Philippines: Swimming with Ancient Giants & Secluded Turtle Island

After the polished pace of Japan, arriving in the Philippines felt like landing in another world — one of raw natural beauty, salty hair and bare, sandy feet.

The contrast was wild. Here, we were greeted with rustic towns, coastal roads lined with modest housing, wandering dogs, and even the confronting sight of a cockfight by the roadside. It was gritty, humid, disarming — and real.

We kicked off with a 5am departure from Tokyo, a flight into Cebu, and a long, tedious transit (due to a public holiday…yay 😒) to finally arrive in Oslob after 9pm.

We were wired and weary, but the next morning, we woke to the hum of cicadas, warm ocean breeze and the gentle waves… paradise.

Even better? We were reunited with Joe and Elena — they’re not just Rocky’s cousin and wife, but our chosen family. They were married just four months before us, and we were lucky enough to be part of each other’s big day. Let the double honeymoon begin!

Oslob: Chasing Waterfalls & Gentle Giants

We jumped into our shared itinerary — snorkeling vibrant coral gardens at Sumilon Marine Sanctuary, visited numerous breath-taking waterfalls and swam with whale sharks. These majestic giants left us speechless. Yes, the crowds were confronting — but the animals are protected, free-roaming, and the entire experience is regulated with their wellbeing in mind. Watching something of their size move with such grace… I was mesmerized. Their presence felt ancient. Their bodies a work of art, as if imprinted by the stars.

El Nido: Lime, Turquoise Eye Candy & Tropical Cocktails

After a 2am departure, a flight to Coron, and a 5+ hour delay (for a flight that’s 40 minutes long), we finally arrived in El Nido. Tired but grateful. Getting anywhere in the Philippines is not for the faint-hearted.

We slowed things down — massages, pedicures, morning strolls, long breakfasts. The highlight? A boat trip weaving through towering limestone cliffs and impossibly turquoise waters. Gliding through nature’s wondrous landscapes.

And yet, the best was still to come…

Balabac Islands Tour: Where Turtles Teach You The Art of Slowing Down

Remote. Rugged. Soul-soothing. After a multi-leg journey, we arrived at base camp: a few simple huts nestled on white sand. Bucket showers, limited electricity, barefoot everything.

Here, we met the true stars of the sea: the turtles.

Swimming with these gentle wise beings felt instantly calming. One turtle, in particular, swam beside me — not afraid, but curious. I matched its pace, gliding through the water. In that moment, time slowed. Turtles are nature’s quiet teachers — reminding us to slow down and trust the process.

But even that wasn’t the end.

That night, we were told the coast guards would be releasing 101 baby turtles into the wild — an event that only happens once a month! Watching them paddle into the waves at sunset was a pure dopamine hit.

Later, while showering with a hose connected to a rainwater tank (yes, truly rustic), Elena called out to say she found a turtle hatchling by her feet. Moments later, I looked down — another one! We scooped them up gently, handing them to the guards to release safely the following evening. Before we crawled into bed that evening, we spotted another turtle feeding just meters from our floating hut on the water.

This island: The gift that keeps giving.

This is a place to come before the rest of the world does — before the resorts, before the rush. A true daydreamer’s paradise. A place for seekers, for lovers of the natural world, for anyone needing to remember what it feels like to slow down and remember that we are not separate but one with Mother Nature.

With All My Heart
To Joe and Elena — thank you. Without you, we wouldn’t have explored our edges or chased half as much adventure. These memories are etched in our hearts forever. Elena, thank you for capturing so many special moments too!

With love & ink, Chloe @hummingbirdinkstudio

Next up:
Vietnam — home of floating lanterns and báhn mì!

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Hot Tips:

+ The best time to visit is in the dry season (Dec to May).

+ Being pesos into the country and carry it everywhere with you. Many places only take cash.

+ Ask for a price before you agree to anything.

+ My go-to essential travel kit:

• Pack of tissues (toilet paper can be scarce)

• Hand sanitizer

• Bug repellent

• Reef-safe sunscreen or a rashie (especially for swimming near coral or marine life)

• Activated charcoal (for any tummy troubles)

• Motion sickness tablets

• Beach shirt and/or a sarong, versatile item for covering up, sun protection and for cooler boat/transit rides