Philippines

The jewel of the Pacific

The abundance of natural wealth and enormous biodiversity of the Philippine archipelago is undoubtedly the main tourist attraction of this jewel of Southeast Asia. Formed by no less than a total of 7,641 islands, this island nation is the ideal place to spend a quiet holiday, enjoying its expansive beaches and unforgettable natural landscapes. Alternatively, you may prefer to practice different kinds of water sports, particularly diving, since it is within the diving Golden Triangle of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The seas of this piece of paradise in the Western Pacific are an unparalleled spectacle, with some areas even designated as World Heritage Sites due to their underwater bounties.

 

Another attraction is its rich and varied culture, a mixture of influences inherited by the people who have populated or visited the islands for centuries, dating back to the indigenous and Austronesian settlers, Indian and Chinese merchants, the Islamic world or Spanish explorers, through to the Philippines ridding itself of American domination in 1946. These influences can be felt in many aspects of Philippine life, such as food, music, dance and art, as well as in its architectural heritage.

 

The Philippines would not become known as an unparalleled world eco-tourist destination until the 1980s. Since then it has become one of the main drivers of the Philippine economy courtesy of its many attractions, such as Alona Beach on the island of Panglao, 'White Beach' in Boracay, Malapascua in Cebu or the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan. Lose yourself in the incomparable beauty of the Philippines, you will not regret it.

Do not miss the attractive and vibrant capital of the Philippines...

and discover all its secrets

Manila, traditional yet modern

Manila is undoubtedly one of the most cosmopolitan cities of Southeast Asia. Located on the east coast of Manila Bay, on the island of Luzon, next to the mouth of the Pasig River, it is not only the capital of the Philippines but also the nerve centre of so-called Greater Manila, a metropolitan area that includes 16 cities that house more than 20 million inhabitants, which makes it the tenth most populated city in the world. As a large capital, Manila has infinite tourist and cultural attractions including Intramuros, a popular walled area that tells the long history of this vibrant and bustling city, the Fort of Santiago, the Church of San Agustín, the Philippines Cultural Centre, Manila Cathedral, Malacanang Palace and Museum, Rizal Park, Pambata Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Manila Ocean Park, the National Museum, Avilon Zoo... And a long list that is sure to delight travellers of all ages.

 

In addition to its rich artistic heritage, Manila hosts a wide range of leisure activities, the highlights of which are its shopping centres and hotels, mainly those located in the modern area of Makati and its many and varied restaurants, where you can savour the unique and exquisite local cuisine based around delicious seafood and fish that feature in typical dishes such as Sisig, Burong Hipon or Agatna Punsong Sasing, not to mention its endless nightlife. Nor should we forget Ermita and Malate, the location of Intramuros or Rizal Park, or neighbourhoods like Quiapo or Binondo, known respectively for their street markets and Chinatown, the Chinese quarter of Manila. 

What is there to do in the Philippines?
We provide you with the best plans for your holiday

Immerse yourself in the 4-day Lanzones Festival

Tour the walled city of Intramuros

Visit MacArthur Landing Memorial

Wander the cobblestoned colonial city of Vigan

Explore the Ruins, Negros Occidental

Sample the 'Bicol Express'

Feast on crispy ’empanadas’

Have a seafood ‘Boodle Fight’

Try the local delicacy of binagol

Savour Cebu’s sweet mangoes

Boracay

El Nido, Palawan

Taal Lake

Monte Mayon, Luzon

Puerto Galera, Mindoro

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Siargao

Cebu

Bohol

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Weather in the Philippines

Discover what the weather will be like on your holiday

Weather in the PhilippinesTropical maritime climate

The Philippines has a tropical maritime climate that is usually warm and humid, where the average annual temperature is around 26°C. Due to its geographical location, the archipelago distinguishes three stations christened by their respective terms in Filipino or Tagalog: ' tag-init ' or 'tag-araw', which is the dry hot season from March to May; 'tag-ulan', which is the rainy season that is recorded from June to November; and finally 'tag-lamig', the dry temperate season that takes place from December to February, which makes the latter the best time to go to the Philippines, since the climate is milder and the heat is not as fierce as the hot dry season.

Temperatures in the Philippines usually range between 21°C and 32°C, with the mildest month being January and the hottest month being May. Due to its location in the Pacific, most of the islands receive torrential rains and thunderstorms from July to October.

Monthly forecast
  • Jan25º15º
  • Feb26º15º
  • Mar28º16º
  • Apr28º17º
  • May28º18º
  • Jun26º19º
  • Jul26º18º
  • Aug26º17º
  • Sep26º17º
  • Oct25º17º
  • Nov25º16º
  • Dec25º15º