Although our global exploration is on hiatus now due to the pandemic, you should start planning to travel to the Philippines once we get a green light again. Made up of more than 7,600 islands, the Philippines is unequivocally rich in culture, history and sites to see.

The official slogan is “It’s More Fun in The Philippines,” as it’s the perfect place for anyone looking to discover more about the world – and even themselves. From busy cities to white-sand beaches and roaring hills, the Philippines offers an adventure that should be the next destination on your bucket list. We’ve got several reasons for why you should travel to the Philippines as well as a few places to make sure are on your site-seeing itinerary.

Why travel to the Philippines should be on your bucket list

It’s always summer

The weather should be enough to convince you that the Philippines is the perfect summer paradise. No matter what time of year you travel to the Philippines, the sun will usually be shining. Although June to September are known as the rainy months, this won’t stop you from enjoying the beauty the islands have to offer. Plan to hit many gorgeous beaches, island hop to remote fishing villages for a fresh daily catch or try your hand at scuba diving to take in the diverse ocean wildlife.

Travel to the Philippines is cheap

From shopping to food to transportation, you’ll be pleased to know that the Philippines is one of the most budget-friendly countries in Asia. This is one of the reasons it’s so popular with backpackers, as hopping from island to island (even by plane) is much cheaper compared to other popular tourist destinations such as Thailand or Indonesia. For just 100PHP (HK$15 or US$2), you can get a hearty meal filled with the flavors of the Philippines. Plus, check out many of the low-priced markets and malls for deep discounts on souvenirs, clothes, bags and other items.

The Philippines has amazing food

Speaking of the flavors of the Philippines – once you’ve gotten a taste of the local cuisine, there is no going back. Some classic Filipino dishes such as Chicken Adobo, Sinigang and Bulalo are distinct flavors unreplicated anywhere else in the world. Although you may have Filipino stores in your hometown, nothing can beat having freshly made soup or other authentic specialties at a local restaurant in the Philippines.

Come for the food, stay for the people

No matter where you are in the Philippines, you will be greeted by warm and friendly people. Filipino locals are generally glad to help you out, or engage in conversation filled with laughter and smiles. According to HSBC’s “Expat Explorer Survey,” the Philippines was ranked one of the friendliest places in Asia. However, this is something you just have to experience for yourself. Not being able to speak the language (Filipino or Tagalog) is not a barrier, as many Filipinos understand and speak English, which is also designated an official language of the country.

Places to visit when you travel to the Philippines

Manila

Whatever you are looking for on your trip, you’ll find in the Philippines. The cities are scattered with malls of endless shops and restaurants. Hear the honking from the traffic of traditional tricycles and jeepneys that are painted with characters and vibrant colors. Your eyes and ears will never be bored, whether it be from the noisy karaoke coming from a party in the distance or the loud chatter of the nearby vendors.

Palawan

In contrast to the city life, Palawan offers beautiful mountains that scrape the sky and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Palawan has the bluest waters you can find in the world and a diverse array of marine life. In El Nido, at the northern tip of the island, you’ll find lagoons protected by steep limestone cliffs.

Boracay

Also known as the party island, Boracay is a strip of land that is edged with soft white sand and filled with bars and hotels. For a long time, Boracay was the top tourist destination, as people enjoyed the mix of island life and the party nightlife this area is known for.

So, if you are making plans for when borders open and planes hit the skies safely again, travel to the Philippines should be at the top of your list. If you start saving now, you can have a long, relaxing vacation without breaking the bank. Plus, the Philippines offers some of the best sight-seeing and memorable experiences around the world.

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