The Philippines is an archipelago made up of an incredible 7,107 islands, located south-east of China. There are so many that it would take decades to fully experience them all, and the islands are separated into three main groups: Luzon, Mindanao, and Visayas. Almost anywhere you go in the Philippines, you’ll find that one of the most wonderful things about this country is the people who live here: warm, friendly, and welcoming, Filipino people tend to be very hospitable, and will treat with respect any visitors who take the time to be friendly.
Most cruises to the Philippines make a stop in Manila, the country’s capital, a city with one of the world’s highest population densities—it’s an incredibly busy and bustling place, almost overwhelming at times. You’ll enter the city near the Old Manila district, also known as Intramuros. Centuries ago it was a moat-enclosed fortress, and Fort Santiago, as it was called, is now a museum, a fascinating place to learn about the city’s history. The beautiful Manila Cathedral is here too, and the Manila Metropolitan Theatre, a period Art Deco building with beautifully-carved relief sculptures. The districts of Ermita and Malate are known locally as the “tourist districts,” where many of the city’s hotels, bars, nightclubs, cafés, and restaurants are located. Also in Ermita is Rizal Park, which includes Filipino, Chinese, and Japanese-themed gardens, a stunning orchid garden, the National Museum, and other attractions. For shopping and souvenirs, you’ll find open-air markets in Quiapo and San Andres Bukid, offering everything from locally-made crafts and clothing, to flowers, to love potions.
The Philippines is mostly warm, with varying degrees of humidity. If you are chasing the hot weather, visit in between March and May, when the weather is hot and dry; for more mid-range temperatures, December through to February is the cooler season, where temperatures are a more comfortable 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
The Philippines is an archipelago made up of an incredible 7,107 islands, located south-east of China. There are so many that it would take decades to fully experience them all, and the islands are separated into three main groups: Luzon, Mindanao, and Visayas. Almost anywhere you go in the Philippines, you’ll find that one of the most wonderful things about this country is the people who live here: warm, friendly, and welcoming, Filipino people tend to be very hospitable, and will treat with respect any visitors who take the time to be friendly.
Most cruises to the Philippines make a stop in Manila, the country’s capital, a city with one of the world’s highest population densities—it’s an incredibly busy and bustling place, almost overwhelming at times. You’ll enter the city near the Old Manila district, also known as Intramuros. Centuries ago it was a moat-enclosed fortress, and Fort Santiago, as it was called, is now a museum, a fascinating place to learn about the city’s history. The beautiful Manila Cathedral is here too, and the Manila Metropolitan Theatre, a period Art Deco building with beautifully-carved relief sculptures. The districts of Ermita and Malate are known locally as the “tourist districts,” where many of the city’s hotels, bars, nightclubs, cafés, and restaurants are located. Also in Ermita is Rizal Park, which includes Filipino, Chinese, and Japanese-themed gardens, a stunning orchid garden, the National Museum, and other attractions. For shopping and souvenirs, you’ll find open-air markets in Quiapo and San Andres Bukid, offering everything from locally-made crafts and clothing, to flowers, to love potions.
The Philippines is mostly warm, with varying degrees of humidity. If you are chasing the hot weather, visit in between March and May, when the weather is hot and dry; for more mid-range temperatures, December through to February is the cooler season, where temperatures are a more comfortable 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
