Big Lagoon in El Nido, Philippines.
I hadn’t planned on visiting the Philippines originally on this trip, however on meeting a fellow Brit in Laos, she very quickly made me change my mind! I was so close to it, I couldn’t find a reason not to go! I ended up flying there mid- November after spending a few days in Kuala Lumpur. I spent 2 and a half weeks there and I honestly could have stayed for months on end…next time maybe!
I spent 5 days on the island of Cebu in the Central Visayas region mainly in a place called Moalboal. To be completely honest I had caught quite a bad chest infection by the time I reached the Philippines (run down from too much smog and partying in Cambodia maybe!) I quickly decided to make it more of a ‘holiday’ than travelling around from place to place to try to recoup. I only ended up visiting three islands (one of which included Manila on Luzon which is where I flew into) and this was a mere drop in the ocean of the 7,641 islands that make up this beautiful country.
I flew from Manila to Cebu City and stayed there for one night, I then caught a local bus the next day to Moalboal, it cost me less than $4 USD and took around 4 hours (it’s a 2 hour 45 mins ride but the bus stops along the way). I loved catching the local buses as I met some lovely people, especially a lovely Filipino lady who kept giving me food and in the end invited me to go and stay with her and her family (sadly I didn’t take her up on the offer, but she was so warm and genuinely friendly).
Moalboal T Breeze resort views.
I stayed in the Moalboal T Breeze Coastal Resort for 3 nights and it was so relaxing and quiet, right next to the ocean with spectacular views over crystal clear turquoise waters. There was plenty of snorkelling (especially to see turtles) and also the Kawasan Falls which is easy to get to from Moalboal. I enjoyed snorkelling and relaxing by the beach watching the fishing boats go by!
After Cebu I decided to fly directly to Puerto Princesa city on the island of Palawan, which has repeatedly been voted as one of the best islands to visit in the world . I was recommended it time and time again by fellow travellers. It certainly did not disappoint and it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been too, mainly due to the colourful towns, golden beaches and clear blue turquoise sea.
I stayed in Puerto Princesa city for one night in the Sheebang Hostel which was a nice hostel about 10 mins from the city area of bars and restaurants. I loved this island so much, not too touristy yet and still absolutely beautiful with loads to do! Here are some of my highlights….
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