The Thirtieth Cup // Travel to The Philippines

It's been a while since I made post about traveling. My latest full post about traveling was Travel to Europe where I talked about the planning, visa, how to get around Europe as well as the must visit place in each country plus some extra tips! 

This post, I'll talk about The Philippines.

The Philippines are archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Located in western Pacific Ocean, it has more than 7.6k islands spreaded around under three main geographical divisions.

The Philippines are home to those who like nature! If you go to The Philippines, you HAVE TO go to Palawan and Boracay! But, where else? 

1. Manila

Being the capital city of The Philippines, you should try to come here! I suggest to spend 1 to 2 nights here.

2. Palawan

If you like quieter place for beach, this is it! The biggest airport here is PUERTO PRINCESSA which is like "the capital" of Palawan. Surely you can fly to Puerto Princessa, BUT there is a better place than this in Palawan.

I made a mistake by not checking everything properly. The best beach/place in Palawan is not Puerto Princessa, but EL NIDO! 

Probably there are more flight to Puerto Princessa than to El Nido, therefore the ticket's price might also be cheaper. If you've booked flight to Puerto Princessa, fret not, El Nido is still in the same island, everyone can actually reach El Nido by bus for about 6 hours from Puerto Princessa.

If you've booked your flight and accommodation in Puerto Princessa (like I did), you can still explore Puerto Princessa though. You can still do island hopping from Honda Bay to three islands (Starfish Island, Luli Island and Cowrie Island where you can do a lot of water activities) and visit UNESCO place like Puerto Princessa Subterranean River National Park.

3. Cebu

Cebu city is another big city in The Philippines. It's more or less like Manila, but with a lot of cultural places.

 

Wherever you stay in Cebu, you can take day trip to a few place in the south of Cebu such as to Oslob for whaleshark's watching or swim with it, going to the waterfall area where you can also do some extreme activities like jumping from the cliff.

While I was in Cebu, I went to Oslob and Kawasan Falls. 

Tips: In Kawasan Fall you don't really need to buy any package. We were offered some package for adventures here which I regret.

Around the entrace, there are few local shops that rent life jacket. Further in, there are local people offering water adventure package for you and it costs very expensive once we know the truth. 

If you need someone to guide you, then please take this package. Or else, you can do it all by yourself including walking all the way to the top because they have a trail so you won't be lost. And while doing the water adventure, you can also pay what you play, when you play. For example, if you want to jump from the cliff, you need to pay 10peso for 1x jump and 20peso for 2x jump. 

That's it. Swimming around the falls is free.

4. Boracay

The best place of all! You can take flight to Caticlan / Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, then change it to boat to go to the Boracay island. You will usually be offered with full package (airport - jetty port - hotel) by tour/travel people at the airport. 

Well.. the airport is so small so you can surely spot them. The price is vary, but I found the best package (cheap, very helpful and private!). Shoot me a DM on my Instagram if you need the contact!

The Boracay island is kinda divided into three part; Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. 

- Station 3 is filled with hostels so it's very crowded and the nearest from the port.

- Station 2 is filled with small hotels and has various shops around.
- Station 1 is filled with big hotels and quieter.

Tips: do not bring a big luggage to Boracay because it's very troubling. Seriously!


What you should prepare before going to The Philippines

- Waterproof Sunblock (for your face and for your body because it's burningg here)
- Water shoes
- Waterproof bag (min 5kg)


The best route

Based on what I've been through, if I can repeat it, this is what my route be Manila - El Nido - Cebu - Boracay.


Additional place

CORON! Heard a lot of great news about Coron and saw a lof ot beautiful pictures.

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