25 Great Reasons to Visit the Philippines

Contrary to the belief of a number of people, the Philippines is not only limited to the traffic jams of Manila. There is so much more to it.

The Philippines has 7,107 islands to choose from. Do you want to experience life by the beach? Do you want to conquer the highest peaks in the country? Do you want to walk the busy streets of the concrete jungle? Name it, and the Philippines has it. And because it is made up of thousands of islands, there are so many options and so many activities that you can do.

If you’re planning to travel around Southeast Asia, you must not ignore the Philippines. Not convinced? Here are 25 things that might change your mind.

1. The Philippines is the perfect tropical getaway

as it maintains an average temperature of 26.6°C all year round. There are no extreme hot or cold temperatures, so your body won’t have to adjust too much. Plus, you can get to enjoy a vacation at the beach any time of the year.

2. The country has a lot of beautiful white sand beaches

that easily resemble the tropical paradise of your dreams. Nothing will beat the feeling of ditching your flip-flops as you sink your toes into the fine white sand. Add in the pristine water and laid-back vibes, you might never want to leave.

These are some of the places with the best white sand beaches that you must visit:

Bantayan Island, Cebu
Malapascua Island, Cebu
Malcapuya Island, Coron
Daku Island, Siargao
Pacifico Beach, Siargao
Mati, Davao Oriental
Panglao Island, Bohol

3. Here you can still find untouched nature

While there are beaches that are already known to many, there are even more of unspoiled beaches in the country. Here, you will find serenity and be able to relax without unwanted noise from other tourists.

These are some of the “virgin” beaches in the country:

Malamawi Island, Basilan
Carnaza Island, Cebu
Bonbon Beach, Romblon
Balimanok Beach, Pangasinan
Vulugan Beach, Batanes
Bolobadiangan Island, Iloilo

4. There are pink beaches in the Philippines too!

You don’t need to go to Harbour Island in Bahamas, Balos Bay in Greece, or Spiaggia Rosa in Sardinia, because this tropical country in Southeast Asia is also a home to a few rose-tinted sand beaches. They are a bit harder to find than the white sand beaches, but they will definitely be worth the trip!

These are the known pink beaches in the country:

Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga
Sila Island, Northern Samar
Subic Beach, Sorsogon
Tikling Island, Sorsogon
Pundaguitan Beach, Davao Oriental

5. Ever swam with sea turtles?

If the beautiful beaches aren’t enough to convince you to visit the Philippines, you have to know that you can swim with sea turtles, locally known as “pawikan,” as well. It’s not every day that you get to do swim alongside these magnificent animals, so you might as well grab the chance while you can.

Here are some of the spots where you can swim with sea turtles:

Apo Island, Negros Oriental
Balicasag Island, Bohol
Pescador Island, Cebu
Turtle Islands, Palawan

6. Swimming with whale sharks

Have you tried swimming with a creature that is as big as a bus? You can do that in the Philippines. Swimming with whale sharks is quite a popular tourist activity in the country. Although it has become quite controversial as these gentle giants are being fed by humans in Oslob, Cebu, which alters their food hunting habits, there are a few other places where they are able to roam and hunt freely.

Here are the places that are known to have whale shark sightings:

Donsol Bay, Sorsogon
Tubbataha Reef, Palawan
Sogod Bay, Southern Leyte

7. Ever heard of a sardine run?

No, sardines don’t run. They swim. And you can swim with millions of them in Moalboal, Cebu. What’s even amazing about it is that you won’t have to swim that far or dive too deep to see them because the sardine run takes places just a few meters off the beach!

8. The Philippines is the Surfer’s Paradise

As the Philippines is surrounded by the Celebes Sea, the Philippine Sea, the South China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean, you are guaranteed to find great surfing spots in various parts of the country.

Here are the known surfing destinations in the country:

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
Lanuza Bay, Surigao del Sur
Baler, Aurora
San Juan, La Union
San Antonio Zambales
Calicaoan, Eastern Samar

9. In the Philippines, you can find many breath-taking (literally) diving spots

that boast of rich marine life, such as various species of sea creatures and vibrant beds of corals. Many people from different parts globe visit the country to just to see these for themselves.

Here are some of the world-class diving spots:

Apo Island, Negros Oriental
Apo Reef, Mindoro Occidental
Ticao Pass, Masbate
Monad Shoal, Cebu
Tubbataha Reef, Palawan
Honda Bay, Palawan
Blue Hole, Romblon
Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur

10. If you want to experience the island nightlife

the Philippines has got you covered. Partying in the club is one thing, but dancing the night away by the beach is a totally different story.

Here are some of the places where you can experience the lively island nightlife:

White Beach, Boracay Island
Ibiza Beach Club, Mactan, Cebu
Alona Beach, Panglao Island

11. There are a lot of hiking destinations

in the Philippines as it has a multitude of mountains, hills, and volcanoes. In some areas, camping is allowed. You can lay under the stars, breathe the fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature, and if you’re lucky, even capture a Milky Way sighting or a shooting star on your camera.

Here are some of the many picturesque hiking destinations:

Makiling, Laguna
Yangbew, Benguet
Pulag, Benguet
Pico de Loro, Batangas
Apo, Davao del Sur
Pinatubo, Zambales
Taal Volcano, Batangas

12. This tropical country has plenty of waterfalls

small and big. Even the island of Cebu alone has 90. So, you are bound to find one almost wherever you go.

Here are some of the most popular waterfalls to date:

Kawasan Falls, Cebu
Asik-Asik Falls, North Cotabato
Tinago Falls, Lanao del Norte
Maria Cristina Falls, Lanao del Norte
Tinuy-An Falls, Surigao del Sur
Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor
Ditumabo Falls, Aurora
Casaroro Falls, Negros Oriental

13. One of the most beautiful natural phenomena is the sea of clouds

and you can witness this in multiple areas in the Philippines. A hike is required, obviously, but all the steps you make will be worth it when you find yourself standing above the clouds. Not directly, of course.

Here are some of the best locations to witness the sea of clouds:

Pulag, Benguet
Kiltepan, Sagada
Danao, Bohol

14. There are many places to watch the sunset by the sea

While there are also many spots in the world where you can get a beautiful view of the sunset, even when you’re just driving along the road, seeing the sun go down into the spotless horizon will give you an entirely different experience.

These are a few of the best spots to watch the sunset by the sea:

White Beach, Boracay Island
Bantayan Island, Cebu
Anawangin Island, Zambales
Manila Bay, Manila

15. The Philippines has the longest underground river in the world

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River in Palawan is an 8.2-kilometer navigable river, which flows into the South China Sea. Tours last about 45 minutes to an hour and are usually pre-booked.

16. Marvel at the beauty of the Banaue Rice Terraces

which are just as beautiful, but also different, as the ones in Nepal, China, and Indonesia.

17. There are colorful festivals

in different parts of the country all year round. Locally known as “fiesta,” people gather in their respective towns to witness their annual celebrations. Some festivals are in honor of religious figures and folklore, while others are nature-related.

Here are some of the must-see Philippine festivals:

Panagbenga Festiva in Baguio
Ati-atihan Festiva in Aklan
Sinulog Festiva in Cebu
Kadayawan Festival in Davao
Dinagyang Festiva in Iloilo
Masskara Festival in Bacolod
Pintados Festiva in Tacloban
Moriones Festiva in Marinduque
Pahiyas Festiva in Quezon

18. Historical and beautiful churches

Being a predominantly Catholic nation, the Philippines is a home to a plethora of beautiful churches. A number of these have been standing for hundreds of years, with some housing centuries-old relics.

There are a few of the beautifully constructed churches around the country:

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Bulacan
Church of Saint Augustine, Ilocos Norte
Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Church, Albay
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Manila
Minor Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, Batangas
Carmel Chapel, Batanes

19. The Philippines has several bird watching spots

Being a home to about 200 endemic birds, the country is also a known migration spot for birds coming from other countries, like Japan and Taiwan, during winter time.

Here are some of the best bird-watching spots:

Olango Island, Cebu
Rajah Sikatuna National Park, Bohol
Angat Dam, Bulacan
La Mesa Eco Park, Quezon City
Candaba Wetlands and Bird Sanctuary, Pampanga
Palay-Palay, Cavite
Wawa Dam, Rizal

20. Discover Adventure Sports in the Philippines

For the adrenaline junkies, there are a wide variety of heart-pumping activities that you can do while in the country. One of these is tandem skydiving. Forget about the drones, see the aerial view with your own eyes.

These are the places where you can go skydiving:

Bantayan Island, Cebu
Clark, Pampanga
Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Mati, Davao Oriental
Subic Bay, Zambales

21. The Philippines is one of the very few places where you can find Tarsiers

which are tiny nocturnal primates that live in dense forests. There are many of them in the island of Bohol. However, these six-inch cuddly-looking creatures are already endangered, so you must not miss the opportunity to see while you still can.

22. Visiting the Philippines is affordable

When traveling around the Philippines, your money will go a long way. From the food to booze to tour packages, almost everything is affordable in the Philippines. Even a bottle of beer, or a meal, can cost less than 1 USD.

23. The unique Filipino cuisine will surprise you

The Filipino cuisine has Western and Oriental influences, which make it deliciously unique. Each region also has their different specialties. However, what you must not miss out on is the fresh seafood.

24. Everbody speaks English

Another convenient thing about traveling in the Philippines is that the language barrier is less likely to be a problem as a huge percentage of the population can speak and understand English.

25. Filipinos will be nice to you

Last but not least, they say that the Filipino hospitality is incomparable. A lot of foreigners keep coming back to the Philippines, not just because of its natural wonders, but because of the friendly and welcoming people who make everyone feel like family.

So did these 25 reasons to Travel the Philippines convince you to explore this tropical destination? I hope so because it will be worth every minute of your holiday.

by Gwen

14 Reasons Why The Philippines is the Best Place for Digital Nomads

Previously, I wrote about the things that I only did while living on the Philippines. Now, it’s time to talk about why the Philippines is not only one of the best places in general but especially for working remotely as a digital nomad.

Affordable cost of living

The Philippines is such an affordable place to live in. There are apartments, dorms, and even condos, everywhere that cater to different types of budget. You can even rent a condo with resort-like facilities that do not cost as much as those in other countries.

Also, most things, including supplies and services, would also cost less in the Philippines. However, in some cases, it could also mean that you are going to get lower quality, but not all the time. Most expats would agree as well that dining in the Philippines is very affordable. You can already get a decent and filling meal for just $3 or less.

Fast Wi-Fi, air-conditioned Internet Cafés and modern shopping malls

You’ll be surprised how developed the Philippines are in many parts of the country. While there are a lot of local restaurants and small shops to explore you’ll also be able to work focused in an internet café or a calm coffee place with reliable internet in a shopping mall or coworking space. Surely small islands and remote villages rarely have access to Wi-Fi or even electricity, but I would spare those destinations for an offline weekend trip! 🙂

Growing Digital Nomad Community and Coworking Spaces

Especially in bigger cities like Manila, Cebu, Davao City and Iloilo City you’ll find a lot of coworking spaces and like-minded people to share your ideas with. It might still be a more unexplored country for the digital nomad community but if you prefer being one of the people that’d like to influence the digital nomad evolution from the beginning – that’s your place!

Everyone speaks English

Sometimes it can be really frustrating not to be able to share ideas and connect with locals due to language barriers. The good thing is that one of the national languages of the Philippines (beside Tagalog and the “island languages”) is English and everyone understands (at least the basics) what you are trying to tell them. It’s a good feeling and makes it much easier to fit in and establish friendships with Filipinos.

Traveling around the country is cheap

Traveling around this Southeast Asian country is very cheap as well. The rates on air travel are very affordable, plus there are often seat sales that would cost less than $20 for a round trip flight. However, these seats sell out very quickly as a lot of people would look out for it as soon as the sale is announced, so you need to act quickly too! Sea travel are also often cheap, even without promos, at around $10-$20, depending on the shipping line and destination.

There are a lot of decent hotels and resorts that are also very cheap, especially in the provincial, non-commercialized areas. For less than $50, you can stay at a resort with a great view and a swimming pool. There are also nice hotels in the cities that would cost as cheap as $10. Just make sure you check the reviews online first before booking, so you get the quality service that you expect.

Tours are also quite affordable in the Philippines. For example, in Cebu, you can rent a boat for island hopping at only around $40. This would usually accommodate 10-20 people. In Siargao, you can go island hopping with a bunch of other tourists for less than $30 per person. And that already comes with food and beverages. While tour guides may charge foreign tourists a higher price than what they charge locals in some places, it still does not really cost much, plus, you can haggle your way through it.

Beaches, beaches everywhere

With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is the homes to plenty of beaches. While there are commercialized beaches like the White Beach in Boracay and Alona Beach in Panglao, there are also many more secluded beaches scattered all over the country. Some may be more challenging to access, but they are surely worth the effort. There’s nothing better than having the whole beach to yourself, right?

The Philippines also boasts of its many pristine white sand beaches and clear, turquoise waters. However, the country also has several brown and black sand beaches, if you want to try something else. Plus, the marine life is vibrant and so diverse, which would make snorkeling or diving a great idea if you’re exploring the country’s different islands.

Tons of picturesque views and stunning landscapes

This beautiful country has hundreds of natural wonders that would be the perfect subjects for photography, whether you’re an expert or are just trying to learn the craft. From picture-perfect beaches to stunning vistas, to underwater life, to huge surfing waves, to limestone cliffs- the Philippines’ natural beauty never fails to wow anyone and there will always be enough content for your blog and instagram.

Lively and vibrant festivals

As mentioned earlier, the Philippines has over 7,000 islands. It also has over a hundred cities and 81 provinces, and each of these has their own festivals or “fiestas” as the locals call it. Every month, there is a festival happening somewhere. Attending a festival is a great way to immerse oneself in the Filipino culture and history.

Some of the most popular festivals that should not be missed include the Ati-Atihan in Aklan, Panagbenga in Baguio, Sinulog in Cebu, MassKara in Bacolod, Kadayawan in Davao, Dinagyang in Iloilo, and the Moriones in Marinduque.

Cheap beers and bars for socializing

If you have read up about the Philippines in the past, you would have noticed that most tourists would say that the beer is very cheap in the country. Well, that’s just the truth. Sometimes, it can even be cheaper than water or juice, especially in restaurants and bars! Even a bucket of beer, which has about 4 to 6 bottles, would cost less than $4. While you may skip on alcoholic beverages when you’re visiting other countries as these would hurt your budget, getting yourself a bottle while in the Philippines would feel like you didn’t even spend at all.

It’s summer all year round

One of the best things about living in the Philippines is that it’s summer all year round. The weather is always just around 20-30°C, and it’s mostly sunny, except for when storms come in. While there are cold climate areas in the country that would require you to wear jackets, like Baguio City, you are more likely to wear a t-shirt and a pair of shorts in most parts. That’s a very attractive thing for digital nomads and one of the reasons why working remotely is so popular on the Philippines for foreigners.

Accessibility to fresh fruits and healthy meals

The Philippines is a heaven of fresh tropical fruits, just like mangoes, bananas, papayas, guavas, pineapples, watermelons, and many more. What’s even better is that these are available all year round and are often very affordable. As the Filipino cuisine offers a lot of “unhealthy” fried meals there are also a lot of healthy choices. Visit the food markets and you will leave with your bag filled with avocados, bananas, vegetables and fresh fish.

BBQ and Food Markets everywhere

You won’t even have to worry about going hungry when you start to live in the Philippines because there’s affordable and delicious food everywhere, especially barbecue for the meat lovers! It’s literally everywhere. You can choose from different types of meats like pork, chicken, and fish, and there are even barbecued pork blood and chicken intestines. While it doesn’t sound that pleasant, it is actually pretty good and flavorful!

Filipinos love for Music and Karaoke

Filipinos also have a great love for music, hence the karaoke bars everywhere! It’s also the home to some of the world’s amazing singers! You can be sure that you’ll have a ton of additional friends after a karaoke night out.

The people

Lastly, the best thing about living in the Philippines are the people. Filipinos are naturally so friendly and hospitable. They always have a smile on their faces no matter what they are going through. Even those who have dire living situations still laugh and are usually very easy going. They would gladly provide you assistance when you need help and are often very respectful.

by Gwen