Don’t miss these in the Philippines

The Philippines is becoming more and more popular. The beautiful lagoons and mountains are just some of the things that bring people to this country. With over 7,000 islands, there is a getaway for everyone. If you are looking for one of the most unique travel experiences in SouthEast Asia don’t miss these in the Philippines.

Jeepney

Besides motorcycle, Jeepney seems to be the most popular means of transportation in the Philippines. It’s not only a budget-friendly way to commute around, but it is also the most uniquely decorated public transportation. The history behind Jeepney is fascinating, it is originally made from U.S. military jeeps left over from World War II. When American troops began to leave the Philippines at the end of World War II, hundreds of surplus Jeeps were sold or given to the Filipinos. Here in the Jeepney, you can sit closely with 15 to even 20 Filipinos sharing the same seats facing each other For us, Jeepney is one of the easiest best ways to blend in with local Filipinos.

Trike

Jeepneys are great but they have fixed routes so the big advantage comes to the filipino trike. It will bring you to every desired place. It is colorful and functional. It’s made up of a motorcycle attached to a sidecar with multiple seats and a covered roof. The roof is often used as a baggage compartment, and the back is often extended to serve the same purpose. It might look very small but their size is perfect for small roads in an urban and rural setting and the typical tricycle can carry 3 – 5 passengers, sometimes even 7 depending on how passengers manage to share the seat with each other. If you traveling in provinces or rural areas of the Philippines, besides riding a motorbike, we will highly recommend you try the tricycle here as well.

 

Cassava cake

Cassava cake is definitely the dessert that we would highly recommend you to try. Traditionally, they severed it cold but the warm version we tried from the night market in Manila is superb. The creamy dessert is made from cassava root together with coconut milk. Some people said that it is great with black coffee and we could see why because it’s sweet, but not too sweet. Also, for the texture, hands down this is the smoothest dessert we have ever had. Imagine this guy, it is soft like custard pudding and the top which is broiled until it is almost crunchy is the best part.

Lechon

Lechon is a Spanish word referring to a slow roasted suckling pig. Let me tell you it is amazing. Cebu is known to have the best Lechon in all the Philippines. Basically, its a pig that is slow roasted over charcoal or fire for 8+ hours. This causes the pig to become crispy but hold the moister inside. When Lechon is cooked in the Philippines they use every part of the pig and nothing goes to waste. Really nothing and it’s all amazing!

Guyabano

Speaking of fruit juice. We would highly recommend you try Guyabano or In English, they call it as Soursop fruit. We experienced this first time from the night market and wow since then I would say it has become our most favorite juice to die for in the Philippines. The taste is so unique. For me, I would say it is the mixed taste similar to pineapple together with strawberries and apple, and lemon at the same time. For those who like strawberry banana shake especially, I believe you will love Guyabano juice.

Bangka Boat

Try traditional Filipino Bangka boat. This is what will take you to paradise and to many incredible islands in the Philippines. Definitely, with over 7,000 islands, you have to come up with the plan to do some island hopping. Bangka boat is like the canoe supported by outriggers on both sides. These Bamboo outriggers help the boat with stability and what makes Bangka most interesting is that you can’t find it everywhere in this world.

 

Dumaguete

We always have the feeling that Dumaguete is the most underrated city in the Philippines. The city does ranks number 5 on the best place to retire in the world by Forbes. Also, from the price index, Dumaguete is among the cheapest places in the world to live. We are not surprised by that at all after staying in Dumaguete for a month. This is one of the most chill city’s we have ever visited, it is not touristy at all. We actually think we could live here.

From Dumaguete you can easily take the boat to swim with a sea turtle at Apo island, you can go to Cebu, you can go to Siquijor or the Maldives of Philippines – Manjuyod sandbar – the nature is stunning and very well-preserved. Dumaguete is known as the city of gentle people and we prove it true!

Filipino grilled BBQ chicken

Do you love chicken? We love Chicken! Nothing is better than trying Filipino grilled BBQ chicken. What makes it amazing is the way they marinated it mainly in vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce, and some spices. You will find Grilled BBQ chicken almost everywhere especially at the night market. When it comes to a buffet party style, you will also see the grilled BBQ chicken. One of the best and easiest place to find the BBQ chicken, we would highly recommend you go for Chicken Inasal, which is the popular franchise restaurants in the Philippines. They also serve unlimited rice here and wow the dipping sauce coming along is amazing it is basically vinegar, soy sauce, and Calamansi

If your traveling to the Philippines make sure you check out our FREE Travel essential and packing checklist. This will help you avoid scams and pack all the essentials.