The Philippines is a paradise hotspot waiting to be discovered in the Far East, filled with eclectic cities, pristine coastlines, significant ancient sites including Spanish colonial architecture, and captivating native wildlife. There is so much nature to be admired in the Philippines, from waterfalls to mountain peaks and rice terraces, and other holiday highlights include mouth-watering food, thrilling outdoor adventures, and incredible shopping and nightlife opportunities. Brightsun Travel offers cheap holidays to the Philippines.
Why not consider a holiday to the Filipino capital Manila? This eclectic city is very artsy with street murals, annual art festivals, and a number of museums and galleries. Manila is also home to impressive sightseeing attractions, lush gardens, bustling markets and malls, and the world’s oldest Chinatown, plus the natural Manila Bay harbour which is the best place to view a breath-taking sunset.
For a more tropical take on the Philippines, consider Cebu, a paradise province comprising Cebu Island and over 150 islands. Cebu is where the beaches are at, plus coral gardens and some of Asia’s most spectacular diving sites. Cebu also happens to be a great culinary hub with some of the most exotic street food in the Philippines. Whichever destination sounds like your dream holiday, contact Brightsun and let us offer you the best holidays to the Philippines.
8008 Makati Ave. cor. Makati City, Kalayaan Ave, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila, Philippines
Salinas Dr, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines
Corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues, 1226, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
CCP Complex Roxas Blvd Brgy. 76, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines
Station 1 Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines
Cebu is a stunning province in the Philippines, home to Cebu Island and over 150 surrounding islands and islets. The province boasts plenty of pristine beaches and coral gardens, offering the ultimate tropical escape, without the tourist crowds. Cebu is also renowned for its incredible diving opportunities and marine life encounters across its islands. Brightsun Travel offers great value luxury holidays to Cebu, so why not come and see for yourself what this island nation has to offer.
Cebu is a haven for adventure and nature enthusiasts; there are many glistening waterfalls to admire here, and Kawasan Falls is the most awe-inspiring with a natural pool at its base. You can enjoy a myriad of adventures at Kawasan Falls including rock climbing, canyoning, and even waterfall jumping. Another must-visit natural marvel is the Osmeña Peak, which you can trek to and enjoy panoramic vistas of Cebu.
Foodies rejoice – Cebu offers some of the most delicious food in the Philippines, including staple Filipino dishes and Chinese-inspired cuisine. Street food is particularly mouth-watering in Cebu, and must-try snacks include ginabot (the local take on pork crackling), steamed rice, and lechon (roast pork). Those feeling particularly adventurous can sample more exotic snacks like bakasi (salt-water eels) and tuslob buwa (fried pork liver and brain).
Manila is the eclectic capital city of the Philippines offering an array of holiday highlights, from cultural centres to sightseeing landmarks, ancient palaces, inner city gardens, and vibrant shopping hubs. This mega city is home to the oldest Chinatown in the world, as well as Manila Bay, a natural harbour famous for its incredible sunset viewing opportunities. We offer some great deals on holidays to Manila from the UK, taking you to this must-see city in style.
Manila is creative, cultural, and artsy with plenty of top-class museums and galleries displaying impressive objects and masterpieces. The city is passionate about art with an annual art festival and colourful street murals. A must-see Manila art institution is the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, which boasts contemporary artworks from all across the world. The city is also filled with rich history, particularly Spanish history which can be witnessed at the ancient walled city of Intramuros.
Shoppers rejoice – Manila is home to endless exciting shopping experiences. The SM Mall of Asia is a retail therapy highlight, boasting famous high street brands such as Zara and Topshop, plus local boutiques, food courts, an IMAX cinema, and a large ice-skating rink. Shopping is always bound to work up an appetite, and it just so happens that Manila is a culinary haven, offering signature Filipino dishes such as fried fish balls and the halo-halo dessert.
A 13 hour direct flight from London, the Philippines is perfect for a paradise escape with diverse, authentic cultures and plenty of accommodation options, from luxury beach resorts to water cottages, sail boats, and tribal huts. There are more than 7600 islands in the Philippines, with 15,500km of stunning coastline. The country’s location within the Coral Triangle makes for some incredible diving experiences, plus it’s blessed with a tropical climate, offering warm sunshine pretty much all year round.
Palawan, an idyllic archipelago in the Philippines is widely considered as one of the finest islands in the world. It’s a great island hopping hotspot with a choice of 1780 unspoilt islands filled with white sand beaches, underground caves, dramatic rock formations, coral reefs, lakes, rivers, and so much more. The Tubbatha Reefs National Park is located in Palawan, home to one of Southeast Asia’s best coral reefs, covering 33,200 hectares.
The tropical island of Siargao in the southern Philippines is another must-visit island, best known for its outdoor adventures such as kayaking, cave swimming, and cliff jumping. Siargao is nicknamed the surfing capital of the Philippines and is considered as a hidden gem, offering an authentic travel experience. Then there’s Boracay, a tiny island situated in the western Philippines and one of the country’s top diving locations with unforgettable diving and cave excursions, plus tranquil beaches and stunning ocean sunsets.
Currency:You’ll be spending Philippine Pesos.
Language: Filipino, though English is often used and widely spoken.
Local Time: Eight hours ahead of GMT.
Flight Time from the UK: Approximately 13 hours.
Tourist Information: Visit the official Philippines tourist information site for lots of helpful information regarding upcoming events, where to go, what to do, and how to get around.
Health/Travel Restrictions:To travel to the Philippines, British citizens need a valid passport, which will grant them a 30-day visit without a visa. For up-to-date travel advice and health recommendations visit the government’s travel advice for the Philippines.
A: The Republic of the Philippines consists of around 7,640 islands, of which about 2,000 are inhabited.
A: The Philippines is generally a budget-friendly destination.
A: Main tourist areas should be relatively safe, but seek trustworthy local advice about safe districts and join organised excursions if visiting the Philippines.
A: The Philippines is widely recognised as having some of the best diving spots in the world.
The Philippine Islands offer a wide range of activities and sights for holidaymakers to enjoy, from the white-sand beaches of Boracay to the lush mountains of Sagada. In Palawan, visitors can explore the underground river network or experience some of the world's best scuba diving. Further up north, the Banaue Rice Terraces are a great way to experience traditional Filipino culture and take in some stunning views. For adventure seekers, trekking and caving can be found in El Nido or the Subterranean National Park. History buffs also have plenty to explore in Vigan, an old Spanish colonial town. Foodies will find a vast selection of local dishes such as lechon, sisig, and halo-halo. Finally, don't forget to take advantage of the country's renowned hospitality and relax!
Tourists visiting Manila can explore a variety of cultural sites including churches, museums, galleries, and monuments. Visitors are sure to find something that appeals to them in this bustling metropolis, with numerous shopping centres, restaurants, and nightlife spots to choose from. Those looking for an action-packed adventure can go scuba diving, bungee jumping, or experience the thrill of a zip line ride at the Enchanted Kingdom. Nature lovers can take boat rides through the Pasig river and visit the Manila Zoo or Botanical Garden. For those seeking some leisure time, there are plenty of parks perfect for a picnic or relaxing stroll.
Cebu provides an unforgettable holiday experience for visitors, with world-class beaches, beautiful resorts, and fascinating cultural attractions. Explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, take a tour of the heritage sites, or try some of the local cuisine. For those looking to relax, there are plenty of spas and resorts offering spa treatments and massages. Adventure seekers can go diving in one of the many marine sanctuaries or take a thrilling ride on a zip line across vast natural landscapes. Nature lovers can enjoy trekking through lush forests and exploring hidden waterfalls while beach bums can lounge on white sand shores and soak up the sun.
The Philippines has a tropical climate with high temperatures year-round. The hottest months are typically April through May, when temperatures can reach as high as 36°C (97°F). The wettest months are usually from June to October, during which time heavy rains and thunderstorms occur frequently. December is the driest month in most areas.
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