Travel Blog » Philippines

Philippines

Philippines Travel Guides

The abundance of stunning beaches the Philippines offer has mesmerised many tourists across the globe. It is a no-brainer because who would not fancy a wonderful country with 7641 islands?

Situated in Southeast Asia and surrounded by almost 36,000 kilometres of shoreline, this archipelagic country will not run out of lovely tourist spots that will definitely take your breath away.

Not only the enchanting spots will astound you, but hospitable Filipinos will warmly greet you as they are known to be one of the most hospitable countries in the World.

The Pearl of the Orient Seas

The Philippines gained its nickname in the 1750s because of its elegant and organic beauty. The Pearl of the Orient Seas is home to rich natural resources and breathtaking natural spots that will astonish tourists who wish to drop by.

The country is split into three island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Since the Philippines is an archipelago, it makes the country unique and somewhat challenging to be travelled.

You will never regret travelling to this wonderful country because it will not run out of fancy spots that you can visit.

Seven Natural Wonders of the Philippines

The Philippines has Seven Wonders that will surely make you book your flight immediately because their breathtaking spots are one of a kind.

To help and guide you more about the Philippines as Pearl of the Orient Seas, here are the Seven Natural Wonders of the Philippines:

1. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Located in Palawan, Puerto Princesa, which literally translates to ‘Princess-like Maiden,’ has made it in the local Natural Wonders and made it to the cut of multiple international natural wonders recognition.

Some of which are:

  • Proclaimed as World Heritage Site of UNESCO in 1999.
  • Selected as one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2012.

The Puerto Princesa’s Underground River is surely one of the unique rivers in the World because it is covered by a Karst Limestone landscape and represents an important habitat for conservation of the biodiversity and mountain to sea ecosystem.

2. Banaue Rice Terraces

These 2,000-year-old terraces are man-made rice fields carved out of the mountains of Ifugao. The Filipinos also dub Banaue Rice Terraces as Eighth Wonder of the World.

Like Puerto Princesa, Banaue Rice Terraces have received international recognition, specifically from UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Site.

As a mostly agricultural country, the Banaue Rice terraces are still beneficial for Ifugaoan farmers and yield about 600 to 3,500 pounds of rice per acre.

3. The Chocolate Hills of Bohol

These natural monuments situated in Bohol is composed of over 1,260 hills in an area of 50 kilometres. The hills were called chocolate because it is shaped and coloured like a chocolate treat.

Like the Puerto Princesa and Banaue Rice Terraces, Chocolate Hills has garnered a lot of recognition as well:

  • The Philippine National Government tagged is as one of the Flagship Tourist Destinations.
  • UNESCO has listed down Chocolate Hills as one of the tentative spots subject for inclusion in their checklist of World Heritage Site.
  • It was proclaimed as the Philippines’ third Geological Monument by the Committee in Geological Sciences.

4. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Located in the middle of the blue Sulu Sea, the Tubbataha reef is home to thousands of unique and mesmerising marine species such as coral reefs.

The natural park has also obtained quite a plentiful acclaim from both local and international organisations such as the following:

  • It was declared as one of the Top Eight Dive Sites in the World by the CNN Travel Website.
  • It was the first marine site declared as a national park by the Philippines’ former President Corazon Aquino in 1988.
  • It was nominated as part of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

It was proclaimed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

5. Mayon Volcano Natural Park

Dubbed as a Perfect Cone because of its symmetrical cone shape, this active volcano in Albay, Bicol, will mesmerise you with its majestic beauty.

Aside from indulging in the exquisite view of Mt. Mayon, tourists can also enjoy physical activities such as the All-Terrain Vehicles or ATVs available for usage in the Mayon Volcano Natural Park.

6. Hundredd Islands National Park

The Hundred Islands National Park is one for the books as it boasts 127 islands and a white sand beach that is perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving, and swimming.

Situated in Lingayen Gulf, the Hundred Islands are believed to be two million years of age. It is no surprise that it is considered a natural wonder.

Since most of the area is not yet open to the public, most of the natural park was still conserved and unspoiled.

7. Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

Renowned for having the most diverse wildlife where many Nepenthes plant and Philippine Eagle species are found. Mt. Hamiguitan is also proud of its pygmy forest, a bonsai field consisting of 100-year-old trees planted in ultramafic soil with high levels of iron.

Travelling Tips

Exploring the Philippines is sure to be an exciting journey in your life. If you are trying to plan to visit the pearl of the orient or you are simply curious about the snippets of Filipino culture, here are some of the helpful tips for you:

1. English as the Second Language

Do you want to travel to Southeast Asian countries but worry that you might have difficulty communicating with the locals? In the Philippines, you can be at ease because English is widely spoken anywhere, and locals would love to help you because they are hospitable

2. Flexibility is the Key

As a traveller, remaining flexible on your plans can get you through because the weather could be unpredictable most of the time. One of the best things you could do is to check the climate of the Philippines before travelling because their wet season starts in June, and this may extend until October.

3. Good Budget Management

The Philippines is an archipelago, and this also means that you must be prepared to transfer on multiple transportation means to get to your favourite tourist spot. However, you don’t have to worry because the costs are definitely affordable.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Travelling the Philippines is one of the coolest travel experiences you could ever have because of their hospitable locals, great spots, and affordable costs.

Keep in mind that before going to the Philippines, make sure that you have your fair share of research so that you won’t be lost in the middle of your travel, and you could also have a background of the local’s culture.