10 Amazing Things I Miss About The Philippines
The Philippines has been a stand-out destination for me on my travels so far, the adventures I had there were like no others. I didn’t have any expectations of the country before I went and a handful of people had told me that it could be quite an unsafe country. They were so wrong, I felt so safe and welcome there and I can't even begin to describe the beauty of this wonderful country!
Today I'm reflecting on my month travelling around the Philippines by rounding up 10 things I really miss about my trip, hopefully, it will give you an insight into how fabulous the Philippines is.
1) The Beaches
Think glistening clear ocean water and soft silky sand you see on Instagram, but guess what this time you can see it with your own eyes. As a water sign, there is nothing I love more than floating around in crystal clear seawater and I miss my daily morning swims in the Philippines. Palawan or Boracay were probably where some of my favourite beach spots were, but don't worry because there is an endless supply of gorgeous beach locations all around the country.
2) The Palm Trees
I love a palm tree, nothing makes me feel like I'm in tropical paradise quite like a palm tree. This may seem weird to those not from the UK who may see them all the time. I find them so picturesque and I do miss them being part of my every day. By far the best destination for palm trees was the lovely island of Siargao!
3) Chicken Adobo
A yummy traditional Filipino dish that I long to taste again. I'm not 100% sure what goes into this dish, but essentially is gorgeously marinated chicken usually served with rice. It's super tasty and also very budget-friendly, make sure to look for the local restaurants as I guarantee you it will taste best there.
4) 7- Eleven
Okay, okay I guess this is something I miss generally from South East Asia, not just the Philippines, but boy I miss it. If you have never had the joys of visiting a 7 Eleven before, it's essentially just a local convenience store that sells 10 out of 10 snacks, whether you want to cool down with a slushy or grab some late-night snacks, 7 Eleven will not let you down.
5) Island Hopping
With there being sooooo many islands in the Philippines, jumping on a boat or a "bangka" and exploring the uninhabited islands is a popular day activity. With amazing white sandbars and quaint island beaches, it's really hard not to just daydream about being back there.
6) The Spirit of the Locals
Something that really stuck with me after my trip to the Philippines was the mindset of the locals I had met whilst I was there. The Filipino people I met were so warm and kind-hearted and they never complained, I mean the worst things could be happening but they would still be there trying to smile through it. This happy spirit was infectious throughout the country and something I really miss.
7) The Sunsets and Sunrises
Boy oh boy, the sunsets and sunrises were incredible. I spent many evenings or early mornings watching nature do its thing in awe. And I can hand on heart say some of the sunsets/sunrises were the most beautiful things I have seen. My favourite sunset had to be in Siqiuor on Paliton Beach, it's a memory that I want to play over and over again in my head.
8) The Lagoons
I mean who doesn't love a lagoon? I wish I could remember the names of all the lagoons I swam or kayaked through but I just can't, but trust me there is plenty. Usually, with stunning rock formations surrounding them and the shimmering blue ocean water, they are enchanting. The most popular to visit would to be Big Lagoon in El Nido.
9) Turtles
Turtles bring me joy, I miss Filipino turtles deeply :(. In all seriousness the snorkelling/scuba diving in the Philippines is absolutely stunning, the marine life in this country is so diverse and the waters are part of the famous Coral Triangle (where 75% of the world's coral species are found), so there is so much to see.
10) Filipino Rum
You would not believe how cheap the rum is in the Philippines, I'm talking a litre of rum is cheaper than a tiny bottle of coke. Despite it being so cheap it's still good quality rum and to be honest I wish I packed a few bottles in my backpack on the homeward trip.
Let me know your favourite thing about the Philippines in the comments below.
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