One Month In The Phillipines
Over 7000 Islands with unlimited opportunities.
They say it’s more fun in the Philippines. So naturally, I jumped on Skyscanner and found a way to add it into the itinerary. One month island hopping is a dream for most, but for me that dream became a reality this year. Crystal clear waters looked like someone had died them blue with the post card perfection they radiated from below, not to mention the perfectly sculpted coral that lay beneath the surface in clear view from above standing on the boat with the sun glistening overhead. Island hopping here was like something from a travel brochure.
Starting our trip we flew into Cebu, Which some people might say to get out of straight away being a big city. Deciding to stay a few nights was a good way to see how the real locals lived. Get our bearings, organise our SIM cards ($15AUD for 20GB) and learn the meaning of traffic with trikes, Jeepney’s and scooters all buzzing around madly. Although it had very little to offer in terms of beaches or attractions, seeing all the local kids run out each night to play basketball was magic. Back boards made from scrap pieces of timber with rings only a blind man could call round. These kids weren’t fazed in the slightest, enjoying every minute shooting hoops until the very last moments of daylight in a culture where basketball means the world.
Panglao - Our first stop on the island hopping adventures was 2 hours by boat ( $13 AUD from Cebu with Ocean Jet to Tagbilaran ) where we would spend the next 4 nights. While full of tourists in the main part, by getting a scooter and heading to more rural parts we found secluded white sand beaches and plenty of shady palm trees with barley a soul around. A great excuse to get the drone in the air for sunset with much of the island being surrounded by coral reef this sure did look spectacular from the air.
While few quality food options popped up for us on this island there was one definite stand out, Shaka Cafe in the main strip had us wanting more from the moment we sat down. A vegan cafe which nailed the creamy smoothie bowl we had been craving and definitely with the wait in line for a seat.
Siquijor - While this island seems to slip off many visitors list and being a little harder to access, I absolutely loved the chilled island vibe that I had pictured Philippines being when booking that initial flight. With very little transportation once again we hired scooters for around ($8 AUD a day ) staying in an A-Frame eco lodge for $25 AUD a night just moments from the beach!
You won’t find any amazing mind blowing cafes here, but what you will find is some pretty special waterfalls including the picturesque Cambugahay falls with multiple fun rope swings putting you in the Tarzan scene. Unlike most attractions in Philippines this waterfall is completely free allowing you to spend 5 minutes or 5 hours enjoying the serenity.
Further round the island has one of the best cliff jumping spots at Salagdoong beach. The clarity in the water here within the resort was really something special. While it did start getting busy around midday, it was one of the nicer beaches to relax at and go for a swim.
The best spot we found to swim and enjoy a sunset overall was definitely Paliton beach which is free to enter and being at the end of a dirt road over a few bumps and potholes making thus for a very quiet spot compared to others.
Port Barton - Save bringing out that nice white linen shirt for another occasion. Dirt roads line this small little town half way to El Nido a little off the beaten path to say the least. We sit sipping our coffees watching cafe owners water the plants, not to keep them alive but to wash the layer of dust off from the car that just passed. You would be wrong in saying this place doesn’t pack a punch with what it has to work with. What feels like more restaurants than people here leaves your taste buds extremely happy, not to mention dollar rum and cokes down by the beach while you watch the sun set behind the islands.
Calling in here is definitely a must if you’re looking for the next up and coming destination on Palawan and wanting to avoid the crowds further up in El Nido. While you’re unlikely to spend a week here, after heading out on the water exploring secluded islands and untouched beaches for a few days the only thing drawing you away will be a washing machine and a fresh shirt.
El Nido - The crown amongst the jewels some would say. Tucked away right at the Northern tip of Palawan lays what has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations. It is extremely easy to see why after casting your eyes into the pristine water which they’ve done an amazing job at keeping clean with many laws now restricting plastic in and around the waters.
While on the pricer side of Philippines this town caters for everyone. After a long day on the water nothing beats coming back to a town full of happy hours and buzzing restaurants.
Choosing how to get out and explore the islands was harder than choosing which happy hour to go with. After reading so many blogs suggesting private tours we were soon turned off this idea after finding out all tours must go the same path and leave only after the coast guard gives the all clear meaning you would be paying for the luxury of a boat to yourselves but not so much a beach to yourselves anymore unfortunately.
If you’re looking for a quieter spot to spend the day, just 15 minutes North from the main township leads you to a spot named ‘Lio Beach’. While Nacpan beach is the one advertised you definitely won’t regret going the alternative with a bunch of brand new resort style cafes beachside.
Manila - Finishing up in one of the the most heavily populated cities in the world with a direct flight to Melbourne 5 days later we decided on trying out 2 different districts in order to get a better feel for the ‘Real Manila’.
Makati sure was the polished neighbourhood with tree lined streets, shinny cars and world class wine bars. When looking for the best coffee in town, Curator Coffee & Cocktails nailed it for us, while Wildflour Bakery went above and beyond all expectations with their Ricotta pancake being the winner on the day.
After having our water refilled after every sip it was time to head over towards the bay and check out Malate. While the streets quickly turn the moment you cross the train line, there is still so much to see! If shopping is your thing then you will happily find Mall of Asia located by the water where you can spend hours window shopping or as we did catch a movie to escape the mid day heat.
While we won’t miss the extremely loud music with lyrics most of the time not being able to be made out, we sure will miss what this country is famous for. The white sand beaches that look like they’ve been handcrafted yet have no foot prints or signs of life on. The endless sunshine that leaves you sun kissed and returning home 5 shades darker. This country is so easy to fall in love with leaving you wanting more and with over 7,000 islands i’m sure that won’t be a problem discovering the raw natural beauty of such a jaw dropping part of the world….
