Author:
John Brent @johnbrenttravel and johnbrenttravel.com.
In January 2019 I was lucky to spend 5 weeks in what became my favourite country in the world. During this time, I managed to visit 11 different places. The Philippines are huge, consisting of over 7000 islands. It’s important to realise that getting around takes time, so plan your timings wisely if you are on a schedule.
The people in the Philippines were the friendliest I’ve met on the planet. English is widely spoken and I found food and drink to be very cheap. If you have visited Thailand before, I think you will notice that the Philippines are certainly less touristic. With that in mind you are more likely to encounter problems with transportation, wifi and accommodation can be of a lower standard. If you book a 3 star hotel it could be the equivalent of a 1-2 star by western standards.
Here is a run down of my highlights of this incredible country:
1. El Nido:
One of the most famous places in the Philippines with tourists. That’s for a reason! This spot located in Palawan had some of the most stunning scenery I’ve seen. Crystal blue water, the whitest sand beaches and limestone cliffs. You can spend days on the water doing island-hopping tours, take a scooter down to Nacpan beach (around 45 mins away) and explore the jungle. It’s truly a backpacker’s paradise. There is an airport in El Nido which I flew into, it’s a bit more pricey but if you are short for time it is worth it. The next nearest airport is Puerto Princesa a 5-6 hour drive away.
Cons:
During high season accommodation prices can also be high.
Eat at:
2. Siquijor:
This Island is magical. Perfect for renting a scooter, for visiting waterfalls and cliff jumping. During my stay here the island was fairly quiet with not many tourists. I stayed at Siquijor Glamping which was unreal, literally located next to a beach where you could catch the perfect sunset.
Cons:
Not many “attractions” other than beaches and waterfalls. (for me this is fine).
Eat at:
3. Moalboal:
A hub for scuba diving due to the schools of sardines and the Kawasan falls. The town has got a typical backpackers vibe to it and you could easily end up spending more time here than you planned. Its located on Cebu island, around 2.5 hours bus ride from Cebu airport. It’s very cheap to rent a scooter and explore the waterfalls in the area. I would say that Moalboal has a similar feel as a beach resort in Thailand.
Cons:
The Wi-Fi can be really patchy and only one ATM in the town. Not everywhere accepts cards, so ensure you have enough cash.
Eat at:
4. Malapascua:
A stunning paradise island, famous for scuba diving with thresher sharks. It’s located north of Cebu Island and accessible only by boat. When I visited, the sea was choppy and so I had to wait until the next day. The island is very small only 2.5km by 1km. The beaches are stunning and the island is full of friendly locals. The most famous dive site is called the Monad Shoal, which is known as the best place in the world to spot the thresher shark.
Cons:
Due to its location, it takes a long time to get there. The bus from Cebu airport takes 3 hours – then a ferry ride which takes around 30 minutes. If a storm arrives, the ferry service stops.
Eat at:
Craic House
5. Bohol:
Famous for the Chocolate Hills and the smallest primate on the planet – the tarsiers. The island is also surrounded by some of the best scuba diving spots in the country. I stayed in Alona Beach in the south of the island. It’s cheap to hire a scooter and discover the island. When I went, the airport was just being finished so I flew into Cebu and took a ferry across.
Cons:
The weather can be unpredictable. I was on the island for 5 days and it rained so much we didn’t get a chance to get to the Chocolate Hills.
Eat at:
Shaka was my favourite spot. From açai bowls to vegan burgers – the flavours were incredible.
To find out John’s top 10 places in the Phillipines click here and for his Phillipines’ travel tips click here.
John:
My name is John I’m 34 years old and from the UK. I work as a flight attendant and am currently living in Palma, Spain. The last 3 years I’ve travelled a lot of Europe, South East Asia and touched on the USA.
My goal is to give an account of my travels and at the same time help others to have an amazing experience or to avoid any potential mishaps.
“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine it’s lethal”
@johnbrenttravel and johnbrenttravel.com.
Love this! Sounds like a very friendly place to visit 🌸 Would live to try Shaka 😍
Especially now!
Cool post man! Really clear and concise information.. All the key points we need to know! Now get me on a flight..!!
P. S
Can you recommend anywhere else in Asia..?
Most of it! Check out our other Asian destinations on the site.