When planning their next vacation in Southeast Asia, tourists often compare the Philippines and Indonesia. People are quick to find that both countries offer unique experiences to tourists, whether it’s their vibrant dialects or flavorful cuisines. This leaves prospective tourists scratching their heads in confusion on which country to visit!
Indonesia is home to over 270 million and is the world’s largest island country. Whether you’re soaking up the sun in Bali or strolling through the streets in Jakarta, Indonesia offers a variety of memorable experiences to any adventurous tourist.
Just north of Indonesia lies the Philippines, an archipelago with over 100 million people. From the pristine sands of Palawan to Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, more tourists are beginning to unravel the hidden beauty in the Philippines.
If you’re deciding on whether to visit Indonesia or the Philippines for your next trip, consider these points to help you choose your ideal destination.
7 Indonesia Is Home To Many Popular Tourist Destinations
In 2019, over 16 million tourists visited Indonesia, flocking to some of the country’s most popular destinations like Bali, Jakarta, and Sumatra. Due to the country’s geography, climate, and unique culture, Indonesia offers a little something for any traveler.
For instance, Bali alone has been recognized as the best destination in the world by TripAdvisor. This Indonesian island is jam-packed with tourist attractions for everyone, such as the Ubud Art Market, the Tanah Lot temple, Mount Batur, and Kuta Beach. Other popular tourist attractions outside of Bali include Komodo National Park, Borobudur Temple, and Lake Toba.
If you decide on traveling to Indonesia, it’ll be relatively easy to find recommendations online for ideal destinations and accommodations catered to your interests and budget.
6 It’s Easy To Travel Around The Philippines If You Speak English
English is recognized as one of the Philippine’s official languages, alongside Tagalog. Due to the country’s education system (which is primarily taught in English) and its ties to Western culture, many locals can converse in English.
From hailing down taxi cabs to ordering food at a local restaurant, English-speaking tourists can get by in the Philippines without having to speak Tagalog (although it’s always appreciated when tourists try to do so).
5 Indonesia Offers A Unique Cultural Experience
With influences taken from both Western and Eastern cultures, the Philippines’ culture is still rich that many tourists can appreciate. However, whether it’s the many Hindu temples in Bali to the Maimun Palace in Sumatra, tourists can visibly witness the diverse cultural influences that make up the Indonesian culture.
With over 1,300 ethnic groups (and 700 regional languages), travelers seeking a cultural experience can be sure to find a memorable one in Indonesia, whose motto is literally “Unity in Diversity”.
4 The Philippines Is Your One-Stop Destination For Beautiful Beaches If You’re On A Time Crunch
While it’s impossible to fully experience the country in a couple of days, travelers looking for a short-term, relaxing beach destination can definitely find one in the Philippines.
Many tourists flock to El Nido, Borocay, and Panglao Islands to enjoy a nice beach vacation. For quieter destinations, consider visiting Siargao, Caramoan, Potipot Island, or Camiguin Island. Otherwise, you’re bound to find your ideal beach in any one of the country’s 7,640 islands!
If you’re staying in Manila (the country’s capital city), you can still enjoy a nice beach getaway near Manila.
3 Travel To Indonesia If You Want to See Unparalleled And Incredible Wildlife
Many travelers boast about Indonesia’s incredible array of wildlife. Reptile lovers can see Komodo dragons while paying a visit to the Komodo National Park, while curious tourists can travel to Sumatra to spot some orangutans. Even Indonesia’s popular island of Bali is home to Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
Being a large archipelago of over 17,000 islands, tourists can enjoy some snorkeling or scuba diving to get up close with the local aquatic wildlife, such as tropical fish, coral reefs, and even the majestic manta ray!
2 Philippines Offers Boisterous Tourists Vibrant Night Life
Although Bali has a vibrant nightlife (that often starts after midnight) complete with clubs and lounges, travelers who love the party scene should visit the Philippines. While Manila is home to a variety of bars and lounges, destinations such as Borocay, El Nido, and Siargao offer tourists beautiful beach views while enjoying a night out on the town.
Budget travelers looking to party will appreciate how far their money can go in the Philippines. You can often find great street food and drinks when strolling through the town, which will keep both your stomach full without doing damage to your budget.
1 Indonesian Cuisine Is Aromatic And Spicy, While Filipino Cuisine Is Savoury And Sweet
From Nasi Goreng to ‘Death Noodles’, Indonesian cuisine is an aromatic experience that draws influence from a variety of cultures, with an array of dishes that appeals to meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Travelers with high spice tolerances will enjoy the many dishes Indonesia has to offer, especially with their use of sambal chili pastes.
On the other hand, Filipino cuisine is often savory and sweet, which is a result of influences taken from diverse Eastern and Western cultures. Tourists who love meat are bound to find a Filipino dish they enjoy, whether it’s the world-famous adobo or the mouth-watering whole roasted pig (known as Lechon). Meanwhile, travelers with a sweet tooth can enjoy delicacies like purple yam (ube) ice cream or the Filipino variation of crème caramel called Leche flan.