Adventure in Philippines

Find adventure in the Philippines

Adventure in the Philippines

Are you tired of the everyday routine of life in the USA? Are you burned out from working hard for many years? Do you want a change of scene? Are you ready to begin an adventurous "retirement"? I cannot think of a better place to get away to! Believe me, I have experienced it firsthand.

Everything is different here. After all it is halfway across the earth from the USA. What do you expect?

It is not a carbon copy of the USA. Very little is the same. Maybe some malls and skyscrapers in Manila seem familiar but nothing else will.

Most Filipinos have learned English in school but use it mainly to communicate with us Americans. I actually love not being able to speak their language. When dining out or eating in fast food restaurants it is relaxing not to be able to understand what they are saying. I do hear the occasional "kano" which is short for Americano. I don't know what they are saying, and I don't care. In five years, I have learned enough Tagalog (Filipino) to use for travel but not much more. For example, it helps to learn words and phrases to use when riding in jeepneys (read this article to learn the words and phrases), buses, tricycles and pedicabs. Most Filipinos living in Manila speak "Taglish" which is a combination of Tagalog and English. Outside the Greater Manila area, in the provinces, people speak their own local distinct dialects.

To get a feel for what you will see in the Philippines watch these videos by the BBC.

Watch a video about Conflicts and War in the Philippines.

Watch a video about Philippine poverty at my

Poverty in the Philippines page. 

I have lived in Angeles City and Magalang (both in Pampanga Province) and in Paranaque City (in Greater Manila.) Have traveled to Bataan, Batangas, Cavite, Cebu City, Dasmarinas, Mexico, Olongapo, Quezon City, San Fernando and Subic City. Have flown 850 miles South of Manila to Cagayan de Oro and the Southernmost city, General Santos City, on the island of Mindanao without incident. Hope you enjoy your adventures in the Philippines.

If you are a foreigner, please share with our readers your most memorable experiences in the Philippines by entering your comments below.

Check out my

"It's More Fun in the Philippines" page to see why nothing is routine in the Philippines!

Read more about living in the Philippines and about fast food restaurants in the Philippines.

You will probably like some of the Filipino foods that Americans and Europeans like.

Be sure to meet some ladies of the Philippines. There is a very good chance you will meet a lady, who has been waiting for you, while in the Philippines.

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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about adventure in the Philippines. This page updated June 3, 2022.

Manila Zoo In Malate, Philippines

Manila Zoo

Manila Zoo and Botanical Garden

This is the renovated zoo (2022).

 This was the old zoo. 

It was not the fanciest zoo in the world. But, it was a good place for an outing. As a family we had a good time there. Spent 5 or 6 hours and enjoyed the visit. Had fun in a small row boat and getting pictures taken holding tropical birds, a crocodile, monkey and large python. It's a fun place. Kids love it.

There is an area called Kinder Zoo Adventure. Featuring a rock climbing wall, a zip line and more. View Kinder Zoo Adventure online at the Facebook page.

I'm sure you could stay from opening until closing and find plenty to see and do.

And for the new zoo, the admission fee is low. A great value for visitors like us! 

Entry Fees Newly Renovated Manila Zoo 2020

Located at Adriatico St.,  Malate, Manila, Philippines

Timings : 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Time Required : 1 - 2 hrs

Entry Fee : Non Residents Adult - PHP 100, Non Residents Child (above 4 ft.) - PHP 100, Non Residents Child (below 4 ft.) - PHP 60, Manila Residents Adult - PHP 50, Child (above 4 ft.) - PHP 50, Child (below 4 ft.) - PHP 30

Boating at the old Manila Zoo was a lot of fun!

See Google reviews of the new Manila Zoo. A lot of visitors liked it as evidenced by a cumulative 3.8-star rating.

Check out TripAdvisor reviews of the old zoo. Several reviews were far too critical of the zoo.

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This article will be expanded upon. Check back for more information about the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden. Last updated June 3, 2020.