Travel to the Philippines like this will change your life.

Leonor Faria

10:12:06 December 21, 2024

Adventure,Culture,Nature,Travel Tips

Travel to the Philippines like this will change the way you see the world. My name is Leonor Faria, and this is the best highlights of El Nido, Coron, and Balabac islands.

I was born and grew up in Porto, Portugal. Portugal itself is not a very big country, and people are still quite conservative in certain ways, this always gave me the sense of wanting to see more. Wanting to experience life in other places.

I can’t really remember a specific moment when I thought, “This is it, I love traveling!” It’s more like it’s always been a part of me. My family was big on travel and took me on trips since I was little, so I guess that’s how it got into my blood. Plus, my dad had been all over the world and was always pushing me to get out there and experience it too. His stories and encouragement definitely played a big part in making me fall in love with exploring new places.

Philippines Life Style

My latest big adventure was my trip to the Philippines. It’s one of those places I’ve always dreamed of visiting, you know? The natural beauty there is just incredible. And I’m a bit of a beach girl at heart, so you can imagine how this was basically my dream destination. Crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and tropical vibes everywhere – it was like stepping into a postcard!

Every place I visited had this incredible island paradise vibe going on. On some islands, I literally just walked around barefoot everywhere – it felt that natural and relaxed. The whole experience really gave me this strong connection to nature, especially the sea. It was like being in sync with the rhythm of the waves and the island life. You know that feeling when you’re totally at peace and in the moment? That’s what it was like, just pure, laid-back bliss surrounded by all that natural beauty.

But I’d still say this trip was pretty adventurous. What I mean is, there was a ton of snorkeling, lots of time sailing on boats, eating right on the beach, exploring deserted islands, and swimming in the ocean. It wasn’t about fancy resorts or anything like that. In fact, on some islands, there weren’t any hotels or hostels at all. We ended up sleeping in traditional Philippine huts and didn’t even have running water. But you know what? That’s what made it so special. It was all about getting back to basics and really experiencing the raw beauty of the Philippines.

Culture

I’m a bit of an introvert, so striking up conversations with strangers on the street isn’t really my strong suit. You know how some people can just chat up anyone? Yeah, that’s not me. But even with my shy tendencies, I did manage to connect with quite a few Filipinos from all sorts of backgrounds.

The greatest surprise was definitely how friendly everyone was there. I mean, I wasn’t expecting Filipinos to be rude or anything, but I was blown away by how incredibly nice, approachable, and open they were. It was like being welcomed into a big, warm family everywhere I went. Their genuine kindness and hospitality really made the trip extra special.

It stood out to me just how incredibly giving and considerate they are. And man, they’re always smiling! It’s infectious, really. Every person I talked to seemed genuinely happy to share bits of their country, customs, and culture with me. They weren’t just answering questions; they were excited to help me understand their way of life.

It’s like they have this natural warmth that just makes you feel welcome, you know? Even for an introvert like me, it was easy to feel comfortable around them and I learned insights into Filipino life that I couldn’t have gotten from any guidebook.

Meeting People

I ended up connecting with a bunch of people, not just locals but also other tourists who were on the same excursions. It’s pretty cool how travel brings people together, even if it’s just through social media.

Meeting new people while traveling really did make the whole journey more fun. It’s kind of a growth process, if you think about it. You get to learn from their experiences, hear their backstories, and it just adds this whole new dimension to your trip. Everyone’s got their own unique perspective and travel tales to share. It’s like each person you meet is a little window into a different world or way of thinking.

I definitely made some connections along the way. You know how it goes these days – instead of exchanging phone numbers, we all swapped Instagram handles. It’s like the modern version of staying in touch, right?

Places

I’ve got two places that really stole my heart and I’d go back to in a heartbeat: Coron and Onuk Island in Balabac.

Let’s start with Coron. It’s just out of this world! Picture this: these massive rock formations that are almost pitch black, rising up from this insanely turquoise blue water. It’s like someone dropped mountains of charcoal into a tropical sea – I know that sounds crazy, but that’s the best way I can describe it. It’s one of those places you have to see to believe.

Without a doubt though the best was Balabac. It’s still a bit off the beaten path when it comes to tourism, but that’s part of what makes it so special. Each island there is like its own little slice of paradise, and the sea life? Absolutely incredible! I’ve honestly never seen so many beautiful creatures underwater before. It’s like diving into an aquarium. The fact that it’s not overrun with tourists yet means you get to experience this raw, unspoiled beauty. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with traveling in the first place.

Onuk Island in Balabac is special to me. It’s where I swam with sea turtles for the first time. And we’re not talking about just one or two – there were SO MANY! I mean, everywhere I looked, there was another turtle gracefully gliding through the water. It was hands down the coolest experience of my life. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps!

Shopping

There were two unique shopping experiences in the Philippines that really stood out, especially coming from a European country like Portugal.

First off, the supermarkets in the bigger cities, like Puerto Princesa, were mind-blowing. They had such an incredible variety of products, way more than what we’re used to back home in Portugal. Their candy section? Oh man, it was seriously tempting – I had to exercise some serious self-control there!

But then, in complete contrast, I saw all these smaller vendors scattered around the islands, especially these cool boat vendors. In touristy spots like Coron, you’d have people rowing up in boats loaded with a small selection of snacks and drinks. It was perfect for tourists looking to quench their thirst or grab a quick bite while island-hopping.

It was like seeing two completely different worlds of shopping side by side. From massive supermarkets with endless choices to these little boat vendors bringing refreshments right to you on the beach.

Getting around

The two boat excursions really stood out – one from El Nido to Coron with Big Dream Boatman and the other in Balabac with Lagum Adventure. It was like island hopping from one paradise to another. Imagine sailing through crystal-clear waters, stopping at pristine beaches, and exploring hidden coves. Each island was more beautiful than the last, and it felt like I was living in a travel magazine. These trips weren’t just about the destinations; they were adventures in themselves, filled with breathtaking views, new friends, and unforgettable moments on the water.

This might be a bit of a longer story, and I apologize beforehand. So, during the El Nido to Coron boat trip, we stopped at this absolutely stunning island. I’m talking picture-perfect, with the craziest blue water you’ve ever seen. But here’s the kicker – there was no port. Our boat couldn’t dock anywhere near the shore.

To make things even more interesting, the water current was insanely strong. So, how did we get to this slice of paradise, you ask? Well, we had to swim while holding onto a rope stretched from the boat to the shore. Talk about an adventure, right? It was like being in some kind of tropical obstacle course.

Let me tell you, fighting against that current while clinging to the rope was no joke. I realized right then and there that I seriously need to hit the gym more often! It was a real wake-up call for my fitness level, but man, was it worth it. The island was absolutely breathtaking once we made it.

Communication

I don’t remember having any language issues in the Philippines. Most people there spoke English, at least enough for us to understand each other. It was pretty smooth sailing communication-wise.

Now, on my way to the Philippines, I had a layover in China, and that’s where things got a bit tricky. I ran into some communication hiccups at the airport when trying to talk to the staff. But you know what? In this day and age, if you’ve got a phone and an internet connection, you’ve basically got a personal pocket translator. It’s a real game-changer for travelers. Made me realize how much easier technology has made it to navigate language barriers while traveling.

Culinary

As a vegetarian, I am always a bit limited with what I eat, but I did try two new things that I had never tried before. Ube and Okra, which they called lady fingers. Ube was used a lot in sweets, like ice cream or cream filling in cakes and Okra is a vegetable which actually looks like a finger, and has the strangest texture. But I really liked it! My favorite, however, was dry mango, which apparently is very common in the Philippines. If, however, you are not vegetarian, they have amazing fish dishes!

Most of the time, my meals were provided by the boat excursions, but I do have a few great suggestions, not only restaurants but also cafes.

El Nido:

Ver De El Nido

Taste El Nido

Happiness Beach Bar

Grounded Cafe

Coron:

Mathew’s Island Crepe

Puerto Princesa:

Koffee Kat Coffee Shop

EightyNine Cafe

Practical Tips

I’m a planner at heart! Before I head off on any adventure, I’ve got everything mapped out – the when, where, and what. I’m all about doing my homework when it comes to trip planning. I’ll spend hours diving into research, soaking up all the tips and tricks I can find. And you bet I’m taking notes on all the awesome advice from my favorite travel influencers. It’s like building a

personalized guidebook for each trip, you know? That way, when I finally hit the road, I’m ready for anything and can make the most of every moment. Plus, all that planning just builds up the excitement for the trip itself!

Timing

Supposedly, the best time to visit Palawan is from October to May. I went in April and the weather was amazing. Just try to avoid typhoon season.

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodations, it really depends on what you’re looking for. I experienced both ends of the spectrum (in a way) – I stayed at an amazing hotel, the Sea Cocoon, but also roughed it in huts and tents on other islands. My advice? Plan ahead. Some places, especially in more remote areas, might not have all the amenities you’re used to. It’s all part of the adventure, but it’s good to know what you’re getting into. That way, you can choose what fits your style, whether that’s luxury or a more back-to-basics experience.

Avoiding Crowds

My strategy to avoid crowds is pretty simple:
First, I’ve learned to accept that some popular spots will always have people. It’s just part of the deal.

Second, I’m all about the early bird life. I’ll drag myself out of bed at 4 or 5 AM if it means I can create content in peace. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Lastly, I try to travel during shoulder season instead of peak times. You get the best of both worlds – decent weather and fewer tourists.

Staying Connected

Honestly, I spent a lot of time with no cell service. Some of the islands were so remote that using your phone just wasn’t an option. It was actually kind of refreshing, you know? But for the times when I did have service, I used an e-SIM service. It was super convenient and gave me internet access when I needed it. Just remember, if you’re island-hopping to some of the more off-the beaten-path spots, be prepared for some digital detox time!

Health

Be mindful of mosquitoes—make sure to pack mosquito repellent and use it often. Also, watch out for sunburns! It’s so tempting to stay out in the sun all day, but trust me, you’ll regret it if you don’t protect your skin. And don’t forget to be cautious with the sea. The waters in the Philippines are pure paradise, but some of its inhabitants aren’t so friendly. It’s pretty common to accidentally step on sea urchins or get stung by jellyfish, so always stay aware of your surroundings. A little preparation goes a long way!

Budget & Payments

Planning ahead and traveling during shoulder season really helps keep costs down. I usually prioritize experiences over fancy hotels or high-end meals, which saves me quite a bit. In the case of the Philippines, I found it pretty affordable, especially compared to prices back home in Portugal. You can get a lot of bang for your buck there if you’re smart about it.

I use a multi-currency card when I travel, and it’s super convenient. However, in the Philippines, I quickly learned that card payments aren’t always accepted, especially outside major cities or tourist hubs. Many smaller establishments and vendors prefer cash, so it’s essential to always have some Philippine Pesos on hand. My advice? Use your card for bigger purchases where it’s accepted, but make sure to withdraw or exchange cash for smaller transactions and rural areas. It’s all about being prepared!

Packing Essentials

Water shoes! Trust me, they’re a game-changer. With all the amazing water activities, you’ll be in and out of the sea constantly. Water shoes make it so much easier and protect your feet from sharp rocks or sea urchins. (My suggestion, shoes from TropicFeel)

Mosquito repellent and sunscreen are absolute must-haves. The sun can be intense, and those mosquitoes can be relentless

A good hat to shield you from the sun. Your face (and scalp) will thank you later
A dry bag is super handy to keep your stuff safe and dry during all those water adventures

And most importantly, bring your adventurous spirit! The Philippines is all about having fun and trying new things.

Pack these, and you’ll be all set for an amazing time in paradise!

Safety

Planning, planning, planning is always the best tip. However, things can happen, so it’s important to get travel insurance before your trip. I had to use it before and was very grateful I had it. It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but when you do, it’s a real lifesaver. It gives you peace of mind and lets you focus on enjoying your adventure without worrying about what might go wrong.

Reflections

Moving countries solo a few times has toughened me up, and with today’s tech, I can easily stay in touch with family and friends from anywhere. I make a point of keeping an open mind when I travel. I think that combination of being prepared and staying open to new experiences helps me avoid any major culture shocks. It’s more about embracing what’s different rather than being surprised by it.

My appreciation for nature really deepened after this trip. It’s not that I didn’t value it before, but experiencing the Philippines gave me a whole new perspective. The raw beauty of those islands and the underwater world just hit different. And speaking of underwater, I definitely left feeling way more comfortable swimming and snorkeling. It’s like I unlocked a new skill or something! By the end of the trip, I was practically part fish, diving in without a second thought. It’s amazing how a place can change you like that.

I feel like I’m constantly evolving, especially through my travels. Every new experience, every place I visit, it all adds up and shapes me in some way. If I had to pinpoint something specific, I’d say traveling has made me less willing to settle for the ordinary. It’s like, once you’ve seen what’s out there, you start craving more – more experiences, more challenges, more growth. I’m not easily satisfied anymore, and that’s not a bad thing. It keeps me pushing forward, always looking for the next adventure or opportunity to learn. Travel has definitely raised my bar for what I expect out of life.

Travel also definitely opened my eyes to how little I actually need to be happy. It’s like, suddenly all those material things don’t seem as important anymore. What really matters are the experiences. And it’s funny, but it also made me crave being outdoors more. There’s something about exploring new places that makes you appreciate just being out in the world, soaking it all in. It’s a pretty cool shift in perspective.

Travel is like this sneaky teacher. You’re out there having fun, and before you know it, you’ve learned a ton without even trying. Suddenly you’re surrounded by all these different vibes – new places, people with totally different life goals, weird foods, and animals you’ve only seen on TV. And all this newness? It starts to mess with your worldview in the best way possible. It’s pretty wild how being exposed to so much ‘different’ can shake up your whole perspective on life. You come back home, and bam! You’ve changed, and you didn’t even see it coming. That’s the magic of travel – a crash course in life you didn’t know you signed up for!