Why visit the Philippines?
The Philippines welcomes you with tropical islands, warm hospitality, and a relaxed pace of life. You will find coral-fringed beaches, emerald rice terraces, and lively cities filled with music and colour.
What to expect
Your journey often begins in Manila, a busy capital that blends history with modern towers, or in laid-back Cebu, a gateway to nearby islands. Beyond these hubs, you can explore sandy coves, volcanic landscapes, and sleepy towns where the days move slowly.
Plan your trip
The Philippines works well as a single-country escape or as part of a wider Southeast Asia journey. With strong links through Singapore, you can easily combine your island break with other regional cities before continuing on to more remote shores.
Discover the Philippines
Discover the Philippines
Top experiences in the Philippines
Explore Manila's historic Intramuros
Stroll the old walled city of Intramuros to see cobbled streets, colonial buildings, and leafy plazas in the heart of Manila.
Island-hop around Cebu and Mactan
Use Cebu as a base to reach nearby islands, where you can snorkel, dive, or simply relax on white-sand beaches.
Chase waterfalls in the Visayas
Discover turquoise pools and jungle-framed waterfalls on day trips from Cebu and neighbouring islands in the central Philippines.
Visit volcanoes and lakes near Manila
Take a day trip from Manila to lakeside towns and volcanic landscapes, where cooler air and scenic views offer a gentle escape from the city.
Dive with rich marine life
Join guided dives from hubs like Cebu to see vibrant reefs, schooling fish, and dramatic underwater walls.
Discover contemporary Filipino art and design
Browse galleries, creative hubs, and design-forward cafes in Manila and Cebu to see how local artists are reshaping urban culture.
Enjoy sunset views by the bay
End your day along Manila Bay or Cebu's waterfront promenades, where golden light reflects off the water and city skyline.
Experience the Philippines's way of life
Getting around
From Manila or Cebu, you can connect to other islands by domestic flights, fast ferries, and private boat transfers. Within cities, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and jeepneys take you between districts, while private drivers are useful for day trips.
Local life & culture
Life in the Philippines moves to the rhythm of music, family gatherings, and neighbourhood fiestas. You will notice a strong sense of community, a love of live bands and karaoke, and a blend of indigenous, Asian, and European influences in architecture and daily customs.
Where to unwind
You can unwind on quiet beaches, in coastal resorts, or at hillside retreats overlooking rice fields and forests. Spa treatments, gentle island walks, and watching the sunset from a quiet shore give you space to slow down and reconnect.
A taste of the Philippines
National dishes & specialties
Across the Philippines you can try hearty stews, grilled meats, and sour-savoury dishes that balance tang and richness. Manila and Cebu are both good places to sample classic specialities and regional comfort food.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Manila and Cebu, food courts, casual eateries, and neighbourhood cafes make it easy to eat well at any time of day. You will find Filipino favourites alongside Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Western options, often within the same street or mall.
Signature & scenic dining
For something special, seek out rooftop venues in Manila or waterfront restaurants in Cebu with views of the bay or city lights. On the islands, open-air beachside spots let you dine to the sound of the waves and the evening breeze.
Retail therapy in the Philippines
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila and Cebu offer large malls and lifestyle centres where you can browse international labels, local fashion, and beauty brands under one roof. Many complexes also combine cinemas, dining, and entertainment in the same space.
Markets & local crafts
For crafts and souvenirs, visit markets and artisan shops in Manila and Cebu, where you can find woven pieces, home decor, and handmade accessories. Smaller island towns often have simple stalls selling regional products and beach essentials.
Evening retail scene
After dark, malls in major cities tend to stay lively, with late-opening shops and busy dining areas. In some districts, open-air bazaars and street-side stalls create a relaxed evening atmosphere for a stroll and a bit of browsing.
Best time to visit the Philippines
The dry peak season runs roughly from December to April (peak season), when much of the country is warm, sunny, and relatively less humid, with average temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F).
The shoulder season falls in May, November, and parts of June (shoulder season), bringing hotter days, rising humidity, and some short showers, with temperatures around 27–33°C (81–91°F).
The wetter months are typically June to October (low season), when rainfall and the chance of storms increase, especially in the north, though temperatures still hover around 24–31°C (75–88°F).