I have been spending a lot of time in the Philippines due to work, but when I get a chance to get away, whether that be at the weekends or for short holidays, I make sure I do these simple things to make my time out there something special. They can be nerve-wracking, but totally worth it in the end.
1. Talk to the Locals
This is a MUST when visiting the Philippines. We have been brought up on stories of not talking to strangers, and to be wary if people are ‘over friendly’; but, I’m sure if you’re reading this you have watched enough travel vlogs to have heard it 100 times– the Filipino people are the MOST FRIENDLY. They will tell you about local stories, folklore, traditions, how to get around, and the best things to eat. Talking to locals is how I have managed to do the majority of my ventures in the Philippines. One thing about this country is that it is behind on technology, so the locals are just learning how to post schedules online - even these are often out of date so talk to people! 99 times out of a hundred, they will go out of their way to make sure they help you, and that you are safe in the process. One tip though, people are friendlier in the provinces, don’t do anything stupid in Manila...
Spear fishermen and Daughter - Siargao, Philippines
2. Eat Local – Take the Plunge
Westerners have an awful tendency to eat western when abroad – pizza and burgers are often the chosen diet for travellers. This is not helped when eatery’s in the Philippine provinces often look less appealing than a school canteen, and that’s coming from someone who’s always loved school dinners. Most are ‘point-point’ restaurants where you point atready made meals, which all look like varying styles of stews and fried food, even internal organs. DON’T be put off, ask the person serving what is their best dish and request that. Chances are, it will taste like nothing you have ever tasted before – ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, chillies, bananas, fish, chocolate, coconut and LOTS of garlic are all ingredients you may find in your dish, in varying quantitates and strengths.
Adobo, bulalo, bicol express, and the tastiest of all sisig, are dishes I recommend you try. I suggest opting for pork as you’ll get less bones than chicken and more meat than with beef, but more importantly you may well get some crackling. BUT if this doesn’t tickle your fancy, then the BBQ’s with offer grilled fish and meat which is so fresh it was pulled out the sea sometimes only hours before you eat it. I left the UK not a fan of fish, but every time I come back to the Philippines I eat more of it – it really is amazing. If you don’t fancy what’s on their menu you can always take you own fish from the market, they’ll cook it for you which makes it a really personal experience - make sure you know how you want it cooked, because often the chef will cook it how he wants, which can make it quite exciting if you aren’t a fussy eater. Best of all eating local is CHEAP, if you are on a budget you can eat well for just a couple of quid.
BBQ on a boast - Palawan, Philippines
3. Make Time for Sunset AND SUNRISE
This seems obvious but it really is a must. Where ever I am in the Philippines, I set my alarm for just before sunrise. This is really the most amazing time of the day, you will see fishermen going out to fish, people on their way to work and the light is just incredible. I spent my first few weeks in the Philippines during the rainy period (August-October) and good sunsets were few and far between; but after sticking it out I was seriously treated with some beautiful evenings. During the dry season (November-July) these sights can be expected almost every night and morning. When that alarm rings at 5:45am and you have to pull yourself out of bed, the thoughts of “there is always tomorrow” will go through you mind – don’t give in to it – the sunrises I’ve spent over looking bays and having the place all to myself, are the ones I remember.
Helicopter Island at sunset - Palawan, Philippines
4. Travel on Public Transport
This is VERY daunting in the Philippines. Jeepneys, although iconic, are really something to view with caution. Along the side of them you will see their route, a list of towns and cities which is helpful for the weary traveller, BUT there is no specific co-ordinates and the route, although fixed, is passed by word of mouth. So, my advice is to take a jeepney in the provinces where there are few roads to meander off, and make sure you have enough time to correct the route. If all that fails and you end up somewhere random, then just follow my first tip, speak to the locals, they will point you in the right direction.
The recommended mode of transport to correct the wrong turns, is a tricycle, these can be found everywhere. They are cheap, rattily and uncomfortable, but are an incredibly enjoyable way to get around.
Intercity transport is a little more present on the internet, and if you’re lucky you can find a schedule. Of course, you can fly, but where is the fun in that? It is expensive and you’ve already spent more than 13 hours flying to get here. Ferries and coaches are a common choice for locals and they are incredibly cheap. Ferries typically range from a couple of hundred Pesos to sub 2000 pesos(£3-£30), and coaches 100-1000 pesos (£1.50 - £14). Again, like the jeepneys and tricycles, they may not be the most comfortable and they aren’t the quickest, but they give you an insight into local life and save you a huge amount of money compared to getting a private taxi or a flight. I can assure you, waiting in Manila’s domestic terminal 4 is not a pleasant experience, so you might as well just jump in a coach and try getting to your destination that way.
Inside View of a Jeepneys - Leyte, Philippines
5. Explore Local Culture
The Philippines has a rich history or folklore, different traditions and cultures spread across the islands. Every Island is different, so treat each one like a new adventure. Of course, you will see similarities, jeepneys and tricycles are on almost every island but they look very different. With each being handmade and customised by local builders, the quirks of the different regions/islands make each one an original. The indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities still practice a lot of their pre-catholic beliefs and traditions – in no other place is this more noticeable to a tourist than in the rice terraces of Banaue. Tourists are welcome, but be respectful of their traditions, some of the older generations still wear their traditional clothing day to day in the smaller villages, which reminds you that this archipelago is more than just sandy beaches and coconuts.
Go to the local public market (not the local counterfeit markets, although these are also great fun), they contain a wealth of interesting sights and smells, with local people selling items of both use and no use. In some of the provinces you too will find traditional items for sale, often made by the local tribes and people, which have been brought down into the villages and towns to be sold.
Children in traditional dress at the Imbaya Festival - Ifugao, Philppines
Most of these points you won’t find on an average travel blog – these are the little things which the experienced traveller will likely be doing without thinking, but each has contributed to my Philippines experience. Once you start doing all of the above, getting around and making the most of the Philippines becomes a much easier, and far more enjoyable experience. If you’re going to the Philippines and you take on board my tips, I really hope that you get as much out of them as I did.