The Philippines

Asia

May 30, 2020

LUZON, VISAYAS, AND MINDANAO , The Three Geographical divisions that make up the 7,641 of some of the best islands in the world-Welcome to The Philippines!

The Philippines has the third coral largest reef in the world, right after Indonesia and Australia. You don’t even need to go far into the water to see some amazing fish of all the colors of the rainbow, take a few steps and throw on some goggles.

There are so many islands in The Philippines to choose out of to fit any style. I chose to fly into Cebu, a province in central Visayas. Scrolling through you will see suggestions for the Visayas. As I continue to travel, this list will be updated.

Info	The Philippines
Language:	Filipino
Other Languages:	Tagalog, Bisaya, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Maguindanao, Kapampangan and Pangasinan.
Currency:	Philippine Peso
Internet:	lol so-so
Hello:	kumusta
Food to try:	Sisig

Okay so I actually am not sure what part of the pig I was eating, however the internet tells me that I ate all the good parts of the pigs head-cheeks, snout, ears? Seasoned with calamansi, onions, and peppers.

Destinations I recommend

I recommend these destinations because I’ve been to these destinations, theres so much more though like Bohol or Siargao Island

Kawasan Falls has some of the most beautiful waterfalls and amazing canyoneering tours. There’s also ziplining or a nice hike through the mountains to get to these turquoise blue waterfalls. I actually sprained my tailbone jumping off the 45 foot high cliff here, but that’s another story.

Moalboal basically feels like one small strip filled with restaurants such as Three Bears Restaurant (my personal favorite), coffee shops, and diving facilities. Many people come here for the diving.

Siquijor Island or better yet known as witch island. I once met a dude here who found a shaman in the mountains and took ayahuasca. Personally speaking I’ve had some interesting third eye experiences here, that ill never forget. Don’t expect a lot of wifi on this island, in fact its hard to get too, but if you make it and need a break from the world-its worth it.

My Budget

So I came to The Philippines with about 900 dollars in my pocket, I still had about 200 left over upon leaving. I stayed for 4 weeks, I knew a guy who rented a 3 bedroom house for around 300 US dollars per month.

If you are looking to stay longer term, best to base yourself and just pay monthly. Also here’s a trick-book for a few days when you arrive and then walk around, you can negotiate prices during low season.

Accommodation	Location	Estimate Price
Moho Hostel, Smooth Cafe hostel,	Moalboal	$8
Love Shack Hostel	Siquijor	$8
Canjahawon	Siquijor	$14-38
Mad Monkey	Cebu City	$8

Estimate prices.

Moho Hostel: So there’s definitely a free happy hour here, not sure if it’s still going on, but its a party hostel. I’m not the biggest party party person, but I slept well here. It’s a backpacker hostel

Smooth Café Hostel: This is a hostel attached to a café, not sure if the hostel is still apart of it. I stayed before it was even fully opened and construction was going on. The breakfast part of it I enjoyed. They have good coffee here.

Love Shack Hostel: So this is a little away from downtown Siquijor, but beautifully quiet with some amazing dogs, a great host, a cool hangout spot at night and a walk away from the water.

Canjahawon Nipa Hut: Whoa this is an experience I will never forget. This stay is in a traditional nipa hut, called a bahay. To get here you need to hire a motorbike as its way up in the mountains (or drive one). Don’t expect wifi, but do expect exquisite homemade coco, a secret tour of Siquijor, and a chance to touch the center of your core.

Mad Monkey: To stay either when you first arrive into Cebu City or as you are leaving for the airport. It’s a party hostel and has a little pool to hang out in.

What is a Nipa Hut?

Before the Spainards arrived (surprise surprise), the natives of the Philippines lived in temporary structures made from materials like bamboo. My stay here was so comfortable

What I love about The Philippines

Even the most grumpiest of people leave the Philippines feeling relaxed. I came here when I was completely burnt out working 9 hour days teaching 12 classes and studying full time in school.

I’m not the easiest person to get to relax, but the Philippines relaxed me. Even when I sprained my tailbone, cut my ankle up on coral, and ran from an iguana the size of my arm who had the audacity to be in the outdoor shower with me-I was still quite relaxed.

Moalboal is a great place to meet people, go diving or snorkeling, see the sardine run, do adventure tours, and just hang out. My two favorite beaches were Panagsama Beach and White Beach.

Siquiour took forever to get to and I had to take a bus, two tricycles, and then a ferry from Dumagete. Entering the island the vibes felt off at first, but you can quickly ease into it.

Wrapping it up

Nearly anywhere you go in the Philippines, you are bound to have a great time. I felt safe during my whole stay as a solo female traveler and met many amazing people who were also solo traveling.