Philippines - the Gap Year pros and cons

The 7000 plus tropical islands of the Philippines continue to increase in popularity for Gap Year and adventure travellers. It’s home to some of the most stunning tropical beaches in the world, but you have to be travel savvy as a tourist. Here’s our pros and cons:

Pros:

The Philippines is a huge country of over 300 square kilometres and packed with natural attractions. Choose from underground rivers, lagoons, rice terraces, The Chocolate Hills and an endless choice of amazing beaches.

The islands are home to some of the world’s best diving, including the chance to see whale and thresher sharks.

It is home to impressive wildlife species like the tarsier, dugong and the endangered tamaraw.

English is an official language which is useful.

There’s a good selection of volunteer programmes in the Philippines.

As the home of San Miguel since 1890, beer is very cheap.

Cons:

You will need to aware of the potential for natural disasters. It’s an active earthquake and volcano zone and is affected by around 20 typhoons each year – usually between June and December. Flooding can be common.

There is a relatively high threat of terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime, plus the FCO advise against all but essential to certain areas.

There are varied standards of medical care.

The Philippines is expensive compared to other south east Asian countries and extra fees on services and travel are commonplace.

Outside of cities, the WiFi is unreliable, which doesn’t help if you’re a digital nomad.

Compared to the rest of south east Asia, the food is bland and tricky for vegans.

You will need to allow for long travel times on both internal flights and road trips.

Philippines – the Gap Year pros and cons

Pros:

Cons:

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