With over 7,000 islands at its disposal, the archipelago of the Philippines is truly a paradise on earth and is the dream destination for many across the globe. The Philippines is fast becoming a tourist hub not only for travellers based out of Asia but also for people from the Western side of the world.
One of the main reasons behind the boom of the Philippines tourism industry is because of the variety it offers to tourists. The Philippines has something to offer for people seeking various experiences, be it city life and nightlife, gastronomical, adventure, natural, cultural and heritage, and whatnot.
There is often a misconception that the Philippines is only for couples and honeymooners. You’d be surprised to see the amazing offerings the Philippines has to offer even for a solo traveller! Solo travel to the Philippines could be one of the best backpacking South Asian trips one could ever have. You will never feel alone and secluded in the Philippines, considering the fun nature of people, their warm and welcoming nature, and the amazing hospitality you’d experience throughout this country. Enter as a stranger, leave as a local, the Philippines way!
Here is a guide for solo travellers who are looking to travel to this paradise destination.
Image credits: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/03/04/23/30/philippines-3199605_960_720.jpg
- Getting around the Philippines
In Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, getting around the city should be quite easy considering the number of options available. If you are looking for comfortable options, you can probably hire a taxi to visit places throughout the city. If you are looking for cheaper options, you can take up a jeepney or a bus ride to navigate within the city.
The Philippines is mainly about visiting the islands, and hence to hop islands, ferries and boats are the best means of transportation.
- Where to meet amazing people
The Philippines is blessed with tolerant and warm and hospitable people who will never let you will feel alone throughout the trip. Embrace the culture and hospitality of the Filipino people by interacting with them, and more importantly, try checking-in to hostels than luxurious hostels as that is where you’d find several like-minded solo travellers who are looking for people to mingle with.
- Where to stay
If you are a solo traveller, try to stay in hostels or aparthotel for two reasons. One being you get to save a lot of money which you can use for other experiences. And the second being, you get to embrace the culture and heritage of the Philippines in this way. You get to interact with the locals and other like-minded solo travellers, which will ensure you create a lot of memories on this trip. Also, ensure your stay is near the bus and train terminals, entertainment spots, and shopping malls for easier conveyance throughout your trip.
- Where to eat
The Philippines is known for its amazing food across various cuisines throughout the country, so much so that gastronomical experience is one of the highlights of this island destination. You get to experience A-Z, right from rooftop sky dining experience, to amazing, authentic, and local street food that is quite affordable. Tread through the streets and markets of the Philippines to find several cuisines and authentic dishes like Kare Kare, Halo-Halo, Lechon, Chicken Adobo, etc. And the Philippines food isn’t just for the non-vegetarinas, but it also has a lot to offer for vegetarians and even vegans in specific restaurants!
- What to do
The Philippines has so much to offer on various fronts that there is a very good chance that you will never run out of things to do across the country. The Philippines offers experiences for every traveller’s needs, be it cultural and historical, nature trip, adventure trip, unique experiences, and whatnot.
Island hopping is the key thing to do in the Philippines as there are several top-rated islands you can visit during your Philippines tour, and also every island has its own unique style and ambience, thus leading to a different experience in all the islands.
You can do trekking up the rice terraces, walk through the historic cobblestone streets in the quaint old town of Vigan, experience sunrise and sunset in national parks, experience bustling nightlife in Manila and Cebu.
You can also take up water activities like snorkelling and scuba diving in several islands throughout the country, and you can also gather like minded-people together and pitch up a tent in the hills and set up a campfire, and gaze over the beautiful night sky.
Image credits: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/34/Beach_picnic_resort_at_Subic_Bay%2C_Philippines.jpg
By now, it’d have been clear to you that a backpacking trip to the Philippines is one of the best vacation experiences you can ever have. Planning of such trips is of paramount importance, and that is where the expertise of travel companies like Pickyourtrail, Tripoto come into use. Avail the best Philippines itinerary through their Philippines tour packages to make value out of your trip. As said, come as a stranger, leave as a local, the Philippines way!
