Summary
Am I in South America or in Asia? That was the question while visiting the Philippines. This country is so different than its fellow countries in South East Asia. In this article I will give you 10 reasons why you should visit the Philippines and plan a trip to this amazing country as soon as possible!
Reasons to Visit the Philippines
I must admit, the Philippines wasn’t on my “must visit list” originally. One day I was spotting Orangutans, Elephants and a lot of other animals in the jungle of Malaysian Borneo.
After being offline for a few days, I finally connected to the Internet and visited the website of Air Asia to search for my next travel spot.
One of the first offers I found was a trip to the Philippines at a very budget-friendly price. Consequently, I decided to take a leap of faith and explore the Philippines, a country I knew very little about!
I am so pleased this opportunity arose as it turned out to be my favorite country in South East Asia. Here are my 10 compelling reasons to visit the Philippines:
1. The People
I have traveled extensively throughout South East Asia—meeting wonderful people in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. However, I found that the people in the Philippines are simply unmatched in their warmth. Every encounter exceeded my already high expectations.
During my stay, I was welcomed into local homes for dinner, enjoyed marathon karaoke sessions (a favorite pastime in the Philippines), and played on the beach with local children, all done with genuine smiles that brightened my experience.
2. A South American Feeling in Asia
Forget about temples and tuk-tuks! The Philippines is rich in Roman Catholic churches, and the vibrant local transportation is provided by Jeepneys.
As a former Spanish colony, the Philippines offers a unique culture reminiscent of South America, making it a refreshing getaway from the usual Asian tourist trails.
3. The Tarsier
In the Philippines, you can encounter the Tarsier, one of the smallest primates globally. This adorable little creature can be found at a sanctuary in Bohol, where you can observe it closely. It’s hard not to be captivated by their large, expressive eyes!
4. Malapascua Island
While South East Asia boasts many beautiful islands, Malapascua Island stands out. Its breathtaking beaches and excellent diving spots make it a prime destination.
What’s even better is the local community; the residents are incredibly hospitable. Take a stroll, engage with the children, and you might even be invited to share in their karaoke evenings!
Photo: Wikimedia.
5. The Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills present one of the most unusual landscapes imaginable—tiny green hills scattered across the terrain.
A local shared the legend of two giants who fought, leaving the landscape filled with rocks as they bickered. During the dry season, the grass turns brown, transforming these quirky hills into what resembles giant chocolate mounds.
6. The Diving
Many travelers pursue diving experiences in South East Asia. Personally, I earned my diving certification on Koh Tao in Thailand. However, the Philippines is undeniably a top-tier diving destination.
With renowned diving sites like Coron, Apo Reef, and Monad Shoal—famous for Thresher Shark dives—this country offers truly stunning underwater adventures.
Describing the thrill of being surrounded by sharks measuring 4-5 meters in length is challenging—it’s a sight you need to experience yourself!
7. The Beaches
After visiting beaches in Thailand and Malaysia, I assumed I’d seen the whitest sands. However, the Philippines shocked me with its pristine, stunning beaches.
The crystal-clear blue waters beautifully contrast with the white sandy shores. For postcard-perfect scenery, look no further than the Philippines.
8. El Nido
El Nido, located on Palawan Island, is a must-see destination. The town is accessible via a bumpy 5 to 6-hour journey from Puerto Princesa, offering captivating vistas of untouched landscapes.
Surrounded by spectacular limestone mountains and numerous tropical islands, I recommend taking a trip to explore some of the nearby islands and spending a night under the stars.
Don’t forget your snorkeling gear! Simply dive in and you’ll find yourself in an underwater paradise filled with vibrant marine life.
9. Cheap Liquor
Along with its natural beauty, the Philippines also offers incredibly affordable alcoholic beverages. You can enjoy a bottle of local San Miguel beer for around 50 cents and local rum for about 1.5 dollars.
10. No Scams
Nobody enjoys scams. After visiting various parts of South East Asia, where scams can be prevalent, I found that during my time in the Philippines, the atmosphere was refreshing.
In fact, I didn’t encounter any unwarranted solicitations or scams, which made for a more relaxing travel experience.
As illustrated, there are numerous compelling reasons to plan your trip to the Philippines. While it may be a little off the beaten path, I assure you that visiting the Philippines will be an unforgettable experience.
Have you ever considered visiting the Philippines? What motivates you to explore this beautiful country? Feel free to share your thoughts!
This article is a guest post by Bastiaan Blikman, a traveler and blogger. For more travel insights and tips, be sure to research reliable travel sources and plan your next adventure thoughtfully.
