Why visit the Philippines?
The Philippines is a nation of more than 7,000 islands, known for clear waters, friendly communities, and diverse landscapes. You find energetic cities, quiet beaches, and mountain scenery within a single journey.
What to expect
From the busy streets of Manila to the relaxed pace of Cebu and nearby islands, each region has its own character. You can balance time in historic districts and shopping streets with day trips to waterfalls, reefs, and coastal viewpoints.
Plan your trip
Many travellers pair the Philippines with nearby Southeast Asian destinations, using major cities as gateways. With good air links and a variety of island-hopping options, you can design a trip that moves at your pace, from short breaks to longer explorations.
Discover the Philippines
Discover the Philippines
Top experiences in the Philippines
Explore historic Intramuros in Manila
Walk the old walled city of Intramuros to see centuries-old fortifications, stone streets, and well-preserved colonial-era buildings.
Discover Cebu City and its viewpoints
Head up to popular hilltop lookouts around Cebu City for wide views of the coastline, islands, and city skyline.
Island-hop from Cebu to nearby shores
Join an island-hopping trip from Cebu to swim, snorkel, and relax on small islands with white-sand beaches and calm waters.
Experience Manila’s bayside promenades
Spend an evening by Manila Bay, where promenades, parks, and waterfront views provide a relaxing contrast to the busy city centre.
Visit colourful markets and neighbourhoods
Browse local markets in Manila and Cebu to find fresh produce, street snacks, and everyday souvenirs in lively surroundings.
Head into the highlands from Cebu
Take a day trip into Cebu’s inland hills, where cooler air, viewpoints, and nature trails offer a change from coastal heat.
Unwind on nearby resort islands
Use Manila or Cebu as a starting point to reach resort islands with laid-back stays, water activities, and quiet beaches.
Experience the Philippines way of life
Getting around
You can connect between Manila, Cebu, and other islands by domestic flights and ferries, with frequent services on popular routes. Within cities, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and local jeepneys help you cover short distances, while hired cars or vans suit day trips.
Local life & culture
Life in the Philippines moves to a social rhythm, with families and friends gathering in plazas, malls, and seaside promenades. Music, celebrations, and neighbourhood festivities often spill into the streets, creating an open, welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Where to unwind
Across the country, coastal resorts, mountain retreats, and city parks offer plenty of quiet corners to relax. You can sit by the sea, escape to higher, cooler ground, or enjoy landscaped urban spaces when you need a break from busy streets.
A taste of the Philippines
National dishes & specialties
The Philippines offers hearty, home-style dishes that highlight sour, savoury, and sweet flavours. Manila and Cebu both put their own spin on national favourites, often served with generous portions of rice and simple sides.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You find casual eateries, food courts, and modern restaurants across both major cities, mixing local cooking with regional and international influences. From quick snacks to relaxed sit-down meals, there is always something close at hand at almost any time of day.
Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, you can dine in restaurants with skyline views, bayside settings, or hilltop vantage points. In coastal areas and resort islands, open-air venues make the most of sea breezes and sunsets, turning a meal into a memorable moment.
Retail therapy in the Philippines
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila and Cebu are known for large malls that combine shopping, dining, and entertainment in one place. You can find international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
In both cities, markets and smaller shops sell local crafts, everyday essentials, and regional specialties. Neighbourhood bazaars and provincial town centres across the Philippines offer handmade souvenirs and simple, practical items.
Evening retail scene
After dark, many malls stay open late, while busy streets are lit with shops, cafés, and casual dining spots. Seasonal night markets and pop-up stalls appear in popular districts, adding to the evening buzz.
Best time to visit the Philippines
Dry peak season (peak season): From December to May, the weather is generally drier and sunnier, with average temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F), ideal for beaches and island-hopping.
Monsoon shoulder season (shoulder season): From June to August, expect warmer days around 26–33°C (79–91°F) with higher humidity, scattered showers, and occasional storms, but also quieter resorts.
Transition low season (low season): From September to November, rainfall can still be frequent in some regions, with temperatures around 25–31°C (77–88°F), and fewer crowds in popular areas.