Archives January 2024

A longtime favorite of travelers for its stunning beaches and warm hospitality, the Philippines offers a delightful mix of secluded natural wonders and lively cities for anyone in search of their next adventure.

But since this archipelagic nation comprises more than 7400 stunning islands, figuring out which area to explore first can be a challenging puzzle to piece together. While it’s best to focus on one region at a time for a richer, deeper experience, careful planning for inter-island connections makes it possible to hop from hub to hub for a well-rounded Filipino adventure.

Here are 10 destinations to uncover the beauty and wonders of this treasure of Southeast Asia.

1. Palawan

Best for all-around island bliss

With a coastline of almost 2000km (1243 miles) lined with rocky coves and sugar-white beaches, Palawan – the largest island of a many-island province of the same name – easily lends itself to superlatives.

First-timers flying in via the capital Puerto Princesa should seek out the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder an hour’s away from the city. Marvel at the formations formed by stalactites and stalagmites jutting all around as your boat traverses sections of the 8¼km-long (5-mile-long) underground river that flows directly into the sea. 

If laid-back getaways are more your style, head to Port Barton, a coastal fishing village with easy access to snorkeling sites, sea turtles and waterfalls. If you want to take the road, head to San Vicente, and its stunning 14km-long (8¾-mile-long) fine-white-sand stretch of beach. It’s the longest one in the entire country – and it will feel like it’s all yours. 

Planning tip: Consider arriving in El Nido or Coron, then connecting Palawan’s dots by sea or land. Nagtabon Travel and Tours offers private transfers from Puerto Princesa to other rising Palawan spots, and also offers motorbike rentals. 

2. El Nido

Best for adventurous beach lovers

With striking limestone cliffs, mesmerizing lagoons and endless beaches in between azure waters, El Nido, on the north of Palawan Island, is a popular tourist hub. (Indeed, its 45 islands and islets on the northern tip of Palawan reportedly inspired Alex Garland’s novel The Beach.)

Beaches come in many varieties here. You can snorkel through crystalline waters, kayak through the karst-concealed seascapes of the Big and Small Lagoons, enter an underwater crevice to discover Hidden Beach, or simply laze under the palm trees of Seven Commandos Beach. Island-hopping tours clustered by location are easy to book online ahead of time, or once you’ve arrived. Generally fair weather year-round, boutique stays, vibrant nightlife and hip dining options make El Nido an easy pick for any traveler to the Philippines.

Planning tip: From Puerto Princesa, vans shuttle travelers 238km (148 miles) to El Nido. For flexibility, rent motorcycles to make the five-to-six-hour road trip part of the adventure: the road is fully paved and an utter joy to ride. Direct flights are also available from Manila.

3. Coron

Best for wreck diving and snorkeling

Another idyllic Palawan spot that’s accessible by air from Manila and by water from El Nido,  Coron is where you’ll find yourself face-to-face with WWII-era shipwrecks. This bucket-list destination for divers has spectacular underwater clarity, with some wrecks even visible to snorkelers. But there’s much more than dive sites here. Glide through the cool waters of Kayangan Lake, bask on the unspoiled shores of Malcapuya Island, climb the 721 steps up Mt Tapyas for sweeping panoramic views, immerse your body in the Maquinit Hot Springs and enjoy the lively food scene in town afterward. 

Detour: If you want to veer away from the crowds, take the 45-minute boat from from Coron to Culion, which boasts secluded beaches and spectacularly preserved snorkeling sites. Kawil Tours organizes overnight beach camps and expedition tours around Culion, Coron and Busuanga.

4. The Cordillera Region

Best for remote mountain treks and hikes

With majestic mountain views, sprlawing terraced rice paddies and misty, pine-shrouded forests, the Cordillera Region of northern Luzon is a fantastic destination for anyone who prefers mountains over beaches. Along zigzagging roads, the Cordillera Central Mountain Range hides remote trails and villages, to the delight of hikers looking for multi-day treks in the middle of nowhere. 

Whether you’re in the mood to explore the mountains, caves or waterfalls, guides and tours are easy to book; we recommend basing yourself in the town of Sagada (home to the famous “hanging coffins”). Rise early for sunrise treks, hike the bizarrely bright Blue Soil Hills or spelunk through the four-hour cave-connection crawl between the Lumiang and Sumaging cave systems.

A three-hour drive from Sagada takes you to Banaue, where you can stay in rural villages and arrange hiking trips to the amphitheater-shaped, UNESCO-listed Batad rice terraces. And if even all that’s not enough, Mt Pulag (2928m / 9606ft), the loftiest peak in Luzon, also beckons intrepid hikers to hike up and take in its majestic sea of clouds (weather permitting) come sunrise.

Planning tip: Book overnight buses directly from Manila to either Sagada or Banaue on Coda Lines to optimize your travel time and maximize daylight hours.

5. Batanes

Best for slow travel and cycling

Rock-hewn landscapes and winding roads hug the coast, while lookout points at every bend provide views of grazing lands and endless blue waters. In terms of size, Batanes may be the country’s smallest province. Yet these islands are blessed with far more than their fair share of postcard-worthy landscapes – which have not changed for decades.

Batan Island’s compact size, preserved culture and traffic-free terrain make it the kind of place that cyclists dream about at night. Head first to Basco Lighthouse in Naidi Hills, rock out on Valugan Boulder Beach or pick any random spot to sit and gaze in wonder at the calming rolling hills while pedaling around. 

Planning tip: Be sure to rent a proper mountain bike to tackle the hilly roads here; Bisumi Tours specializes in eco-adventures in Batanes. Plan your visit during the dry season from December to May to avoid unpredictable weather and possible flight cancellations.

6. Boracay

Best for beach bumming

Boracay is a top draw for sunseekers. Its famous beaches beckon to those who prefer to plop down in one spot and laze the days away with a cocktail in hand and modern comforts a few steps behind. When (if?) you’re ready to leave the powdery sand, glide along on paraw sailing tours or paddle away on crystal kayaks near the shore. A world of flavors awaits come mealtime, with a long strip of international dining options, local bars and seafood grills lining beachfront areas.

Planning tip: Hop on a bike to explore the island on two wheels. Isla Siklista in Station 3 offers affordable bike rentals and guided tours to explore such inland attractions as mangrove forests and secluded beaches. 

7. Cebu 

Best for those who want a bit of everything

The hub of the Visayas, Cebu offers a range of adventures beyond beaches. After you’ve taken in the vibrant vibe of the Philippines’ second city, you can plunge into impossibly turquoise waters while canyoneering in Kawasan Falls, snorkel among spectacular schools of sardines in Moalboal or trek up the jagged hills of Osmena Peak. Back in town, crowd-pleasing food abounds, with the crispy skin and tender, flavor-packed meat of lechon tantalizing the taste buds (the Cebuano version is arguably the country’s best), and uber-fresh seafood served sutukil-style, with grilled, stewed and raw fish all on one plate. 

Detour: A one-to-two-hour ferry hop from Cebu, Bohol is a great option for families, with luxury beach resorts tucked along the island’s quieter coasts. Go dolphin-spotting during island-hopping tours, and visit iconic sites like the Chocolate Hills and tarsier sanctuary on land.

8. Iloilo 

Best for adventurous eaters

If food is your main reason for traveling, Iloilo, on Panay, should be on your list. Recently named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Iloilo dishes out lip-smacking local delicacies that will have you throwing diet plans out the window. Savor the Ilonggo flavors in signature dishes like La Paz batchoy (a noodle soup), pancit molo (wonton soup) and inasal (grilled chicken) in atmospheric market stalls, or head to Breakthrough Restaurant, an open-air spot by the sea where you can have seafood cooked to your liking.

Detour: A 30-minute boat ride from Ilioilo’s wharf, Guimaras offers more foodie fun. It’s known for its super-sweet mangos, which are creatively added to everything from chicken adobo to pizza.

9. Samar

Best for underground exploration

With caverns the size of football fields and ethereal waterfalls shrouded deep in jungle territory, the rugged island of Samar is a spelunking paradise. Sohoton Cave, which has a cathedral-like dome, skylight and natural stone bridge, is one of the most accessible sites for tourists. The Torpedo Extreme Boat Ride on the Ulot River is also an easy adrenaline rush.

Intrepid explorers can venture to Calbiga Cave in western Samar, where through a gaping entrance you’ll enter the fascinating underworld of the largest cave in the country. It takes a lot of time and effort to reach Pinipisakan Falls, which guards a natural cave system of its own – but the fantastic sight of the fairy-tale-like cascade after hours of trekking and travel will leave you open-mouthed with wonder.

Planning tip: Based in Catbalogan City, Joni Bonifacio of Trexplore runs excellent guided tours and arranges all the gear and permits needed for spelunking adventures.

10. Siargao

Best for surfers and partying, island-style

With its world-renowned Cloud 9 break, boutique hostels, laid-back island vibe and buzzing nightlife, Siargao has become a magnet for surfers and digital nomads from all over – especially the vibrant yet relaxed town of General Luna. Here, beginners can take surf lessons; settle in to trendy cafes like Kermit and Shaka; get to know fellow travelers at social spots like the Catangan Bridge; and check in to a budget-friendly hostel or luxury resort, like Nay Palad Hideaway. Boat tours to nearby islets, rocky tidal pools and the stunning Sugba Lagoon can be easily booked online. With the delightful mix of laid-back island lifestyle and creature comforts on Siargao, many travelers often find themselves staying much longer than planned. If not permanently relocating.

Planning tip: For convenient island-hopping tours, join up with fellow travelers. Got Marked Tours offers several packages and hands-on service.

There’s no better way to experience the best of Australia than on a road trip in a camper through its stunning and wild natural landscapes.

Australia’s National Highway 1 may not be as storied as America’s Route 66, but a “lap of the map” – via endless surf beaches, koala-dotted forests, flaming red deserts and awe-inspiring starry skies – will be life-defining. If you haven’t got time for the whole shebang, you’ll have just as much fun exploring one coast (the east coast or west?) or even a smaller region.

While there’s buckets of information out there from travelers who’ve gone before, here are the key things to consider before you hit the road for your motor home adventure in Australia.

On a short break, focus on one region

If you have only a few weeks then you’ll need to stick to one region. If you want to spend more time communing with nature and less time driving then you might want to target a small region.

For a mix of beaches, mountains and waterfalls head to northern NSW (Byron Bay and around) and southern Queensland (with an incredible coast and the lush Scenic Rim region). For something similar but with emptier roads, check out the coast southwest of Perth around Margaret River and inland to the old forests of Pemberton. Tasmania is also very driveable in two weeks with mountains, beaches and delicious produce everywhere.

Flying into Darwin would take you to some of the most incredible scenery in Australia around Litchfield, Kakadu and down to Uluru and back. From Adelaide, there are options to explore the coast, wineries and wetlands south, or head into the ancient interior of Ikara-Flinders Ranges via the wineries of the Clare Valley.

The coastal roads from Melbourne to Sydney through southern NSW are long and windy, and the geography doesn’t vary quite as much, but the weather is temperate and there are many family-friendly hamlets with good camping sites. Picking up a camper in Cairns means exploring the lush Atherton Tablelands, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park, managed by its traditional owners the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people (learn more on a Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge) and the Great Barrier Reef.

But this is just a snapshot of options. With more time you can join a couple of these itineraries together and cruise on – say from Adelaide to Darwin, or from Sydney up to Cairns via Byron Bay in one trip.

Allow at least three months for a “lap of the map”

Some travelers make it their mission to circumnavigate the whole of Australia, and you’ll find plenty of blogs online with people sharing their tips for tackling the project over anything from six weeks to a year.

Three months is a good minimum to dedicate to the trip. It gives you enough time for detours and longer stops at places you fall in love with, but you can also manage costs (the longer you’re away the more you spend, and there’s greater chance that mechanical wear and tear will blow out your budget).

May to October is the best time for a camper trip in Australia

Assuming you have only 12 weeks, the best time to go will be during Australia’s cooler months (May to October). In the north, you’ll be traveling in the dry season (any other time of year and a lot of the roads are impassable). Down south, it’ll be cool (cold even, with potential for snow on the Great Dividing Range) in southern NSW and Victoria – but this means campsites and caravan parks won’t be as busy.

December and January are best avoided. These months are school holidays, which means contending with domestic travelers on big summer camping trips. It’s also a time with sweltering days where your legs stick to the car seat and the steering wheel is too hot to touch (although this could happen anytime from November to March).

If you’re traveling on a working holiday visa you’ll be able to stop and take up job opportunities wherever they find you – or if you’re on a self-funded gap year and can spend even longer traveling around Australia in your campervan – then you will be traveling in all seasons. Just make sure that you’re not attempting to visit the north outside the dry season.

Buying a camper can be cost-effective

Some travelers choose to pull some savings together to buy a vehicle for their once-in-a-lifetime campervan trip in Australia. This can prove cost-effective if you get the right vehicle and look after it, making it possible to sell it at the end of your adventure (with some anticipated depreciation for the extra mileage). As well as the cost of the actual van, you’ll need to factor in other expenses like registration (“rego”); insurance; a roadworthiness certificate (RWC); repairs needed to get one to resell later; and equipping the vehicle with any extras you might want such as a campfire oven, outdoors shower, bikes or canoes.

Rental firms offer a large range of motor homes and vans

Another option is to rent a vehicle from a reputable hire company. In addition to international chains like Avis, there are Australia/NZ-specific ones to check out like Apollo, Maui and Britz.

You’ll have a large range of vehicles to choose from whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-line motor home/RV or very minimal van set-up or roof-top tent. Age and mileage are things to take into account when choosing between companies. The less expensive brands – usually marketed to backpackers – have older vehicles. Vans with Cheapa Campa, for example, are four years on fleet and older.

You’ll need everyone who’s planning to drive to be at the vehicle collection with their driver’s license, plus a credit card (not a debit card) and an upfront security deposit to cover any potential damage. The best advantage of using a rental company is being able to choose a one-way trip: you could drive from Melbourne to Cairns or Perth to Broome (should you decide to tackle one coast or the other) without having to backtrack.

Peer-to-peer campervan rentals are usually well equipped

Just as there is AirBnB for homestays, the Australian company Camplify (now also in the UK and Spain) enables campervan owners to rent to travelers directly. The costs are more affordable, and are usually well set up for an off-grid camping adventure. Some come with solar panels and decent batteries to run devices like fridges and even satellite broadband, so you won’t find yourself without any internet signal in the middle of nowhere.

When booking you get the option of adding extra insurance to reduce the “excess” you pay out of pocket should you have an accident. The only downsides: you have to return the camper from where you borrowed it, and owners can refuse your request based on your age or planned itinerary leaving the door open for discriminatory decisions. Fortunately there are loads of campers available, so you can take your pick.

Be realistic about how much space and comfort you need

Discuss what style of camper you want (and can afford) with your travel crew. Don’t forget to consider things like how you’ll manage if you don’t have showers, a camp kitchen, or toilets on board: you’ll need to budget to stay in places with facilities and (if you’re in for the long-haul time) to stop to do laundry occasionally. You also need to plan for disposing of your waste and storing things carefully overnight to ensure your campsite is not raided by local wildlife.

Living in a small space can be challenging, (especially if one of your party is not very good at putting things away), while long drives, heat, and discomfort, can all take their toll. Consider honestly whether an RV vacation is the right trip for you before you invest in buying or hiring a motor home for a long trip. You are not going to be napping with a view of the ocean every day and some days you’ll be on the road for long stretches – Australia is big.

Get breakdown cover and download useful apps before departure

As well as adequate travel insurance to cover your vehicle and any extras, it’s a good idea to join a road users’ association like the RACV or NMRA for roadside assistance in case of a breakdown.

There are also some excellent apps to help you on the road. Download them and make the most of them when you’ve got data (there are plenty of places in Australia without mobile signal).

• Wikicamps is good for free or low-cost campsites

• CamperMate includes free and paid campsites as well as facilities you will need

• Hipcamp directs you to secluded spots on private property where you can pay to camp for the night.

• Fuel Map Australia directs you to the nearest petrol stop (although current fuel prices are not reliable)

• The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) app is a must-have for local forecasts – and potential weather warnings.

Whether you’re going solo, with friends, or taking your family on a special bucket-list trip, it’s time to get planning.