An Overview of Traveling to the Philippines: Visiting a location as exotic as the Philippines is a rare treat for most travellers. But for those who have the opportunity to tour this beautiful country, true gems await.
With a population of more than 92 million, the Philippines is the 7th most populated Asian country and the 12th most populated country in the world. The Philippines is an archipelago made up of more than 7,000 islands – most of which are covered in tropical rainforest and are volcanic in origin. The highest mountain in the country is Mount Apo. With an altitude of almost 10,000 feet, it’s one of the more popular climbing destinations in the Philippines and it takes about two days to hike to the summit. Visitors would be wise to pay a visit to the small crater-lake at the top.
Situated on the western edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines experiences regular seismic and volcanic activity. Around 20 earthquakes are registered on a daily basis, though most are too weak to be felt. The mountains make for a stunning landscape and provide a lush environment for the numerous flora and fauna.
Palawan – an island province of the Philippines – is famous for its renowned wildlife and sandy white beaches. It’s a must-see for those looking for a true taste of Filipino culture. Travellers can stay in this locale for extremely reasonable rates and experience the full beauty of the province. One of the local hotels that offers a great value is the Puerto Pension – a towering wooden structure in Puerto Princessa with cozy rooms and great views of the bay. This hotel is located several minutes from the main road and visitors can easily walk to City Bay Walk, the public market and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and other local attractions. Rates start as low as $23 per night and allow for up to four in a room. Whether you opt to stay in high-end resorts or hop from hostel to hostel during your stay, make sure you do a thorough check for bed bugs and other pests. The indigenous animals are great to look at, but not if they show up in your hotel room uninvited!
For those who plan to stay put once their flight touches down, traveling around on the mainland can be quite an adventure in itself! Hop on a Jeepney, tricycle, or pedicab to visit your tourist destinations each day. These unique modes of land transport are the most common way to get around and they’re a bargain. Make sure you bring change when taking public transport, and it doesn’t hurt to add a 10% tip.
Shopping, eating, and pampering are three very important components of visiting the Philippines. The street food is delicious and a welcome mix of the familiar and the exotic. One famous dish is the Balut – a fertilized duck egg with an almost fully-developed embryo that is boiled and eaten in the shell. Those who’ve tried it claim that it tastes pretty much exactly how it sounds. If you’re feeling bold, you can’t pass up the chance to taste this local specialty!
Finally, Malaysia and other Asian hot-spots are just a short flight from Manila. So, once you find yourself in that region, you should venture to other exciting cities and maximize your cultural immersion.
This article is by Kate Hassel. Kate is an avid traveller who loves spending time in Asia. When not climbing mountains in the Philippines, Kate works with Moxie Pest Control.
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