The Philippines is a tropical archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, known for clear waters, green rice terraces, and warm hospitality. You can explore energetic cities, quiet islands, and heritage towns in one journey.
Discover Philippines
Discover Philippines
Why visit Philippines?
What to expect
Expect a blend of modern skylines in Manila, relaxed beach life in Cebu and the Visayas, and dramatic landscapes from Luzon to Mindanao. English is widely spoken, making it easy to get around and connect with locals.
Plan your trip
Use Manila or Cebu as your gateway, then connect by domestic flight or ferry to islands such as Palawan, Bohol, and Boracay. The Philippines also pairs well with wider Southeast Asia itineraries that include Singapore and beyond.
Top experiences in Philippines
Explore Intramuros in Manila
Walk the cobblestone streets of Intramuros, Manila’s old walled city, and discover historic fortifications, plazas, and colonial architecture.
Island-hop around Cebu and the Visayas
Use Cebu as a base to visit nearby islands with white-sand beaches, waterfalls, and snorkelling spots filled with colourful marine life.
Sail through the lagoons of Palawan
Join a boat tour in El Nido or Coron to glide between limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and clear turquoise bays.
See the Chocolate Hills of Bohol
Travel to Bohol to view the famous Chocolate Hills, rolling green mounds that turn brown in the dry season, and enjoy countryside views.
Relax on Boracay’s White Beach
Unwind on Boracay’s long stretch of soft sand, with calm waters by day and a lively promenade of cafes and bars by night.
Dive with rich marine life
Discover renowned dive spots such as Anilao, Malapascua, and Apo Island, home to coral gardens, pelagic fish, and diverse sea creatures.
Visit the rice terraces of the Cordilleras
Head to northern Luzon to see the rice terraces of Banaue and Batad, carved into the mountains and surrounded by cool highland air.
Experience Philippines’s way of life
Getting around
For longer distances, domestic flights connect Manila and Cebu with major islands such as Palawan, Bohol and Davao. Within cities and towns, you can combine taxis, ride-hailing apps, jeepneys and tricycles for short hops.
Local life & culture
Daily life blends influences from Asia and Europe, with lively festivals, music, and family gatherings at the heart of communities. You will notice warm greetings, relaxed conversations, and a strong sense of neighbourhood wherever you go.
Where to unwind
Choose from beachfront resorts with sunset views, hilltop retreats in Tagaytay, or quiet mountain lodges in northern Luzon. Across the islands, you will find spas, coastal promenades and scenic viewpoints for unhurried downtime.
A taste of Philippines
National dishes & specialties
Try dishes such as adobo, sinigang and lechon, each with regional twists from Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao. Coastal areas offer plenty of fresh seafood, often grilled or cooked with local citrus and vinegar.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Manila and Cebu, you will find casual eateries, food courts and modern restaurants serving Filipino favourites, pan-Asian dishes and international comfort food. Neighbourhood cafes and bakeries are popular for quick snacks and coffee breaks.
Signature & scenic dining
Book a table in rooftop venues in Manila for skyline views, or choose seaside restaurants in Cebu and island destinations for sunset meals by the water. Many resorts also offer intimate, beachside dinners for special occasions.
Retail therapy in Philippines
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila and Cebu host large malls and lifestyle centres where you can find international brands, local labels, cinemas and family attractions under one roof. These air-conditioned spaces are popular gathering spots in the cities.
Markets & local crafts
Look for handwoven textiles, shell crafts and wood carvings in markets and craft centres across Manila, Cebu and Baguio. Smaller island towns often have stalls selling local souvenirs, handmade accessories and practical beachwear.
Evening retail scene
In the evenings, selected shopping streets and mall precincts stay lively with illuminated storefronts, outdoor stalls and live music. Seasonal night markets and pop-up bazaars appear in major cities around holidays and festive periods.
Best time to visit Philippines
The dry season, typically from December to May, is the peak season, with warm temperatures around 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F) and plenty of sunshine across most islands. The shoulder season runs from June to early July and November, when you can expect more humidity and occasional showers, with temperatures around 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F). The low season is usually from late July to October, when some regions experience heavier rainfall and occasional storms, while temperatures remain around 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F).