The Philippines: Insider’s Guide to a Water Lover’s Paradise

The insider advice on this page is from one of Wendy’s Trusted Travel Experts for Philippines: Andrea Oschetti of Blueflower.

Trusted Travel Expert

Andrea Oschetti

Because he lives in Hong Kong and has made Asia his home for more than two decades (he’s Italian by birth), Andrea has regional connections that enable him to offer a broader range of itineraries and price points than you’ll find through most U.S.-based firms. He’s open to arranging relatively short experiences of Japan because he’s accustomed to booking long weekends there for his Hong Kong clientele, and he uses WhatsApp to stay in contact—from a nearby time zone, no less—throughout your trip. He can arrange visits with local artisans, sushi chefs, and bonsai masters, is equally comfortable sending you around rural and urban Japan via train or private car, and is particularly adept at managing groups with disparate interests.

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Expect trips orchestrated by Andrea to start at $1,000 per day for two travelers in the Philippines and $1,400 per day in Japan.

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Are the Philippines Right for You?

Less well-known to U.S. travelers than many other Asian islands, the Philippines are ideal for lovers of the beach and the sea: A visit here is all about coastal landscapes and water activities. It’s a prime location for snorkelers and scuba divers, and the warm and welcoming nature of Filipinos provides a window into the local culture. Expect to do a bit of island-hopping once you’ve arrived. The country also combines well with Indonesia and gateway cities like Singapore and Hong Kong.

Where to Stay and Eat

Nay Palad is a luxe, all-inclusive resort on little-known Siargao Island. Photo: Nay Palad Hideaway

Best bang-for-your-buck hotel
Nay Palad, on Siargao, is a luxurious outpost in an as-yet undeveloped region—one that so far is known only to surfers but whose beauty will no doubt draw wider attention in the coming years. The pricing is all-inclusive, so you can indulge in gourmet meals and both land- and sea-based activities without the hassle of signing bills or checking prices.

Best-value splurge hotel
Banwa Private Island. Hidden away in northeastern Palawan, Banwa is a 15-acre property within a marine protected area. The six modern villas range from one to four bedrooms, with plenty of privacy amidst pristine white-sand beaches, lush landscapes, and a vibrant offshore reserve. The draw here isn’t just the luxurious accommodations but the unique experiences, from exploring the Amazon-like Barbacan River, to scuba diving in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tubbataha Reefs, to visiting the small fishing communities in the nearby Gubat Islands.

Enjoy your own slice of paradise at a private-island resort like this one. Photo: Banwa Private Island

Dishes to try
Kinilaw, a Filipino-style ceviche. Recipes vary from region to region, but the classic version features fresh fish—usually chunks of Spanish mackerel, known locally as Tanigue—coconut vinegar, calamansi juice, ginger, and red onions. In Visayas, they do an interesting version with coconut milk.

Sinuglaw is a spin on the classic kinilaw, with the addition of barbecued pork belly. The combination of smoky pork and fresh fish may seem unusual, but it’s worth trying (and something you’re unlikely to find outside the Philippines).

Meal worth the splurge
Andrea can arrange a private picnic on a hidden sandbar: Imagine digging into a delectable array of grilled fish, steamed crab, prawns, BBQ pork, and fresh tropical fruits on a narrow strip of pristine white sand, framed by turquoise waters and a stunning sunset.

What to See and Do

Lush jungle and crystalline water are hallmarks of the Palawan archipelago. Photo: Flower Island Resort

Don’t miss
Island-hopping in El Nido, a small portion of the Palawan archipelago. This is the quintessential “postcard” destination in the Philippines, with breathtaking turquoise lagoons nestled among rocky limestone cliffs and greenery. Recent years have seen more high-end hotels and top-notch restaurants in the region, so you don’t have to sacrifice luxury for the view.

Don’t bother
The Banaue Rice Terraces. Reaching these terraces, which are situated 5,000 feet above sea level, involves a lengthy journey on winding, mountainous roads. The trip from Manila can take upward of 8 hours each way. While the terraces themselves are stunning, they only make sense if you can devote a few days of your trip to the journey.

Most underrated place
Siargao. Often likened to Bali 20+ years ago, Siargao is one of the Philippines’ best-kept island secrets, offering adventure and relaxation in equal measure. Come here for remote beaches, deep-sea fishing, world-class surfing—and arguably the most diverse food scene outside of the big cities, with Italian, Indonesian, Singaporean, Peruvian, and of course Filipino. The best time to visit is from March to June.

Siargao Island is one of the Philippines’ best-kept secrets. Photo: Nay Palad Hideaway

Most overrated place
Boracay. Famous for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, Boracay has transformed into a bustling tourist destination, now filled with clubs, restaurants, and even a Starbucks and McDonalds. Clean-up efforts in 2018 improved Boracay’s environmental condition, but it is still less a quaint tropical-island getaway and more a bustling entertainment district by the beach.

Hidden gem
Siquijor. Legend has it that the Spanish once dubbed Siquijor the “Island of Fire” for its mesmerizing swarms of fireflies illuminating the molave trees. Today, Siquijor is famous for mystical folklore and revered shamans offering an array of roadside concoctions, love potions, and healing services. But beyond that, Siquijor is also a beautiful island with white sandy beaches stretching along its many miles of turquoise coastline and waterfalls within its jungle interior. It’s off the beaten path, but much more accessible now that a beautiful hotel has opened on a neighboring island.

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