7,000 islands, and the first one is closer than you think.
China Southern flies from London to Manila from £352 return, with one stop in Guangzhou. The dates are 23 November to 9 December 2026, and a cabin bag and a checked bag are included.
✈️ The Deal
- From: London, UK
- To: Manila, Philippines
- Airline: China Southern
- Stops: 1 stop in Guangzhou
- Price: £352 return
- When: November - December 2026
Example dates:
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The flight leaves Heathrow at 22:00, stops for 6 hours in Guangzhou and lands in Manila at 02:20 two days later. The return leaves Manila at 03:20, stops for 8 hours in Guangzhou and lands in London at 18:35 the same day. Other dates in November and from January to March cost £376-£451 with other airlines.
💰 How far does your money go?
A pint in London costs about £7. In Manila, a plate of chicken adobo with rice costs £2, a San Miguel beer £1 and a halo-halo, the shaved ice dessert, £2. A jeepney ride costs about 20p, and a domestic flight to the islands from £30.
☀️ The Weather
Late November and December are the start of the dry season in the Philippines. Expect highs of 30-31°C, nights around 24°C and much less rain than in the summer months. It is the best time to head to the islands.
🏨 Where to Stay
Stay in Makati for restaurants and nightlife, or by Manila Bay for sunsets.
Z Hostel · 8.2/10 · From £35/night
A social hostel in Poblacion, Makati, with a rooftop bar that is one of the busiest in the city.
Ascott Makati · 8.8/10 · From £120/night
Serviced apartments with a kitchen, connected to the Glorietta and Greenbelt malls.
The Peninsula Manila · 9.0/10 · From £134/night
A Makati landmark since 1976, with a grand lobby, a big pool and afternoon tea.
⏱️ Making the most of your layover in Guangzhou
The stops in Guangzhou Baiyun last 6 hours on the way out and 8 hours on the way back. On the longer one you have time for a quick visit to the city, if your passport allows it under China's visa-free transit rules: check them before you fly, and be back at the airport at least 3 hours before your next flight. Metro line 3 reaches the city centre in about 45 minutes.
Canton Tower: Views over the whole city from the 450-metre tower, with the bubble tram ride around the top.
Pearl River night cruise: The skyline and the bridges lit up at night, with the Canton Tower light show.
Historic Canton walking tour: Old temples, arcaded streets and dim sum in the old city with a local guide.
If you'd rather rest:
Pullman Guangzhou Baiyun Airport · 8.5/10 · From £74/night
Connected to the terminal, for a shower and a proper sleep without leaving the airport.
🎯 What to Do
Manila is the start; the islands are the reason to go.
Intramuros and Chinatown: The old walled city, San Agustin Church and Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world.
Taal Volcano and Tagaytay: A volcano inside a lake inside a volcano, seen from the cool ridge of Tagaytay.
Street food tour: Night markets and Filipino street food with a local guide, from barbecue skewers to balut.
Banaue and Batad rice terraces: Two days in the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of the north, carved into the mountains 2,000 years ago.
🗺️ Where to Go From Here
Manila is the main hub for the Philippine islands.
El Nido, Palawan: Limestone cliffs, lagoons and island hopping, about 1h20 by air. Search flights
Cebu: Whale sharks in Oslob and the canyons of Kawasan Falls, about 1h20 by air. Search flights
Boracay: White Beach and its sunsets, about 1 hour by air to Caticlan. Search flights
Siargao: The surf capital of the Philippines, about 1h45 by air. Search flights
From £352 return with a checked bag, London to the Philippines. One date, so book it fast.
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