Ever tasted Filipino adobo cooked by someone’s grandma in a small-town carinderia, or watched the sunset from atop a 2,000-year-old rice terrace? (Slow travel in the Philippines)
If that sounds intriguing, then you’re in for a treat—that’s exactly the kind of genuine encounter the Philippines offers beyond its famous white-sand beaches. With over 7,000 islands, applying for an eTravel Philippines can be your gateway to a colorful mix of history, culture, cuisine, and hidden gems just waiting to be explored.
Step away from the typical resorts and you’ll find rice terraces older than the Roman Empire, craggy volcanoes, Spanish-era colonial towns, secret caves, bustling wet markets, remote islands… we could go on and on!
Ready to go further? In this article, we’ll show you five ways to go beyond the usual routes and explore the Philippines in depth.
Don’t Just Stick to the Capital
Many visitors land in Manila, hop over to Boracay — maybe squeeze in a stop in Cebu — and then call it a day. While these destinations are great, limiting your trip to this trio is a bit like visiting Italy and skipping Florence, Sicily, and Venice.
In fact, with 7,000-plus islands to explore, why settle for the most popular spots? Let’s take out the map and let wanderlust lead the way to these hidden gems:
- If you’re looking to go surfing and enjoy a laid-back pace, head to Siargao, the country’s surfing capital. Beyond catching waves, the island has a relaxed, barefoot charm and natural gems like the Sugba Lagoon and Magpupungko Rock Pools.
- For something completely different, head north to Batanes. With its rolling hills, stone houses, and windswept cliffs, it’s often called the “Scotland of the Philippines.” Meanwhile, in Davao, you can sample the famously pungent durian fruit and spot the rare Philippine eagle (one of the most endangered eagles in the world).
- Finally, in northern Palawan, Coron’s turquoise lakes, hidden lagoons, and dramatic limestone cliffs offer an island-hopping paradise for snorkelers and divers.
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Learn More About the Country’s History
To truly understand and do slow travel in the Philippines, you have to get acquainted with its history, and there’s no shortage of places to do so!
- Let’s start at the very beginning: the Tabon Caves in Palawan. Known as the “Cradle of Philippine Civilization,” this archaeological site is where the oldest human remains in the country were discovered—some dating back over 16,000 years.
. - From there, head north to Banaue and Batad to marvel at the rice terraces, which were carved into the mountains more than 2,000 years ago and are still used to this day. No wonder it’s a UNESCO Heritage Site that has been described as “a living cultural landscape of unparalleled beauty”.
. - Now let’s jump ahead to the Spanish colonial period with a visit to the capital, Manila, where the city’s Intramuros district—also known as the “Walled City”—was the center of power during more than 300 years of Spanish rule. Stroll its cobbled lanes, explore Fort Santiago, and admire the grandeur of San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country.
. - Some 250 miles to the north is Vigan, another UNESCO-listed site and one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial towns in Asia. Horse-drawn carriages (kalesas), baroque mansions, and heritage homes paint a vivid picture of 18th-century life.
. - For a deeper dive into more recent history, take a boat to Corregidor Island, where ruins and hidden tunnels offer a look into the defining WWII battles fought between Filipino-American forces and the Japanese.
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Go on a Food Tour
Filipino cuisine is as diverse as its islands—a delicious fusion of Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences. To get an authentic taste of it, skip the chain restaurants and head to a carinderia, a small, family-run eatery where you’ll find authentic home-cooked meals.
The country’s “unofficial dish” is adobo, a stew of meat, usually pork or chicken, cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and bay leaves — and every island, town, and grandma has their own version. Be sure to try several to find your favorite.
Another must-try dish is sinigang, a tamarind-based sour soup that can be made with pork, shrimp, or fish and is beloved for its comforting tang. For something truly festive, there’s lechon, a whole pig roasted over charcoal until the skin is perfectly crisp.
Want to check off all the good Filipino food?
Visit my list of the top local delicacies that you MUST try!
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Learn a Few Words of Tagalog
Filipinos are famously warm and welcoming, but make the effort to learn a few basic Tagalog phrases, and you’ll be rewarded with even bigger smiles.
Learning just a handful of everyday words can go a long way. Try saying “Salamat” (thank you) or “Kamusta?” (how are you?) when greeting locals. If you’re enjoying a delicious meal, “Masarap!” (delicious) is always a crowd-pleaser.
Shopping in a market? “Magkano ito?” means “How much is this?” and is handy when browsing local stalls. And on a hot day, asking “Pahingi naman po ng tubig” (Can I have some water, please?) might just lead to a refreshing break and a friendly chat.
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Overall
Go and discover your own place by doing slow travel in the Philippines!
After all, the Philippines isn’t just another vacation spot—it’s a beautiful mix of cultures, languages, landscapes, and lifestyles. To appreciate its beauty, go beyond the typical routes. Explore further. Try the unfamiliar. Go deeper!
And who knows, maybe you’ll find your perfect spot and never want to leave. With thousands of islands to choose from, there’s a good chance one of them might just be “the one”.
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