Manila Deals
Manila is the Philippines' front door and a city that rewards a night or two before the islands: a sprawling, energetic capital of Spanish-colonial walls, glass-and-steel business districts, jeepneys and rooftop bars, with one of Asia's most underrated restaurant scenes and a sunset over Manila Bay that locals will insist is the world's best.
The choice of base shapes the stay. Makati is the polished business and dining district with the city's best-known five-star hotels and malls; Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is the newer, cleaner, walkable quarter of towers, parks and restaurants; the bayside — Roxas Boulevard and the Manila Hotel — trades convenience for history and the sunset view; and Intramuros, the walled Spanish city, is the cultural heart.
A day in Manila covers a lot: a kalesa ride through Intramuros to Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, a Filipino feast in Makati or Poblacion, the National Museum, the markets of Binondo — the world's oldest Chinatown — and a sundowner on a rooftop. Tagaytay's Taal volcano view is a two-hour day trip.
December to February is the coolest and driest, March to May hot, and June to November the wet, typhoon-prone season. Manila works best as a stopover on the way to Cebu, Boracay or Palawan. When our Manila deals arrive they'll follow the house rules — direct hotel contracts, breakfast always included, transfers and extras in writing. Join below to hear first.
Manila deals are coming soon
We're negotiating directly with hotels in Manila right now — the same way every TravelPearls deal is done, with the inclusions written into the contract. Joining is free, no membership fees: sign up below and you'll be first to hear the moment our first Manila deal goes live.
See this week's live dealsManila — frequently asked questions
How do I get to Manila from Australia?
Jetstar, Philippine Airlines, Qantas and Cebu Pacific fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Manila's Ninoy Aquino Airport — around eight hours. Makati and BGC are 30–60 minutes from the airport depending on traffic. Australians can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
Where should I stay in Manila?
Makati for classic five-star hotels, dining and malls; Bonifacio Global City for a modern, walkable, park-lined district with excellent restaurants; the bayside for heritage and the sunset; Intramuros for history. Makati and BGC are the safest bets for a first visit.
Is Manila worth a stay or just a transit?
One or two nights is worth it — Intramuros, Binondo and the food scene are genuinely rewarding — but most travellers use Manila as a gateway to the islands rather than a holiday in itself. Domestic flights to Cebu, Boracay (Caticlan) and Palawan leave from the same airport.
When is the best time to visit Manila?
December to February is the coolest and driest. March to May is hot and dry. June to November is the wet season, with typhoons possible from July to October. Christmas — which in the Philippines starts in September — is festive but busy.
Get Manila Deals First
Our first Manila deals are being negotiated now. Free to join, no membership fees — sign up and get the alert the moment one goes live.