A Guide: Tour Around the Philippines in Seven Days
One of the worst things said about the Philippine that shuns away potential tourist from all over the world is the threat of Muslim terrorism. Saddened about this reputation, I decided to publish this article to let everybody know that it is not what it seems. Yes, it is true that just like any other countries, a certain terrorist group maybe hiding somewhere in the remotest places, but the whole archipelago is safe from their threats. Our government is not sleeping. There is a 99.9 to .1% ratio of warm people vs terrorists in this land.
Just like any other countries in the world, Philippines has so much exhilarating experiences to offer, and definitely amazing trails you will never ever forget. It would be totally nonsense to take this unfair assumption of terrorism spreading everywhere, seriously. There is no evidence for it to spoil your imagination of what is supposed to be the most joyous vacation in your life. Those who had travelled here a number of times can attest how they felt during their trips.
Around the Philippines in seven days is my most ambitious research. This is a result of my own travels, and my endless appreciation of what God has bestowed to this magnificent country, and its warm and loving people.
The Country and Its people
The Philippine Archipelago has three main islands: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each of these island has wonderful places to visit, the whole year round. Filipino (in the form of tagalog) is the official Language, though there are around 120 dialects spoken and heard, as you tour around the archipelago. English is considered as the second official language, so everyone understands even in the remotest of places.
Weather and Transportation
The Weather and Events
Generally, the Philippines is a tropical country. Most days of the year are dry and humid. However, we have two main seasons that travelers should consider. Before you pack up your bags and leave your home, make sure to check the latest weather, as it is not a good idea to tour around the country during the rainy days. But the best months to visit the Philippines would be from January till May. During these months, the weather is fabulous, and big festivals await your arrival.
The Places and Means of transport
As a tropical country, Philippines has an endless list of beautiful beaches, as well as mountain resorts to visit. There are volcanoes both active and inactive serving as main attractions in a number of cities and provinces. More than a hundred of hot and cold springs combined scattered all around these three main islands waiting for you. There are also “only in the Philippines animals” exhibited in different wildlife parks in the country, along with other rare species. The country never feel shortage of both man-made and natural wonders known all over the world.
Furthermore, no need to worry about the means of travel from one island to another, as Philippines is endowed with a lot of these means. There are aircraft and ferries for a long distance travel, cabs and Pedicabs for short distance travels, busses and trains from one province to another, and the most ubiquitous “jeepneys” are available in almost all routes for your convenience. Finally, the most unique “habal-habal” (motorcycles for hire) will bring tourists to remote areas with narrow roads and stiff terrains that jeepneys can't reach.
Best Places to Visit in the Philippines
The Best Itinerary
Let's consider this; to tour around the Philippines with a limited time is impossible. However, this itinerary will give you the chance to step on both three main islands in the country for just seven days. This trail is the simplest and the safest so far, and will not lessen your beautiful experience. This gives you the feeling of having toured around the whole country. The itinerary consists of three major destinations in each of the three major islands. It would be very tiring, but mind you, it will be worth it. Just follow strictly the route and the schedule, and I can guarante you will complete the trip on time.
Day 1 starts, as soon as you land on the Philippine soil.
Time Frame: One Week
Day 1
Take an International flight from your place straight to the NAIA Terminal in Manila. Make sure to arrive in the morning or early noon. Outside the airport, there are FX or van-like taxis for hire that will take you to Tagaytay City for 25-30 US Dollars. It is an hour drive when there is no traffic, and a van-like taxi is the most convenient mode of transport towards your first destination. Check in at one of its mini-hotels for as low as $20, or you may opt for the best hotels for $100 and up. As soon as you are all set, you can immerse yourself with good weather and the spectacular scenery overlooking the smallest Volcano in the world, Taal Volcano. You can go for a picnic at the park until the beautiful sun kisses the horizon. Tagaytay is just like Manila, only cooler. It has great air, no pollution, and the lifestyle is so laid back, taking all your stress from a decade of non-stop working.
Day 2 & DAY 3
The following day, you can go back to the same area where the international airport is. Your stay in Luzon Island will be over once you check out the next flight to Boracay, in Visayas.
There are 20 flights off to Boracay in a day. You can take the morning flight to arrive early. You will be ushered by the people of Caticlan Airport.
Depending on your baggages, a 700-meter walk or a short tricycle-ride of $1 will bring you to Jetty Port, where jetty ferries await for a short 15 minute ride to main island of Boracay. The ride will cost you a total of $3.5 Dollars, mainly for environmental fee, terminal fee , and the boat fee.
This will be your DAY 2. so don’t waste the rest of the day by staying in your hotel. Take a walk on barefoot, see the beautiful sandcastles, watch the best firedance you'll ever see at night. Bars and spas are also open, along with hennas and tattoo shops, depending on your interest. There are a hundred things you can do, but special mention for this is to dine at one of the finest Korean restaurants, whose tables extend right through the shore during the evening. Cool breeze, good food and unbeatable ambiance increase your appetite.
You can spend another day in this island paradise for DAY 3, and exhaust all activities it can offer. A must-try island hopping awaits you, with snorkeling and diving on a coral reef as the main part of it. Hired boats bring you to the other parts of the island for more crystal waters. These are secluded areas where people can even do beach volleyball nude. This other side of the resort define serenity at its best.
DAY 4
Early morning on the next day prepare for your return trip to the main island of Manila. Be sure to catch an early flight since you will be ushered for another 1.15 minute plane-ride later in the day towards your next destination, the island of Mindanao. You can stop, and let the day pass in one of Mindanao's main city Cagayan de Oro. Let the stress or the jetlag go away by indulging yourself with the many spas and saunas around the main avenue, Divisoria. If you would arrive there on a friday or a saturday, a street night cafe will be ready to get you in a party mood. Finish the rest of the night by a hearty dinner and drinks in these cafes where you get to indulge yourself with many foods and live bands.
When in cdo, call the most trustworthy tourguide:
https://www.facebook.com/nmcdotours
DAY 5 & DAY 6
The next trip early in the morning about 4 hours will be on a ferry boat going to Camiguin island. Once in Camiguin, you can start visiting the main tourists' spots at noon, and end up the day at the Ardent Hot Springs, where the flowing waters straight from the feet of a volcano had been believed to soothe your body, leaving a totally refreshed feeling.
You can stay for another day in the island to finish the 64-km tour on a road trip towards the many cold springs, and the best of a white island getaway. The sunken cemetery near a church wreckage, and a resurrection site where people parade around during lent are just around the highway for you to take souvenir pictures.
Day 7
Get out of Camiguin Island on the first trip and go back to Cagayan de Oro where you can go for a white water rafting through 14 rapids with the best package of 25 dollars with lunch and side-tour at a nearby cave. The most affordable hotel can give a 12- hour stay for P500 – 12.5 dollar.
Tour Guide: https://www.facebook.com/nmcdotours
On the next day, pack your bag and head for a connecting flight going back to manila, and head towards your country of origin on the same day.
For more convenience of this trip, you can keep in touch with a travel agency to prepare tickets and accommodations for you in the places mentioned.