Philippines Travel Guide (No BS) - My Frustrations & Highlights 

HEY FRIENDS! 😁👉I WILL BE GOING LIVE 🚨NEXT THURSDAY 6PM PST (FRIDAY, 10AM MANILA TIME)🚨 Come say hi, I will be answering any questions and just chatting with you all! COME STOP BY! 🌴Thank you for watching the Philippines series 🌴and I can't wait to get back soon!! Come say hi on Instagram - instagram.com/tourist2townie/ 🍻

Gareth, let me just say this, of all the Travel Vloggers that have explored the Philippines so far, you have the best, most diverse, and heartful content. I love the fact that you totally immersed yourself to the islands and even in Manila. You are one of the few that have explored the North. You've been to the mountains but there's still a lot more to the North from Batanes, to Cagayan, Abra, Ilocos, Calayan Islands, La Union, Zambales, and probably the last frotier of the North... Palanan, Isabela, which soon will be connected via new road to the rest of Luzon as it is currently separated by Mountain Ranges which makes going there extra difficult. You have to take chartered flight or hours of boat ride, pacific side of the Philippines before you reach the area, it's a historic and pristine town with unspoiled beaches, rivers with potable drinking water, and some falls. It's a must visit since I see you as a no fuss traveller. The way you've interacted with locals, adapt to their way living, embrace their culture, try variety of our dishes, you basically don't just travel but immerse yourself to community and even support various efforts of sustainable tourism. That was just so, so great of you. Hope you can explore more of the Philippines as there's still a lot to explore and share. We locals don't get to travel much as you do as most of us are if not, financially challenged, have family to mind and support, or work and business to do with limited time for vacation. Travel on Sir, and inspire us more, you are awesome!

I'm constantly daydreaming about lumpia, pancit and tocino! Thanks for the great travel guide to the Philippines!

Thank you for your positive view of the Philippines. I took my family there for the first time. Visited Manila, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Dumaguete, Bacolod, & Iloilo within a month. Amazing experience.

Great video. I found your channel a couple of years after you posted these. I'm an American living and running businesses in the Philippines and have a RU-vid channel covering my journey here too. So much is different living here during the pandemic, but Filipinos are the same wonderful, kind, people they always are.

This video makes me want to visit the Philippines! I can’t wait to see round 2! 🤙🏼

*I miss Lumpia..* ✅🙂

You dethrone mike and lost leblanc in my vloggers list. You absolutely resonate what a travel vlogger is, its natural and it emanates in every video. Keep up the great job Gareth!

A BIG Thank You Gareth for all the kind words and for sharing to all of us your beautiful experiences in our country Philippines.Don't hesitate to come back because like you we Welcome you anytime,any day.Take care,God Bless and see you soon!

It is great to know that the Philippines treated you well. 🤙🇵🇭 For that, thank you for the very positive review of the country as well as these awesome travel tips to others who might want to visit our country. There are still so many places to see here. I, myself have plans to travel some off-the-beaten places in Mindanao this June. Hope you come back soon to continue your Philippine adventure! 👍

I got tears how beautiful memories you experience...

Thanks Gareth! You are always welcome in the Philippines! God bless and stay safe!

Greetings from London, England. Love watching our vlogs and thank you for the travel tips as I am looking to visit the Philippines as a solo traveler as well. Safe travels

There goes the stigma that Philippines might not be a safe tourist choice. But you certainly proved otherwise. Some of the beaches are so amazing and pristine that it doesn't look real. Glad, you had a nice experience there. Keep it up, we'd love to see more.

thanks for adding this video to your highly motivating and inspiring collection! it definitely plants a seed on wanting to travel more and putting places on my radar that were not there before. Having just recently discovered your travel blog, I've been on a binge-watching mode. There is one thing that does resonate from your series, your videos will be impactful and will motivate people to travel. The one thing that sets you apart is that you're raising awareness and creating a mindset about meaningful, mindful and responsible travel experiences... so kudos on a great job at it! thanks for your work and passion, can't wait for the next one! pura vida.

Loved this one just as much as your Iceland Travel Guide. Adding the Philippines to my ever growing Bucket List... ps, note to self: no matter how tempted, stay away from the fast food. 😅

Thank you for an incredible series. I’m American Filipino. I’ve been to several of the locations you have been. I appreciate the positive and honest perceptive you have. I’m returning this year, with in May or November( possibly for all saints day). I have lived there as well. The longest time, about 18 months. I am headed to Tokyo as well later this year. I will combine my Philippines trip with the Tokyo trip. Thank you again. When you get back to the states, I’m in delaware but work and travel to dc and Philly often!! Dinners on me!

This is one of the best-detailed experience presented by a traveler about the Philippines. Two thumbs up!

I am glad you had a great time....Thank you for showing what is so beautiful that Phillipine's can offer to everyone!

Thank you so much not only for visiting and loving our country but also for having a care for our future and for future/other visitors also to enjoy what you experience! God bless!

One the best Philippines travel guides i've watched so far! Very informative and useful. All first time travellers in the Ph should watch this. Keep up the good work Gareth :) will deffo share this!

Thanks for being such a great inspiration to me. I really love the production value of all your video clips here. That's why I also start my channel. Keep going with it and always take care!!!

What I like most in your expedition is promoting conservation of the Philippines natural resources. I appreciate you highlighted the right way to enjoy traveling and at the same time preserving the beautiful wonders of our country. Great video. Thank you for sharing.

Great video! Very kind, sincere and heartfelt. And your pronunciation is on point! One of my favorite videos is where you took a picture in the same spot your grandfather did some 70 years earlier. That was very touching.

Once I found out how the phone system worked I must admit I quite liked it. Pay for the "load" then use the balance to pay for 3 days of unlimited data. I dream of a mango shake I had in Alona beach, Bohol. Packed full of mango for only $1 where here it cost $3 for just a single mango.

Went to the Philippines last December - early January, enjoyed Mati a lot, and food was amazing fresh there. I ate a lot of fruits, even lechon, beef tapa.LoL I love the province so much! Makes me wanna visit again by watching this! God bless you, Gareth! Your videos are awesome! 👌🏽☺️ I hope you visit south Cotabato, and enjoy the beauty of Lake Holon, T’Boli, Lake Sebu, Gensan, and Marbel.

Thanks for loving our country 😍 and god well guide you where ever you ⛳ go 🙏🙏🙏❤

Thank you Gareth for your vlogs, I always look in my notification if you have a new vlog, you’re a great storyteller! Keep them coming!

I’m glad I found your channel, it’s the best one about Philippines travel and culture because you actually take the time to learn something about the local traditions and customs and food. I’m Filipino and I’ve learned a lot from watching your videos...I think that says something. Well done and good luck, hope you get back to the Philippines soon.

Appreciate you loved traveling our Country! We hope to see you again here and explore more of our best islands ❤🇵🇭❤

Thank you Gareth for all the travel tips & info. More travels, cheers!

Well done Gareth hope to see more of your videos on your second edition of your Philippines 🇵🇭 trip...cheers

I just cameback from philippines.. huhu still winter here in the US.. I spent sinulog and new year there .. can’t wait to go vacation again

On my way now, thank you so much for putting in the effort to explain everything so well!

This is one of the most impactful authentic vblogger's content I have seen so far! Thank you Gareth!

I followed your local travel vlog, it was mind boggling. Look forward to another episode with your interesting highlights and commentary of the place, its life dynamics and all that! Liked it!

hi gareth tnx for ur nice and positive review hope u will enjoy ur nxt travel in the south, just take care always i cant wait to see ur south travel vlogs😚😚😚

Nice to hear that Gareth your planning to go back here in the Philippines and nice collaborating with Kulas will help you a lot in Mindanao travel👍

Thank you Gareth for sharing these true and wonderful things about our country. We appreciate visitors like you and I hope that you get to come back and enjoy some more of the Philippines very soon! Safe travels!

Gareth rocks. I love how you give such helpful travel info!

My man Gareth!!! love to see u doin what u love... tc and enjoy always mate...

Great video!! Very detailed honest information. Well covered Gareth. The best video information in the Philippines for now. After this video Gareth, the Filipinos will fall in - love with you. This is how great this video is ❣️Ty❤️

Every single vlogger should replicate the preface sppech you gave in the beginning of your video. Gained my respect off the bat! Your info was honest and unbiased. I truly appreciated your delivery and content! 🥰

huge thanks from the philippines! this is just one of the vlogs that really make us so proud!

Thanks for your good words about my country and hope you come back soon

Thats right Gareth. Its that simple use common sense in travelling. Looking forward more of your videos.

Am blown away by all of your videos about Philipines... full of love from a Filipina Love it, really love it so much.

Thank you Gareth for your kind words about the Philippines. It is you guys, travel and food bloggers who are showing to us (Filipinos) how beautiful Philippines is. Many of us don't have the change to visit the places.

Thank you for good & positive review of the Philippines I really love ur videos specially ur drone videos they are incredible & beautiful.Hope to see soon back in the Phillippines.God bless.

Great video Gareth! You inspired me to start vlogging my Philippines trip! Just uploaded the first few. Loving your work!

Loved this video! I love travel bloggers that really immerse themselves in a countries culture. Especially how you really took your time to travel through many different cities and savouring all the local food. Excited to visit the Phillipines one day!

Your editing, energy and enthusiasm just made you my new favorite travel vlogger man. Great video!

The expression of the Filipino watching you eat balut for the first time was priceless. I ate it in the dark like many of the Phillippinas recommended as they done as well, I ate balut every night before bed because it is a legend it is great for the sex life... man you really have done a fantastic job with your videos, the best I have watched. I hope many people will not go there and mess things up there... it should remain a secret for people who do not have much money so the average person can afford to travel to a fantastic place or even move to...

My friend, I'm speechless with your review and evaluation. Two words that hit my mind concerning everything you said about our country ---> TRUTH and PARITY. Maraming salamat sa yo Mr. Gareth Leonard. 💖

maybe you are the most honest vlogger I ever watched about your experiences in my country cultures the PHILIPPINES

Thank you for being truthful. It’s great to hear you had an amazing time in the 🇵🇭 can’t wait for your next adventure 😊

I really enjoyed this video💗. Come and visit the Philippines again soon

The funny thing is i was born in the Philippines and I had to watch your youtube uploads to discover about interesting places in ThePhilippines😀. I am thinking about doing the Tao adventure...

thank you for taking us with you in all your travels...it is very enjoyable to watch...very educational too...

Easily the most interesting & informative Videos about the Philippines - I will play it over & over again.

Go Gareth Great Video.. Your inspiring me to travel the world more!!!

you did great man! very Informative and great travel vid as well :)

Incredible video! you Truly captured the heart of the filipino people. Thank you Gareth!

Awesome, awesome review Gareth! Glad you did not sugar coat the frustrating issues. Definitely useful for foreigners and first time visitors of my motherland. Already shared it with my Babe, who will be traveling with me for the FIRST TIME. 😃

I vote you become honorary pinoy! It just left me teary eyed and missing the Philippines. Thank you

I was ready to listen to rants and just bad reviews of Philippines but you just made me love my country even more. I hope you'll check Eastern Visayas next.

Hi Gareth. Thank you for your PH-vlogs. I'm looking forward to season 2!

Wow.. what an adventure! Thanks a bunch Gareth for expressing your appreciation to the country of the Philippines and its people! Seems your trip has been inspirational and I appreciate the amount of respect you show of the culture and especially those you met along the way. Wishing you all great things in your continuing journey! Be safe and be well! Cheers!

I hope Siargao can be saved as well. It will take a lot of effort from everyone on the island and people from overseas. It's a special island that doesn't need an international airport at all. It's overkill, and it will surely do the island no favours at all. Filipinos are more careful about preserving what they have so I do have some hope that they will be able to resist unnecessary change. Locals will need a lot of help from the outside to reach a positive outcome.

Nice one Gareth. I enjoyed this videos. Hope you continue your good deeds to the less privelege person in the Philippines. Willing to contribute what i can afford.

awesome cinematography.. its like watching discovery channel... genuinely responsible, sensible traveller too, I must say.

Your 32 minute vlog is beyond worthy to watch, Gareth. Content is sooo inspiring showcasing how beautiful the country is. Clips are cinematic and mindblowing geez just stunning!! And you The man Gareth excellent job my friend! Your vlogs have deep purpose that inspire viewers to spread kindness and positivism. We all need vloggers like you. Can't wait for Season 2.. Goodluck 'til next time.. Cheers from Toronto👏🙌👌👍💖

You haven't come yet to Kalanggaman Beach one of the most and beautiful blue clear water & pristine Beach in Palompon, Leyte @ the Eastern side of thousands island in the philippines ♥ and Thank you very much for all the Positive vibes video from our beloved country Philippines. Hope to see you soon on your new next travel vlog around the philippines. Have fun and enjoy living a simplicity life in our island. God blessed you and have a great and amazing wonderful day ✌✌✌ watching from Tokyo 👍👍👍 and i ’ m new subscriber here 😍✌✌✌

You crack me up starting at 9:01 about transportation, the NASA launch and the flying reindeer :-)..We will be in Cebu for 2 weeks next month, can't wait...getting excited.

Great video ! I have been 5 times over there and I just start to explore the country. Again you are helping me plan my next visit. Your video have great respect in them.

I love your vlogs. Be careful. Be watchful. Take care. Wish you more success in the future journeys

Hi! Mr. Leonard i Hope you Came Back Again to fhe Philippines . Im Filipina work here in Berlin i watch all your Travel Vid. That so Amazing footage.im little bit Concern About Siargao island popularity now. Becouse im from there in Mindanao.

You are the best Gareth! I can’t wait to for the season 2 good luck and god bless. Btw you need to visit the Bicol region.

Very eloquent speaker, excellent narrative. Thanks for the detailed breakdown. Haven't been back to the Phils for 24yrs. Planning to bring my hubby and kids next year. Hope to see some of the places you've explored. Awesome tips! 👊🏼

You’re so personable and just down to earth that so refreshing in many other bloggers out there. I’m glad that you had a great time. I thought you are one of our residents last year. I was also there last year to celebrate my mom’s 90th birthday. Much luck and blessings to you next year I hope when travel is allowed. Take care ❤️🌹❤️

All smile and cries while watching this vlog.. thank you for appreciating Philippines... btw 11:06 was hilarious.. lol Cant wait to see the season 2.. miss you already.. 😍😉😊

Brilliant travelogue. This makes me want to visit the Philippines

Hi Gareth! I am a Filipino and all i can say is THANK YOU! just for simply sharing your experience in the Philippines 🇵🇭

I wish all tourists are like u. Your perspective of the country as a whole was deeply touching for me. Thankful that u enjoyed your stay in the Philippines.

I love this video. Next time u come back to iloilo, try to visit gigantes island.

Question: So when are you coming back? Glad you enjoyed your stay here :)

It's such a refreshing & heart warming experience to listen to you pronounce Filpino words "correctly"! I watch a lot of the foreigner "vlogger" friends you met in the Philippines & totally bungle them. It's really annoying to listen to (Kulas).But I'm so glad you respect Filipinos enough to say the words correctly. Much appreciated! 🤩

Great video Gareth. Liked the travel all over the Philippines. I actually watched all your videos there. More power!!! Mabuhay ka!

Jeepneys are not converted school bus. Jeepneys are a product of Filipino ingenuity from left over Jeeps during the world war 2. They converted the Jeeps into a public utility vehicle and decorated it with a touch Filipino art. 😀

hi Gareth...i always chck your videos..when you comeback to visits the south part of philippines..plss meet up wit kulas..he's not filipino but he knows more about Mindanao than any other filipino...

thank you for featuring my country most especially my city, cebu city. viewing all your videos of the philippines made me homesick as i am based in dubai for 6 years now & it’s been 3 years since my vacation so it was nice to see my country, knowing you enjoyed the culture, food, scenery, the many beaches as well as the people. funny thing is most of the places you’ve been i haven’t been myself. i’ve told already myself before if i have to travel i should travel my own country before i venture out to another & enjoy what we have. good luck on your travels & be safe always.

Hello Gareth...You’re just so incredible. I could spend endless moment listening to your Phil adventures.Quite entertaining. never been to those places you’ve seen / visited. Guess it’s abt time for me to make my own Philippine tour and experience what you had. Much thx for your presentation. Very well done.

a suggestion for your next Philippine trip is the idyllic Batanes👍

Hi Gareth loved this video! I'm a Canadian that was born and raised in the south island of mindanao 🇨🇦🇵🇭 I recommend you also stop by my hometown of General Santos as well as Lake Sebu it's close to Davao 😊

Well said, Gareth. We'll be eagerly waiting for your "I shall return!" God bless.

Gareth, we hope that you will never get tired of here in our country. God Bless.

Nice vid gareth very informative..btw new subbie here😀😀😀

so nice bro... thanks for appreciating The Philippines - new subs here. :)

Thank you for wonderful videos and feedbacks about your stay in Philippines. Hope you comeback soon..

Thank you my love Gareth, can't wait your season 2 vlog take care always 😘😘