Memory Lane: Traveling Around The Philippines!

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WHY YOU GOTTA LOVE THE PHILIPPINES…

-As much as I do!-

Daku Island, beautiful deserted beach near Siargao!

Ask someone to name a tropical Southeast Asian paradise and you may get Thailand, Indonesia, or Myanmar as an answer. While these countries each have their own fantastic attractions to take pride in (the Ngapali Beach of Thailand is one of my personal favorites, just so you know), there are other countries that have their own tropical utopias.

This is not a secret for anyone anymore but, for me,the Philippines are an often overlooked country that is home to countless wonders and I’m madly in love with it! Don’t believe me? Just read this article I wrote about my time in Siargao!

Travelers who step foot in the country have over 7,107 islands to choose from. That’s a lot of choices to make. It serves as a home for powdery white beaches, crystal blue waters, lush rainforests, and bustling cityscapes that never seem to stop moving. During my 4 months in paradise, I could only manage to visit a small portion of these incredible islands (here is a recap of what I’ve seen).

A deserted atoll just for me! Guyam Island <3

“If it’s so wonderful, how come I’ve never heard of it?”, you may ask. Well, it’s not uncommon to find out that many travelers take the Philippines out of their respective itineraries considering how inaccessible the country can be. Due to its geography, the country has no land connections to other nearby countries like those mentioned above. Even when you’re in the Philippines, you’ll find yourself frequently booking flights or boat rides to hop from one island to another.

However, if you do end up visiting, you will see why travelers — including me — love it so much. The marvelous sceneries com aplenty, and everywhere you go, you are bound to see someone smiling warmly at you (people are really amazing in there!)

Today, come with me as we learn more about the traveling around the Philippines. If you want to find out what this country has in store for you, then read on!

GETTING THERE: BEST WAYS TO GET TO THE PHILIPPINES

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My loveliest moments in the Philippines!

As we have mentioned above, a tourist’s only means of getting to the Philippines is through air travel. “But it’s too far!”, well, if you live in Western countries such as the United States or England, then it is undeniably far. A nonstop flight from New York to Manila — the Philippines’ capital — can take as much as 19 hours. So you prepare to make your trip as comfortable as possible.

However, if you’re planning to go to Thailand or any nearby countries anyway, you should know that the Philippines is only roughly 2 hours away! So you might as well include it in your itinerary.

Immersed in the luscious nature in Panay Island (near Pandan, where I spent more than 40 days in a resort – Pandan Beach resort– in front of a deserted beach at a very affortable price, to die for!)

As for the Visa, citizens from 151 countries may stay in the Philippines for 30 days without bringing one, as long as they have a passport (make sure it’s valid for about 7-8 months after the allocated time of visit) as well as a ticket out of the country once the 30-day period expires.

TRAVELING AROUND THE PHILIPPINES

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Shots in Siargao (with one fake attempt to look like a seasoned surfer!) 🙂

I am pretty sure that the majority of the travelers who go to the country are visiting to see the natural and man-made marvels that the country has. Let me assure you that when it comes to attractions, the Philippines will not disappoint.

Want to spend a whole in a practically untouched beach resort all on your own? There’s plenty of islands for that. Want to go clubbing with all of your rave-loving friends? There’s a place for that. The country is a marvelous mix of urban and rural that can instantly sweep you off your feet.

I always chose to relax in the Philippines but you can have it all!

The Philippines’ geography and culture are so diverse and multifaceted that it has given birth to literally countless attractions. To list them all in this article would not be possible. However, here are some of the most memorable places that I have personally visited or are on my bucket list for my next journey in there (you didn’t think that I would visit the Philippines just once, right?!):

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Carabao Island, the quiet twin sister of the lively Boracay! No one was on that beach except for a few kids who invited us to their home party 🙂

Vigan City – Whenever I travel, I especially like to know a little about the country’s history. In the Philippines’ case, Vigan gives you an interactive glimpse into the country’s roots. The city is the capital of the Ilocos Sur province and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. Stroll around the cobblestone streets while taking in the city’s magnificent architecture.

Sagada – Sagada is an immaculate town found in the Mountain Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Those who wish to get in touch with nature should definitely visit this place. It’s natural landscape, welcoming climate, and lovely people will help you tap into that inner zen.

Coron – Now, let’s head over the Visayas group of islands. This part of the archipelago boasts a lot of breath-taking beaches. Coron — a cozy municipality in the province of Palawan is a haven for those who are keen to explore the underwater wonders of the Philippines. There are plenty of diving spots here, each having their own spectacles to offer.

Me in the beautiful Coron! You can’t miss this view for anything in the world! -Kayangan Lake path-

El Nido – El Nido is an island in Palawan that I can only describe through one word: “Paradise”. If you want to get a genuine experience of coastline living in the Philippines, this tranquil island should be on the top of your list. Walking barefoot on the fine, white sand beach while taking in the crystalline blue waters makes you want to stay there for the rest of your life.

Paradise on earth in El Nido! Loved this spot during our day boat trip!

Here is a video of my times in Palawan (Coron and El Nido!)

If you want to go island hopping, you only have to pay about $20 per person. Talk about affordable!

THE FILIPINO PEOPLE

Among all the different countries I have visited, I can say that the Filipino people are some — if not THE — friendliest people I have ever met. I made a lot of friends in my first week in the Philippines, and they are all so quirky, wonderful and most of all kind.

The English language is widely used in the Philippines, to my relief. The language barrier has often been an inconvenience whenever I visited other countries in Asia, so imagine how happy I was to find how easy it is to converse with almost anyone you meet here.

Invited to a real Filipino party on a remote island – Carabao- Unforgettable experience!

When visiting a local fiesta, expect the entire neighborhood to give bowls of viands to each other. Karaoke — or videoke, as the Filipinos call it — is also considered as a highly social event. Expect to see at least one videoke party every night, in every town.

Overall, if making new buddies is your concern, then you can rest assured that you will find lots of them here.Just make sure to smile and exude friendliness, and everyone will do the same.

A LOVELY COUNTRY THROUGH AND THROUGH!

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Me with some lovely Filipino girls!

Overall, my experience with traveling around in the Philippines has been incredibly amazing! Sure, they may not be as technologically and economically advanced as other countries (with some exceptions, like an incredible hospital in Manila I have visited for a scan).The public transportation can also be cumbersome, but the Philippines’ natural beauty combined with the people’s receptive nature makes up for its “flaws”.

What do you think of the Philippines? Have you ever been in the country before? Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!

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