Traveling to the Philippines felt like going halfway around the world. Which it basically is from Austria. Going to Manila via Taipeh was even longer. But that’s something to take into account already for next time. Because there will be a next time for sure. And then I will hopefully remember everything that I have put down in writing here. Because there was much that I learned while traveling in the Philippines. Yours, Pollybert
1.) Asia is loud. Everyone has their phone on, either face timing, calling, or just playing something. Also music is constantly on in all kinds of stores or restaurants. And at night the AC buzzes in your room. If you want to shut the world out, don’t forget to bring some ear plugs.
2.) The entry documents for the Philippines were printed in such minuscule font that I had to squint and when that didn’t help, to take a picture of the paper and zoom into it before being able to fill in my data.
3.) I felt tall while in the Philippines.
4.) The moment you step out in Manila the heat and humidity hits you. There’s no way to prepare for this even when you expect it.
5.) Arriving in Manila, getting through customs, grabbing my luggage, getting cash, buying a SIM card, changing the terminal by taxi, checking in, and getting a coffee, took me an hour and ten minutes all in all. Very efficient here!
6.) To change the terminal in Manila cost 100PHP and takes about three minutes with a yellow cab. There’s a shuttle bus, but it looked as if would remain for a while at terminal 1. It was definitely worth the money.
7.) Don’t buy your SIM card directly at the airport. If you can withstand the temptation to be online, wait until you reach your final destination and buy somewhere locally. It will be way cheaper.
8.) The shuttle bus from Daraga airport to Legazpi has fixed prices, except for obvious tourists. They pay a little more and the bus driver then tries to drop you off at the main bus station instead of their destination. When I refused this blatant discrimination, the last locals on the bus supported me, and eventually I was dropped off dead last. All in all the transfer took longer than the flight.
9.) You can’t escape Austria, even in the Philippines.
a picture of Hallstadt @Manila airport
10.) The tourist office of Legazpi City is in the city hall. Instead of conveniently somewhere in front, the office was located on the second floor. At least 12 people worked here, all of them with name signs on their desk. None of them could speak English except for the supervisor. I asked about the bus schedule for Sorsogon. It was not available. But she was really nice and I had a good chat.
11.) Electricity cables and wires looked adventurous to say the least.
electric wiring @Legazpi City
12.) I calculated for traveling between islands always one day. If it was less I was happy and went for a drink.
always time for a beer @Mad monkey hostel Bohol
13.) Always look for a white cab and never go for the shared van in the airport lobby unless your hotel explicitly recommends it. In Cebu City the white taxi cost me 350PHP (5,50 EUR), a seat in a van 600PHP (9,50 EUR).
14.) Reminders of Covid measures of the past sometimes bordered on the absurd.
face the wall in the elevator @Cebu city
15.) The Philippines have a nationwide smoking ban, whistleblower system included.
nationwide smoking ban inside @Cebu
16.) Never book a guided tour through your hostel. I learned that at the Mad Monkey hostel on Bohol. The hostel overcharged me four times the amount everyone else paid I met on the tour. Also the tour I booked didn’t happen due to lack of other participants and I ended up with one of the cheap tours from the beach. Do yourself a favor and book right away with one of the hawkers at the beach. I demanded my money back and received most of it, so it ended up being a good deal for me.
17.) When you feel the jellyfish sting, douse the affected area with vinegar right away even if you don’t see anything. It will come out later and be a lot worse!
18.) On Siargao there are crossings for all kinds animals, no matter what size.
safe crossing for pets @Siargao
19.) In my imagination the Philippines consisted of sandy beaches and not much else. That was not the case. Also most beaches do not have loungers and umbrellas, so be prepared to set up camp in the sand.
20.) The food in the Philippines didn’t convince me. While I would deem it okay, it’s not earth shattering. For the cuisine alone there is no need to travel to the Philippines. But I am sure that’s not the reason to travel to this country anyway.
21.) How you shouldn’t name drinks, if you want to appear politically correct.
drinks menu @El Lobo
22.) Streets are not made for walking, sidewalks are optional not mandatory, so always be careful. Especially at night.
optional sidewalks @Siargao
