The Philippines is a nation of more than 7,000 islands, where turquoise waters, soft-sand beaches, and vibrant cities come together. You can expect warm hospitality, lively streets, and a relaxed island pace.
Discover the Philippines
Discover the Philippines
Why visit the Philippines?
What to expect
Your journey often starts in dynamic Manila or laid-back Cebu, gateways to island escapes like Palawan and Bohol. Expect a mix of modern malls, historic districts, mountain landscapes, and coral-fringed shores.
Plan your trip
Use Manila and Cebu as your base to connect to surrounding islands by air and sea. The Philippines also pairs well with wider Southeast Asia itineraries, with Singapore a convenient hub on your way from Adelaide.
Top experiences in the Philippines
Explore Intramuros in Manila
Stroll the cobbled streets of Intramuros, Manila's historic walled city, and uncover centuries-old stone churches, fortifications, and leafy plazas.
Island-hopping in Cebu and beyond
Use Cebu as your springboard for island-hopping to nearby islets with white-sand beaches, snorkelling sites, and quiet coves.
Beach days in Palawan
Fly onwards from Manila or Cebu to Palawan for limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and relaxed seaside towns perfect for unwinding.
Diving and snorkelling in the Visayas
Discover colourful reefs, turtles, and rich marine life at dive spots across the Visayas, from Cebu to nearby islands like Bohol and Negros.
City shopping and skyline views
Spend an evening in Manila's modern districts, where you can browse malls, catch skyline views, and enjoy the city lights.
Chasing waterfalls near Cebu
Take a day trip from Cebu City to visit forest-framed waterfalls and natural pools, combining light adventure with scenic drives.
Road trips through Luzon highlands
Venture from Manila into Luzon's highlands for cooler air, mountain vistas, and rolling hills dotted with farms and pine trees.
Experience the Philippines way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link Manila and Cebu with key islands such as Palawan, Bohol, and Davao, making it easy to cover longer distances. Within cities, you can combine taxis, ride-hailing services, and local transport to explore neighbourhoods and waterfronts at your own pace.
Local life & culture
Life in the Philippines moves between buzzing urban centres and unhurried coastal towns, with a strong sense of community wherever you go. You will find a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and modern influences in language, architecture, festivals, music, and everyday interactions.
Where to unwind
Across the islands, you can relax on palm-lined beaches, take coastal walks, or enjoy sunset views from simple seafront promenades. Around Manila and Cebu, nearby mountain viewpoints, island resorts, and quiet bays offer easy escapes from the city.
A taste of the Philippines
National dishes & specialties
Hearty favourites like adobo, lechon, and sinigang are staples across the country, with each region adding its own twist. Manila blends many provincial styles, while Cebu is particularly known for its roast meats and coastal seafood dishes.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Manila and Cebu you will find casual eateries, street-side grills, and modern cafés sitting alongside international restaurants. Food courts and neighbourhood strips make it easy to try different flavours in one place, from home-style comfort food to contemporary Filipino cuisine.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose a rooftop bar in Manila for skyline views, or a seaside restaurant in Cebu for open-air tables by the water. Around the islands, many resorts and small beachfront spots offer atmospheric meals with sea breezes and sunsets as your backdrop.
Retail therapy in the Philippines
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila and Cebu feature large shopping centres that bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining. These air-conditioned hubs are ideal for combining shopping with entertainment and a break from the tropical heat.
Markets & local crafts
Across Metro Manila, Cebu, and regional cities, markets and small boutiques showcase local crafts such as woven textiles, home décor, and handmade accessories. Coastal and island communities often sell shell crafts and region-specific souvenirs worth seeking out.
Evening retail scene
After dark, malls in Manila and Cebu stay lively with late-opening shops, live music, and dining options. In some areas, open-air bazaars and street stalls add to the atmosphere, making evening strolls a relaxed way to browse and unwind.
Best time to visit the Philippines
Dry peak season (peak season): From December to April, most of the Philippines experiences its driest weather, with average temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F), ideal for beach and island travel. Wet shoulder season (shoulder season): From May to early June and November, showers become more frequent but are often short, with temperatures around 27–33°C (81–91°F), and there can be fewer crowds. Rainy low season (low season): From June to October, the southwest monsoon brings heavier rain and occasional storms, especially in Luzon and the Visayas, with temperatures typically around 26–31°C (79–88°F).