As a picturesque tropical archipelago situated in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is rapidly increasing in popularity among in-the-know tourists and travellers alike. And with the amount of things going in its favour, it’s not hard to see why. Here are just a few of the reasons you should consider making your next holiday destination the Philippines.
Natural Landmarks are One of a Kind
One of the first things that visitors will tell you about the Philippines is that its white beaches are to die for. And while it certainly does host some of the most picturesque beaches in the world, particularly those on the islands of Boracay and Luzon, this is far from the only natural beauty that can be found in the Philippines. One of the most significant is undoubtedly the Mayon Volcano, which dominates the skyline of Luzon. The volcano is not only among the tallest in the world but it is also one of the most symmetrical looking. The surrounding land has also been designated a national park, and is home to several species of rare wildlife. Another of the Philippines’ most famous natural landmarks is the Puerto Princesa subterranean river, located on the island of Palawan. The river remains underground for 8.2km straight, making it the second longest of its kind in the world. The network of caves houses many impressive rock formations, and the canopy of the surrounding national park is also home to several exotic mammals and reptiles.
A Vibrant Culture
The Philippines also is known for its upbeat, positive atmosphere, as well as its rich and diverse culture. This is reflected in its street parties and festivals, which are usually rapturous affairs, and are often tied to religious or historical events. The Ati-Atihan, Moriones and Sinulog festivals are a few of the largest and most well-attended festivals in the country, and often attract a mix of locals and tourists alike. The people of the Philippines are also known to be kind and welcoming. This is reflected in many of their cities, such as Baguio City, which is one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia.
Good Value for Money
While the price of travelling to a country like the Philippines can be highly expensive, the Philippines has a very low relative cost of living, and as such, may be more affordable than you think. In fact, current estimates suggest you could live comfortably in the country for only $800-$1,200 a month. Any travel costs would therefore likely be recouped somewhat on other expenses. Even rental prices are good value for money, as its possible to find houses for rent in Cebu and other major islands for very reasonable prices.
Summer All Year Round
One of the best things about the Philippines is that it has a beautiful, tropical climate. This means that you are almost guaranteed beautiful warm weather all year round, which will be a welcome change for people who want to escape the freezing temperatures of wintertime. This means you can enjoy soaking up the sun however if you are looking for more mild conditions then there are also plenty of mountainous regions which are substantially cooler, too. The Philippines really does have something for everyone.