We were over five months traveling in Asia. Without a doubt, the Philippines our absolute travel highlight. Crystal clear water, beautiful beaches and a population that takes life easy, although it always experienced hard times. Find out why you should pack your bags for a trip to the Philippines better today than tomorrow and what exactly awaits you there.
1. The Philippines is a paradise for water rats
In addition to its cultural diversity the country offers a stunning, world-famous underwater world, you can marvel at some of the world’s best diving spots. Various shark species, turtles, dolphins or barracudas make the dive here a memorable one. An insider tip is the small island of Romblon, which has so far remained untouched by mass tourism and where you can immerse yourself fully into the local island life. Even surfers get their money, such as Boracay (wind and kite surfing) or Siargao where surfers can find their perfect wave. Here’s more surfing spots in the Philippines.
2. When to go
The best travel time for the Philippines is during the dry season from mid-January to May. In the remaining time there is an increased risk for typhoons and heavy rains. Especially the super typhoon Haiyan has meant that fewer and fewer tourists opt for a trip to the Philippines. That’s a pity because the country thrives on tourism and the local people are “punished” so twice.
3. Influence of the occupying powers
Culturally the Philippines were strongly influenced by their colonial rulers. Above all, the Spaniards have left the clearest traces in the island nation during the tercentenary occupation time. Not only the Christian faith came with the Spaniards to the islands, and the Spanish way of life is omnipresent.
By the crew of the Japanese during World War 2 Filipinos discovered her passion for karaoke. No matter how bad the singer is also, he sings of his lungs and is always supported by the public.
Even after independence from the Americans of the “American Way of Life” is capitalized. Basketball is the national sport, although most locals have grown not especially high. And even fast food can be found at least in the major cities everywhere. Surprisingly, therefore, many people slightly overweight. A positive side effect of the American influence is that you can get along very well with English in the Philippines.
4. Eat
Compared to many other Asian countries, the Philippine cuisine enjoys no special reputation. The food is often greasy and fried. It is still possible to eat healthily. In coastal areas much fresh fish is offered. In touristy areas, there is a varied cuisine, so you can avoid well the Filipino cuisine as well.
Dairy products can be found in the Philippines very little. They are mostly imported and therefore very expensive. World famous are the Philippines for its delicious mangoes. This indescribable taste has deeply burned into our culinary memory. Also coconuts can be found literally on every corner.
5. Transport
Since the Philippines consist of about 7000 islands is traveling there stressful and time-consuming. On the islands itself you move most frequently by bus away. The buses are modern and very reasonably priced. In the Philippines, there is no classic Tuk Tuks, but only the so-called Tricycles – a motorcycle with a sidecar.
If the distances are not too big, you should definitely prefer the ferry to the domestic flight. They are much more environmentally friendly and a great experience that you should have done in the Philippines. One of the biggest shipping companies is 2go Travel. The ferries are modern and in economy class can be applied to them also good to spend a night. Who wants more comfort, the suite can rent.
Overall, travel from A to B takes a long time and is also exhausting. Ferries also times earlier than planned or can not leave the harbor due to a storm. The biggest mistake one can make when planning a trip is to try to travel to many islands in a short time. Three weeks you should take a minimum time for this country and plan on no account more than four islands.
6. Visa
A visa you do not have to apply for prior to departure. For up to 30 days you will receive upon arrival a free visa on arrival. The day of entry is calculated as day 0th Whoever enters the 1st of the month must leave the Philippines until 31 again. For a fee you can the Visa on arrival even extend in the country.
TIP: Upon entry you must submit a return ticket. If you want to travel flexible, easy to book the cheapest flight abroad and want to think about you later spontaneously whether you compete this flight or book a different / later flight (eg Boracay – 50 € – Kuala Lumpur for 30).
7. Money, Costs and Budget
In the Philippines you pay with Philippine pesos, 50 pesos which correspond to about one euro. With your credit card you receive cash from the numerous ATMs. However, small islands often have a cash machine, which can be broken sometimes. A nest egg you should therefore have always present. A general statement about the travel expenses in the Philippines is impossible. Expenditure will vary depending on how much you want to see in the time available and what activities we undertake that. Therefore, at this point just a few examples:
– Services are very low. For 4 euros you get a taxi ride of half an hour, a simple haircut or a one hour massage.
– Local foods are low. Street food is also more than affordable. The very popular meat skewers do you get for 20 cents. Simple backpacking accommodation costs are between 10 and 30 euros depending on the popularity of the region. A beer costs 80 cents.
– A Tagesauslug to a diving area with catering and dive about 50 euros. Food in the restaurant with western standard about 6 euros.
With a travel budget of about 30 euros a day to get very clear as a backpacker with little claims. If you book many dives and adventure tours, must expect a lot more.
8. Festivals
If you do a trip to the Philippines are planning to check out definitely the festival calendar exactly. Each island has its own festival culture. Colorful costumes and elaborate performances can be found in every region at some point in the year. To plan his journey thereafter is worthwhile in any case. The Biniray Festival on Romblon was one of the highlights of our five-month trip to Asia.
9. Security
Especially in the south, there are dominated by Muslim rebels Regions and the Foreign Office advises against travel to the affected areas from. Even if one goes by the travel bug bit after reading the security warnings about the Philippines, we must hold at this point that we have always felt very safe and welcome.
The typhoon warnings you can follow at any time on local television. In case of doubt or fear just talk with the locals: they are accustomed to typhoons and can tell you exactly at what security level it is really serious and what to do in an emergency – and we have witnessed (alert level 1 was harmless).
10 feel-good factor
We have traveled a lot of countries in Asia and always enjoyed the warmth of Asians. In the Philippines, however, we have particularly felt for several reasons. Above all, the incredible friendliness of the Filipinos, their inveterate optimism and the almost limitless hospitality will make your stay a memorable one.
In addition, you can immerse yourself much deeper into the culture, as many locals speak English very well. Here you can therefore get rid of all questions and better understand the country and people so. Last: Who feels paradisiacal sandy beaches surrounded by crystal clear water is not well?