Philippines where to relax - Where is the best place to relax in the Philippines, where to relax in the Philippines. Where is the best place to relax in the Philippines? Paradise Island Bantayan

A holiday on the Philippine Islands will cost you a pretty penny, but only if you buy a ticket from a travel agency. The price will be very high, and most importantly - reasoned: a long flight, a mandatory transfer - all this costs a lot. But if you organize your vacation yourself, the difference in prices will not only surprise you, it will shock you.

The Philippines is an Asian country, which means everything is relatively inexpensive there: accommodation, food, excursions. The lion's share of costs is consumed by the flight, but thanks to the Chinese airlines that have come to our market in recent years, the cost of the flight is reduced significantly.

The Philippine Islands are a paradise for divers, fishing and beach lovers. Eco-tourism is very developed here: natural landscapes, national reserves, volcanoes attract hundreds of tourists here.

Is the answer helpful?

Is the answer helpful?

Is the answer helpful?

Philippines weather map:

Was this review helpful?

Was this review helpful?

Was this review helpful?

Prices for holidays in Boracay. January 2018.

tour cost

The Philippines has a visa-free regime for Russian citizens for 30 days. Therefore, there were no visa costs. Plane tickets cost 45 thousand rubles per person. Flights: Vladivostok - Seoul - Manila - Kalibo - Manila - Seoul - Vladivostok. My husband and I were on holiday together. We booked a hotel in Boracay through Booking, the cost of a double room per night was 3,900 rubles. 4 star hotel, five minutes from White Beach. In Manila, we rented an apartment through air b&b for 2,000 rubles a day near the airport. The entire vacation was 11 days (two days in Manila and 9 days in Boracay). We traveled between locations by taxi, the cost varies greatly, depending on the distance and the arrogance of the taxi driver. I advise you to always force them to turn on the meter (kilometre) as soon as you get into a taxi, otherwise they can invent any amount.

Parasaling over the sea - $66 for two.

Diving (3 hours) - $55 per person.

Helicopter ride over the island - $280 for two (only the two of us are among the tourists in the helicopter).

Excursions were taken from local agencies. The tour operator is 20-30 percent higher. I liked everything, the Filipinos even spoke broken Russian. We went to Puka Beach on our own, a stunningly beautiful place, and paid about 600 rubles for a bike taxi from the center of the island.

Food and products

Fruit shake - 100 rubles.

Cappuccino - 140.

We often prepared food ourselves, bought groceries at the D mall supermarket, a ready-made lunch there cost about 150 rubles, a liter of juice - 90 rubles, an ice cream cone - 40 rubles.

Prices in the cafe vary, depending on the level of the establishment. Pasta "Bolognese" in a fast food cafe costs 70 rubles, in an Italian cafe - 390. There is a golden mean - a cafe of Asian cuisine, where you can have a hearty lunch for 350-400 rubles per person (noodles with chicken, salad with shrimp, drink). There are buffets - about 1000 rubles per person with a large selection of seafood.

Souvenirs and other goods

Clothes are sold for pennies, but everything is beach style: flip-flops, swimsuits, hats, bags. You can't find expensive branded clothing.

Flip flops -100 rubles.

Beach bag - 150.

Hat -150.

Wicker bags are of excellent quality, Filipino women weave them right in the shops in front of you, you get handmade goods for pennies.

Total money spent on vacation

Helpful information?

Impressions from a holiday in January

I'm tired of celebrating the New Year according to the scenario of the nineties. How many years pass, but I celebrate the holiday the same way. Therefore, sparing no money and effort, I began to look for a place to go to relax when it was winter outside. I’ve been to Thailand several times, but I didn’t really like the local exoticism. I decided to fly to the ends of the world in January. Only I chose the far from tourist island of Cebu. There are few tourists there, especially in January. Not because the weather is bad, but because they don’t celebrate the New Year that way there. Don't worry, their traditions do not affect the Pacific weather and climate. In January in Cebu the air temperature is +23-25 ​​degrees. Only the ocean can rage. But this is not surprising, because the ocean was mistakenly called the Pacific. I love to ride the waves so that my swimsuit comes off, so I only have the best impressions.

Youth recreation

The Philippine Islands are a destination for entertainment. Therefore, Cebu is suitable for people who continuously want to explore this world (swimming with sardines, visiting a beach nightclub, going to a local temple).

What to take with you on vacation?

The island has all the conditions to live and buy food. Therefore, take only comfortable clothes and shoes with you. If you are flying with a child, do not forget to take a mini first aid kit. Only pharmaceutical products must be in their original packaging. I recommend taking anti-diarrhea medicine, hand sanitizer, and adhesive bandages (in case you have to walk a lot). Also take olive oil. For an even tan. Burn remedy won't hurt either.

Where is the best place to stay?

I don't want to scare you, but Cebu Island has the most unusual places to stay overnight. For example, a cemetery. This is not a joke. In Cebu they rent such accommodation for the night. There are hotels on the island and private residents rent out accommodation. Renting a room is not a problem. There are good apartments for only $20 per night. I stayed at The Golden Peak Hotel Suites. For 30 dollars I got a luxurious room with a double bed. Spacious room and air conditioning, I didn’t even pay attention to the two stars. Because the hotel is new. Don't worry, there are plenty of places available in January. You can find accommodation for the night upon arrival so as not to risk your financial investments.

Our compatriots have already “densely” mastered the nearby hot countries, and now they want something more! And they are doing the right thing, because on our land there are still a huge number of countries that are in no way inferior to the seaside resorts that are familiar to us, and perhaps even surpass them in many respects.

If you have long been tormented by the question of where is the best place to relax, do not hesitate: in the Philippines you will find what you have been missing for so long!

What is this state? It is located in Southeast Asia, and has one unique feature: its territory is located on more than seven thousand islands! These pieces of land are washed by several seas and the Pacific Ocean, and the beneficial tropical and subequatorial climate makes the local flora and fauna incredibly rich and diverse.

Istanbul is called a city of contrasts, but in the Philippine Islands the whole country is filled with them! Each, even a small island, has its own unique microclimate and features for recreation, and large cities combine historical and architectural monuments dating back to different eras and cultures. There may be luxury hotels and slum areas where the poor live very close to each other.

What weather seasons are there on the islands?

Since the state is located near the equator, there is no winter here as we understand it. The high season is the period from October to April; in the summer there are frequent typhoons and rains, but they do not last long, so this does not prevent tourists from having a wonderful holiday.

The most even climate without sudden hurricanes and light rains is on the islands of Mindanao, Cebu, Bohol, and Samal. In general, the air temperature does not drop below +25 degrees even in the coldest time of the year, so you can safely forget your warm clothes at home.

Where is the best place to relax in the Philippines?

Of course, a lot depends on your preferences and the cash in your wallet. The most interesting from an educational point of view are, of course, Boracay and Palawan; they are the ones that all experts recommend visiting first.

The capital of Palawan, Puerto Princesa, is a very interesting place in itself. But there are also many incredible places for excursions in the surrounding area: a crocodile farm, a garden with many butterflies, picturesque waterfalls and an underground river along which you can sail by boat. The main attraction of Palawan is the El Nido archipelago, which includes 45 small islands. There are magnificent sandy beaches, picturesque waterfalls, thermal springs, and lots and lots of wonderful, lushly colored and fragrant tropical nature! Undoubtedly, this is one of the best places to relax in the Philippines.

Another important tourist center is , one of the smallest and most beautiful islands in the Philippines. Its heart is the 4-kilometer-long White Beach, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, the second most important is Pukka-Shell Beach. This is the capital of water activities - surfing, diving and snorkeling. There are few shopping opportunities here, but there are plenty of tropical fruits to choose from.

The most popular among diving enthusiasts is Negros Island. It gets its name from the black volcanic mountains visible from everywhere on the island. There are several diving centers here, and the local underwater beauty invariably attracts tourists from all over the world. Here you can see dolphins and even whales - which is why people especially like to come here on vacation with children.

If you spent all your money on tickets, go to Samal Island. The prices here are the lowest on everything - and the beaches are just as stunning as on the other islands. And if you take the ferry to Davao City (just a 15-minute journey), you will find yourself in the world capital of durian - a unique tropical fruit known for its heavenly taste, reminiscent of creamy nut ice cream, and the terrible smell of rotten meat, cesspool and garlic.

If you want to combine seemingly incompatible things, then it is best to relax in the Philippines on the island of Cebu. The climate here is excellent - rains and typhoons rarely occur. The beaches, as everywhere else on the islands, are simply gorgeous. The coastline is lined with comfortable hotels, and very close by there are many restaurants, nightclubs, discos and shops for inexpensive shopping. Plus, the island is home to the ancient capital of the Philippines, the city of Cebu, where a lot of interesting things await tourists who are partial to historical and architectural monuments.

We must not forget about the capital - Manila. This is an incredibly interesting city, all the attractions of which are difficult to describe. We can only say that spending a few days in this Asian metropolis will be educational and interesting in terms of shopping.

We tell you where in the Philippines it is best to live and relax for those who dream of paradise landscapes and the clearest sea, but at the same time prefer peace and solitude. All about Bantayan Island: detailed guide and tips.

Exchange rate: 1 Philippine Peso (PHP) ≈ 1.3 RUB.

Why you should go to Bantayan

Tired of the noisy and dirty Manila and Cebu City, we decided to settle on some paradise island for which the Philippines is famous for two weeks. The question arose, where is the best place to live and relax in the Philippines. We spent a long time collecting information about various islands and choosing the best one to live according to the following criteria:

• excellent beaches;
• peace and quiet;
• lack of crowds of tourists;
• inexpensive accommodation;
• inexpensive food;
• safety.

Comparison with other islands. Boracay, Panglao, Palawan, Malapascua and Bantayan were contenders for the title of the best island in the Philippines. We immediately abandoned the south of the Philippines because of terrorists - just recently tourists were kidnapped from the Samala resort, and we didn’t want to take any risks. Boracay was not suitable for us due to high prices and crowds of tourists, Palawan - remoteness, high cost and lack of constant power supply (El Nido), the once paradise Malapascua, judging by the reviews, has not yet fully recovered from the devastating typhoon, and reviews of Panglao were not the best, as we ourselves were convinced of when we visited the island at the very end of our trip to the Philippines. Bantayan remained: good reviews, beautiful photos, proximity to Cebu. And we went there.

Atmosphere on the island. Having lived on the island at the Santa Fe resort for two weeks, we can say that this is the place where we want to return. An atmosphere of thoughtful idleness reigns in Santa Fe: during the day there is practically no one on the streets, only expat Europeans sip beer in bars, and in the evening tourists creep out to restaurants. There is always a siesta here, and the landscapes are almost like something out of a Bounty advertisement. Bantayan can rightfully be called one of the best islands in the Philippines for relaxation and living.

Feel free to choose Bantayan Island for your holiday - it has not yet been spoiled by tourists. Read this review - our tips will help you easily organize your vacation.

How to get to Bantayan from Cebu City

Bantayan Island is located northwest of Cebu Island. There are no ferries from Cebu City to Bantayan; you need to sail from Hagnaya Port. You can get to the port by bus, which departs from the North Terminal - you can get there by taxi, tricycle or jeepney (route 01K and several others run from the city center). Buses from the Northern Bus Station run frequently, approximately every half hour, from 4 am to 5 pm. Travel time is approximately 4 hours. The ticket costs 170 pesos.

We were on a flight that leaves at 10:30 (actually it leaves at 11). The buses are comfortable, with air conditioning, TV and Wi-Fi. There is one half-hour stop along the way - you can eat and go to the toilet (entrance 2 pesos). In total, we drove for 4 hours, but the way back took a little longer due to traffic jams - about 5 hours.

The bus arrives directly at the port of Hagnaya, upon arrival we purchased tickets for the nearest ferry (180 pesos ticket and 10 pesos port tax). Ferries run from approximately 6am to 6pm hourly. The journey takes about 1 hour. You can look at the schedules, but it’s hard to say how relevant they are - this is the Philippines, after all.

The port of Santa Fe is full of tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars) that will take you anywhere. Bargain, the ticket costs 15-25 pesos per person depending on the distance.

Where to live in Bantayan: hotels, resorts, guesthouses

The most pleasant place to stay in Bantayan is the resort town of Santa Fe (although it would be a stretch to call it a city). What's good about it? As we wrote above, there is a pleasant atmosphere, deserted beaches, clear sea and beautiful scenery. The best beaches are in Santa Fe - the rest are unsuitable for swimming.

The second major city is Bantayan. There is a large market, many cafes, an old church, and an ATM. Tourists come here only for food and attractions.

The third city is Madridezhos. There is a dilapidated Spanish fort (Kota Park). There are practically no tourists.

We lived in Santa Fe, so we present the names and prices of the resort hotels that we visited on our own, and also give advice.

The most expensive hotels are located on the first line: mostly rooms with a fan cost from 800 pesos, with air conditioning - from 1000 pesos. Guesthouses and small hotels are cheaper: from 500 pesos for a room with a fan and from 800 with air conditioning.

Casa Isabel Hostel

600 pesos for two for a cell with a disgusting smell of paint, poisonous green walls, a noisy fan and a shared bathroom. This is where we spent our first night in Santa Fe. It's quite far from the beach. Pros: a friendly hostess who will personally prepare a delicious breakfast.

Nordic Inn

900 pesos for two for a room with its own bathroom. The room was good, but modest, there was no table or chair. Quite expensive, they refused to give a discount for long-term stays, although we read a review that someone lived in this guesthouse for 15 thousand pesos a month. Very close to the beach.

Mayet's Beach Resort

Located on the first line, right on the beach, but far from the city center - next to Ogtong Cave Resort. There are no places to eat nearby. Room with fan - 600 pesos, with air conditioning - 1200 pesos. The furnishings were sparse, there was practically no furniture in the rooms for 600 pesos. The reviews said that there were a lot of ants.

Yooneek Beach Resort and Yooneek Inn

There are bungalows on the beach (Resort) and there is one across the road (Inn). Prices in both places are high: for a room with a fan 1100 and 990 pesos, respectively, for a room with air conditioning - 1700 and 1300 pesos. The large number of vacationing Europeans and high prices pushed them away. At the reception it was written that there was a discount for longsteers.

Budyong Beach Resort

Not a bad resort. Third line bungalow with fan and bathroom - 800 pesos. There is a table and chairs outside, and a TV and wardrobe in the room. They discount up to 700 pesos for long stays. Wi-Fi signal on line 3 is weak.

Kota Beach (next to Budyong Beach Resort)

Beautiful resort on the first line. The cheapest room costs 900 pesos (with a fan) - cool, cozy, furnished and with its own bathroom. There is a table and chairs outside on the terrace. Room with air conditioning - from 1400 pesos. A significant disadvantage is that Wi-Fi is only in the public area.

There is also Kota Beach Resort near the port, we were not there - we are talking about the one next to Budyong Beach Resort.

Sophia Resort

Rooms with a fan - 800 pesos, with air conditioning - 1000 pesos, good bungalows cost 1500. The rooms for 800 pesos are modest, there is a bathroom, but no closet. There are sockets on the street, a table and chairs, but the smell in the room is unpleasant. A bit far from the resort center.

Seven Star

Bungalow with fan for 700, with air conditioning - 800. The beach is a 3-minute walk. Discount for long stay - 100 pesos. The bungalows are not bad, but from the outside the yard looks bad - there is construction debris lying around.

Amihan Beach Cabanas

Very nice and cozy resort with bungalows, hammocks and gazebos on the beach. Expensive: a bungalow with a fan is 2500 pesos, with an air conditioner - 3000. But it has all the amenities, even a refrigerator and hot water, which is very rare for the Philippines.

RR Lodging House

After looking at a bunch of hotels, we stopped at this guesthouse. The room is very bright and cozy, quite spacious, there is a shower and toilet, a table, a wardrobe, a TV, and also an air conditioner - for it we paid 650 pesos per day (without a discount it costs 800). Room with fan and no bathroom - 450 pesos. There is a terrace with table and chairs. The owner - his name is Raul - brings a thermos with hot water every morning. Washing - 50 per kilogram.

Of the minuses: a lot of insects (ants and large cockroaches!); only cold shower; There was no cleaning even once in 2 weeks (the linen was changed once); During the day the owner's child was constantly crying. Pros: good room, 1 minute to the beach. How to find: A. Batobalonos street, after HR Music Bar and opposite Casa Blanca.

Adviсe:

• If you arrive late in the evening, it is better to book an inexpensive hotel for one night, and in the morning walk around the city in search of suitable accommodation - Santa Fe is very small, it is easy to get around on foot.
• We recommend not to book accommodation for a long period of time right away, but to visit hotels and choose the best option, since often the picture on the website does not correspond to reality: there may be a dark and musty room, a poor Wi-Fi signal or thin walls, etc. in addition , if you are going to stay for more than two weeks, you can ask for a discount for a long stay.
• There is a large selection of houses on the island - you just need to walk around and look for the appropriate signs and advertisements (House for rent) or contact the locals.

How else can you look for housing in Santa Fe? Search for hostels, apartments and hotels on the Roomguru search engine; it will select the most profitable options among many booking systems.

Prices for food and groceries in Bantayan (Santa Fe)

Filipino food doesn't have much variety: it's mostly rice with additives, grilled meats and soup. All this is inexpensive if you find an establishment for locals. There are few of these in Santa Fe - most cafes and restaurants are highly overpriced.

In the city center there is a small place where you can eat tasty and inexpensive food - we went there very often. This is an inconspicuous eatery, but the food is delicious. Address: on the right side of A. Batobalonos street, if you walk along it from the beach. There are two churches next door (they are opposite each other), next to it is the Burger Junction fast food restaurant, and a little further away is the Casa Isabel hostel.

Prices at the establishment for locals:

• a plate of unleavened rice - 10 pesos;
• a plate of rice fried with garlic (garlic rice - very tasty!) - 25 pesos;
• grilled pork (3 skewers) - 20 pesos;
• grilled chicken leg - 45-50 pesos;
• Grilled chicken breast - 45 pesos;
• a plate of vegetables - 20 pesos;
• seafood - 40-50 per plate (serve);
• instant coffee - 15 pesos;
• tea - 15 pesos;
• glass of water - 2 pesos.

You can also eat inexpensively at the food court, which is located on the same street approximately opposite Cafe del Mare - you can eat there relatively inexpensively, but the prices are almost one and a half to two times higher than in the previous establishment.

Cost of meals at the food court:

• soup (small portion - 35 pesos, large - 70);
• pork barbecue (1 kebab) - 12 pesos;
• chicken wing - 40 pesos;
• chicken liver - 20 pesos;
• chicken with rice - 85 pesos;
• grilled squid - 85 pesos;
• grilled shrimp - 35 pesos;
• grilled bangus fillet - 85 pesos;
• drinks - 15 pesos;
• beer - 40 pesos.

On A. Batobalonos street there are many popular establishments of various cuisines: German, Italian, Portuguese, etc., and there is also a small market, which in the mornings acquires additional tents in front of the entrance. Opposite the market, not far from the exchanger, there is also a fruit shop where you can buy fruit a little cheaper.

Fruit prices:

• mango - 90-100 pesos per kg;
• pomelo - 80 pesos per piece in the market and 40 per kg in a tent (however, they are dry there, it is better to buy them at the market);
• papaya - approximately 50 per kg;
• bananas - about 40 pesos;
• soursop - 60 per kg;
• langsat - 90-100 per kg;
• coconut - 20-30 per piece;
• tangerines - 5 pesos per piece.

The prices for alcohol in stores are inflated, for example, San Miguel beer is 37-50 pesos depending on the type, a little more expensive in bars.

In Bantayan City, the cost of fruit at the market is almost the same as in Santa Fe; at the food courts, food costs a little less.

Also on our website you can read about housing, food and transportation in the Philippines in general.

Bike and Bicycle Rental in Bantayan

Renting a motorbike or bicycle on the island is not a problem at all. In Santa Fe, every second bike owner will take you to a rental point, and on the street you will only hear “motorbike, ma’am” and “rent a motorbike, sir.” Cost per day: from 200 pesos for a scooter, from 250 for a semi-automatic and 300 for a full-fledged motorcycle. The bikes are not bad, one might say, in excellent condition, but the roads are not, so you can’t really ride around the island. The asphalt is uneven, full of potholes and patches, and in some places it simply isn’t there - either concrete slabs or a dirt road.

Bicycle rentals are not that common, but can be found in the supermarket area near the Corner Inn.

What to see in Bantayan

Bantayan is not rich in attractions. The road is also not enjoyable due to the roughness. You can easily travel around the entire island in one day. What to see on the island? Here are some of the attractions we liked, the cost of entry and tips on how to get there.

Paradise Beach

Anyone who has always dreamed of visiting a paradise beach should definitely visit this place. Finding a beach is quite difficult, but possible. We found it only the third time.

Instructions: you need to drive through Ogtong Cave Resort, then along the coast to the small village of Moalboal. Having passed it, look on the left for an inconspicuous path that seems to lead into a thicket of bushes and trees. There are no signs. Turn there - the road over stones and frozen corals is unpleasant and exhausting. At the fork you need to turn right - you will run into a fence. Behind it is Paradise Beach with a well-groomed area and a couple of gazebos. The place is non-tourist; during our visit there were not a single tourist for 2 hours. Very beautiful, quiet and secluded. Entrance - 50 pesos. If you get lost, ask in the village - a local resident guided us.

St Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan

The ancient church makes a pleasant impression. Beautiful stained glass windows and interior decoration in general - without pretentiousness or vulgarity.

Kota Park in Madridejos

An ancient Spanish fort, pedestrian bridge and lighthouse in the very north of the island. Couples in love come to the bridge to watch the sunset, and local children run along the exposed corals at low tide. To get to the fort, you need to arrive early.

Ogtong Cave

Located on the territory of the resort of the same name. For 120 pesos you can look at an underground cave with crystal clear blue water. someone writes that you can swim in it, and someone denies this. We decided not to visit it, since there is a similar one in Bohol.

Omagieca Mangrove Garden (Obo-Ob)

For those interested in mangroves. You can see turtles, fish, starfish, shrimp, and birds. We only saw fish and birds. Calm and quiet. Entrance 50 pesos.

What else you can visit in Bantayan: Tiyaba Cave, Sunrise Beach, Dalton Pass Shrine. You can go to the neighboring Virgin Island - about 700 pesos per person round trip.

Cons of Bantayan

And the paradise island of Bantayan has its drawbacks, alas:

• bad roads;
• poorly developed infrastructure;
• there are power outages;
• the selection of fruits and inexpensive food is small;
• the food is monotonous;
• hotel prices are higher than we expected;
• few attractions;
• to renew, you will have to go to another island - for example, Cebu;
• pestering pearl merchants and children begging for money;
• the sea is shallow, it is not always convenient to swim - at low tide it can go 15-20 meters away;
• the corals are close, so there is a risk of stepping on a sea urchin, a star, a snake or something worse - you need to carefully watch where you are stepping and not enter the sea if it is cloudy and there are waves. We met all of the above, and Lesha was also stung by a jellyfish - so just in case, purchase insurance before your trip. But there is excellent diving and snorkeling here!

However, all these shortcomings are either characteristic of the country as a whole, or you can turn a blind eye to them. As a result, Bantayan is one of the best places in the Philippines, where anyone who craves a relaxing holiday on the shores of the beautiful sea should go.

To get to know the country better, read our extensive material about - it contains all the useful information that may be useful to a tourist on a trip, as well as our tips and recommendations based on personal experience.

Introductory image source: © truetraveller.ru.

Where is the best place to relax in the Philippines, where to relax in the Philippines The Philippines is an extremely popular tourist destination, which has recently been increasingly chosen by Russians. This amazing place satisfies the needs of the most demanding travelers. The main questions that usually concern tourists? when to go and where is the best place to relax in the Philippines? It seems to be one state, but in fact it is a scattering of unique islands. The only common feature of all tourist places can be considered the undoubted beauty of nature and the hot tropical climate. The period from October to March-April is high season in the Philippines. And in the summer months, typhoons sweep over the islands. But this does not scare away tourists - in the tropics the rains are heavy but short-lived. In addition, in the summer you just need to choose more carefully where to relax in the Philippines. On some islands, for example, Bohol or Cebu, precipitation falls evenly throughout the year, so the risk of being caught in a typhoon zone is extremely low. You can travel between different islands without any problems; air traffic in the Philippines is well developed. The Philippine islands attract lovers of a relaxing beach holiday and extreme sports, diving fanatics and fans of club life. Depending on the purpose of the trip, the answer to the question of where is the best place to vacation in the Philippines will follow. For lovers of scuba diving, the island of Negros is most suitable - there is no fuss or social entertainment, life flows smoothly and calmly year after year. But very close by is a unique marine reserve, where experienced divers constantly dive. In general, Negros is famous for its diving centers - there are several of them, and each is rightfully among the best in the world. Negros is known for its black mountains (they gave the island its name), volcanic beaches, and stunningly beautiful coral reefs. Here you can see the most colorful exotic fish, watch dolphins and even meet whales.

When is the best time to go to the Philippines?

This is one of the reasons why so many couples travel to the Philippines with children.
A full lunch or dinner with freshly squeezed juices (without alcohol) will cost about $5-10
The average cost of an hour-long full body massage is about $11
After sunset, nightlife begins: bars, discos, karaoke, various shows
For 2000 pesos (about $44) you can rent a boat for a boat trip around the island
The trip usually includes snorkeling and visiting the island's beaches
From Ilig-Iligan Beach you can walk to the caves where the Philippines live, where foxes rest
We were unable to get into the cave: the road to it is on private property and was closed that day
But we still looked at the flying foxes: right from the boat we could see a large colony settled on several trees
If you are traveling with a small child, be sure to visit the small zoo near the first station on White Beach
There are very few inhabitants of the zoo, but most of the animals, birds and insects can be picked up and photographed with them
Ticket costs 150 pesos (about $3.5)
The islands of Bohol and Panglau Next from Caticlan our path lies to the island of Bohol
We get to it via the island of Cebu, the flight to which takes about 50 minutes
Large speed boats run from Cebu to Bohol every two hours
Local residents speak almost no English
Having taken a taxi at the airport, we discovered that the driver also did not know the rules of the road, did not understand pantomime and was poorly versed in the drawings where we depicted the sea, a boat and the name of the island of Bohol
During the trip, we looked at the commercial port, listened to how our taxi driver talked about something for about five minutes with the local residents and, desperate to get to our destination, asked the driver to stop with a policeman who knew English at a basic level, and most importantly knew where he was the pier where our ship departs from
Despite the long car race, the taxi cost us only 200 pesos (about $4.5)
To buy a ticket for the ship, I had to look for a ticket office, which was located about a kilometer from the pier
Later it turned out that there is a bus from the pier to the ticket office
In the port of Bohol island, at the counters of small travel agencies you can not only order a taxi, but also arrange excursions and choose a hotel
Moreover, if you don’t like the hotel, the driver will offer other options
The most beautiful beaches are on Panglau Island, which is connected by a bridge to Bohol
In Panglau we were offered a hotel on Bolod beach
The cost of rooms for two with breakfast is from 1600 pesos per day
We looked at 5 hotels on this beach and chose Dumaluan Beach Resort with the most beautiful beach and the largest and most beautiful area
The standard rooms, as it turned out not immediately, do not have hot water, so we eventually moved to a luxury room, costing 2150 pesos, which, unlike the standard room, in addition to hot water, also amazed the imagination with a TV
The hotel does not have its own SPA salon, but for 500 pesos you can order an hour-long oil body massage right in your room
The hotel restaurant overlooking the beach plays live music almost all the time.
In the morning (even at 5 am, when we got up for the excursion!) and in the afternoon, a blind musician played very romantic melodies on the piano
The cost of lunch or dinner is approximately $5-10
Bolod - very beautiful beach, white sand and palm trees
In the ocean, about fifty meters from the shore, algae, sea urchins, stars and other living creatures begin to appear
The sea is not deep at all
The beach is ideal for families with small children
The greatest depth that can be reached on the sand is approximately waist-deep
The downside is that there is a strong low tide on the beach - it’s uncomfortable to swim in knee-deep water, and it’s difficult to go further - so it’s best to swim at low tide only with a mask
For lovers of snorkeling, this is a haven! At arm's length you can see several species of starfish, hedgehogs of various sizes and colors
More details Fans of a beautiful tan will be able to fall in love with the long sandy beaches of the Philippines, see the picturesque expanses of the Philippines, fall in love with the vastness of rivers with turquoise water, see the hospitality of the indigenous people and taste the national dishes of their cuisine
Tours to the Philippines have different prices
This may depend not on one tour operator, but also on your intentions
You personally think through your weekend and accommodation - according to your interests and means
Holidays from the Saga company will surprise you with their variety and reasonable price
The vast expanse of water, an exciting and dynamic weekend, watching a variety of creatures, various types of fishing, hiking, delicious food, the sweetest alcoholic nectars and a lot more - this is what the best vacation and your most long-awaited weekend looks like
And the best tours to the Philippines are undoubtedly the travel company “Saga”
Collapse

Philippines

Are you going on a trip? This article will inform and interestingly tell you about organizing a trip on your own, especially if you are planning to go to the Philippines. In the material you will learn: “why and when to go, where to live and what to eat, what to see and what to do, and also, most importantly, how much all this pleasure will cost.”

The Philippines is an amazing and unique Asian country that millions of people from all over the world dream of visiting. In these places you understand that the most beautiful things on Earth are created by nature. After all, nothing man-made can compare with the indescribable beauty of lagoons, bays, beaches, mountains, jungles, volcanoes. All this is worth seeing with your own eyes, especially since in our time people with completely different levels of income can afford it.

How to organize a trip to the Philippines on your own?

When I choose a country to travel, the first thing I ask is how much the cheapest trip to this country costs and how much the most reasonable flight costs (without 3 transfers of 15 hours each). Regarding the Philippines, everything is very clear: if you are flying from Moscow, then travel packages will cost from 85 thousand for two (the price of the cheapest hotel and island at the end of the season), and plane tickets will cost around 50 thousand for two (if you purchase tickets in advance). The difference is significant, and at the same time, a trip on a package tour cannot compare in terms of impressions with an independent trip. So my choice (and that of millions of travelers a year) is to organize a trip to the Philippines on your own. Moreover, this country is attractive, simple and convenient for an independent trip. Why?

No language barrier

The official language of the country is English, the second official is Filipino, in which residents chat among themselves. They really know English everywhere, because all schools teach in English with American textbooks, and their native language is taught only as a separate subject so that children can speak it at a conversational level.

Good connections between islands and towns

You can get from anywhere to anywhere. There are two cheap airlines flying between the islands, as well as ships, ferries, and boats. Some islands are connected by bridges. On the islands, it is convenient to travel short distances on tricycles (a motorcycle with a welded cart for passengers, some of them look more like a car). To get from one end of the big island to the other, you have a choice of regular buses, tourist buses, minivans and jeepneys.

I am all in favor of regular buses and jeepneys, because they always have open windows, and in some places there are none at all. And with the windows open, you feel such a drive, such pleasure, and you don’t feel sick at all when driving along serpentine roads. Local residents transport everything in jeepneys; it is a kind of transport company.

Of course, buses and jeepneys take a little longer than taxis or minivans. Therefore, if time is short, then a minivan is an excellent transport - nimble and clean. But! Every trip in a minivan, one of the passengers could not stand it and used the bag for their “trouble.” Therefore, if your vestibular system is not as strong as that of astronauts, take care of tablets for motion sickness.

Availability of mobile Internet

This is not to say that the Internet in the Philippines is amazing, but it is there and it is enough to satisfy the necessary needs (look at a map, read an article about a place, talk on Skype, albeit without video, post a photo on a social network). Buy mobile Internet from Globe or Smart mobile operators: in most cases it will be quite enough for you.

Friendliness of the local people

As long as you follow basic safety rules and are kind to others, rest easy. Filipinos are very friendly people, they constantly smile, sing, and say hello to you (even in big towns). And this is not the kind of greeting that will be followed by begging for money - it’s just their custom. If you feel that the atmosphere in some area is not very friendly, then just be reasonable and do not walk after sunset. However, I have never been to such places.

Season

The season in the Philippines lasts from early December to late May. Typhoons and downpours are possible on the islands until the end of November. Once the locals told me when it is better to come to the islands: they argued heatedly among themselves, but everyone admitted that in January the likelihood of rain and typhoons is certainly minimal, and in December it is still possible. From personal experience, I am convinced that the Philippines is a country that is better to visit during the season (try not to go at the peak, otherwise all the interesting places will be too crowded): this way you will be insured against “sitting around” in a hotel waiting for good weather. After all, the Philippines is a beach holiday, enjoying the stunning sea, trips to the jungle, river tours. All this beauty appears in full splendor when the sun is shining and the tropical rain is not pouring.

Of course, a trip during the season will cost you more (about 1.5-2 times), but you will be able to see incredibly beautiful lagoons and beaches when they are penetrated by the sun, and the sea becomes a stunning turquoise, blue, blue color, and not gloomy gray from menacing clouds. Moreover, out of season, boats with strong waves and bad weather simply will not be able to take you to the most remote and beautiful places, and there will be a lot of washed-up garbage lying on the beach and the sea will be cloudy and dirty. But in good weather the sea is so crystal clear that you can see all the underwater life even without a mask.

Visa

The last thing you need to worry about is a visa. The Philippines is a country with a stunningly simple visa regime. A visa is not required to visit the country for Russian citizens for up to 30 days; upon arrival, you are given an arrival stamp and that’s it. At the same time, you can extend your visa every month for an additional fee (the first extension is about 3,000 rubles, the second, the most expensive, because they issue you an ID, costs about 7,000 rubles, all subsequent extensions are the same as the first).

Best Beach Resorts Philippines

You can renew your stamp for at least a year without leaving the country. Tickets In order to conquer the Philippines you need to buy a ticket to Manila. Manila is the capital of the Philippines and all the cheap airlines in the country fly from here, so getting to any corner of the country will not be difficult for you.

Which islands to choose?

To further plan your trip, you just need to decide on the islands you want to visit. And this choice depends on your desires: beach holiday, active beach holiday, hiking in the mountains, visiting rice terraces, diving, trekking through the jungle, visiting historical places of interest.

Boracay: perfect beach holiday, diving

This tiny island paradise is the most popular beach destination in the Philippines. And for good reason. This is an island of 3x7 km, which can be walked around if you set such a goal.

There are many beaches on the island, but at least 6 of them will not leave anyone indifferent. They differ from each other in sand, waves, water, housing prices and infrastructure. Therefore, in Boracay, every traveler can find accommodation, cafes and entertainment affordable. What rhythm your vacation will have depends on you. Even on the most popular White beach, you will find a secluded corner and can enjoy your vacation without experiencing discomfort from other vacationers. If you wish, you can hang out all night in bars, clubs and parties. And sunsets, of course!

In addition, on the island you can buy tours to neighboring islands, diving courses, parachute flights, banana races and all other water activities. You can also visit the bat caves and climb to the highest point to admire the entire island from a bird's eye view.

Luzon: mountains, rice terraces, shopping, historical attractions, natural attractions This is the island on which the country's capital, Manila, is located.

Tourists don’t often stay in it because the city is very chaotic, poor, there are jeepneys driving around, and all this does not make a very good impression. However, there are large shopping centers where you can buy everything. Manila has many historical attractions: the Intramuros district - a fortress of the Spanish conquerors, Fort Santiago - a Spanish defensive fortress, as well as many temples. Luzon attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists because the Taal Volcano and rice terraces are located here, which are carefully protected by UNESCO. Here you can observe the life of mountain peoples and see the original way of burying people in hanging coffins on the rocks (Sagada hanging coffins).

Bohol: jungle, beach holidays, historical sites, rare animals, natural attractions, diving

Bohol is an island measuring about 100 km in length and 90 in width. This makes it very convenient and accessible for self-study. A visit to the Chocolate Hills, an acquaintance with an unprecedented animal - the Tarsier, an explosion of emotions from riding a bike along a mountain road among trees that are God knows how many years old - in Bohol you fully understand the expression that the path to a goal is sometimes more important than achieving this very goal . One day we were driving around the island and, looking for a way, turned onto a country road where we saw dozens of parked motorcycles and tricycles. There was a shed next to the road. We slowed down and then we heard the reason for this pandemonium: there were real cockfights going on. Everything was very serious: that day the main prize was about 20,000 pesos!!! It's not even shabby.

Through the entrance to the barn we found ourselves in a courtyard where an arena with seats for spectators had been built: crowds of men were all around making bets, everyone was shouting, the owners were showing off their valiant fighters, everyone wanted to guess and raise their winnings, and then suddenly everything became quiet. The battle begins. Almost from the very beginning it becomes clear who will win. A weak rooster behaves insecurely almost from the very beginning, gets tangled in spurs, and does not deliver strong blows. After a minute or two, a strong opponent strikes a winning blow, and the defeated rooster dies. A minute later everything repeats again. Practical Filipinos quickly grab the defeated one, pluck it and take it home for dinner. But there are also sad aspects of Filipino life that can be seen in Bohol. Here you will find many traces of the terrible typhoon of November 2013. It was difficult for me to imagine how powerful he was until I saw an ancient church (Loboc Church), which was almost wiped off the face of the earth: its entire middle seemed to have been broken by a bulldozer. After what we saw, the question arises: what happened to the houses made of bamboo and wood of ordinary people?

Not far from the capital Palawan is the village of Sabang with its underground river, which is included in the list of wonders of the world and is carefully protected by UNESCO. The Philippines has too many interesting places, so if you don’t have too much time, choose 1-3 islands that you would like to see and spend a varied, rich and interesting vacation there.

Cebu: historical sights, beach holidays, diving, shopping. Cebu is an island that does not have beaches for swimming. It is usually used as a starting point to other islands of the country, because the city of the same name is an excellent transport interchange (port, airport, transport from which runs to all islands of the country). There are also many traces of the presence of the Spaniards in Cebu, which tourists are not averse to visiting: Magellan’s tomb, Fort San Pedro - the oldest Spanish fortress in the Philippines (1565), the Church of St. Augustine, where the icon of the Holy Child Jesus is kept - the oldest in the country Christian relic, as well as Magellan's cross.

It is not advisable to go specifically to Cebu to see these sights unless you are a historian or an architect.

But, if you have a layover in Cebu or are heading to Bohol and you can spare a couple of hours to explore all the places, you will surely be satisfied. After all, it’s not every day that you can see the cross that Magellan himself held in his hands!

Palawan: beach holidays, island tours, jungle, diving

This is truly paradise. I'm not embellishing at all. I can’t boast that I’ve been to all the beaches in the world, but Palawan is the pristine beauty of the sea and the jungle. It’s not for nothing that this archipelago is a national park in the Philippines. Once you are there, you realize the beauty of the jungle and enjoy its sounds. And the islands! Each island is unique, the sea water has an indescribable color, and what rich underwater life can be observed! Cliffs rise from the turquoise sea. On some of them, it is unknown how wild plants have grown, others are completely bare, which makes them even more attractive. Sea urchins gather in groups of 20-50 and lie in shallow water waiting for prey. The sand beckons you to lie on it and bury yourself in it.

Easy conversion of Philippine Peso to Rubles

It’s great that the Philippine peso exchange rate is equal to 0.75 Russian ruble. Therefore, it is always easy to understand approximately how much a hotel, a chicken, or an excursion to a secret island costs. The peso to dollar exchange rate is approximately 42-44 pesos per 1 US dollar.

The average cost for one and a half months for two people is:

Snacks, chocolates, water - $150

Excursions and activities $200

Transport, including rental of motorcycles, cars, taxis, spoons - $300

Hotel accommodation – $700

Keep in mind that taxi drivers in the Philippines are tricky; if the fare costs 30 pesos and you only have 50, you most likely won’t get change. It is advisable to have small bills and arrange the trip in advance in advance and it would be a good idea to repeat it a couple of times.

Why wouldn't I choose a holiday in the Philippines again?

Trips

The Philippines is a unique state scattered across seven thousand islands, and this is not an exaggeration. The state actually includes 7,107 different landmasses spread across the Pacific Ocean. Despite this, the best and most interesting resorts are located on just a few islands.

Tourist paradise - Philippines

Resorts, the descriptions of which are so diverse that they can satisfy any tourist, offer luxurious service, exotic culture, magnificent nature, snow-white beaches, and modern metropolises that are not inferior to those in Hong Kong. Add in a hot climate and amazing diving, and it becomes clear that the Philippines' tourism potential is much higher than that of any country in Southeast Asia.

The Philippines will delight any tourist - for families and those who love passive relaxation, calm islands with comfortable hotels and clean beaches are suitable. Young people should turn their attention to the popular resorts of the Philippines, where there are many bars, beach parties and a large number of dive sets. You can also buy a combined tour with visits to several islands. Therefore, when choosing a resort, you need to carefully study its specifics.

Beach holiday on Boracay island

Boracay is an island with amazingly beautiful beaches. For example, White Beach is one of the hundred most beautiful beaches in the world due to its snow-white sand, coconut palms and the absence of ocean waves.

In the evening, there are many bars and restaurants on the embankment, which will not let the sun-baked tourist get bored. There are also numerous souvenir shops here. Middle-class hotels are located near the embankment, and the most fashionable hotels are located in separate lagoons, with their own beaches and access to the ocean.

However, this is a very small island, stretching 7 kilometers in length and only 1 kilometer in width. Therefore, those who like to explore new places and corners of the island far from tourist trails will quickly become bored. All its attractions are beaches and unique corals that can be viewed underwater.

Video on the topic

Cebu - the center of cultural life

Those who are not satisfied with just beaches and want to immerse themselves in the culture of the Philippines need to choose resorts more carefully. Such travelers should go to Cebu Island. It was here that Magellan set foot when he discovered the Philippines, whose resorts are so attractive today. It was in Cebu that local tribes converted to Christianity, it is Cebu that is the flagship of the entire Philippine economy, and it is here that you can feel the spirit of the country, in which two cultures mixed - the indigenous people and the European colonialists.

The island's large airport, which receives international flights, also adds to its popularity. You can fly directly to Cebu from Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo or Seoul.

Among the island's attractions are monuments to Magellan and the leader of the Lupa Lupa tribe, who fought back against the conquerors. You can also see the cross that Magellan stuck into the ground of the island, marking the beginning of the spread of Catholicism. The San Pedro fortress, built by the Spaniards in the 16th century, is also interesting from a historical point of view.

Among the natural wonders is Kawasan Falls, located on an island neighboring Cebu. This large three-stage waterfall, surrounded by picturesque jungle, is a true miracle of nature.

Bohol, an island with great potential

Resorts on the island of Bohol are attractive for tourists coming to the Philippines. Tourism here is not yet as developed as in Boracay or Cebu, but the island is so interesting that it will soon be able to compete with them. Therefore, if you don’t like crowds of tourists and super popular resorts, this is the place for you.

Of interest to tourists are local natural attractions called the Chocolate Hills. These are unique round-shaped hills, similar to each other like two peas in a pod. There are more than a thousand of them in total, and the grass burned on the slopes gives them a brown (chocolate) color, contrasting with the rest of the island’s nature. Interestingly, scientists still do not know how these hills were formed.

Here, in Bohol, lives a unique local animal - the Philippine tarsier. This is a monkey with bulging eyes, the smallest among primates. It’s difficult to see it in the wild, but it’s easy to photograph it in a local nature reserve.

The neighboring small islands are a paradise for divers. All conditions for comfortable diving have been created here, and extreme sports enthusiasts will find the island of Balicasag - diving here, you can meet a dangerous hammerhead shark.

Luxurious holiday on the island of Palawan

If we briefly characterize the Palawan resort, we can say that this is a high-quality, expensive and secluded vacation for lovers of good diving. Without a doubt, Palawan is one of the best resorts in the Philippines.

The resorts in Palawan are also famous for their unique property - El Nido.

Philippines where to relax - Where is the best place to relax in the Philippines, where to relax in the Philippines

This is a nature reserve consisting of many small islands. Some of them house expensive eco-hotels with gorgeous beaches and amazing nature. Here you can meet rare representatives of local flora and fauna.

Here, in Palawan, there is also a national park - a picturesque jungle, in the center of which there is a network of caves connected by an underground river. Here you can meet the rarest sea cow, more than 1000 species of birds, take a canoe ride and go diving or snorkeling in one of the best dive sets in the world.

Mindoro, mecca of divers

The island of Mindoro has gained popularity and fame as the best resort in the Philippines due to its close location to the country's capital Manila, the largest dive center, as well as due to its mountains and eco-villages.

The north of the island is a mecca for divers. This is the Puerto Galera underwater park, where there are many dive sets for both beginners and advanced divers. There are places where you can dive directly from the shore, and there are places where you first need to arrive by boat. The Apo Reef Park is also interesting for diving, where you can find moray eels, stingrays, reef sharks, barracuda and other underwater life that the Philippines is rich in.

Resorts, reviews of which are always positive, boast not only inhabitants of the depths. Mindoro's success with divers was also ensured by a sunken merchant ship carrying Chinese porcelain. Diving to it is especially interesting.

In addition to diving, in Mindoro you can climb the 3-kilometer-high Mount Alcon, watch cockfights, or visit strip bars that are rare in the country.

The Philippines is a very colorful country, so far little explored by Russian tourists, but this is an excellent opportunity to explore it on your own.

Fashion
Gray sweater - description, best combinations, stylist recommendations and reviews

A gray sweater can become a basic item in your wardrobe. This is a neutral color, so this outerwear can be worn to work, to a club, or on a date. It all depends only on the chosen model, the thickness of the knitting and m...

home and family
Ergo backpack for newborns: review, characteristics, description, instructions, types and reviews

Slings and kangaroo backpacks have long been popular with modern parents. As for the latter, pediatricians have never left flattering reviews about them. It is difficult to properly distribute the weight in kangaroo backpacks...

Home comfort
Door latch lock: overview, types, description, installation features and owner reviews

Troubled times and the presence of intruders force residents of private houses and apartments to install locks to avoid unauthorized entry. To strengthen a home, a metal door is most often installed and…

Arts and entertainment
Psychological films with meaning: list of the best, plot description, reviews and testimonials

The inner world of a person is deep and completely unknown. Each individual, distinguished by his individual character, has only his own range of emotions, desires, and feelings. Based on them, a line of behavior is formed and…

beauty
Tattoo machine: review, types, description, characteristics, manufacturers and reviews

Permanent makeup, or tattooing, is similar in technique to conventional tattooing. But a tattoo machine has its own characteristics. Note that today a huge number of manufacturers offer similar...

Technologies
Car navigator: review, characteristics, description, how to use and reviews

A gadget such as a car navigator is extremely popular among motorists. The navigator is installed in the car by fans of road trips, taxi drivers, courier service workers, and simply those who...

Technologies
Speakers "Marshal": review of the best models, comparison and reviews

The Marshall company has been producing all kinds of musical equipment for many years. The products of this brand can always be seen on stage during any concert. The market offers…

Food and drink
The most expensive restaurants in the world: review of the best establishments, features, photos and reviews

Many people know that there are the most expensive restaurants in the world. Since modern society is accustomed to holding events in some kind of establishment, they are increasingly gaining popularity. Of course, such a celebration...

Computers
The best 3D printer: review, description, characteristics, manufacturers and reviews. Household 3D printers: description

A 3D printer is a device that allows you to produce various physical objects layer by layer, using its 3D model as a basis. Despite the fact that such devices have recently become widely popular...

beauty
The best makeup remover milk: review, description, types, manufacturers and reviews

Removing makeup is an important procedure for the beauty and health of our face. The skin needs air, and, as you know, decorative cosmetics interfere with this process. To maintain youth and avoid dryness...

Best Beaches in the Philippines - Top 5. Resorts in the Philippines where to relax

Holidays in the Philippines - the best resorts

The distant and exotic Philippines is a country of thousands of wonderful islands. Even the most picky traveler will be fascinated, surprised and will definitely find somewhere to roam.

The resorts of this country delight tourists with endless beaches, snow-white sand and a surprisingly warm and gentle sea. The excursion programs are so rich that there will be enough impressions from the local exotica for many years to come, and reviews of the trip will be the most laudatory!

The main advantage of a tour to the Philippines is the variety of forms and types of local nature. This is not only a beach holiday, but also visiting natural attractions and national parks, diving and snorkeling. The downside of a trip to these islands is the long flight with a short connection at the airport of Dubai or Doha.

For divers, the Philippines is a desirable destination. The coral reefs here are the most beautiful on Earth, and the dive sites are amazing in their uniqueness. Beach lovers will enjoy many unforgettable hours in the magical nature of Philippine resorts. It’s worth enduring a multi-hour flight just for the fantastic scenery and snow-white sand.

Boracay Island

One of the pearls of the Philippines is Boracay Island. These are coconut palms, snow-white sand, an amazingly beautiful sea that changes its color - a classic paradise landscape. An ideal place for a wedding ceremony, honeymoon or simply unique photo sessions against the backdrop of sunsets (different every day!). This resort will best appeal to lovers of active recreation and fans of nightlife - parties here last 24 hours a day.

Palawan Island

A very interesting resort, but relatively expensive, is the island of Palawan. Divers come here from all over the world. Exotic fish frolic right off the shore - at the feet of vacationers, and bungalows on stilts allow you to dive into the water right from the bedroom. This resort is designed for an unforgettable family vacation.

Mindanao Island

The island of Mindanao is the center of a variety of entertainment. In addition to beach holidays, tourists ride on yachts, jet skis, speedboats, and you can also visit many local attractions. Tourists especially like to visit the crocodile farm, eagle nursery and the highest peak in the Philippines - Apo.

Bohol Island

Bohol Island is a rich and vibrant resort for fans of water sports and enjoying the views of the underwater world. There are a lot of diving centers here. In addition, tourists can see rare species of animals here, including small tarsier monkeys.

Best Beaches in the Philippines - Top 5 |

The Philippines is a group of islands located in southeast Asia, washed by the Pacific Ocean. The country is famous for its mild climate, picturesque nature, and mysterious healers. Tourists and travelers from all over the planet flock here all year round.

Where to holiday in the Philippines

They are attracted by crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and a rich underwater world.

The Philippine coast offers vacationers a lot of sports entertainment: kayaking, windsurfing, yachting, spearfishing. After an active holiday, you can lie with great pleasure on the wonderful local beaches, fortunately there are no problems with this.

The name of the beach speaks for itself. A five-kilometer strip of snow-white sand along the ocean will not leave any tourists indifferent. There are many quite inexpensive hotels, bars and restaurants along the entire coastline. White Beach is rightfully one of the hundred best beaches on the planet. But the distinctive feature of this place is its calm, cozy atmosphere and not very large crowds of people (except for April-May, when the school holidays begin). There are practically no corals here, so diving enthusiasts will have to take a boat to the nearest reef. From November to April is the traditional time of influx of windsurfers.

Honda Bay

The bay, located on the island of Palawan, traditionally attracts diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. This place has only recently become popular among vacationers, so the infrastructure here is not so developed - there are very few shops and restaurants. Honda Bay has snow-white beaches and picturesque corals around them.

Malapasca

The small island only recently took a place in the ranking of the best beaches in the world. Malapasca is located next to the island of Cebu. The attraction is the large population of local sharks, which attracts the attention of divers from all over the world. The best time to relax on the island is February-May, when the weather is dry and warm.

Bantayan is located 15 kilometers from Cebu Island. It is famous for its crystal clear water and fine white sand. Bantayan is a relatively inexpensive resort. The influx of people here is quite significant, especially in the Santa Fe area. Those who want privacy should go to the island of Puo.

One of the best surfing spots in the Philippines. On weekends, metropolitan residents from Manila come here. The resort is also famous for its beautiful white sand and excellent, wide beaches. Puraran is located in the rainiest region of the country, so the best time to visit would be April-June.

These are the best beaches in the Philippines, but the choice was not so easy. After all, nature has generously endowed the country with luxurious beaches.

Where to find cheap tours?

It is better to look for profitable tours through the Level.Travel service, which compares prices from more than 120 tour operators and allows you to find the cheapest offers. We do this ourselves and are extremely happy :)

You May Like

Resorts of the Philippines, detailed description. The most beautiful beaches in the world.

The Philippines is located close to the equator and has the longest coastline in Asia. Many islands have wonderful natural beaches with snow-white coral sand, and the turquoise color of the purest water cannot leave anyone indifferent. Internationally recognized resorts such as Boracay attract many beach lovers.

The Philippines is one of the world's top diving destinations. Here you can see coral reefs, large marine animals, sunken ships, underwater islands and secluded lagoons. And the famous Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The resorts of the Philippines are the embodiment of the dream of a tropical paradise. Here you will find blue sea, white sand, exotic palm trees and modern hotels that have everything you need for an unforgettable holiday. Luxury resorts are located in areas where in the coastal waters you will see colorful coral gardens with many fish, and around the islands there are limestone cliffs, volcanoes, and lagoons.

The Philippines is famous for its golf courses, diving, which is developed here at the state level, SPA and, of course, various kinds of attractions.

The most popular resorts in the Philippine archipelago are located in the provinces of Cebu, Boracay, Palawan, and Bohol.

Boracay Island is located on the northern tip of Panay Island and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. The butterfly-shaped island is only 7 km long and 1 km wide at its widest point. For about 10 years now, Boracay has been one of the top five beach islands in the world.

Boracay Boracay is famous for its beach holidays and entertainment. Here are the best beaches not only in the Philippines, but throughout the world. Diving, surfing, horseback riding, and playing golf will help diversify your vacation. Nightlife is also in full swing on the island: clubs, discos, entertainment programs, restaurants and bars. Boracay is a resort for active people and young people. Accommodation conditions may vary: there are both expensive luxury hotels and villas, as well as hotels offering budget accommodation options. You can get to Boracay from Manila by plane in just an hour.

Cebu Cebu Island is rightfully considered one of the most elite resorts. Almost all the islands of the Philippines are famous for their good service, but this is where luxury hotels, the best SPA salons in the country and expensive restaurants with a variety of delicious dishes and drinks are located. In addition, the island attracts diving enthusiasts. In different parts of the island, when diving, you can see dolphins, whales and even fox sharks.

BoholNo more than two hours by ferry from Cebu and you will find yourself in Bohol. This island is famous for its many interesting excursion routes. Here are the extraordinary Chocolate Hills, the oldest stone temple in Baclayon and much more. Children will be interested in seeing miniature tarsier monkeys, as well as seeing schools of dolphins near Pamilacan Island. There are not a large number of hotels in Bohol, so people often come here on day excursions.

Palawan Holidays in this area will be appreciated not only by lovers of secluded areas, but also by professional divers. The untouched beauty of nature, amazing flora and fauna of the surrounding areas of Palawan amaze tourists. In addition, you can visit the islands in the Philippines called Coron and Busuanga, which contain protected natural areas.

Where is the best place to relax in the Philippines?

Where to go to the Philippines

I would like to write generally about where it is better to go to the Philippines. After all, the Philippines has more than 7 thousand islands, and if you know little about this country, it’s difficult to decide which places to visit. When asked where is the best place to vacation in the Philippines, I can definitely say that these are the islands of Boracay and Palawan. I believe that these two islands should definitely be visited so that you get the right impression of the country. It has the best beaches, the best views, the best cliffs, the best diving, the underwater world, and these are the best resorts in the Philippines. The optimal option would be to spend 10 days in Boracay and, for example, 14 days in Palawan. It is worth allocating more time to Palawan, because... there are more interesting places in the Philippines where it is better to relax, there are a lot of excursions and nearby beautiful islands.

And in Boracay, 10 days is enough to enjoy the gorgeous long snow-white beaches of White Beach and Puka Beach. diving on Ilig-Ligan beach and Crocodile Island, sailing on a sailboat, etc. But in Palawan, I advise you to spend a few days in its capital, Puerto Princesa, from where you should definitely go to the underground river. and you can also visit waterfalls, a butterfly garden, a crocodile farm, a promenade, Pristine Beach, etc. (more about excursions in Puerto Princesa) And then go to El Nido, because this is the best and most beautiful place in Palawan. And if you haven't been to El Nido. then we can assume that we have not visited Palawan itself. El Nido consists of 45 islands, so there are a lot of impressive and interesting boat excursions from there. It happens that even two weeks may not be enough! In El Nido, you should definitely go on boat tours to the neighboring islands - this is tour A, B, C & D, to the Nagkalit Kalit waterfall and Makinit Hotsprings, to the beaches of Nacpan and Marimegmeg Beach. to the mangrove forest, to the Ille Cave cave, to the island of Coron, you can go rock climbing, etc. (more about excursions to El Nido)

Overall, Boracay and Palawan are top of the list when visiting the Philippines. There are also islands in the Philippines such as Bohol, Mindoro, Negros (Dumaguette), Samal, Mindanao, which are also interesting to see if you still have time.

For a very cheap Filipino life, it is better to go to Samal Island. There are no such luxurious beaches as the Philippines, where it is better to relax in Boracay and Palawan, the water is still clear and clear. And also all the conditions for life - low prices, good weather all year round, an abundance of fruits, etc. and so on. Read more about Samal.

Holidays in the Philippines can be arranged in a variety of ways, depending on what you prefer. If you have a beach holiday, then Boracay is better, if diving and excursions - Palawan and Bohol, if you want to try all the best exotic fruits - Davao and Samal, because... Fruits are scarce in Palawan and Boracay. Spend October 2014 in the Philippines and leave your review. Holidays in the Philippines - beach holidays. The weather here is hot and sunny all year round, the air temperature is always above +20 degrees, and the air is always very humid, which is why tourists choose the Philippines as a resort where they can relax in the winter months, enjoying good weather and the warm sea.

Besides the hot sun, clear water and stunning views and landscapes, the Philippines has amazingly delicious cuisine. National dishes are a mixture of Malay, Chinese and Spanish cuisine - the basis of all dishes is rice. There is always rice on the table and is an ingredient in almost all dishes, even if you are offered to try a seafood dish, there will definitely be rice in it. Sweet dishes and desserts also often contain this product.

The Philippines is a country of carnivals and holidays, something is always celebrated here, a fiesta takes place every day throughout the Philippines, relaxation is especially revered here, you should not overload your body, so during the fiesta many institutions and even cafes are closed - as Filipinos go to take a nap, or just relax on the beach. As for holiday dates, each region of the country has its own calendar of holidays and festivals. The weather on the Philippine Islands is extremely unstable. I personally saw this last year. I was on vacation on the island of Cebu in mid-June. In the morning I went to the neighboring island for shopping. The weather was wonderful: the sun was shining, not a single wrinkle or wave on the ocean. The ship quickly took me to the town of Dumaguete, and then back. Distance from the pier 15 minutes walk to the hotel During these 15 minutes the weather changed dramatically: the sky became leaden, the wave rose so high that all flights were cancelled, the downpour began like a wall. I just couldn’t believe that the sun was just shining and the birds were singing. The best time to visit the Philippines is from November to April , but even at this time there may be small short-term rains. True, these precipitations do not add freshness at all - strong evaporation begins, but they revive the surrounding nature. But during the rainy season, there is no better place to be in the Philippine Islands, no matter how tempting the price for a ticket or flight may be. The Last Typhoon , which hit in 2013, claimed about 10,000 lives, destroyed a huge number of houses. Wind gusts reached 300 km/h, and a powerful wave washed away everything in its path. These natural disasters are very harmful to the tourism business, which suffers great losses. But the Filipinos are like the phoenix bird - they are reborn again and They are cleaning the coast again, building new hotels and houses, and now they are again ready to receive tourists. The only thing that can be guaranteed is that there will definitely be no frosts in the Philippines. But hardly anyone can promise you sunny, cloudless weather throughout your stay on these islands