The Philippines offers tropical islands, clear waters, and a welcoming island culture. You will find lively cities, historic towns, and quiet beaches scattered across more than 7,000 islands.
Discover Philippines
Discover Philippines
Why visit Philippines?
What to expect
Expect a mix of modern city life in Manila, relaxed waterfront charm in Cebu, and island escapes in destinations like Palawan and Boracay. English is widely spoken, and the atmosphere is laid-back yet energetic.
Plan your trip
Use Manila and Cebu as gateways to explore the wider archipelago, with domestic flights and ferries linking the islands. Plan extra time for connections so you can combine city breaks, beach stays, and nature adventures in one trip.
Top experiences in Philippines
Explore historic Intramuros in Manila
Walk the cobbled streets of Intramuros, Manila's old walled district, to see colonial-era architecture, museums, and leafy plazas.
Island hopping in Cebu and beyond
Join an island-hopping tour from Cebu to snorkel reefs, swim off white-sand beaches, and visit quiet coves and fishing villages.
Discover Palawan's limestone lagoons
Cruise around Palawan's towering limestone cliffs and emerald lagoons, with calm waters ideal for kayaking and swimming.
City views from Manila Bay
Stroll along Manila Bay at sunset for skyline views, sea breezes, and lively promenades filled with street performers and families.
Waterfalls and countryside near Cebu
Take a day trip from Cebu City to visit waterfalls, river canyons, and rolling countryside, with stops in small local towns along the way.
Beach time in Boracay
Relax on Boracay's famous White Beach, known for its gentle waves, soft sand, and a long stretch of waterfront lined with cafes and bars.
Whale shark watching in southern Philippines
Head to southern coastal towns in Cebu province to join regulated boat trips that look for whale sharks in clear blue waters.
Shopping and skyline in Bonifacio Global City
Explore Bonifacio Global City in Metro Manila for modern art installations, parks, and contemporary shopping streets framed by skyscrapers.
Experience Philippines's way of life
Getting around
To cover longer distances, domestic flights connect Manila, Cebu, and regional hubs across the islands. Within cities and towns, you can use taxis, ride-hailing services, and colourful jeepneys, while inter-island ferries link many coastal communities.
Local life & culture
You will notice a strong sense of community, with town fiestas, street music, and family gatherings shaping daily life. Spanish-era churches, old plazas, and modern business districts sit side by side, reflecting the country's layered history and contemporary outlook.
Where to unwind
From quiet coves in Palawan to hilltop viewpoints in Cebu and city parks in Manila, there are many places to slow down. You can book spa treatments at beach resorts or relax on island hammocks while watching warm sunsets over the water.
A taste of Philippines
National dishes & specialties
Signature dishes include adobo, grilled seafood, and hearty stews, often shared at family-style gatherings. Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao each bring their own twists, from rich slow-cooked meats to coconut-based recipes and fresh tropical fruit.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Manila and Cebu you will find food courts, cafes, and neighbourhood eateries serving both Filipino comfort food and international favourites. Major malls gather many options in one place, convenient for quick meals between sightseeing and shopping.
Signature & scenic dining
You can dine with city skyline views in Manila's rooftop restaurants or enjoy seaside meals along Cebu's waterfront. Many island resorts also offer open-air dining close to the shore, where you eat with the sound of waves nearby.
Retail therapy in Philippines
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Metro Manila is known for vast malls such as those in Makati and Pasay, where international brands sit beside local labels, cinemas, and family attractions. Cebu City also offers modern shopping centres that combine retail, dining, and entertainment.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out handicrafts, woven textiles, and handmade homeware in markets across Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Smaller island towns often have stalls selling shell crafts, wooden carvings, and simple souvenirs that reflect coastal life.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, many Manila and Cebu malls stay open late, with lively, well-lit shopping streets and outdoor dining areas. Seasonal night markets sometimes appear in city districts, bringing together stalls, music, and relaxed crowds.
Best time to visit Philippines
Dry season (peak season): From December to May, the weather is generally drier with plenty of sunshine, especially from January to April. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), ideal for beach trips and island-hopping, so popular destinations can be busier. Wet season (shoulder season): From June to October, you can expect higher humidity and more frequent rain showers or storms, especially in the afternoon. Average temperatures stay around 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F), and some islands are quieter during this period. Transition months (shoulder to low season): November and late May can offer a mix of sunny days and occasional showers, with temperatures around 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F), making them suitable for travellers seeking fewer crowds and flexible plans.