The Philippines – an island paradise that had appeared in my travel dreams time and time again, but it wasn’t until January 2024 that it became a reality. With expectations of white sandy beaches and snorkeling in turquoise waters, my adventure began in Cebu. However, it wasn’t just the natural beauty that captivated me, but especially the warm hospitality of the people that made this journey so special.
From Cebu to Moalboal, Siargao, Boracay, and El Nido, I experienced a variety of adventures, immersed myself in new cultures, and witnessed the incredible diversity of the Philippines. In this blog, I want to take you along on my journey and highlight the key moments of my trip.
Cebu – Street Children, Sinulog Festival, and First Encounters
My journey began in Cebu, one of the largest and most densely populated islands in the Philippines. Upon my arrival, I immediately noticed how friendly and open the people here were. One particularly memorable encounter was with a group of street children who, noticing my lighter skin, called me “pretty.” For them, my skin color was something special, a moment that left me deep in thought. The openness and kindness of the Filipinos, especially the children, made me fall in love with the island right away.
Another highlight in Cebu was the Sinulog Festival, one of the largest and most colorful festivals in the Philippines. The streets were flooded with dancers in festive attire, celebrating the Santo Niño (a representation of the Baby Jesus) to the beat of drums and music. It was an overwhelming atmosphere, where culture, religion, and joy for life came together in a spectacular experience.
Moalboal – Snorkeling with Whale Sharks and the Tumalog Waterfall
After my friend joined me, we continued our journey to Moalboal, a popular destination for snorkelers and divers. Located on the west coast of Cebu Island, Moalboal is famous for its massive sardine schools, which you can experience while snorkeling. There’s also the opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks, which initially sounded very enticing. However, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend this experience: The whale sharks are lured with food, which makes the experience less authentic and also attracts many tourists. The overcrowding and commercial aspect detracted from the magic of the encounter.
A true highlight, however, was the Tumalog Waterfall. The steep path to the waterfall was made much easier by local guides, who drove us on their scooters, allowing us a very personal and authentic journey. The waterfall itself was breathtaking: nestled in the jungle, it was a place of rare beauty where we could swim in crystal-clear water.
Siargao – Surfing, Rain, and Discoveries
From Moalboal, we flew on a small propeller plane to Siargao, known for its spectacular surf spots. Although the weather was a bit rainy during our stay, Siargao’s laid-back vibe made it the perfect place to unwind.
Siargao is a mecca for surfers, and we tried our hand at the waves. Especially the Cloud 9 surf spot is world-renowned, but the somewhat hidden Secret Beach is also perfect for experienced surfers. For beginners, there are numerous surf schools that teach the basic techniques.
But the island offers much more: We rented scooters and explored Siargao on our own. A particular adventure was the Tayangban Cave. Equipped with helmets and lamps, we crawled through dark tunnels and jumped from vines into the cold water. Another highlight was kayaking down a beautiful river, accompanied by a local guide – a peaceful and serene exploration of nature.
Boracay – A Spontaneous Trip to Paradise
After a few days on Siargao, I received a message from a colleague I had met on a previous cruise. He told me that the sun was shining in Boracay, and I should come visit. So, I booked a flight on the spot and soon found myself on one of the most famous beaches in the world.
Boracay is famous for its white sand beach, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It was an awe-inspiring sight, and the atmosphere there is unique: No vendors, no loud bars – just the beauty of nature. The beach has a special magic, and there are strict rules preventing food and drinks from being brought in, which ensures cleanliness and an undisturbed experience.
The evenings in Boracay are also special. Thanks to my friend, I was able to explore the island in a more personal way – from hidden bars to secret viewpoints. One evening, I found myself on stage, dancing with strangers to a live band – a moment that truly captured the spirit of life in the Philippines.
El Nido – Island Hopping and Private Snorkeling Tours
The final stop on my journey was El Nido, a true paradise in northern Palawan. The island is known for its pristine nature, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise lagoons. In El Nido, we rented a boat and went on a private island-hopping tour that took us to secluded beaches and hidden snorkeling spots. The special thing about this tour was that we could decide when to stop and what we wanted to see – a luxury that organized tours often don’t offer.
One of the most impressive experiences was the zipline adventure, where we flew from one island to another and then walked along a massive sandbank. El Nido is also a paradise for hikers: We did a small hike to a waterfall, but unfortunately, the experience was a bit disappointing since the waterfall was dry due to the season. Still, it was a beautiful trip into nature.
The Philippines – A Land of Warmth
What impressed me most on my journey through the Philippines was not only the beauty of the nature but also the hospitality of the people. In every village, with every encounter, we were welcomed with a smile. The locals are incredibly helpful and friendly, and their warmth made the experience even more special.
Despite the increasing tourism, which will certainly continue to grow in the coming years, the Philippines remains relatively untouched in many areas. It is a place where you not only experience nature but also the authentic lives of the people. On this trip, I learned a lot – not only about the culture but also about the importance of community and kindness.
The Philippines is a country that deeply impressed me, and I know that I will return soon. Until then, I will carry the memories of this trip in my heart – from the paradise beaches to the unforgettable encounters with the people.
Quick Facts
- Budget: Traveling around the Philippines doesn’t have to break the bank. Flights between islands can get pretty cheap if you book early.
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP), Exchange Rate: 1 EUR ≈ 66.87 PHP
- Best stays: Skip the big hotels – the charm is in the small local guesthouses. You’ll meet more people and feel the island vibe straight away.
- Must-dos:
- A private island-hopping/snorkeling tour in El Nido – absolutely worth it for hidden lagoons and unreal water.
- Try a freediving course in Siargao (life-changing and way less intimidating than it sounds).
- Zipline in El Nido
- How long: I spent 4 weeks hopping between 5 places. My tip: don’t stay longer than about a week in one spot – island life is amazing, but after a while it gets repetitive and moving on keeps the trip exciting.
- Best travel time: December – April (dry season).
- Travel tip: Bring your own snorkeling gear (mask + fins). Rental stuff is often low quality, and you’ll definitely use it a lot.
- Food & drinks:
- I actually enjoyed eating international food there more than local stuff, but Pancit noodles are a tasty Filipino dish you should try at least once.
- Tap water is a big no – don’t drink it, and ideally don’t use it for brushing teeth either. Bottled water is super cheap and available everywhere.
- Entry & visa:
- German, Austrian, and Swiss travelers can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
- You need a return or onward ticket to show at immigration.
