Thinking about visiting the Philippines? Great choice! The Philippines are one of Southeast Asia’s best locations.
This country has also accomplished some interesting things, such as having the highest rate of discovery for new species. With its lush jungles, towering volcanos, and serene beaches, it’s easy to understand why animals would live on these islands.
Humans love them too. More than 2.2 million guests arrived in the country via the capital of Manila in the first part of 2019. Wondering if you should be one of them soon? Why visit the Philippines?
I believe a visit to the Philippines should be on anyone’s bucket list. Here are 10 reasons why I love Philippines so much.
10 Reasons to Visit the Philippines Next
1. Some Serious Beach Time
The difficult part of enjoying a beach vacation in the Philippines is picking your beach. The archipelago offers 36,289 kilometers of shores spread out across the islands. Now, that’s a lot of beach!
In 2018, the Philippines closed its popular beaches in Boracay due to problems caused by an overabundance of tourism. The area has since reopened but no longer offers the party scene it used to. It’s still busy, so you might want to consider another island if you’re aiming for a more peaceful beach experience.
Some great options include Southern Negros, where you’ll find several awesome beaches and some diving areas. Cebu is another excellent choice. From there, you can take a boat out to Bohol which features some of the most serene and relaxing white-sand beaches you will ever set foot on.
2. Awesome Diving and Snorkelling
Why visit the Philippines as a diver? The country offers many locations for underwater adventurers. From friendly whale sharks to coral reefs, there are plenty of natural wonders here.
The country includes 7000 islands. That means there are a wide variety of dive locations and resorts to choose from. One great location is the Akitsushima Wreck, located in Palawan. Most of the undersea wreckage, which sank during WWII, isn’t safe for divers, but you can still swim down there and check it out. Another ideal spot is Amos Rock, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Interesting History
One of the more obscure reasons to travel to the Philippines is the history of the archipelago. It’s estimated that the islands formed more than 50 million years ago and became home to early settlers from the Asian mainland. Other settlers continued to arrive over time, bringing their cultures with them. Muslim settlers from Borneo spread Islamic beliefs. Later, Christian settlers from Spain brought their influences.
Spain claimed the islands in 1521. There was conflict over the years as Spanish culture took over and local people began hungering for independence. In 1898, the US took over. The Philippines were caught in the struggle of WWII and faced many other difficulties in fighting for their independence. By 1956, the Philippines became an independent republic, but the mixture of all these different influences affects the Philippines you will find today.
4. Some of the Best Scenery You Will Ever See
The Philippines offer something for everyone. There are pristine beaches for the sunbathing crowd, scenic jungle walks for hikers, and plenty of caves for the adventurous spelunkers. If you love natural beauty, this is a part of Earth you won’t want to skip visiting.
The entire archipelago is stunning. You won’t miss out on lovely scenery no matter where you go, but there are a few locations that stand out.
For example, you might want to consider a visit to Mount Apo, the tallest peak in the country. The top offers great views of the cities of Kidapawan and Digos. Even if you don’t feel like climbing a mountain, you’ll find plenty of nice scenery below as well.
You can read this list of the most beautiful places in the Philippines if you want more inspiration.
5. Diverse Flora and Fauna
Anyone with an interest in wildlife or botany will discover a source of endless fascination in the Philippines. Thick forests cover almost one half of the land. There are also a lot of open, grassy areas. The country is home to thousands of species of flowers, ferns and other plant life.
The forested landscape provides refuge for many animal species as well. There are hundreds of different birds and reptiles present, including some big snakes, such as the python and the cobra. When it comes to mammals, you may see civet cats, monkeys, deer, and wild hog.
6. Friendly Locals
Friendliness is a big part of the local culture in many Southeast Asian countries. The Philippines are no different! You can expect to be greeted with big smiles wherever you go.
Filipinos are proud of their country and love sharing all the local treasures with visitors. They do everything they can to ensure each guest has a great time during their stay. From the moment you arrive at the airport to the day you depart, kind Filipinos will help you every step of the way.
7. English is Widely Spoken
One of the fun aspects of visiting other countries is immersing yourself in a new culture. This is great when it comes to things like food and music, but trying to get by when you don’t speak the language can be challenging.
One reason why tourists visit the Philippines is the language barrier is minimal. Most Filipinos speak fluent English. Learning some Filipino words can be fun, but it’s better done out of genuine interest than a desperate need to find a bathroom!
8. Very Affordable
The Philippines are very affordable, especially compared to Europe, Australia, and North America. Visitors in the country get by on an average of 40 pounds a day, and you can get by (and still have amazing experiences) with a lot less.
If you plan to stay at a budget resort and lounge on the beach the entire trip, you’ll spend much less. If you’re packing your itinerary with activities, you’ll naturally spend a bit more. However, you won’t need to worry about overspending on nightlife. The country offers some of the cheapest beer in Asia!
9. Warm Weather
One of the best reasons to go to the Philippines is the weather, which is hot and humid most of the time. There are three seasons. The hottest and driest part of the year occurs between March and May. June through November marks the wet season. The coolest weather happens between December and February.
Many tourists visit during the cooler months, but the country can still be lovely the rest of the year.
10. Great Food
Trying new foods is a fun part of travelling, and the Philippines are an ideal location for a visiting foodie. Many local dishes will be a treat for your taste buds, such as kare-kare, a stew of oxtail, peanut sauce, and veggies. Other must-try dishes include sisig, the Filipino version of fajitas, and pancit guisado, a noodle dish that’s considered a local staple. Don’t miss a typical adobo.
If you’re the adventurous type, consider giving balut a try. The duck embryos are boiled and served in their shells. This may not appear too appetizing, but lovers of the dish compare the texture to scrambled eggs or cream cheese. Once you get a taste, you might be back for more!
Are there any reasons why not to visit the Philippines? If you can’t stand warm weather or sunshine, this isn’t an ideal location. Other than that, there’s really no reason to avoid these wonderful islands. I recommend every traveller visit the Philippines at least once. When you do, you’ll realize what you’ve been missing!
Click here to find our perfect 3 week itinerary to the Philippines or if you only have 1 week – here you’ll find 4 different itineraries to choose from. Otherwise check here for more planning resources.
