Pearl of the Orient: Why the Philippines Should Be Your Next Destination
Being a country that is composed of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines was blessed to have its fair share of amazing tourist sites with great landscapes and majestic views. We have beaches, mountains, highlands, cliffs, name it. All you have to do is explore. Here are 7 reasons why the Philippines should be your next travel destination:
Land of Smiles
Photo Credits: hoppler.com.ph
The Filipinos are known for being one of the most hospitable people. They are sociable and welcoming, not allowing their guests to feel uncomfortable in their territory. Coupled with smiles and warmth, the Filipinos are a people that makes sure that their visitors are given only the best. May it be in entertainment, food, service, or just a comfy place to stay in, you can be assured that a Filipino host will always bring out something special for you. Even in the midst of trials, they welcome each day with thanksgiving and find reasons to smile. This positivity is shared and enjoyed with everyone, locals and foreigners alike. That is why it is impossible to leave the country without befriending anyone.
Language is not a problem
Most of the Filipinos understand English so going from place to place will not be so hard. The road signs and announcements in the airports and other public areas are mostly translated in English as well. This makes it easier for any traveler to explore the area without getting lost. And if you do get lost, just simply ask directions from a nearby local and you can be sure to find your way back.
Food for the gods
In my opinion, nothing beats Filipino food. The Philippines is home to Adobo, Sinigang, Sisig, and other exquisite dishes. These dishes are prepared with the most careful attention to flavor and aesthetic so you’ll be sure to come home satisfied every time. Plus, if you’re not the type to explore so much when it comes to food, there are a lot of foreign restaurants in the country you can choose from.
Weather weather lang
Being a tropical country has its perks. You only need to prepare clothes for two sets of climate: rainy and sunny. Also since the sun is almost always up, you can be sure that you’ll get the tan you’re aiming for or that Instagram-worthy picture of the view you’ve always wanted. Get ready to experience the sun of your life when you go to the Philippines!
Beach, please!
Beach life in the country is absolutely phenomenal. There are lots of types of beaches you can choose from: white-sanded beaches, black-sanded beaches, and even yellow-sanded beaches! And since the Philippines is composed of thousands of islands, you are given a wide range of choices. Also, there are also different activities you can do in each beach. You can either go island hopping (see: http://palawan-coron-backpacker.com/island-hopping-coron-palawan-philippines.html), flyboarding (see: http://www.boardinggate101.com/2013/06/flyboarding-in-subic.html), surfing (see: http://surfingphilippines.com/surf-spots/la-union-surfing/), snorkeling (see: http://www.coralbay.ph/scuba-diving-coron-activities/snorkeling/), and you can even be a mermaid for a day (see: http://www.philippinemermaidswimmingacademy.com/)! Being an archipelagic nation, you can be assured that the beach bum in you will be satisfied in the Philippines.
Under the Sea
A separate mention is needed for the country’s underwater life. Being in the Coral Triangle, the Philippines is home to “more than 900 fish species and more than 400 coral species, including many that are endemic to the area” (see: http://www.brighthub.com/environment/science-environmental/articles/37027.aspx). This means that exploring the waters of the Philippines will allow you to experience so much marine biodiversity in a lifetime. Traveling in the country and snorkeling in its waters will indeed give any traveler the time of their lives. There are so many things to see underwater that you will be fascinated by just how beautiful life in the ocean is.
“Tropical reefs are the richest marine ecosystems on earth and those found in the Philippines boast a diversity of life and colour that is unparalleled.” – Unico Conservation Foundation (http://www.unicoconservationfoundation.org.au/unico-conservation-foundation-projects/philippines-coral-reefs-the-amazon-of-the-sea)
Top of the world
The Philippines is also home to a variety of hills and mountains. Since it has recently become a thing in the country, any traveler can just grab a backpack and explore the different heights and views the Philippines has to offer. I’m sure you’ll even get to meet a friend or two along the way.
If you are already from here, then great. Go out there and explore your country!
If not, what’s holding you back? 🙂
