50 Reasons Why It’s More Fun in the Philippines

written on July 16th, 2013 by Jean Del Mar

The Philippines is blessed with 7,107 islands. I wish I could list down that many reasons why it’s more fun in the Philippines. But 7,107 is a LOT! Maybe you can help me out in the comments? I’ll get us started. Here are 50 reasons:

1. Cebu Lechon’s luscious meat and crispy skin – once tasted you’ll always ask for more.

2. Manila is full of the Philippine’s rich history and folklore. There’s no better way to give you that sense of being in the past then the famous Carlos Celdran Walking tour.

3. Bored with the same routine in the city? Try Mountain Climbing. There are plenty to choose from, but you can start with Mt. Kanlaon in Negros or Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales.

4. Remember all those islands I mentioned? The Philippines has the perfect opportunity for Island Hopping. In every town or city, you can find diverse islands with different surprises. Try this itinerary Hilutungan – Nalusuan – Cawhagan – Panganan – Camungi (islets of Olango, Cebu).

5. There are even attractions bordering on scary. Get to know the stories behind the Hanging Coffins of Sagada Mountain Province, Luzon. Eerie yet astonishing.

6. One of the first things we learn in school is that Filipinos are hospitable. We do our best to make due on that promise. It’s an obvious reason why tourists can’t get enough of the Philippines.

7. The cute and cuddly Philippine Tarsiers in Bohol are one of the smallest primates in the world. With a size not more than an adult man’s fist, they are tough to spot on your own.

8. Explore Tubbataha Reef in Palawan – one of world’s best diving sites. It covers 130,028 hectares and has approximately 360 coral species, 600 fish species 11 shark species and 13 dolphin and whale species. That’s plenty of exploring.

9. You’ve seen this delicacy in reality shows. It’s usually followed by the disgusted face of a contestant forced to eat it. The exotic Balut – a boiled duck egg with a developing duckling inside. Best paired with salt and spicy vinegar. Yum!

10. Filipinos are song birds. We not only love to grab a mic and sing, but we also produce high-quality Guitars in Mactan, Cebu (the guitar lovers’ tropical paradise).

11. These world famous hills have many legends surrounding their origin and curious shape. All we know is that the Chocolate Hills in Bohol are beautiful to look at and experience

12. Recently crowned one of the World’s 50 best surf spots by CNN, Cloud 9 in Siargao is a surfer’s dream wave (pun intended). This is typically known to be a dangerous wave for beginners, but there are plenty other spots near the area to practice.

13. This church has remarkable architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building of Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

14. There are many places to dive in the Philippines, but for something different, like wreck diving, Coron Island in Palawan is best for that.

15. Intricate, colorful and rich in culture is how Mindanao’s Woven Products – wall decors, mats, baskets and trays –  are described. They are made from fabric, romblon leaves, bamboo, nito and rattan.

16. Go back in time as you tour along Malinta Tunnel in Corregidor Island. It used to be a bunker for the US Army and was later used as a hospital during World War 2. But it is now preserved as a historical site for tourists.

17. There are many things we can say about the Filipino attitude. We’ll focus on the positives of being humorous, hardworking, friendly, helpful, reliable and internationally known for excellent service.

18. There aren’t many chances to visit one of the 7 Wonders of Nature. The Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan will wow you with its sheer vastness and stalactite and stalagmite formations.

19. Forget bar hopping. Hop from one spring to another in the Cold and Hot Springs in Camiguin Island.

20. “High tide or low tide?” that’s the correct response when asked how many islands the Philippines has. In the Hundred Islands that are scattered in Lingayen Gulf of Pangasinan, there are a total number of 124 islands during low tide and decreases to 123 during high tide.

21. Don’t miss the Mother of All Philippines Festivals! The Sinulog Festival in Cebu happens every 3^rd Sunday of January. People from all over the world visit Cebu to witness the awe-inspiring dance presentation of praise during the day. At night, people go all out for the Sinulog Street Parties.

22. In Davao, give Durian a try. Smells like hell, but tastes like heaven. If you can’t take the smell of the fruit, there’s also durian candies.

23. If adventure is more your liking, the Philippines has several caves for Spelunking – namely Tabon Cave (Palawan), Sumaging-Latipan-Lomyang Crystal Cave (Mt.Province) and Odloman Cave (Negros Oriental).

24. Who in world doesn’t know Boracay Island? The summer haven for all beach lovers!

25. Visit the beautiful Aliwagwag Falls in Davao Oriental. The falls has approximately 84 series of cascading waterfalls that looks like a stairway to heaven.

26. Patrocinio de Maria Church in Boljoon, Cebu is a Spanish colonial church that still has its original features. It was a fortress-church overlooking the sea to protect parishioners from Moro raiders.

27. Feast on the Kapampangan Sisig in Pampanga. This is where you can find the best sisig in the Philippines. Sisig is basically a delicious mishmash of a pig’s head, liver and other parts (who knows?). It sounds gross, but trust me, it’s delicious.

28. A cruise from Bais Bay going out to Tañon Strait will allow you an encounter with different kinds of whales and dolphins. There’s no better place for Dolphin and Whale Watching than in Bais, Dumaguete

29. But if you yearn to get up close and personal, then Whale Shark Watching in Oslob, Cebu will meet your desire for that. You can literally swim out to the whale sharks as they swim around eating their food.

30. You’ve probably seen photos of the Banaue Rice Terraces in Mountain Province, Luzon. It’s the only man-made wonder that is sculpted from earth. It’s a proof of hardwork, perseverance and determination of the Ifugaos.

31. Try the Tagaytay Picnic Grove. It’s perfect for family outings that will allow you to enjoy picnicking, horseback riding, zip lining, eco-trail board walking and cable car riding.

32. Take a wet adventure of White Water Rafting at the rapids in the Cagayan de Oro River – the rafting capital of the Philippines.

33. Dried Mangoes – If you like it sweet, take the yellow dried mangoes, but if like it sour, the green dried mangoes are available too.

34. Paraw Regatta in Iloilo is the largest sailing event in the Philippines (a tribute to all the paraw sailors’ skills). It’s highlighted by the colorful and artistic sails.

35. If you don’t like the beach crowd in Boracay, you can go to Malapascua Island instead. This is considered the little Boracay of Cebu. Aside from its powdery white sand and pristine clear waters, diving with Thresher Sharks are another reason why tourists love this place.

36. One of the best reasons to visit the Philippines is the amazing food. It’s perfect for a Food Trip. Not only will it satisfy your gastronomical cravings, but it’s also easy on the wallet.

37. Speaking of food, first timers should try the unique dining experience in Villa Escudero Waterfall Restaurant in Laguna. The dinning area is at the foot of a waterfall. Imagine yourself eating your food while the water flows softly between your toes. It’s an incomparable experience!

38. For those who love spicy food try Bicol Express – a stewed dish made up with long chilies, pork and coconut milk. A specialty in Malate, Manila.

39. Looking for something to test your limits? Try the death-defying Cliff Diving in Funtastic Medellin, Cebu or in Ariel’s Point in Boracay.

40. Calle Crisologo in Vigan is the only town that was saved from the destruction of World War 2. Many of the houses still have a semblance of Spanish architecture and can even ride a kalesa to tour the place.

41. Known for its world class wakeboarding facilities, Camsur Watersports Complex in Camarines Sur will surely put your adventurous heart at rest. They also provide waterskiing and wakestating activities.

42. Taal Volcano in Batangas is the second most active volcano in the Philippines. It’s also famous for having an island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island known as the Vulcan Point. It’s confusing, but it’s true!

43. Jewelry lovers might want to know where some of their bling comes from. Visit the Pearl Farm in Samal Island where thousands of white-lipped oysters are protected and nurtured to cultivate white, pink and gold pearls.

44. Being scared underwater is probably not a great sensation, but for the eerie adventurer, a must-try diving experience can be found in the Sunken Cemetery in Camiguin.

45. A visit to one of the most picturesque regions in the Philippines, Batanes is unlike most areas in the country. Think clear green mountains, deep blue skies, cool temperatures, cliffs and even a light house to boot.

46. For a unique dining experience, there’s nothing quite like eating, relaxing and enjoying a buffet onboard the RiverWatch Floating Resto while cruising in Loboc River, Bohol.

47. If you happen to be a fan of bats (who isn’t?!?!?), this is a must visit. The Monfort Bat Cave in Samal Island was recorded as the largest single colony of Rousette Fruit Bats by Guinness World Records with a number of 1.8 million bats inside the cave.

48. The sight of almost a hundred giant hot air balloons going up into the sky will excite your inner child (that is if you don’t already have children – coz they’ll love it too!). The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival happens every February at the Clark Freeport Zone.

49. Basilica del Sto. Niño – One of the top most visited tourist spots in Cebu. This is the oldest church established in the Philippines. Many people also visit to be in the presence of the preserved image of the Holy Child Jesus.

50. The inevitable SMILE of Filipinos. How can you resist that?  🙂

I’m sure we’ve missed many many reasons. The Philippines has many more fascinating and interesting aspects that are just more fun. Share your reasons at the comments below on why it’s more fun in the Philippines.