The Philippines is very unique; therefore, it is a popular destination for holidaymakers. To have a holiday here is something you will treasure for years to come. You will witness the country’s remaining historical influence of Spanish colonisation and strong tradition. It offers a lot of experiences, bustling cities, sparkling beaches, and amazing culture.
Most people know the Philippines as a country with plenty of natural wonders, amazing beaches and islands, historical spots, and fun activities. Also, you can find tropical fruits and flavourful Filipino dishes in the Philippines.
This guide is not necessarily for vegans only. If you are vegan, I have shared a few vegan places to eat in the Philippines during your travel.
The Philippines has over 7,107 islands, making it difficult to decide where to travel and what to discover first in the country.
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Here is a suggested 5-day itinerary for ethical explorers who look forward to visiting the Philippines and its wonders.
Day 1: Fly to Panglao Cebu
Book a connecting flight from your airline of choice from Manila to Cebu City. Cebu City is the oldest and first capital of the Philippines. You can see the Spanish and Roman Catholic cultures in the city. It is one of the country’s largest cities and is a bustling port. Cebu City is the main collection centre for such inter-island commodities as copra, abaca, sugar, and timber.
From Cebu City, take a ride to Panglao. It is the most popular tourist destination in Bohol.
There are hundreds of beautiful resorts, hotels, and restaurants you can find in the area. It’s a perfect destination for relaxing or a bit of exploring. You can do so many things there. For instance, scuba diving, dolphin watching, snorkelling, kitesurfing, swimming with turtles, and cliff-diving.
On the next day, wake up to the sound of farm animals from all around the island of Panglao and have your first meal of the day with fresh fruits from the island. Find out here what exotic fruits you can find in the Philippines.
Day 2: Explore Bohol
Bohol is located in the west of Cebu and is also very popular for its beautiful sceneries like the Chocolate Hills.
Most people have assimilated these hills into Hershey’s Kisses chocolates, hence the name Chocolate Hills. There are more than 1,000 symmetrical mounds and dome-shaped hills like that of a Kisses chocolate. There’s no single Chocolate Hills location as you can see these in various parts of Bohol. These hills are spread over the towns of Sagbayan, Batuan, Carmen, Bilar, Sierra Bullones, and Valencia. Rainy seasons make the grass blanket the hills and give them a soft and lush appearance. During the dry season, the Chocolate Hills turn brown.
This place is also famous for the world’s smallest primates, the Philippine Tarsiers.
Visit the Tarsier Sanctuary
The Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol is a large forest dedicated to protecting these delicate creatures and helping preserve their population. Prior to showing the tourists around, tour guides will explain the “do’s” and “don’t” at the Tarsier Sanctuary.
Tarsiers are not allowed to be touched nor make a loud noise because if you do touch them or make a loud noise, they get stressed and tend to bang their heads against tree trunks, therefore visitors have to keep the noise level to a minimum. You are allowed to take pictures of tarsiers but without the use of a camera flash.
Vegan Options – Luna Rossa Vegetarian Restaurant
Bohol is famous for its fresh tropical fruits and vegetables. You can visit Luna Rossa Vegetarian, an Italian restaurant which offers vegetarian and vegan versions of the most popular Italian dishes.
As this restaurant is very popular, you can book a table online to avoid standing in the queue or just give them a call on +63 920 234 9570.
If the weather is nice, the restaurant offers outdoor seating facilities where you can enjoy your meal.
Along with the delicious vegan dishes, they offer a wide selection of regional and international beers as well as a variety of alcoholic drinks to complement your evening.
Day 3: Discover Oslob, Cebu
Swim with Whale Sharks
A very famous adventure in Cebu is done at Oslob. You can swim with whale sharks and snorkel with them. The best time to do this is early in the morning to experience it without other tourists that could scare the whale sharks away.
I experienced swimming with Whale Sharks and I can say that they are very friendly and absolutely beautiful. You have to be quiet to not scare them away. You can take photos of them with without using a camera flash.
I was fortunate to witness a whale shark that I thought was swimming just below my feet. I was excited and amazed to see it so close to me. However, the diving instructor told me that the whale shark was still 10 feet away from me, which meant that they were extremely huge!
Experience “Boodle Fight”
You can also eat by the shore on a banana leaf, which Filipinos call “boodle fight”, this was inspired by the military style of eating, this kind of feast symbolised the meaning of sharing. It’s a perfect experience to do with your friends and family while enjoying Oslob’s fresh tropical fruits and fresh vegetables.
Thai papaya salad on banana leaves with lime, tomatoes, eggplant, chilli, garlic, peppers, salad, and peanuts.
Day 4: From Cebu, Fly to Palawan
Palawan has been rewarded several times for its wonderful sceneries and beautiful islands.
One of the most popular activities in Palawan is island hopping, where you leave by boat and stop at different islands, caves, and snorkelling sites. In this part, you’ll find some of Palawan’s breathtaking views.
Taste El Nido – The Vegan Cafe PH
Go to Taste El Nido – The Vegan Cafe PH in El Nido to try the rich and wide range of fresh flavours of El Nido, Palawan. They offer vegan snacks, smoothie bowls, and delicious foods like lasagna, mac and “cheese” and a Mexican chipotle bowl.
They serve delicious, fresh, varieties of smoothies’ bowls of cereal, and oatmeal topped with healthy ingredients of freshly picked fruits, goji berries, pumpkin seeds, and almonds.
Sip a cup of delicious coffee while enjoying the stunning view by the beach.
Day 5: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is s protected area in the Philippines. According to Wikipedia It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and voted as a New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012.
The park has a limestone mountain landscape but the main feature of the park is an underground river which is known as the Subterranean River or St Paul Cave. It is spectacular with its huge passages and vast chambers.
You can ride on a small boat and paddle through the river and enjoy a magical view.
Explore Puerto Princesa Bay by hopping on a Cruise while eating delicious Filipino dishes and watching magnificent fireflies.
In Puerto Princesa, there are a few vegetarian restaurants with vegan options you can try.
Here are some:
With 7,107 islands, there is no doubt that the Philippines is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables that you can find in almost every part of the country.
After all, it’s not difficult to be a vegan in the Philippines. Vegan restaurants have also flourished and risen over the years and many vegan movements have also taken place, like online vegan communities and more.
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Exotic Fruits Found in the Philippines
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Finding vegan alternatives is always helpful when travelling. I try to do a bit of research, and at times it is hard but thank you for taking the time to make this post.
I would love to go to the Philippines! The variety of fresh fruits is excellent!
That information is beneficial! Thank you!