Looking for your next big adventure? ✈️
Maybe it’s time to explore somewhere unexpected — Kazakhstan.
This Central Asian gem is filled with landscapes so breathtaking, you’d think they were straight out of a computer wallpaper. From Metro Manila, its capital Almaty is just about 13 hours away by plane — but what makes it even more inviting?
It’s visa-free for Philippine passport holders. 🇵🇭
In a recent State of the Nation report by Ian Cruz, content creator Kobe Go couldn’t hide his amazement when he arrived at one of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful spots — the Big Almaty Lake.
“Na-shock ako kasi yung water is really blue,” Kobe said, still in awe of the surreal view before him.
Nestled at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains, just 15 kilometers south of Almaty, Big Almaty Lake is one of the country’s most beloved treasures. Its crystal-blue water mirrors the skies, creating a view that looks more like a painting than real life.
But that’s just the beginning.
There’s also the Kaindy Lake, where trees appear to be growing out of the water — a hauntingly beautiful result of an earthquake that struck over a century ago. Then there’s the Kolsai Lake, a collection of three smaller lakes surrounded by thick pine forests, each offering a quiet escape into nature’s embrace.
And if you crave something grand and rugged, Charyn Canyon will leave you speechless. Formed millions of years ago, its massive rock formations have earned it the title of “The Grand Canyon of Central Asia.”
“Yung mga lakes, yung mga canyons — they literally look like a wallpaper sa computer,” Kobe shared, still stunned by how picture-perfect everything was.
Beyond its scenery, Kazakhstan also surprises visitors with its culture — and its food. One of the country’s national dishes? Horse meat. A unique culinary experience that adds to the adventure.
For Kobe, and for many travelers who’ve seen it firsthand, Kazakhstan is an underrated gem — easily accessible, breathtakingly diverse, and welcoming to Filipinos.
“Kazakhstan is really an underrated country for Filipinos. And it’s really, easily accessible. May direct flights and it’s visa-free for Filipinos,” Kobe said.
As of July 2024, Kazakhstan is among the 67 visa-free destinations for Philippine passport holders — making it one of the easiest and most awe-inspiring trips you can take.
So if you’ve been craving something new — mountains, lakes, canyons, and all — maybe it’s time to pack your bags.
Because sometimes, the world’s most beautiful places… are the ones we least expect. 🌍💙
