I think my next travel destination might be the Philippines. I'm thinking about somewhere in the first half of next year... Through noise and the ones I have met I got introduced to the country and culture. It made me super curious to this day. Also there are a lot of vegetarian and vegan food options in Manila. The suburb called "Makati" belongs to the most vegetarian/vegan friendly areas in Asia. And looking at flight and hotel prices it's super affordable too.
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Hello flip. It's been a while. I'm surprised you're visiting our country but I would give you a bit of kinda real advice..the most dangerous parts of the country is in Luzon areas such as ones you have mentioned. It is because it is where different people are found and the area for different job hoppings and the center of entertainment. In short..lots of things going there. But still I want to encourage you to see visit the Philippines. 🇵🇭
To be honest when I started researching I got a bit scared... You hear a lot of stories... But I feel like Manila is the perfect first visit because it's easily accessible by plane, affordable and also the capital city where foreigners aren't that unusal... Also all the videos I see are from that area too. Hm... But which areas would you suggest as a local?
Yeah. Manila is a starting point. I would suggest you visit these following places, it's the real Philippines! Palawan 🏝️🌊 There are lots of tourists every day, every year visiting Palawan and it's really a paradise on earth. It's extremely beautiful and offers you a great adventure. There are other beautiful islands..which what foreign really love in Philippines. Baguio City 🍓🌲 If you want a cold climate, I suggest you try to visit Baguio. Also, there are beautiful mountains to see. There are pine trees too. Albay ⛰️ If you want a provincial sight of Philippines, it's worth seeing Albay espescially the Mount Mayon. The people living here are simple and you will have a glimpse of what life feels in a province. Bonifacio Global City BJC Taguig 🏙️🌃 It's in Luzon and very opposite to the previous one I suggested, it's a metropolitan and typically you will see there city people. It's also a fast paced city. Vigan City 🐎🏚️ If you want historical sites and want to learn about Philippines history, this place will remind you of the remnants of Spanish period in our country. Lots of things to see there and warm people. You will see lots of traditional houses. You can search more about these ones too Ilocus Sur, Ilocus Norte, Laoag city, La Union, Abra.. you can choose where..these are local places and not a typical spot for foreigners but if you're looking to see our culture. It's worth visiting! If you really want to truly experience the Filipino culture, I suggest you visit here in Christmas season. You will see how family oriented and hospitable we are. Very lively and full of color..and happy faces. Lots of children caroling on the streets🎶 🌟🌟
Thank you so much for all these suggestions! I'm so surprised about the varitey and beauty!! Bonifacio City seems to be right next to Makati City in Manila. That would be convenient. Since I will land in Manila anyway maybe I should explore Manila first and then travel to a different city. I only plan to spend about 2 weeks in total for my first visit in the Philippines so I will have to think about what to do and where to go.... What do you think is the best option to travel the country? By plane, train or bus? Or maybe these "Jeepney" busses? For example Manila to Albay seems to be 12 hours by taxi, 15 hours by bus, 1 hour by plane. 🤔 Plane seems to be the way? 🤔
I suggest you try riding jeepney! It's the best real Filipino experience though I don't know if you are very tall or not but you might duck a little. Try our street foods..meet different people. It's not difficult to make friends here. Everyone understand and can speak English. It's going to be fun. 🇵🇭 Also you have to get ready for the climate here. It is hot especially in mid-day but that's part of the experience. 😂
I'm a small guy so this wouldn't be a problem. To be honest these Jeepney and especially these trikes are a bit scary to me. You hear stories that sometimes foreigners are scammed by being charged more than locals... The temperature could be tough for me. The average temperature over the year here in Germany is 8.9°C. And I personally consider everything above 25°C as hot, which probably is nothing special to you... Sun is also a "problem" for me. If I don't apply medical sunscreen I get sunburned within less than 5 minutes...
Even me I still find jeepneys scary until now. If you are not used of the heavy roads, this might be a bit scary to you especially the tricycle you're referring to. Even the locals cross fingers when riding that. I find it scary when it speed up and to tell you in high way there are lots of cargo trucks and sometimes you can see them closely when riding a trike because the floor of it is low..so you will see the large rolling wheels. This is what makes me scared a lot when there's a truck alongside. But I won't discourage you from trying, you can try it in a nearby location. Also the jeep can be scary for you if you are not used of it. There are people who hang on the jeepney railing when they have no choice. There's also an extension chair put on the entrance door of the jeep if it's all occupied. I had tried the extension and I would say it's better than seating on those ordinary sits packed with passengers you can't breathe. But I don't recommend you seat on the jeepney extension, as it will be uncomfortable to you. I like this mode of transportation because it feels like an adventure haha. There are jeep drivers who speed so fast but not all. Also, do you want to try the motorcycle? I am scared of it and I'm not used to riding with it. I'm afraid I will fall in the middle of the road. 😂 Do you have motors in Germany? These transportations will really be scary for foreigners who are used of getting trains but if you can accompany yourself with Filipinos it will lessened the tension. I don't know what advice to give when it comes to your skin easily getting sunburn. I don't know if sunscreen is enough. The heat here can cause headaches actually. 😅
Now I'm even more scared... 😥 No, here we don't have any public transportation like bike, trike or jeepney... This will surely be an adventure for me... I really need to prepare well. I'm not sure if that's true, but I have read that you can't safely drink tap water in Manila, there is no toilet paper at public bathrooms and you have to be careful not to get food poisoned. There is a lot I have to research about that my trip will end up without difficulties... Exploring a completely different country, culture and environment is super exciting and fun. But I have to prepare well. Just as I did before I went to Japan...
I would say in advance, "Welcome to the Philippines!" I hope our climate can give you joy and warmth . 🇵🇭 Hindi ka mahihirapan makipag-usap sa mga tao dito. Palagi kaming masaya at nakangiti. 😊 These songs will also help you envision the vibe of Philippines 🇵🇭 All time iconic Christmas station id: https://youtu.be/T1nNUOMS14g?si=3h3e6FwZnXcSonhK Drone shots for tourism video https://youtu.be/TBfyRPrR-X4?si=yYzc9t0cqywHP2TJ
Thank you! 😅 I haven't even book a flight or hotel yet. I'm waiting for a discount coupon, which I occasionally get through the company I work at... And I think in the beginning of next year there should be an "early bird" discount too... I think the vibe of the winter/christmas time in the Philippines is completely different compared to Germany.
Yayy!! I'm excited for youuu hahaha. Send me a picture once you get there hahahaha
Okay!! I will! 😁