Wazzup Pilipinas!?
After not traveling as much for the past few years, 2023 is the year to really travel around the world and appreciate everything that there is. More and more routes are opening up from the Philippines, so, what are the top five destinations for Filipinos to travel to in 2023? Let’s dive in and find out!
Costa Rica:
As one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica is on pretty much every top travel list for this year. From the stunning beaches of Tamarindo to the lush green cloud forests of Monteverde, there are plenty of things to see and do in Costa Rica. It’s also an adventure hub with zip lines, world-class surf breaks for those of you who love hitting the waves back home in the Philippines, and even whale watching.
Filipinos can enter Costa Rica on a visa-free basis for up to 90 days, which is plenty of time to explore all the hot spots as well as getting off the beaten track.
What not to miss:
● Go whale watching in Uvita, and discover a national park named after a whale tail-shaped sandbank in the town.
● Swim at the Catarata Fortuna waterfall in La Fortuna
● Start surfing in the party town of Tamarindo which has plenty of cafes and hostels in the area thanks to its dreamy peeling waves.
Indonesia:
As one of the Philippines' close neighbors, Indonesia is a great option for a vacation with a shorter flight. With non-stop flights available from Manila for around 100-150 USD, it’s relatively affordable to get to the chilled-out shores of Bali or check out the striking Borobudur Temple in Java.
The good thing is that Filipinos can enter Indonesia for 30 days without a visa, so you have a good chunk of time to check out the sights. You will need evidence of onward travel when you enter, so make sure you have a return flight booked or are going to another country afterward with booked transport.
What not to miss:
● Visit monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Housed in an old temple complex, the monkeys have relatively free reign so you can get up close.
● Hike to Uluwatu Temple, located high on the cliff tops of Bali, offering spectacular sunset views across the water.
● Get blessed at Pura Tirta Empul. This holy bath complex is designed for Hindu purification practices, and tourists can touch and dip in the holy waters and feel refreshed and blessed.
Sri Lanka:
Famous for beautiful beaches, ancient temples, stunning hill country, and fractured history, Sri Lanka is an interesting destination to visit in 2023. Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has become popular for surfing, yoga, and wellness retreats, as well as for checking out the extraordinary local wildlife.
Filipinos need to apply for an online ETA visa which allows for stays of up to 30 days on arrival. The online visas are valid for six months so you can apply for them in advance. Just make sure you have six months on your passport and evidence of onward travel.
What not to miss:
● Visit the fort city of Galle, an old English city that has quaint and pretty streets filled with artisans and cafes, and is home to some excellent cricket tests.
● Explore the outdoors at Ella, the main town in Hill Country, which is a retreat in nature, surrounded by amazing hikes.
● Take the iconic Blue Train and crawl from city to hill country and soak up the views.
Morocco:
Filled with history, culture, and amazing food, Morocco is one of the most popular places to visit in Africa. From the beach resorts of Agadir to the souks of Marrakesh to the culture of Casablanca, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As a Filipino, you will need a visa to enter Morocco, but you can do this online before you travel. Once you’ve got your approval, you can stay in Morocco for up to 30 days. It’s valid for up to 180 days after the visa has been issued, so you can do this in advance.
What not to miss:
● Experience the blue-wash town of Chefchaouen. It’s a beautiful and iconic town, painted entirely blue, and is located in the north of the country.
● Lose yourself in the Jardin Majorelle-Yves Saint Laurent Mansion with amazing tropical gardens and Moroccan architecture.
● Be awe-inspired by Ouzoud Falls. Located against striking red brick, these falls are outstanding and have plenty of monkeys calling the area home.
Vietnam:
Another short-haul option from the Philippines for 2023 is Vietnam. A popular destination for travelers from all around the world, you can enjoy a whole new culture and benefit from super cheap food and accommodations.
Filipinos do not need a visa to enter Vietnam, as long as they’re staying for less than 14 days. There are also plenty of direct flights from Manila to Vietnam for around 150 USD return, making it an affordable option for a short trip.
What not to miss:
● Cruise around one of the most beautiful beaches and bays in the world, Hạ Long Bay, best enjoyed from the water.
● Experience modern Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, with soaring skyscrapers, thousands of eateries, stores, and bars, a visit to the Vietnamese capital is a must.
● Soft stretches of golden, white sands await you on the island of Phú Quốc with swaying palms all around you.
So, if you’re thinking of booking a vacation for 2023, there are plenty of amazing options for Filipino travelers. Whether you want to travel across the world to Morocco or Costa Rica, stay local with Vietnam or Indonesia, or split the difference and head to Sri Lanka, the choice is yours - they’re all amazing and varied options!
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
