The Philippines invites you with island landscapes, clear waters, and warm hospitality. From buzzing cities to remote tropical shores, you can shape a trip that is as laid-back or as adventurous as you like.
Discover the Philippines
Discover the Philippines
Why visit the Philippines?
What to expect
Expect a mix of modern city life in Manila and Cebu, historic districts, and thousands of islands fringed by coral reefs, rice terraces, and jungle-clad mountains. Each region has its own pace, language, and coastal or highland character.
Plan your trip
Use Manila or Cebu as your starting point, then connect onward by air or ferry to island regions such as Palawan, Bohol, or Boracay. The Philippines is also a handy gateway for combining Southeast Asian cities and beach escapes in one journey.
Top experiences in the Philippines
Explore historic Intramuros in Manila
Walk the cobbled streets of Intramuros, Manila's old walled district, where colonial-era fortifications, plazas, and museums tell the story of the country's capital.
Island-hop from Cebu
Use Cebu as a base for boat trips to nearby islands, where you can snorkel over reefs, swim in clear lagoons, and visit quiet beaches backed by tropical hills.
Discover the beaches of Palawan
Fly onward from Manila or Cebu to Palawan for dramatic limestone cliffs, island-hopping in El Nido and Coron, and lagoons that feel far removed from city life.
Visit the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers of Bohol
Take a short hop from Cebu to Bohol to see the Chocolate Hills, meet tiny tarsiers in conservation centres, and cruise along gentle rivers lined with greenery.
Experience Manila's modern districts
Spend time in Makati or Bonifacio Global City, where you will find contemporary galleries, performance spaces, and lively public squares.
Go diving or snorkelling on vibrant reefs
Head to renowned marine spots such as Anilao, Malapascua, or Moalboal for coral gardens, shoals of fish, and the chance to see turtles and seasonal pelagics.
Trek in the highlands of Luzon
From Manila, journey north to cooler mountain regions like Benguet or Ifugao for rice terraces, pine forests, and village walks.
Experience the Philippines way of life
Getting around
To cover longer distances, domestic flights from Manila and Cebu link major islands quickly, while ferries and fast craft connect nearby ports. Within cities and towns, taxis, app-based rides, and local options such as jeepneys and tricycles help you move between districts and sights.
Local life & culture
Life in the Philippines flows between busy urban centres, coastal villages, and upland communities, with a strong emphasis on family and gatherings with friends. You will notice a blend of indigenous, Asian, and European influences in language, architecture, music, and everyday customs.
Where to unwind
You can unwind on soft-sand beaches, in island resorts surrounded by reefs, or at hillside retreats with cooler air and mountain views. City parks, waterfront promenades, and beachfront sunsets in places like Manila Bay or Mactan Island offer simple, relaxing moments between more active days.
A taste of the Philippines
National dishes & specialties
Look out for much-loved dishes such as adobo, lechon, and sinigang, with each island and region adding its own twist. Coastal areas around Manila Bay and Cebu are also known for fresh seafood and grilled specialities.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Manila and Cebu offer everything from casual eateries and food halls, to contemporary restaurants that reinterpret familiar flavours. Shopping and business districts are packed with options, from comfort dishes to pan-Asian and international cuisines that suit quick bites or relaxed meals.
Signature & scenic dining
You can dine with skyline views in Manila's high-rise districts, enjoy seaside meals by the shore around Cebu and Mactan, or choose intimate settings in island resorts. Many destinations pair local produce with memorable views, from bayside sunsets to starlit beachfronts.
Retail therapy in the Philippines
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Manila and Cebu you will find large malls and lifestyle centres that bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining in one place. These air-conditioned spaces are popular spots to stroll, shop, and meet friends throughout the day.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out markets and speciality shops in Manila, Cebu, and regional towns for woven textiles, handmade accessories, homeware, and island souvenirs. Many provinces have crafts rooted in local materials, from fibres and shells to wood and clay.
Evening retail scene
After dark, selected malls in Manila and Cebu stay busy with late-night shopping, live music, and outdoor events. In some areas, pop-up stalls and small markets add to the atmosphere, making it easy to combine browsing with an evening meal or coffee.
Best time to visit the Philippines
The Philippines has a tropical climate with two main seasons that can vary slightly by region. Peak season runs roughly from December to April, when the weather is generally drier, with temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F) and calmer seas, ideal for island-hopping and beach stays. Shoulder season covers May to early June and November, when it is warmer and more humid, around 27–33°C (81–91°F), but you can still enjoy many outdoor activities between showers. Low season usually falls from June to October, when the southwest monsoon brings more frequent rain, possible storms, and rougher seas, with temperatures around 26–31°C (79–88°F).