London in September is 16°C and already threatening autumn. The Philippines is 30°C, warm water in every direction, and a local beer that costs less than a pound. For £397 return, you can make the trade.
✈️ The Deal
- From: London, UK
- To: Manila, Philippines
- Airline: Shenzhen Airlines
- Stops: 1 stop
- Price: £397–£399 return
- When: September–October 2026
Example dates:
16/09/2026 – 09/10/2026 18/09/2026 – 09/10/2026 20/09/2026 – 09/10/2026 23/09/2026 – 11/10/2026 27/09/2026 – 11/10/2026 27/09/2026 – 16/10/2026
💰 How Far Does Your Money Go?
A sit-down Filipino lunch — adobo, garlic rice, and a soft drink — costs around £2.20. A cold San Miguel at a local bar: under £1. The average daily budget for a mid-range traveller in Manila runs at £40–55, all in. That is less than a round of drinks in a central London pub, where the average pint now sits at £6.75.
☀️ The Weather
London in September is 16°C on a good day — expect drizzle, grey skies, and mornings that already feel like November. Manila in September sits at 29–31°C. There will be rain: it is the tail end of the wet season, mostly short tropical downpours that clear quickly. October dries out further and the sea stays warm. Pack light, bring a thin waterproof, and prepare for a climate that takes some adjusting to.
🏨 Where to Stay
Manila covers a lot of ground. Makati and BGC are the easiest bases — walkable, safe, and close to everything.
Heritage Hotel Manila — 8.8/10 — From £28/night Central, clean, and consistently well-reviewed. Outdoor pool, good on-site restaurant, and a location that puts you in reach of the whole city. 👉 Book here
Dusit Thani Manila — 9.0/10 — From £75/night One of Manila's most reliable mid-range options. Makati location, a proper spa, and service that punches well above the price point. 👉 Book here
Okada Manila — 9.3/10 — From £160/night Forbes 5-star. Sprawling pool complex, multiple restaurants, and beach-resort energy in the middle of the city. The one to splurge on if you are going to splurge at all. 👉 Book here
🎯 What to Do
Manila is the entry point. The rest of the country is the reason you came.
Intramuros Walking Tour — The walled colonial city, intact since the 16th century. Cobbled streets, Spanish-era churches, and Fort Santiago. One of the most atmospheric places in Southeast Asia.
Taal Volcano Day Trip — An active volcano inside a lake inside an island. An hour and a half from Manila, it is the most dramatic day trip in the Philippines.
Manila Street Food Tour — Lechon, kare-kare, sinigang, and about eight things you have not tried yet. Five neighbourhoods, local restaurants, and wet markets that explain the city better than any guidebook.
Taal Lake Kayaking at Dawn — Paddle across the lake before the day-trip crowds arrive. Clear water, an active volcano in front of you, and forty-five minutes of the kind of quiet you cannot find in London at any price.
🗺️ Where to Go From Here
Manila is a gateway, not a destination. The real Philippines starts when you fly on.
El Nido, Palawan — 1 hour 15 minutes by plane. Limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and the clearest water you will see in your life. One of Southeast Asia's most spectacular destinations.
Boracay — 1 hour by plane. Four kilometres of fine white sand and warm, calm water. One of the best beaches in Asia, and one of the rare ones that actually delivers on its reputation.
Siargao — 2 hours by plane. The surf capital of the Philippines. Cloud 9 is the famous break, but the whole island — coconut palms, empty roads, laid-back pace — is the real draw.
Bohol — 1 hour 30 minutes by plane. The Chocolate Hills, Panglao's white sand beaches, and some of the best diving in the country. A full itinerary on its own.
Coron, Palawan — 1 hour 15 minutes by plane. Wreck diving, turquoise lagoons, and island-hopping through waters that belong on a screensaver. Quieter than El Nido.
£397 return to the Philippines from London. Seven thousand islands waiting. Prices like these do not last.
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