I don’t want to explore the Philippines - said no one ever. You shouldn't need convincing that the Philippines is a kaleidoscope of an enviable culture rich with music, food and art you must absolutely visit to believe.
But if you do, or you just want to learn a bit about what makes the country great, we’ve got you covered!
From the immense volcanoes to the elaborate architecture, and from the unique Tagalog language to the delicate Tarsiers, there is something worth exploring on every island.
In this blog, we’ve highlighted 10 features of the Philippines that make it such a unique and interesting country.
What Makes the Philippines a Fantastic Country
- The People
When you visit the Philippines before long you’ll realise that it’s the people who really make the country special.
As soon as you arrive you’ll be surprised by their accommodating nature and the welcoming attitude they have towards tourists.
Filipinos are known for their hospitality all around the world so imagine when you get to experience it on their home ground. Their kindness will make you reflect on the important things in life while they teach you how to be happy.
Their way of life can be seen in everything they do and there is something any tourist can learn when visiting one of many scenic islands in the Phillipines.
- Tarsiers
The Philippines is home to the smallest primates in the world. Tarsiers are a mixture of a bat and a monkey with astonishing eyes, which are abundant on the island of Bohol.
Oh-so-cute to look at but remember to not get swayed by emotions. They are currently an endangered species and part of the unique nature of the Philippines and tourists are advised to not touch them or get too close to them.
These adorable little creatures can be seen clinging to branches and staring out into the wilderness with their huge eyes. They are also very emotionally sensitive creatures that get stressed easily. So, you can look but not touch!
- Best diving sites in the world
Thailand has claimed this title for years, but the truth is that the Philippines is a unique diving spot and a converging ground for divers from all over the world.
The country offers you the possibility to dive through sunken Japanese ship wrecks from WWII while watching a diverse flora and fauna on your swim to wreck site.
To name a few from many, Coron Apo reef, Monad Shoal and Malapascua island are absolutely stunning diving sites and definitely worth a dive if you visit the Philippines.
A deep breath and a plunge in these diving sites will give you the opportunity to share a swim with enormous schools of fish, rare manta rays and whale sharks. El Nido.
One of the least-known paradises in the world is this little town on the island of Palawan. It takes between 5 or 6 hours to get there from the island capital, Puerto Princesa, but we can guarantee that a visit to the island of Palawan will have you coming back for seconds.
There are a host of renowned sustainable resorts on El Nido that serve as the perfect shelter for you to explore the wonderful town.
El Nido is also a great base to allow tourists to explore the stunning Bacuit Archipelago where the turquoise waters embraced by a lush jungle awaits you!
- Jeepneys
Jeepneys are former US military jeeps left over from WWII that have become the most popular means of public transport in the Philippines.
The vibrant mode of transport is now part of the country's culture and art and something the locals are extremely proud of.
Every Jeepney is unique, each one an identifiable symbol of Filipino culture. They are often packed full of passengers all going about their business.
If you’re looking for an interesting journey, the jeepney is a great way to travel!
- Volcanoes
The Phillipines attracts multitudes of tourists every year Apart from the wonderful beaches and scrumptious food, people come to the Philippines to see the amazing volcanoes.
Curious already? Wait till you read more.
The Philippines has 25 active volcanoes, many of which erupted in the last 600 years. Some of them house a turquoise lake which just adds to the uniqueness of these beasts. Some of the most popular volcanoes include: Mount Pinatubo, Taal and Mayon.
- Say hello to 7,107 islands!
You can spend your whole life in the Philippines without seeing most of the country because of the way their land is spread out across the Pacific Ocean.
Did you know - the Philippines is made up of more than 7,107 islands? And on every island there is a paradise to be found, unique food to eat, a distinctive culture to experience and new people to meet.
Taking a drip with beach lovers? The Phillipines got you covered. The sheer number of beaches to enjoy is almost uncountable. The most scenic beaches are classified in 3 main groups: Luzon, in the north, Mindanao, to the south, and Visayas, a central archipelago.
All the beaches in these regions have their own story to tell. The archipelagic nature of the Phillipines lends itself to a wide variety of life and makes it one of the most unique places to visit in the world.
- Massages
Pinoys are also known for their knowledge of acupuncture and massage therapy. The best news is that an hour-long massage in the Philippines is just $5, so as a tourist or expat we’d say this is a mandatory experience.
Nowhere else will you be able to experience such intense relaxation at such a reasonable price. The massages are an attraction on their own and definitely worth it.
- Puerto Princesa Underground river in Palawan
Recently named as one of the new wonders of the world, like the colonial city of Vigan, the Puerto Princesa Underground river is a sight to behold. Located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range in Palawan, the river runs for almost 24 kilometres, winds through a cave covered in stalactite and stalagmites before flowing into the glorious West Philippine Sea.
It is a unique natural formation that has become one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions and definitely worth bagging a place on your bucket list!
- Its Christian culture and architecture
The Philippines was under Spanish rule for 300 years. As a result, the country can be compared quite easily to many South American nations.
90% of the population in the Philippines is Christians which is why you will see Christian influences across the architecture, art and literature of the country.
Use Small World
While this blog highlights the majestic beauty of the Philippines for tourists - we do see Fillipinos from the country Islands reading through out of nostalgia.
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