The Philippines offers tropical islands, clear waters, and welcoming hospitality across more than 7,000 islands. You can explore lively cities, quiet beaches, and lush mountains in a single trip.
Discover Philippines
Discover Philippines
Why visit Philippines?
What to expect
Expect a mix of modern city life in Manila and Cebu, historic colonial quarters, island-hopping adventures, and a relaxed pace by the sea. Each region has its own character, from surf towns to highland retreats.
Plan your trip
Use major gateways like Manila and Cebu as hubs for exploring nearby islands and provinces. With good domestic flight networks and sea links, the Philippines is an ideal base for a varied Southeast Asian journey.
Top experiences in Philippines
Explore the Spanish-era streets of Intramuros, Manila
Walk along the old city walls, cobbled streets, and historic buildings of Intramuros to see Manila's colonial past up close.
Island-hop around Cebu and nearby isles
Take boat trips from Cebu to nearby islands for snorkelling, white-sand beaches, and calm blue lagoons.
Visit the rice terraces of the Cordilleras
Travel into the northern highlands to see centuries-old rice terraces carved into mountain slopes, surrounded by cool, misty landscapes.
Discover colourful marine life
Snorkel or dive off popular spots such as Moalboal, Bohol, or Anilao to see coral gardens, shoals of fish, and, in season, sea turtles.
Experience Manila's modern skyline
Spend an evening in districts like Bonifacio Global City or Makati, where sleek towers, public art, and leafy pockets come together.
Chase waterfalls in the Visayas
Venture inland from Cebu and neighbouring islands to swim beneath turquoise waterfalls tucked inside dense forest.
Cruise a scenic river
Join a leisurely river cruise in regions such as Bohol, passing jungle-lined banks, small villages, and low hills along the way.
Experience Philippines's way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link Manila and Cebu with smaller islands and regional centres, while ferries and fast boats connect nearby islands. Within cities, taxis, app-based rides, and local jeepneys or tricycles help you cover shorter distances.
Local life & culture
Philippine daily life often centres on family, music, and neighbourhood gatherings, from coastal barangays to urban districts. You will notice a blend of indigenous, Asian, and European influences in festivals, architecture, and everyday customs.
Where to unwind
You can relax on palm-fringed beaches, head into the hills for cooler air, or book a spa treatment at city hotels and island resorts. Many coastal spots offer quiet sunsets and long seaside walks after a day of exploring.
A taste of Philippines
National dishes & specialties
Dishes such as adobo, sinigang, and lechon are favourites across the country, with each region adding its own twist. Manila and Cebu are both known for hearty comfort food, fresh seafood, and sweet treats.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Manila and Cebu, you will find food halls, cafes, and neighbourhood eateries serving local flavours alongside pan-Asian and Western cuisines. Shopping centres and business districts offer quick, convenient options at almost any hour.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for rooftop venues in Manila, seaside restaurants in Cebu, or hillside spots in cooler regions for memorable views with your meal. Many resorts and city hotels offer tasting menus and carefully paired courses that highlight local ingredients.
Retail therapy in Philippines
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in Manila and Cebu bring together international labels, local brands, cinemas, and dining, often under one roof. Mixed-use lifestyle districts add parks, open-air plazas, and galleries to the experience.
Markets & local crafts
Visit city markets and provincial town centres to find woven textiles, handmade accessories, and homeware. Regions around Manila, Cebu, and northern Luzon are especially known for their crafts and souvenir stalls.
Evening retail scene
After dark, Manila and Cebu's malls stay lively with late-opening shops, while some districts host night markets and pop-up stalls. Streets glow with signage and music, making evening browsing part of a night out.
Best time to visit Philippines
The dry season, typically from December to May, is the peak season, with many areas seeing temperatures around 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), ideal for beach and island trips. The shoulder season usually runs from June to August, when brief showers are more common, temperatures hover around 26°C to 31°C (79°F to 88°F), and you can often enjoy fewer crowds. The wetter low season generally falls between September and November, when some regions experience heavier rain, average temperatures of 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), and more changeable conditions, especially in coastal and northern areas.