Philippines
Cebu - Boracay - Siargao
In January 2024 I was finally able to cross another destination off my bucket list and had an unforgettable trip to the Philippines. Together with my partner we spent a total of 1.5 weeks in the Philippines and visited Cebu, Boracay and Siargao. We booked the return flight with AirChina for €800 per person including luggage, with a stopover in Taiwan. We made the most of our vacation and discovered as much of the beauty of the Philippines as possible. In this blog I take you on our adventures and share our experiences and recommendations for each destination.
Cebu
Cebu, a central island in the Philippines, offers a diverse landscape from rainforests to idyllic coastlines. As a historical hub, Cebu played an important role in the arrival of the Spanish in 1521. Today it is a major trade and tourism center with modern infrastructure and historical sites such as Magellan's Cross.
Accommodation in Cebu
bai Hotel Cebu
Location: The location in the center is great.
Cost: We paid a total of €66 for 1 night including breakfast.
Price-performance ratio: The price-performance ratio is good.
Pros: The staff was super friendly and accommodating, and the hotel itself was really nice. The breakfast was varied and delicious. There was also a great gym and even child care. The rooftop pool and bar/restaurant combination rounded off the stay perfectly. Additionally, it was great that there was a shopping center just about a 3 minute walk away, where there was even a small food market before the evening.
Negative: Nothing.
Conclusion: We can highly recommend the bai Hotel in Cebu and would come back at any time.
Eating in Cebu
More activities in Cebu
- Day Trip to BoholOslob Whale Shark Swimming Oslob Whale Shark Watching Kawasan Falls CanyoneeringTumalog Falls
...
Boracay
Boracay, a small island in Western Visayas in the Philippines, is located about 315 km south of Manila. It covers an area of only about 10.32 square kilometers and is part of Aklan Province. The island is famous for its spectacular white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Boracay is divided into three main areas, known as "Stations":
- Station 1: This area is known for its luxury resorts, upscale restaurants, and quieter stretches of beach. It often offers an exclusive and relaxed atmosphere. Station 2: This is where the nightlife, shopping and numerous restaurants are concentrated. It is the busiest and liveliest part of the island.Station 3: This zone is a little quieter and more relaxed than Station 2, but still has some restaurants and accommodation. It is ideal for travelers looking for a quieter environment.
Despite its small size, Boracay is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Arrival in Boracay
We decided to fly from Cebu to Boracay as it was the only option available at that time. The flight tickets cost €63 per person and included baggage drop-off.
Our accommodations on Boracay
Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel
Location: The location right on the beach is great. The hotel is located in zone 3.
Cost: We paid a total of €109 for 2 nights including breakfast.
Price-performance ratio: The price-performance ratio is good.
Positive: The staff was extremely hospitable and accommodating, and the accommodation itself was impressive with its beauty and direct beach location. The hotel also offers relaxing massage services and a happy hour for cocktails. Homemade cookies were even left in the room in the evening.
Negative: Unfortunately, the hotel only has about five beach chairs.
Conclusion: We can highly recommend Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel on Boracay and would come back at any time.
Mandarin Nest Boracay
Location: The location right on the beach is great. The hotel is located in Zone 2.
Cost: We paid a total of €66 for 1 night including breakfast.
Price-performance ratio: The price-performance ratio is good.
Positive: The staff was extremely warm and accommodating, and the accommodation itself was impressive with its beautiful ambience and direct beach location. After checking into the room, we even found two small cakes as a welcome gift and a jute bag. The hotel also has a rooftop pool with impressive views.
Negative: Unfortunately, our stay was characterized by overwhelming noise pollution, which only allowed us about 3 hours of sleep. The music in the hotel bar was very loud until around 11 p.m. Construction work began at the hotel at 1am with loud drilling noises further disturbing our sleep. In addition, the employees' conversations could be heard in the room via the walkie-talkies.
Conclusion: Despite our negative experiences, you should give the hotel a chance, especially after the construction work has been completed. It definitely has potential and could improve once construction is completed
Beaches in Boracay
White Beach
White Beach in Boracay is one of the most famous and popular beaches in the Philippines. With its fine white sand and crystal clear water, White Beach is a paradise for sun worshipers and water sports enthusiasts. The beach stretches for around four kilometers and offers numerous bars, restaurants and hotels along the coast. Here you can relax, swim, snorkel or just enjoy the breathtaking sunset.
Other beaches:
- Diniwid BeachBulabog BeachPuka BeachIlig-Iligan BeachPunta Bunga Beach ...
Food
Serviceliste
Activities in Boracay
- swapsnorkelingCrystal Cove Island...
Siargao
Siargao, an island in the Philippines, is known for its stunning beaches, surfing and laid-back atmosphere. Located in Surigao del Norte Province, Siargao lies east of Mindanao. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and mangrove forests and is home to a diverse range of marine fauna. In recent years, Siargao has become a popular destination for surfers from all over the world wanting to explore the famous "Cloud 9" wave. The island's history is marked by its traditional culture of surfing communities and its importance as a place of relaxation and adventure in the midst of untouched nature.
getting there
We decided to fly to Siargao and made a stopover in Cebu. At that time, flying was the only way to get to Siargao. The flight tickets cost €116 per person
Accommodation on Siargao
Trogon's Perch
Location: The accommodation is located outside the center (General Luna) of the island, but it is still convenient and inexpensive to get to the center of the island by TukTuk or scooter.
Cost: We paid a total of €327 for 3 nights including breakfast.
Price-performance ratio: The price-performance ratio is good.
Positive:
Negative: Nothing.
Conclusion: We can highly recommend Trogon's Perch on Siargao and would come back at any time.
Beaches on Siargao
Alegria Beach
Alegria Beach in Siargao is a picturesque beach known for its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty. With its fine white sand, clear turquoise water and surrounding palm trees, the beach offers an idyllic setting for sun worshipers and nature lovers. Alegria Beach is also a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach. With its tranquil and unspoilt surroundings, Alegria Beach is a perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Magpopongko Rock Pools und Flats
Magpopongko Rock Pools and Flats, located in Pilar, Siargao, is a stunning natural attraction known for its unique rock formations and crystal clear tide pools. During low tide, the pools reveal intricate patterns and fascinating marine life, creating a mesmerizing scene for visitors. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling and exploring the tidal flats, the area offers a peaceful oasis amidst Siargao's natural beauty. Adventurous souls can also jump into the deep waters from the surrounding rocks, adding an exciting touch to their visit. Magpopongko Rock Pools and Flats is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers who want to explore the hidden gems of Siargao.
Pacific Beach
Siargao's Pacifico Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline known for its unspoilt beauty and laid-back atmosphere. With its fine white sand, clear turquoise water and shady palm trees, the beach offers an idyllic environment for those seeking relaxation and nature lovers. Pacifico Beach is also popular with surfers as it offers ideal conditions for catching waves, especially during the surfing season from October to April. Away from the hustle and bustle of tourists, Pacifico Beach offers peace and relaxation amid the impressive coastal landscape of Siargao.
Cloud9
Cloud 9 is a famous surfing spot on Siargao, an island in the Philippines. It is famous for its excellent surfing conditions, especially its powerful waves, which attract surfers from all over the world. The place offers a relaxed beach atmosphere and a vibrant surf culture. Surf schools, rental shops and beach bars characterize the picture along Cloud 9 Beach. It is a popular hangout for surfers and beach lovers and a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the surfing culture in the Philippines.
Food at Siargao
Activities in Siargao
Inseltoure
For a day we took a TukTuk that took us to numerous great places on the island including Coconut Road, the Palm Forest Viewpoint, the Maasin River, the Magpopongko Rock Pools and Flats, and Alegria Beach. The total cost for this was €37.
Coconut Road
Siargao's Coconut Road is a scenic route along coconut trees that winds through the island. This road is a breathtaking sight as it is lined with endless rows of coconut trees swaying in the gentle wind. Along Coconut Road there are also some of the island's most beautiful beaches as well as some cozy cafes and restaurants to linger. Many visitors use Coconut Road to take relaxing walks or bike rides and fully enjoy the natural beauty of Siargao.
Palm forest viewpoint
The Palm Tree Lookout in Siargao offers breathtaking views of the lush landscape lined with palm trees and stretching to the horizon. This viewpoint is known for its scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere that invites visitors to enjoy nature and live in the moment. From here you can watch spectacular sunsets and admire the panorama of Siargao Island in all its glory. The Palm Tree Lookout is a popular destination for photographers, nature lovers and travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Philippines.
Saline River
The Maasin River in Siargao is a tranquil and scenic river that meanders through lush tropical vegetation. This natural treasure offers visitors the opportunity to swim in clear water, float on inflatable tires and explore the surrounding nature. The Maasin River is known for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere, inviting visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind surrounded by nature. With its lush banks and clear waters, the Maasin River is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers in Siargao.
Day trip - island hopping - snorkeling
We took a day trip for island hopping and snorkeling to the following islands: Nakes island, Daku Island and Guyam Island.
We booked the tour through our hotel for €33 per person. Alternatively, you can book the tour via platforms such as Viator, GetYourGuide and similar providers.
Naked Island
Naked Island near Siargao, Philippines is known for its untouched beauty. A long strip of fine white sand is surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water.
The name "Naked Island" comes from the fact that the island is uninhabited and has no vegetation, giving it a "naked" appearance. Despite its remote location, Naked Island can sometimes seem a bit crowded as many tour boats dock there.
Daku Island
Daku Island is a beautiful island near Siargao, Philippines. It is known for its picturesque beaches, crystal clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.
On Daku Island we were served lunch where the table was set with a variety of dishes and drinks were included. In addition, visitors had the opportunity to purchase various drinks such as fresh drinking coconuts, cocktails and snacks from stalls
Guyam Island
Guyam Island offers a captivating setting for nature lovers and beach vacationers alike, with its white sandy beaches, clear waters and lush tropical vegetation. The island is a true paradise for those seeking relaxation.
Visitors can sit back on Guyam Island, swim in the turquoise waters and enjoy the impressive ocean views. In addition to the natural beauties, the island also offers food and drink stalls, a basketball court and various areas for relaxation.
Further activities:
- Surfing: Siargao is known for its world-class waves, especially the famous Cloud 9 Break. Both beginners and experienced surfers will find suitable conditions here.Tropical Markets: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting one of Siargao's markets. Sample local specialties, shop for handcrafted souvenirs, and experience the hustle and bustle.Yoga and Wellness: Relax and recharge at one of the island's yoga retreats or wellness centers.Watch the Sunset: Enjoy breathtaking sunsets on the beaches of Siargao while admiring the beauty of nature.
Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to relax, Siargao has something to suit everyone.
After our incredibly beautiful time on Siargao, we spent two more nights in Cebu before continuing our journey to Singapore. Cebu only served as a stopover for us, as there was no other option in terms of time.
We had an absolutely fantastic time in the Philippines and are incredibly grateful for the wonderful memories and warm hospitality of the people there.
We will definitely come back in the next few years and continue exploring the Philippines.
