Why visit the Philippines?
You discover a country of more than 7,000 islands, where tropical beaches, coral reefs, and rice terraces sit alongside lively cities. The Philippines blends Asian, Spanish, and American influences into a warm and welcoming identity.
What to expect
You can divide your time between the urban energy of Manila, the island gateways of Cebu and Palawan, and smaller beach towns across the Visayas. Diving, island-hopping, and mountain landscapes shape many journeys, with each region offering its own character.
Plan your trip
You can start in Manila or Cebu, then connect to smaller islands by domestic flight or ferry. The Philippines also links easily with wider South-east Asia, making it a flexible base for longer regional itineraries.
Discover the Philippines
Discover the Philippines
Top experiences in the Philippines
Explore Intramuros in Manila
Wander the historic walled district of Intramuros, where cobbled streets, stone ramparts, and heritage buildings tell the story of old Manila.
Island-hop from Cebu
Use Cebu as your base to sail to nearby islands, discovering white-sand beaches, snorkelling spots, and laid-back coastal villages.
Visit the Chocolate Hills of Bohol
Take a day trip from Cebu to see Bohol's Chocolate Hills, a landscape of rounded limestone mounds that shifts colour with the seasons.
Relax on Palawan's beaches
Head onwards from Manila or Cebu to Palawan, where limestone cliffs, lagoons, and quiet coves invite slow days by the water.
Dive vibrant coral reefs
Discover some of the region's most colourful marine life, with reef and wreck dives accessible from hubs like Cebu and Anilao.
Experience Manila's skyline views
End a city day with a drink or meal high above Manila, watching the skyline glow as the sun sets over Manila Bay.
Trek to rice terraces in the north
Plan an inland adventure to see hand-carved mountain rice terraces, where cool highland air contrasts with the tropical coast.
Join a festival celebration
Time your visit with a local fiesta to see colourful costumes, parades, and performances that bring Filipino community spirit to life.
Experience the Philippines way of life
Getting around
You usually fly into Manila or Cebu, then connect to other islands by domestic flights or ferries. Within cities, you can pair ride-hailing apps with jeepneys and taxis to cover short distances.
Local life & culture
You feel an easy-going rhythm shaped by family, music, and shared gatherings. Spanish-era town plazas, modern malls, and seafront promenades are popular meeting places where you see daily life unfold.
Where to unwind
You can unwind on palm-fringed beaches, at island resorts, or in quieter mountain hideaways. Many destinations offer spas, coastal walks, and sunset viewpoints for slow, restorative evenings.
A taste of the Philippines
National dishes & specialties
You can try signature dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon, each with its own regional twist from Manila to Cebu. Coastal areas add fresh seafood and grilled specialities to most menus.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You find casual eateries, food courts, and cafés in almost every neighbourhood, from central Manila to Cebu IT Park. International flavours sit alongside local comfort food, making it easy to mix familiar tastes with new ones.
Signature & scenic dining
You can dine with views of Manila Bay, over city skylines, or beside the sea in Cebu and nearby islands. Many resorts and rooftop venues pair modern Filipino menus with memorable sunset backdrops.
Retail therapy in the Philippines
Malls & lifestyle hubs
You discover large malls and lifestyle centres in Manila and Cebu, where international brands, cinemas, and dining clusters come together under one roof. These air-conditioned spaces offer a comfortable break from the tropical heat.
Markets & local crafts
You can browse for handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs in markets and specialist shops across Manila, Cebu, and island towns. Look for handmade items, dried fruits, and local snacks to take home.
Evening retail scene
You find malls open into the evening, with bright promenades and outdoor dining areas creating a lively atmosphere. In some areas, night markets and food stalls add a relaxed street-side feel after dark.
Best time to visit the Philippines
Dry and sunny season (peak season)
From December to April, much of the Philippines enjoys drier weather, with average temperatures around 24–32°C (75–90°F). This is the busiest time for beaches, island-hopping, and outdoor sightseeing.
Warm and humid transition months (shoulder season)
May and November often bring hot, humid days with a mix of sunshine and showers, typically around 25–33°C (77–91°F). You may enjoy fewer crowds, though short downpours are common.
Rainy and typhoon season (low season)
From June to October, rain is more frequent and some areas may be affected by storms, with temperatures around 24–31°C (75–88°F). Travel can still be rewarding if you stay flexible and monitor local weather updates.