - you will use local bancas (outrigger boats). These are the backbone of Philippine inter-island transport: simple, open wooden boats with outrigger floats that can handle surprisingly rough seas. Prices are usually negotiated in advance and shared among passengers.

Tricycles and Jeepneys

On land, the Philippines has a transport ecosystem unlike anywhere else. Jeepneys - originally rebuilt from American military jeeps left after World War II, now manufactured locally - are the iconic public transport of Philippine cities and towns. They run fixed routes, cost 13-15 PHP per ride, and are an experience in themselves with their chrome decorations, religious iconography, and crowd-packed interiors. Tricycles (motorbikes with an attached sidecar) serve as local taxis in smaller towns, typically costing 50-150 PHP for short trips. In Manila and Cebu, ride-hailing apps like Grab are the most convenient and safest way to get around. Renting a motorbike on islands like Siargao and Bohol costs 350-500 PHP ($6-9 USD) per day and is the best way to explore independently.

Costs: What to Expect in 2026

The Philippines remains one of Southeast Asia's best-value destinations. The Philippine peso has stayed relatively stable, and prices are significantly lower than Thailand's tourist hotspots or Bali's popular areas. Per-day budgets, per person:

• Budget (dorms, local food, shared tours): $25-40/day
• Mid-range (private rooms, restaurants, island-hopping tours): $50-90/day
• Comfortable (boutique hotels, domestic flights, dining out): $100-180/day
• Luxury (top resorts, private boat charters, fine dining): $250+/day

Domestic flights are the biggest variable expense - a trip hitting three or four islands can easily add $200-400 in flights alone. Accommodation in popular spots like El Nido and Boracay is 30-50% more expensive than equivalent quality in Siargao, Bohol, or Coron. Street food meals cost $1-2, a solid restaurant meal with a drink runs $5-10, and a cold San Miguel beer is rarely more than $1 at a local store. ATMs are available in all tourist areas but sometimes run out of cash on remote islands - carry peso cash as backup.

Suggested Itineraries

7 Days: Palawan Focus

• Day 1: Fly into El Nido (via Manila or direct from Cebu), settle in
• Days 2-3: Island-hopping tours A and C in the Bacuit Archipelago
• Day 4: Nacpan Beach day, or motorbike exploration of the coast
• Day 5: Ferry or boat to Coron (5-6 hours), or fly via Manila
• Day 6: Coron island hopping - Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, wreck snorkeling
• Day 7: Morning dive or second tour, afternoon flight home from Busuanga

10 Days: Palawan and the Visayas

• Days 1-4: El Nido (island hopping, beaches, kayaking)
• Day 5: Fly El Nido to Cebu (via Manila or direct if available)
• Days 6-7: Moalboal (sardine run, Kawasan Falls) or Oslob whale sharks
• Day 8: Ferry to Bohol, Chocolate Hills countryside tour
• Day 9: Panglao Beach, Balicasag Island diving or snorkeling
• Day 10: Fly Bohol to Manila, depart

14 Days: The Grand Philippine Circuit

• Days 1-2: Manila (Intramuros, Binondo food tour, Poblacion nightlife)
• Days 3-5: Fly to El Nido, island-hopping tours and beach days
• Days 6-7: Boat to Coron, wreck diving and lagoon exploration
• Day 8: Fly Coron to Cebu, evening in Cebu City for lechon
• Days 9-10: Moalboal (diving, sardine run), ferry to Bohol
• Day 11: Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuary, Panglao Beach
• Days 12-14: Fly Bohol to Siargao, surfing, island hopping, Sugba Lagoon, fly home via Cebu or Manila

Food and Drink

Filipino cuisine does not get the international recognition it deserves, and eating your way through the country is one of the great pleasures of visiting. Adobo - meat braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and black peppercorns - is the national dish, and every family, every region, and every restaurant has its own version. Chicken adobo is the most common, but pork adobo with its richer, fattier profile is arguably better. Sinigang, a sour soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, and either pork ribs, shrimp, or fish, is the comfort food of the Philippines - tangy, savory, and deeply satisfying, especially during rainy season.

Lechon (whole roasted pig) is the centerpiece of every Filipino celebration and the dish most visitors remember longest. Cebu lechon is famously the best - seasoned with lemongrass, garlic, and spices stuffed inside the cavity, then roasted over charcoal for hours until the skin is shatteringly crisp while the meat stays juicy. A portion at a local eatery costs as little as 150 PHP ($2.70 USD), and it is worth seeking out wherever you are in the country.

For dessert, halo-halo is essential - a towering glass of shaved ice layered with sweet beans, jellies, coconut strips, ube (purple yam) ice cream, leche flan, and evaporated milk. It sounds chaotic and looks even more so, but the combination of textures and sweetness is addictive, especially in the midday heat. You will find it everywhere from street vendors to high-end restaurants, with prices ranging from 50 to 250 PHP depending on the setting.

San Miguel Pale Pilsen is the ubiquitous Philippine beer - light, cold, and perfect for tropical evenings. It costs 40-60 PHP ($0.70-1.10 USD) at a local store or sari-sari shop, and 80-150 PHP at restaurants and bars. For something stronger, try the local rum - Tanduay, one of the world's best-selling rum brands, is produced in the Philippines and costs remarkably little. A bottle of Tanduay Gold goes for around 100 PHP. Filipino cocktails using calamansi (a local citrus fruit), dalandan (Philippine orange), and coconut are increasingly popular at bars in Manila, Siargao, and Boracay. And do not miss fresh buko juice - young coconut water served straight from the shell - available for 25-50 PHP from vendors on virtually every beach and street corner.

Essential Practical Tips

Language

Filipino (based on Tagalog) is the national language, but English is an official language and is widely spoken throughout the country, particularly in cities and tourist areas. The Philippines has one of the highest English proficiency rates in Asia, so you will rarely face a language barrier. Filipinos appreciate any attempt at local phrases: salamat (thank you), magandang umaga (good morning), and kuya/ate (respectful terms for older brother/sister) will earn you smiles everywhere. In more remote areas, local dialects like Cebuano, Ilocano, and Waray may be the primary language, but someone who speaks English is almost always nearby.

Safety

The Philippines is generally safe for tourists, with the vast majority of the country welcoming and secure. Exercise normal urban precautions in Manila - be aware of your belongings in crowded areas like Quiapo and Divisoria markets, use Grab rather than unmetered taxis, and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods late at night. Most tourist destinations in the Visayas, Palawan, and Siargao are very safe. The one genuine concern is the western and southern parts of Mindanao, particularly the Sulu Archipelago and areas around Marawi, where security conditions are more complex - most governments advise against travel to these specific areas. This does not affect Siargao, which is in northeastern Mindanao and is perfectly safe.

Connectivity

Mobile data coverage has improved dramatically. Globe and Smart are the two main carriers, and you can buy a tourist SIM card at any airport or convenience store for 300-500 PHP with several gigabytes of data. LTE coverage is solid in cities and tourist areas, though speeds can be slow during peak hours and in remote locations. Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes ranges from excellent in urban areas to frustratingly slow on remote islands. If you are a digital nomad or long-term backpacker, Siargao and Cebu City have the most reliable co-working infrastructure outside Manila.

Getting There

Manila (NAIA) is the primary international gateway, with direct flights from most major Asian capitals, Australia, the Middle East, and select cities in North America and Europe. Cebu-Mactan International Airport also receives international flights from Asian hubs including Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Tokyo. From Europe, the most common routing is through a Middle Eastern hub (Dubai, Doha, or Singapore) with total travel time of 14-18 hours. From North America, direct flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York (via PAL and others) range from 13-16 hours. The best time to book international flights is 8-12 weeks ahead, and flying midweek typically saves 15-25% over weekend departures.

The Bottom Line

The Philippines delivers experiences that are almost impossible to replicate anywhere else. Swimming through a gap in a limestone wall to find a hidden lagoon in El Nido. Hovering above a World War II wreck in Coron while fish swirl through the rusted hull. Riding a motorbike down a palm-lined road in Siargao with the sound of surf in the distance. Eating lechon with your hands at a family celebration you were invited to ten minutes ago by a stranger who is now your friend. It is a country where the natural beauty is matched by the warmth of the people, and where even the logistical challenges become part of the adventure.

The key to the Philippines is accepting that you cannot see everything in one trip - and not trying to. Pick two or three islands, give yourself time to settle into each one, and leave room for the unexpected. The best Philippine memories are rarely the ones you planned. They are the beach you stumbled onto because a tricycle driver suggested it, the reef you snorkeled because the boatman knew a spot, the meal you shared because someone at the next table said you had to try the sinigang. Come with a loose plan and an open schedule, and the Philippines will fill in the rest.