Any place that isn't a tourist place, you'll get a feel for the culture. You would have to, I would think.
The best travel plans are no plans.
When stationed in the Philippines, my buddy and I had a three day class on base. Meanwhile, the ship we were attached to got underway for a week. We had four free days. We decided to drive to Camp John Hay. That's Subic Bay to Baguio. We just got in his Camaro and off we went. Excellent cruise. Stopped at a little roadside nipa hut for a refreshing beverage along the way. Tried to figure out their word for restroom. Kasilyas wasn't working. Finally landed on toilet. Go figure. Once in Baguio, we spent the evening in a bar there. Very comfortable. Very inviting. Lots of rather effeminate men there. Very friendly. Then we spent the night at Camp John Hay. Woke up in the morning, stepped outside and it was cold. Oh so cold. What a feeling for the Philippines. Lovely. What a wonderful memory.