Philippines

Most people visiting the Philippines will land in Manilla. Manilla is a huge but beautiful city with lots of restaurants, shops and architecture to explore. Check which neighbourhoods are safe to stroll around before you go. Especially after dark some parts of the city can be quite dodgy!

In need of some peace and quiet after the hustle and bustle of Manilla? Then get on a bus at one of Manilla’s bus stations. You can buy a ticket once you get there and buses leave once they are full. The journey is around 12 hours so you can get the overnight bus and sleep. In Legazpi the main attraction is the active volcano which many travellers opt to climb. Hike up the path to one of the viewpoints for a spectacular view of the Mayan volcano.

From Legazpi it is a 4 hour bus drive and a short tuk tuk ride to Donsol. Donsol is a beautiful off the beaten track beach town where whale sharks live in the wild (unlike in Cebu where they are captured in nets as a tourist attraction). Donsol is a quiet slow pace town with beautiful beaches, big spiders, bioluminescent plankton, fireflies and beautiful resort like places to stay.

Back to some more touristy places. If you want stunning white beaches to sip cocktails at and parties to attend at night? Check out Boracay. Beaches whiter than you’ve ever seen and crystal clear water. Stay in Mad Monkey hostel if you like a party and meeting other backpackers.

Catch a flight to Palawan island via Manilla and get a bus (van) to El nido. The drive is about 7 hours and the bus will leave once it is full.

El Nido is famous for its boat tours. Book yourself on a tour through your hostel and hotel and enjoy the day cruising around beautiful islands. Eat fresh food on one of the deserted beaches and take the most beautiful pictures. After your trip go for dinner in El Nido town where lots of shops, restaurants and bars are waiting for you. Yes there is even karaoke!

Want some down time away from technology? Nacpan is the place to be! An hours drive on a dirt road with a tuk tuk and you get to a quiet beach. Forget your phone cause there is no reception or wifi. There is however the most amazing Mad Monkey hostel where you’ll meet many other travellers. Spend days lounging on the beach, snorkelling with turtles or chilling at the floating bar in the sea. Spend your evenings watching the sunset and the trillion starts from the rocks with your new friends and eating the local food at one of the small restaurants.