A visit to the Philippines will bring you great pleasure: beautiful beaches, friendly locals, beautiful nature. In addition, this country is accessible to both travelers on a modest budget and those looking for a luxurious getaway. So, now we will analyze 10 factors why you should go on a trip to the Philippines.
Here’s what we have selected for you:
Local population
The hospitality of the Filipinos is incomparable to the rest of the peoples of the whole world. Of all Asians, Filipinos are the kindest and friendliest people, very hospitable and inquisitive. They always seem happy and smiling, and they also love to sing and dance when there is reason to celebrate. Here you will not be lured out of as much money as possible, you will be treated primarily as a close friend. It is much easier to make friends and find a common language with the locals here than with people in other countries.
Paradise beaches and islands
The Philippines is one of the largest island groups in the world with 7,107 islands. The Philippine islands and beaches are considered some of the best resort coasts in the world. The queen of all beaches, we can call White Beach in Boracay, which is consistently among the top ten beaches. I would not say that this is the best, but certainly the most famous. If you like white sandy beaches and turquoise crystal clear waters, you are in the right country.
Shopping
The Philippines is considered one of the largest shopping centers in the world. When you visit all the giant shopping malls in Manila (capital of the Philippines), you might get the feeling that the Filipinos must be crazy about shopping. Manila has fantastic shopping opportunities. There are many places to go and it all depends on what you intend to buy and what your budget is. Boutiques, supermarkets, trendy shops, restaurants of all kinds, cafes, cinemas and 3D cinemas, internet cafes, spas – here you will find everything to entertain yourself for the whole day. If you’re looking for something akin to a flea market, visit the Greenhills Mall in San Juan, where you’ll find many stalls with DVDs, antiques, jewelry and pearls.
Nature, flora and fauna
The Philippines is rich in its unique flora and fauna. This place is home to numerous species of birds, plants, animals and sea creatures. There are about 200 species of mammals in the Philippines. The Filipino Tarsier is one of the smallest (and cutest!) Monkey species in the world. Here you will find over 600 species of birds, over 300 species of reptiles and amphibians, and at least 400 species of corals. From the giant whale shark to the smallest fish in the world, everything you can dream of comes together in the beautiful islands of the Philippines.
Weather and climate
The average annual temperature in the Philippines is about 26.6 ° C. Fortunately, the weather in the Philippines does not reach the point of extreme high or extreme low temperatures, so you can easily adapt to tropical weather. The best time to visit this country is from November to May. They also have a monsoon and long rainy season between June and October. But if you come here during such a rainy period, do not be discouraged. There is nothing more magical than swimming in the sea on a rainy day, the sun will show through the clouds and the water temperature will be around + 30 ° C.
Local food
Yes, Filipino cuisine is not that famous all over the world, but that does not mean that it is bad, not at all! Filipinos love their food and there are many things to try! Probably the best thing to say is that Filipino cuisine is a fusion of Malay, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, and American cuisine. So here you should try: Calamansi juice made from citrus fruits, banana ketchup, Halo-Halo, a delicious dessert made from milk, beans, fruit and ice cream, Balut is a boiled egg with a germ inside and much more.
Cheap alcohol
A place where rum is cheaper than juice. The prices for drinks in the Philippines are lower than in most countries you might have visited. Whenever you order a rum with juice, you can be sure that you get a good mixture, as the percentage of juice in your drink can be minimal. Be sure to try Red Horse beer! Stronger than regular beer, but no one really knows how much stronger it is, since it is not written on the bottle.
Massage, relaxation and youth
One of the best things to do in the Philippines is to be pampered with a good massage. We strongly recommend trying the Swedish massage – a full body massage with oil. Walking along the promenade or the city center, you will see hundreds of massage offers from both locals and luxury salons. So make a day for yourself and enjoy these treatments to the fullest.
No language barrier
More than 90% of the population speaks English. A big advantage over other Asian countries: In the Philippines, almost everyone speaks English, from a 3-year-old child to a 90-year-old grandmother. English is the language of government and official written communication, whether in school or business. There are also many English versions of newspapers and magazines.
Handsome jeepney
Explore the country like a local. Another thing you should do in the Philippines is take a jeepney ride (a type of public transport and shuttle bus in the Philippines)! What for? Because it’s funny! It’s cheap and fun – no need for an air conditioner! But what kind of jeepney is this and where did they come from? US troops abandoned old military jeeps during World War II.
The Filipinos opened the back, added two benches, presented them with colorful and unique designs, decorative ornaments, colorful paintings, stars, dots and sometimes even additional lanterns. And so, the Filipino Jeepney has become the cultural sign of the country. The average jeepney can carry 16-20 passengers, two in front next to the driver and 14-18 people in the back, sitting opposite each other on two benches. So, if you travel around the Philippines, then only by jeepney!
