The Philippines, made up of an incredible 7,641 islands, offers a mix of breathtaking beaches, world-class diving, fascinating culture, and warm hospitality. Over one week, I travelled from Cebu to Coron in Palawan and ended in Manila — and what a wonderful experience it was!
Getting There
I flew with Philippine Airlines. While the aircraft itself felt a little dated, the service was excellent, the food was good, and there was a great selection of movies onboard. All flights (Sydney–Manila–Cebu) actually landed ahead of schedule, which was a nice surprise.
Tip: An e-visa is required for both entry and departure, though mine wasn’t checked at either airport.
Cebu is a bustling city of around 1.2 million people. The streets are chaotic and a little run down in parts, but the city does have cultural highlights worth exploring, such as Fort San Pedro, Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore, and the colourful Carbon Market.
Cebu is also the jumping-off point for some of the country’s most famous experiences:
- Whale shark encounters (year-round)
- The Moalboal Sardine Run – the only one of its kind in the world
- Canyoneering and waterfalls in the mountains
- Ziplining and other adventure activities
Personally, I would only use Cebu as a stopover point if you’re heading to Moalboal for diving/snorkelling or continuing on to Palawan.
Moalboal Day Trip
This is a must for divers and snorkellers. After a three-hour drive south, I joined a tour to see the Sardine Run — millions of sardines moving in mesmerising unison, plus the chance to spot turtles. It was crowded, but well worth it.
Whale shark encounters are also offered here year-round, though note they are fed to keep them in the area, which is controversial.
Palawan (Coron) – My Absolute Highlight
If Cebu is the busy gateway, Coron in Palawan is the reward. Famous for its World War II wreck dives, dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and unbelievably clear waters, Coron is paradise for divers and nature lovers.
Flights from Cebu were smooth and punctual, and transfers are essential on arrival. Once there, you immediately feel like you’ve stepped onto a laid-back island — cows and chickens roam roadside farms, tuk-tuks buzz past, and life slows down beautifully.
Exploring Coron by Boat
Island-hopping tours are the highlight here, and cost from around AUD $50 including lunch.
Must-see stops include:
- Kayangan Lake – the country’s cleanest lake and its most famous photo spot
- Twin Lagoon – best explored by kayak, with limestone cliffs all around
- Barracuda Lake – 40m deep, crystal clear, and fresh water (life vests required if you’re not a strong swimmer)
- Skeleton Wreck – a World War II Japanese shipwreck, great for snorkelling and diving
- Coral Garden – spectacular marine life in turquoise waters
Freshly cooked island lunches are part of the experience, and trust me — they’re amazing!
Tip: Bring reef shoes for climbing the often-slippery stairs to viewpoints. Start early before the crowds arrive.
Manila – A City Full of Surprises
I’ll admit, I didn’t know what to expect from Manila — but I was pleasantly surprised. While traffic can be hectic, the city is clean in many areas, with tree-lined boulevards, vibrant nightlife, fascinating history, and world-class shopping.
Would I recommend the Philippines? Absolutely!
From the cultural sights of Cebu to the unforgettable waters of Coron and the energy of Manila, the Philippines offers something for everyone.
My top tip: allow at least four nights in Palawan — it’s too magical to rush.
If you’d like to plan your own Philippines adventure — whether it’s diving WWII wrecks, kayaking hidden lagoons, or indulging in Manila’s luxury hotels — let’s chat!
Take a look at my photos on Home & Afar Travel's facebook page: