“Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” Those are the words of Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan explorer. Yearly, hundreds of tourists travel to many vacation spots and tell beautiful stories about them.
The Philippines, which is made up of more than 7,000 individual islands, is right up there among the top vacation spots in the world. The country is home to some of the world’s most stunning tropical scenery. It is a nation of stunning beaches, laid-back island lifestyles, fascinating history, and very beautiful and diverse people.
Overall, the Philippines is a paradise for daring adventurers and tourists, with its vibrant towns, beautiful beaches, and towering mountains. To make the most of your visit to this colorful country, it is helpful to plan ahead. In the next paragraphs is a list of the top things to know before visiting many of the islands and resorts in the country and having the time of your life there. These travel tips will guarantee a seamless stay in the captivating Southeast Asian nation.
Important Things to Know Before Going to the Philippines
Planning a trip to the Philippines? Get ready for a journey filled with stunning beaches, warm hospitality, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities like Manila, island-hopping in Palawan, or diving in Cebu, being prepared will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s all you need to know before visiting!
Check for ATMs on the Islands in the Philippines
When you’re making arrangements to go throughout the country don’t assume that your accommodation will have an ATM. Do your due diligence and make adequate and thorough inquiries regarding your choice of accommodation.
In larger cities like Manila, Baguio, and Cebu City, it’s convenient to use ATMs and credit cards. However, in smaller towns, islands, and local markets, cash remains the preferred method of payment. Note that the Peso is the national currency. One Peso has 100 Centavos.
You can easily exchange money at a shopping mall; often, they accept traveler’s checks for this purpose. It’s advisable to carry along some Philippine Pesos (PHP) or another acceptable quantity of local cash. Have little cash around to pay for things like bathroom breaks, souvenirs, and those delicious, unique snacks sold by sellers on lengthy bus rides.
Pack Lightly But Bring Everything You Need
Given that the nation has more than 7,000 islands, you probably will be island hopping. And you’ll find too much baggage annoying. Moving around is easier with as few bags as possible, and you also do not risk forgetting anything!
If you want to visit the beach or engage in boating or diving, make sure you pack a swimsuit and bring light, comfortable clothes (it may be casual). Along with rain gear be sure to pack sunglasses and appropriate shoes like trainers or sandals. Keep electronics like cameras and phones in a waterproof bag. You’ll need to take essentials including sunscreen and a DEET-containing insect repellent.
Use mosquito repellent frequently. Although most islands are now free of malaria, it still prevails in some areas you’re visiting. Many hotels will provide mosquito nets, and when they do, use them! In the spirit of maintaining good health, you’re advised to drink bottled water only and avoid tap water at all cost. To minimize further plastic waste, always pack your own reusable bag apart from your backpack.
Buy a SIM or a Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot
This is also one of the crucial tips to know before visiting. Staying in touch with family and the world while traveling is crucial. Having a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi hotspot will help you remain connected while you go about, as the Philippines is not particularly recognized for having the best Wi-Fi network connectivity.
If you are visiting more of the far-off islands where it might be difficult to access network connectivity, it is advisable to get an eSIM online or a real SIM card as soon as you land at the international airport. Unless you’d rather take a break from social media and spend some time offline, of course. Still, it’s beneficial to be aware of events happening worldwide.
If You’re on a Budget, Book Everything Ahead
Booking everything ahead of time will help you save time and money during your visit to the country. Planes, ferries, and other forms of transportation will be necessary for your journey around the Philippines, since you will most likely be hopping from island to island.
If you purchase your aircraft ticket in advance, you often get to save a lot of money. Plane tickets that cost around £20 weeks ago might be well over £100 when you eventually decide to purchase yours. They also sell out on a lot of routes.
It is also advisable to book ferries ahead because they sometimes sell out too. This is especially true for the most heavily used routes and the ferries that use them. But if you want to know about boats that sail between islands, you should always ask the locals.
Filipinos are incredibly warmhearted. At this juncture, it is important to note that you should be courteous when interacting with Filipino people. In the words of Maya Angelou, “A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.”
Leave Enough Time for Traveling and Exploring
This is crucial advice for anyone planning a trip to the Philippines. On days when you are exploring the country, it is generally recommended that you allow yourself enough time to move about, as there are a lot of factors that might affect travel plans, including weather, flight cancellations, and traffic.
Consider spending a whole day just exploring islands as well as other areas in the country. The good news for tourists is that there are a lot of attractions, with plenty to see and experience. For example, if you enjoy betting, you can try betting on sabong cockfights, a long-standing tradition that is fully legal in the country.
There’s even an annual sabong championship that draws massive crowds. Cockfighting is a national entertainment in the Philippines and it attracts large crowds. You can see regular events in locations like Coron in Palawan, Manila, Batangas Coliseum, Taal Sports Center, and many more locations.
In many locations, people also wager on these fights. While many people make their bets on the fight grounds, there are several online bookies that accept wagers on cockfights in the Philippines. If you’re interested in betting on the fight, please know that the wagering site you use is very important in determining your experience. We advise that you check this list of legit sabong betting sites as recommended by industry expert Evelyn Balyton to ensure a safe and fair experience.
Apart from seeing cockfights, here are some of the other top tourist destinations in the Philippines to consider:
- Bohol – (Tour of the Chocolate Hills)
- Boracay (A.K.A party capital)
- Cebu (Island with amazing diving spots)
- El Nido (White sand beaches)
- Manila (The Capital)
- Palawan (Picturesque islands)
- Siargao (A.K.A surfing capital)
Final Thoughts
The Philippines is a beautiful country with so much to offer. To make the most of your trip, plan ahead, pack wisely, and be prepared for different travel conditions. Keep cash on hand, stay connected with a SIM card or Wi-Fi hotspot, and give yourself enough time to explore.
Always carry cash for small purchases, get travel insurance if you can, and book transport early to save money. Whether you’re island-hopping, diving, soaking up the sun, or embracing the local way of life, the country is sure to leave you with amazing memories at the end of your trip and a longing to return. Here is a pro tip we’re leaving you with: ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS. Never assume. There is an adage that goes thus: the one who asks does not miss the way.
By Chris Bates
