00:00Welcome to the Philippines, where paradise isn't just a dream, it's a reality waiting to be explored.
00:06Picture this, crystal clear waters, powdery white beaches, and stunning landscapes.
00:12Islands like Coron, El Nido, Boracay, Panglao, and Siargao are sure to take your breath away.
00:19Whether you're an adventurer, a beach bum, or looking for vibrant nightlife,
00:24the Philippines has something special just for you.
00:27The country is English-speaking, the people are extremely friendly, the food is delicious,
00:33and Filipino women are very warm, loving, gorgeous.
00:38So, get ready to embark on the solo adventure of a lifetime.
00:45Why are there not more people talking about solo travel in the Philippines?
00:49It's truly an underrated gem, waiting to be explored.
00:52Hey everyone, it's Valentino here.
00:54A passionate traveler from New Zealand who has been to over 100 countries,
00:58and today I'm sharing my ultimate guide for solo travel in the Philippines.
01:02Let's dive in.
01:03Look, I get it, solo travel can seem daunting, especially to a place that feels a world away.
01:08Manila is about 8 hours from Australia, and 12 hours from the US.
01:12A place with over 7,000 islands.
01:15But trust me on this one, the Philippines?
01:17It's a game changer.
01:18Let's get into it.
01:19Tips before you fly.
01:24Here's what you need to know before your adventure begins.
01:26First, make sure to fill out the Philippines e-travel card online on e-travel.gov.ph prior to your arrival.
01:34It's mandatory for everyone.
01:35The Philippines has visa-free arrangements with many countries, but if you need a visa, ensure you get it in advance.
01:41Carry some dollars in cash to exchange, as cards are widely used but not accepted in smaller stores,
01:48especially the local grocery store 7-Eleven which is literally everywhere in the Philippines.
01:53Consider carrying a steel-proof money waste pouch for added security.
01:57Be overly prepared.
01:58Finally, don't forget to get travel insurance.
02:01The public healthcare system in the Philippines isn't as great as in Western countries,
02:05so it's better to be safe than sorry.
02:07Now let's get to the fun stuff.
02:08Best time to visit, to catch the Philippine sunshine.
02:15Okay, so you've got your visa sorted or you know you don't need one.
02:18High five.
02:19Next big question.
02:21When is the absolute best time to hit the Philippines for that epic solo trip?
02:26This is crucial, because the weather here can seriously make or break your plans.
02:31The Philippines generally has two main seasons, the dry season and the rainy season.
02:35The main dry season typically runs from late November to May.
02:39This is often touted as the prime time to visit, and for good reason.
02:43During these months, especially from December to February, you're looking at cooler temperatures.
02:48Well, cooler for the tropics, meaning less sweltering humidity, and plenty of sunshine.
02:53This is your golden window for beach hopping, island exploring, diving, all that good stuff.
02:58Think Palawan, Boracay, Panglau, and Siargao.
03:00They're all usually at their postcard perfect best.
03:03March to May gets hotter, like, really hot and humid, especially in the cities like Manila and Cebu.
03:08But it's still considered dry season, so if you can handle the heat, the beaches are still calling.
03:12So, my ultimate advice?
03:14If it's your first time and you want the highest chance of perfect weather for those iconic island experiences, aim for December to May.
03:22Just a heads up, the rainy season, which runs from June to October, can bring around 20 typhoons a year, potentially disrupting flights and travel plans.
03:30So, always keep an eye on the weather forecast and have a backup plan ready.
03:34Alright, let's talk about what to throw in that backpack or suitcase for your solo Philippine adventure.
03:43My philosophy, especially for a place like the Philippines where you'll likely be moving around a bit, hopping on boats, maybe even small planes, is always pack light, pack smart.
03:55You do not want to be lugging a giant suitcase through a sandy beach path to get to your resort.
04:01Trust me on this.
04:02A good travel backpack is your best friend here.
04:05Something in the 40 to 50 liter range is usually perfect for a few weeks or even a month if you're savvy.
04:11Laundry services are really cheap in Philippines for about 3 US dollar a load, so makes sense to bring lesser clothes.
04:18Given the tropical climate, lightweight, breathable clothing is king.
04:22Think cotton, linen, or quick-drying synthetic fabrics.
04:25For tops, pack a mix of t-shirts and tank tops.
04:28Maybe one or two long-sleeved, lightweight shirts.
04:31These are gold for sun protection if you're out on a boat all day, or for a bit of warmth if you're in an aggressively air-conditioned bus or mall, or even for mosquito protection in the evenings.
04:41For bottoms, shorts are a must.
04:44A couple of pairs of comfortable shorts will see you through most days.
04:46I also like to pack one pair of lightweight long pants, good for cooler evenings, travel days, or if you're visiting religious sites that require more modest dress.
04:56Swimwear is obviously essential.
04:58Pack at least two sets, so one can be drying while you're wearing the other.
05:02And don't forget to pack a lot of good quality sunscreen to protect yourself from the intense sun.
05:07Also, be prepared for the use of the bum gun or bidet in the toilets, which is a handy tool for maintaining hygiene.
05:16Alright, this is the juicy part.
05:19Where should you actually go in the Philippines based on what you're looking for?
05:22With over 7,000 islands, the choices can be overwhelming.
05:25So, I'm going to give you my personal recommendations based on different interests, whether it's beaches, nightlife, or a mix of both.
05:32First up, if you're into beaches and water sports, Siargao is a must-visit.
05:36Known for its world-class surfing, especially at Cloud 9.
05:39Plus, it has cool spots like the Magpapunko Rock Pools and Sugba Lagoon.
05:44Next, Boracay is famous for its stunning white beach and vibrant water sports scene.
05:49You can try parasailing, kite surfing, and more.
05:52Palawan, especially El Nido and Karan, offers breathtaking lagoons and diving spots.
05:57The limestone karsts rising out of turquoise waters are like stepping into a movie.
06:02Panglao in Bohol is another great spot for beaches and diving.
06:05It's known for its beautiful beaches and rich marine life.
06:08Plus, its proximity to Cebu gives you best of both worlds.
06:13If you're looking for night entertainment, Makati or Malete in Manila are the place to be.
06:17They are packed with bars, clubs, Japanese KTV, and restaurants, and you can find plenty of fun with Filipina girls.
06:24Angeles City in Pampanga is another hotspot for nightlife, known for its vibrant entertainment scene and lively bars.
06:32It's a great place to meet new people and enjoy the night.
06:34For a combination of good beaches with some nightlife, head to Cebu.
06:39It offers a mix of beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife scene with bars and clubs in Mango Square.
06:44So, whether you're into water sports, nightlife, or a bit of both, the Philippines has something for everyone.
06:50You've picked your destination.
06:55Now, where to sleep.
06:57The Philippines offers a huge range of accommodation for every solo traveler's budget and style.
07:03Hostels are great for meeting people and keeping costs low, with beds usually ranging from $8 to $20 per night.
07:09If you prefer more privacy, there are plenty of other options.
07:13For a step up, mid-range hotels and boutique stays offer comfort and convenience, with private rooms and extra amenities.
07:21Expect to pay around $30 to $70 per night.
07:24If you want to splurge, luxury hotels and resorts, especially on the beach, deliver stunning views and top-notch service, with prices from $100 to $300 plus per night.
07:35Airbnb is also popular, with city apartments and unique island stays typically costing $20 to $60 per night, depending on location and amenities.
07:44Wherever you stay, check reviews for cleanliness and security, and choose what fits your travel style best.
07:51If you are planning to invite the girl back to your room, choose the accommodation type which best serves the need.
07:56The right bed, at the right price, can make your solo adventure in the Philippines even more memorable.
08:01Let's break down the best ways to spend your time in the Philippines, starting with bar hopping.
08:07Manila and Cebu are famous for their vibrant nightlife.
08:11Head to Poblacian in Makati, Malatay in Manila or Mango Avenue in Cebu for a mix of trendy bars, live music and friendly locals.
08:19Also try Angeles City in Pampanga, 3 hours drive from Manila.
08:23Next up, water sports and beach relaxation.
08:26The Philippines is a paradise for beach lovers and adventure seekers.
08:29Try island hopping in Palawan, snorkeling in Apo Reef or surfing in Siargao, or just relax on the powdery sands of Boracay and enjoy the sunset.
08:38Finally, shopping.
08:39For bargain hunters, head to Divisoria and 168 Mall in Manila, where you can score cheap deals and practice your haggling skills.
08:47If you're after upmarket shopping, visit one of the largest malls in the world, the Mall of Asia in Manila, which offers everything from international brands to local boutiques.
08:56Whether you're bar hopping, hitting the beach, or shopping for must-buys, the Philippines has something for every solo traveler.
09:02My secret sauce, solo travel hacks for the Philippines.
09:09Alright, we've covered a lot of ground.
09:12Visas, weather, packing, places, you're almost ready to book that flight.
09:16But before you do, I want to share some of my personal tips and tricks.
09:20The little things I've learned over years of solo travel in the Philippines that can make your trip smoother, safer, and even more awesome.
09:27These are the things that aren't always in the guidebooks, the stuff you pick up along the way.
09:32Think of this as your insider advantage.
09:35Here's a little hack I swear by.
09:36If you can, try to book flights that land in Manila at night or on weekends.
09:41Manila traffic during the day is legendary, and not in a good way.
09:45Arriving at night or on a Sunday can save you hours stuck in a cab.
09:49And if you have a connecting phone.
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