The Philippines offers tropical islands, warm hospitality, and a laid-back rhythm of life. From lively cities to remote beaches, you find a mix of nature, history, and modern culture.
Discover the Philippines
Discover the Philippines
Why visit the Philippines?
What to expect
Experience the buzz of Manila, the relaxed shores of Cebu, and island getaways across the archipelago. Expect English widely spoken, friendly locals, and a blend of Spanish and Asian influences in daily life.
Plan your trip
Use Manila and Cebu as gateways to explore the country’s many islands by domestic flight or ferry. The Philippines also pairs well with wider journeys through Southeast Asia, thanks to strong regional air links.
Top experiences in the Philippines
Explore Intramuros in Manila
Walk the cobbled streets of Intramuros, Manila’s historic walled district, and discover colonial-era forts, plazas, and museums.
Island-hop from Cebu
Use Cebu as your base for island-hopping to nearby beaches and marine sanctuaries, with chances to snorkel, dive, or simply relax by clear blue waters.
Visit white-sand beaches
Head from the main cities to renowned white-sand beaches on nearby islands, where calm seas and palm-fringed shores invite slow days in the sun.
Discover vibrant city districts
In Manila and Cebu, explore modern shopping districts, lively entertainment areas, and contemporary art spaces that reveal the country’s creative energy.
Experience Philippines festivals
Time your trip to witness colourful street parades, music, and dance during major festivals held throughout the year in cities and provinces.
Go diving and snorkelling
Join trips from coastal hubs to reefs rich with marine life, where coral gardens and tropical fish lie just a short boat ride offshore.
Take a scenic mountain or countryside escape
Travel inland from major cities to cooler highlands and rural areas, where you can enjoy viewpoints, hiking trails, and quieter village life.
Enjoy sunset views by the bay
End your day at waterfront promenades in Manila or Cebu, watching the sun set over the sea as the city lights slowly come on.
Experience the Philippines’s way of life
Getting around
For longer distances, domestic flights link Manila, Cebu, and key islands efficiently, while ferries connect many coastal towns. Within cities, taxis and app-based rides are common, with jeepneys and buses for shorter hops.
Local life & culture
Daily life blends modern city living with strong family and community ties, seen in lively neighbourhoods and shared celebrations. You encounter a mix of Spanish, American, and Asian influences in language, architecture, and arts.
Where to unwind
Relax on city-adjacent beaches, seaside promenades, and island resorts offering pools and spa treatments. Outside the main hubs, you find quieter coves, waterfalls, and nature spots ideal for a slow-paced retreat.
A taste of the Philippines
National dishes & specialties
Classic dishes such as savoury stews, grilled meats, and noodle plates are easy to find, with Manila and Cebu both known for generous, home-style cooking that focuses on bold flavours and shared meals.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Manila and Cebu, you can dine in shopping malls, food halls, and neighbourhood eateries that offer everything from local comfort food to pan-Asian and Western favourites, making it easy to satisfy many tastes.
Signature & scenic dining
Look out for rooftop restaurants, waterfront venues, and hotel dining rooms with city or bay views, where you can pair Filipino and international menus with memorable skylines and sunsets.
Retail therapy in the Philippines
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila and Cebu are known for large malls and lifestyle centres that bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining, all in air-conditioned comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Browse markets and smaller boutiques for handicrafts, woven items, and souvenirs, especially in older districts of Manila, central Cebu, and provincial towns around major tourist areas.
Evening retail scene
As evening falls, malls stay busy, and selected outdoor markets and street-side stalls remain open, creating a relaxed, social environment for late shopping and strolling.
Best time to visit the Philippines
Dry season (peak season): From December to April, you can expect generally drier, sunnier weather, especially in popular coastal areas, with average temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F). This is considered peak season. Wet season (shoulder season): From May to October, showers and thunderstorms are more frequent, often in the afternoon or evening, with temperatures around 25–31°C (77–88°F). Travel remains possible, but conditions can change quickly, so this period is often a shoulder season. Cooler transition months (low season): In November and parts of early December, rainfall usually starts to ease and temperatures hover near 25–30°C (77–86°F). Visitor numbers can be lower compared with peak months, making it a relative low season in many areas.