Philippines
- Tanja & Björn
- Oct 27
- 12 min read
A paradise of dream beaches, culture and adventure
The Philippines – a country full of breathtaking beauty, warm-hearted people, and unforgettable experiences. What impressed us most was the incredible hospitality of the locals. Here, we not only discovered dream beaches but also made new friends who will accompany us on the rest of our journey.
Travel planning made easy - Visa & entry to the Philippines
For German citizens, entering the Philippines is relatively straightforward. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days . Upon arrival in the country, you will receive a free visa on arrival , which is automatically valid for 30 days . This requires that your passport is valid for at least six months upon entry and that you can present a valid return or onward flight ticket .
If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you can easily extend your visa at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila or at regional offices. Since summer 2023, you can even apply for an extension online .
TnB tip: Before you travel, you should always take a look at the website of the Federal Foreign Office .
Table of contents:
**Please note that the information shared here is based on our personal experiences. Prices, opening hours, and offers are subject to change, and experiences are often weather or seasonal. Be sure to check the latest information directly with the providers to plan your best possible travel experience.
First steps in paradise - From Manila to Palawan
On April 3, 2024, we landed in Manila and flew directly to Puerto Princesa on Palawan. Our first accommodation for two nights was La' Casa Aitor – a relaxing start with 30 degrees Celsius and sunshine. We rented a scooter to explore the area and headed to Nagtabon Beach – a quiet beach with fine sand, clear water, and virtually deserted. We then continued on to Pakpak Lauin, Talaudyong Beach – also a hidden gem with a breathtaking sunset. Tired and worn out, we rounded off the evening with a glass of sangria.
El Nido - Where dream beaches meet warmth
Early the next morning, we set off for El Nido . There are numerous ways to get there—almost every accommodation offers the option of booking a van that travels the route between Puerto Princesa and El Nido several times a day. Alternatively, you can also book through 12Go Asia , but we found that the accommodations often have the best recommendations.
A trip around the world isn't just about the places you visit, but also the people you meet along the way. And that proved to be true in El Nido. After arriving, we quickly realized that our van had dropped us off further than expected. So we headed to the nearest scooter rental shop – and met a group of incredibly helpful guys who not only rented scooters but also ran a small repair shop.
When they heard where our actual hostel was, they advised us against driving there by scooter—the route wasn't particularly scenic and, moreover, much further away than we thought. Instead, they promptly helped us find accommodation right in El Nido ( Eyy Hostel ) and made sure we had the best possible stay.
Thanks to their helpfulness, we decided to give something back. So we asked if we could show our appreciation with a beer that evening. No sooner said than done – Las Cabanas Beach , cool drinks in hand, and a spectacular sunset that took our breath away. Strangers became friends, and it was one of those conversations that lasted late into the night. We immediately sensed that this would be the beginning of a long-lasting friendship.
There are encounters on your travels that touch you deeply—and this evening in El Nido was just that. We promised each other that it wouldn't be the last time we saw each other.
El Nido island hopping
The next morning, we explored some of the most beautiful beaches around El Nido with our new friend – and were completely unprepared for the spectacular scenery that awaited us.
Our first stop was Vanilla Beach —a quiet, expansive beach where we simply soaked up the sun and gazed out at the open sea. The peaceful atmosphere was inviting, but for a truly magical sunset, there's an even better place: Lio Beach . Arriving there, we witnessed a display of colors in the sky that left us speechless—the perfect blend of deep orange, soft pink, and vibrant blue.
TnB tip: Book a tour with Cliffs and Waves Travel & Tours that takes you to the following dream destinations, for example. While the tours are often very touristy, the destinations are truly worth it:
Seven Commandos Beach – Fine sand, crystal-clear water, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Big Lagoon – Majestic limestone formations and bright turquoise waters.
Shimizu Island – An underwater paradise with colorful corals and tropical fish.
Payong-Payong Beach – A small, pristine beach, perfect for relaxing.
Secret Lagoon – A hidden lagoon accessible only through a narrow rock opening.
Coron - The Super Ultimate Tour
After four days in El Nido, we continued on by ferry to Coron (a hot spot for divers, too). The trip from El Nido to Coron took 3.5 hours and cost €45 per person. We checked into the Bambam Hostel , where they even had live music every evening, served German beer, and were surrounded by lovely little cozy restaurants. The next morning, full of anticipation, we set off on one of the most famous boat tours: the Super Ultimate Tour . Thanks to experiencecoron_travelandtours, we were picked up directly from our accommodation, which made the start all the more relaxing.
This tour took us to some of the most spectacular places Coron has to offer (also very touristy, but a must-see):
Kayangan Lake – A magical place with crystal-clear water and a surreal atmosphere.
Twin Lagoon – An insider tip for snorkelers and swimmers
Barracuda Lake – A unique lake with varying water temperatures.
Skeleton Wreck / Malwaway Reef – A sunken shipwreck surrounded by coral.
Reef Garden – An underwater garden full of colors.
CYC Beach – A pristine, white sand beach with crystal clear water.
White Sand Beach – Lunch on a deserted island overlooking the turquoise sea. What more could you want?
The entire tour cost only 1,900 pesos (approx. €30) – unbeatable value for money!
TnB tip: If you own a drone, just fly it and look at this landscape (always pay attention to the respective drone laws in the country).
Coron - Diving | Hidden Treasures & More Than Just Beaches
After a day full of adventures, we visited one of the most local markets in the city in the evening. TnB tip: Not for the faint-hearted, but definitely worth a visit. The majority of the population there makes its living from tourism and fishing.
Another must-see is Mount Tapyas . After climbing 200 steps, we were rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Coron—the perfect spot for a sunset.
Diving: We also went diving, of course, and can recommend the Reggae Dive Center . It's great value for money, and the people there are super friendly.
TnB Tip : If you're looking for something delicious for breakfast, you should definitely try the Freshbites snack bar . If you're looking for something a little more rustic in the evening, grab some pork belly from one of the many stands and enjoy juicy and crispy pork belly.
Coron more than just impressed us—it left us speechless. This island offers incredible diversity that goes far beyond stunning beaches. From wreck diving to turquoise lagoons to spectacular viewpoints— Coron has definitely found a permanent place in our hearts.
Cebu – A short stop that took us directly to Bohol
After our experiences in Coron, our journey continued to Cebu – but we didn't stay there long. T&B tip : Upon arrival at the airport, you'll immediately be surrounded by numerous taxi drivers offering their services. Follow the signs to the public buses! Instead of €11 for a taxi, we paid just €1 per person to get to the city center.
Since our stay in Cebu was only a short stopover, we decided to stay overnight at the Shejoje Poshtel Hostel . For just €11.20 a night , we got a small but cozy Deluxe Capsule room —perfect for a few hours of sleep before continuing on our journey early in the morning.
Still half asleep, we made our way to the pier to catch the first ferry to Bohol . The ticket cost €15 per person , plus a small luggage fee. Our anticipation of Bohol was high—an island that would surprise us not only with its natural beauty but also with unexpected experiences.
Even though we didn't make it, here are some tips for Cebu:
Island paradise & beaches:
Bantayan Island – Dreamy beaches & relaxed island vibes
Malapascua Island – World famous for diving with thresher sharks
Sumilon Island – White sand, turquoise water & untouched nature Adventure & natural wonders:
Kawasan Falls – The famous waterfalls with turquoise blue water , perfect for canyoning
Osmeña Peak – Spectacular views of the mountains and the sea
Moalboal (Sardine Run & Turtles) – Dive or snorkel through millions of sardines
Tumalog Falls – Beautiful waterfall with fine spray
Bohol – Island adventure with ups, downs and a broken scooter
Arriving in Bohol , we rented an older scooter right at the harbor . It was the cheapest option, as we deliberately looked outside of the tourist rental shops. And as it turned out later, this decision had consequences...
Our first stop: The Tarsier Sanctuary – one of Bohol's main attractions and home to these fist-sized primates found nowhere else. These sensitive animals , which can live up to 25 years, hunt for insects at night and sleep in the trees during the day. Their ability to jump up to 5 meters amazed us! But even here, caution was advised: Tarsiers are extremely susceptible to stress, which is why absolute silence was required during the tour.
TnB tip: The entrance fee of €2.50 (150 pesos per person) goes directly to the protection of the area – a small contribution to the preservation of this special species.
After this unique encounter, we continued on to the Chocolate Hills . These iconic hills are one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Philippines—and in the dry season, they do indeed look like oversized chocolate balls . Guided tours can be booked here, too, but most viewpoints are just as easily accessible by scooter.
On the way back, we stopped at the Bilar Man-Made Forest , a man-made mahogany forest from the 1960s. The perfectly symmetrical rows of trees, through which a winding road leads, are an absolute photo spot . Especially when the sun shines through the leaves, it creates a fantastic atmosphere.
TnB Food Tip:
Loboc River Cruise – The Floating Restaurant on Bohol
An absolute must-do on Bohol is a trip on the floating restaurants on the Loboc River. This relaxing river cruise with a buffet takes you through the tropical landscape of Bohol and offers not only delicious food but also beautiful views!
What you can expect:
Buffet on board – Fresh Filipino specialties with a view of the river
Tropical setting – turquoise water, lush vegetation & bamboo huts
Traditional Music & Dance – Live performances by local artists during the ride
Visit a floating village – Sometimes there are stops at locals who perform traditional dances
Information about the tour:
Location: Loboc River, Bohol
Duration: Approx. 1 hour
Cost: approx. 1,000 PHP (approx. 17 €) per person including buffet
Starting point: Mostly in Loboc Town, various providers
TnB tips for the best experience:
Arrive early to secure the best outdoor seating, be sure to try the grilled seafood and exotic fruits, and keep your camera ready—the scenery is breathtaking!
Sidestory - A scooter that almost became our downfall
One morning we hopped back on our scooter and after an hour's ride we noticed that something was wrong. The handlebars felt strange, as if they were resisting every movement. At first I (Björn) thought that Tanja wasn't sitting properly on the pillion seat, but when we stopped and I lay down under the scooter, we discovered the problem: the frame was broken! This was a real shock , as we were on a country road, far from a workshop. It wasn't until later that we realized how lucky we were that nothing worse had happened. But in true Filipino fashion, the locals didn't let us down - helpful people rushed over immediately , assessed the damage and helped us contact the rental company. He brought us a new scooter that same day , and we postponed our plans for another day.
Bohol - Boat Tour | A Day to Remember
We started the morning relaxing on Alona Beach in Panglao and spontaneously negotiated a private boat tour . T&B tip: Since we didn't go to the beach too early, we were very lucky that most of the tours were already underway. This meant we arrived at our destinations after the tourists – and were able to enjoy the paradisiacal spots almost to ourselves. It was one of those moments when everything came together perfectly – the sun was high in the sky, the water shimmered in countless shades of blue, and we had the feeling this day was going to be special.
Our first stop was Balicasag Island , a true snorkeling paradise. Even before we jumped into the water, we could see the coral reefs from the boat. And then – a moment we'll probably never forget: A huge, beautiful turtle , right in front of us. My God, how beautiful can an animal possibly be? We held our breath as we watched it. We swam at a respectful distance and simply left it where it belonged – in its home.
But this day had even more in store for us. Our next stop was the Virgin Island , a narrow, lonely sandbank in the middle of the ocean. Just us and the turquoise water. Not another person for miles around. It felt like a dream, as if we were alone in the world.
Words can hardly describe how beautiful this place was. There are experiences that no photo or video can truly capture—and this day was full of them.
A perfect farewell to Bohol & return to Puerto Princesa
After our wonderful time on Bohol, it was time to say goodbye—but not without one last special evening. We flew back to Puerto Princesa , where we wanted to enjoy the city's warm, welcoming atmosphere once more.
Together with our new Filipino friends, we spent a wonderful evening at Baywalk , strolling along the lively waterfront promenade and letting ourselves be surprised by the Filipino cuisine . There were new flavors and an incredible variety – a feast for the senses! There was also live music in a small bar, a relaxed atmosphere, and, of course, a beer or two to toast our time together.
It was one of those evenings where you're simply grateful—for the trip, for the people, for all the experiences you'll never forget. But our adventure wasn't over yet. Quite the opposite: Something very special was still waiting for us—our first collaboration .
Luxury meets adventure – Our first collaboration
After all these adventures, a very special experience awaited us: our first collaboration with the Astoria Palawan Resort – a place that combines luxury and nature in a unique way.
This beautiful, secluded resort stretches across 8 hectares and offers a variety of activities for every taste. Upon our arrival, we received a warm welcome – with refreshing drinks, fresh fruit, and a smile that immediately put us at ease. From our first tour of the expansive grounds, it became clear to us: This is the place to unwind.
Whether it's an infinity pool with breathtaking views , mountain bikes for exploring , canoeing on the ocean , or even its own water park , the resort offers countless opportunities for both adventure and relaxation. Those who simply want to unwind will find idyllic corners overlooking the sea, perfect for switching off.
But what makes this place truly special are not just the amenities, but above all the warm-hearted people who work here. From the very first moment, we felt welcomed and cared for , as if we had been part of the Astoria family for a long time.
The Astoria Palawan Resort was not only our first collaboration, but also an experience that showed us how travel and hospitality can come together to create magical memories.
Our honest conclusion – The Philippines has won our hearts
When we reflect on our time in the Philippines, we can only say one thing: This country enchanted us. The landscapes are spectacular, the sea shimmers in unimaginable shades of blue, and around every corner there are places that took our breath away. But what moved us most were the people . We experienced a warmth that touched us time and time again – whether it was the immediate willingness to help, the crew on our boat tours, or our new friends who welcomed us with open arms.
Of course, there were challenges too—from a broken scooter to unexpected changes in plans. But that's exactly what makes a trip special: the little adventures you don't plan for, the encounters you never expected, and the moments that make you feel alive.
We know that this was not our last visit to the Philippines.
Some places we want to see on our next visit:
Siargao – Surfing the legendary waves & island hopping
Balabac – Walks across the white powder sand
Taal Volcano – One of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines with a unique crater lake
Siquijor – Mystical island full of waterfalls & magical stories
Camiguin – Island of volcanoes with hot springs & dream beaches
Thank you, Philippines – for every encounter, every surprise and every unforgettable experience.
We'll meet Again!