Team Out of Town
Why You Should Visit The Philippines During Winter
Usually, many travelers will prefer going to Hawaii to hit the beach but what they do not know is that the Philippines actually offers a much cheaper vacation than Hawaii. You can easily afford a luxurious vacation in the Philippines. This country is also unknown to many travelers, meaning you will not encounter large crowds in beaches or any sightseeing spot. The Philippines, a tropical country should be on your bucket list of winter sun destinations.
Below are reasons why you should pack your bags this winter and head to the Philippines or Pearl of the Orient Seas:
The Endless Summer
Being a tropical country, the warm temperature and the sun last throughout the year. This is a perfect escape from the cold climate. You will find your deservedly sun-fix here.
Never ending attractions in Boracay
If you love staying on the beach for hours, laying back while enjoying cocktail after cocktail, then Boracay beach in the Philippines is perfect for you. Many travel magazines have voted Boracay as one of the most stunning beaches in the world. For this reason, Boracay beach should be a must-visit location for you. Even if you love fun water activities, the island is considered the liveliest of the 7,641 islands in the Philippines. Fun activities include beach bumming, parasailing, banana boat riding, Ziplining, jet skiing as well as island hopping. There are also activities for those who don’t like to move around that much besides sports. There are plenty of attractions in Boracay Island, which you can visit independently or by the help of tour guide. Nevertheless, either way, you choose will be very cheap, so it is probably good to hire a tour guide to help you and ensure you are in safe hands. When you have everything in order, there is a fun spot called Ariel’s Point where you can kayak, cliff jump and also snorkeling.
Dazzling Old Manila
This old walled city was built by Spaniards over 400 years ago, and thus the architecture of many buildings here resembles the colonial Spanish style building. Intramuros is closely similar to Old Havana, for example, the Fort Santiago building in old Manila is strikingly similar to Morro Castle in old Havana.
Luxury Hotels and Beach Resorts
Five-star hotels in the Philippines are very cheap, averaging 350 USD a night. Besides, these hotels are international chains like Shangri-La, Peninsula, and Sofitel. Staying in these hotels is quite cheaper than most of the popular travel destinations in the world. In overall, Philippines offers generally cheap vacations as compared to other beach destinations in the world.
Amazing Weather
Winters in the Philippines are normally warm, around 260C with almost no rains because many tropical countries receive rains during summer. Winter is the most pleasant season in the Philippines, which is also the high tourist season in the country. Swap the cold weather for sunny tropical in the Philippines and work on your tan this winter.
White sand beaches in El Nido
The island has 50 beautiful beaches, some which are only accessible by boats. El Nido is perfect for island hopping tours, with 4 different typical tours, A-D. According to many visitors, the highly recommended tour are A and C. Tour A will let you visit 3 lagoons, where you can enjoy swimming, and snorkeling. Tour C offers a visit to numerous secluded beaches, the most outstanding one being the Hidden Beach in Matinloc Island. The fun part about this beach is that to reach it you will need to swim through a hole in the rocks.
The Island of El Nido has also a great place for scuba diving, the El Nido Bay. It is quite calm and suitable for beginners. There is also a 40-meter long tunnel for experienced divers, the tunnel was discovered in the 90s. El Nido has also a school of fish and corals.
Colorful Festivals
In the Philippines, January is a festival month, particularly in the region of Visayas. You will need an extended vacation to witness these festivals though. The best festivals include Sinulog of Cebu, Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan which takes place every January 3rd and Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival on 4th Sunday. These festivals will ensure you don’t have winter blues time.
Less crowd
It is a tradition in the Philippines that after New Year, everyone goes back to work and school. For this reason, extending your winter vacation until the beginning of March will mean being alone or with a countable group of people in your resort. The best part of all this; lower rates in resorts and luxurious hotels.
The Touch of Home
Major Philippines cities offer an international feel for their guests. You can prepare for your own Christmas treats using widely available ingredients in grocery stores or alternatively enjoy a cup of Eggnog in hotels and restaurants.
Experience unique New Year celebrations
New Year in the Philippines is usually very loud, with families driving away bad luck with firecrackers. The sky will be full of firework displays you will enjoy.
White Christmas
Contrary to what you are used to during Christmas- the snow, in the Philippines this period is usually characterized by white beaches. Instead of snowball fights, you will splash waters or instead of building snowmen, build sandcastles. The Philippines will offer a real scenery change, cold Christmas? Argh!
Fun-pact outdoor activities
For those who prefer indulging in physical activities rather than relaxing on the beaches, there are numerous activities like hiking trails, walking in the forests, and hot spring resorts. Walking tours in the Philippines during winter is marvelous as there is no soaking in sweat.
Minimum rain and little chance of a typhoon
The rainy season in the Philippines is in the summer. That is when the country experiences destructive typhoons. But during December, the weather is a bit chill with minimum or no rain.
No feeling alone
In the Philippines, the winter season is synonymous with love and happiness. Visitors always feel at home during Christmas periods in the Philippines. Filipinos are also known for being loving and hospitable, so don’t be caught by surprise if local families invite you to join in the Media Noche or Noche Buena.
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels and Resorts in the Philippines via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Also read:
- Don’t Like Crowded Beaches? Five Beach Getaway Alternatives To Boracay
- 12 Photos That Prove Anilao is One Of The Best Diving Destinations in the World
