Why visit Philippines?
The Philippines welcomes you with tropical islands, friendly communities, and a relaxed pace of life. You find a blend of palm-fringed beaches, historical cities, and lively festivals spread across more than 7,000 islands.
What to expect
Your journey often begins in Manila or Cebu, where skyscrapers sit beside centuries-old architecture. From there, you can branch out to renowned beach regions, mountain retreats, and diving spots, each island group offering its own character.
Plan your trip
Use Manila and Cebu as your main gateways to explore the wider archipelago. From these hubs, domestic flights and ferries connect you to island chains across the country, and the Philippines can also be a base for travels around South East Asia.
Discover Philippines
Discover Philippines
Top experiences in Philippines
Explore historic Intramuros in Manila
Walk the cobbled streets of Intramuros to see Spanish-era walls, stone churches, and museums that tell the story of Manila through the centuries.
Island-hop from Cebu
Use Cebu as your base to reach nearby islands and coastal towns known for white-sand beaches, marine life, and clear turquoise waters.
Discover Manila Bay and its skyline
Stroll along the bayside promenades at sunset for views of the water, the city skyline, and the changing colours of the sky.
Visit Cebu City’s heritage sites
Explore historic landmarks, old neighbourhoods, and hilltop viewpoints that offer a look at Cebu’s past and present.
Relax on Visayan beaches
Head out from Cebu to nearby islands for laid-back beach days, gentle waves, and quiet coves ideal for unwinding.
Discover modern Manila districts
Spend time in Manila’s newer business and lifestyle areas, where you find galleries, parks, and dining streets side by side.
Join island excursions and boat trips
Take organised boat tours from Manila or Cebu to nearby coastal areas, giving you an easy way to see more of the archipelago.
Enjoy city viewpoints in Cebu
Head up to popular lookout points above Cebu City for sweeping views over the harbour, city lights, and surrounding hills.
Experience Philippines’ way of life
Getting around
You typically arrive in Manila or Cebu, which act as key aviation hubs for the rest of the country. From there, domestic flights, inter-island ferries, and private transfers help you reach beach towns, provincial cities, and island resorts.
Local life & culture
Daily life in the Philippines moves at a friendly, social pace, with plazas, seafront promenades, and town centres serving as gathering spots. You notice a mix of indigenous, Asian, and European influences in local festivals, music, and neighbourhood architecture.
Where to unwind
Coastal promenades in Manila and Cebu give you easy access to sea breezes and city views. Beyond the main cities, you find quieter islands, hilltop retreats, and countryside resorts that offer calm surroundings and a slower rhythm.
A taste of Philippines
National dishes & specialties
Across the Philippines, you encounter flavourful home-style dishes that often highlight pork, seafood, and tropical produce. Manila and Cebu are good places to sample regional classics from across the archipelago in one city.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Manila, lively neighbourhoods and malls are filled with casual eateries, cafés, and contemporary restaurants serving both Filipino and international flavours. Cebu offers a growing food scene too, with seaside spots, city diners, and local favourites clustered in busy districts.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, you can dine at rooftop venues in Manila with views over the bay, or choose hilltop and waterfront restaurants in Cebu. Many locations pair cityscapes or sea views with modern takes on Filipino cuisine and fresh seafood.
Retail therapy in Philippines
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Manila is known for its large shopping centres, where international brands, local designers, entertainment, and dining sit under one roof. Cebu also features modern malls and lifestyle complexes with a mix of retail, cinemas, and cafés.
Markets & local crafts
Alongside the malls, Manila and Cebu have markets where you can look for handicrafts, souvenirs, and everyday goods. Regional hubs across the Visayas and Luzon islands are also good places to find items like handwoven textiles and locally made accessories.
Evening retail scene
After dark, many of Manila’s and Cebu’s malls, streets, and promenades stay open, creating a lively evening shopping atmosphere. You may also find pop-up markets and waterfront stalls adding to the night-time buzz in key districts.
Best time to visit Philippines
Dry peak season (peak season)
From December to April, much of the Philippines enjoys drier weather, with average temperatures around 26–30°C (79–86°F). This is a popular time for beach trips and city sightseeing, especially around major holidays.
Transition and shoulder months (shoulder season)
May to early June and November are transition periods when you can see a mix of sunny days and brief showers. Temperatures commonly range between 27–31°C (81–88°F), and some destinations feel less crowded.
Rainy and typhoon season (low season)
From June to October, many regions experience more frequent rain and occasional storms, though conditions vary by island. Temperatures usually sit around 26–29°C (79‘84°F), and you may find calmer beaches and fewer visitors between showers.