Traveling Around the Philippines

The Philippines, with its crystal clear waters, colorful fish and thousands of beautiful islands to discover, is a backpacker's dream destination. Traveling in the Philippines is a journey to some of the most beautiful islands in the world and island hopping is one of the best ways to get around. Climb the volcanoes, relax on the uncrowded white beaches and go diving in the fascinating underwater world. The Philippines has it all! Today, we are going to take a closer look at the Philippines as a travel destination, and check out what it has to offer.

Things to Do in the Philippines

For many, the Philippines is a dream destination: pearly white beaches, clear blue sea and a colorful underwater world. The Philippines is an ideal destination for any tourist that enjoys the ocean. However, the country has more to offer. These are some of the must-visit locations on your travels to the Philippines;

The underground river at Puerto Princesa

The city of Puerto Princesa is located on the island of Palawan. Here you will find the longest navigable underground river in the world with a length of 8.2 kilometers. The river is located within a national park which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The river is below the Karst Mountain called St. Paul. A trip to Palawan offers much more than just this top attraction. You can do excellent diving and snorkeling (e.g. at Honda Bay and the Tubbataha marine park), watch fireflies and go on the Babuyan river cruise.

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras

The Banaue rice terraces are over 2,000 years old and are still the main method of irrigation to provide water for the surrounding area. The most beautiful terraces are located at Banaue itself. Other beautiful terraces can be found at Batad and Mayoyao. In this area you will also find several beautiful waterfalls. You also have several 'viewpoints' with fantastic views of the area.

Vigan City

Vigan is a beautiful historic village from the Spanish colonial era in the 16th century. The houses are all authentic and built in typical Spanish style. You can enjoy walking on the narrow streets and the village gives a beautiful view of the colonial past of the country. The village is located in the northwest of Luzon, and a visit can easily be combined with a visit to Banaue.

Tubbataha Reefs National Park

Tubbataha Reef is the most beautiful diving destination in the Philippines and also one of the most beautiful in the world. The coral is in very good condition, and has beautiful coral walls and various bounty islands. The only way to get there is via a liveaboard, a stay on a ship that is specially used to take divers to the most beautiful places. The diving season at Tubbataha only lasts from March to June. In addition, there are only a limited number of liveaboards available and there is often a waiting list, so make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Foods to Try in the Philippines

When you think of Asia, you often think of good food. Yet the food in the Philippines is slightly different. Filipino cuisine, like the country itself, has been strongly influenced by different cultures over the centuries. Spanish, Chinese, Malay and to a lesser extent Indian and American cultures have left behind a mix of unique dishes and flavors. And it is precisely about these flavors that opinions are rather divided. For example, you often come across dishes with a sweet taste that you would definitely not expect. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular dishes in the Philippines;

• 
  Adobo: Chicken or Pork is cooked in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce and herbs (bay leaf, pepper, garlic). This results in wonderfully tender meat, which is served with rice and spring onions.
• Lechon: A pig is roasted in its entirety over a fire, until the skin is crispy and golden brown. The pig is stuffed with an aromatic mixture of star anise, pepper, spring onion, bay leaf and lemongrass. It is then served with a sauce made from pig's liver; which is the most popular part of the dish.
  
• 
  Arroz Caldo: A savory soup made of chicken and rice in a broth with ginger. It is topped with fried pieces of garlic and spring onions.
• Sisig: Parts of a pig’s head and liver are roasted and then fried on a sizzling hot plate. It is topped with onions and chilies. It is server with a raw egg on top, which slightly cooks through the heat.
  

The Philippines Travel Tips

• Rent a moped on smaller islands. It is the easiest and most fun way to explore large areas and gives you a lot of freedom.
• ATMs are unreliable and often do not work. It is advised that you take enough cash money with you when you travel to the Philippines.
• The majority of the locals in the Philippines speak English, which is great for tourists that do not speak Filipino.