Philippines Travel Guide
For my birthday, I take myself to a new destination every year. I figured I'd explore nearby since I was already in SE Asia. I was torn between Bali and the Philippines, but since it was rainy season, I took a gamble that the Philippines might have less rain. I'm a pretty well-traveled and spontaneous traveler, but I was surprised at how time-consuming it can be to get around the Philippines. If you only have a week, I highly recommend picking one location and sticking to it.
I stopped in Manila and Cebu, but my trip kicked off when I made it to Moalboal. It's about two hours from Cebu City by private transfer (around USD $50), but public transportation takes about three hours if you're on a budget. There's also a ferry option that can take 12-14 hours.
Moalboal
I wanted a chill beach town, so I started in Moalboal. It's cute and quaint and has a lively vibe in the evenings.
Things to Do:
Canyoneering – Hands down, the highlight of my trip. Go before 12pm to avoid crowds!
Sardine Run & Turtle Watching – You can book a tour, but I just rented snorkel gear and went to the beach. The sardines are easy to find—just follow the crowd! Sea turtles, on the other hand, tend to be in quieter spots. A buddy found them swimming in the opposite direction of the crowds.
Where to Eat:
Mercado Food Hall – there’s a variety of restaurants in Moalboal but check out the Mercado, A lively food market with a variety of stalls serving local and international dishes. Great for trying different flavors in one place.
I loved Moalboal so much I extended my stay. It has a great balance of fun and relaxation. I know in a few years it’s going to be an even bigger hotspot.
Cloud 9 Beach
Siargao
I wanted Bali vibes for my actual birthday without actually going to Bali and having to deal with the rain, so I headed to Siargao. It was the best decision! Siargao is the perfect island getaway.
Tips:
Cash is king – Most places don’t take cards, so carry enough cash.
ATMs are limited – You can only withdraw PHP 10,000 (~$190) per transaction, and ATMs often run out of cash.
Environmental fee – When you land in Siargao, you must pay a PHP 20 environmental fee.
Mobile service – Get your SIM card at the airport. I wasted time in Manila searching for an eSIM since I have a new iPhone.
Where to Stay:
General Luna – Where most tourists stay and where the action is.
Cloud 9 – Best if you're here for surfing.
Transportation:
Airport to town – Shared shuttles are about PHP 300.
Scooter rentals – A great way to explore, but carry your license—tourists do get ticketed!
Things to Do:
Surfing – Cloud 9 is the surf capital, but if you're a beginner, head to Pacifico Beach—locals say it’s way less crowded and easier to learn.
Wakeboard- It was my first time, It’s not as easy as it looks but fun!
Coconut Tree Viewpoint – I had this on my list but was having too much fun and forgot to go.
Island Hopping – Fun but a bit overrated. I could've skipped the last island, but Guyam Island was a highlight.
Shopping – Plenty of local boutiques with indie designers and souvenirs.
Food – Tons of restaurants in General Luna and Cloud 9. My fave was Sibol—I was there almost daily! They have live music every night. Make sure you check out local restaurants too.
Sibol
Mocktail
The spotted pig cafe
Balut
Beaches:
Cloud 9 – Surf central and a great people-watching spot.
Secret Beach – A smaller, more intimate beach.
Siargao Nightlife – Where to Party
Siargao’s nightlife is rotating—each night, a different bar is the go-to spot. Parties end early, with most places shutting down by midnight, except for a few after-hours spots.
Siargao Beach Club (SBC) – The after-hours spot if you’re still going strong after midnight.
Two Brown Boys – Didn't stay long, but it was definitely poppin'.
Mama Coco – Themed nights! Just note, they’re closed on Saturdays.
Barbosa – If they’re open, go! Great music, everyone’s dancing.
Happiness Beach Bar – Starts as a restaurant, turns into a dance floor. Had a blast here!
Goodies – Right across from Happiness. Another solid spot with good music.
Siargao and Moalboal were everything I wanted for my trip chill beach town vibes, epic adventures, and a mix of relaxation and fun. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Moalboal or surfing in Siargao, The Philippines is definitely one for the books.
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