"Land of volcanos, beaches, Catholicism and smiles" Philippines by DSwede

Philippines Travel Guide: 23,735 reviews and 78,890 photos

I did say volcanos and Catholicism... (Taal)

The Philippines was one of the more recent chapters in my travels around Asia. I've been to and seen a lot in this side of the world, but for some unknown reason the Philippines had always eluded me.

But thankfully I had the perfect excuse... I was working in Korea, and had to leave to renew my Visa. I was granted the balance of last years vacation and somehow managed to get my company to pay for my ticket...

My sister and I had not seen each other in a long time, so thought we should travel together. She had never been to Asia and wanted to go someplace warm since she was tired of digging her house out of the snow in Lake Tahoe. I thought that the Philippines would do the trick... warm, and a new destination for both of us. So half way around the globe, we both met in Manila to begin our adventures.

So we headed to the Asian country where more English is spoken except for maybe Hong Kong and the majority of people are Christian (and more specifically Catholic)... the easiest gateway for my sister to be introduced to Asia.

Our own private beaches near El Nido

All in all, we visited the city areas of Manila using taxis, horse carriages, tricycles and our own feet. Afterward we traveled via bus, tricycle, banca, horseback and foot to Tagaytay to see Taal Lake and volcano.

Then we traveled by plane down to the island of Palawan to Puerto Princesa. Traveling over land via jeepney, tricycle, van and foot we bounced our way up through Sabang (for the Underground River), Roxas and El Nido.

Ultimately we then explored Busuanga Island, the town of Coron, and the many Japanese WWII wrecks again using a combination of jeepneys, tricycles, bancas and foot.

We had a wonderful adventure. Using more modes of transit than I knew were possible, seeing more beaches and private lagoons that I knew existed, and hearing the calls of more roosters than I though bearable....

The way to Sabang

The people of the Philippines, while possibly the shortest people on the globe (lol), are very long in kindness and friendliness.

Once you get past the taxi drivers and occasional hustlers in the city who try to separate you from your money, the people are wonderfully kind and overflowing with smiles.

(for more pictures, feel free to visit my Philippine Gallery. If you enjoy the pictures, please leave a comment.)

Pros and Cons

Pros:One of the easiest Asian countries for westerners to feel comfortable in (language, food, religion, etc.)
Cons:Distances between destinations can be quite far. Most people underestimate this, so plan travel time into your itinerary.
In a nutshell:With so much diversification, a week minimum is required on each island.

Intro Updated Apr 5, 2011
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Written Mar 16, 2012

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Modes of Transit in Philippines

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Comments (11)

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June.b Nov 22, 2012 at 1:19 AM

HA..HA..HA.. "possibly the shortest people in the globe" I'm 5'9"? Still short I guess for US / european standard? Nice article on my original home base - Puerto Princesa, Palawan. I wish to be there soon.
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aussirose Dec 6, 2009 at 3:09 AM

Well you and your sister certainly did do a lot of different transport here Dave!! Love the elephant pic mate!! :o) xx
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jumpingnorman Feb 1, 2009 at 12:11 AM

Nice pictures from the Philippines -- and love the crosses on Taal Volcano! Thanks for sharing, Norman :)
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nimato Jul 16, 2008 at 4:48 PM

So it's the tricycles that didn't fit you that made you think Filipinos are short! >) Nice pages though and great pix of Palawan! Thanks for sharing! =)
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Kisses&Co Jul 2, 2008 at 8:53 PM

Great Piccies from my country, Dave! Btw, it is not an Ox, it is a Carabao :-)
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Yla Jun 1, 2008 at 6:05 PM

Thanks for your kind words about my countrymen, my exact sentiments as well :-) I hope you had a great time!
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madamx May 21, 2008 at 8:54 PM

Went through your Kodak album just now -- the Palawan Islands look as amazing as they sound. We hope to kayak there one day. Thanks for the great pics ~ Helen
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tso Apr 20, 2008 at 7:47 PM

"...the shortest people on the globe..." - this made me laugh...are we that short??? anyway, great page. do come back we've got more beautiful places to explore.
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moonlighting Mar 19, 2008 at 5:06 AM

a popular vter in the philippines! i hope you really enjoyed your stay. did you dive in Coron?
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asianbelle Mar 17, 2008 at 11:25 PM

Hey, interesting intro to your Philippine travel experience... and i enjoyed browsing through your transpo album.