Where should you visit this high season in the Philippines?

If you follow me and my blog, you already know that I'm now rookie when it comes to the Philippines. Many times I fell in love there: my first love was (and will always be special to me) Boracay. My second crush was Siargao, and I had many other love affairs with different islands in the Philippines...

It's only recently that I visited Boracay again, and oh my, it's changing fast. Boracay is not special in this sense, because the whole Philippines is changing rapidly. There is a time to travel to the top destinations in the Philippines, and in Boracay's case, that's the low season. The high season in the Philippines is November to May. It means that many of the most popular destinations, that once were always chill, are now crowded and twice as expensive on this time. This post is all about smart traveling on the high season in the Philippines, for first timers and veterans alike. It's about where to go, how to save, and what to do…

Avoid the crowds!

The logic is simple, if 10 times as much compared to the low season people visit a place, expect the prices to soar sky high. Moreover, it's going to be crowded and noisy in many places. Lots of touts trying to sell you souvenirs and masseuses offering their services directly on the beach, and so many tourists trying to enjoy the "virgin beaches".

Following this logic, one can visit any destination in the Philippines. Nonetheless there are downsides to visiting the most popular destinations, Boracay and El Nido, on the peak season. They will be packed, anywhere. Therefore I recommend second timers (and up) not to revisit but to explore new destinations.

For Beginners

As much as I want do advise you to visit let's say Boracay on the low season, I know that not many people can just come to the Philippines, or to any foreign country for that matter, whenever they want to. I also know that many travelers to the Philippines aren't planning on a second trip, meaning, for them there is a once in a lifetime chance for visiting the most beautiful places in the Philippines.

Boracay

All of my past recommendations still stand but for the where to stay. If in the past I told you to stay in station 3, now I say it's better for you to stay in Diniwid or Bulabog. It is ridiculous how popular Boracay has become in such a short time. My first time there at 2009 was most magical, as the island was so untouched, but now it's so crowded that all the stations (1, 2 and 3) are off limits for me when it comes to accommodation.

El Nido and Palawan

While the official high season of the Philippines is Nov-May, it's not but it's mistake to relate to it as just one period, and even more so when Palawan is in question. Why is that so you ask? Unlike Boracay that I can tell you it's better to visit on the off season, visiting Palawan during Jun-Nov is usually not worth the risk.

Unless you're really on a flexible schedule, I say don't go there on the off season, as heavy rains can catch you for days and days with no pause. This part of the Philippines is heavily affected by the seasons, unlike Visayas. So what can you do? Is it always going to be so crowded when you'll visit El Nido?

The answer is yes and no… It's almost impossible to experience El Nido as you once could, 10 years ago, because there is probably going to be a bunch of people there. That happens when this island/beach/town/municipality is constantly staring on the top of the lists of travel magazines. However let's say that the high season can be divided like so: Nov-Feb is the peak season, and March-June is the super peak season.

So your best bet enjoying El Nido to the maximum is visiting on Nov-Feb. What should you do if you can't as your holiday is during the super peak season? If it's your first and possibly last time in the Philippines, go there. Like Boracay it is too beautiful to miss (among the most beautiful islands in the world, remember?), but please follow my tips here regarding the island hopping in El Nido, and how to make enjoyable during the peak season.

Where to stay in El Nido?

Many do the mistake and book a place inside El Nido Town, low or high season alike, and just because all of the budget resorts are there. To be honest, the town isn't too charming, it's convenient to stay downtown, but keep in mind you'll be surrounded by tons of travel offices and tour operators. Also, it's going to be so crowded during high season.

The usual place I recommend on the low season is Corong Corong Beach. It's just a little south of El Nido Town, and it's a lovely beach. If you're lucky you'll find affordable accommodation even on the high season, but don't be fooled. It's going to be crowded too. But there are two other beaches you need to check out. Nacpan/ Twin beach is the first, and just 30 minutes from town. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in mainland El Nido and a great quiet place to stay.

Another one is Duli beach, which has only one resort on it, named Duli Beach Resort. It's a secluded place, with not much cellphone signal, and nice beach bungalows. It's more of a backpackers place. But it will give you all the peace and quiet you need to enjoy the beautiful El Nido. You can book your island hopping from the resort.

Are there any alternatives? Well yes, Coron is just 2.5 hours by a fast ferry from El Nido, and has direct flights to Busuanga too (Coron's airport). Consider yourself lucky about the fast craft ferry, as it is new and when I did this trip on 2009 it took me around 8 hours in the open sea. Not a fun experience. Keep reading for more info about Coron...

For beginners on a long vacation and second time travelers

Boracay and El Nido are the two essentials of a vacation in the Philippines. Let's call them the classics, as they are the cream of the crop, and virtually anyone who visits will find them extremely unique and beautiful, and will love something about them for certain. There might be places you'll like more, depending on your personal preferences. Those are usually found only by chance and after arrival (unless someone who knows you really well and been to such a place sends you).

So when you have more time on your hands, or you already visited the classics, that's the time to go around and find destinations like that, or at least that's my opinion. But what do I do if it's my first time in the Philippines, and I'm not on a super long vacation, and I want to visit unique places that are especially perfect for me?

That's a tough one. Me I'm all about travel hacks, taking my time and discovering things slowly, staying for long times in places I like. It's difficult to answer such question, as you're belong to a rare breed of travelers with super specific needs. I'll say something I usually don't, maybe you should consult with a good local travel agency like Philippinestravelpackage.com

If you don’t belong to such group, and willing to take some chances on your quest for your forgotten paradise, keep on reading. The next destination on the line are starting to stray away from the beaten track. They aren't for everybody, so read carefully and realize which are for you.

Coron

Coron that I mentioned above is such a place. Unless you’re a diver, and then it's one of the pillars of your diving trip in the Philippines, is what people consider as off the beaten track. You can't compare the beaches of Coron to those of El Nido/ Bacuit Bay. However the epic lime stone cliffs and the lagoons of both have a lot in common, and Kayangan Lake in Coron is really something special. Moreover, Coron isn't as nearly as touristy as El Nido, and If you feel like the crowds are too much, it can be a perfect alternative.

Bohol

Bohol is another favorite of mine. It's a cute little place (actually it's quite big but you'll spend more time in Panglao for the best beaches, and some tours to the inland). The beaches are gorgeous, and it's not restricted to Alona only. White Beach (yes, same name as in Boracay) and Danao Beach are two beautiful white beaches that just haven't been developed yet.

Honestly, Bohol is never overcrowded (and that's why it's described here, not because it's a niche destination), even during the high season (unless there is a national/ Chinese/ Korean holiday), but even if so, once you're staying in Danao or White Beach you won't even feel it. White beach has more accommodation options and of higher quality too. In Danao you'll find mostly budget resorts, but unlike in Alona you can have an ocean view room for a good price.

If you choose any of these options do yourself a favor and rent a scooter. Getting around Panglao will be a lot easier that way (everything is 10-20 minutes away), so you could also enjoy the lively scene of Alona (Aluna Beach Lounge is a great place to start, just in the center of Alona Beach). Other than what I already wrote about Bohol, I didn't get to write about the dolphin and whale watching. Apparently there is dolphins and whales present all year round (though May to June is the best time). It's nothing guaranteed, but dolphin spotting is quite a regular thing

Banaue

The Rice Terraces of Banaue are another destination you should consider visiting. You know that I love to spend my time on the beach, and hitting the beach is what you'll always find me do first. But seriously, why don't you visit this breathtaking place. You'll also meet the fascinating Ifugao People, one of the indigenous tribe of the Philippines, descendant of headhunters. I think this trip should be even more popular than it is, but I really don't recommend it on a short vacation, as it will take around two to three days. Not because it's really far away, it's just that the public transportation really sucks.

There is a direct bus going there, but it's a night bus. And taking a night bus 2 nights in a row is insane in my opinion. So it should take you two and a half days. If you really want to check it out (because it's also the right season to do so) but don't have much time, it's better to book it as a tour from Manila. It will cost you more, but it will faster, and much more convenient.

So you’re the adventurous type…

Or you've been to the Philippines so many times it feels like home. With more than 7,000 islands be sure that there are countless places that will blow your mind. But as you might guess (especially if you've already been to the Philippines before), not all of them are ready for tourists. The infrastructure is lacking and sometimes none existent. So if all of what I've written before didn't especially excite you, maybe this part is just for you.

Camiguin

I never wrote much about Camiguin, but it's one of the first places I've been to in the Philippines, back in 2009. What I remember most is the generous people, to whom I promised I'll come back for a visit one day, and for sure I will. And when I will come back, it will be for the following reasons: The snorkeling is insane. I'm not talking only about the bountiful water of Mantigue Island, and the bountiful water just in front many parts on Camiguin's coastline.

There are two very distinguishable snorkeling sites, the Sunken Cemetery, and the Giant Clam Sanctuary. The Sunken Cemetery is the old graveyard that sank after a volcanic eruption in 1870. You can't see most of the tombstones as they are mostly covered by corals, but the eerie feeling didn't fade away. The second one is the giant clam sanctuary, where there are countless giant clams that can weigh 200kg and grow as 1.2 meter long.

There are beautiful untouched beaches, some are white and some are black. When you'll go island hopping, you'll reach white island. A sandbar of pure white sand with an amazing view of Camiguin Island. And when you'll go to Agohay Beach and watch the sunset while sitting on black sand (created from the ashes of the volcano).

And if all of this is not enough, you can climb the volcano (around 10 hours), in a gruesome hike to the top and down. I didn't do it, and honestly I think I never will. Sorry, not my style, but I would love to bathe in the ardent hot springs to rejuvenate my body. Many of the climbers do so as the trek ends there. Or bathe in the cold water of the 75m tall Katibawasan Falls, again, to rejuvenate my body.

Camiguin sounds great, and it is great, and one thing is for sure, no matter when you come (and it's perfectly fine to get there even on the rainy season), it's not going to be crowded. So if you enjoy authentic places, that happily accepts you and letting you assimilate, give Camiguin a try.

Batanes

Batanes, A.K.A the paradise of the north is on most Filipinos bucket list, but mostly overlooked by international tourists. Why is that so? There is no definite answer, but I think that mainly from two reasons. The first – it's so damn far! With what can possibly be the most expensive domestic flight in the Philippines, 8,000 PHP (~160 USD), and two hours of flight, it's just not so appealing to many tourists.

However, there is a recent flight from Clark Airport for around 60 USD, which is much cheaper. It's going to take you some more time to arrive in Clark, but hey, many bus travels in the Philippines will take you more than 4-5 hours right?

The second reason is, well, it's just not what people are expecting to see when visiting the Philippines. The landscape looks like a hybrid of a tropical New Zealand, the Ivatan People are different than the rest of the Filipinos (there is still an uncertainty about their origin), there are barely any trees, and it just doesn’t look like a tropical paradise. But nothing of what I said sound bad right. I've been to the Philippines so many times that I feel comfortable enough to give up on 3-4 days of the coconut trees of my beloved islands mentioned above, and try something new.

I haven't done it yet, but it's always nice to dream. So my point is, if it's your first time in the Philippines, stick to the usual. With no shade from trees it can get quite hot in Batanes, but luckily for you, the high season is also the coldest season. It's actually quite rainy until March, and then for three months until May, it's the best time to visit. The temperature is not too hot nor too chilly, and there is very little rain. It's a heaven for hikers, for bikers, and for photographers.

There are so many great places to visit, Mt. Iraya, Basco Lighthouses, Song Song abandoned ghost village, Valugan Boulder Beach, Vayang rolling hills. I can keep on going with this list for on and on, but I Think you got the idea. There are also some beaches you can swim in, but keep in mind that the water is cooler and has more waves compared to most places in the Philippines.

Siargao

And what about Siargao? If you follow my blog regularly, and like to read about the Philippines, you probably came across my Siargao post and you also know it's one of my favorite places (since 2014). I couldn't write a post on where to visit in the Philippines but… The thing with Siargao is, that it can't be included on this high season list. Siargao's weather is actually opposite to other touristy places in the Philippines, so the dry season, Nov-May, is the wet season of Siargao. Again, if you're on a flexible schedule you can try your luck. Or just come back another time on the off season, you won't regret!

Happy Travels!

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