UK
Islands of Adventure & Tropical Bliss
With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is a paradise of white-sand beaches, lush jungles, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality. It’s a top pick for UK travellers seeking diving, surfing, culture, and island-hopping escapades.
Air Travel
Flights from London to Manila take around 13–15 hours, typically with one stop via Middle Eastern or Southeast Asian hubs. Cebu and Clark are also accessible via domestic connections.
Airlines
Philippine Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific offer excellent service. Budget carriers like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia operate domestically.
Cheap flights to Philippines
Philippines
Islands of Adventure & Tropical Bliss
Landmark
Travel Season
- Dry Season (Dec–May): Best for beach holidays and outdoor activities
- Wet Season (Jun–Nov): Tropical rains, fewer crowds, lush scenery
Currency & Money Tips
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Cash is preferred in rural areas and markets
- ATMs available in cities; credit cards accepted in hotels and malls
- Inform your bank before travel to avoid card blocks
Connectivity
- Free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and airports
- Local SIM cards (Globe, Smart) available at airports
- Pocket Wi-Fi and eSIMs are popular for island-hopping
Getting Around
- Domestic flights for island-hopping
- Ferries and bangkas (outrigger boats) for inter-island travel
- Jeepneys and tricycles for local transport
- Ride-hailing apps: Grab is widely used in cities
Time Zone
- Philippine Standard Time (PST) – GMT+8
Etiquette & Culture
- Filipinos are warm and welcoming
- Dress modestly in religious and rural areas
- Tipping is appreciated (10% in restaurants)
- English is widely spoken; Tagalog is the national language
Top Destinations
- Palawan: El Nido, Coron, and hidden lagoons
- Cebu: Beaches, waterfalls, and whale sharks
- Bohol: Chocolate Hills and tarsier sanctuaries
- Siargao: Surfing and laid-back island vibes
- Boracay: White Beach and vibrant nightlife
- Manila: History, shopping, and urban buzz
- Baguio & Sagada: Mountain escapes and cultural heritage
fastfood Food & Drink
- Must-try: Lechon (roast pig), Adobo, Sinigang, Halo-Halo, Pancit
- Street food is tasty — try fish balls and banana cue
- Tap water isn’t safe — stick to bottled
- San Miguel beer is a local favourite
personal_bag What to Pack
- Lightweight clothing and swimwear
- Modest attire for churches and rural areas
- Power adapter (Type A/B/C plugs)
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, and dry bags for boat trips
Best Time to Visit
- December–May: Dry season, ideal for beach and island travel
- March–April: Peak summer and festival season
- June–November: Rainy but lush — great for budget travellers
health_and_safety Safety & Health
- Philippines is generally safe in tourist areas
- Avoid travel to western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago
- Emergency numbers: 911 (national)
- Travel insurance is essential
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus; check latest health advice
-
Cebu
Book cheap flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham & more UK airports to Cebu. Compare airlines, find direct flights, and discover the best time to travel from the UK to Cebu.
-
Manila
Book cheap flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham & more UK airports to Manila. Compare airlines, find direct flights, and discover the best time to travel from the UK to Manila.