5 Things to Keep in Mind if You Visit the Philippines

El Nido, Philippines. Photo by Eibner Saliba on Unsplash

The Philippines offer some of southeast Asia’s most picturesque beaches. You’ll also find the Philippine culture to be uniquely warm and welcoming. Here are 5 things to keep in mind during your visit.

The Best Beaches are Further Afield

Manilla is great, but if you want to visit a true paradise head to Palawan. You’ll need to take a plane and then a boat to get to Coron, but the untouched coral reefs and silky white sand beaches are well worth the detour.

Add “Po” to Show Respect

When you visit a new country, learning the language basics is a must. When you say thank you, add “Po” to the end of your sentence. This is a sign of respect and the locals will appreciate it.

Be Courageous With the Cuisine

The Philippines offers a weird and wonderful cuisine. The unique dishes may be a little daunting to the Western pallet, but we recommend diving into the dive end with Pilipino cuisine if you want the most out of your trip. Alternatively, stick to garlic rice—it’s safe and delicious.

Rent a Kayak

The Philippines contains many tiny paradise islands. The best way to see them is to rent a kayak and explore solo. We recommend asking a local for advice first.