The PHILIPPINES was NOT what I expected
I spent two weeks in the Philippines, flying into Cebu, heading down to Moalboal for 3 nights and then heading to Siargo Island for a week.
The Philippines is made up of over 7000 islands, and truly I hadn't really thought too hard about how easy or not it was going to be to get between them. I know this is on me!
There are planes which do fly between most islands, but they can be expensive (I learned this the hard way). You can also get boats between them, which yes, take longer but work out much cheaper. And there are loads of local buses going up and down islands too, as this is how I got from Cebu centre to Moalboal. They aren't beautiful buses, but honestly it's not that deep, it turns out I can deal with a fair amount of basic.
Truly as a solo traveller I just wanted the least exhausting journey by this point.
Siargo Island was the most beautiful place, and honestly when I look back now I will 100% be giving the Philippines another try, but I NOW KNOW that I will HAVE to plan ahead, plan my route and book everything in advance (where possible) so I can get the least tiring, expensive and stress free journey.
I think you can probably tell from this video, it was a real emotional journey for me, but I'm still so thankful and grateful I got to experience this beautiful country. I personally cannot wait to go back more prepared, with a plan in my head of where I'm going and how. I'd love to do all the zip lines and I SUPPPOSE I'd like to visit El Nido and one day, let me tell you I will to go to the floating houses in Palawan/ Coron.
I stayed at The Backyard Inn down in Moalboal costing me 18GBP ($22.61) for 3 nights, the people here were so lovely. There is one big room, with about 12 beds in it. I met some great people here as it was such a chill place to hangout too.
On Siargo Island I head to Pacifico for the first 4 nights, and stayed at LaFinca Hostel, which was not only run by the LOVLIEST ladies but was the BEST hostel I have ever stayed in by far, completely loved it. This was 12GBP($15) a night when I stayed.
I then did a few nights down in General Luna and stayed at Ilakai Hostel (8GPB per night/ $10), the people here were actually lovely, but for me I didn't like this hostel. It was far too warm and the beds were cramped quite a few to the room, with the toilets and showers not being the cleanest. But again, I wasn't too phased, but after coming from LaFinca it was a big change, ha!
If I've remembered correctly the tuktuk from Siargo Airport to Pacifico was 500 pesos(if you're not firm with them they will definitely try to charge more, but 500 seemed the basic rate), from Pacifico down to GL was around 300 pesos, then from GL to the airport you can arrange pick up vans which worked out around 200/300 pesos too.
Just as I've uploaded this I realised why the Philippines got to me a little more. Hardly anywhere took card payment, I'm such a card girl & hate carrying cash anywhere. BUT it's a definite must in this place, I ended up using my card once in the two weeks to pay at a supermarket and that is it.
Пікірлер: 62
The hassle in the Philippines is traveling since the islands are not interconnected. Flying, by boat, bus, pedicab, moped or walking is part of our day-to-day journey of traveling from one place to another. It consumes all your time and energy plus your expectation and excitement. I am from Cebu. I miss my country and stayed there for 20 days to unwind. I still have worked overseas and I have to come back. My last visit was in December 2018. But one thing is for sure, when I retire my home sweet home is in the Philippines to immerse myself in my people, our native language, and places that I have been there. Good luck with your next journey. Cheers.
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
It's so true, all the islands look amazing, but I truly found travelling between them on my own very tiring & mentally was not available for it! But next time I will be because I know now & will plan, ha! Ah thank you, everyone I met there was so lovely & helpful - such a beautiful place
Im originally from the Philippines and I can see where you are coming from. There are so many beautiful places and so many different islands I want to visit but the time and energy just to travel between them is just so exhausting both physically and mentally. Just like everywhere else, it is what you make out of it. I'm glad you enjoyed Siargao. Happy travels.
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
Yes exactly that! I am in no way saying I didn't like the Philippines but absolutely like you say, it was tiring trying to go between. I think once I had got used to it I enjoyed it so much! Thank you
@rjjr3449
Ай бұрын
@@AdventureswithAmberAdel theres also that unsettling feeling of uneasiness, where you are getting bad first time vibes from people, mostly from high traffic tourist spots where it feels like they are overcharging you big time. Props to you for having the courage travelling solo anywhere for the first time. Siargao is on my bucket list, but I really want to do Tubbataha reef first.
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
@@rjjr3449 yes! This is such a good point, I think you're right there, as Cebu airport was the first time I had to hang around for a while to get my sim card & I thought I could get a bus out of it for much cheaper but ended up having to get a taxi which was obviously more expensive. So this is actually a very good point! Thank you very much.Ah yes, I hope you get to go! I can't wait to go an explore more islands there are so many beautiful ones
@Oissst2012
Ай бұрын
@@AdventureswithAmberAdel next time solo female travellers....usually there are police officers in terminals or airports.. don't hesitate to ask for information and help.. you will be safe from scammers and bad vibes .. you can take that to the bank. 👍💯
Wow I'm your new subscribers and welcome to the Philippines and enjoy some part of the Philippines 🇵🇭 ❤❤❤❤❤
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
Awh thank you so much ❤️💜❤️💜
I love philipines ❤
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
It's very beautiful!
@Rskpinky
Ай бұрын
Ok 👌
You missed El Nido, Coron, and the many gorgeous beaches there.
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
I know 😭 I was really gping to try to head to El Nido, but I wasn't sure if I had the energy to travel there from siargao, if that makes sense. It looks beautiful though. Coron and El Nido are definitely places I'd explore next time
Your vlog is wonderful 👍
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
Aw thank you. That means so much 💜
@Rskpinky
Ай бұрын
You always welcome
@Rskpinky
Ай бұрын
My pleasure 🙏
@VeganV5912
26 күн бұрын
@@AdventureswithAmberAdel you’re vegan that’s cool ?. I’ve been vegan for 10 years. Two months and I’ll come down to the Philippines.
I think the Philippines are at their best when you can be there with a Filipino or Filipina. Especially if you can go to some of the less touristy parts. All of the Philippines is beautiful, not just El Nido & Boracay. Probably the biggest piece of advice we can give is give yourself MORE TIME in the Philippines. No matter how much time you have there, you will need more time. Some of it is "island time" but the reality is that you aren't going to go anywhere fast in the Philippines. Road speeds tend to top out around 40mph, with 20-25mph being pretty typical. The tricycles are only 125cc-150cc and they have a bunch of extra metal welded on. Often carrying 5 or more passengers plus the driver (2 behind the driver, 3 or 4 in the 'sidecar'). That's asking a lot for such a small engine. So they pretty much top out at 20mph. And there are tons of them, which tends to bring traffic anywhere in the towns & villages down to 20mph. Boats from outside the Philippines are highly import taxed so most boats are locally-built 'pump boats' (banka). Jumping between tourist islands is going to cost you a lot in terms of time, and quite a bit in terms of money. For local island-hopping, you can hire a boat and crew for dirt cheap but it really helps if you have a Filipino to do the negotiating. There are also organized tours, moreso in the touristy areas (like Boracay, Bacolad, El Nido, etc.) but also other areas (Caramoan, Calugas, Sorsogon, etc.). It isn't always about the destination, however, sometimes it really is the journey that is most interesting. Not to 'plug' Cleo's home region too much, but you can fly into Legazpi (or into Clark) and avoid Manila altogether, and then spend as much of your time as you want on Luzon and still have absolutely TONS to see and do, all just a matter of taking some land transportation to get there. Also, if you are a 'foody', the Philippines can be 'da bomb'. But if you are super-picky (like Mark) there is still pizza to be had almost everywhere!
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
Aw thank you SO much for this! I have to say I would LOVE to travel with locals more. In the places I went where I made local friends I enjoyed it so much as I know 1) they could speak the language but 2) they could show me the places they loved which made it so special. Yes, I will totally try next time to few people together, as it's so much nicer and less stressful than doing everything on your own. I don't mind long travel days, by this point I had definitely got used to spending full days getting from A to B, but yes totally agree with everything just being a little slower. But that was also a beauty, as you could soak it all in that bit more. This was lovely to read, so thank you
Welcome and Enjoyed here in the Philippines🇵🇭 im new Subcriber🇵🇭
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
28 күн бұрын
Awh thank you! Welcome 💜
Hi! Welcome! Thank you for visiting our country. Explore more and enjoy the islands and the people. Here are some of my suggestions 1. Beaches and Islands - (1) El Nido and Coron - Palawan, (2) Bonbon Beach - Romblon, new entrant for top 50 beaches in the world. 2. Cold Places - Baguio City, Tagaytay 3. Waterfalls - a lot, just ask the people. and they will tell you, but there's a lot in Iligan City (Maria Cristina Falls) 4. Caving or a tour in caves - Sagada, Mt. Province 5. Videoke - everywhere 6. Food - every places has it's own delicacy 7. Beautiful and Accommodating people - everywhere. Enjoy! "It's more fun in the Philippines"😊😊
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
Oh WOW! Thank you so much for this!! I am saving this for the next time I visit, I didn't see enough waterfalls on my visit and they are beautiful! Thank you thank you x
Enjoy your visit & stay safe.
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
Thank you
In the Philippines,all you have to do is ask the locals whatcyou really need and they will help you 100% for free if you want. Filipinos are 80% Catholic Christians which means anyway European mentality not like the rest of South East Asia. Filipino Hospitality is number one in Asia.
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
Oh for sure, the locals I spoke to were really helpful! Even at the airport before I'd left the ladies were telling where is best to visit in Cebu & which islands they'd recommend. I found everyone helpful for sure!
Visit Dumaguete and Siquijor when you get back!!
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
Ahh💜 Siquijor was so recommended and I nearly did it! I'll have to visit next time for sure. There's so many places I wish I could have gone
@tybuzz67
17 күн бұрын
No don't come back Bali is better. Stay there. Nothing to see here really.
Hope you'll enjoy your stay here in the Philippines. Welcome.
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
💜🙏🏽💜
When traveling, always listen to your gut. Im glad you listened to yours. ✌️🇵🇭
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
26 күн бұрын
Thank you. I have to say this is so true, its one of the most important things I learned this time, because your body always tells you!
@user-om9nq3lw3s
25 күн бұрын
Are you part Asian ?
@user-om9nq3lw3s
25 күн бұрын
Being arrogant and insecure doesn’t mesh well . There’s a reason you’re traveling alone at 30 .
enjoy ur stay there
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
Thank you
Well i think phIlipines is not for you. Enjoy the country which you feel is best for your expectation gudluck on your journey travelling the philipines you can stay in an island for longer but you have to explore bec there are so many beautiful spots unexplored and mot a tourist spot
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
To be fair it was my lack of planning. I didnt plan for this trip at all, just knew which countries I wanted to go to. I am the worst at planning and that has its pros and cons, for the Philippines it didnt work out for me. So next time I know I HAVE to plan so I can just enjoy everything more 😂 she learned her lesson!
Go to India . I think you’ll enjoy that more .
I think if Phils was one of your first destinations, your impression would be different.
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
28 күн бұрын
Yeah tbf I think I should have started there but I wanted to love it, so I saved it until the end of my trip. But by then I was so burned out that everything was definitely more overwhelming! Next time though!
When i make a travel anywhere without planning.I will make sure the places and time i spent would be meaningful and precious to me the most.If there's a thing that gives to me upset.Maybe next time much better to stay foot.
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
Yes next time I will 100% plan! I'm really bad at planning so I'm amazed it didn't go too bad this time 😂
It’s called tricycle, not tuk tuk.
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
13 күн бұрын
I mean when the hostel people booked it for me, they did refer to it as a tuk tuk. But tricycle makes sense
Filipino food
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
They truly did the best smoothie bowls ever. I know it sounds ridiculous but they just did it better than anywhere else
Bali is more good suggest stay there, philippines is only for travelers who are more open minded.
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
I think its less about being open minded and more about learning how different places operate, and that's fine. I didn't realise how the Philippines operated until I got there and that's how I learned. So for next time I'll know, it's nothing bad it was just different.
@jaimedominicpanelo7246
28 күн бұрын
Philippines is for Vloggers because you can get thousand or more subscribers here faster than in any other countries.
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
28 күн бұрын
@@jaimedominicpanelo7246 yeah I have noticed A LOT of activity on his video. Why is that?
Britist accent lady
You can go to bali and carefull there and you know its a muslim country
@AdventureswithAmberAdel
Ай бұрын
I have visited Bali also, I'm pretty certain Bali is primarily Hindu, whereas Lombok/Gili Islands etc are Muslim. None of the places I visited made me feel particularly unsafe