Well I just have to say this might have been one of the best places on earth. Before going I knew there were over 7,000 islands and that they have the highest English literacy rate in South East Asia. Post going I learn there are actually 7,107 islands and 7,108 at low tide. And that I did not realize how nice it is to travel to a country that has their own language but everyone there (over 90% eng literacy) speaks english, perfectly, little children included.
Things I loved about it. Its BEAUTIFUL. The water is so warm and clear. Each island is so different. The people are genuinely nice and go out of their way to help. It is so incredibly cheap (highlights: 60 cent drinks, 4 dollar meals, 1 dollar bag of mangoes, 10 dollar rooms, 12 dollar flight from Manila to Cebu). I ate mangoes and bananas everyday in all forms. I never once felt unsafe. And its just overall awesome.
Let me back up a bit. In Japan, the first week in May is called Golden week, three holidays always fall right next to each other so its a five day weekend where everyone travels. I took off Golden week and the week before, with two of my friends Chris (a JET from Minnesota) and Yumiko (a JET from Australia) and traveled to the Philippines.
So basically, we spent most of our time in two locations - El Nido on the island of Palawan and the island of Boracay. We did visit Manila for a night and another place in Palawan called Coron.
El Nido was gorgeous, huge cliffs just sticking out of the ocean. The island of Palawan is not too touristy so you really got a local feel. During the day and some streets at night turned off the electricity, so it was cool walking around with stores lit by candle light. The first day we went there we did island h
opping. Just got on a boat and spent the entire day stopping at remote islands, snorkeling, swimming and relaxing. Our guides ended up being really cool and so we went and saw their band play that night and island hopping with them again the next day. Our final day was also a great day. We rented motor bikes and Christian and Richard (the two guides) came along. We motor biked on remote beaches that we wouldn't have known about, as well as went to Christians aunt's place. Which was some thatched houses, with kids running around, animals running around and great fruit trees (delicious mangoes). Richard caught and killed a chicken and made lunch. It was pretty great.
Next we went to Coron (for two days) and Manila (for one day). But then Boracay for about 5 days. Boracay is much more touristy than Palawan. But not bad, it was nice to have many restaurant and bar options, it was a good change. And its probably one of the most beautiful white sand beaches ever. I just couldn't get over the beauty and the amazing weather, which is why I did not do much at all here except enjoy. There are tons of water sports and activities to do, I was planning on parasailing, but the beach and relaxation just drew me in. We do go for a sunset sail one evening though. Enjoyed reading, meeting new people, and eating good food. Boracay reminded me a bit of Koh Samui in Thailand, but it was much more beautiful, the beach was larger, the tourists were more local (filippino) tourists, and BEST of all when people try and sell you something when you say no, they leave you alone. People in the Philippines just seem pretty chill and awesome.
people who went out of their way to be nice:
Christian and Richard in El Nido; did not need to turn down more money to hang out with us and show us around.
Nino the Philippine Airline worker who (after we missed our flight) said we volunteered our seats up (to people who were on the canceled flight) so we didnt have to pay extra, drove us back with eight other staff members, found us a room, and hung out with us that night.
Chito: older man visiting Boracay who walked up and down the beach trying to find us the best place to stay, went to dinner with us twice and took us around, and made sure we had his hired friend to help us out after he left.
The list actually goes on and on.
I originally thought two weeks was going to be too long, but it sure was not. I could stay for so long. I am hoping to get back to check out the other islands some day!!
Other interesting facts: I ate BALUT. The delicacy of partially developed chick, you crack the egg, suck the juice, eat the chick and then th
e yolk. Not too bad just sorta gross to think about. I actually ate one the following night as well.I also ate a chocolate avocado milkshake.
To get home we took a Tricycle (motorized thing), a boat, a van, a flight from kalibo to manila, flight from manila to cebu, flight from cebu to seoul, flight from seoul to tokyo, and a 9 hour bus ride from tokyo to Aomori. To arrive at 6 am just in time to get ready for work that day. It was VERY difficult to come back to Japan (especially landing in Tokyo). The price of our first meal in Tokyo was probably a few days worth of food in the Philippines! (its painful seeing prices here, I had gotten so used to ignoring how much it costs here and just buying whatever I need). The people too, although Japanese people are incredibly nice, you never really know what they really mean. As well as having to be more aware of appearance and actions.
And now the weather here is cold and rainy. UGH. I asked my friends, would you eat ten balut to go back right now, answer: in an instant.
Well, please check out pictures of paradise, island hopping, balut eating and more PICTURES
Upcoming Events:
Sunday: May 17th: Yokohama Flower Marathon
(not really a marathon, any race they call a marathon, but I'll do the 5k)
