The Philippines is a unique part of Southeast Asia. It’s the only country in the region that has no land that links to neighboring countries. This means any trip from the mainland to an island is out of the way and an exciting destination.
Despite the difficulty of traveling, the Philippines is still very much well-traveled. Malina is a trendy spot for budget travelers and nature lovers. The beaches, jungles, and culture are an enticing adventure that you just have to experience for yourself.
If you’re someone interested in making the trek to the Philippines, the following are a couple of tips and tricks to keep in mind to make traveling easier.
Why Visit the Philippines?
There are more than seven thousand islands that make up the Philippines, meaning that there are many types of travel experiences you can dive into! If you’re looking for dancing and drinking as much as you can, go to Cebu for the Sinulog festival.
- Enjoy a day in the sand at the beaches of Palawan.
- Go mountain biking through Davo.
- Get lost in the walls of the city Intramuros on Manila.
The possibilities are endless and so different from each other.
Weather in the Philippines
Since it’s located close to the equator, the Philippines is a tropical destination. In the northern islands, there are typically three distinctive seasons. However, the further south you go, the weather becomes uniformly warm and humid. Southern regions also experience year-round rain showers.
When it comes to packing for the weather, be sure to bring light cotton clothing and a raincoat, no matter if you’re visiting the northern or southern islands.
Transportation Options
Travelers will find that there are four real airports on land. You can arrive at Hong Kong International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, or a regional hub in either Cebu or Manila.
For those wondering how to get from Manila to El Nido or Cebu to Bohol, there are a number of options at hand. Some of these include flying or taking a ferry across the waters. Thankfully, the flights from the central hubs to the ports on the other side are much more affordable than the typical airline ticket.
Money
When it comes to exchanging money, you can change your assets from your native currency to the Philippine Peso from the airport. You can also easily find a money changer at one of the many shopping malls located in one of the bigger cities on the islands.
Be aware that some travel insurance agencies don’t cover visits to the southern islands. While this doesn’t prevent you from going there legally, your policy may not cover you if you do travel in these areas.
Food & Drinks
Philippine food doesn’t have the spice and multitude of flavors that other Southeast Asians countries do. Philippine food is known for being fresh and hearty. If you’re a huge foodie, then you should definitely look into taking a food tour to experience the local fare. The Philippines are also known for its robust drinking culture. They have some of the best beers in the region.
Is Visiting the Philippines Safe?
Many people believe that the Philippines aren’t that safe to travel in. The truth is that traveling in the Philippines is similar to visiting any major tourist destination in the world: traveling to the majority of these islands is completely safe as long as you use common sense.
You should have your guard up when you’re on the major islands. However, with the right precautions, traveling to the Philippines is a life-changing experience.
