Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Events
    • Shop
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Events
    • Shop
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
👤

THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR EXPATS, DIGITAL NOMADS, AND DREAMERS.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Your Escape Plan

My Adventure to the Philippines

  • BY EA Editors
  • February 25, 2017
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

If you come to Southeast Asia, you will learn fairly quickly that certain countries have become saturated with backpackers that have flooded the place with foot traffic and have trashed areas once known for natural beauty. I found this to be the case in Thailand, Vietnam, and tourist traps in Indonesia, like Bali. It was disheartening to say the least, but then I realized I fell into the tourist traps, too. When I googled top places to visit in Asia, I came to discover many people had the same idea as well.

As a person who backpacked through 8 countries in Southeast Asia, I was looking for places away from the party scene that were still preserved and full of beauty. Although, there are many islands you can explore from Vietnam to Thailand to Malaysia that are full of endless beauty, I wasn’t as impressed as when I traveled to the Philippines.

A country with over 7,000 islands, many uninhabited, the Philippines are a beach lover’s dream and the perfect getaway for couples. They say during low tide that a few hundred islands are visible for a couple hours, which adds to the list of deserted islands that encompass the country.

My Adventure to the Philippines

When I first arrived, I was prepared to handle the hot and crowded streets of Manila, known infamously for its ability to make even the most seasoned traveler feel unsafe. Dependent on which part of the town you are in, you may be exposed to severe poverty or even crime, and you will notice armed security guards that patrol major businesses and are paid to keep the streets safe for tourists. But once you get out of Manila and fly on one of the small, local airlines, or take a ferry to one of the many beautiful islands surrounding it, you’ll be so enamored with the natural beauty of this country and easily forget any stress you had before.

I took a ferry to Coron, known for world-class snorkeling and scuba diving. The area is surrounded by 24  Japanese ships that were sunk by Americans during WW2. Some of the ships are shallow enough for snorkelers to see without having to dive down. Covered with barnacles, coral, and home to many oceanic species, it was a wonderful experience. For a mere $20 USD you can go on a private boat tour of the several islands, dive in for memorable snorkeling in this underground oasis, and be sure to have a lunch included with the price. Motorcycle rentals are also available on the island for a small price.

From there I traveled onward by ferry to the island of Palawan, voted as the #1 island in the world in 2015. In the north is the small town of El Nido, where I took boat tours to some of the most beautiful, white sandy beaches surrounded by crystal clear water and lush greenery. Here you can be sure to find a taste of nightlife, as restaurants and bars set up shop right on the sand.

After a week exploring and resting in the town of El Nido, I decided to move on to a much smaller town called Port Barton. The town has limited electricity, but boats set up to accommodate tourists along the beach. It was here that I saw some of the most unique beaches like StarFish island, a tiny island covered in live starfish with water that is only knee deep or less. Among them were massive sea turtles swimming freely in the crystal clear waters. A breathtaking site.

My Adventure to the Philippines

Enjoy this podcast from The Expat Money Show – JohnnyFD who talks about moving from the USA and living in Bali and Thailand.

While I was on the island, I realized I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to see the Underground River, voted one of the seven wonders of the world. For a small fee, I traveled by van to the southeastern part of the big island. Located in the capital city of Puerto Princesa, the vibrant blue Underground River stretches miles into a murky cave where many nocturnal species call home. Tourists wear hard hats to protect themselves from bat droppings as they cruise silently on boats through this cave to avoid disturbing the animal life. I felt like I was on a ride at Disneyland as the experience was thrilling to say the least.

If you get the opportunity to go to the Philippines, there is almost too much to see in a short amount of time. From Boracay to the Banaue rice fields in the North, be sure to make a checklist of what’s most important to you and give yourself ample time to travel between various locations, as everything is spread out and usually across bodies of water. I can guarantee you won’t regret it.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Previous Article
  • Your Escape Plan

Teak: Frequently Asked Questions Part 2

  • BY Adam McGeehan
  • November 6, 2016
View Post
Next Article
  • Your Escape Plan

Retiring in Colombia

  • BY David Steckenreiter
  • April 19, 2017
View Post
You May Also Like
Presidents Week 2025: Building the Future of Global Wealth
View Post
  • Presidents Week
Presidents Week 2025: Building the Future of Global Wealth
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 22, 2025
How Belize is emerging as a digital gateway for global investors
View Post
  • Plan B
Belize Is Emerging as a Digital Gateway for Global Investors
  • BY Luigi Wewege
  • October 22, 2025
Welcome sign in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a laid-back Caribbean town that offers one of Costa Rica’s most colorful and affordable coastal lifestyles.
View Post
  • Costa Rica
Your Guide for a Smooth Transition Moving to Costa Rica
  • BY Carla Rodrigues
  • October 20, 2025
Top 10 Cities in Ecuador to Visit and Live In
View Post
  • Know Before You Go
Top 10 Cities in Ecuador to Visit and Live In
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 17, 2025
Starting a Business Abroad - A world of new markets and global possibilities
View Post
  • Business
The Beauty of Starting a Business Abroad
  • BY Aneesa Marufu
  • October 17, 2025
Costa Rica Cost of Living Guide: Prices, Budgets, and Tips
View Post
  • Costa Rica
Costa Rica Cost of Living Guide: Prices, Budgets, and Tips
  • BY Carla Rodrigues
  • October 15, 2025
How to Legally Pay Less Tax Abroad
View Post
  • Plan B
How to Legally Pay Less Tax Abroad
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 15, 2025
7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle
View Post
  • Mexico
7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 14, 2025
Trending Posts
  • Life between borders 1
    • Field Notes
    Living Between Continents, Cultures, and Contradictions
    • October 13, 2025
  • How to Legally Pay Less Tax Abroad 2
    • Plan B
    How to Legally Pay Less Tax Abroad
    • October 15, 2025
  • Living in Paris: Digital Nomad Guide 3
    • Digital Nomadism
    A Digital Nomad’s Guide to Living Like a Local in Paris
    • October 10, 2025
  • Starting a Business Abroad - A world of new markets and global possibilities 4
    • Business
    The Beauty of Starting a Business Abroad
    • October 17, 2025
  • 7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle 5
    • Mexico
    7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle
    • October 14, 2025
Subscribe
Know Before You Go
  • Welcome sign in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a laid-back Caribbean town that offers one of Costa Rica’s most colorful and affordable coastal lifestyles. 1
    • Costa Rica
    Your Guide for a Smooth Transition Moving to Costa Rica
    • October 20, 2025
  • Top 10 Cities in Ecuador to Visit and Live In 2
    • Know Before You Go
    Top 10 Cities in Ecuador to Visit and Live In
    • October 17, 2025
  • Costa Rica Cost of Living Guide: Prices, Budgets, and Tips 3
    • Costa Rica
    Costa Rica Cost of Living Guide: Prices, Budgets, and Tips
    • October 15, 2025
  • 7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle 4
    • Mexico
    7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle
    • October 14, 2025
  • Cost of Living in Spain: What to Expect in 2026 5
    • Spain
    Cost of Living in Spain: What to Expect in 2026
    • October 13, 2025
Learn More
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
Why Subscribe

The newly imagined Escape Artist brings you fresh content with a global focus, and sharp, up-to-the-minute coverage of the joys, challenges, and opportunities of life abroad.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on all subscription deals, so be sure to lock-in these incredible savings and start receiving top-notch travel and expat content today!

Sign up for the EA Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Escape Artist
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Newsletter Subscription
Our Spring Sale Has Started

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/