The Philippines – The Good and The Unexpected
Whether you’re planning a trip to the Philippines or Japan, both can feel overwhelming in very different ways. Japan is densely packed with so much to see in small spaces, while the Philippines presents a different challenge. Its beauty is spread across thousands of islands, many of which require multiple forms of transport to reach. While the stunning beaches and hidden gems you see online are real, social media often glosses over the less glamorous realities of travel.
That being said, how much you enjoy your trip ultimately comes down to mindset. We had an absolutely incredible time in this beautiful country, one of those trips we’ll remember forever. However, we also encountered some surprises along the way. This blog is all about sharing the moments that, while still amazing, didn’t quite match our expectations due to the ever-present social media vs. reality phenomenon.
REMOTE ISLAND HOPPING REALITIES
From Coron to Balabac, these were the most breathtaking excursions we did in Palawan. That said, it wasn’t exactly what we expected.
Sand Flies – Do Not Underestimate Them
This is NO joke. If you’re someone who gets eaten alive by mosquitos, sand flies (or nikniks) will be your worst nightmare without proper precautions. Pack a strong, long-lasting repellent and reapply it religiously, especially after swimming. At one point, I counted over 30 bites on my legs alone, and the itching lasted for months. Trust me, prevention is key!
Sleeping Arrangements:
Many tour agencies advertise island huts or cabanas, but when we arrived, we were greeted by a tent village instead. Definitely unexpected, but it was still a unique and fun experience.
Security:
If you’re staying overnight, bring a small lock for your bag or valuables. The islands feel incredibly remote and peaceful, but with shared spaces and open campsites, it’s always a good idea to take basic precautions. Better safe than sorry.
DRIVING IN THE PHILIPPINES
We rented a car from a local agency, and it was hands down one of the best rental experiences we’ve had. Affordable rates, a brand-new car, and flexible pickup and drop-off. We picked up in Puerto Princesa and dropped off in El Nido. The owner even drove all the way to El Nido to retrieve the car.
The Challenge? Driving at Night.
What we didn’t anticipate was that many drivers don’t use headlights at night. Combine that with the heavy window tint (a necessity for blocking out the sun) and visibility was near zero. After one nerve-wracking night drive, we vowed never to do it again. The roads are unpredictable with cars, motorbikes, kids, dogs, and chickens at all hours. If you’re not used to driving in the Philippines, it’s just not worth the risk. Stick to daytime travel.
FILIPINO FOOD – UNDERRATED AND DELICIOUS
We’re not sure why, but we kept hearing that food in the Philippines was “lacking.” We couldn’t disagree more. Food preferences are personal, but we had some of our favorite meals here.
As strict vegans, people warned us that finding good food would be tough, but that wasn’t our experience at all. Traditional Filipino home cooking was actually quite similar to what we eat on a regular basis. Simple, hearty, and full of fresh flavors. Our best meal? A mind-blowing green bean and fried tofu dish with the most insane vinegar sauce, served with curry and rice. Absolutely unforgettable.
TABO SHOWERS – EMBRACE THE SIMPLICITY
If you're booking luxury resorts, you probably won’t come across a Tabo shower, but if you’re looking for a more authentic experience in remote island accommodations, you’ll likely encounter one.
So, what is a Tabo shower? It's a large bucket of clean water that you use to scoop and pour over yourself with a smaller handheld bucket. It's simple, but it becomes surprisingly soothing after a long day of adventure. Many basic accommodations on the more remote islands don’t have working shower heads, and the Tabo is often used instead. There’s something about that warm bucket of water washing away the day that felt like a spa experience in nature. Tabo showers quickly became a favorite part of our day. Trust us, lean into the Tabo, and enjoy the authentic, slow-paced bath time ritual.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We started sharing our travels to document our experiences and inspire like-minded adventurers. Social media is amazing for showcasing beautiful places, but it often leaves out the realities of travel. We wanted to share this blog with full transparency, not to discourage, but to help you set the right expectations.
The Philippines is an incredible, diverse, and beautiful country. If you go in with the right mindset, embrace the unexpected, and stay open to adventure, you’ll have the time of your life just like we did.
If Palawan is on your list, we’ve got an in-depth guide that’s perfect for planning your trip. After spending a month exploring the island, we poured weeks of research into creating a detailed resource that outlines everything we did—from must-see spots to hidden gems. It’s a great starting point for anyone looking to make the most out of their Palawan adventure. You can check out the full guidebook here.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out to us on socials. We’d love to chat!
Looking for more tropical travel inspiration? Follow us on Instagram for updates and adventures from The Philippines! 📸
