Vandaag reizen we naar de Filipijnen

The new year has begun and instead of focusing on New Year's resolutions, I'm busy with very different things: creating a travel bucket list for this year. I increasingly see around me that people often stay in the Netherlands during the summer and plan their ‘big’ vacation when the weather is bad here. A trend that I completely understand and have faithfully followed for the past year. This year, I have already done my homework well, as the destination is already set. And believe me: you want to go here too. The reasons for this choice are seriously endless, but I will list the most important ones for you. I'm of course talking about the Philippines. My friends who have been here before came back so enthusiastic and in love that I want to experience it myself now. And honestly: with a destination like this, the anticipation is almost just as fun.

Why you want to go to the Philippines in 2023

1. The fairy-tale islands
Palawan is probably the most famous of them and definitely worth it, but don't forget the Miniloc islands (with the beautiful lagoons), Cebu, the Calamian islands, and the Coron islands.

2. It's a paradise for divers and snorkelers
You definitely don't want to miss the Tubbataha reefs (in the middle of the Sulu Sea, to the right of Palawan) — if you have your PADI. Important: you can only dive here between March and June, and then it's important to go with a Sea Safari. The whole trip is more than worth it. It's no coincidence that it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Here you are guaranteed to spot mantas, leopard sharks (how cool), barracudas, sea turtles, and many more animals.

3. Mount Mayon
Fun fact: did you know that this is the most active volcano in the world? The volcano is over 2400 meters high and with an ATV vehicle, you can almost get to the top. For the real adventurers (no idea if I will dare to do this, but it seems very beautiful), you can zipline over the landscape.

4. Manila
The chances are high that you are heading to the Philippines for the beautiful nature and beaches, but the capital is also worth a visit. It's a city with many faces; from historical neighborhoods to modern skyscrapers. And, it's also a shopping paradise, with many nice markets, but also with gigantic shopping malls.

5. The people
From everyone who has visited the Philippines, I hear the most beautiful stories about how kind, open, and hospitable the locals are. Personally, I always find this a huge plus when I travel somewhere. For many people around me, this has even been a reason to go back; the people here make your trip so much more special.

More information about the islands
Choosing which island you want to visit during your trip to the Philippines will definitely cause decision stress. They are all beautiful, each island has something special, so how do you decide this? Here’s a brief overview of the highlights of the most famous islands.

1. Palawan
Is the most famous island, of which El Nido is probably the most well-known place. The most famous route is to travel north along the coast; this way you pass various fishing villages and some larger cities. Once you arrive, you are surrounded by the pristine white beaches and beautiful nature. Ideal for the less experienced backpacker and definitely a must-visit during your trip to the Philippines.

2. Coron (and Busuanga)
These islands are located near Palawan and can be easily combined. Additionally, you also have the Calamian archipelago, which is a group of small islands near Busuanga. Many organized ‘island hopping’ tours go here, so you can easily book this in advance. Traveling around Busuanga is very easy, while on Coron it is a lot more difficult. Good to keep in mind.

3. Cebu
This is the most densely populated island in the Philippines, which somewhat comes at the expense of nature. So if you're looking for the most beautiful beaches and green surroundings, you won't go here, but you will if you love diving, hiking, waterfalls (the most beautiful in the country can be found here, such as the Inambakan waterfall, the Kawasan waterfalls, and Tumalog waterfalls) and day trips to cities.

4. Miniloc
This island belongs to the Bacuit archipelago, which is considered by many to be the most beautiful part of the Philippines. Perfect for diving and snorkeling (there are tons of tropical fish), with pearl-white beaches and rocks that rise high above the water (that's why it's sometimes compared to Halong Bay in Vietnam). How do you get here? By boat; you can book that from El Nido, for example.

With all the beauty that the Philippines has to offer, I would love to stay there for two months. Unfortunately, that won't be possible for me, so making a good plan is essential and will be very difficult. What a beautiful country, I can't wait already.