Out of 57 countries that Chantelle Flores, international photographer, and travel journalist, has ventured to, the Philippines ranks as her number one – And rightfully so.

Puerto Princesa | Palawan | 51 Countries and CountingPuerto Princesa | Palawan | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

 

Affordability

Not only is it more affordable than its island counterparts of Bali, Mauritius, and even some parts of overcrowded Thailand, it is a country that boasts the world’s most Instagrammable locations and one of the world’s largest island groups.

The Scenery

Puerto Princesa | Palawan | 51 Countries and CountingPuerto Princesa | Palawan | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

 

Nothing defines the Philippines more than its postcard-perfect white powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning coral reefs. Heaven on earth could in fact be on one of these incredible islands.

Diving in Palawan | 51 Countries and CountingPalawan | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

 

With more than 7641 islands, each with unique personalities and offerings, it’s the perfect destination to kick back and relax amidst nature’s most serene landscapes.

 

Coron | Philippines | 51 Countries and Counting Coron | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

 

Look past the dream beaches and outstanding diving of Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu and you will find a land of lakes, lush green rice fields, underground rivers, and caves that hold world heritage status and fashionable cities.

 

Coron | Philippines | 51 Countries and CountingCoron | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

 

Maintaining enthusiasts during the climb up the 2,954 meters of Mt.Apo has put the Philippines on the map. Mount Dulang-Dulang and Mt. Pulag are also favorites amongst hiking groups.

You can come up close and personal with the smallest primate – the Tarsier in Bohol. The chocolate hills here will probably be one of the weirdest places that you will ever see. Give your GoPro a run for its money while swimming with whale sharks in Cebu or turtles at Apo Island.

It’s more fun in the Philippines

Salagdoong Beach | Siquijor | 51 Countries and CountingSalagdoong Beach | Siquijor | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

 

It’s no surprise why this country’s official tourism tagline is – “It’s more fun in the Philippines”. Nor is it strange to see a Filipino constantly breaking down in a fit of laughter. Their simple lifestyles just make them happy. Their friendliness and hospitality are incomparable to anywhere else in the world.

The People

Friendly faces of the Philippines | 51 Countries and CountingCoron | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

 

The people are Roman Catholic, travel around in colorful Jeepneys, and are seriously beautiful – Miss Congeniality beautiful. Karaoke here is basically a national sport with Ed Sheeran and Spice Girls on top of their singing list.

They have an incredible sense of humor too. You can see this just by taking a flight with Cebu Pacific. They have entertaining games and quizzes while you’re in mid-air that make for the most interesting flight ever.

There is an abundance of festivals all year round with colorful parades, detailed costumes, and street parties that will only certainly hype up your mood.

Now, get your hands on a cocktail, sit back, and admire the country’s most famed islands through this photo gallery that’s going to entice you to venture here on your next vacation.

Waterfalls of Siquijor | Philippines | 51 Countries and Counting

Waterfalls of Siquijor | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Lapus Lapus Beach | El Nido | 51 Countries and Counting

Lapus Lapus Beach | El Nido | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Lake Balinsasayao | Negros Oriental | Philippines

Lake Balinsasayao | Negros Oriental | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Cambugahay Falls | Philippines | 51 Countries and Counting

Cambugahay Falls | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Siquijor | Philippines | 51 Countries and Counting

Siquijor | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Cebu | Philippines | 51 Countries and Counting

Cebu | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Cebu | Philippines | 51 Countries and Counting

Cebu | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Dumaguete | Negros Oriental | 51 Countries and Counting

Dumaguete | Negros Oriental | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

El Nido | Philippines | 51 Countries and Counting

El Nido | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

El Nido | Philippines | 51 Countries and Counting

El Nido | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

El Nido | Philippines | 51 Countries and Counting

El Nido | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

El Nido | Philippines | 51 Countries and Counting

El Nido | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

El Nido | Philippines | 51 Countries and Counting

El Nido | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

First Published on THE SOUTH AFRICAN.


Love the images you see? They are all for sale as art pieces on the 51 Countries and Counting Travel blog. Click here for more.

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