With a famously warm welcome and an obsessive love for karaoke, the Philippines is as much about the locals as the landscapes. Across its thousands of islands, you can be diving with whale sharks in Cebu one day, paddling through firefly-lit mangroves in Bohol another, and chasing volcano views in Bicol the next. Whether you go for reef or halo-halo shaved ice, this budget-friendly island chain has got something for you.
While there’s dozens of airports across the Philippine islands, Manila is currently the only one you can fly directly to from Australia. (Although, this is changing soon with the launch of Jetstar flights from Brisbane to Cebu in December 2025)
While you can’t fly directly to them, from Manila you can catch a connecting flight to other hotpots including Cebu, Puerto Princessa (Palawan), Coron, Siargao, Davao and Borocay (Caticlan).
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is Manila’s main airport, sitting about 7 km south of the city centre in Pasay and Parañaque. Expect it to be busy and a tad chaotic.
You can jump into a metered taxi from the terminal. Alternatives include the Grab ride-sharing app or the UBE Express bus, which can take you to spots like Ayala, Makati, and Robinsons Galleria. Most hotels run pick-ups too. A heads-up: the airport has four terminals (you can actually use the UBE to get between them). Check your airline and terminal before you land or fly.
May to September is your bargain window for flights to the Philippines – especially July and August, when return fares from Sydney and Melbourne tend to dip. Just know it’s rainy season, so expect the odd afternoon downpour between beach time.
December to early January? Best avoided if you’re watching your wallet. It’s peak holiday season, and fares often double due to the high demand. Aim for late February or early June if you want sun without sting.
No visa needed for Aussie passport holders staying up to 30 days. Just make sure your passport’s valid for at least six months beyond your stay, and complete the free eTravel declaration before you fly.
Aim to be at the airport at least three hours before take-off for international flights to the Philippines.
Are you in? Book your entire Philippines adventure with Traveloka. We’ve got hotels, things to do, airport transfers and more.
With a famously warm welcome and an obsessive love for karaoke, the Philippines is as much about the locals as the landscapes. Across its thousands of islands, you can be diving with whale sharks in Cebu one day, paddling through firefly-lit mangroves in Bohol another, and chasing volcano views in Bicol the next. Whether you go for reef or halo-halo shaved ice, this budget-friendly island chain has got something for you.
While there’s dozens of airports across the Philippine islands, Manila is currently the only one you can fly directly to from Australia. (Although, this is changing soon with the launch of Jetstar flights from Brisbane to Cebu in December 2025)
While you can’t fly directly to them, from Manila you can catch a connecting flight to other hotpots including Cebu, Puerto Princessa (Palawan), Coron, Siargao, Davao and Borocay (Caticlan).
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is Manila’s main airport, sitting about 7 km south of the city centre in Pasay and Parañaque. Expect it to be busy and a tad chaotic.
You can jump into a metered taxi from the terminal. Alternatives include the Grab ride-sharing app or the UBE Express bus, which can take you to spots like Ayala, Makati, and Robinsons Galleria. Most hotels run pick-ups too. A heads-up: the airport has four terminals (you can actually use the UBE to get between them). Check your airline and terminal before you land or fly.
May to September is your bargain window for flights to the Philippines – especially July and August, when return fares from Sydney and Melbourne tend to dip. Just know it’s rainy season, so expect the odd afternoon downpour between beach time.
December to early January? Best avoided if you’re watching your wallet. It’s peak holiday season, and fares often double due to the high demand. Aim for late February or early June if you want sun without sting.
No visa needed for Aussie passport holders staying up to 30 days. Just make sure your passport’s valid for at least six months beyond your stay, and complete the free eTravel declaration before you fly.
Aim to be at the airport at least three hours before take-off for international flights to the Philippines.
Are you in? Book your entire Philippines adventure with Traveloka. We’ve got hotels, things to do, airport transfers and more.