View Southeast Asia on the mapA big city where energy and chaos are the town's very character. Cobblestone Intramuros, colorful jeepneys and the sun setting over the bay leave a strong impression even on a short port call.

Manila

Manila · Philippines · 14.59, 120.97

The Philippine capital on Manila Bay, where a fortified city from the Spanish colonial era overlaps with a vast modern metropolitan area. One of the major ports for Southeast Asian cruise itineraries.

Port highlights

A huge city of about 1.9 million people in the city proper and about 14 million in the capital region

Population

A tropical monsoon climate that is hot year-round. December to February is the dry season and somewhat more comfortable, while June to October is the rainy season, which is also affected by typhoons.

Climate

Filipino (Tagalog) and English. English is widely understood.

Language

Philippine peso (PHP). Cards are accepted at malls; cash is required at food stalls and on public transport.

Currency

December to February, when there is less rain and humidity also drops.

Best time to visit

Local food

Adobo, sinigang, lechon, and halo-halo, a shaved-ice dessert. Tropical fruits such as mango are also inexpensive.

Sights

Intramuros and Fort SantiagoSan Agustin ChurchRizal ParkManila Bay sunset promenadeChinatown (Binondo)

Monthly average high / low temperatures

30°

24°Jan

31°

24°Feb

32°

25°Mar

34°

26°Apr

34°

27°May

33°

26°Jun

32°

26°Jul

31°

26°Aug

31°

25°Sep

31°

26°Oct

31°

25°Nov

30°

24°Dec

Unit: °C · Calculated from NOAA GHCN-Daily station observations · Period: 1991–2020 · Station: MANILA · about 4.9 km from port · Last checked: Oct 3, 2026 · A guide for choosing your travel month.

Local prices for travelers

Much cheaper than Tokyo

Compared with Tokyo, Japan (median of items)56 (Tokyo = 100)

Compared with Tokyo, water, coffee, meals and beer are somewhat cheaper; a Big Mac costs about the same.

₱10.50

Water 500 ml

₱147.50

Coffee

₱190.00

Inexpensive meal

₱140.00

Local beer

₱169.00

Big Mac

Prices in Manila. · Amounts in the recorded local currency. No currency conversion applied. · Last checked: Oct 2026 · Sources: Shop and menu prices · The Economist, Big Mac Index (CC BY 4.0)