And for those of you who are new here, my name is Brett Conte, and I am a travel YouTuber based in New York City who's obsessed with adventure.

And I just spent the past three weeks in the Philippines, so in this video, I want to share ten things that I think you should know before traveling to the Philippines.

So let's start off with transportation.

If you prefer to get around by car, there are taxis, and then their version of Uber, which is known as Grab.

But if you want to get around more like a local, then I highly recommend to rent a motorbike or scooter.

Then another way is also buy a tricycle, but just make sure to negotiate.

How much to go to Napkin Beach?

Napkin Beach, sir, is 1,500, go in that.

But what about just to go one way?

One way is 750, sir.

Only one person?

Yeah.

Can you do 500?

600, sir, I give you 600. 550.

Now, this leads me to number two, which is ATMs.

Just about everyone in the Philippines is cash-only, and there are not many cash machines.

I remember I made it all the way to Nakpan Beach to find out the closest ATM was an hour away all the way back in El Nido.

Also, the ATMs don't always work.

So it's very difficult to take out money here in the Philippines.

We just drove our scooters for about five minutes, found this ATM, and it's not even working.

And we also paid for parking, so now we have to go to a supermarket supposedly that's not too far away to take out money.

But just so you know, when you find an ATM that works, take out as much money as you can.

If you didn't try Balut, did you really go to the Philippines?

It's a half-born duck that they cook right before it's fully hatched and then eat it.

I know it sounds weird, but don't knock it until you try it.

Alright, Gabe, are you ready to eat some Balut?

I'm not ready.

Is it delicious?

No.

Brett is going to try the Balut.

It's good.

It's a half-born.

Alright, when in the Philippines, eat Balut.

Big bite.

Delicious.

No.

Not bad.

Yes, I would say overall, the Philippines is safe to travel.

Not once throughout my trip did I not feel safe, especially if you are in the more popular islands.

I know if you go to the south, it can get dangerous and there are supposedly still pirates.

So, of course, always be aware of your surroundings, but I wouldn't be too worried about safety.

If you really want to enjoy your trip to the Philippines, talk to as many local Filipinos as possible.

You will thank me later.

I've never been to a country that even compares.

Everyone I met was truly genuine and would do just about anything to help make my stay in their country better.

I may add that the police are extremely friendly as well.

The fact that we got pulled over on a motorbike without our license and didn't get arrested is a miracle.

Just photocopy it and give it to the photocopier, the owner of the motorcycle.

Not the driver's license, okay?

You have to bring it because it's a mural.

You have to bring all your documents.

I'll give you a chance.

Okay?

Thank you, man.

As a so-called digital nomad who works from the internet, I was a little bit scared because I didn't think I'd be able to go about my business as usual.

But honestly, even on these very remote islands, the Wi-Fi was fast.

I was able to upload 10-minute HD videos to YouTube in under a half hour and most cafes and hotels will have Wi-Fi in the common areas.

If you are traveling to the Philippines, then most likely your money will go very far here.

I've gotten dinners for as cheap as $1 and then hotels with aircon for $14.

So food and accommodations won't be much of an issue if you're trying to budget.

But the tourist attractions can potentially run you up a bit.

But you can find deals.

For example, I met up with six friends in El Nido and we wanted to do a boat tour.

With a big tourist company, it would have been close to $40 per person, but we found a private boat tour guide who took the seven of us out for $20 a person.

By a poncho.

You are in a tropical island and it can be completely sunny and beautiful in the morning but then start downpouring at night.

You ready to get dry, Gabe?

Yeah, but I can't find my bike key.

Oh no!

This is probably the worst time ever to lose a bike key.

Oh, that looks nice and dry in there.

We're out here getting soaked.

I was so overwhelmed by the 7,000 plus islands to choose from, but from my experience and from talking to other travelers and friends who have spent more time there, this is what I would recommend.

Start in Cebu, cover that whole island from Kawasan Falls to Whale Sharks and two other stops along the way back up.

Now, I didn't have the chance to make it here due to a typhoon that was coming and changed my plans a bit, but I heard Chiargo is a must-see.

It's supposedly very laid back with great island-happing and some of the best surfing in all of the Philippines.

Then, head to Palawan.

There are so many incredible places on this part of the country and some of my new favorite places in the entire world.

El Nido is unbelievably beautiful and has all the limestone rocks and blue-ass water that you came all the way to the Philippines to see.

Then, from El Nido, you can do a day trip to Nakpan Beach for a more private, mellow beach.

I also heard that it was voted in the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the entire world.

You can also spend the night there in a tent like I did.

And number 10 is stay for a while.

Three weeks was just not enough.

There's just so much to do and so much to see that I'm already back in New York City planning my next trip to the Philippines.

It truly is an amazing country and I cannot wait to go back and visit again.

But that's going to be it for this video, so until next time, remember to get out and get busy and never stop traveling.