Last Updated on February 19, 2021 by Dani
Aaah, the Philippines… I don’t even know where to start! So far, I’ve had an amazing time here – much better even than I expected. Not that I wasn’t expecting to like a few weeks of beach and island hopping, but I just didn’t expect these islands to be soooo pretty. Even though I am moving around quite a lot (because as usual, I want to see it all.. but I cut down my itinerary already) I feel relaxed and mellow. There have been frustrations, too (the food! complicated travel planning!), but how can I stay mad for long with picture-perfect tropical beaches like White Beach in Boracay (pictured) or San Juan Beach in Siquijor. After a few days in Manila, Boracay was the perfect introduction to the lazy beach life in the Philippines and I almost didn’t leave because it’s so easy to get sucked into the easy life of playing in the water, working with this dreamy view, sun tanning, watching the sunset with a $1 beer and going out to dance the night away with new friends from the hostel…rinse…repeat…
Luckily I did manage to tear myself away from this island paradise – because there are many more island paradises to be explored…
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I’m so glad you loved Boracay as much as I did! It really is paradise…but I do hear you about the food. Food and transport are two things that are SUPER frustrating about traveling in the Philippines! I’m really excited that you added Siquijor to your itinerary. I didn’t make it there during my trip and I’m still bummed about that. I can’t wait to hear what you thought about it!
Oh you have to put it on the itinerary for your next visit! It’s soooo pretty. Heard it’s like what Boracay used to be 20 years ago. So many untouched beaches. Few hotels. Gorgeous island! And Apo Island is a MUST too! Just went there today.
Your Instagram has put Boracay firmly on my itinerary for when I’m back in Asia this fall/winter! I honestly can’t believe how beautiful it looks.
You’ll have to, Amanda! Boracay was amazing. I am planning my return already – hopefully at the end of the year / early 2016!! 🙂
Oh my, I cannot wait to get here in a few months time! The only thing I’m worried about is being lonely! I’m going solo and sometimes read there aren’t a lot of other backpackers…. What’s your experience been?
Paula – no worries about being lonely. I’ve met people everywhere I went.. there are tons of backpackers everywhere in the Philippines. I had a hard time finding some time for myself, to be honest! I’d be happy to share my favorite hostels with you if you need recommendations, but I’ll mention them in my upcoming Philippines posts anyway 🙂
So beautiful! Can’t wait to hear about where else you go in the Philippines so I can get ideas for my trip there at the end of the year 🙂
Oh, I’ll give you many many ideas, Katie 🙂 Siquijor for example would be an island I highly recommend visiting!
Just google imaged it – looks amazing!
And from there you can go to Apo Island where you can snorkel with sea turtles!! Absolutely amazing 🙂
Fascinating islands indeed! 🙂 I like much more than sights instead islands 🙂 Thanks & keep it up writing Dani!
Best regards,
Saiful
Thanks, Saiful 🙂
Boracay is definitely one of those places that everyone should go at least once. Haven’t been since 2009 but I’ll probably return soon.
Oh ya…and the $1 beers…
Mike – I wonder how it compares now to 2009!! It was crazy busy when I was there. Well worth a visit though! And yes, those $1 beers are amazing!! 🙂
I’m heading to Boracay in a couple of weeks so I’m glad you enjoyed it so much! Where else is on your Philippines checklist?
Oh, awesome!! I loved El Nido, Siquijor and Apo Island! Highly recommended 🙂 I just started a Trover list with my Philippines highlights – will add a few more of my favorite places on there shortly. Check also my Instagram for some more inspiration for your trip to the Philippines. How much time do you have? There’s so much to see!!
We are going to be spending most of our time around Boracay and Palawan (mainly El Nido!). I love your instagram account, it’s making me even more excited 🙂
Thanks, Lauren! 🙂 I loved El Nido, too – ended my trip there and the island hopping tours.. just WOW! So beautiful. I am sure you’ll love the Philippines 🙂
Boracay, i have heared this place is absolutely beautiful and as i read here you had great time, i will definitely put it in my travel list!!!!
White Beach is definitely the most stunning beach I’ve seen anywhere in the Philippines – but the island is much more touristy than other islands I’ve been to (I can see why though). Definitely worth visiting though!
Stunning picture! I’m heading to the Philippines in just a couple of months; super stoked! Keep up the good work, I love your blog 🙂
Thanks, Will! Hope you’ll love the Philippines as much as I did 🙂
I will agree Borocay is paradise, and king of amazing sunsets!
Did you say $1 beers??!?! I am so there!
Boracay was beautiful, but I was surprised just how tourist-driven it really is! We were just there for a couple of days though on our last trip (and spent several days in Manila, so it was a nice beach getaway!) I’m glad you got to see so many different places of a very beautiful country!