Philippines
What you need to know before you go
The Philippines is one of the world's most iconic tropical destinations, with over 7,641 islands to choose from. The country is blessed with white-sand beaches, pale blue seas, amazing corals, lagoons, mountains, rivers, rice terraces and volcanoes. Days can be spent exploring the diverse and sometimes challenging terrain, taking in cascading waterfalls and dramatic caves.
The country has a busy and exciting history, which has created a lot of world-famous landmarks. The culture around them is also impressive, including an interesting cuisine, famous nightlife and great music. The fine-sand beaches that fringe the Pacific Ocean have populated many an Instagram feed, and it won’t take you long to see why.
Top destinations in Philippines
Where will you go next?Manila has a certain ‘rough diamond’ quality about it. The Filipino capital can seem chaotic, with an eclectic mix of buildings that range from Spanish colonial styles to ultra-modern skyscrapers. The city is actually a conglomeration of 12 cities and 5 municipalities, together forming Metro Manila, so there’s no shortage of things to see and do. The most Americanised...
Read moreBoracay Island
Boracay has an idyllic combination of sun, sand and sea for your holiday. Powdery white-sand beaches and tranquil turquoise...
Cebu
Cebu City is the capital of the island and province of the same name and is the oldest and second...Angeles City
Angeles City is a bustling and thriving city in central Luzon, about 75 km north of Manila, and was once...Bohol
Bohol is a province in the Central Visayas Region and is the 10th largest island in the Philippines. Found just...Mactan Island
Mactan Island lies across the Mactan Channel from Cebu City in the southeast of the Philippines. It’s a modern place...Palawan
Palawan is an archipelagic province of the Philippines, and occupies the western edge of the country. It lies between the...
What to see & do in Philippines
Featured stories & fun stuffThe choice of things to do in the Philippines is very impressive, thanks to the country’s incredible variety of landscapes. The archipelago is made up of over 7,600 islands, each with its unique history and attractions. And around many of the islands are beautiful beaches and coral reefs to explore. Among the star attractions are the medieval Spanish walled enclave of Intramuros in Manila, packed with historic buildings and churches... Read more
23 Best Things to Do in Cebu
Our list of the best things to do in Cebu has something for most visitors to this tropical beach destination in the central part of the Philippines. The province of Cebu belongs to the Visayas region and features no less...24 Best Things to Do on Boracay Island
This list of best things to do on Boracay Island puts together the reasons why this tiny island is one...16 Best Things to Do in Manila
The best things to do in Manila showcase the unique image of this vibrant city. A mix of Spanish colonial...15 Best Things to do in Bohol Island
Bohol Island ranks among the best destinations in Southeast Asia as few places on earth combine natural beauty with interesting...14 Best Things to Do in Palawan
Our list of the best things to do in Palawan comprises just a few of the must-visit places at...5 Best Things to Do in Angeles City
Angeles City is perhaps most famous for its raucous nightlife, making it effectively the Sin City of the Philippines. However...10 Things to Do in Boracay with Kids
Boracay may be famous for its nightlife, but the island also offers plenty of things to do with kids, making...10 Best Beaches in the Philippines
There are dozens of picturesque beaches in the Philippines, a country with over 7,000 islands. You will find these stunning...5 Best Beaches in Boracay
The best beaches of Boracay are the main reasons why this tiny island in the Philippines’ western Visayas region has...
Where & what to eat in Philippines
The Philippines' restaurants and dining scene has something for virtually everyone. When you're in the bigger and more developed destinations like Cebu or Manila, you can expect the sort of dining options you would get in any cosmopolitan capital, be it fast food or a quaint fine-dining French haunt. The Philippines has an extraordinary richness in the types of cuisines it offers, with influences from all around the world... Read more
10 Best Restaurants in Manila
The best restaurants in Manila keep with the cosmopolitan feel of this city, which blends a myriad of influences from all around the world, both in its history and its cuisine. Filipino food itself has already been shaped by aboriginal...12 Great Restaurants in Cebu
The restaurants in Cebu introduce an eclectic choice of venues serving a wide range of cuisines, whichever of the 168...21 Great Restaurants in Boracay
Great restaurants in Boracay are very easy to find. The 4-km beachfront on White Beach hosts an amazing selection...
Where to shop & what to buy in Philippines
Shopping in the Philippines varies from region to region. Manila is the place to go for serious shopping, with many air-conditioned, brand-heavy, and ultra-modern malls. The capital is also home to flea and bazaar-style markets, where some real treasures and endless bargaining opportunities exist. Tropical island destinations such as Boracay, Bohol and Palawan feature lively shopping scenes that host convenience stores, souvenir boutiques, and markets. If... Read more
13 Best Places to Go Shopping in Manila
Our list of the best places to go shopping in Manila introduces the most exciting malls, markets, and stores available in the capital city of the Philippines. Regarding shopping options, Manila is on par with most of the Asian capital...10 Best Shopping Experiences in Cebu
The best shopping experiences in Cebu can be found spread across the Cebu Metropolitan area. This includes Cebu City itself...7 Best Things to Buy in the Philippines
The Philippines is an excellent shopping destination for anyone interested in picking up elaborate handicrafts, home furnishings, jewellery, embroidery and...
Where to go & what to do at night in Philippines
Philippines nightlife is famed all around the world. Most people who come to the Philippines inevitably end up on stage at some point. The locals are great fans of performance and make use of the many karaoke joints across the country to showcase their talents and passion for dance and music. Manila and Cebu both have a very vibrant nightlife, and with clubs and bars open around the clock, you'll... Read more
11 Best Nightlife Experiences in Cebu
The best nightlife in Cebu can be found in Cebu City, the capital city of the province. Other destinations such as Moalboal, Oslob, or Malapascua Island host cool bars and restaurants at which to enjoy a nightcap, but the liveliness...14 Best Nightlife Experiences in Manila
The best nightlife experiences in Manila showcase the city's love for music and fun. The capital city of the Philippines...9 Best Nightlife in Boracay
The nightlife in Boracay has a reputation for being over the top. Party animals love Boracay as there are countless...
Useful information
The Democratic Republic of the Philippines is located in the Western Pacific Ocean, some 1,210 km east of Vietnam and is separated in the north from Taiwan by the Bashi Channel. It’s bordered on the east by the Philippine Sea (and the Pacific Ocean), on the south by the Celebes Sea, and on the west by the South China Sea. The country is divided into 3 main regions: Luzon in... Read more
6 Things You Need to Know About Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is the 2nd most popular holiday destination in the province, behind El Nido. Recognised as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines, the capital of Palawan offers a pleasant urban environment nestled in splendid natural surroundings that...6 Things You Need to Know About El Nido
El Nido covers an area of about 400 sq km at the northern tip of Palawan Island. This first-class municipality also comprises 45 islands and islets, all of which are part of the Bacuit Archipelago. El Nido – which translates...