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Whether it's island hopping in the crystal clear ocean in El Nido, swimming with whale sharks in Cebu or getting drunk on island rum in Boracay...the Philippines has something for everyone.
Tumalog Falls, Oslob, Cebu
A little bit about Manila:
Most of the international flights to the Philippines will arrive into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila. Many treat Manila as a gateway to the other islands; due to the high crime rate it makes it a little more risky to explore as a traveler. Also, domestic flights are notoriously cancelled, so it is often wise to use it as an overnight stopover for your flight the next day.
Where to stay in Manila:
We stayed in Alejandro Hotel, Makiti. It was a little hotel, approximately 15/20 minutes from the NAIA with all you need for a perfect one night stopover, costing 1,229 PHP/$17 AUD.
If you want a more unique option, there is Hotel H20, where you can catch up on a bit of jet lag alongside the tropical fish!
Hotel H20, Manila
Cebu
Sunset at White Beach, Cebu
Cebu was the most adventurous island we visited in the Philippines. Endless activities including cayoneering in Kawasan Falls, snorkeling with whale sharks and endless beautiful sunsets!
Where we stayed?
Moalboal backpacker lodge! Moalboal (prononched mwoal bwoal) is a a south-western coastal town, about 4 hours by taxi/bus down from Cebu airport. Popular with backpackers and just 15 minutes from the famous Kawasan Falls. Here you can book a thrilling canyoneering tours, not for the fainthearted but a highlight of my trip.
You can also swim out from the beach at Moalboal; snorkel with turtles and catch the sardine run. Then head to the stunning White Beach to watch the sunset with pinkest skies I have ever seen!
Coron:
Lake Kayangan, Coron
Coron was no doubt one of the highlights of our trip! A small Island in Palawan, North of El Nido which hosts a variety of beautiful island hopping tours( usually listed A,B,C and D)! Tour A included 5 destination including lagoons, remote islands and the amazing Kayangan Lake - accompanied with a delicious all you can eat Filipino buffet. Tour C was a more laid back island hop, again with beautiful destinations. We also had no trouble finishing a bottle of rum with the local guides on the way home! All tours cost between 900-1500PHP for the entire day! ($22-37AUD)
Banana Island, Coron
Where we stayed?
We stayed at Coron Visitors Hotel 5 minutes off the main strip. Just like the Siargo Islands, Coron is small and accommodation books up fast so it's best to organise this early! For a cheaper option R2R hostel is very popular with backpackers.
There are a few bars on the main strip including a great little reggae bar with live music that will get you dancing be sure to try the island rum (only 80PHP each/$2 AUD). If you're brave enough try Hangover bar, open the latest on the island...but make sure you are well on your way before you get there. Trust me.
El Nido
View from Outpost Hostel, El Nido, Palawan
El Nido, the most popular place in Palawan! White sand beaches surrounded by coral reefs and clear water lagoons. Where you will get your winning Instagram photos.
Where we stayed?
OUTPOST Hostel, hands down one of the best places we stayed in the Philippines. A beachfront hostel with a great atmosphere. Every day at sundown the whole hostel and bar do a sunset shot. Every night boasts a different theme whether it’s a beer pong tournament or ladies night. Food is also to die for!
Boracay
"Ladies and Gentlemen, of Mad Monkeys, there’s free shots at the barrrr, lets go!"
The party Island of the Philippines! One of the best and most drunken weeks of my life. Boracay is split into three stations 1 - expensive and beautiful, 2 - touristy, party place, 3 - not much there.
Boracay is most characterised by the famous White beach. A large, stunning beach with endless restaurants and bars in station 2. Perfect for paddle boarders and you can also book a 'how to be a mermaid' lesson with accompanying photo shoot on the beach if you are brave enough...
Where we stayed?
Mad Monkeys is the place you want to be in Boracay! Daily events including twice weekly unlimited alcohol boat parties, beer bongs hanging from the roof and beer pong tournaments. Do not stay here if you want a quiet night’s sleep!
Frenz hostel has also been recommended frequently, if you fancy more of a chilled out atmosphere and don't want to destroy your liver.
St Patrick's Day (left) and Boat Party (right) at Mad Monkeys, Boracay