Southeast Asia has become a very popular destination for travel. Tens of millions of people flock to the region each year to get the benefit of beautiful beaches, incredible nightlife, and incomparable shopping. Thailand and Bali may be at the top of your list, but you may want to consider moving the Philippines to the top, and that’s for a reason.
The Philippines is a popular, but still somewhat underrated, destination. People tend to know less about it than they do about other parts of the region. That needs to change!
This is why your next vacation should definitely be in the Philippines.
A Stunning Array Of Islands
The Philippines consists of over 7,000 islands. That might sound overwhelming, but the fact is that only a handful of them will serve as a good starting point. Wherever you begin, getting to surrounding islands is easy and affordable. Check out these options for getting from Manila to El Nido, Palawan.
The great thing about these islands is that they all offer their own delights and just about every island town offers island hopping tours. You’ll get on a boat in El Nido, and you’ll get to see the famous lagoons, islands covered with starfish, and the most idyllic snorkeling spots.
If island living is your idea of paradise, then the Philippines is certainly for you!
Great Cities
Alternatively, you might prefer to spend some time in the bigger cities. The good news is that this is an option as well. While the Philippines may not be famed for its city living, it has some great places to visit. Manila is an incredibly interesting place, as you get to experience the culture in a familiar setting. Shopping is cheap, and you’ll find beauty products galore. I don’t recommend spending your entire trip in Manila or any other city, but it will provide the perfect balance.
It’s Incredibly Cheap
The Philippines is a really affordable country to travel through. Not only is transport within the country cheap, but so is accommodation, meals, shopping, and just about everything else. Instead of staying in a cramped hotel room, you can consider booking a villa. Instead of using most of your spending money on dinner, you’ll be able to eat well and keep your cash for experiences. Activities are also very cheap, so an island hopping trip will not break the bank.
Communication Is Easy
Most Filipinos speak English as a first language. While Tagalog is an important part of local heritage, Filipinos are educated in English, speak to each other in English, and carry out business in English. This makes any trip there so much simpler. Rather than struggling to ask for what you want at a restaurant, you’ll be able to get to know locals, become familiar with the culture, and learn a whole lot more.
Of course, some people prefer to tackle a new language when they travel, and that can certainly be worthwhile. It is a matter of personal preference, but I find that I’d rather engage with the culture than with the language. And yes, I know, culture is often closely associated with language!
