The Philippines offers island landscapes, historic cities, and warm hospitality across more than 7,000 islands. You can enjoy both lively urban energy and peaceful beach escapes on a single trip.
Discover the Philippines
Discover the Philippines
Why visit the Philippines?
What to expect
Expect a mix of modern city life in Manila and laid-back coastal charm in Cebu, along with Spanish-era heritage sites and pristine marine reserves. Island-hopping, snorkelling, and cultural sightseeing all sit within easy reach of the main gateways.
Plan your trip
Use Manila and Cebu as starting points to explore Luzon, the Visayas, and beyond. With good domestic links by air and sea, the Philippines is also a convenient base for combining regional journeys across Southeast Asia.
Top experiences in the Philippines
Explore Intramuros in Manila
Walk the cobbled streets of Intramuros, Manila's walled historic district, where colonial-era churches and fortified walls tell the story of the city's past.
Island-hop from Cebu
Use Cebu as your base for boat trips to nearby islands with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and thriving coral reefs for snorkelling and diving.
Discover Manila's bayside skyline
Stroll along Manila Bay at sunset to see the city skyline glow, with parks, promenades, and harbourside viewpoints lining the waterfront.
Visit Cebu's historic landmarks
In Cebu City, see landmarks such as Magellan's Cross and centuries-old churches that trace the archipelago's early global connections.
Head into the highlands
From both Manila and Cebu you can arrange trips to cooler highland areas offering forest trails, viewpoints, and relaxing countryside stays.
Enjoy marine adventures
Join boat excursions from Cebu or nearby islands to swim, snorkel, or dive among colourful reefs and diverse marine life in warm tropical waters.
Experience city life in Manila
Explore Manila's malls, creative districts, and cultural venues, where galleries, live music, and vibrant neighbourhoods give a sense of everyday urban life.
Experience the Philippines way of life
Getting around
For longer distances, domestic flights connect Manila and Cebu with many islands across the archipelago. Within cities and nearby areas, taxis, app-based rides, ferries, and local jeepneys offer varied ways to get around.
Local life & culture
Daily life blends modern urban rhythms with strong community ties, from neighbourhood gatherings to city festivals. You will notice a mix of local, Asian, and European influences in architecture, language, and celebrations.
Where to unwind
Relax on palm-fringed beaches near Cebu, seek quiet bayside spots around Manila Bay, or escape to nearby hills and islands for slower-paced stays surrounded by sea views and greenery.
A taste of the Philippines
National dishes & specialties
Across Manila and Cebu you can try beloved dishes such as adobo, grilled seafood, and hearty stews, along with regional recipes that highlight local produce from the sea and countryside.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Both cities offer food courts, cafés, and contemporary restaurants where you can sample local comfort food alongside Asian and international favourites, ideal for relaxed meals between sightseeing and shopping.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy skyline views from high-rise restaurants in Manila or dine by the water in Cebu, where open-air venues and coastal settings create memorable backdrops for evening meals.
Retail therapy in the Philippines
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila is known for its large shopping malls and lifestyle centres that bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and leisure spaces, while Cebu offers modern complexes with a more resort-like pace.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out markets in Manila and Cebu for handmade crafts, textiles, and local souvenirs, and use these cities as gateways to regional craft traditions across the islands.
Evening retail scene
After dark, many shopping districts in Manila and Cebu stay lively, with illuminated storefronts, late-opening malls, and small night markets adding to the city atmosphere.
Best time to visit the Philippines
Dry peak season runs roughly from December to April (peak season), when days are warm and relatively drier, with coastal temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F), ideal for beach escapes and island-hopping. The hotter shoulder season spans May to early June (shoulder season), when temperatures can climb to 33–35°C (91–95°F) in cities such as Manila and Cebu, with higher humidity but many sunny days. The wetter low season typically falls from June to November (low season), with more frequent rain, short intense showers, and occasional storms, while temperatures remain warm at about 25–31°C (77–88°F).