The Philippines

Exploring the Philippines: A Journey Through Islands, Beaches, and the Magical Underwater World

After an incredible time in Bali, we continued our adventure to a new destination—the Philippines. With its world-famous beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and rich marine life, we were excited to explore everything this island nation had to offer. However, while we fell in love with the underwater world, we soon realized that the country itself was not our favorite stop so far. Compared to Bali, we found the people here to be less welcoming, which made our experience a bit different from what we expected. But nonetheless, we made the most of our time and created some unforgettable memories.

First Stop: Bohol – The Land of Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers

Our journey in the Philippines began in Bohol, an island famous for its Chocolate Hills—a natural wonder consisting of over 1,200 perfectly shaped hills that turn brown during the dry season. Seeing this landscape with our own eyes was surreal, almost like stepping into a fantasy world.

Next, we embarked on a boat tour along the Loboc River, floating through lush jungle scenery while enjoying a peaceful and scenic ride. It was a great way to slow down and take in the island’s natural beauty.

Of course, we couldn’t visit Bohol without taking a dip in the ocean! Swimming in the crystal-clear waters was refreshing, and it reminded us why the Philippines is such a popular beach destination.

Another highlight was exploring the Man-Made Forest, an enchanting stretch of mahogany trees that seemed straight out of a fairytale. The dense canopy created a tunnel-like effect, making it a great spot for some unique photos.

But perhaps the most special moment in Bohol was meeting the tarsiers, the tiny, wide-eyed primates that are native to the island. Seeing these adorable creatures up close was an unforgettable experience, but also a reminder of how important it is to protect their fragile habitat.

We ended our Bohol adventure by visiting the oldest church on the island, a historic and cultural site that gave us a glimpse into the Spanish colonial influence in the Philippines.

From Bohol to Cebu: A City Stop Before the Beaches

After a few amazing days in Bohol, we took a ferry to Cebu, where we met up with a friend. Cebu is one of the biggest cities in the Philippines, but since we’re not huge fans of big city life, we didn’t stay too long. However, it was great to catch up with our friend and experience a bit of Cebu’s lively atmosphere before heading to our next destination.

Moalboal: Beach Bliss and Stunning Sunsets

From Cebu, we made our way to Moalboal, a coastal paradise known for its relaxed vibe and incredible marine life. This was the perfect place to unwind at the beach, enjoy fresh seafood, and simply take in the island life.

One of the best things about Moalboal was watching the sunsets. Each evening, the sky turned into a breathtaking blend of oranges, pinks, and purples, reflecting beautifully on the water. It was one of those simple but magical travel moments that we’ll never forget.

Puerto Princesa: A Short Stop Before the Big Adventure

Next, we flew to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. We only spent two days here, using it as a jumping-off point for our trip to El Nido. While Puerto Princesa itself didn’t impress us much, we enjoyed wandering around and getting a taste of the local lifestyle.

El Nido: Diving into a Dream

Our journey continued to El Nido, a place we had been looking forward to the most. And it did not disappoint! Here, we did our diving course, and it turned out to be one of the best moments of our lives.

The underwater world in the Philippines is absolutely magical. The vibrant coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, and the feeling of weightlessness made us fall in love with diving even more. There is truly nothing like exploring the ocean and discovering an entirely different world beneath the surface.

Beyond diving, El Nido itself was beautiful, with towering limestone cliffs, secret lagoons, and crystal-clear waters. The landscapes were breathtaking, but it was our diving experience that truly made this place special.

Coron: Six Days of Pure Relaxation

From El Nido, we took a boat to Coron, where we spent six days just chilling and enjoying the city. After all the adventures, this was the perfect place to slow down and soak in the island atmosphere.

Coron is another diving paradise, but since we had already done our course in El Nido, we focused more on exploring the beaches, eating great food, and simply relaxing. The laid-back vibe of the town was exactly what we needed before continuing our travels.

Final Thoughts: The Philippines – A Mixed Experience

Looking back, the Philippines gave us some incredible memories, especially when it came to the underwater world. The diving here was truly next-level, and the natural beauty of the islands was breathtaking.

However, we also realized that the Philippines, as a country, was not our favorite destination. Compared to places like Bali, we found the people to be less friendly and welcoming, which made it harder to feel a real connection to the culture. While we did meet some kind locals, the overall hospitality didn’t feel as warm as what we had experienced elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

That being said, we still had an amazing time exploring the islands, relaxing on the beaches, and experiencing the magic of the ocean. The Philippines is definitely a place worth visiting, especially for diving enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Next Stop: More Adventures Await!

As we wrap up our time in the Philippines, we’re excited to move on to our next destination. Every place we visit teaches us something new, and while the Philippines may not have been our favorite stop, it still left us with memories we will cherish forever.

Stay tuned for our next adventure!