Table of Contents
Introduction
Travelling to the Philippines in 2013 was one of the most memorable trips I have taken in my 20s. And not for the reason you think, but because it taught me some of the biggest travel lessons that I carry with me today.
I had just finished my exams at National University of Singapore (NUS) and was the middle of finalising my undergraduate dissertation when ten of my friends and I decided to take a 10-day trip to the Philippines. After spending a semester living and studying in Singapore we felt like travelling to the Philippines was the perfect post-exam escape.
And because I was juggling deadlines and trying to survive my dissertation, I didn’t put much thought into accommodation or planning. I left that part to my friends. All I knew was that we were visiting three places Manila, Puerto Princesa and El Nido, and that this would be one of my first big trips around Southeast Asia.
We arrived in Manila from Singapore and waited for our connecting flight to Puerto Princesa, before another five hour drive to El Nido. What we walked into when we finally reached our accommodation was in one word unforgettable.
- Saltwater showers!
- A lizard in my room! Where my friend was adamant that I should removed it. With what tools I don’t know.
- A stolen phone.
- And somehow, I was still able to write my dissertation and submit it with limited Wi-Fi.
Welcome to my reflections as student living in Singapore where we go travelling to the Philippines.
About the Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia made up of over 7,600 islands, and it is easily one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the region.
Known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, lush jungles and dramatic limestone cliffs, the Philippines offers an incredible mix of landscapes. There are busy cities and historic towns to remote islands that feel completely untouched.
Culturally, the country is just as rich as its geography. The Philippines has a unique blend of indigenous, Spanish and American influences, which you’ll notice immediately in the architecture, traditions, festivals and food.
The official languages are Filipino and English, making it a very easy country to navigate for English-speaking travellers. It is also a predominantly Roman Catholic country, which shapes much of its culture, celebrations and daily life.
Whether you’re visiting for island hopping, hiking, food, history or simply to relax, the Philippines offers something for almost every type of traveller.
Entry Requirements for the Philippines
Before travelling, it’s important to check the latest visa and entry requirements, as these can change. For British and American passport holders the Philippines is visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism purposes. Longer stays can be arranged through visa extensions once in the country.
For British travellers, I always recommend checking the UK FCDO travel advice page before you go.
However, for Nigerian passport holders, there will be a requirement of a visa to enter into the Philippines. You will usually need to apply in advance through:
- The Philippine Embassy or Consulate
- Or an accredited visa application centre
Regardless I would always check always check the official Philippine embassy website or your local consulate before travelling, as visa rules and entry requirements can change. For all other countries you can check for for visa requirements check via iVisa here.
Travelling to the Philippines: Puerto Princesa, El Nido & Manila Itinerary
Stop 1: Manila – The Beginning
Funny enough I never got to really experience Manila like I would have liked too. We arrived very early in the morning from Singapore and waited for our flight to Puerto Princesa. I recall there being lots of confusion on the boarding gates and delayed flights, which was a reoccurring issues.
I recall people asking us where we was from and where we was going next. In 2013 I think it was still very fresh for Black people to be travelling in South East Asia.
I went to the Philippines in May so if you are going it’s worth going from March to May as that probably the best time for visiting.
Stop 2: Puerto Princesa – Unexpected Highlights & Ziplining
Getting to Puerto Princesa was in one word long. We managed to get a mini van to take us straight to El Nido and I took some sleeping pills that didn’t kick in until we arrived which was a bumper.
As I was in the Philippines for over 10 days I knew we would spend a few days in Puerto Princesa, which was lovely the aim was to do a bit of ziplining but my friends phone got stolen and it just ruined the mood, which you can imagine.
Other than that Puerto Princesa was much more calmer than Manila slower paced and very needed after submitting my dissertation.
Stop 3: El Nido – Beautiful, Wild, and Slightly Cursed 😅
El Nido is, without question, one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited in my life. Just wooow. Thinking about it now I can’t believe till this day that I was able to go but I did and I now live to tell the tales of how stunning it was in 2013.
It was turquoise water, towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, quiet beaches the kind of scenery that looks edited even when it’s not. On paper, this should have been the highlight of our trip. And in many ways, it was.
But this is also where everything started to go… slightly left for me at least.
The Hostel Nightmare
Remember when I said earlier that I was doing a dissertation and so I left the planning logistics to my friends? Bad idea. Very bad. It was after this trip that I realised that I cannot and will not ever leave logistics to someone else to plan my trip. The hostel my friends choose was only £2.50 a night, I thought after staying in a few hostels this wouldn’t be a problem. However, when I got there the hostel was not pleasing for me. It had saltwater showers, a lizard as and uninvited roommate and just wasn’t it.
Me and my friend walked up and down El Nido to find other accommodation I didn’t care how much I was about to spend but everywhere was fully booked so I returned back to my hostel.
Life lesson: never let anyone else book your stay again. And if you do ask to see pictures etc.
What I Loved About the Philippines (Despite It All)
For what it’s worth I actually very much enjoyed the Philippines. It was a time that people didn’t care about where I was staying, if I was travelling first class etc and for that reason I have so many memories that still live with me over a decade later.
Despite the stress, the mishaps and very questionable accommodation choices, there is one thing I can say with absolute confidence: the Philippines is a stunning country. And I would return back in a heartbeat.
Everywhere we went, there was water in impossible shades of blue, towering limestone cliffs, quiet beaches, and pockets of jungle that made you feel completely disconnected from real life. Island hopping in El Nido felt surreal for someone that hadn’t always thought they would be able to travel and explore the world.
Jumping from boat to boat, swimming through lagoons, discovering hidden coves that looked like something out of a postcard. It was the kind of scenery that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and realise how lucky you are to be there. And I was lucky, very blessed indeed that I was able to do this in a different way to how I travel now.
Filipino Food
Now it what would this post be without talking about the food! The food was amazing but took forever to be made and I only put that down to it being cooked from fresh!
Filipino food is a vibrant blend of flavors and influences, featuring iconic dishes like Adobo, Sinigang, and Halo Halo, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. I was having:
- Fresh grilled fish straight from the sea.
- Lots of plates of delicious rice with almost every meal.
- Warm curries, stews, and local dishes that were filling and full of flavour.
After long days of travelling, swimming and hiking, those meals were exactly what we needed. But more than the landscapes or the food, what stayed with me the most was the kindness of the people.
Even during the stressful moments, when my friend’s phone was stolen, when we were desperately trying to find accommodation, when plans kept changing there was always someone willing to help. Receptionists trying to call around for us. Locals giving directions. Tour guides making us laugh when we were clearly exhausted and burnt out.
There was a warmth and patience that made difficult moments feel lighter.
And that’s why, despite everything, and I’ve already said. I would go back to the Philippines in a heartbeat. Just… with a better plan, where I book the accommodation.
Things to Do in the Philippines (Highlights from My Trip)
Despite the chaos, the Philippines offers an incredible range of experiences, and these were some of my favourite highlights from the trip:
- Puka Shell Beach – a beautiful, quiet beach known for its white sand and scattered shells, perfect for relaxing and long walks
- Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park – great for evening strolls, local food and watching the sunset by the water
- Small Lagoon & Big Lagoon (El Nido) – easily two of the most stunning places I’ve ever swum in, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water
- Nido Island Hopping Tours – the absolute highlight of the trip, where you can visit hidden beaches, swim in lagoons, snorkel, hike to viewpoints and explore waterfalls
- Try Adobo – a classic Filipino dish and one of my favourites, a savoury stew made with chicken or pork, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and bay leaves simple but incredibly comforting. My mum still makes the dish today.
Whether you’re into beaches, hiking, food or adventure, the Philippines truly has something for everyone.
Final Views
I hope you enjoyed my rant and detailed experience of my travelling to the Philippines. Have you ever had a travel experience that taught you everything the hard way? I would love to hear from you in the comments. **
Travelling to the Philippines, for me was stressful, but memorable and also totally one of the many amazing trips I’ve done in my life. I complained but I enjoyed it and learnt that I know that whatever life throws at me which is mostly good I can take it on the chin brush myself off and keep it moving.
Anyways have I convniced you with my photos that you should also go to the Philippines? If you haven’t already please do follow for more and subscribe to the blog. I have so many stories to tell.
Speak soon,
MBV x
