Last Updated on May 22, 2025 by simple search
Brought to you by Tourism Promotions Board Philippines + EVA Air
If you’re looking for your next bucket-list adventure (that won’t break the bank), let me put the Philippines on your radar—like, immediately. I had the chance to go on a familiarization trip last April with the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines and EVA Air, and it was seriously one of the most unforgettable trips I’ve ever taken.
✈️ Let’s Talk About the Flight First: EVA Air = 10/10
You know how international flights can sometimes feel… long? Not this one. Flying EVA Air was chef’s kiss. The service was next-level friendly, the food was actually delicious. My layover in Taipei was super smooth, and the airport was such a vibe—clean, organized, and full of cute spots like a Hello Kitty store that I definitely didn’t walk past without going in. 😍
🌴 Hello, Bohol!
We landed in Cebu and took a scenic ferry ride over to Bohol, a tropical island that totally exceeded expectations. One of the first stops? The Tarsier Sanctuary. Tarsiers are these teeny-tiny primates (they kind of look like a mix between Yoda and a Furby 🐒), and they’re super sensitive—so you have to be really quiet when visiting. But wow, they were insanely cute and SO worth the visit.
Another must-do in Bohol? The Loboc River Cruise. Imagine floating down a peaceful jungle river, live local music playing, a buffet of tasty Filipino dishes in front of you, and dancers inviting you to join in. It was chill, fun, and honestly felt like I was in a travel movie.
And then there were the Chocolate Hills—literal hill after hill that look like giant chocolate kisses scattered across the island. (During the dry season they turn brown; during rainy season they’re green. Either way? Totally Instagrammable.)
🌊 Island Hopping
The next day we went island hopping, and I have to say: I’ve snorkeled in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Bali, but the water in the Philippines? Hands down the clearest I’ve ever seen. We snorkeled off Balicasag Island, swam with turtles, cruised over vibrant coral gardens, and on our way back, we even saw two groups of dolphins swimming alongside our boat. A perfect day 10/10.
🌇 Wrapping Up in Cebu
We wrapped up our trip back in Cebu, which gave big city-meets-history energy. We hit up some cultural landmarks like Magellan’s Cross, the Basilica del Santo Niño, and the Temple of Leah (epic views from the top, btw). We also checked out some super cool local spots like the Chocolate Chamber (yes, there was tasting involved) and ended the day with a lechon feast. So. Good.
TL;DR: The Philippines Is Calling 📞
This trip had everything: beaches, culture, wildlife, and some of the kindest people I’ve met while traveling. Huge shoutout to the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines and EVA Air for putting this incredible trip together and showing us the best of what the country has to offer.
If the Philippines isn’t already on your travel list, it’s time to bump it to the top. Trust me—you’ll fall in love fast.
