Philippines Travel Guide: 9 Tips for the Philippines You Want to Know

The Philippines is increasingly being called the 'new Thailand'. And anyone who still wants to enjoy
of pristine bounty beaches like those you had in Thailand twenty years ago, that has to be fast. That's why I'm sharing my personal tips with you in this Philippines Travel Guide. The more than 7000 islands of the Philippines They're booming! I went there on a solo trip and fell in love with the country and its friendly people. It's easily one of the most beautiful destinations for those seeking pearly white beaches, sea, and unspoiled nature.

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9 Philippines Travel Tips to Plan Your Trip

In this Philippines Travel Guide, you'll find my personal tips that I wish I had known before I left!

To go to Manila or not?

Manila is the capital of the Philippines, and although it doesn't have the best reputation, I spent a week there for an international travel conference. Do you have a flight arriving in Manila? Don't expect to discover anything interesting here without preparation, but there are definitely hotspots. In the Makati district, you'll find many luxury hotels, such as the Raffles Hotel, but also it Sofitel Philippine Plaza where you forget for a moment that you are in the city, and The Henry (colonial-style boutique hotel) are highly recommended. For the most delicious breakfast or lunch, go to hotspot Wildflour Cafe + Bakery and for the best coffee to Toby's Estate (yes, a well-known address that you can also find in trendy Williamsburg in New York. RAFFLES.COM, SOFITELMANILA.COM, THEHENRYHOTEL.COM, WILDFLOUR.COM.PH,  TOBYSESTATEPH.COM

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Tip: Fly to Cebu in the Philippines

Would you rather avoid Manila? I have a tip for that too! You can fly directly to Cebu in the Philippines from most major Asian cities, and from there you can plan your trip to one of the bounty islands. Cathay Pacific, among others, flies from Hong Kong directly to Cebu.

You can get a long way with English

Unlike other Asian countries, almost everyone in the Philippines speaks excellent English. I found the people to be among the friendliest and most helpful of all the Asian countries I've visited. Because they speak such good English, I enjoyed all the conversations with the locals and learned what it's like for people my age to live in, for example, one of the (feeling) most dangerous cities in the world.

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Solo travel in the Philippines: yes or no?

When I planned a solo trip to the Philippines, some travel journalist friends wondered out loud if it was really such a wise choice. A country where code yellow, orange, and red are the order of the day when it comes to safety. And yet, I can honestly say I never felt unsafe. Use your common sense when it comes to safety and book a group tour, for example (you'll meet fellow travelers right away!). Also, don't skimp on Uber or taxis to get around, and don't walk alone after sunset.

Go island hopping in the Philippines

If you're traveling to the Philippines, island hopping is highly recommended. There are countless bounty islands, and Palawan's beaches have been voted the most beautiful in the world for good reason. Keep in mind, however, that the Philippines has invested heavily in marketing, creating a kind of Koh Phi Phi effect. That island in Thailand I didn't recognize it a few years ago compared to sixteen years ago when I first went there. Another reason not to wait any longer to plan a trip to the Philippines!

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Pssst... you can find more (travel) tips in my books!

• Feed Your Wanderlust – Travel Guide for a bohemian lifestyle
• staycation – 22 guides and shortlists for a holiday close to home
• Wanderlust – Urban Travel Style Guide
• The Amsterdam City Guide (Dutch) & The Amsterdam City Guide (English)

Great as a gift for yourself or someone who loves to travel as much as you do!

With love,

Anne