Planning a trip to the Philippines? The two most important questions to ask are: when and where. The Philippines Travel Guide: Unique and Unmatched Experiences.
When to Travel to the Philippines?
Avoiding the Rain: June to November
If you prefer to stay dry, avoid traveling to the Philippines during the rainy season (June to November), when occasional typhoons may occur. Traveling during this time can be challenging, especially without a car, but you’ll find fewer crowds as most people stay indoors.
Beating the Heat: March to May
The summer months (March to May) can be extremely hot, with everyone flocking to the beaches. If you prefer less crowded sunbathing, choose a different time for your trip. The Easter season (Holy Week) is also a busy period, making transportation reservations difficult.
Experiencing Fiestas: January, May, December
For the famous Filipino fiestas, plan your visit in January, May, or December. Don’t miss the flower season in Baguio, the Philippines’ summer capital, known for its cool weather. May features the Santacruzan, with parades showcasing the town’s most beautiful residents.
Where to Travel in the Philippines?
With countless stunning destinations, here are some must-visit spots:
Beaches:
- Boracay: World-renowned for its clear blue-green waters and white sand.
- Tali Beach: A beautiful paradise.
- Surigao and La Union: Ideal for surfing on secluded beaches.
Ongpin (Chinatown):
Include Ongpin (Chinatown) in Manila in your itinerary. It’s less popular but offers affordable prices compared to other cities like Makati or Quezon City. It’s a small, residential town with narrow, winding streets filled with people, best explored on foot.
Food Shopping in Ongpin
- Fruits: Try exotic fruits like mangosteen, apple-mango, rambutan, longgans, lanzones, and chicos.
- Delicacies: Visit Eng Bee Tin for Chinese treats.
- Main Dishes: Relax in Ongpin’s restaurants and savor popular and exotic Chinese dishes.
Sagada: Exploring on a Budget:
Getting There
Sagada, a serene mountain community in Mt. Province, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. With just P2,500, you can embark on a fulfilling journey. Take a 10-hour bus ride from Manila to Banaue, Ifugao (via Solano, Nueva Ecija route) for under P300.
Accommodations
Sagada offers economical lodging. For as low as P200, you can find a room for two with a shared bathroom. Don’t expect urban amenities, but enjoy the stunning mountain views and natural resources.
Activities
Trek along the narrow trails of Batad and Bangaan Villages in Banaue. Hire local villagers as tour guides to keep track of the path. The breathtaking views and fresh mountain air make the journey worthwhile.
Exploring Batad
Reaching Batad is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. It boasts scenic rice terraces forming a colossal amphitheater, home to native Ifugaos. Despite some irrigation challenges, the terraces remain a vital livelihood source.
Gentle Giants of Donsol, Sorsogon:
Donsol, once a sleepy coastal town in Sorsogon, gained international fame when tourists discovered the largest fish on earth: the whale shark.
A Wake-Up Call
Initially, Donsol’s fishermen were unaware of the ecological and tourism value of whale sharks, locally known as “butanding” or “big fish.” Early sightings were reported in Bohol, but overfishing led them to migrate to Donsol waters. A marine biologist identified the first netted butanding as a rare species, leading to a swift intervention by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Department of Tourism. This transformed whale-watching into a lucrative activity for locals.
Meet the Whale Shark
Whale sharks can grow up to 50 feet long, sporting wide mouths with hundreds of pointed teeth, and are easily recognized by their grey or greenish-brown bodies dotted with white or yellow spots. Despite their size and being part of the shark family, they are harmless and interact calmly with divers, only diving deeper when upset.
The Mystery of Migration
Scientists are intrigued by the whale sharks’ migration to Donsol, preferring its tropical waters due to the abundance of plankton, their main diet. These gentle giants swim on the water’s surface, especially in the mornings and early afternoons, feeding on plankton. This makes it safe and easy for visitors to get close and witness their feeding without expecting dramatic jumps like those of whales or dolphins.
The Old-World Charm of Ilocos:
Visiting Ilocos feels like stepping back in time, with its Spanish colonial houses and the simple, laid-back atmosphere of its towns.
History and Heritage
Ilocandia, once seen as a harsh land, was transformed by its resilient people into a lush, abundant highland. It boasts a rich history of legendary uprisings and monumental edifices. Vigan, the heart of Ilocos Sur, is known for its friendly locals and historic sites.
Exploring Vigan
Start at Plaza Salcedo, honoring Juan Salcedo, who named the town Ciudad Fernandina. Nearby, St. Paul’s Cathedral, built in 1641, stands under the Diocese of Nueva Segovia since 1758. Visit Burgos House, now a museum, to see artifacts from Fr. Jose Burgos’ life and other historical items donated by local families.
Heritage Village
Vigan’s Heritage Village showcases Castillian houses with old tile roofs, hardwood floors, and azoteas. Some homes are still owned by descendants of the original owners, while others have become inns, museums, or souvenir shops. The district retains its brick structures, with horse-drawn carriages adding to its nostalgic charm.
Shopping and Pottery
You can buy antique furniture and ceramics along Rizal Street, where pottery factories offer demonstrations. Woven blankets and table napkins are available at low prices.
Night Views
Vigan, a World Heritage Site, is especially enchanting at night, with perfectly lit streets and a cool evening breeze.
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