13 Reasons Why You Should Travel to The Philippines Now
Consider the following 13 reasons why you should visit the Philippines before deciding where to go on your next trip. Learn what sets the Philippines apart from other tropical vacation destinations and what keeps tourists coming back for more.
More than 7,000 islands make up the Philippines archipelago, which is located in Southeast Asia. The Philippines is blessed with an abundance of pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters due to its extensive coastline.
According to major travel publications, several Philippine islands and beaches, including Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao, have consistently been ranked among the best in the world.
The Philippines is more than just a tropical paradise for island hopping and beach adventures, however.
Natural wonders like an underground river and rice terraces, as well as incredible diving sites rich in biodiversity, vibrant public transportation, distinctive cuisine, and lively festivals showcasing the country's vibrant culture, all await visitors to the Philippines. The country's residents are also known as some of the world's happiest people.
To promote the Philippines' tourism, the official slogan of the country is "It's More Fun in the Philippines" because the country offers a wide variety of exciting travel options. Continue reading to learn why the Philippines should be at the top of your travel wish list:
1. The Philippines' Summer Climate Almost the Entire Calendar Year
A trip to the Philippines is a must if you want to get away from the cold of winter. The Philippines is a tropical country, so it only experiences two seasons: dry and rainy.
The dry season begins in November and lasts through May, while the rainy season begins in June and lasts through October on average.. Tours in the Philippines can be booked year-round, with only typhoon-related cancellations necessitating a change in plans. March, April, and May are the hottest months of the year in the Philippines because of the country's long, hot summer. The months of January and February are ideal for vacationing because the sun shines, but it is still a bit chilly. The dry season is the best time to visit Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu, the Philippines' most popular island and beach destinations.
2. Friendly and Warm Filipinos
The warmth and friendliness of the people of the Philippines, in addition to the stunning scenery, should be enough to entice you to pay a visit. According to some surveys, the Philippines is often ranked as the most welcoming Asian country. Your arrival will be greeted by the warm and sincere smiles of the Filipino people, who are known for their warmth and friendliness.
It's no secret that Filipinos take great pride in their country and their culture. Because of this, locals will go out of their way to help you get a taste of the culture when you visit. Whether it's teaching you the local language or pointing out the best attractions to see or delicacies to try, Filipinos are natural tour guides.
It's easy to get along with the people you're visiting. The majority of Filipinos are fluent in English, which is one of the country's official languages.
In addition, Filipinos are extremely welcoming. In their way of life, the concept of a "extended family" is central. If you visit the home of a Filipino friend, you will be treated as if you were a member of their family. Don't be surprised if they prepare a feast of Filipino cuisine for you on a regular basis.
If you're looking for a place to call your own, the Philippines is the place for you.
3. Budget-Friendly Destination
A traveler's primary concern is the cost of their trip. Fortunately, visiting the Philippines doesn't cost a lot of money. For example, a day tour around the city costs about PHP1000 at the time of writing (USD20).
If you're on a budget, you'll appreciate the abundance of low-cost lodging options in the Philippines, which range from dorm-style hostels to bed and breakfast homestays. Resorts are available in a wide range of price points for those who want to get the most for their money. If you know where to look, package deals can often be found. When planning a staycation in the Philippines, you'll have plenty of options.
The Philippines also has a low cost of living. You can get a decent breakfast for around PHP100-150 (USD2-3), which includes a cup of coffee. For lunch and dinner, the same holds true.
Even booze is cheap, so you don't have to break the bank to have a good time at a bar while traveling. If you're traveling in a group, you may be able to save money on local transportation by splitting the costs.
At least two weeks in the Philippines is enough time to see a good number of islands, beaches, and other land attractions without breaking the bank.
Spa treatments, haircuts, and fine dining are also more affordable in the Philippines than in other countries. Make sure to include these in your plans while you're there.
If you're lucky, you might be able to buy some unique souvenirs from the Philippines with the money you've saved up from your trip.
4. Philippine Beaches and Islands
International publications have consistently ranked the beaches and islands of the Philippines as the best in the world. You can't deny that the Philippines is blessed with the magic of nature's wonder, with more than 7,000 islands and white sand beaches stretching from coast to coast. Couples flock to the Philippines for vacation packages for couples and island hopping in the Philippines to celebrate their honeymoons.
In the Philippines, you'll never run out of islands to visit. Travelers can get a much-needed break from the daily grind on the majority of these best islands in the Philippines, which have been left untouched by modernity. The best places to watch the ocean and the sun set in the Philippines are at one of the country's many beach resorts.
Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao are some of the world's most beautiful islands. White Beach in Boracay, one of the best tourist destinations in Visayas and one of the best places to visit in the Philippines, is a long stretch of powdery white sand where you can enjoy water activities like Boracay helmet diving and sunset views. In the Philippines, you'll also find a wide range of 5-star hotels.
5. Natural Wonders Unique to the Philippines
These are some of the best places to visit in the Philippines because of the country's abundance of natural wonders. Be amazed when you visit the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park on the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour.
For this reason, and because it's one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is an underground river cave system in Puerto Princesa with impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations known as the Underground River of Puerto Princesa.
Also in the Philippines are the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, thousands of hills that look like giant chocolate Kisses (like the chocolate brand). Coral was actually deposited in Bohol's Chocolate Hills by rain and erosion. Check out our all-inclusive Bohol hotel and tour package.
The best time to visit Chocolate Hills to see the mounds in their natural brown color is from November to May, when the weather is dry. This happens from June to October during the rainy season.
6. Colorful and Fun Philippine Festivals
If you want a street party, look no further than the Filipinos, who do it in bright colors and elaborate outfits. They are some of Asia's most joyous, fun and loud festivals. Be prepared to capture the happiest and craziest expressions with your camera.
In the Philippines, celebrations (also known as fiestas) can be religious, historical, or cultural in nature. Roman Catholic figures are honored at religious festivals; historical events are commemorated at historical festivals; cultural events are celebrated at cultural festivals.
A religious festival honoring the Santo Nio is the Ati-Atihan Festival, held each January in Kalibo, Aklan (Child Jesus). Observe the revelers in the streets as they prepare for the parade and enjoy the food stalls and street dancing in their elaborate costumes.
7. Delicious Filipino Cuisine
Because the Philippines has been colonized by several countries, it's a melting pot of different cultures, which sets it apart from other Asian countries.
In addition, the Philippines enjoys close ties with the Malay and Chinese populations. Filipino cuisine, which is distinct from its neighbors, reflects the country's rich history and diverse cultural influences.
Food that originated elsewhere or was modified to fit the Filipino palate has helped the Philippines establish a distinct identity in the culinary world.
In addition to adobo, or soy sauce and vinegar-marinated chicken or pork, other popular Filipino dishes include lechon, or roasted whole pig, which Anthony Bourdain praised as the best he'd ever tasted.
Balut (duck embryo) and halo-halo (crushed ice, milk, and sweetened fruits) are also popular street foods in the Philippines, which are great for those who like to experiment with new foods.
8. Spectacular Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Spots
There is no better place in the world to dive than the Philippines. In 2006, a group of marine conservationists declared the Philippines to be the world's geographic center for aquatic biodiversity. The Philippines is a haven for marine life as well as beautiful beaches and islands.
Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Palawan, is home to more than half of the world's coral species. Among the many marine life you can encounter while snorkeling or scuba diving in this area are turtles, black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, and manta rays.
Cebu takes great pride in its world-class scuba diving. There are sardine runs in Cebu, where you can swim with millions of sardines and participate in the sardine run experience.
9. Thrill-seeking Outdoor Activities
To go on a hiking trip in the Philippines, you have a wide variety of mountains and trails to choose from, all of varying sizes. Hiking in the Philippines is a great experience for all levels of hikers. Whether it's a sea of clouds, picturesque landscapes, or majestic waterfalls, one thing is for certain: you'll be rewarded for your efforts.
It's a good idea to check out some of the country's most popular hiking destinations, such as Mount Pulag in North Luzon, Mount Pinatubo in Tarlac with a 4x4 ride, Mount Pico de Loro and Mount Apo in Davao.
There's a mountain out there for everyone, no matter where they are in the country.
When you're on the road, you're exposed to a wide range of realities, including the impact that tourism can have on a place and its residents. Increased eco-tourism in the Philippines has brought this impact to the attention of Filipinos as a whole.
The Philippines has a wide variety of ecotourism experiences tailored to your specific interests. In Batanes, Bohol, Palawan, Camiguin, and Cebu, you can take eco-friendly tours.
10. Take in the Natural Beauty of Nature's Wild and Rare Creatures.
The Philippines is a haven for a diverse range of wildlife. As one example, there is the Philippine tarsier, which is one of the world's tiniest primates. Bohol province is home to these nocturnal creatures with distinctively large eyes.
Donsol, Philippines, home of the whale shark
The Philippines is one of the best diving destinations in the world because of its abundance of marine life. Scuba diving with thresher sharks in Malapascua and watching the sardine run in Moalboal are two other options.
Swimming with whale sharks is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (locally known as butandings). The towns of Oslob in Cebu and Donsol in Bicol are well-known for this kind of excursion. It's best to see and swim with these gentle giants in their natural migratory path, where you can keep a safe distance and minimize the stress on these gentle giants.
11.Unique transportation in the Philippines: Jeepneys
Arriving in the Philippines, you'll be greeted by a sea of brightly painted cars cruising the streets of the capital, Manila, and other major cities. One of the most common modes of transportation in the Philippines is the jeepney, which is also known as a jeep or jeepney. Also, the fares are quite reasonable.
Taking a jeepney ride in the Philippines is considered a must-do by many tourists because of the cultural and local immersion it provides.
Jeepneys are often brightly painted, with a map of the route emblazoned on the side. If you're taking a jeepney, pay attention to terms like "para" (stop) and "bayad po" (here's my payment).
When you're sitting right at the jeep's door and need help transferring payment to the driver, you can see the Filipinos' culture of helping one another in action.
12. The Philippines's Preserved History
History is the best way to learn about a place, and the Philippines has plenty of tales to tell due to its pivotal role in world events.
Learn about the Philippines' pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial historical and heritage tours and experiences to gain an understanding of the events that shaped the country into its current form.
Intramuros, the Walled City in Manila, the Philippines' capital, is a hidden gem. It began construction in 1521 and served as the Philippine capital during the Spanish colonial period. It is home to some of the country's most significant architectural landmarks.
Every ruin in Intramuros bears witness to the tenacity of the Filipino people.
A bamboo bike ride or horse-drawn carriage tour around Intramuros will show you some of the best historical sites in the Philippines, including San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral, two of the country's oldest churches.
13.The nightlife in the Philippines with Filipinos is always exciting.
People in the Philippines are some of the happiest people in the world, and they know how to throw some of the best parties around.
Beach parties under the stars are always a hit. You can go on a pub crawl on the island of Boracay. Do you enjoy having a good time while taking in the city lights from atop a high rise? Taguig's Bonifacio Global City (BGC) has some great bars worth checking out.
Do you prefer edgy dive bars or more laid-back speakeasies? Poblacion, Makati's nightlife district, is a must-see for nightlife enthusiasts. Filipinos know how to throw a party, whether you like it loud or quiet.
If you visit the Philippines, be sure to sample some of the local brews. For the price, it's one of the world's best beers, particularly San Miguel Beer pale pilsen. Karaoke is another well-known pastime in the Philippines, where revelers sing along to their favorite tunes on the street or in a private room.
There's more to the Philippines than just its stunning islands and beaches that make it a popular tourist destination. Travelers looking for culture, history, nature, and most importantly, people will find everything they need here. No matter how many times you try something new, you'll never get bored.
It doesn't matter where you go in the Philippines, how long you have, or what your budget is, the country has something for everyone. Knowing your way around will make it feel like home, as will being able to get around like a local.
Don't second guess your decision to visit the Philippines; you won't regret it and will likely look forward to your next visit!
