Destinations

Discovering Asia: Five Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Philippines

Published

4 years ago

September 7, 2020

Elena

“Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell not stuff to show” –Author Unknown

Known for being one of Asia’s premier exotic destinations, the Philippines has seen a steady incline in terms of tourism over the recent years. With gorgeous picturesque beaches, a rich history, unique culture and incredibly warm friendly locals, it would be no wonder why many foreigners far from and beyond would flock to this country for a slice of tropical paradise. Unfortunately, as enticing as this Asian adventure might be and much like any venture to the unfamiliar, there might be things that most foreigners might find a little odd, perplexing and even unsettling. In this regard, most of them might be caught unaware and off-guard.

However, that need not be the case so long as you adequately prepare yourself for the travel ahead. So, before you start booking your itinerary list for things to do in Manila or elsewhere, here are some indispensable tips and techniques, should you ever wish to travel to the Philippines:

Table of Contents

1. It is hot and humid

If you are used to the foreign climate wherein you get four seasons a year, the first thing you will probably notice in the Philippines is its weather. To put it simply, it is hot and very humid which means that air is a lot thicker and would make it harder to breathe if you are not used to it. With this in mind, dress accordingly—leave your bulkier sweaters and trench coats at home and pack on sleeveless shirts and denim cutoffs instead. If you choose to visit during the colder or rainier months (July-December), be sure to pack some light sweaters and jackets with you to keep warm.

2. Equip your phones with apps

Anyone who will spend even the tiniest amount of time in Metro Manila can attest to how appalling the traffic conditions are. The major metropolis seems to never sleep and traffic can get especially worse during the rush hours. As foreign visitors are not used to the downright chaotic traffic conditions, public transport might not be a feasible option unless you intend on staying for a significant amount of time.

Apps such as Uber, GrabCar and Waze can truly be lifesavers. The first two are car booking apps, they generally cost you more than a regular cab but the convenience you are afforded on top of the safety guarantee are worth the extra pesos you pay for them. Waze, on the other hand, is a navigation app that is incredibly useful in plowing through traffic gripped areas of the metropolis.

3. English is a spoken language

Perhaps one of the greatest things tourists love about Filipinos apart from their warm hospitality is their excellent command of the English language. So, if you would get lost, it would not be too hard for you to approach a local and ask for directions as to where you should go—provided that you can speak English as well. Do not be intimidated, Filipinos are generally friendly by nature.

4. Keep pocket change

When you are travelling to islands or smaller provinces where Uber and Grab are still virtually nonexistent, keeping pocket change will be especially useful. Generally, prices are cheaper in the provinces and you can buy a full meal for as little as two dollars in small carenderias (little eateries along the street) and even get your basic essentials in sari-sari stores (which is the Filipino counterpart for convenience stores). You might even be surprised that these stores generally sell their wares per piece instead of in packs which makes it useful for you to carry some spare change around.

5. Be pleasant and interact with the locals

Filipinos are generally an agreeable lot and it does not take much to strike a conversation with them. In fact, you might even be surprised that some of them would even initiate an interaction with you first. So, in this regard, be amiable and treat them cordially. Who knows? You might just end up with a few Filipino friends of your own.