Philippines Travel Guide

Traveling to The Philippines

Philippines Travel Guide

Photo by Cris Tagupa on Unsplash

Are you looking for a place to visit that allows you to experience a plethora of beautiful islands and beaches and delicious fruit? We have just the place for you. Stay with us and learn why the Philippines is the country where you and your family should book your next vacation. 

The Philippines is very unique. One reason why is because the country is a collection of several different islands. In fact, the Philippines is comprised of over 7,000 different islands. As of the year 2022, the Philippines boasted a population of around 115 million people and brings in millions of tourists each year who enjoy beautiful beaches, unique culture, delicious foods, ancient history, and much more.

Let’s have a look at why the Philippines should make it on your list when looking for a place to get away from it all. 

Best Places to Stay 

One of the most important parts about booking any trip is finding where you will be staying during your time there. Lucky for you, the Philippines offers plenty of options. If you are looking to stay somewhere cheap such as a small hotel, or looking for somewhere more luxurious where you can appreciate beautiful and historic architecture, or if you are looking for a house to rent out for total privacy, the Philippines will be sure to accommodate. If you are outdoorsy and prefer to spend your nights under the stars, the Philippines also provides plenty of different camping site options for you as well. 

Bed and Breakfasts 

One way to save money while also experiencing the culture of the Philippines is staying at one of the Philippines bed and breakfasts. These lovely little places to stay each offer a certain charm about them, with most of them being family owned. Staying at a bed and breakfast in the Philippines will ensure a warm and friendly atmosphere. 

A friendly and affordable option when looking for a bed and breakfast in the Philippines is at Lourdes Inn. Lourdes Inn is located in a convenient location in the Paranaque district of Manila. At Lourdes Inn, all of the rooms there are properly furnished and offer all of the amenities that you may need such as a closet, a comfy bed, a television, a private bathroom, and more. This being a bed and breakfast, Lourdes Inn provides a delicious asian style breakfast for all guests. 

Another lovely option is New Manila Suites. New Manila Suites is located in a swanky neighborhood in the middle of Metro Manila. The New Manila Suites is the perfect option for those looking for a bed and breakfast with a bit more luxury. The New Manila Suites are decorated tastefully and each room comes with a flat screen TV, a private bathroom, a full kitchenette, and complimentary bottles of water and cookies. The wonderful thing about the New Manila Suites is that it is conveniently located in the city of Manila, giving you access to many restaurants and shops without having to worry about ground transportation. 

Last but certainly not least, My Sweet Home 5 is another wonderful option when looking for a bed and breakfast in the Philippines. My Sweet Home 5 is another convenient option. My Sweet Home 5 is just a twenty minute walk from the World Trade Center Metro Manila. My Sweet Home 5 includes a beautiful garden, flat screen TVs, private bathrooms, and more. 

Stay in any of these lovely options and you will be sure to enjoy delicious breakfast and a warm and friendly experience without breaking the bank. 

The Philippines Best Luxury Hotels

If you are looking to treat yourself to the best of the best with a luxurious experience, the Philippines has options that will be sure to suit your fancy. All of these wonderful luxury hotels have plenty to offer such as elegant dining, breathtaking architecture, beautiful landscaping, and an experience that will have you feeling like royalty. 

One option when spending time in the Philippines is the Conrad Manila in the city of Manila. Conrad Manila is a yacht-inspired luxury hotel that not only looks the part, but also is sat near the water to enhance the experience. The Conrad Manila boasts numerous pieces of art that you can admire as you explore its lobby and halls. The Conrad Manila of course offers beautiful rooms, which are styled in a simplistic and elegant way with plenty of space. There are also wonderful restaurant options at the Conrad Manila, with the popular China Blue that offers delicious food such as their golden roasted duck. If you choose to lounge at the pool, the hotel offers a full bar that serves delicious cocktails and smoothies. 

Another splendid option is at the Fairmont Makati. Fairmont Makati is a hotel located in the central business district of Manila. Fairmont Makati is a modern and gorgeous tower of luxury and offers over 250 guests rooms that are all elegantly decorated, along with numerous restaurants and spas that are spread across all thirty levels of the hotel.

Not only is this hotel modern and luxurious, but it shows its roots in Filipino culture through its architectural style and decorations throughout. 

Staying in the Philippines’ luxury hotels will allow you to not only have a glorious experience, but also allow you to step foot in some of the country's most beautiful buildings making it a pleasure to stay if you feel like treating yourself. 

Vacation Rentals 

Are you traveling to the Philippines with a large group of friends or family? In that case, the best option for you would be a vacation rental. You can rent anything from spacious homes and villas to condos or apartments. Need a kitchen? These rentals offer all the comforts of home in a tropical setting. Check out AirBnB for available properties for rent during your trip. There’s sure to be something to fit your needs. 

Camping Sites 

One thing that may not come to mind when people think about staying in the Philippines is the country’s amazing camping spots. While most come to the Philippines to experience its beaches and delicious food, if you are particularly outdoorsy, the Philippines camping sites should not go unnoticed. 

A wonderful option when looking to pursue your tropical camping dream vacation is at Anawangin Cove in the town of San Antonio. Camp right on the beautiful gray sand of the beach and enjoy the crystal clear, blue water that is perfect for taking a swim in or snorkeling. This camping spot is also great for those with forests surrounding you, begging to be explored. One thing to keep in mind is that there is no technology at the Anawangin Cove, so be prepared to unplug and escape the digital world. 

Another great option when looking to spend your nights underneath the stars when in the Philippines is at Fortune Island. Fortune Island is located in Nasugbu and is just a few hours from the city. Camping at Fortune Island provides hours of outdoor fun. The island features many different places to go cliff diving, hiking trails with gorgeous views, sandy beaches, and wonderfully blue waters to swim in. One of the reasons why camping at Fortune Island is so popular is due to the island’s incredible things to see such as the iconic Grecian pillar ruins that allow you to appreciate some of the island’s history. 

While it may be something that most do not think about when booking a trip to the Philippines, those who enjoy the outdoors will be pleased to know that there are plenty of options. 

Places to See 

One of the most popular destinations when visiting the Philippines is the city of Manila. Strolling down the streets of Manila, you will come to appreciate the urban yet tropical vibe of the city. There are also plenty of places to shop at and restaurants in the city of Manila as well, all of which are fun to visit. Landmarks that you have to visit when spending time in the city of Manila include: 

Intramuros - One of the most historic areas in the city of Manila, Intramuros is a walled city that dates back to the Spanish occupation, where walls were built to protect the city from foriegn invasions. Intramuros will take you back to a time, boasting an old world charm throughout with its beautifully carved stone architecture, old buildings that have been refurbished and made into museums, and historic churches that offer breathtaking architecture. 

Rizal Park - One of the city’s most historic attractions, Rizal Park is a park located in the city of Manila and was dedicated to Jose Rizal. This lovely park is one of Asia’s largest urban parks and is a favorite spot for locals to relax and hangout. 

The Rizal Park sits on fifty-eight acres of land and gives the opportunity to learn more of the Philippines history. 

Manila Ocean Park - One of the Philippines first world-class marine parks, the Manila Ocean Park is perfect for a romantic date or those who appreciate aquatic life. Besides gazing upon the numerous sea creatures throughout the park, the Manila Ocean Park offers penguin feeding, mermaid swimming, and even a fish spa. At the fish spa, small fish nibble away at the dead skin on your feet, this may not be for everyone but very interesting nonetheless! 

●  Manila Bay - A must visit when in Manila, Manila Bay is a wonderful place to catch the sun setting for a relaxing and peaceful evening. There are also plenty of restaurants available throughout, making Manila Bay the perfect spot for a date night.

One of the most charming cities to visit in the Philippines is the historical city of Vigan. The culture in this city is a mix of Chinese and Spanish and is a great place to learn about the country. To get the most out of your experience at Vigan, hop on a horse-drawn kalesa and tour the historic architecture that dates back to the 18th century. 

Shopping 

One of the most important parts of any trip is collecting souvenirs to bring home commemorating your time on vacation. If you’re interested in shopping, there are plenty of shops to choose from. 

One of the best places to shop is at the SM Mall of Asia. The SM Mall of Asia is located in Manila and is one of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines. The mall sits on over forty hectares and features numerous places to visit such as fashion boutiques, numerous bars and restaurants, a concert ground where live performances are often held, a science center, a convention center, three different movie theaters, and more. There is even a small amusement park outside of the SM Mall of Asia, making it a perfect option for you to take a break from your shopping spree. The SM Mall of Asia is so big you can spend an entire day shopping there without walking past the same store twice. 

Last but not least, the Divisoria Market is another place that you should visit in the Philippines. Located in Manila, the Divisoria Market is famous for its retail and wholesale stores. The Divisoria Market is a great place when looking for a souvenir to take home with you from your trip. Do not be afraid to haggle for bargains here, as it is expected and makes shopping a bit more interesting and fun. 

Art, History, & Culture 

Maybe a trip to the Philippines inspires you to deep dive into the culture and history of the country. You have plenty of options for this. From museums to street art, there’s an experience for everyone. You never know where the next turn will take you. Expect to encounter beautiful architecture while walking through the streets. 

If you are someone who enjoys visiting museums, you have a lot of options here, too. Choose from art, archaeology, music, science, history, and so much more. Visiting any one of the museums is a great way to fully immerse yourself and learn about the history of the Philippines. 

Dining Options 

You simply cannot go on a trip without trying to experience some of the food that the culture has to offer. A great way to experience food that isn’t like the food from back home is by visiting local favorites. Wherever you find yourself in the Philippines, finding a delicious local restaurant is a must. 

Fine Dining

If you happen to be visiting the Philippines for a special occasion such as your honeymoon, an anniversary, or to appreciate fine dining, the Philippines has plenty to offer. 

A perfect place to indulge is at The Champagne Room. The Champagne Room is a beautiful restaurant located inside of the Manila Hotel. Upon walking into the Champagne Room, you will notice its beautifully decorated interior, with crystal palm trees and an old world charm that oozes class and elegance. The Champagne Room boasts delicious French cuisine and of course, a plethora of tasty champagnes to choose from. 

The Caviar Restaurant and Champagne Bar is another excellent option for you when looking for a fine dining experience in the Philippines. The Caviar Restaurant and Champagne Bar is a wonderfully romantic place to take your special someone. With intimate seating arrangements and elegant styling, this is a great place to have some alone time with your partner. The food is amazing, offering delicious French cuisine that uses traditional cooking methods as well as mouth-watering beverages. 

Casual Dining 

When looking for good food in the Philippines, it is not hard to find, but a great place to look for tasty casual dining spots is in the city of Calamba. A great example of a tasty and casual dining experience in the Philippines is at Bonchon Chicken. Bonchon Chicken mainly focuses on serving Korean style fried foods. At Bonchon Chicken, they believe that all Filipinos deserve world class food so you can be sure that you will be getting a bang for your buck. Bonchon Chicken also delivers as well, just in case you find yourself too busy to stop by. 

A Tropical Paradise 

When picking the Philippines to visit for your next vacation, you have certainly picked the right place. With so many things to do, so many things to learn about and appreciate, visiting the Philippines will be an experience that you will be sure to remember for the rest of your life. Whatever the occasion, you won’t regret visiting this lovely part of the world. 

Philippines Travel Guide
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