The Philippines offers islands with clear waters, volcanic landscapes, and lively cities. You can expect relaxed hospitality, marine adventures, and a blend of Asian, Spanish, and modern influences.
Discover the Philippines
Discover the Philippines
Why visit the Philippines?
What to expect
Experience the bustle of Manila, the beaches of Cebu and nearby islands, and smaller provincial towns with strong local character. Your trip can mix city energy, historic districts, and quiet coastal escapes.
Plan your trip
Use Manila and Cebu as gateways to the country’s many islands, from diving spots to family-friendly resorts. Domestic flights and ferries connect you onwards, making it easy to build a multi-stop journey.
Top experiences in the Philippines
Explore historic Intramuros in Manila
Walk the old walled city of Intramuros, where stone fortifications, plazas, and colonial-era buildings reveal centuries of Manila’s layered past.
Island-hopping from Cebu
Use Cebu as a base for day trips to nearby islands, with coral reefs for snorkelling, white-sand beaches, and calm waters ideal for swimming.
Urban shopping and skyline views in Manila
Discover modern districts with malls, galleries, and rooftop venues that showcase the capital’s skyline and evolving city life.
Waterfalls and countryside escapes from Cebu
Venture into Cebu’s interior for waterfalls, green hills, and relaxed coastal towns that offer a slower pace away from the city.
Sunset by the bay in Manila
Stroll along Manila Bay in the late afternoon and watch a vivid sunset reflected on the water, framed by the city’s waterfront.
Experience the Philippines’s way of life
Getting around
For longer distances, domestic flights from Manila and Cebu link many islands efficiently, while short ferry rides connect nearby shores. Within cities, taxis and ride-hailing services are practical, with jeepneys and buses adding local colour on shorter routes.
Local life & culture
You will find a warm, welcoming culture shaped by community ties, music, and festivals throughout the year. English is widely spoken in cities, and you will notice different regional traditions and languages as you move between islands.
Where to unwind
Relax on palm-fringed beaches, book a spa session at a resort, or escape to hilltop viewpoints for cooler breezes. Many coastal towns around Manila and Cebu offer quiet stays where the main soundtrack is the sea.
A taste of the Philippines
National dishes & specialties
Classic dishes include rich stews, grilled meats, and sour tamarind-based soups, often served with rice and fresh condiments. Manila is known for traditional comfort food, while Cebu has a reputation for roast meats and seafood.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Manila and Cebu, you will find food courts, cafés, and casual restaurants offering local favourites alongside Asian and Western options. Neighbourhood dining clusters make it easy to graze from street-inspired bites to contemporary takes on classics.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy dinners with city views from rooftop venues in Manila or beachside restaurants in coastal areas near Cebu. Waterfront promenades and skyline bars give you memorable settings to pair with your meal.
Retail therapy in the Philippines
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila and Cebu both have large malls where you will find international fashion, local labels, cinemas, and family attractions under one roof. These lifestyle centres often combine shopping with dining and entertainment.
Markets & local crafts
Browse for handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs at markets and smaller shops in Manila’s older districts and Cebu’s city neighbourhoods. Regional towns across the islands also showcase woven items and local handiwork.
Evening retail scene
After dark, major shopping districts in Manila and Cebu stay lively with illuminated storefronts, open-late malls, and outdoor areas that mix music, dining, and casual browsing.
Best time to visit the Philippines
The dry peak season typically runs from December to April, with many areas seeing daytime temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F) and lower humidity, ideal for beach and island travel. The shoulder season spans roughly May to June and November, when temperatures are warm, often 26–33°C (79–91°F), with occasional showers and fewer crowds in many destinations. The low season usually falls between July and October, bringing higher rainfall, possible storms, and temperatures around 25–31°C (77–88°F), though you can still enjoy calmer days, especially in some central and southern islands.