Philippines, Top Reasons to Visit and Explore This Paradise
The Philippines is an archipelago (an extensive group of islands) divided into three major areas, mainly: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The Philippines has over 7107 islands, so imagine all the things you can do in this country.
In this article, I will be discussing about some of the top reasons as to why you should visit the Philippines NOW! But before that, here are few facts about the Philippines:
-The people in the Philippines are called ‘Filipinos’ and the official Languages in the Philippines are ‘Filipino’ and ‘English’.
-The Philippines is the second largest archipelago in the world, next to Indonesia.
-For three-consecutive years, Palawan in the Philippines has bagged the award for being the Best Island in the Whole World, that’s according to Conde Nast Magazine.
-It is my home country! 😀
Top Reasons to Visit The Philippines
White Sand Beaches
-This is something that the Philippines is proud of, having too many white sand beaches. Well, it has 7107 islands in the first place. Palawan, Boracay, Cebu and Siargao are some of the best places in Southern Philippines which offers amazing white-sand beaches.
Countless Islands to Explore
-The Philippines has over seven thousand one hundred seven islands in total and most of these islands are covered by tropical rain forests. You will basically never run out of things to do in The Philippines, just imagine how much time you’ll be needing to be able to explore all the country’s islands.
Thousand of Waterfalls to Chase
– Aside from having countless Islands and beaches. The Philippines also has a lot of waterfalls. One of the most picturesque waterfalls in the whole world is situated here, the Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu.
Friendly People
-I’m pretty sure you have heard or read tons of foreign visitors praising the Filipino people for their hospitality. It is true, most of the time, We Filipinos aim to make you feel welcome in our country. As a Filipino myself, this is something that I’m proud of.
Scrumptious Local Cuisines
-We Filipinos love to eat, but more importantly, we love to cook as well. I am being objective when I say that the Philippine cuisine is one of the best in the world, otherwise it wouldn’t be featured in a lot of mainstream Food Channels and Magazines. 😀
Did you know that boiled duck embryo is also a very famous cuisine in the Philippines, yeah you read that right ‘boiled duck embryo’. This is a must-try when you’re in the Philippines
It’s cheaper than most countries
-This is one of the main reasons why the Philippines is one of the best places to travel to, your dollar can go a long way! An average meal will only cost you around $1-$2 in some restaurants and an average AirBnB accommodation will only cost you around $20 per night.
The best Islands in the whole world is in this country!
For the past years, Palawan has been bagging awards for being the most beautiful island not only in the Philippines but in the whole world! I’ve been to Palawan myself and can testify together with all these other people who have voted this island as the best in the world. Honestly speaking, it is not only the best island in the world but it is indeed one of the most beautiful places here in the planet when it comes to everything.
Recently, Siargao Island also bagged the award for being the most beautiful island in the whole world for this year!
Again, I always tell people to go to these places to see what I’m talking about.
Top Places to Visit in the Philippines
This is a list of all the places which I always suggest whenever someone asks me as to where the best places to go to in the Philippines are.
El nido, Palawan
I’ve been here many times, and each visit I always feel the same excitement as if it’s my first time visiting the place. During my first visit in El Nido, It felt like I was in another ‘place’, not another country, but another ‘place’, I just can’t describe where that place is because of its extreme beauty, I was struck, it felt like I was in heaven.
There are like four major island tours in El Nido, mainly Tour A, B, C, and D. Each tour has an itinerary which will bring you to several group of islands. Each tour has a duration of approximately eight hours. So if you want to explore all these beautiful islands, make sure to stay for at least a week in El Nido.
Coron, Palawan
I’ve only been here once but this is one of the many places in the Philippines which I would like to visit again. Like El Nido, Coron also offers different Island Tours. So make sure to spend at least a week in this place as well.
The main highlight of Coron is the beautiful Kayangan Lake. The Kayangan lake is dubbed as the cleanest inland body of water in the Philippines. It is also one of the most photographed places in the Philippines.
Siargao Island
Siargao, a tear-drop shaped island in the province of Surigao del Norte. Famous for its stunning beaches and surfing sites. This island was recently named “The 2019 Best Island in The World” by Conde Nast Traveler. How is that for an award?! It is one of the major surfing capitals in the Philippines as well.
Photo courtesy of: @iamuras
Photo courtesy of: @iamuras
Malapascua Island, Cebu
Malapascua Island is an island located on the Northern Part of Cebu. From Cebu City, you can easily reach this island through a five hour van or bus ride and another hour boat ride. Malapascua is famous for its pristine white beaches as well as a famous place for divers. It is also here where you can witness one beautiful shark specie, the Thresher Shark. Definitely a place to go to when in the Philippines.
When you’re visiting Malapascua Island, make sure to stay at Malapascua Budget Inn, the best place to stay in the island. They offer both private rooms and dorms-for those who are traveling on a budget.
Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu
Kawasan falls is one of my favorite places here on earth. It is located in Badian which is a small town in the province of Cebu in the southern part of the Philippines. In spite being one of the most famous tourist spots in the Philippines which led it to gain its name as the most picturesque waterfall in the country and one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, It has become one of my favorites simply because of its magnificent beauty that captivates my soul whenever I visit it. Definitely a playground for travel photographers and film makers.
Sagada, Mt. Province
Sagada is basically an option for travelers who loves to hike. This place is famous for it’s waterfalls and caves. One of the highlights of Sagada is the Sumaguing Cave. The Sumaguing Cave is an expansive cave network with ancient stalagmites & steep descents. Definitely a must-visit place for spelunkers.
Aside from waterfalls and caves, Sagada also is one of the coldest town in the Philippines as it has an altitude of 5000 feet above sea level. That’s why it’s one of the most popular destinations for both lower-land populations and foreigners during the summer.
One thing I want to highlight about Sagada is their yogurt. It’s basically one of the best home-made yogurts I’ve ever tasted! So make sure to try one when you are in Sagada.
Buscalan Village, Tinglayan, Kalinga
-Buscalan Village is famously know as the home of Kalinga’s Oldest Traditional Tattooist, Whang-od Oggay.
I remember the first time I visited Buscalan, I was 16 and went there alone! I don’t know what’s gotten into me but it surely was the start of my wanderlust story. Since then, I haven’t kept track as to how many times I’ve been there already. Well, basically, I’ve been captivated by its breathtaking landscapes and its rich culture resulting in many countless returns. Definitely a place that would surely make you wanna’ come back for more.
Have you been to the Philippines? How many of these places have you been to? Tell us about your experience through the comment section below!