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Travel Gawker: I Want To Go to The Philippines…
Photography Credit: MARIEL HANNAH
Over the past few weeks Mr T has developed a sudden obsession with visiting the Philippines.You may remember me saying that we plan on visiting Australia at the end of the year, however after researching for todays post I have a feeling this is likely to change. This is a country I know very little about, yet after researching for just a few hours I have been completely taken aback by the beauty of the country. The philippines are home to some of the worlds most amazing beaches with crystal clear waters which are perfect for exploring, especially as it is thought that these seas have the highest level of marine biodiversity in the world.
Photography Credit: MARIEL HANNAH
Our journey would take us to Palawan however to achieve this we would need to fly to Manila first, so this is where our journey would start. If you time your flights right there is always a chance you will only wait a short while for your flight to Palawan so you might not have a chance to do an overnight stay in Makati but if you do it is certainly a place to see. The centre of Makati is a major cultural and entertainment hub, said to the be the modern Manila or the Manila the Philippines ‘wish they could have had’ with its Malls, restaurants and bars. Not exactly the Philippines we would have come to see but an experience to say the least.
Photography Credit: MARIEL HANNAH
If time allows then a trip to Manila would not be complete without paying one of the new 7 wonders of the world a visit. The Puerto Princesca subterranean underground river flows straight into the sea and so is subject to its tides, therefore making it one of the most unique natural phenomenons of its type to exist. In addition to the river is a 20 million year old Serenia fossil which is embedded in the wall of its cave justifying its status as one of new 7 wonders of nature.
Photography Credit: MARIEL HANNAH
The next day we would take a short trip to the island of Palawan and this is where we would stay for the remainder of our time. Palawan is the epitome of everything I described in my introduction. It is surrounded by emerald waters and a large and diverse range of marine animals. We would head to the northern point of Palawan to the The Calamianes Group of Islands. Here we would do some diving of course! With 11 Japanese shipwrecks from world war 2, this would be an experience not missed! We would also visit the Apo reef natural park where you can dive the Walls and see sharks, tuna, barracudas, mackerel, and mantas. What really excites me about this county is its emphasis on being so eco conscious. This is one of the only places left in the world where it is still possible to see a Dugong (sea cow) in the wild and sea turtles are not threatened.
Photography Credit: MARIEL HANNAH
The morbid side of me would want to visit the leprosy museum on Culion island. A lepor colony was established here in 1906 and although that no longer exist the island now has the most heterogeneous population. The island boasts a rather impressive Catholic Church which is very distinctive. Even more impressive is the materials from which the church is built. Its base and surroundings walls are hewn from coral, although concrete has been poured in some places. Reef holes still show in many sections, with small plants shooting out of their crevices.
Photography Credit: MARIEL HANNAH
When I went to Borneo one of the most amazing memories that has stuck with me since, has been visiting a local tribe whilst I was there. I think it is really important to experience any culture first hand to fully experience the countries you are visiting. In Palawan a trip to visit the local Batac tribal community would be high on my list of things to do. There are less than five hundred people left in this culture, a culture which lives in the mountains in the area.
Photography Credit: MARIEL HANNAH
Ok so thats everything I would do in the Philippines and I am pretty sure there is so much else so I asked one of my favourite photographer Mariel Hannah, about her travels to the Philippines and here is what she had to say…
“My journey saw me visiting the main island Mindanao and two smaller islands surrounding Davao city, Samal and Taligud. We stayed at the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, a premier destination resort that lies within a smaller island just an hour boat ride from the main city. I had so many wonderful memories of my stay in the Philippines, the beautiful white sands and my time spent diving beneath the perfect blue waters. Pearl Farm offers a package for a day trip tour to some of Davaos best diving locations. My favorite ended up being the Coral Gardens. I did the 40 foot dive which allowed me to see some of natures most amazing views. I was in awe of the magical world within the coral reefs, the stunningly bright colors and the most beautiful fishes swimming around me as I dove 40 feet below the surface. Diving in the coral garden of Davao, with such life vibrantly living everywhere, is a view I shall never forget!
When it came to city life, I stayed in the Microtel. It’s within walking distance of Davao’s greatest malls, which was right up my alley! The best hotel in the city, however, is definitely the Insular. It’s simply gorgeous and worth every penny.”
Have you been to the Philippines? I would love to hear your stories. What do you think of Mariel’s fabulous photography? Isn’t it just beautiful!!
Much Bespoke Love
Emily ♥
Ah the Philippines, the country of my birth! These photos are beautiful and make me long to take a trip out there. Emily, I’m sure you’d love it.
Hi! I’m from the Philippines and here are some of the best places you could visit!
1. Coron, El Nido and Puerto Princesa, Palawan
2. Panglao Island, Bohol
3. Davao City
4. Sagada, Mountain Province
5. Baler, Aurora
6. Batanes Islands
7. Calaguas Islands, Camarines Norte
8. Caramoan, Camarines Sur
9. Mt. Pulag, Benguet
10. Siargao, Surigao del Norte
If you can, spend a day or two in Metro Manila! You can visit Chinatown, Intramuros and Manila Bay. Also, see Makati and Fort Bonifacio as they are two of the most urbanized cities in the Philippines. Enjoy! 🙂