The Philippines comes with the slogan ‘ It is more fun in the Philippines ‘ of course In the Philippines, with the extremely stunning scenery and beautiful nature, beautiful creatures, more than just an exciting, Instagram-worthy experience, there are always things you can always learn and what you should know beforehand. During the time we traveled in the Philippines for the past 2 months, believe it or not, we have made countless mistakes. We even notice some people get stressed, sometimes it even ruined their trip because of their travel mistakes. Of course, we don’t want you to do the same.
Table of Contents
Don’t touch the turtle
I know it is very exciting to be able to swim so close with a whale shark, sea turtle or even sardines in the Philippines. For me, it’s more mind-blowing then anywhere else where I have been swimming with sea turtles. The Philippines is one of the best experiences as I can swim so close with them just right off the shore. In order for them to be with us in the long run, we definitely should respect them by not bothering them and not touching them
The best place to swim with them is on Apo island. its only s short scooter ride from Dumaguete or a couple of hours from Cebu to Dumaguete.
If they say you need a tour guide, you need a tour guide
If I can turn back time, I would get a tour guide, as it ended up I couldn’t see the view jimmy see at Taraw cliff because I couldn’t make it up top. I do believe as a person who is not good at climbing like me, I do need some tools or rope in order to go up to the highest peak, Now the cost of the tour guide is worth it. It is only 400 peso for 1 tour guide
Not carrying cash
For some reason, some friends we met while traveling in Siquijor presume carrying cash is obsolete in the Philippines. As if every business in the world is equipped with high-speed internet and access to PayPal. But here in the islands of the Philippines or even most part of SouthEastern Asian countries, your bigger resorts, hotels, and restaurants all take cards. Yes I mean BIG RESORT OR HOTEL
But one of the most charming aspects of traveling here in the Philippines is that there are so many off-beaten-path or some getaway islands. Sometimes you can’t avoid stopping into that funky roadside bar, cute little cottage restaurant, staying at local set-up accommodation. Something like this… will not always take credit card so don’t take the risk on this by not carrying cash.
Plus, in some remote getaway island, for example in El Nido, you can’t expect to see ATM everywhere, as we heard, there are about 2-3 ATM’s in EL NIDO. Make sure you have enough cash with you!
Know what kind of paradise fit your style
Do you know that the Philippines is home to an island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island?
The Philippines made up of over 7000 islands. I do believe there is an island that can fit anybody’s lifestyle and preference. Now it is more fun in the Philippines visiting all these beaches and islands and waterfalls. BUT you need to also understand that with over 7000 islands in just one country, the geography of the islands would be different. You can’t expect the same from all the islands.
Let me give you some examples :
- If you want something like a sand bar, with powdery soft sand and see some Star Fish you go to Manjuyod.
- Southern Cebu it is awesome for waterfall hunting, plus you can also swim with billion sardines at Panagsman beach.
- Go to Oslob for whale shark
- Palawan has stunning scenery and boat tours. You will see more of limestone cliffs. It is more like a collection of smalls islands.
- If you love Kind of Volcanic island, swimming with Sea turtle you go to Apo. And when you understand the geography of the island, you know what to prepare.
What you need to know in advance so then you won’t get mad that sometimes things might not go as you expect. When it comes to the boat tour, for example when we were at Manjuyod, the captain told us we can’t go for dolphin watching on that day due to the current. When we did the combination tour A and C we couldn’t hit some certain spots due to the tide condition. Don’t get mad with something out of control like this.
It’s fun in the Philippines, but when you do your research, it will be even more fun and you will never want to leave.
Don’t afraid to ask for help if you really need it, Filipinos are friendlier than you might expect I can’t count how many times that they helped us. helps us with the coconut, help us with the motorbike, help with snorkeling mask, help when we need to call somebody, help when we need internet, walking us to the bus station, help us get the taxi and more and more
We hope these insights and price points help you truly what not to do on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. If you want to check out FULL VIDEO GUIDE we have that on our YOUTUBE CHANNEL showing you an in-depth guide to all the best and even some of the most unknown local spots!
If you are planning a trip make sure to check out our Must know and travel essential Packing list that is completely free! DOWNLOAD IT HERE
Below we will show you an in-depth visual guide on what mistakes not to make when traveling the Philippines!
