Concoct an image of pristine sands, azure blue waters and towering palm trees in your mind. Imagine sunbathing underneath a spicy sun and drinking a fresh coconut on a different island paradise each day. We promise it’s not a mirage; places like this truly exist. You just need to book an airplane ticket to The Philippines.
The archipelagic country is a water lover’s dream. El Nido and Coron offer a range of activities from scuba diving among shipwrecks, snorkelling above coral reefs and kayaking through salt water lagoons.
On terra firma, air conditioning is a luxury and the wi-fi is weak. But when you see the idyllic beauty of the island paradises, we guarantee that you’ll be happy to disconnect.
Grabbing the attention of surfers and sunseekers, Siargao is the isle where you can ride a scooter or tricycle through endless groves of palm trees, eat healthy delicious smoothie bowls and learn how to surf. Rest assured that the warm Filipino hospitality and mango shakes will make it difficult to leave.
Top Experiences In The Philippines
1. Island hopping in El Nido
Jagged cliff faces, hidden island coves and coveted lagoons. El Nido is where your days will be filled with swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and sunbathing.
2. Surfing in Siargao
The surfing capital of The Philippines, the teardrop isle of Siargao is a secret no more. Cloud 9 is the perfect place to learn how to surf.
3. Watch the sunset at Nacpan Beach
The peaceful curved stretch of sand is where you’ll sit with a couple of Red Horse beers before watching the sky light up in hues of sunburst pink & orange.
4. See the beauty of Bohol
Chocolate Hills, wildlife sanctuaries and beautiful beachside resorts. This post will help you plan your first time in Bohol.
5. Eat a halo halo
The technicolour Filipino dessert is a welcome refreshment after a day out on the water. Don’t be put off by the purple ube ice cream and sweetened beans.
Before You Go To The Philippines...
Our travels to The Philippines took us to three of the country’s idyllic island paradises. Over ten days, we explored the gatorade blue waters of Siargao, El Nido and Coron. Bikini and board shorts were our daily uniform and drinking fresh coconuts also became the norm. Use these blog posts to help plan your next island hopping escapades.
Planning Your Trip To The Philippines
What is the official language of The Philippines? What is the currency in The Philippines? What is the best way to travel around The Philippines? Here’s a quick snapshot to help plan your trip to The Philippines.
LANGUAGE
Tagalog (Filipino), English is widely spoken
CURRENCY
Philippine peso (P)
WI-FI
Available but speeds may vary
TRANSPORT
Private vehicles, Jeepney, Seaplanes, Boats, Scooter, Motorbike, Tricycle
ELECTRICITY
The Philippines operates on a 220V supply voltage and 60Hz. Plug types A, B and C.
time ZONE
GMT+08:00
Best Time To Go To The Philippines
Like most countries in South East Asia, The Philippines has a distinct rainy season and dry season. Research your travel options appropriately to capitalise on time spent soaking up the spicy Filipino sun and scuba diving with marine life.
HIGH SEASON
November – February. The cool, dry season is the most popular time to visit The Philippines and when tides are low.
SHOULDER SEASON
March – May. The hot, dry season is an ideal time to visit The Philippines before the rains but tides are high.
LOW SEASON
June – October. This is the wet season with lots of rain and warm temperatures. Typhoons can hit the archipelago during this time.
Sound Like A Local
Some basic Filipino phrases that will be useful to you when you travel in the Philippines. As the country relies heavily on tourism, English is also widely spoken.
HELLO
kamusta
GOODBYE
paalam
PLEASE
pakiusap
THANK YOU
salamat
YES / NO
oo / hindi
ONE, TWO, THREE
isa, dalawa, tatlo
