Why the Philippines Should Be in Your Travel Bucket List

When it comes to the best tropical countries in the world, most travellers will choose popular destinations like Hawaii or Bali. One tropical paradise that is often overlooked is the Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia with almost 7,000 islands dotted around the western Pacific Ocean. A lot of travellers are missing out on the Philippines and its stunning beaches and unique attractions. 

This article lists some of the reasons why you should start planning a trip to the Philippines now according to Guide to the Philippines, the largest online travel marketplace where you can book everything you need for the ultimate vacation in the Philippines:

1. The Philippines is home to the most beautiful beaches, islands, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world

Rice Terraces in Benguet, Philippines

One of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia and in the world, the Philippines is home to numerous magnificent islands, beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A number of Philippine islands and beaches, including Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao, have constantly been ranked among the greatest in the world by prestigious travel publications. Indeed, the Philippines is endowed with the charm of nature’s wonder, with over 7,000 islands and white sand beaches stretching from coast to coast.

The Phiippines is also home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites. These include significant conservation sites like the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan Island, the beautifully preserved Historic City of Vigan from the Spanish era in Ilocos Sur, and the Rice Terraces of the Philippines in the Cordillera region of North Luzon.

There are some incredible places to go scuba diving in the Philippines too.

2. You’ll never run out of unique adventures and experiences in the Philippines

Kawasan Falls, Cebu, Philippines

Whether you’re seeking an exhilarating adventure or a unique excursion in the Philippines, you’ll have countless interesting activities and adventures to choose from. These includes activities like canyoneering in Cebu, swimming with whale sharks in Donsol, sardine run in Moalboal, visiting the underground river in Puerto Princesa, whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro, spelunking in Sagada caves, and more. 

There are also numerous significant Philippines festivals celebrated all year long in the country. This includes fun festivals like the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, Masskara Festival in Bacolod, and Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. One thing is for sure — you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery, whether it’s a sea of clouds, beautiful landscapes, or even impressive waterfalls during your trip to the Philippines.

3. The Philippines is a budget-friendly country

White Beach, Boracay, Philippines 

The Philippines continues to be very popular with travellers for a reason: it has picturesque islands, a rich culture, mouthwatering cuisine, cheap public transportations and accommodations, and adventures galore, all of which are frequently offered at astoundingly minimal costs. 

For example, food is inexpensive in the Philippines. For around PHP 100-150 (USD 2-3) or less, you can find a good breakfast spot that serves basic Filipino dishes with coffee. The same is true for lunch and dinner, where you can try popular Philippine food like lechon and seafood dishes. For nightlife enthusiasts, alcohol is cheap too.

Getting around the country is cheap and easy as there are multiple jeepneys and tricycles plying various roads in the Philippines that costs around PHP 10 (USD 0.18). There are also several affordable hotel alternatives available to you in the Philippines as well, including bed and breakfast homestays and hostels with shared dorm rooms, both of which are excellent for travellers on a tight budget.

4. Most of the locals in the Philippines speak English

Mt. Pulag, Philippines 

It’s easy to communicate with Filipinos. Most Filipinos speak and understand English, which is one of the most spoken language of the Philippines. In fact, when speaking to one another, Filipinos would employ at least multiple English terms, with the remaining words being a mix of Filipino and their own dialect. 

The locals will go above and above to make sure you are comfortable when talking to them. Filipinos can also help by teaching you the local language, so you’ll have a more easier time interacting with the locals.

5. Filipinos are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet

El Nido, Palawan 

In addition to the country’s beautiful spots, the warmth and kindness of the Filipino people should be enough to convince you to travel here. In fact, the Philippines frequently tops lists of Asia’s friendliest nations. You’ll be greeted by the sincere and kind smiles of Filipinos as soon as your plane gets here.

Filipinos place a lot of importance on the idea of the ‘extended family’. If you have any Filipino friends, they will treat you like family. Not only will they welcome you to their house, but they might even provide you a feast of freshly made Filipino food and host a fun karaoke night with you!

Add the Philippines to your travel bucket list now!

There are other reasons to visit the Philippines besides its stunning beaches and islands. It combines everything a traveler is seeking for, including people, culture, history, and the outdoors. 

If you’re an international or first-time traveller to the Philippines who want to explore the country, it’s highly recommended to plan a multi-destination trip to make the most of your vacation. However, it might be challenging to plan a trip to the Philippines, especially that it’s made up of different islands and your vacation will most likely involve multiple flights or transfers. 

If you’re the type of traveller who doesn’t have the time or energy to plan a Philippine vacation down to the last detail, you should consider planning and booking your trip with a travel agency. Check out Guide to the Philippines, the largest online travel marketplace where you can book everything you need for the ultimate vacation in the Philippines. 

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