“Is it even possible to visit the Philippines right now? Hasn’t the hurricane leveled everything?”
This is a common question following the aftermath and extreme devastation of hurricane Haiyan, which claimed over 5000 lives and left a wake of destruction in its path. Just about everything I read about it made it seem like such a massive disaster that the entire country was affected.
But how can that be when there are over 7,000 islands that make up the Philippines, spanning over 115,831 square miles?
The reality is, the vast majority of the country was untouched by the typhoon.
Meaning there’s tons to see, experience, taste, smell, and swim through in this gorgeous country. So, yes, now is still a great time to visit the Philippines.
“But I can’t imagine laying on a beach when people are suffering,” a friend said to me.
There’s no denying the difficulty that many people in the Philippines have endured as a result of this natural disaster, and I certainly don’t mean to make light of it in the least. That said, there’s every reason to visit the Philippines now, and more than ever, as revenues from tourism is a crucial part of the economy.
Where I went:
My flight initially landed in Cebu, where I fully expected to see evidence of the hurricane. It turns out that the north of the island was impacted the most, which is an area I never made it to. South, however, in Moalboal, there was no evidence of any hurricane-related issues. I was actually surprised to find the accommodation in the area almost fully booked!
This was rare throughout the rest of the Philippines, however, where there is less chance of dive master trainees booking up rooms for a full month.
Then there was Bohol, which has had its fair share of natural disasters, dealing with an earthquake in October as well. One of the employees at the guest house I stayed at in Bohol told me that normally they’d be fully booked that time of year (right before Christmas), but post-earthquake, all of the reservations had been cancelled.
The evidence of destruction was visible from time to time, but power is back, water is running again, and aside from some quite unfortunate damage to churches and what used to be the highest point on the island at the lookout point at the chocolate hills, tourist infrastructure is relatively untouched.
From there I headed to Camiguin and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao which suffered no damage, but still had the occasional power outage.
From there I just had to check out Boracay for New Years Eve, where there was no damage and tourist infrastructure is doing just fine. Perhaps a little too fine as seen by the McDonald’s and Starbucks. That said I did really enjoy my time there and was even able to find some almost-private beaches just a boat ride away.
I had also heard that the hurricane destroyed Apo reef near Coron, which was my last stop. Apart from a limited area that did suffer some damage, the diving there is still incredible and the reefs are still beautiful. Besides, 40 meters down, the impact is going to be minimal.
Coron, however, definitely experienced some destruction. The area I stayed in clearly had been almost blown away.
That said, each day they were rebuilding, welcoming tourism and moving forward.
The best thing we can do as tourists is let them do exactly that – move forward, and help them to do so with our tourism dollars and helping hands where needed.
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) says
I’m so glad you wrote this because the Philippines is awesome and more people really should be visiting. And because they are a poor country that depends so much on tourist dollars, now is actually the most critical time for people to visit and help out. Even if you’re not physically volunteering, just being there spending your money is a huge help!
Also, I’m glad to hear that the diving around Coron wasn’t affected too much. We had planned to dive there during our last visit to the Philippines but I got sick with a headcold and we had to scrap those plans; it’s been high on our list of things to do the next time we’re back.
Kristin says
The reef was definitely damaged in some places but still brilliant diving.
Ruann (Solo Travel Uncut) says
Even though it’s quite devastating, I’m glad to see it’s not as widespread as I was first led to believe. The last thing we as tourists should do now, as you said, is flock away from the country. Can’t wait to visit the Phillipines in April this year.
These photographs are absolutely beautiful. You’re a real sky-capturing wizard.
Kristin says
You’ll really enjoy it!
Michelle | Lights Camera Travel says
I was thinking to write a similar post! I was in El Nido during the typhoon and as you said, that was one of the many places relatively untouched. They need tourism revenue more than ever and so now is a perfect time to go.
Kristin says
Gutted I didn’t make it to El Nido. Coron was definitely impacted but they definitely need tourism.
Franca says
It’s good to know that it’s not as bad as the media picture it. I’ve never been to the Philippines, probably now it’s a good time also because they need people to spend money there to be able to fund and rebuilt the destroyed area. Great post!
Kristin says
The media tends to sensationalize things, which I guess was good for people to send aid but other forms of aid come in just helping them return to normal
Maria Alexandra @LatinAbroad says
that’s GREAT to know, as I may be going there this summer! 😀
what about El Nido, though?
– Maria Alexandra
Kristin says
El Nido wasn’t affected.
Cindy says
If we look at the case of Thailand after the Tsunami, most tourists got rerouted to the islands in the Gulf (Samui, Phangan and Tao) while they took care of rebuilding Phuket and around.
It is true that tourism is a great part of the economy. Now is the time to go and visit the untouched parts of the country, fueling the economy so that they can rebuild the devastated areas.
Kristin says
Absolutely, but the hard-hit places need tourism too. They’re doing their best to get tourism ready and most of them are OK to visit now.
Hannah @ Getting Stamped says
We are headed to the Philippines in 2 days! Our stops include Manila, Boracay, Coron, and El Nido! Look forward to reading more about the Philippines on your blog!
Kristin says
A great list of places! You’ll love it for sure.
Sonali Chauhan says
Hi Admin,
Really thank you. We are considering going next January. Coordinating with other relatives seem to be more challenging than coordinating the trip itself.
Tristan says
Going to the Philippines this month. I will bring my family there to have some vacation, we’re going to spend some days in El Nido, Palawan! I heard lots of good things about it. I think its the best if not, one of the best beach in the Philippines. Can’t wait to see paradise.
Kristin says
I thought Palawan was gorgeous.
Tristan says
You’re right. It’s really a paradise!
Kevin's Travel Diary says
I know this is an old post but headed that way soon and it was an interesting read to learn a little more about what had happenedd