my travel experience in manila essay

My Unforgettable Travel Experience Around Manila

  • December 10, 2015
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I went alone in Manila for the second time around as I wanted to roam the city especially at their big malls, different attractions and many more. I have my high school classmates currently working in Manila so I asked them to fetch me in the airport once I arrived so we can go together to stroll the other parts of the city.

First Day …

Ultimate Adventure at Manila Ocean Park

We went first to the Manila Ocean Park located behind Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Manila with my good friends Andres and Aries. I was able to visit their big underwater tunnel aquarium with lots of different marine species, the penguins, sharks, rays, sea lions show, jellies and many more. I got a promo from metrodeal site with 8-in-1 attractions at the very affordable price from 2600 to 899 pesos only.

The following inclusions are:

Trails to Antartica

Jellies exhibit, birds of prey kingdom, sharks and rays dry encounter, amazing story of yexel’s museum, liquid lunch buffet, the historic luneta park.

The photobomber ( the big building behind the Rizal Monuments) in the park.

After the amazing ocean park, we went to Luneta Park known as “Rizal Park”. This is few meters away from Manila Ocean Park. The place is not crowded that time, only few tourists took some photographs of their own and unexpectedly we saw Enrique Gil and the rest of the staffs having their movie shoot.

This is perfect for a passenger who hates traffic and don’t have any choice. I can still remember my worst experience in riding MRT. It was my first time and it feels like stampede. “Ganito pala sa MRT, oh anu sasakay ka pa ulit?” I can’t imagine that many of the passengers would prefer to ride MRT than riding on the convenient one but will surely endure worst road traffic. You need to be attentive at all times especially when the train is about to approach. Do the ninja moves as much as you can or else you’ll be left.

Watch Games or Concert at Araneta Coliseum

huge crowds in Sarag G From the top concert

This is actually my main itinerary in Manila trip to watch the concert of Ms. Sarah Geronimo entitled “Sarah G From Top.” Sarah Geronimo is my idol since she won the singing contest way back 2003 and it’s a dream come true for me to watch her live singing and of course to visit the Big dome.

I just wanted to see how the concert is being done from the start. That night was a blast, seeing matured Sarah, her awesome and daring performances. It was a sold out concert and the audience are full packed kudos to Ms. Sarah Geronimo who made her concert very unforgettable one. That was Superb! Second Day…

Ice Skating at Mall of Asia

One of craziest things I’ve ever tried. I am thrill and challenge seeker but this one is different and it involves more on balancing. That was painful on my middle toea while skating on the Ice.

I was accompanied by Ice Skating Coach. He gave me some instructions and different techniques like the proper positioning and other things to consider before skating to the iced floor.

me having a hard time to balance…

Live Volleyball Action in Cuneta Astrodome

This one is very unforgettable. I’ve been watching superliga since 2013 and also a fan of a premier volleyball in UAAP. First time seeing the whole team at the big venue both local and foreign players and happens to be my idols like Aby Marano, Dindin Manabat, Rachel Ann Daquis, Erika Adachi, Rupia Inck, Jaja Santiago, Kate Messing, Lindsay Stalzer Williams and the rest of the Foton Tornadoes and Petron Blaze Spikers.

Well, both teams are my bet but my support was in Foton tornadoes since Petron Blaze spikers already won three-peat championship and I’m happy that Team foton successfully grabbed the Gold.

Ayala Triangle Gardens Lights & Sounds Show

Its my first time to encounter this kind of a 30 mins show in Makati. The spectacular display of Christmas dancing lights and sounds. The music is traditional Filipino songs. They also installed magnificent lights in Makati streets replicating the old church.

Greenbelt and Glorietta At Makati

One of the classy and coolest ayala malls in Makati, Manila I have visited, with lots of restaurant, shops and live bands. You can spend there in a day if you want to roam the whole greenbelt from 1 to 5. The mall has everything you can think of and it’s a good place to hang out with family. I remember I saw one local celebrity Karla Hampries dined in a cozy restaurant with her elite friends. The glorietta mall is a bridge away from Greenbelt.

SM Mall of Asia Boulevard

A place where a lot to see and do. One day is not enough to spend here.

If you happen to visit SM Mall of Asia, don’t forget to visit their attractions inside the mall especially “Exploreum “, the science center for Kids and Adults. Here, you will enjoy science with their hi-tech and newest facilities to help explain the real deal of science around us.

Vic

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Home travel I Visited Intramuros Manila and Here’s What I've Learned

I Visited Intramuros Manila and Here’s What I've Learned

By Blair Villanueva 8:25:00 PM

Intramuros walk tour with Biore Philippines

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Similar articles, 135 comments :.

my travel experience in manila essay

thanks for sharing the pics here, know more of this. I no go Manila before, shall put in travel list :D

Hello Sherry, Thank you for visiting my page. I do hope that someday you'll visit Manila and drop by at Intramuros :)

Interesting! i have never visited Manila. and will definitely consider visiting all the sites when i'm there! thanks

Hello Gengqian, Ohh please you must visit! And you'll also like our beautiful beach too!

Old Manila walk tour has made you very emotional. I had a similar feeling when I had visited the famous Andaman jails(Kaalapani). When we think of the souks who gave up their lives so that we would have a life now ,you can only be silent. A great sunscreen is a must for Walk tours .I will be visiting Goa( a sea beach )soon and will be Beeding heavy duty sun protection.Biore seems like a great brand

Thank you Amrita. It was hard to have a happy smile in this place. Visiting the place were thousands of lives died (just like in Holocaust) it is very difficult to bear. Yes am a sissy like that. And yes, am speechless too.

wow didnt knw manila such nice view place, n u must enjoy alot there !

Hello Leeying, Yes I did but not too much. Visiting a graveyard is not technically fun. I am just glad that I paid my respect to the souls of that walls.

Ah, I would love to participate in a walking tour like this one. Full of history and heritage that we should preserve as long as possible.

So true, and we should never forget what happen to the place, and make it as a lesson guide for us for the future. I just hope that Intramuros will receive more funds to rebuild the old city, just like in other countries. Thanks for visiting Emily :D

What an amazing trip. This looks fantastic

Thank you very much :D

The architecture looks amazing and I like the history behind it :) Http://Mapolo.style

am glad that you liked it. Hope you can visit Manila one day :D

Never been to Manila but this place seems to be very classy & nice to take picture! :D

Hello Jacqueline, Yes it was classy. You can also hold a pre-wedding shoot here :)

my travel experience in manila essay

It looks like you had a marvelous visit. So much history to absorb, and your pictures are very detailed. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Hello Jeff and Crystal, Thank you for appreciating! I do hope that I gave you some insights and information that you can use when you visit Intramuros :)

Intersting article. If I ever visit my friend, I'll need to add this to the list of places to see.

Hello Megan, Yes please do! You will enjoy it am sure :)

The entrance gate is beautiful! I love the history behind all of this! Looks like a lovely place to visit!

Yes and pay respect. Just remember don't do jump selfie jump or any kind of selfie acrobats coz its inappropriate. Remember, this place is technically a graveyard.

What a gorgeous place to visit! You're so smart to use your Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel Sunscreen Lotion even on that gloomy day - the sun don't care either way (it's gonna get ya no matter what!)

Hello Erin, Yes I'm glad I had my Biore sunscreen. And even in a gloomy days, you still can't avoid the sun damage on our skin. It is wise to be always be protected.

The walled city looks amazing even in its state. Looks like you had a great tour aND the overcast might have made it more bearable then high sunshine.

Hahaha thank you Rose! Next time I'll visit any graveyards, I need to be more brave to face it.

my travel experience in manila essay

Glad you visit Old Manila with fellow bloggers. It might have been one exciting experience. All those old heritage buildings look awesome!

Thank you dear! Am also thankful for Biore Philippines for hosting us :)

Thank tour for Sharing. I love the photos and this beautiful place Manila is definitly a must see on my list now. It's so rich in history and culture.

Thank you Maha! There are many other historical sites in the Northern part of the Philippines which am eyeing to visit soon :)

I hope I get to visit Manila someday. It is a really beautiful city.

Hello Mommy! Yes please visit the Philippines!!!

Thanks for sharing all the sites and his Storico facts about Manila. This is definitely someplace I would love to visit one day.

Thank you dear! I'm happy you've enjoyed my stories :)

How exciting the scenery is beautiful

Thank you Marisa! Keep on visiting my page :)

i'm a bit overly excited seeing that horse carriage.

Me too! Am a little disappointed that I haven't got a chance to take a ride. Maybe next time :)

Wow, that's so interesting. I would love to visit Manila and this area one day. I'm sorry you had that eerie feeling the whole time. I probably would have as well.

Hello Krysten, It's okay. This made me realized that graveyards are not my favorite tourist spot. I might me feeling the same if I will visit the Holocaust Monument.

I've been to Intramuros many times but haven't explored what's inside the walls. Thanks for sharing your discoveries and the things you've learned. ;-)

You are welcome Joy! You should try to wander inside. It might be more enjoyable if you see it with your own eyes :)

The first time that I visited Intramuros was when I was still studying in a university. We had a group project. We had to visit Intramuros, take photos and write an essay about our experiences. The place is really old. It looks vibrant because of the shops that sell souvenir items and local delicacies. I do hope someone or a company will renovate this historical site.

Hello Iza, Intramuros have that distinct oldie beauty, and I'm also glad that I have experience visiting the place. But my mind keeps me wondering, after all these years why they haven't bother to at least cleaned-up o tidy-up the place. Now it only make you feel so sad and feel haunted because of its oldie-untidy look. What if the government will charge all those private companies (those companies who never pays the full and right tax) to finance the rehabilitation and reconstruction of these structure. Just like in Paris and Rome, fashion brands and huge companies are adopted many museums and attractions and they financed for its maintenance. Hope they could apply those concept here. We need to save this pieces of history.

These pictures are so clear and beautiful. This is my first time t read about Manila.

Hello Rabiu, Thank you for visiting my post and am glad that you like it. We haven't visited the other nearby streets inside Intramuros (like the Escolta Street). Hope when you visit Manila, you can add this to your itinerary.

YOu know what....you got me back to my first trip to Manila as a kid. I could never remember this place but always knew it in my head.I remember these images so clearly. Thanks to you, now I know!

Hello Ami, I am glad that I made you travel back in time. You should pay a visit next time :D

I love touring historical places especially if it's in a different country. You learn so much about the culture and the history of the place and the people in the past! It's so fascinating. This looks lovely and it's definitely worth going to.

Hello Carol, Yes it is lovely and very rich. We are blessed that we've got to visit this historical place, and the nature have not let this to vanish that easily.

my travel experience in manila essay

Looks like a lovely place to visit. I really like the historical entrance gate- it's a bit mysterious! But I feel sorry for the horse on the first picture;(

Hello Kat, Yeah it was beautiful. During the early old days, horses are used as a means of transportation. But now there are only few horse being used, but only inside the walled city.

always love historical sites because everything has its own story

That is true Arisa :)

Very lovely photos I would love to visit one day. xx

Hello Anna, Yes please visit Manila! This is one of the oldest Spanish city in Asia :)

I believe the eerie feeling that you had was being at one with history, after all Manilla has centuries of history. The architecture is very beautiful x

I think it is. But I am glad that I felt that eerie feeling. Because if not, I may not truly understand the history of this place. Because of that eerie feelings, I had a chance to truly feel it deeply and have a proper appreciation to the place. I also got a chance to pay respect to the poor souls, and whisper prayers for them.

What a wonderful place to visit. Looks like you had such a great day. Your pictures are fabulous

Thank you so much Cynthia!

my travel experience in manila essay

A 2 million Php book.. wow. I wonder who the new owner is. I do hope the book is in good hands though.

Hello Rika, Definitely it is in a good hands... considering the value of that book will continue to rise up!

This is just so lovely... want to go there myself

Hello Miera, yeah you can visit this place anytime. Plus the entrance is way cheap lah :D

my travel experience in manila essay

Looks like a cool place to visit full of history and culture. Richard B

It is fantastic with a bit of a chill. You'll enjoy it too!

Beautiful photos!!! Manila Ian one place I have never been! Hopefully my travels take me there one day!

Manila is a place where you can easily get used to. And houses many cultures that combined well.

Never been Manila. It looks so interesting. Thanks for sharing.

Oh must visit Manila Venny! You're missing a lot of Manila adventure :)

my travel experience in manila essay

What an amazing experience. You take some beautiful picture and I love how you have a story behind each. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you Keoshia, and I hope I didn't make you feel bored with my stories :D

Oh my goodness!! Those buildings look gorgeous! I would love to visit there.

That's a great idea Michelle! Let me know when you visit, I could accompany you :D

Haven't been to Manila before, will bookmark this post for my travel reference :)

Hey Ivy, you must visit Manila soon!

Old Manila is very beautiful. I love the pictures and the architecture. Thank you for sharing.

You're welcome David! Keep on exploring my blog!

Oh this is a nice post. Now I know a place to visit whenever I head to you country and in Manila. It's somehow Spanish inspired designs wayback then.

Yeah I think this place is more than 300 years old. There are many Spanish inspired places in the Philippines that I would like to explore soon!

Such gorgeous architecture! You look like you had a wonderful time. Your smile is gorgeous.

Thank you Benny!

my travel experience in manila essay

Oh my god. Could actually walk down with you and feel for all the prisoners :( The place has so much history! Love your pics and narration!

Thank you Divsi, I hope I didn't make you feel the chilly eerie feeling, hahaha

Intramuros is so scenic, I'm inclined to not want to visit since you said it gave you an eerie vibe. However, I must say I don't think I'd sign uup to visit a graveyard anywhere.

Hello Roxy, Well if you are kind of a sensitive person, then you will feel that eerie thing. The other influencers with me are not, and yeah even enjoyed taking tons of photos and selfies :)

You are making us discover more about the Philippines than we were able too. Absolutely love the photos and "visiting" the place through your content.

Thank you Thuymi, hope you guys could visit Philippines soon!

my travel experience in manila essay

amazing view from 1st photo ^^

Hi, we want to go Manila next year, and this page very useful for us and Waiting our blogsite http://gezgiccift.blogspot.com.tr/

Yey, that's a great Idea!

Lovely heritage site to visit! Thanks fir sharing, wish to be here personally one day ;) cheers, SiennyLovesDrawing

Hello Sienny, Yeah please visit Manila and drop by at Intramuros. You'll enjoy it :)

my travel experience in manila essay

Wow! quite an historical place. I wish to go there on my next trip to Manila.

Hello Sunshine, Yeah, add this to your Manila itinerary! There are many awesome places to see nearby Intramuros :D

Beautiful pictures. I love that you were able to tour something that has historical history. So many times in our lives we don't stop and think of the history of the places where we live or visit.

Yes, and am truly thankful for our host for arranging this historical walk tour. I do hope that many local and foreign guests will take this walk tour also and appreciate its unique beauty.

The architecture is phenomenal in this place. I love your writing as I felt I was walking right along with you. Maybe it's the fact that, I too, have these feelings when walking back in time. What a cherished experience.

Hello Sally, Thank you for appreciating my story. I guess when we tour together in this kind of place, we might need lots of tissue papers :)

Lovely photos!!! The Intramuros Manila looks like one great place to visit! I hope my travels take me there one day

Hello Courtneylynne, Thank you for visiting, and I do hope that you will visit Intramuros when you are here in Manila. It is like going back in old times, full of historical stories.

Everyone keeps telling me that I need to visit the Phillipines. Your pictures have intensified the desire

Thank you Dear! Hope you visit soon!

Old Manila looks beautiful and has a tragic history! I could totally relate to the same feeling when I went to 9/11 Museum in NYC. Though that devastating incidence was an unfortunate event of the present world!

Hello Ana, I haven't been to 9/11 Museum but I do hope that someday I will, and to pay respect to the souls. It is a very sad story, but we as a living - all we have to do is we must never forget.

Love your photographs and your description of the history. I didn't know much about Manila until reading your blog post. Would love to visit someday!

Thank you Robin! Please do visit our country. It is not only full of historical places, but beautiful beaches, welcoming people, and good food that won't hurt your travel budget.

This is really interesting! I had no idea that Manila had anything remotely like this, but it is the kind of place that would be high on my list of places to see in the city.

Thank you Aireona! Philippines is the only country in Asia that is colonized by the Spanish, and no wonder our cultures are also mixed with Spanish influence. You must visit soon!

my travel experience in manila essay

How cool! I love history, so I'd enjoy checking this place out.

Thank you dear! And keep on browsing my blog for more travel stories.

Your photography is wonderful. Looks like such a magical place!

Thank you dear :) I am thinking of going back to visit the nearby streets for interesting foods and attractions.

This was a very interesting post! I learned about a place I never even knew existed.

Hello Deanna, Thank you dear and I hope that one day you can visit my country :)

I've never been to Phillipines, it looks like a beautiful place though. and what a lovely tour you got to go on.

Hello HIl, Thank you for visiting and I hope I made you inspire to book your flights to Philippines very soon!

my travel experience in manila essay

Thanks for sharing your emotional time with us. It's definitely a city I wish to visit.

Ohh my apology Krysti, I just couldn't help it. I would a total liar if I will try to be so candidly happy and cover my true feeling for Intramuros. Thank you so much for spending time reading my post. I truly appreciate it.

I would love to go to Manila. It is such an interesting city full of life and untold stories. This is a great piece showing quite a bit of this lovely city.

Thank you dear and for reading this article. I hope one day you will visit the Philippines and also shares your stories and discoveries :D

What a great walk-through that was. The architecture is amazing, and so is the history.

Thank you Danay. I could say am a lucky person to visit this place. Somehow I felt thankful for my roots :)

What an amazing experience to be invited on - you can see through your writing that the place had a profound effect on you! Shame about the weather!

Thank you for visiting my post Emma. It was an emotional visit but I am truly thankful, because I had a chance to discover and travel back in time. I only read and heard about those many stories since childhood. But being in the exact place when it happen, it is a different experience. I salute those many heroes who died for our country's freedom.

wow I really enjoyed the pictures. I got lost in them. love the architect.

Hahaha thank you Shauna, appreciate it :)

I love visiting historic places like this. Although looking at photos is intriguing, it touches you more when you see it in person. The architecture of Manila looks amazing and I'd love to visit and take this same tour.

Hey Danielle, you should visit this part of Manila, and you will appreciate it much before exploring the whole modern city :)

Great post I have never been to Manila but it looks very inviting. Great images too.

Hello Helen! Thank you for visiting and I do hope that you will visit Manila soon!

Aww even though my family is from the Philippines and I lived there for a few years, I’ve only been to Manila twice. I don’t really remember it and it’s so different from where my family is from (Dumaguete). It’s nice to see photos and try to remember what it was like.

Hello Nicole and thank you for visiting my blog. Maybe next time you come home here in the Philippines, you can visit Intramuros and enjoy its beauty. I bet you could also found a place for your ootd shots!

This looks like a cool museum. I have another place to visit before I turn 50!

That's awesome! Philippines will wait you Tamika :D

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I Was 24 When I Experienced My First Airplane Ride to Manila

A blast from the past – my first airplane ride.

First Airplane Ride to Manila in November 2012

First Airplane Ride to Manila in November 2012

It was November 28, 2012, when I experienced my first airplane ride and my first trip to Manila. It was my high school friend, Claire, who invited me together with another friend as she has a sister working and living in Manila. She booked my flight, and I just paid her. It was not a promo fare, but I paid like at least P2,000. I had no idea how to book a flight back then. But since I won’t be alone on this trip I took the chance to experience all my first times.

The photo above is an old snapshot that was taken from an Olympus point and shoot digital camera. Looking back, I seem so old as well as I had no idea how to be stylish. I also brought my netbook with me so that I can work while traveling as a digital nomad. I wasn’t ready to be a traveler because I never had a decent backpack.

The Window Seat

window-seat

Why Choose Manila?

Being a  probinsyana  (a girl from the province) like me coming from Cebu, it’s funny when you want to experience how it feels like to be in the big city. What it feels like being in Manila? I had no idea upon arrival. Most of the time, the idea I knew about Manila was in history books and television.

All It Takes Was a Prayer

To conquer my fear, I was praying that we could have a safe flight and safe arrival in Manila. There was a time when I thought about having a plane crash. Would I survive? Could I swim? I was listening intensely from the flight attendant’s safety demonstration and reading the guide in front of me with the in-flight magazine. Somehow I got entertained.

Thoughts about Manila

I was glad that we arrived safely. But I had no knowledge of how to get around Manila. My friends and I took a taxi to Pasig where my friend’s sister lived. From the airport, the traffic was horrible. I decided to sleep inside the cab. But my goal was to visit some touristic and historical places in Manila. My mom told me that I need to visit my aunt who lives in Pasig as well. It was the first time I was able to go by myself searching for my aunt’s house in Pasig.

pretty-face

The next day, we went to Divisoria to buy stuff (I purchased a purple cardigan) and Trinoma Mall to see other friends. The good thing about the photo above, I was able to fix myself and look pretty with that cute headband I bought at Trinoma.

Welcome to UP Diliman

up-diliman

UP Diliman with friends

The Burger Project

the-burger-project

We were hungry so we passed by at The Burger Project near UP Diliman. You can make your own burger just by choosing the ingredients on the menu.

Enchanted Kingdom

enchanted-kingdom

ITravelRox at the Enchanted Kingdom

My first theme park experience in Laguna as we don’t have a theme park in Cebu. We had a blast at the Enchanted Kingdom though.

Mayon Volcano from Afar

mayon-volcano

By the time I went back home to Cebu, I had a sight of Mayon Volcano from afar. I felt so relieved when I returned in Cebu because of the less traffic back in 2012.

Traveling at 24 seems too late but there is no age limit. Can you recall your first airplane ride experience? How was it?

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The Ultimate Manila Travel Guide: Exploring the Heart of the Philippines

The Ultimate Manila Travel Guide: Exploring the Heart of the Philippines

The Ultimate Manila Travel Guide - Get the most out of your trip to Manila and plan your perfect Manila vacation with our expert guide.

Mundo Maya Travel

Mundo Maya Travel

  • Updated: December 5, 2023
  • 39 min read

Manila, a city that pulsates with life, history, and culture at every turn. Over the years, we’ve found ourselves irresistibly drawn back to this vibrant capital of the Philippines.

Each visit uncovers a new layer, a fresh perspective, and a deeper appreciation for what makes Manila so unique.

From its historical landmarks to its bustling markets, from its world-class museums to its lively street food scene, Manila offers an experience that’s as diverse as it is unforgettable.

In this ultimate Manila travel guide, we’re thrilled to share our insider tips, favorite spots, and must-see attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone looking for romantic escapes, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll guide you through the must-see tourist spots in Manila, take you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems, and even share some of our favorite places to visit in Manila for couples.

  • Diverse Experiences : Manila offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from cultural landmarks to modern attractions.
  • Accommodation for All : Whether you're a luxury traveler or on a budget, Manila has a range of hotels and guesthouses to suit your needs.
  • Culinary Delights : The city's food scene is a blend of traditional Filipino dishes and international cuisine, offering something for every palate.
  • Adventure Awaits : From riding a jeepney to exploring hidden gardens, Manila offers activities that cater to all kinds of travelers.
  • Cultural Immersion : The city is a melting pot of cultures, offering a unique blend of the old and the new.
  • Practical Tips : Navigating Manila is easier with a bit of preparation. Public transport options like jeepneys and the LRT/MRT systems are available for getting around.
  • Romantic Escapes : Manila offers several romantic spots for couples, making it a great destination for a romantic getaway.
  • Off the Beaten Path : Beyond the popular tourist spots, Manila has lesser-known gems that offer a different kind of adventure.
  • Safety Measures : While Manila is generally safe, it's always best to take standard precautions, especially in crowded areas.
  • Bucket List Worthy : With its blend of adventure, culture, and culinary experiences, Manila is a destination that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

So buckle up and get ready to explore the heart of the Philippines through our eyes. Trust us, Manila is a city that will capture your heart, just as it has captured ours, time and time again.

Manila, Philippines – A City of Contrasts

white boat on water near city buildings during sunset in Manila

Photo by Paolo Syiaco

Manila is a city of dichotomies. It is a thriving metropolis with a fascinating history and culture.

Manila is a city that is continually changing, from its colonial landmarks to its modern skyscrapers.

Manila is likewise a poor and unequal city. The rich-poor divide is wide, as evidenced by the dramatic contrast between the city’s slums and its wealthier neighborhoods.

Despite its difficulties, Manila is a city with much to offer visitors.

Manila is a city that will keep you entertained, from its great food to its active nightlife.

Here are some specific examples of the contrasts that can be found in Manila:

  • The old and the new : Manila is a city with a long history, and its streets are lined with colonial landmarks such as the Manila Cathedral and the Fort Santiago . However, Manila is also a modern city, and its skyline is dominated by skyscrapers such as the Philippine Stock Exchange Tower and the SM Aura Premier.
  • The rich and the poor : The gap between the rich and the poor in Manila is wide. The city’s slums are home to millions of people who live in poverty, while its wealthy neighborhoods are home to some of the most expensive real estate in the world.
  • The traditional and the modern : Manila is a city that is constantly evolving, and this can be seen in its culture. The city is home to a rich traditional culture, but it is also a melting pot of cultures from all over the world.

These are just a few of the contrasts that can be found in Manila. It is a city that is full of surprises, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

Wonders of the World: See the Most Amazing Sites on Earth

Wonders of the World: See the Most Amazing Sites on Earth

Table of Contents Show From Natural to Man-made: The World’s Most Incredible Wonders New 7 Wonders Of The World 1. Petra, Jordan 2. Great Wall of China 3. Christ the Redeemer 4. Colosseum, Italy 5.... Read more .

The Fusion of Old and New

Manila stands as a city where history and modernity coexist in a fascinating dance. On one hand, you have Intramuros, a walled city that takes you back to the Spanish colonial era.

On the other, there’s Bonifacio Global City, a hub of contemporary art and upscale dining. This blend makes Manila one of the most intriguing places to visit in the Philippines.

A Melting Pot of Cultures

Manila is a city that wears its multicultural heart on its sleeve. As we’ve wandered through its streets, we’ve heard a symphony of languages, tasted a variety of cuisines, and witnessed a range of traditions.

From the Chinese influences in Binondo to the Islamic community in Quiapo, Manila is a melting pot that offers a range of experiences for every traveler.

The Heartbeat of the Philippines

As the capital city, Manila sets the pace for the rest of the country. It’s where political decisions are made, where trends are set, and where you’ll find some of the top tourist spots in Manila.

Whether you’re interested in history, food, or shopping, Manila serves as the gateway to what the Philippines has to offer.

The Local Perspective: What Makes Manila Unique

Why manila deserves your attention.

Manila is more than just a stopover on the way to the beautiful beaches of the Philippines.

It’s a place with a diverse range of activities, from historical landmarks to modern attractions.

We’ve toured all of Manila, and each visit reveals something new. Everyone, from first-time visitors to seasoned explorers, can find something in Manila to make their stay worthwhile.

Our Hand-crafted Trip Planning and Itinerary to Manila, Philippines

Since we, the Mundo Maya Travel team have been visiting Manila numerous times, we have a great list of itinerary for make it easier for you to plan your trip, broken down into three duration packages:

3-Day Trip to Manila Itinerary

5-day trip to manila itinerary, one week trip to manila: trip planning and itinerary, ready to go, when to visit: timing your manila adventure.

aerial photography of city skyline - Manila Philippines

Photo by JC Gellidon

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a vibrant and exciting city with something to offer everyone.

From its historical landmarks to its delicious food, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Manila.

But when is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Manila is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is mild and sunny, making it perfect for exploring the city.

However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, you may want to consider visiting during the shoulder seasons, which are May and October.

Manila is a year-round destination, but there are certain times of year when the weather is more favorable and the crowds are smaller.

The dry season, which runs from November to April, is the best time to visit if you want to avoid the rain.

The weather is mild and sunny during this time, making it perfect for exploring the city’s many outdoor attractions.

The shoulder seasons, which are May and October, are also good times to visit Manila. The weather is still pleasant during this time, but there are fewer tourists.

If you’re on a budget, the shoulder seasons are a great time to get a good deal on flights and hotels.

No matter when you decide to visit Manila, you’re sure to have a great time.

The city is full of history, culture, and delicious food. So start planning your trip today!

The Climate Factor: What Weather to Expect

Manila’s tropical climate means hot and humid conditions for most of the year.

However, we’ve found that the months from December to February offer the most pleasant weather.

It’s the ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring places to visit in Manila without breaking a sweat.

Festive Seasons: When Manila Comes Alive

If you’re looking to experience Manila at its most vibrant, consider visiting during one of its many festivals.

The Feast of the Black Nazarene in January and the Manila Day celebrations in June are particularly noteworthy.

These events offer a unique glimpse into the city’s culture and are excellent additions to your Manila travel guide.

Weekends vs Weekdays: What to Do in Manila

Manila offers a different vibe depending on the day of the week. Weekends are bustling, with various things to do in Manila, from street markets to live music events.

Weekdays, on the other hand, are perfect for visiting tourist spots in Manila that are usually crowded, like Rizal Park or the National Museum.

Your Ideal Time to Visit

Choosing the right time to visit Manila can significantly enhance your experience.

Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural events, or simply exploring tourist spots in Manila, timing your visit can make all the difference.

We’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Manila in all its moods and seasons, and each offers something special. So plan accordingly and make the most of what this incredible city has to offer.

Manila Tourist Attractions: Must-See Spots

Tagaytay's Panoramic Taal Volcano & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour_2in1

Manila is a city full of unexpected delights. The Philippines’ capital city has a lot to offer visitors thanks to its rich history and thriving culture.

Everything from ancient relics to cutting-edge architecture may be found here. Let’s explore some of the most fascinating places that have held our interest for so long.

Intramuros: A Walk Through History

Intramuros Manila Cathedral

Photo by Kevin Rein Bantang

Intramuros, often referred to as the “Walled City,” is a living museum. As we’ve strolled through its cobblestone streets, we’ve felt like we’ve stepped back in time.

The Spanish colonial architecture, the horse-drawn carriages, and the historical monuments make it a top tourist spot in Manila for history enthusiasts.

Intramuros offers a stark contrast to the next attraction on our list.

While Intramuros takes you back in time, our next stop showcases the city’s ability to blend the natural world with modern innovation.

Rizal Park: More Than Just a Park

manila Rizal Park

Don’t let the word “park” fool you. Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park, is more than just a green space. It’s a symbol of Filipino freedom and identity, featuring monuments, museums, and even a planetarium.

Whether you’re looking for places to visit in Manila for couples or family-friendly activities, Rizal Park has something for everyone.

From the historical significance of Rizal Park, we move to an attraction that offers a completely different experience. It’s a place that combines education with entertainment, making it perfect for families and curious minds alike.

Manila Ocean Park: An Aquatic Journey

Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park is not your average aquarium. It offers an immersive experience that goes beyond just looking at fish in tanks.

From the walk-through tunnel that lets you feel like you’re under the sea to the interactive exhibits, it’s a Manila tourist spot that offers a unique blend of education and entertainment.

Casa Manila Museum

Casa Manila Museum

The Casa Manila Museum is a historical residence that may be found in Manila, Philippines’s walled city of Intramuros.

This replica of a Spanish colonial home from the 19th century was built to show how the upper class lived. Architecture, interior design, furnishings, and colonial culture are all on display for visitors to the museum to experience.

The 1980s building known as Casa Manila was designed to look like a Spanish colonial home.

Capiz shell windows, elaborate woodwork carvings, and a courtyard are just a few of the typical features of this home.

The inside features a variety of rooms, including a dining room, living room, bedrooms, and kitchen, all of which are equipped with period-appropriate furnishings.

Antique furniture, artwork, and other artifacts that shed light on colonial life are also on display in the museum.

Those who visit Casa Manila can look around the house and gardens and imagine what life was like in the Philippines when the Spanish were there.

Visitors interested in Philippine history and architecture can take advantage of the museum’s guided tours and frequent activities.

National Museum of the Philippines

National Museum of the Philippines

The National Museum of the Philippines (Pambansang Museo ng Pilipinas) is the government agency responsible for preserving, protecting, and promoting the nation’s cultural heritage.

It serves as the primary custodian of the Philippines’ natural and cultural treasures.

The museum system consists of several buildings and sites located in Manila and around the country.

The National Museum operates various branches, including:

  • National Museum of Fine Arts : This museum houses a significant collection of visual arts, including paintings, sculptures, and other artistic works that reflect the Philippines’ rich cultural history.
  • National Museum of Anthropology : This museum showcases ethnographic and archaeological artifacts that provide insights into the diverse indigenous cultures of the Philippines.
  • National Museum of Natural History : Focused on the natural sciences, this museum features exhibits on the country’s biodiversity, geology, and ecology. One of its highlights is the “Tree of Life” installation in its central hall, which displays various species in an intricate and artistic manner.
  • National Planetarium : The planetarium is dedicated to astronomy and space science education. It features shows and exhibits that explore the wonders of the cosmos.
  • National Museum of the Filipino People : This museum complex includes the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Natural History, and it aims to present a comprehensive view of the Filipino identity through both cultural and natural perspectives.

The National Museum plays a crucial role in education and the promotion of national pride by showcasing the country’s cultural heritage.

It offers various educational programs, exhibitions, workshops, and events for both students and the general public.

San Agustin Church and Museum

San Agustin Church and Museum

San Agustin Church and Museum is a historical and cultural landmark located in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines.

It is one of the most well-preserved Spanish colonial churches in the country and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here’s some information about it:

  • San Agustin Church: The church was originally built in 1571 by Spanish conquistadors, making it one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. However, it has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over the centuries due to natural disasters and war. The current structure, built in the Baroque architectural style, dates back to the late 16th century. The church’s architecture features intricate carvings, religious images, and beautiful frescoes on its ceilings.
  • Museum: The San Agustin Museum is situated within the church complex and houses an extensive collection of religious art, artifacts, and historical items. The museum showcases a wide range of items, including religious vestments, paintings, sculptures, furniture, and other artifacts that reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1993, San Agustin Church was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Baroque Churches of the Philippines” ensemble. This recognition highlights the cultural and historical significance of the church and its role in the country’s colonial history.
  • Wedding Venue: San Agustin Church is also a popular wedding venue due to its stunning architecture and historical ambiance. Many couples choose to exchange their vows in this iconic church, adding to its cultural importance.
  • Religious Significance: The church remains an active place of worship for the Catholic community in the Philippines. Regular religious services and events are held here, making it not just a historical site, but also a living testament to the country’s enduring faith.

Visiting San Agustin Church and Museum provides a glimpse into the Philippines’ colonial past and its vibrant cultural heritage.

The combination of historical architecture, religious significance, and the curated collection of artifacts in the museum makes it a must-see destination for tourists and locals alike.

Fort Santiago, Manila

Fort Santiago Manila

Fort Santiago is a historic citadel located in Intramuros, the walled city of Manila, Philippines. It is one of the most iconic and historically significant sites in the country.

Here are some key details about Fort Santiago:

  • Location and History : Fort Santiago is situated at the mouth of the Pasig River, overlooking Manila Bay. It was originally built by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi in 1571, shortly after the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The fort served as a defensive fortress during the Spanish colonial period and was used by the Spanish authorities to control trade and protect the city from foreign invasions.
  • Architecture : The fort is characterized by its high stone walls, watchtowers, and a moat. The entrance to the fort features a grand gate known as the “Puerta de Santa Lucia,” which leads to a courtyard. Within the complex, there are various buildings, dungeons, and open spaces.
  • Dr. José Rizal : Perhaps the most notable historical figure associated with Fort Santiago is Dr. José Rizal, a Filipino nationalist and writer. He was imprisoned in the fort’s dungeons before his execution in 1896. Rizal’s writings and advocacy played a significant role in sparking the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule.
  • Rizal Shrine : Today, Fort Santiago houses the Rizal Shrine, a museum dedicated to the life and works of Dr. José Rizal. The shrine includes artifacts, memorabilia, and exhibits that provide insights into Rizal’s contributions to Philippine history and his vision for national identity.
  • Tourist Destination : Fort Santiago is a popular tourist destination in Manila, attracting both local and international visitors. Its historical significance, well-preserved architecture, and serene ambiance make it a place of reflection and learning about the Philippines’ colonial past.
  • Restoration and Preservation : Over the years, efforts have been made to restore and preserve Fort Santiago’s structures. Restoration projects have helped maintain the fort’s historical integrity and ensure that future generations can continue to learn from its history.
  • Intramuros : Fort Santiago is located within Intramuros, a historic walled area that was the heart of Manila during the Spanish colonial period. Intramuros is also home to other significant landmarks, churches, plazas, and government buildings that collectively tell the story of the Philippines’ colonial history.

Overall, Fort Santiago stands as a testament to the Philippines’ complex colonial history and its struggles for independence.

It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the country.

Your Manila Must-See List

Tagaytay's Panoramic Taal Volcano & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour_2in1

Manila is a city that caters to a variety of interests. Whether you’re into history, nature, or modern attractions, the city has something to offer.

We’ve explored these places multiple times, and they never fail to provide a new experience or perspective.

So when you’re pondering what to do in Manila, make sure these attractions are at the top of your list.

Romantic Escapes: Places to Visit in Manila for Couples

Romantic Places To Visit In Manila For Couples

Manila isn’t just about history and bustling markets; it’s also a city that knows how to set the mood for love.

Over the years, we’ve discovered that Manila offers a variety of romantic experiences that can make any couple’s getaway special.

From intimate dining spots to scenic views, let’s explore some of the best places to visit in Manila for couples.

Sunset by Manila Bay: A Date to Remember

couple Sunset by Manila Bay

There’s something incredibly romantic about watching the sun dip below the horizon, and Manila Bay offers one of the best sunset views in the city.

We’ve spent many evenings here, just taking in the golden hues reflecting off the water.

It’s a simple yet unforgettable experience that we highly recommend for couples visiting Manila.

Manila Bay isn’t just about the sunset; it’s also about the moments that come after.

As the sky darkens, the area comes alive with street performers and food vendors, offering a lively yet intimate setting.

Venice Grand Canal Mall: A Taste of Italy in Manila

Venice Grand Canal Mall Manila

Photo by Arthur Parado

If you’re looking for a unique experience, the Venice Grand Canal Mall is a must-visit. Designed to mimic the canals of Venice , this shopping complex offers gondola rides that transport you straight to Italy.

It’s a charming and somewhat whimsical experience that has made it one of our favorite places to visit in Manila for couples.

The Venice Grand Canal Mall offers more than just gondola rides.

With its Italian architecture and a variety of dining options, it’s easy to spend an entire day here, lost in each other’s company.

Intramuros at Night: A Different Kind of Romance

Intramuros at Night Manila

We’ve mentioned Intramuros as a historical site, but it takes on a different character at night.

The cobblestone streets are quieter, and the Spanish-era buildings are beautifully lit, creating a magical atmosphere.

It’s a different but equally captivating tourist spot in Manila for couples looking for a more tranquil experience.

Love in the Time of Manila

Whether it’s the allure of a beautiful sunset or the charm of a gondola ride, Manila offers a variety of experiences that can make any couple’s trip memorable.

We’ve explored these romantic spots multiple times, and each visit adds a new chapter to our love story.

So if you’re planning a romantic getaway, make sure to include these spots in your list of places to visit in Manila.

Cultural Immersion: Where Tradition Meets Modernity

Manila is a city where the past and the present coalesce in a vibrant display of culture, art, and tradition.

For those keen on diving deep into the local culture, Manila offers a plethora of opportunities.

From its museums to its street art, from its traditional markets to its modern malls, the city is a living, breathing cultural hub.

National Museum Complex: A Cultural Feast

The National Museum Complex in Manila is not just a place to visit; it’s an experience.

Comprising the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology, and the National Museum of Natural History, this complex offers a comprehensive look at Filipino heritage.

We’ve spent countless hours here, captivated by everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art.

The National Museum Complex is more than a collection of objects; it’s a narrative of the Philippines, told through art, history, and science.

It’s a must-visit tourist spot in Manila for anyone looking to understand the rich tapestry of Filipino culture.

Binondo: Manila’s Chinatown

Binondo Manila

Photo by Lad Hara Caingcoy

Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the world, and it is also a site where tradition flourishes despite the presence of modernity.

Our senses have been pampered as we’ve wandered its winding alleys, from the sweet incense at the temples to the delicious local fare.

To visit Binondo is to immerse oneself in a culture that has been a part of Manila for generations, not merely to eat and shop.

Binondo is a fascinating mix of old and contemporary, with its medieval temples and traditional medicine stores.

The Soul of Manila

Manila has a rich and varied cultural landscape. Whether you’re into history, art, or tradition, Manila has a wide variety of activities that can help you learn more about its distinctive culture.

We’ve visited these historical sites several times, and each time is like opening a new book in the never-ending tale that is Manila.

If you’re looking for a cultural experience in Manila, you shouldn’t miss these places.

What to Do in Manila: Activities for Every Traveler

Manila is a city that caters to a wide array of interests and preferences. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a food lover, or a history buff, Manila has something to offer.

Let’s explore some of the activities that have made our trips to this dynamic city so memorable.

For the Adventure Seekers: Water Sports at Manila Bay

Manila Bay isn’t just for sunset lovers; it’s also a hub for water sports and activities.

From jet skiing to parasailing, the bay offers a variety of options for those looking to add a dose of adrenaline to their Manila itinerary.

We’ve tried our hand at these water sports, and let’s just say, it’s an exhilarating way to see a different side of Manila.

Manila Bay offers more than just water sports. The area is also home to a range of dining options, making it a perfect spot to refuel after an action-packed day.

For the Foodies: Street Food Tour in Quiapo

Quiapo is not just a religious and commercial center; it’s also a food lover’s paradise.

From the famous Quiapo Market to the roadside stalls, the area offers a culinary journey through Filipino cuisine.

We’ve sampled everything from Isaw (grilled chicken intestines) to Balut (duck embryo), and each bite has been a revelation.

Quiapo offers more than just local delicacies. The area is also rich in history and culture, making it a perfect spot for those looking to combine gastronomy with sightseeing.

For the History Buffs: Guided Tour of Intramuros

We’ve mentioned Intramuros before, but it’s worth revisiting for those interested in history.

A guided tour of this walled city offers insights into Manila’s colonial past, complete with stories of battles, revolutions, and heroes.

It’s a fascinating way to spend a day in Manila, and it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Explore Intramuros in an Eco-Friendly Way with Bambike Ecotours

Step into the captivating history of Intramuros, the crown jewel of Manila’s tourist destinations.

This charming Walled City, spanning 0.67 square kilometers (0.26 square miles), proudly held the heart of Manila during the Spanish Colonial Period.

While you’re free to wander and discover Intramuros at your own pace, why not add a delightful twist?

Hop on one of our sustainable bamboo bikes, crafted in collaboration with Gawad Kalinga, a revered NGO in the Philippines. It’s not just a tour – it’s a friendly adventure through time!

Explore Juan Luna’s Spoliarium, a Work of Incredible Wonder, at the National

Just picture yourself in the National Museum, where Philippine art and history come to life.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the show-stopping wonder that is Juan Luna’s Spoliarium.

This massive piece of history is like a window into the past, measuring in at an amazing 422 cm × 767.5 cm.

Feel the power of the past as you look at this painting of gladiators at the end of their lives, which won a gold medal at the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1884.

Still, there’s more! The National Museum has more to offer than its name suggests. It’s like discovering a buried treasure spanning three amazing structures.

Plunge into the National Art Gallery’s aesthetic splendors, where works of art tell stories of inspiration.

Visit the Museum of the Filipino People and step into the past, as artifacts telling our nation’s history come to life.

And hey, if you’re feeling ambitious and want to reach for the heavens, the Planetarium is waiting for you!

True or false? The National Museum underwent a magnificent renovation in 2012, so the entire building will feel and look brand new to you.

Bring your sense of wonder and create a day of exploring the beauty and wonder of art, history, and culture. I’ll be seeing you there!

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Experience the Masungi Georeserve on a Trip

Hanging Bridge in Masungi Georeserve in Tanay, Rizal, Philippines.

Photo by Jacob Tabo

Once upon a time, those with a sense of adventure may find a hidden gem in the beautiful country of Baras, Rizal.

This story begins not so long ago, when the Masungi Georeserve’s stunning beauty made it an instant hit on the web and a trending topic on social media.

Just think: in less than two hours, you can be in awe and wonder, and you won’t even have to leave the busy center of Makati.

The georeserve is a haven for geology, a place of refuge for some of Mother Nature’s most prized creations. You’ve just stepped onto a hiking trail like no other, and the air is electric with anticipation.

Envision yourself scaling rope obstacles that test your speed, balance, and resolve.

Envision yourself walking across rough terrain on suspended bridges, the gentle sway of the bridges bringing you closer to nature’s mysteries.

The crowning glory, however, consists of one-of-a-kind observation decks suspended precariously above prehistoric karsts of limestone. As far as the eye can view, a tropical rainforest blankets the landscape in vibrant green.

As the sun peeks out from behind the trees to illuminate your route in a kaleidoscope of colors, you know that this is more than just a walk in the woods. The wind, the leaves, and the sound of your footsteps on the rocky ground all come together to tell a story.

If you only have one day to get away from the hectic pace of Manila, I highly recommend this section.

Masungi Georeserve is a living story about the intertwining of nature’s beauties and human creativity, and it will stay with you long after your experience has come to an end.

Tagaytay, the Taal Volcano Retreat

Taal Volcano

Photo by Jannel Ivory

A day trip to Tagaytay is the best way to get away from Manila. This picturesque vacation destination offers milder temperatures and a breathtaking view of Taal Volcano.

Located in the middle of a lake, Taal Volcano has an impressive 33 eruptions to its name. Don’t worry though; many generations of Filipinos before me and even I made the trip to Tagaytay without worrying about the volcano.

If the stunning vista at Tagaytay doesn’t satisfy your appetite, you may always hike up the volcano. I can attest that it is a hot journey, so be sure to bring a hat and lots of sunscreen.

Taal Heritage Town: A Little Vigan in the Philippines

Taal Heritage Town Manila

Learn about the historic town of Taal, which is similar to Vigan yet is only two hours south of Manila.

Explore the largest church in Southeast Asia and other colonial relics left by the Spanish. If you want a wonderful day, don’t hike Taal Volcano, but do visit Tagaytay.

A Volcanic Odyssey at Mount Pinatubo

Mount Pinatubo

Photo by shotbymikafrbs

If the excitement of visiting a single active volcano has whet your appetite for more, then make Mount Pinatubo your next destination.

Its name may not be instantly recognizable, yet it is forever linked to the second biggest terrestrial eruption of the twentieth century.

When it erupted catastrophically in 1991, a massive ash cloud enveloped Manila, effectively turning day into night.

Mount Pinatubo’s crater lake is a popular tourist destination in the Zambales Mountains. The climb to this natural beauty is one of the most popular day trips from the city of Manila.

Your Manila Activity Checklist

Manila is a city that refuses to be put into a box. Its diverse range of activities ensures that every traveler finds something that resonates with them.

We’ve experienced the city from multiple angles, each time discovering something new and exciting.

So when you’re wondering what to do in Manila, consider this list your starting point for an unforgettable adventure.

Off the Beaten Path: Lesser-Known Gems

Manila is a city that keeps on giving. Beyond the well-trodden tourist spots and popular activities, there are hidden gems that offer a unique and less crowded experience.

These are the places we’ve stumbled upon during our numerous visits, and they’ve added a layer of depth to our understanding of this multifaceted city.

Paco Park: A Quiet Oasis

Paco Park Manila

Paco Park is one of those places in Manila that feels like a well-kept secret. Originally a cemetery during the Spanish colonial period, it’s now a public park that offers a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.

We’ve often found ourselves here, enjoying the solitude and the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Paco Park isn’t just a place to relax; it’s also a venue for cultural events.

From classical concerts to art exhibitions, the park serves as a platform for local talent, making it a lesser-known but valuable addition to the Manila travel guide.

Escolta Street: Vintage Vibes

Escolta Street Manila

Escolta Street was once considered the “Queen of Manila’s Streets,” a hub for high-end retail and commerce during the early 20th century.

Today, it’s a fascinating mix of the old and the new.

The street is lined with vintage buildings that house modern cafes, art galleries, and boutiques.

Escolta Street is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a walk down memory lane.

The area hosts a weekend market that features local artisans, vintage items, and unique crafts, making it a perfect spot for those looking to take home something special from Manila.

La Mesa Eco Park: Nature in the City

La Mesa Eco Park is a hidden gem that offers a slice of nature right in the heart of the city.

From boating to biking to bird-watching, the park offers a range of activities that allow you to reconnect with nature without leaving Manila.

La Mesa Eco Park is not just a place for leisure; it’s also an educational center that offers environmental programs. It’s a place where you can learn about conservation while enjoying the natural beauty of Manila, making it a win-win for any traveler.

Food and Dining: A Taste of Manila

Filipino Dishes: 20+ The Most Popular Philippines Foods

Filipino Dishes: 20+ The Most Popular Philippines Foods

Table of Contents Show Filipino Cooking Traditions 20+ Best Filipino Dishes to Eat in the Philippines 1. Adobo 2. Kare-kare: One of the Best Filipino Dishes You Should Try Now! 3. Lechon 4. Sinigang... Read more .

Manila’s culinary scene is as diverse as its culture, offering a smorgasbord of flavors that reflect the city’s rich history and melting pot of influences.

From street food to fine dining, the options are endless.

Here’s a rundown of some of our favorite food experiences in Manila that you won’t want to miss.

Street Food Extravaganza: The Heart of Filipino Cuisine

Street food is the lifeblood of Manila’s culinary landscape. It’s where you’ll find the most authentic and affordable Filipino dishes.

We’ve spent countless evenings navigating the food stalls of places like Quiapo and Divisoria, sampling everything from ‘Taho’ (silken tofu with syrup) to ‘Turon’ (banana fritters).

But street food in Manila isn’t just about traditional Filipino fare.

You’ll also find a variety of international options, from Shawarma to Takoyaki, making it a global culinary hub on its own terms.

Fine Dining: A Culinary Adventure

For those looking to splurge a bit, Manila’s fine dining scene won’t disappoint.

Restaurants like Antonio’s and Vask offer a gastronomic experience that fuses Filipino flavors with international techniques.

We’ve celebrated special occasions here, and each meal has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Fine dining in Manila offers more than just food; it’s about the entire experience.

From the ambiance to the service, everything is designed to make your meal memorable.

Local Cafés: More than Just Coffee

Manila’s café culture is thriving, offering more than just a place to grab a quick coffee. Local cafés like Commune and The Curator serve as community hubs where art, culture, and food intersect.

We’ve spent many afternoons here, enjoying not just the coffee but also the array of pastries, sandwiches, and even local dishes on offer.

Local cafés in Manila are not just about the food and drinks; they often feature local art, live music, and even book readings, making them a multi-dimensional experience.

Whether you’re a foodie, a culture vulture, or just someone looking to relax, Manila’s dining scene has something to offer.

Practical Tips: Navigating the City

Manila is a sprawling metropolis, and getting around can be both an adventure and a challenge.

From public transport to safety tips, here’s a compilation of practical advice that has served us well during our numerous trips to Manila.

Public Transport: The Jeepney Experience

Jeepneys are an iconic form of public transport in Manila. They’re not just a means to get from point A to point B; they’re a cultural experience in themselves. We’ve often hopped on a jeepney to explore different parts of the city, and it’s a budget-friendly way to see Manila from a local’s perspective.

However, jeepneys can be crowded and may not offer the most comfortable ride. For a more convenient option, consider using the LRT or MRT systems, which are generally faster and less crowded.

Safety First: Tips for a Secure Trip

Manila is generally a safe city, but like any large urban area, it has its share of risks. We always recommend keeping an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets or public transport. Also, it’s wise to avoid walking alone at night in areas that are not well-lit or populated.

Connectivity: Staying in Touch

Staying connected in Manila is relatively easy, thanks to the widespread availability of Wi-Fi and mobile data plans.

We usually pick up a local SIM card upon arrival, which offers affordable data and call rates.

Many cafes and shopping malls also offer free Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay in touch and share our Manila experiences in real-time.

Connectivity in Manila goes beyond just internet access; the city also has a range of services like Grab and Angkas that make getting around more convenient.

These apps are not just transport services; they also offer food delivery and other amenities, making them a handy tool for any traveler.

Navigating Manila requires a bit of preparation and awareness, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s a city that’s easy to explore.

Whether you’re taking a jeepney ride through the busy streets or savoring the city’s culinary delights, these practical tips will help you make the most of your Manila adventure.

Best Hotels or Places to Stay While Traveling to Manila

Finding the right place to stay can make or break your travel experience. Luckily, Manila offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style.

From luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses, here are some of our top picks for places to stay in Manila.

Our Hand-picked Best Hotels to Stay in Manila

OYO 859 City Stay Inns Pasong Tamo

OYO 859 City Stay Inns Pasong Tamo

Makati, Manila

4.26 (48 reviews)

Aussie Shack - 2BR Modern Condo with Skyline View

Aussie Shack - 2BR Modern Condo with Skyline View

Quezon City, Manila

4.26 (216 reviews)

Condo Apartment near Manila Airport NAIA T3

Condo Apartment near Manila Airport NAIA T3

Pasay, Manila

4.26 (153 reviews)

Hop Inn Hotel Alabang Manila

Hop Inn Hotel Alabang Manila

Muntinlupa City, Manila

4.26 (634 reviews)

Oyster Plaza Hotel

Oyster Plaza Hotel

Paranaque, Manila

4.26 (820 reviews)

The Henry Hotel Manila

The Henry Hotel Manila

4.26 (31 reviews)

AFFORDABLE TWO PALMTREE VILLAS NEAR NAIA3 NEWPORT BOULEVARD PASAY CITY

AFFORDABLE TWO PALMTREE VILLAS NEAR NAIA3 NEWPORT BOULEVARD PASAY CITY

4.26 (32 reviews)

Green Sun Hotel

Green Sun Hotel

4.26 (75 reviews)

One Uptown Residence - Thompson Suites

One Uptown Residence - Thompson Suites

Taguig, Manila

4.26 (239 reviews)

Family Suite 3Br 2Cr 2 Balcony

Family Suite 3Br 2Cr 2 Balcony

4.26 (14 reviews)

Luxury Hotels: A Touch of Elegance

For those looking to indulge, Manila’s luxury hotels offer world-class amenities and unparalleled service.

The Peninsula Manila and Shangri-La at the Fort are some of our go-to options for a lavish stay.

These hotels not only provide plush rooms but also feature amenities like rooftop pools, gourmet restaurants, and state-of-the-art fitness centers.

Mid-Range Hotels: Comfort Without the Price Tag

If you’re looking for comfort without splurging too much, mid-range hotels like The Henry Hotel and The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences offer a great balance.

These hotels provide comfortable rooms, essential amenities, and are often located near key tourist spots, making them convenient for sightseeing.

Budget-Friendly Options: More Bang for Your Buck

For the budget-conscious traveler, hostels and guesthouses like Z Hostel and Pink Manila Hostel offer a comfortable yet affordable stay.

These places often have communal areas where you can meet other travelers, and they’re usually situated in vibrant neighborhoods, giving you easy access to local attractions.

Choosing the right accommodation can enhance your Manila experience, giving you a comfortable base to explore all that the city has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for luxury, comfort, or affordability, Manila’s diverse range of hotels and guesthouses ensures that you’ll find the perfect place to rest your head.

Still curious to find the most suited hotels to stay? Use the following search engine then:

Wrapping Up: Why Manila Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List

Manila is a city of contrasts, a blend of the old and the new, where tradition and modernity coexist in a vibrant tapestry of experiences.

From its rich history to its bustling markets, from its culinary delights to its hidden gems, Manila offers a travel experience that’s unlike any other.

Here’s why this city should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Manila’s rich history has made it a melting pot of various cultures. Spanish cathedrals stand alongside modern skyscrapers, and traditional markets compete with sprawling malls.

We’ve explored every nook and cranny of this city, and each visit reveals something new, something unexpected.

It’s a place where you can experience a range of cultures without ever leaving the city limits.

Adventure at Every Corner

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a history buff, Manila has something for everyone.

From the thrill of riding a jeepney through chaotic streets to the serenity of a hidden garden, the city offers a wide range of activities that cater to all kinds of travelers.

We’ve tried everything from street food tours to museum hopping, and each activity adds a new layer to our understanding of this complex city.

Unforgettable Culinary Journey

Manila’s food scene is a feast for the senses. The city offers a wide range of dining options, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants.

Each dish tells a story, each flavor is a testament to the city’s diverse cultural influences.

For us, no trip to Manila is complete without indulging in its culinary offerings.

Manila is not just a destination; it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a city that invites you to explore, to taste, and to discover.

So why should Manila be on your travel bucket list?

Because it’s a city that promises an adventure like no other, a place where every visit feels like the first time.

And for us, that’s what makes Manila truly unforgettable.

Fellow Travelers Usually Asked About Manila Travel Guide

Is it safe to travel to manila philippines now.

The US State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Philippines, which means that travelers should exercise increased caution. This is due to the threat of terrorism and crime. However, Manila is a large and diverse city, and most areas are safe for tourists. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft, such as carrying only essential belongings and not flashing your valuables.

How many days do you need to see Manila?

You can see the highlights of Manila in 3-4 days. However, if you want to explore the city in more depth, you may want to stay for 5-7 days.

What do I need to know about traveling to Manila?

Some things to remember while in Manila are as follows. Although English is not the official language, it is widely spoken in the Philippines. The Philippines use the Philippine peso (PHP) as their official currency. To use your home electronics in the Philippines, you'll need a converter because the voltage is 220 volts. You should avoid drinking the tap water in Manila and instead get bottled water. Although it is not expected, a tip is always welcome in Manila.

Is Manila worth a visit?

Yes, Manila is definitely worth a visit. It is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture. There are many things to see and do in Manila, from exploring its colonial landmarks to sampling its delicious food. Here are some of the top things to do in Manila: Visit the Rizal Park: This is a beautiful park dedicated to the Philippines' national hero, Jose Rizal. Manila Baywalk, Manila: Take a walk along the Manila Baywalk: This is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the views of the bay. Explore Intramuros: This is the old walled city of Manila, and it is home to many historical landmarks. Visit the Fort Santiago: This is a historic fort that was once used by the Spanish and American colonizers. Go shopping at the Divisoria Market: This is a huge market where you can find everything from clothes to souvenirs. Sample the local food: Manila has a diverse food scene, and you can find everything from Filipino cuisine to international fare. If you are looking for a vibrant and exciting city with a rich history and culture, then Manila is definitely worth a visit.

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My Journey Through the Philippines in Pictures

Categories Philippines , Photo Essay

My Journey Through the Philippines in Pictures

Last Updated on April 20, 2021

bohol rice fields

  • The grand finale of my Philippines trip: El Nido (Part I)
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Maria Carmen Losa Wellington

Saturday 11th of March 2017

Wow! Your photos made me want to travel more in the Philippines. I am from the Philippines, but I prefer traveling elsewhere. I think I traveled to more foreign cities than in the Philippines. I need to go to Siquijor!!! BTW, thank you for sharing these amazing places in the Philippines. All the best to you.

Tuesday 26th of July 2016

Just came across your blog and your Philippines posting! I love it!! I am a single mom and have a 7 year old boy. We went jet-setting off to the Philippines a few months ago and loved it. We arrived in Manila and submersed ourselves into culture and took the overnight ferry from Batangas to the little island outside of Boracay and then took little boats out to Boracay for some beach time. My son especially loved the Volcano in Tagatay ! We took a whole day to road trip up there from Manila. We had crepes at a darling Cafe and then drove down this windy tiny mountain road to a boat that took us across this volcanic lake. Once across there is horses you can rent to ride up to the top of the volcano. Such a neat experience and amazing views. Cannot wait to go back. Two weeks is NOT long enough to see all of the amazingness. Happy Travels to you and thank you for sharing!!

Thursday 28th of July 2016

Hi Caty, thank you so much for your comment! I love that you went to the Philippines with your son - amazing!! I can't wait to go back there either :) I hope I'll get to return this coming winter :)

Tuesday 5th of January 2016

Hi Dani, I love your posts! Extremely insightful :)

So, I'm planning a trip to the Philippines (from Mumbai) in April 2016. I have a pretty ambitious itinerary and wanted to know your thoughts about it: Mumbai to Manila - Reach Manila (2nd April) Manila to Banaue / Batad - Leave 2nd April night and reach 3rd April (early morning) Stay in Batad - 3rd April Batad / Banaue to Manila - Leave 4th April night and reach Manila 5th April (early morning) Manila to Legaspi (Donsol) - Leave 5th April morning/noon and reach 5th April evening Stay in Donsol - 6th April Donsol/Legaspi to Cebu/Bohol - Leave 7th April morning and reach 7th April noon/evening Stay in Bohol - 8th April Bohol to Dumaguette - Leave 9th April morning and reach 9th April noon/evening Dumaguete to Apo Island - 10th April Dumaguete to Manila - 11th April Manila to Batanes - 12th April (early morning) Stay in Batanes - 12th April, 13th April Batanes to Manila - 14th April (early morning) Stay in Manila - 14th April Manila to Mumbai - 15th April

What are your thoughts on this itinerary? Any suggestions would be more than welcome :)

Very ambitious indeed, Nina! :D I would probably skip a couple of stops and enjoy others more. Traveling in the Philippines is hard and frustrating at times. Almost every single one of my flights was delayed. I'd plan in some buffer time for that, for example. Going up to Banaue and Batad for two days only seems rushed to me - I suggest reading Alex' posts about her trip up there to decide if you want to add on another day. Batanes is supposed to be beautiful but also very far out of the way.. I'd consider traveling to Malapascua (from Cebu) instead, to save you some time, and it's just as beautiful. Just some food for thought :)

Julius @ Traveltipy

Tuesday 29th of September 2015

Hi Dani, I read your story about you and Jess and I had to say I was sad. But when I then browsed through some of your articles, I saw you are certainly lucky girl and I am now back lucky as well. :) I wish you all the best! BTW I like all these pictures! They are really amazing!

Wednesday 30th of September 2015

Hi Julius, thank you for your comment :) Yes, I am lucky and I guess break-ups are just part of life.. Can't be living the dream all the time, right? ;)

Saturday 12th of September 2015

These photos are making me jealous lol. The Philippines have been on my bucket list for wayyyy too long. I simply must go!

Sunday 13th of September 2015

Soooo worth it, Brock!! :)

Manila FYI

First-Time Manila Travel Guide: Essentials To Know Before You Visit

Everyone who visits Manila comes back with a strong opinion of the city. 

Sometimes it’s positive, sometimes it’s negative, but one thing is for sure: staying in Manila leaves a strong impression.

That raises some interesting questions for travelers. 

What’s different between those who do and don’t like the city? What sort of expectations lead to a bad impression versus a good one?  Most importantly, what should you know before arriving to have a great stay?

I had the advantage of first visiting Manila with a local. You may not. 

After visiting the area several times, and eventually living there for over a year, here’s what every first-time visitor needs to know.

How Do You Describe Manila?

Whether they love Manila or hate it, I think every single traveler would describe it as a chaotic city. Manila is known for much more , but that’s the first word that comes to mind.

In any case, it’s  nothing  like the languid tropical paradise that the word “Philippines” might bring to mind.

However hectic, it’s also the national capital on almost every level—not just politically—so you’ll find abundant sites and attractions  if  you know where to look. That’s an important qualifier, since the good stuff doesn’t always jump out and may not be all that convenient, but it is most definitely there.

For perspective, the City of Manila proper is not that big of an area. “Manila” usually refers to the entire metro area (Metro Manila, a.k.a. the National Capital Region) and sometimes even beyond. 

It’s the polar opposite of many European cities where most points of interest  and  nice neighborhoods are generally near a well-defined center. For a better sense of what I mean, take a moment to read about the  different cities of Metro Manila .

Is Manila Worth Visiting?

Some Asian capitals are standalone destinations, and some are…well…not. Manila occupies a sort of middle ground, in my mind. It’s nothing like Tokyo,  or even Bangkok , but it’s not  remotely  a war zone or backwater, either.

If you find hectic cities more exciting than draining, then Manila is well worth a few days of your trip. Most flights from outside Asia enter the Philippines through Manila anyhow, so it’s a convenient  and affordable  bookend to your island hopping, nature excursions, and so forth.

What Language Do They Speak In Manila?

Manila’s local language is Tagalog, but English is  almost  universally spoken at quite fluent levels. Read  this article  for more background on why and how both languages are used locally.

For travelers, there is essentially no practical need for Tagalog. Every venue and service with even the slightest appeal to visitors will have English menus/guides and English-speaking staff. I imagine there are exceptions, but I’ve yet to find one!

I believe  it’s worth learning Tagalog  if you’ll stay around Metro Manila/southern Luzon for an extended period. But there are several reasons  Tagalog is tricky  for native English speakers to pick up. Language learning is a terrific hobby, but it won’t yield much practical value over the time period that most tourists would stay in the area.

Is Manila Safe To Visit?

Let’s be frank: if you haven’t already seen lots of warnings about sketchy things and tourist dangers throughout the Philippines, you will. And they seem to happen at a higher rate than in Japan or France or Canada or what have you.

But understand two things.

First, realize that many of the most sordid events have involved expats involved (or whom we can reasonably guess were involved) in local businesses—often, but not always, of a controversial nature. That’s still a concern in the big picture, but pragmatically, it’s a world apart from anything you’ll do during your stay.

Secondly, and more specifically to Manila, there are bad areas and there are good areas. Tourists almost exclusively stay in the latter (which are easy to identify), if only because the former just don’t have much of interest. That’s not to say that all poorer areas are inherently dangerous or all wealthy ones are inherently safe, just that your priorities on a short-term stay will probably keep you around the well-lighted and more heavily policed districts.

Personally, I worry more about traffic safety than any of the above.  I’ve tried to give the topic of Manila travel safety a fair treatment  here , but in short: anyone who is  reasonably  cautious, self-aware, and happy to keep a low profile has no reason to expect problems.

What’s A Good Travel Budget For Manila?

When you visit a city that is a little chaotic and rough around the edges, one of the biggest advantages is that prices usually reflect this.

Manila is developing rapidly, has gleaming central business districts, and is home to a significant concentration of wealth and power. That pushes its prices noticeably above most of the Philippines, notwithstanding a few  resort towns like Tagaytay .

Even so, if Western prices are your point of comparison, then you’ll find Manila both affordable and a generally good value. There are some nuances to this, since the good values tend to fall in the middle- to upper-tier spots, not so much at the bottom. 

If you’re willing to be  very  frugal, then around $70 per person per day should get you a basic hotel room, decent meals out, and at least a short rideshare trip or two.  Dorm-style hostels and a street- or fast-food diet will obviously reduce that number, but I’ll leave it to your judgment whether that’s worth it.

However, you’ll have a lot more fun and enjoy far nicer venues if you roughly double that number.  Obviously, high-end tastes will cost significantly more to satisfy, but still less than you might expect.

In any case, you’re looking at an entire day plus night in Manila for less than a basic hotel room alone in many smaller and duller cities. 

Read this  Manila cost guide  for more context and planning tips.

What’s The Best Time Of Year To Visit Manila?

Given the choice, try to visit Manila in the winter months. The Christmastime busyness has settled down, and the weather is at its most pleasant.

For better or worse, you get two seasons in the tropics: wet (roughly May-November) and dry (roughly November-May). 

You can expect heat and humidity year-round, but springtime is warmest on average by about 5-7 degrees Fahrenheit.

Within the wet season, the rain still peaks  dramatically  in the summer months, so it’s best if you can visit outside late June through early October. Still, the rain tends to come in absolute downpours rather than all-day drizzle, so the (literally) bright side is that even rainy-season visitors will still see plenty of sunshine at times.

What Part Of Manila Should I Stay In?

If you have more than an ultra-tight budget at your disposal, and you want a nice area and minimal time in traffic, then there are basically four options. In no particular order:

The City of Manila  is where you’ll find Intramuros, some remarkable churches and museums therein, Rizal Park, several national museums, Binondo’s Chinatown, and so forth. In a nutshell: all the major historical and cultural landmarks.  Consider staying in the City of Manila if you’re only in town for a couple days, and want to spend them seeing the major sights.

Makati  is the country’s finance hub and probably has more high-end venues per block than anywhere else in Metro Manila. It’s farther from the tourist attractions of Manila proper, but roughly the same distance from the airport. The Salcedo and Legazpi neighborhoods are expat favorites, and Poblacion is a lower-key but hipper choice.  Consider staying in Makati if you’re in town for a longer period and prefer a more contemporary and (somewhat) orderly environment. It’s also the right choice if you’re into the club scene.

Bonifacio Global City  (BGC) is a new-ish and very upscale central business district of Taguig. A lot of multinational firms’ offices are here, as are many Western expats. It’s just east of Makati, which adds a couple of awfully congested miles to reach tourist sites. BGC is a district, not a whole city like Makati or Manila, and feels a little calmer by Metro Manila standards.  Consider staying in BGC if you prefer a modern, almost Singapore-like neighborhood and are visiting for long enough not to mind the distance to tourist attractions.

Finally,  Pasay  and especially the Mall of Asia vicinity, is just a couple of miles from the airport. It’s also quite close to the casinos and “integrated resorts.” There’s little of particular cultural interest, and it lacks the “cool” factor or (relative) walkability of Makati and BGC.  Consider staying around Pasay and the Mall of Asia if you’re on a very brief trip and need mostly to be near the airport.

Some of the other cities of the National Capital Region are pleasant and have their own points of interest, but none are as nice or convenient for short visits.

How Many Days Should I Spend In Manila?

At a bare minimum, plan two full  days to see the major sites without getting too stressed by Manila’s congestion. Four to five full days are enough for most things that most visitors want to experience in Metro Manila.

If you stay in one of the areas mentioned above—as opposed to a more outlying spot—then the ride between points of interest shouldn’t take too much more than an hour. That’s a long time for three or five miles of travel, but you’re better off planning for it than being stressed or disappointed when an overly ambitious itinerary proves impossible. (It’s hard to overstate just how badly congested this area is!)

Anyhow, two days allow for something like a half-day (at least in Intramuros), a half-day in Chinatown and/or more museums, then a full day to explore the more modern areas. That will suffice for all the must-sees.

If you are keen to explore further, then it’s easy to fill three to four days comfortably but fully. That gives time for the above plus a guided tour, exploring food/coffee/whatever-you’re-into, shopping, casino outings, and the like. 

Unless you like a particularly leisurely pace, you’ll probably run out of major to-do’s after day four or five. So, if you’re in town longer, then consider spending a night or two for a change of scenery in a cooler, quieter town like  Tagaytay .

Conclusion: Planning Your Manila Trip

Despite a reputation for chaos, and the need for extra (but entirely reasonably) safety precautions, it’s a welcoming and accessible place unlike anywhere else in Asia. 

A handful of cities/districts each strike a good balance between minimizing time in traffic and maximizing the value and enjoyability of your surroundings. English speakers won’t have any trouble getting around—or doing so on a modest budget. 

Manila is a worthwhile stop for the right sort of traveler with the right sort of expectations. If nothing else, I hope this guide has helped to set those expectations.

Erik Bassett

Erik is an American writer with family ties to the Philippines. After visiting and eventually living in Metro Manila, he launched Manila FYI to help visitors understand, enjoy, and thrive in this fascinating part of the world.

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Fort santiago voyage: a trip to the past.

It’s my wanderlust in Manila that keeps me in awe every time I get to roam the streets of it. I can’t help but marvel and be amazed by the scenery, no matter how heavy the traffic is or how crowded it gets. I think it mirrors our Filipino-ness, our culture and all that. It makes me reflect on our great history way back in the 1800s, because every building, every corner, is a reminder of what used to be the old Manila. The foundation, the place where everything had started.

I’m so in love with Manila (flaws and all) that I promised myself that I’ll go to every place my feet will drag me. So one day I packed my stuff in my bag and headed to one of the historic places of this city,  Fort Santiago .

As I entered the gates, excitement overcame me. I paid the P50 entrance fee and started my afternoon walk at the park.

I went straight inside Intramuros, the great wall that served as a defense fortress built by Spaniard Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. You will be greeted by a monument of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, which stands erect right in the middle of the grassy grounds of Plaza de Armas.

Fort Santiago

To the plaza’s left is the Dambana ni Rizal, or the Rizal Shrine, a mini-museum containing artifacts and relics significant to Rizal’s life, from the place where he was sentenced, the room where he stayed, and even the stamps and money he was put into.

Fort Santiago

The thing that interested me most was Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios, which he had written at the exact same location. Also there are exhibits which feature the notable moments leading to his execution. 

Fort Santiago

The room where Rizal was executed

Fort Santiago

Copy of Mi Ultimo Adios and the lamp it was placed into

Fort Santiago

Some of Rizal’s wood carvings

Fort Santiago

Philippine money with Rizal

The other side of this park is the golden steps of Rizal embedded in honor of the hero’s last minutes. This freedom trail where he passed on his way to Bagumbayan from his cell in Fort Santiago memorializes his brave path to martyrdom and symbolizes the birth of the Filipino nation. The steps shone under the sunlight, just like Rizal’s love for this country and fellowmen.

Fort Santiago

These Spanish military barracks has been turned into a seldom-used open-air theater. Rizal spent his last night in a cellblock at one end of these barracks.

Fort Santiago

The cool air around the vicinity made this trip a relaxed yet fun-filled one, filling myself with this site’s rich history plus admiring such beauty from nature’s past, grown into what we see it as today.

If your feet are tired with all the strolling, there is a picnic area where you can enjoy the company of those shady trees and relax for the rest of your visit. Also, if you want to experience the old-style way of transportation, there are kalesas available for tourists to ride on.

So there! I hope that this tour will encourage you to take the jeepney and head on to this wonderful park. I’m sure that a history-buff or not, anyone’s nationalism will be perked up deep inside. And while summer’s still rolling, take advantage and see the astounding splendor of Fort Santiago.

Fort Santiago

Rizal Shrine Fort Santiago,  Intramuros, Manila

Facebook: Intramuros Administration

Twitter @Intramuros

https://intramuros.gov.ph/

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About The Author

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Mariel writes, dreams and eats to her heart's content. Her typical day consists of either or all of the following: food, literature, music, events, traffic, day trips, dogs, magazines, shoots, papers, and/or love (not the romantic kind though). She lives by the saying, "Everything happens for a reason," dances everywhere, everyday like there's no tomorrow, and follows not the rules, but her happiness. Instagram @marielabanes

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My Favorite Places in the Philippines

  • 33895 Views
  • August 10th, 2015
  • in Destinations , Philippines

Having traveled extensively around the country, I am always asked about my favorite places in the Philippines. Seriously, it is the hardest question to answer because every place has its own distinct beauty & vibe.

The Philippines is home to many fantastic attractions. With 7,100 islands, we never run out of fun activities to do. Top it all with the Filipinos’ cheerful hospitality, choosing a favorite is a challenge.

“My favorite places in the Philippines are those that fulfill my travel goals.”

A destination becomes personally real when we reach it. A place becomes special if it gives us wonderful experiences that answer our intentions. All these are what we bring home from our travels & are kept in our memories.

In no particular order, I listed 15 of my most beloved places in the Philippines. These are the towns that I will never grow tired going back to in my lifetime.

If you have ever imagined what’s a real island life is, then this is the place. Siargao captures the hang loose vibe that’s familiar among surfing communities. But there’s more to life here than just surfing. Its bucolic charm, unspoiled beaches & simple lifestyle are what trap those who have come to Siargao.

I have lived in so many places & there’s really nothing like home. I grew up chasing waterfalls & eating delicious versions of our Filipino favorites like lechon & kinilaw . For a small city but with an art & culture scene that is so well alive, coming home is always a delightful feeling.

If there’s one place that characterizes Mindanao grace in a cosmopolitan pace, that is Davao City . It is a multi-cultural community that converges many of the country’s best minds, skills & talents. Popular for its unbeatable security & order, Davao is a charming & progressive city to visit or live.

4. Cagayan de Oro

CDO as it is popularly called, rose to fame when its decibel-breaking white water rafting adventures caught the country in a surprising splash. But what I also like most about CDO is its dining culture. Whatever cuisine you fancy, its dizzying choices of food spots are truly amazing.

5. Zamboanga

While Zamboanga is known for its delicious seafood dishes like the exotic curacha, I’ll let you in on a hush-hush—-Lantaka Hotel’s Saging Prito. It’s just your humble banana, fried & dazzled with a distinct kind of “latik” or sweet coco jam called “halea”. Zamboanga City keeps its Hispanic traditions alive—from its heritage buildings & food to its religion & language. Quiere quiere yo aqui!

6. Siquijor

There’s nothing much to do in Siquijor . I wake up to the sound of the crashing waves, walk on the beach or laze on a hammock reading a book. I drive around on a motorbike to visit centuries-old churches. Indulge on “hilot”, an indigenous deep tissue massage. I eat dinner early then gaze at the stars & tuck myself to bed. Nothing much, really.

7. Dumaguete

Dumaguete attracts the more relaxed kind of tourists. Those who like to take quiet walks on a sunset boulevard, & hearty chats over coffee & silvanas. It excites beachcombers, divers & those who just like to be happily anonymous . As a University Town, Dumaguete is the convergence of scholars in both art & science. Life here is simple & its people are gentle.

Need I say more? Be it the City or the entire Province , Cebu is the ultimate travel destination . It throws sensational parties & fills its guests with the most sophisticated or weirdest cravings. From beaches & dive sites, to heritage architectures & cultural festivals, Cebu is truly the Queen of the South.

I always feel special everytime I visit Bacolod . Palangga, as how the Negrenses call it, pampering is not unusual here. Whether you mean excellent food or sights, arts or parties, no one goes hungry in Bacolod. Every October, its Masskara Festival goes on a live stage. I must say it is the loveliest of all festivals in the Philippines.

10. Northern Samar

The Waray sunshine never ceases to amaze me. There’s nothing quite like the city of Calbayog —- simple but bright. Escape into the islands of Biri or San Antonio or trek its mountains punctuated by waterfalls. Their modesty of lifestyle is also what makes Northern Samar spectacular.

11. Palawan

I stumbled upon a paradise called Port Barton . Unlike its popular neighbors Puerto Princesa , El Nido & Coron , this small beach town is absolutely idyllic. Its antithetic sophistication always leaves me captivated in simple & quiet fun time on the beach. This is my kind of place —- peaceful & restorative.

Did you know that Bicol is home to many of our heritage churches in the Philippines ? Have you ever felt so moved by something of the religious kind in your travels? I lived in Naga for a few years. During those times I had the opportunity to explore its deep religiosity, uncombed islands , delicious cuisine & exciting best-kept sights . But I still keep coming back because there’s more to experience in Bicol.

Whenever I feel a need for a quick escape from the daunting life in Manila, I run to my personal sanctuary, Quezon. I just hide in the old Halina Hotel or my favorite Villa Javierto . Sometimes, I just walk on the quiet streets of Lucban nibbling “espasol”. Whenever I want to feel rich, I indulge on a Mexican-inspired getaway in Pagbilao . Or simply disappear in Dolores .

If chillin’ under pine trees on a quiet afternoon is your kind of retreat, Baguio indulges you this both the literal & the figurative. The soothing highland weather & quiet escapes are what captivate its visitors. For many, it is an easy summer choice but I love to come to Baguio anytime of the year.

15. Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte always brings good memories to me. If you find yourself driving on this region, take it slow & take occasional detours . Pull over & explore the attractions in each town. Then repeat. Ilocos Norte has so much to offer. It has beautiful beaches, historic buildings , interesting arts & crafts , superb local cuisine & exciting adventures . It also boasts of quiet & stylish resorts . This place is surely awesome.

We travel for so many reasons. Some experiences are delightful & some are not. There are destinations that you won’t miss at all & there some that you make your favorite places in the Philippines.

There are endless back roads to discover in the country. What are those places that you never grow tired going back to over & over? Share your story on the comment box below.

Hello, I am Potpot

Betwixt and between the arthritic 40 and a horrendous body mass index of positive 30, escapism and yummyeology are my real-life double post-graduate degrees conferred with the highest honors. I lived nearly half of my life in fancy suitcases, jetsetting between reality and fantasy... read more

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English Compositions

Essay on Travel Experience [200, 500 Words] With PDF

Travelling plays an important role in our lives as it enriches our experience. In this lesson, you will learn to write essays in three different sets on the importance of libraries. It will help you in articulating your thoughts in the upcoming exams.

Table of Contents

Essay on travel experience in 200 words, essay on travel experience in 500 words.

Feature image of Essay on Travel Experience

We travel to get away from the monotony of our daily lives. It’s a refreshing diversion from the monotony of everyday life. It allows our minds to relax and gives our inner child the opportunity to play. Some trip memories are nostalgic and melancholy, while others are daring and exhilarating. A trip to the graveyard, the poet’s corner in London, or one’s ancestral house, for example, is a voyage to nostalgia.

These travels allow them to relive memories and treasure golden memories from a bygone era. People who go on these journeys are frequently depressed and artistically inclined. Travelling instils a sense of adventure and encourages us to make the most of every opportunity. Some people prefer to travel in groups, whereas others prefer to travel alone.

Trips to amusement parks with massive roller coasters or a deeply wooded forest could be exciting. It’s important to remember that Columbus discovered America due to his travels. The journey becomes much more memorable when things don’t go as planned. For example, if a car tyre blows out on the highway and it begins to rain heavily, the trip will turn into an adventure, even though it was not intended to be such. A visit to a museum or a gothic structure, on the other hand, is sure to be exciting.

Essay on Travel Experience Example

We travel to get a break from the mundane and robust lifestyle. It is a welcome change from the monotonous routine existence. It helps our minds rest and gives the inner child within us to have a good time.

Not all travelling experiences are adventurous and exciting, and some are nostalgic and melancholic. For instance, a trip to the cemetery or the poet’s corner in London or one’s ancestral home will be a nostalgia trip. Such trips help them re-live the moments and cherish the golden memories of bygone times. People who undertake such trips are often melancholic and have an artistic sensibility.

Travelling experiences bring enthusiasm and teach us to make the best of every moment. While some enjoy travelling in groups, some people love to travel solo. Adventurous trips could be to amusement parks with giant roller coasters or a deep, dense forest. One must not forget that travelling led Columbus to discover America. When things don’t go as planned, the trip becomes more memorable. For instance, if the car tyre gets punctured on the highway and starts raining heavily, the trip, even if not intended to be adventurous, shall become one. A trip to a museum or gothic architecture shall be thrilling. 

Last Christmas, my trip to Goa with my friends was an enriching one. The golden sun-soaked beaches offered a refuge from the humdrum city life of Kolkata. The cool breeze, the rising and setting sun, and the chilly wind all transported me to heaven. It was paradisal and divine. The cuisine was exquisite. The Portuguese culture and the museums offer various historical insights.

Although it was the peak season and most crowded places, people were civilised and cultured. The melodious music was in the air in every nook and corner, and the happy vibes were contagious. I danced, sang, played and had a great time. I tried sky diving, and it was a thrilling experience.

Besides fun and frolic, I found the independent spirit of people commendable. We spent three days in North Goa and two days in South Goa. We stayed at a guest house as most hotels were expensive and very occupied. We booked scooters to travel far and near. We also went on the cruise for the casino night.

My favourite spot was Thalassa, where we enjoyed the spectacular belly dance performance by males and females. We spent Christmas at Curlies witnessing the waxing moon at midnight. The lap of nature enriches one travelling experience and soothes their soul. The chirping of birds, the sound of the waterfall, the waves of a beach or the snow-covered mountain uplifts the traveller’s spirit.

One must not restrict oneself to a specific type of travelling experience. Life, after all, is a long journey that offers us different durations of vacations to make us laugh and learn at the same time. As Francis Bacon puts it, “Travel in the younger sort is a part of education, in the elder, a part of the experience.”

Hopefully, after going through this lesson, you have a holistic idea of the importance of travelling in our lives. I have tried to cover every aspect of a traveller’s experience within limited words. If you still have any doubts regarding this session, kindly let me know through the comment section below. To read more such essays on many important topics, keep browsing our website. 

Join us on Telegram to get the latest updates on our upcoming sessions. Thank you, see you again soon.

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Oliver Emocling rides a jeepney to the train station in Caloocan City, Metro Manila

Manila's commutes from hell - a photo essay

Photographer Eloisa Lopez documented commuters through the gridlocked streets of the Philippines metropolis – some of them travelling three hours each way to and from work

F lashlight in hand, the street-sweeper Alejandro Galasao, 58, navigates a labyrinth of alleys to catch a bus to the capital, Manila, 30km (18.6 miles) away. He has to wake up in the middle of the night for a job that does not start until 6am. Traffic is so bad in Manila that if he leaves any later than 3.30am, there is no way he will clock in on time.

“If I go to work at rush hour, it would take me three hours, but without traffic, my travel time is just an hour,” Galasao told Reuters. “This is the only job I know. Even if I find something else, I doubt I would earn any better. To be honest, there’s really not enough time [when I get home] to sleep.”

Alejandro Galasao, 58, a street sweeper, waits for a bus

Alejandro Galasao, 58, a street sweeper, makes his journey to work

Metro Manila, a sprawl of 16 cities fused together by outdated infrastructure, is creaking under the weight of millions of vehicles, owing largely to economic growth of more than 6% a year since 2012.

Urban rail coverage is limited, trains are prone to breakdowns and queues spill on to streets, where exhaust fumes are intoxicating. The quality of life is poor for many urban Filipinos, who spend a chunk of their day commuting.

Janice Sarad works at a bank head office and leaves home four hours before work starts in Bonifacio Global City, a Manila business hub. On a typical day, Sarad, 22, takes a train, a bus and two passenger jeeps to get to work.

“In the morning, it’s even more difficult to commute because the pressure not to be late is there. You really have to fight your way in,” she said.

“When I feel stressed, I try not to dwell on it. I just think about how lucky I am being able to work, and for getting home safely every day.”

Janice Sarad, 22, who works for a bank, leaves her neighbourhood to go to work

Janice Sarad, 22, who works for a bank and travels with a torchlight

A 2015 survey by GPS-based navigation app Waze found Manila had the world’s worst traffic congestion, partly due to a trebling of annual car sales from a decade ago.

Oliver Emocling, 23, gets to work by train, but queues are so long that he often arrives late, and has been docked wages as punishment.

“I usually don’t get to eat breakfast or dinner unless I wake up really early, or eat out. When I get home, it’s already 10pm, and my body is just craving sleep rather than food,” said Emocling, who works at a magazine. “I could be using the travel time to sleep more, rest more. Instead, my time gets wasted.”

Oliver Emocling, 23, who works for a magazine, leaves his neighbourhood in Caloocan city

Oliver Emocling, 23, who works for a magazine and often misses meals because he spends so much time commuting

The daily loss of business in Manila because of traffic woes has risen to 3.5bn pesos (£51.2m) in 2017 from 2.4bn pesos in 2012, according to the Japan International Cooperation Agency .

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Saturday fixing Manila’s traffic was not easy, adding that it was the only campaign promise he had failed to deliver. He recently approved a law that encourages companies to support more employees to work from home.

The government is making some headway on an $180bn (£137.2bn) program to modernise roads, railways and airports, including a subway system set to begin construction on Wednesday. However, the building works are exacerbating snarl-ups.

Ferdinand Tan, a 53-year-old wealth coach, lets his staff work from home and has modified his van to cope with traffic, turning it into a mobile office with a power supply, computer and even a foot massager.

“No one can really solve the traffic. So instead of complaining about it, I try to maximise [the time],” he said. “I use unproductive time to be productive.”

He also chooses for his children to be homeschooled. “I don’t want them to spend so much unproductive time travelling every single day. That’s time away from the family. And by the time they get home, they’re already tired.”

Ferdinand Tan, 53, wealth coach and motivational speaker, rehearses his lines in his van while on his way to a speaking engagement in Cainta city

Ferdinand Tan, 53, wealth coach and motivational speaker, who has turned his van into a mobile office

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Jessie on a Journey | Solo Female Travel Blog

19 Inspiring Travel Experience Stories About Life-Changing Trips

Love inspiring travel experience stories ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Grab a snack and your favorite beverage and get ready to settle in, as you’re about to read some truly inspiring travel stories about life-changing trips.

In this roundup, some of my favorite bloggers share their best travel stories.

You’ll hear about travelers embarking on sacred pilgrimages, growing after a first solo female travel trip, deeply connecting with locals on the road, and getting out of their comfort zones in ways that completely alter the course of their life.

And if you’re looking for a unique travel experience, you’ll likely find it in the short stories about travel below.

Table of Contents

Free Travel Resources

But first…

Make sure to grab free access to my #BeyondTheGuidebook Travel Resource Library:

travel planning resources

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Woohoo! You’re officially a member of the Jessie on a Journey community. 

Make sure to also connect with me  on Instagram ,  on YouTube , and  on Facebook  to start traveling #BeyondTheGuidebook.

I regularly share about solo female travel, New York City, lesser-known destinations, unique experiences, active adventures, and how to turn your passion for exploring the world into a profitable business through travel blogging.

Click here to head back to the travel blog .

.

There is so much included!

Plus, I’m constantly adding new resources, guides, and personality quizzes to help you travel beyond the guidebook!

On that note, let’s dive into the inspiring travel stories .

1. Travel Experience Stories In South America

My travel story takes place in South America, back when I used to travel solo for months at a time.

I was in my mid-20s, and even though I’d backpacked Europe, Southeast Asia, and China and had studied abroad in Australia, the mix of intense excitement and nerves I had leading up to my South America backpacking trip was different.

And despite family and friends warning me that South America wasn’t a place for a solo female traveler , it ended up being my best trip ever.

There are so many interesting short travel stories and unforgettable travel experiences woven into this trip, like:

  • Getting invited to have dinner with my Brazilian plane seatmate and her grandma
  • Having a group of complete strangers on Couchsurfing take me out for dinner and dancing on my birthday in Mendoza
  • Attending a small house party in Argentina and learning about the tradition of mate
  • Getting stuck on a broken-down bus and having an impromptu language exchange with an elderly woman in Peru
  • Having a love interest back home break up with me via text, and then experiencing the kindness of strangers as a woman in my hostel who I barely knew treated me to ice cream to cheer me up
  • Having a romance with a hostel mate in Ecuador and then traveling through the country together
  • Living in a giant treehouse with a group of strangers during a solo trip in Brazil and spending our days exploring hiking trails and swimming and our nights drinking and exchanging stories about traveling
  • Taking a 4×4 from Chile to Bolivia across the Siloli Desert to see otherwordly sites like rainbow lagoons and train graveyards in the middle of nowhere
  • Experiencing some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders, like Iguazu Falls, Torres del Paine, the Amazon River, Uyuni Salt Flats, and Perito Moreno Glacier

At times the trip was also challenging, from dealing with long bus rides and car sickness to flipping over my bicycle handlebars in Peru and getting my body (and ego) badly bruised.

But, I was okay.

In fact, I was more than okay, as the trip showed me how independent I could be and what I was truly capable of. It also showed me the beauty of immersing yourself in cultures different than your own and connecting with locals who want to share them with you.

Years later, when people ask what my best travel experience has been this is the trip that comes to mind.

-Jessie from Jessie on a Journey

A travel experience story about Brunei

2. Traveling With An Open Mind

Many people think of travel as an experience and rightly so. Sometimes, however, you cannot choose the places you travel to.

This happened to me in 2019.

My husband found himself posted in Brunei for work.

Three months pregnant meant that I had a choice:

Either stay with him in Brunei for three months before returning back to India or remain in India, alone.

I chose the former. Not because of my love for the country but because I wanted to be close to him.

Brunei had never held any appeal to me. Whatever research that I pulled off the Internet showed me nothing other than one beautiful mosque.

The flights in and out of the country were expensive so traveling frequently out was not an option either.

I was engulfed by a sense of being trapped in a remote place.

Needless to say, I reached Brunei in a pretty foul mood. I think one of the things that struck me the most even in the midst of that bad mood was the large swaths of greenery that surrounded us.

Mind you, we were not staying in the big city but as far away on the outskirts as you could imagine. I’m not a city girl by any stretch and the greenery eventually soothed my nerves.

It took a week, but I soon found myself interacting with people around me. Fellow expats and locals all went out of their way to make me feel comfortable.

The more comfortable I felt, the more we explored. We trekked (yes, while pregnant!), we joined the board game community, and we enjoyed the local cuisine.

Three months later when it was time to leave, I found myself reluctant to say goodbye to the warmth of the country I had called home for a short while.

I think that my time in Brunei taught me a valuable lesson:

Don’t judge a place by what others say or a lack of information.

Sure, you may not always like what you see, but there will always be something that you will like. You just need to look hard enough to find it!

-Penny from GlobeTrove

A slow travel experience across the Portuguese Camino de Santiago

3. From Half-Day Hiker To Walking Holiday Enthusiast

I’ve always enjoyed walking but never in a million years did I imagine I’d end up walking over 200 kilometers (~124 miles) in 10 days, become a fan of walking holidays, and end up developing self-guided hiking routes in Portugal with a local tour operator as part of my business.

The shift from being someone who was content with an easy three-hour walk to an experienced multi-day hiker began with a brief taste of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrim trail through Portugal to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain.

Back in 2013 I did a guided one-day hike along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Camino, north of Ponte de Lima. It’s also one of the most challenging sections so it was hard work, but the views from the top of Labruja Mountain made the climb worthwhile.

My guides were so enthusiastic about the thrill of arriving at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral after the challenges of day after day on the Camino that I began to think I might want to give it a go, despite not being religious.

Fast forward a few years and I set off from Barcelos with a friend of mine to follow the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.

Apart from suffering from chronic back pain, I thought I was quite fit but nothing had prepared me for how utterly exhausted I would feel at the end of each walking day.

This was truly a slow travel experience, as we were averaging about 20 kilometers (~12 miles) per day and by the time we reached our hotel, I would barely have enough energy to get cleaned up and find food before collapsing. I had envisioned plenty of sightseeing but that ended up being minimal.

Quickly, I realized the moral of this unique travel experience:

The Camino was all about making the most of the journey rather than the destination.

For me, that was quite a shift in thinking as I am usually all about getting to where I want to be as soon as possible so that I can start exploring. It was, perhaps, also my first step on the path towards mindfulness.

I will never forget the sense of achievement and progress at the end of each walking day, and the relief and pride I felt when we finally made it to Santiago de Compostela.

We met people who had walked the Camino several times and I can totally understand how it can become addictive. 

-Julie from Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal

A story about traveling the Banda Islands

4. A Story About Traveling & Its Ripple Effect

Tucked away in far eastern Indonesia is a tiny archipelago of islands called the Banda Islands.

Apart from world-class snorkeling and some crumbling colonial buildings, the Banda Islands are mostly forgotten and would be described as a backwater by all accounts.

However, the Banda Islands are possibly the main reason that I am who I am today. 

Well, the Bandas are the original Spice Islands.

Nutmeg used to grow on this tiny group of islands alone and nowhere else. The Dutch colonized Indonesia and promptly became the owners of islands where money grew on trees.

The only problem was that Indonesia was so far away that they needed a halfway stop to and from Indonesia.

That’s where my travel experience story comes in.

The same Dutch East India Company that traded in spice set up a halfway station at the foot of Table Mountain to break up their long journey. As a result, my Dutch ancestors arrived in the southernmost point in Africa , and generations later we are still there.

When I visited the Banda Islands, it dawned on me how something happening on the other side of the world can ripple out and affect people on the other side of the planet.

And I’m not the only one!

The spice trade was so important to the Dutch that they even traded a tiny island in the Banda archipelago for a much bigger island…Manhattan.

Yes. That Manhattan.

Before visiting the Banda Islands I never really knew about this part of my history.

Along with the spice that the ships carried back to Amsterdam, it also carried slaves. These slaves, more often than not, ended up in Cape Town.

Just like my European ancestors, they too became a part of Africa and added another shade to our beautiful Rainbow Nation.

It was in the Banda Islands that I realized how much of my culture, food, stories and even words in my mother tongue, Afrikaans, actually originated in Indonesia.

Because of these tiny islands, I am a true mix of Europe, Africa, and Asia. While I always thought I knew how all things in life are somehow connected, I didn’t really grasp it until my visit to Indonesia.

This could have been a resort travel experience story, as I went to Indonesia to swim and snorkel and relax on the world’s best beaches. And while I did get to do that, I also learned a lot about who I am as a person, my people, and my country…on another continent. 

My visit to the Bandas has sparked a fascination with Indonesia, which I have visited seven times since. I’m already planning another trip to this spectacular country!

-De Wet from Museum of Wander

The best trip ever in Costa Rica

5. Awakening My Spirit In A Costa Rican Cloud Forest

In February 2017, I was just coming out of a decade of mysterious chronic illness that had shrunk my world.

And one of the things that finally helped me to resurface during the previous year was an online Qi Gong course I stumbled upon: 

Flowing Zen .

To the casual observer, Qi Gong looks a lot like its better-known cousin, Tai Chi — the ancient art of moving meditation — but it’s actually energy medicine for healing.

In fact, it’s commonly used in Chinese hospitals.

My daily practice that year made such a difference for me that I dangled a reward for myself:

If I stuck with it all year, then I’d head to Sifu Anthony’s annual retreat in a cloud forest in Costa Rica the following February.

And I did! It was my first trip out of the country for more than a decade.

Just like that, I booked a solo trip — something I hadn’t done since I was an exchange student to Europe 30 years earlier — to San Jose where I met up with a dozen strangers and Sifu Anthony, our Qi Gong master.

We boarded a tiny bus and rode up, up, up around carsick-inducing curvy mountain roads into a magical cloud forest jungle where we finally arrived at The Blue Mountain (“La Montana Azul”) for a weeklong Qi Gong retreat. 

There were no Internet or distractions here — just delicious organic vegetarian meals made with love and shared with the community under a gorgeous open-air palapa.

There were also colorful tropical birds singing in the jungle, as well as the largest arachnid I’ve ever seen in my gorgeous (but also roofless) room for a little extra adventure.

I’d felt a little energy movement during my year of online practice, but during that week on The Blue Mountain, my body began to really buzz with Qi — life force energy — as I Lifted the Sky, stood in Wuji Stance, and practiced Shooting Arrows.

I felt electrified and joyful. 

And that was when everything changed for me.

At home, I had a successful career as a freelance writer, but I decided during my week in the cloud forest that I wanted more from life.

I wanted to explore the beauty, diversity, nature, and culture in every corner of the world.

And I wanted to share this intoxicating joyful feeling of life-giving freedom and adventure with anyone who wanted to come along for the ride.

Shortly after that, at age 53, I launched my travel blog.

Dreams really do come true. They are just waiting for you to claim them.

-Chris from Explore Now or Never

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.

6. From Rome With Love

This wasn’t the way I wanted to see Rome. 

Sure, I was happy to spend Christmas in Rome and stand in awe of the city’s many iconic attractions. But, life wasn’t meant to turn out like this.

I was supposed to go to Rome with my mom back in 2012; however, life had different plans, because a week before our trip, I got a double kidney infection. A condition that required a week of hospitalization.

Although I was annoyed I had missed my trip, it wasn’t the end of the world since I was fine and everything seemed okay…until my mom developed a cough.

A cough that later became a heartbreaking diagnosis of stage four ovarian cancer. 

My mom spent the final months of her life in chemo, desperately trying to fight a horrific disease so that she wouldn’t let her family down.

And she didn’t.

Instead, she showed us how to never give up on life, even if it was a losing battle. 

So, when she eventually passed away, I booked a trip to Rome. 

Sure, it wasn’t the trip I had hoped for. But, I knew that as her daughter, it was my job to live enough for the both of us. 

And that’s exactly what I did.

Was I an anxious, sad, angry mess of a person?

Absolutely. I was still getting used to a world that my mother wasn’t a part of. 

And honestly, you never get used to that world. You just deal with it because you don’t really have a choice.

But I also knew that I wanted my mom to live on through me and that I didn’t want to live a life where the haunting phrases “should of,” “could of,” and “would have” swirled through my head and ate away at my happiness.

So, I went. I packed a boatload of tissues, sobbed my heart out, and attended Christmas mass at the Vatican. 

I also threw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, walked through the Colosseum, chowed down on gelato, and spent two weeks doing all the things my mom and I had wanted to do. 

And that’s when it hit me. I had never gone to Rome alone because my mom had always been there with me. Maybe she wasn’t physically there, but I thought of her and felt her presence every minute of every day. 

Her presence also reminded me that life isn’t about the things we buy or the money that we have.

It’s about making memories with the people we love; people that never really leave us since they are constantly influencing our lives in countless ways.

And after my trip to Rome, I finally knew that my mom would always be there because she had forever changed my life in the best possible way. 

-Kelly from Girl with the Passport

inspiring travel stories in Finland

7. Studying In Finland

One of my major life-turning points happened during my exchange studies in Finland.

Until then, I was studying at a university in Prague, had a part-time job at a renowned management-consulting firm, and thought I was on the right path in life.

At the University of Economics where I studied it was notoriously difficult to get on an Erasmus exchange trip abroad since the demand was huge. Everyone wanted to go!

Regardless, I decided to sign up early for my last semester, just to see what the process was like to be better prepared for applying again in a year.

I did make it through all the three rounds and surprisingly got a spot at a University in Turku, Finland! I was ecstatic. The success brought its own challenges, but once you set your eyes on the goal, nothing can stop you.

And I had the time of my life in Finland.

I met the most amazing people, traveled a ton, partied a lot, and bonded with friends from all over the world.

Given I was one of the few people there who really needed to pass all her courses and additionally write her thesis, I managed to run on an impossible sleep schedule of four hours per night. But I made it!

My studies in Finland opened up my horizons, too.

The summer after, I wrapped up my life in Prague and went on to study in Germany and China . The whole time I traveled as much as possible, often going on solo adventures. It was only a matter of time when I’d start my own travel blog.

My Finland adventure led me to a life of freedom made up of remote work, travel blogging , and plenty of traveling. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. And it gave me one of my favorite true adventure stories that I can now share with others.

-Veronika from Travel Geekery

Travel experience stories in Cuba

8. How Cuba Changed My Life

One of my favorite inspiring stories about travel takes place in Cuba.

I visited Cuba in February 2013 and it changed my life — and I like to think it did so for the better.

Interestingly, I expected a completely different country and was compelled to write about it when I got back home.

But let me tell you more.

I read copious amounts of blogs and travel diaries to prepare myself for the trip to Cuba so I thought I’d go in with a fairly good idea of what to expect. Each and every post I read spoke of marvelous landscapes, pristine beaches, crumbling but charming cities, and welcoming locals.

All of it was true, in my experience — except for the locals.

I didn’t find them so welcoming. At least, not genuinely so. They only seemed to welcome me as far as they could get something in exchange: money, clothes, pens, soap, you name it. 

Each and every day in Cuba was a challenge to avoid the scams, to avoid being ripped off, to fight off each and every attempt of people trying to take advantage of me. I usually managed, but it was exhausting and it left a sour taste in my mouth.

Once I got back home I felt the urge to write about my experience — not for other sites or papers as I’d often do. This time I was afraid I’d be censored.

So I opened my own blog. With zero tech knowledge, zero understanding of online content creation and SEO, I started writing and telling people what they should really expect during a trip to Cuba.

I’d put up the occasional post, but continued with my usual job.

At the end of the year, my contract as a researcher in international human rights law at the local university ended, and I decided to stop pursuing that career for a while.

I packed my bags and left for a long-term trip to Central and South America . I started writing on the blog more consistently and learning, and eventually took my blog full-time , turning it into a career.

As of today, I have never looked back and have no regrets.

The one thing I’ll do, as soon as I can, is travel to Cuba to say thank you — because it changed my life in a way nothing else has ever done. 

-Claudia from Strictly Sardinia

inspiring travel stories in Patagonia

9. A Short Travel Story About Finding Inner Peace In Patagonia

Life in London is hard.

Life in London as a gay single brown refugee is harder.

Juggling between work, my passion for traveling, and the prejudices that I dealt with on a daily basis eventually took their toll on me and I reached a breaking point.

The fact that I couldn’t return home to see my family and being away for them for almost nine years was enough to hammer in the final nail in the coffin.

I almost had a nervous breakdown and in that moment of desperation, which I knew would define the rest of my life, I took a month off and headed to Patagonia.

It was probably the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. The 36 hours it took me to get to El Chalten from London were tiring but Patagonia blew me away.

On my first day there I did a 28-kilometer (17-mile) hike which included a steep mountain climb. It was incredible how moving through the forest helped me clear my mind. And as I stood in front of Laguna de Los Tres, the rain and clouds gave way to sunshine and a rainbow.

I felt at peace.

The countless hikes, great food, and the warmth of locals in Chile and Argentina helped me get back in my skin and find the peace I was missing in my heart.

Nature is indeed the best medicine when it comes to stress relief and I won’t be coy about hugging trees to speed up the process (it did).

Patagonia was life-changing for me.

The beauty of nature struck me at each point and every time I thought it wasn’t possible to beat the view, the next one did just that.

I came back a changed, resilient, and most importantly, a happy person.

-Ucman from BrownBoyTravels

A unique travel experience in Colorado

10. Looking Inwards & Making Connections With Strangers

It was decades before I traveled solo for the first time in my life.

This trip — a six-day escape to Colorado — was the first trip that was not for business or family reasons but just to travel and discover.

As I prepared for it, I had a strange feeling of excitement and nerves at the same time. I had all sorts of thoughts and doubts:

Would it be fun?

Would I be bored?

Would I stay in bed all day or would I bounce with excitement to do the next thing?

I wasn’t sure. Little did I know that it was going to be a memorable journey of self-discovery. 

As a good wife and mom, for me travel is always about the family; always thinking of who would enjoy what. It’s about family time and bonding. It’s about creating memories and travel stories together. It’s all so wonderful.

But on a solo trip who would I connect with? What would I say?

Well, I found that I got to do anything I wanted!

Usually when I travel with my family, if I feel like going on a drive that’s not on the itinerary or getting a snack no one else is interested in, we simply don’t do that.

So it was weird to just go do it. Really, that’s a thing?

As for making connections, it was so easy to meet locals while traveling and also to connect with other travelers. Honestly, I had conversations everywhere — on planes, while hiking, in restaurants, in the hotel lobby.

It was quite an eye-opening experience to meet a mom of 18 kids and hundreds of foster kids, a cookie baker, a professional photographer, a family of Fourteener hikers, and an internationally ranked marathon runner.

The inspiring stories I discovered were amazing and nothing like my wonderful safe life at home. 

In terms of travel safety , I got to go rock climbing, solo hiking, driving up a Fourteener, eating alone.

And it was all fine. Actually, it felt surprisingly normal.

It was was just me, my SUV, and my backpack for a week. Most of all, it was a breath of fresh air that I didn’t know existed. 

It’s wonderful to be back home and know that possibilities are endless and there is so much more out there to explore and be wowed by!

-Jyoti from Story At Every Corner

life-changing travel experience stories in Colombia

11. A Solo Hike To Find Connection

I have traveled solo many times, but I admit I was a bit uneasy booking my trip to Colombia . In part, due to the country’s dark past. But also because I desperately wanted to do the Cocora Valley hike, and if I’m honest, I was terrified.

This hike is located in the Coffee Triangle, an area recognized for its beauty as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features both rainforest and a stunning green valley speckled with cartoonishly-tall wax palms rising 200 feet or more.

It’s incredibly beautiful.

It’s also a long hike and quite challenging — it generally takes between six and eight hours and there is a steep area with over 3,000 feet of elevation within a quarter of a mile.

I wasn’t in hiking shape, so I was a little concerned. But, worst of all for me were the seven dodgy-looking suspension bridges. 

I’m terrified of heights.

And, I’d be going alone.

I decided to go anyway and I met an incredible woman on the bus to Salento, the town near Cocora. She was also traveling solo and we agreed to hike together.

The town is a backpacker enclave and we met up with a small group of people all traveling solo. As the days passed, our group got larger and it was such a magical experience.

As much as I love city travel, this small town won my heart.

My new friend and I set off on the hike and met two other women who were nervous to do the hike. We all went together.

When we got to the first suspension bridge, I paused. I was embarrassed to admit my fear, but the bridge swayed widely and there was nowhere to hold onto.

When they realized how out of my comfort zone I was and how scared I felt, everything changed. Instead of me dealing with it alone, they were all there to encourage me.

One crossed the bridge to encourage me from the other side and they stayed off of it to limit the sway. Crazy enough, I not only crossed the seven suspension bridges, but I also crossed one an extra time when we went the wrong way on the trail.

I did it! 

I was prepared to be blown away by Cocora Valley’s beauty, but what I wasn’t expecting was what a life-changing travel experience my time there would be.

 -Sam from My Flying Leap

short stories on travel and sustainability

12. How A Pet Sitting Travel Experience Led To A Passionate Career

We wanted to go to the Caribbean but didn’t know much about the islands or how we were going to afford it.

By chance, a friend of ours in Australia mentioned “pet sitting” and that it is something you can do all over the world.

We quickly created an account on a pet sitting website and began searching for options. There were only a couple of sits available in that part of the world, but we tried our luck, sent a request, and to our surprise landed a three-month gig in a beautiful house in the US Virgin Islands — with an infinity pool overlooking the British Virgin Islands.

A month into our sit, we had explored the destination pretty well and so had a lot of time on our hands. We managed to secure another sit in Grenada, so our year was going to be taken up with Caribbean pet sits.

Inspired by a Canadian couple that had previously stayed at our Grenada housesit, we decided to start our own travel blog. We began by writing about The Virgin Islands, highlighting the beautiful beaches and funky bars.

But for every photo of a beautiful beach there were 10 photos of trash.     

It was hard to ignore the plastic pollution issue, especially on such pristine and remote beaches.  So, we began to share photos of the trash we saw and how much we could pick up on our daily dog walks.

The more we looked into plastic pollution, the more we realized the severity of the global plastic pandemic. From that point, we used our platform to create awareness and highlight ways to say no to plastic and travel plastic-free .

We changed our daily routines, our way of living, and even our diets to accommodate more organic foods and little to no plastic packaging.

It’s been over three years now and we continue to do what we can. This journey has led us to some amazing places, working with great conscious brands and even organizing a country-wide beach clean-up campaign in Grenada.

Our aim now is to keep on going.

We love connecting with like-minded people and love the shift over the last few years that brands have made towards creating more sustainable products and services.

It’s been an amazing few years that was sparked by a conversation about pet sitting. Who would have guessed?

-Aaron & Vivien from The Dharma Trails

travel for experience in Uganda

13. Learning To Slow Down The Hard Way

On Christmas of 2017, I was born again.

We like to spend our Christmas holidays somewhere warm abroad, and that year we chose Uganda.

Nature, wildlife, and sunny days were a blessing when it was so cold and dark in Europe. Life was beautiful, and we had a rental car and a busy schedule ahead to explore the country.

This is where this short travel story turns into one of my more scary travel experiences :

At Murchinson Falls National Park, we had a car accident.

I lost control of the car, and it rolled over, destroying windows, chassis, and engine.

But we were alive! My right arm was severely injured, but we managed to walk to our lodge, not far inside the park.

In the lodge, I was happy to learn that there was a pretty decent American hospital in Masindi that was just a one-hour drive from the lodge. Moreover, one of the lodge’s guests was a nurse who cleaned the wound while we were waiting for the taxi from/to Masindi.

The hospital took care of us, and after a couple of injections and stitches, I was ready to head to our new hotel in Masindi; however, my wound required daily dressing and more injections, so we were asked to stay in town for a few days.   

Masindi is the kind of place where you may want to stop to buy some food or water, but that’s it.

The town’s highlights were the market and our daily visit to the hospital, so we ended up looking for the small things, chatting with the medical staff, the hotel staff, the people in the market, and learning more about their customs.

We learned to slow down the hard way.

When we were allowed to leave, we took a road trip south through the country to see something else. We did not care about our travel bucket list anymore — we were alive, and we wanted to enjoy Uganda’s unique nature and its people. 

In the end, our Uganda trip was not about the places that we saw, but the people that we met. It was travel for experience vs sightseeing.

I hope to revisit Uganda one day, with a stop at Masindi for some food, water, and maybe something else.

-Elisa from World in Paris

short travel stories about cycling

14. A Cycling Trip To Remember

During the summer of 2019, I cycled solo from London to Istanbul. This huge bicycle tour took me 89 days and through 11 countries.

As you might expect, it was a challenging yet incredible journey, which saw me pedal along some of Europe’s greatest rivers, pass through some of its best cities, and witness some of its most beautiful scenery.

It’s becoming more and more important for us to think about the impact that travel can have on our environment. This was the inspiration for my bicycle tour; I wanted to find more responsible ways to explore the world and avoid flights where possible.

I discovered that bicycle touring is one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel, as using nothing but a bicycle and your own pedal power you can carry everything you need while covering surprising distances each day.

The simplicity of life and the sheer amount of time I spent cycling alone gave me a lot of time to just think . This really helped me to come to terms with some personal problems rooted in my past and, as a result, I arrived solo in Istanbul with newly found confidence, independence, and liberation. 

Cycling across the entire European continent may seem like an impossibly daunting task, but I assure you, it will make you feel like a new person, just like it did for me.

-Lauren from The Planet Edit

Best travel experience in Jamaica

15. How The Caribbean Shaped Me Into A Fully Sustainable Traveler

One of my first international trips as an adult was traveling around the Caribbean .

I checked into my hotel in Jamaica and asked for a recommendation for a local place to eat. The receptionist told me that under no circumstances should I should go into the town because it was really dangerous, but that — to my luck — the hotel’s restaurant offered wonderful Caribbean food.

I pondered my options:

Did I really want to spend all my time on the beach without getting to know a single local?

I was a very inexperienced traveler and very young, but there was only one answer to my question:

Absolutely not. I was not going to be visiting a new place and staying hostage in a hotel chain. So out I went.

The poverty hit me in the face. After only seeing fancy resorts, the reality was hard to swallow.

A few locals approached me and were super curious as to what I was doing there alone, since most tourists didn’t go there.

I told them I was interested in meeting them and experiencing their culture. And just like that, I was embraced.

We met more people, had some food, and then we danced the night away. They had so little, yet they wanted to share it with me. They wanted to make me feel welcome.

And they undeniably did.

The next morning all I could think about was how all the money most tourists spend goes to big corporations. The locals have to be thankful if they get a job that pays minimum wage, while foreign businesses earn millions.

I have always been environmentally conscious, but this trip made it clear that sustainability goes well beyond nature and wildlife.

It’s also about communities.

From then on I always look for locally owned accommodation, eateries, guides, and souvenirs.

Sustainability, with everything it entails, became a motto for me and changed the very essence of the way I travel.

-Coni from  Experiencing the Globe

Short stories about travel in Peru

16. Lessons From My Students In Peru

One of the most life-changing trips I’ve ever been on was a volunteering experience in the stunning city of Cuzco in Peru.

I spent a month there teaching English and Italian to a group of local adults. And even though my time there was short, the travel experience was so humbling that it changed my outlook on life.

My lessons took the form of active conversations, which essentially turned into a massive multilingual cultural exchange between me and my students. Hearing my students talk about their lives — and realizing just how different they were from mine — made me look at my own life with a fresh new perspective.

One person spoke about the three years he spent living in a jungle with his dad, where they fed off of animals they hunted in order to survive.

Another student told me about her ultimate dream of mastering English so that she could become a tour guide and have a more stable future.

For me, these stories were a reminder of just how small I am in this world and how much we can get consumed by the small bubbles we live in. 

Most of all, my students showed a passion and appreciation for life that I’d never witnessed before.

This is true for the locals I met in Cuzco in general. The quality of life in Cuzco is very modest; hot water is scarce and you learn to live with little.

But the locals there do way more than just that — they spontaneously parade the streets with trumpets and drums just because they’re feeling happy, and their energy for the simple things in life is incredibly contagious.

It was impossible to not feel inspired in Cuzco because my students always had the biggest smiles on their faces, and the locals showed me again and again that simply being alive is a blessing.

I went to Peru to teach, but ended up learning more from my students and the locals there than they did from me.

Ever since I got back from that trip, I made it a goal to slow down and not take the simple things in life for granted.

Every time I get upset about something, I think about the Peruvians in Cuzco parading their streets in song and pure joy, and I tell myself to stop complaining.

-Jiayi from  The Diary of a Nomad

inspiring traveling stories about overcoming obstacles

17. Braving Travel With Chronic Pain

Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city with a prominent cathedral positioned centrally within the city.

While the historical cathedral attracts numerous visitors, even more well-known is the route to Santiago de Compostela, Camino de Santiago –- the world-famous pilgrimage route that has a plethora of trailheads and ends in Santiago. 

Home to locals, students, English teachers, and those on a spiritual pilgrimage, personal conquest, or a great outdoor hiking excursion, Santiago is a magical city.

My introduction to Santiago de Compostela doesn’t begin on the pilgrimage route, yet ends with a spiritual awakening analogous with those other unique pilgrimage stories.

It was my first solo trip abroad teaching English in Spain, a country that’s always been on my travel bucket list. A small town outside of Santiago was selected as the school I’d be teaching at for the year.

Unknowingly, this teach abroad program chose the perfect city for me to live in. 

A year prior, I suffered a traumatic brain injury that left me unable to function normally and complete average tasks. Migraines, headaches, and dizziness became my body’s normal temperament, a hidden disability invisible to the naked eye. 

Braving travel with chronic pain was the first lesson I learned during the trip.

The vast green outdoors and fresh dew from the morning rain enlivened me daily and reminded me about the importance of slowing down so I could enjoy traveling with my hidden disability. 

I also learned to stop often for daily tea breaks and to embrace the long lunch hour,  siestas , with good food, company, and a nap to rest.

Meeting locals , indulging in local food, and learning Spanish allowed me to connect deeply with the beautiful culture of Santiago. After all, my dream was to travel to Spain, and I more than accomplished that dream.

Difficult or not, I learned to own my dream and I was more than surprised with the results.

Who knew that a year after my injury I’d be traveling the world with chronic pain, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.

-Ciara from Wellness Travel Diaries

travel experience stories in China

18. A Blessing In Disguise

2020 has been a wild year for all of us and foreign students in China are no exception. As soon as the malevolent virus began to make its rounds in China, our university sent us home for “two weeks.”

However, within a short time, countries began to shut their borders and these “two weeks” turned into months, a full year even.

Crushed by the burden of online lectures and virtual labs, my boyfriend and I packed our bags and caught one of the first flights to his home country of Pakistan.

I had always been an over-ambitious traveler. I believed numbers were everything — the number of countries I visited, the number of hours I spent on a plane, the number of international trips I took in a year. These numbers were what defined me.

My feet were constantly itching and I never liked to spend more than a few days in a place before heading to the next country. Revisiting a place felt superfluous to me.

That’s why I was hoping to spend a month or two in Pakistan and then continue to check new countries off the list — after all, my online classes finally granted me the freedom to “work on my numbers.”

But as is usually the case in 2020, things turned out quite different from what I had expected. Borders remained closed and worldwide infections stayed rampant. At this point, I have already spent nearly half a year in Pakistan.

During this peculiar time, however, an amazing thing happened:

My mindset about travel started to change and I began to look at my long stay in Pakistan as perhaps my most valuable travel experience ever.

I may not have visited dozens of countries like in previous years but my experiences were deeper than ever before.

From trekking to one of the world’s tallest mountains to sharing tea with heavily armed officers at nearly 5,000 meters altitude to exploring hidden beaches in the most secluded regions to spontaneously being invited to village homes, my adventures in Pakistan couldn’t have been more incredible. They opened my eyes to the sheer diversity of many countries and completely transformed my idea about traveling. 

It took me nearly a full year of heavy restrictions on international travel and a few months in one of the world’s most fascinating countries to give up on my superficial ideals and become a more mature traveler.

This time will always have a special place in my heart.

-Arabela from The Spicy Travel Girl

short travel stories about life-changing trips

19. What The River Taught Me

My travel story takes place in the summer of 2017 — the final summer before I graduated university — as it continues to play a significant role in the person I’ve become.

When I say that, people ask me if it was the portion of the summer I spent solo backpacking in Europe . And to their surprise, it wasn’t. It was actually the latter portion of the summer where I stayed closer to home.

For July and August I worked as a canoe guide leading whitewater canoe trips on remote rivers in Canada. It was here that I got to canoe the powerful and iconic Missinaibi River, a river that continues to influence me all these years later.

The Missinaibi River flows from the powerful Lake Superior to the even more powerful salty waters of James Bay. Here, I led a group of eight teenagers through dozens of whitewater rapids over 500 kilometers (~311 miles).

With no cell service for 25 days, we were forced to disconnect from anything other than the river.

During this trip I learned two important lessons:

First, I learned to be confident in my own abilities as a leader and problem solver.

There were a few rapids where my campers’ boats flipped and I had to rescue the campers and the canoes. One rescue saw two boats flip on a mile-long rapid. It took six hours to make it down the rapid, and during this time I managed stuck canoes and crying campers.

And while this was one of the most difficult rescues I’ve done, I was amazed at how calm I was throughout it. I gave clear directions, prioritized effectively, and kept my campers safe throughout the entire experience. Following the rescue, I had a newfound sense of confidence in my abilities.

The second lesson I learned on the Missinaibi was the power of disconnecting from society and connecting with the people around you.

A wild river commands all of your attention. Each day, you and your group must take down camp, load canoes, paddle up to eight hours while navigating both rapids and portages, get to a new campsite, set up camp, cook dinner, and go to bed.

And without the distraction of technology, your attention has nowhere else to be. You focus on the river and your teammates.

As someone who had wrestled with anxiety and depression prior to this summer, I felt at total ease on the trip. Now I seek societal disconnection and human connection as much as I can. 

Sometimes the most profound, life-altering trips are the least expected trips closer to home.

-Mikaela of  Voyageur Tripper

More Short Travel Experience Stories

25 Crazy Travel Stories You Need To Read To Believe

23 Inspiring Travel Stories Sharing The Kindness Of Strangers

17 True Short Adventure Travel Stories To Inspire Your Next Trip

38 Inspiring Travel Love Stories From The Road

16 Short Funny Travel Stories That Will Make You Laugh

20 Embarrassing Travel Stories That Will Make You Laugh & Blush

21 Travel Horror Stories About Scary Travel Experiences

Do you have any inspiring travel experience stories about life-changing trips to share?

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These stories are so much fun to read! Thanks so much for putting a post like this together. It’s great to be able to check out other people’s blogs and read about other people’s experiences!

Always great to read about travel experiences of others. Some great stories to read over coffee. I’ve Pinned your post for future reference and to share with others. Will check out each story author’s blog as well. Great Job! 🙂

Amazing story for new traveler like me thanks for your contribution

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Essay on My Travel Experience

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Travel Experience in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on My Travel Experience

Introduction to travel.

Travel is like a book with many chapters, each telling a different story. My travel stories are full of colors, sounds, and tastes from new places.

Meeting New People

When I travel, I meet people with lives very different from mine. They share their stories and I learn new things. It’s like making friends in a playground.

Seeing Nature’s Beauty

Nature is a great painter. In my travels, I’ve seen mountains like giant guards and oceans whispering with waves. Each place shows me a new picture of the world.

Learning About Cultures

Every place has its own way of living, like a unique game everyone plays. I’ve seen dances, clothes, and foods that are special to each place.

Traveling is a joyful adventure. It’s like jumping into a book where every page is a surprise. I can’t wait to see where my next trip takes me.

250 Words Essay on My Travel Experience

My first trip.

My first trip was to a beautiful beach town. The sun was bright and the waves were gentle. I went there with my family during summer break. We packed our bags with clothes, snacks, and games.

We started our journey in our car early in the morning. The roads were not busy and the trip felt quick. We played songs and I looked out the window at the trees and hills passing by.

When we arrived, the first thing I saw was the vast blue sea. It was amazing! The beach had soft sand and I could hear the sound of the waves. We built sandcastles and collected pretty shells.

Trying New Food

We ate at a small restaurant near the beach. I tried seafood for the first time. It was different but tasty. We also had ice cream which was perfect in the warm weather.

Fun Activities

We did many fun things like swimming and playing beach volleyball. I also took a boat ride with my dad. It was exciting to see the water around us and feel the breeze.

Coming Back Home

After three days, it was time to go back home. I was sad but happy with all the new memories. The trip made me love traveling and I can’t wait to go on another adventure.

500 Words Essay on My Travel Experience

Introduction to my journey.

Traveling is like opening a book with pages filled with new pictures, words, and stories. I have been lucky to experience this joy through my travels. I want to share my travel experience, which was both fun and educational, in a way that is easy for everyone to understand.

Planning the Trip

Before going on any trip, planning is very important. I remember sitting with my family and deciding where to go. We looked at maps, read about places on the internet, and talked about what we wanted to see. We chose a place that had both mountains and a beach. Then, we made a list of things to take with us, like clothes, snacks, and a camera to capture our memories.

The Journey Begins

The day we left for our trip was filled with excitement. We woke up early, packed our car, and started our adventure. As we drove, I watched the trees and buildings pass by my window. I played games with my siblings and listened to music. The journey was long, but it was also a chance to see new places outside my usual surroundings.

Exploring New Places

When we reached our destination, I was amazed by the new sights. The mountains were tall and covered with green trees, and the sea was a beautiful blue. We went hiking in the mountains, and I felt like an explorer discovering a new land. On the beach, I built sandcastles and collected shells. Every place we visited had its own story and people who lived there, and I learned a lot just by looking around and talking to them.

One of the best parts of traveling is trying food that you don’t get at home. I tasted new fruits that grew in the mountains and ate seafood that was caught in the sea that same day. Some foods were strange at first, but I found that it’s fun to try new things.

Making Memories

Every day of our trip, I took pictures and wrote in a journal. I wanted to remember everything: the sights, the sounds, and how I felt. When I look back at those photos and read my notes, I can relive the trip all over again. These memories are like treasures that I will keep forever.

Learning Through Travel

Traveling taught me so much. I learned about nature, different cultures, and history. I also learned to be patient during long journeys and to be open to new experiences. Seeing new places made me curious about the world and eager to learn more.

My travel experience was more than just a holiday. It was a chance to see the world with my own eyes and learn things that books and school could not teach me. I made memories that will last a lifetime and found out that every place has its own magic. I can’t wait to go on my next trip and discover more about our amazing world.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

  • Essay on My Sunday Routine
  • Essay on Persuasive
  • Essay on My Sister Is My Role Model

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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A Wonderful Experience - Intramuros

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A Wonderful Experience

Me & my Fiance had a Manila City tour with a very good & very knowledgable accredited tourist guide Ed. It was such a great experience to come & see Intramuros as i have only seen it in tv & post cards. It was good to witnessed all the structures from the past that are still there now & the prison cell of Dr. Jose Rizal that i cannot imagine he was just there alone in that dark area & the rest of the historical images in Intramuros that are amazing. Wished that one of this days i can go back there with my kids.

If you don't have anything to do during the day time, it could be useful. It is just the war-related-site. It is not protected well so we can see time gradation, but it shows the mark of the war vividly.

My friends and I visited this and it was a very informative self lead tour. Cost us $75 p each for entrance and we used Uber from our hotel near to MOA. Pretty much all you see is translated in English which makes it easy. After we finished our tour we caught a horse carriage for a tour around the city $100p each. ***Definitely something to do and best if you love history other wise like my friend you will stroll away into wonderland.

my travel experience in manila essay

I was excited to see Intramuros as I was expecting an old European walled city. It's not. It has some interesting old buildings like churches and Fort Santiago, but Intramuros is a mixture of new buildings, old dilapidated buildings and has all the trappings of Manila with cars and people everywhere. It's not what you expect it to be. But I'm glad that I at least drove through it for 20 minutes. If you are really interested there is a guy who gives a very famous tour. I would do his walking tour, which you have to arrange in advance. But don't go to Intramuros expecting old Europe.

my travel experience in manila essay

One of the most historical place in Manila. Famously known as "The Walled City", it's history and grandeur captured the hearts not only of the Filipinos, but foreigners as well. Also known for the two major churches in the Philippines, The Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church; and some events venues such as Ilustrado, Casa Manila, La Castellana among others. In addition, you may also find Fort Santiago and some Philippine institutions here such as COMELEC building. If you're looking for a good spot for picture takings and quiet place to relax to, i would definitely recommend this place. :)

my travel experience in manila essay

A wonderful place to stroll around and relax as nothing appears to have changed for hundreds of years. Be sure to visit the old cathedrals and botanic park.

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Me in the Philippines

Foreign travellers share their Philippine experience

Sharing the Philippine experience

Manila and Boracay

My girlfriend is a doctor in the Philippines. She always tells me stories about what it’s like to live and work there. I decided to give her a visit for vacation and experiencing the Philippines for the first time has been amazing. She taught me how to refer to the taxi driver as Kuya while cooling off in the hot weather with my halo-halo. Before I came to the Philippines, I already knew that I loved Pauline. But I left loving her people as well.

Jeepney honesty

Chinatown, Manila

We spent a few days in Manila. We were eager to ride public transport instead of boring taxis. Somehow we managed to find information about Jeepneys. It was our first ride to Chinatown in a jeepney and we wondered how to pay as we sat at the extreme corner seats away from driver. We were surprised when new passengers climbed in and gave money to the person sitting very next to him. Money flew from various hands to driver and money returned through same channel. We looked at each other amazed with the process—such honesty!

It was a last-minute insane decision to travel to Marinduque. It was insane because of a three-hour queue for the bus and a horrifying ten-hour moonlit queue for ferry to the island. But the Moriones Festival was worth the pain! Marinduque is a small, 100% crime-free island with such polite and friendly locals. The all participated in an astonishing preparation for Moriones where almost all villagers, young or old, joined in and left us amazed. Participants cheered us to join them, wear their costumes, take photos, and feast together.

Complete relaxation of body and soul!

I first visited the Philippines in 2004. Since 2007, I’ve taken with me my wife, son and daughter. The Philippines is the closest tropical destination from Korea. It’s a heavy burden for you to move to a touristic destination with your kids after an international flight. So my family always stays at the Sofitel in Manila. We all enjoy beautiful and romantic scenes of Manila Bay from the pool area. Delicious food, charming music, awesome views and your loved ones! What else do you need for a perfect vacation?!

Where my soul rests

Panglao Island, Bohol

I think I once lived in the Philippines in a past life. If not, I can’t explain the reason why I love the Philippines this much. To me Pinoy beaches and places are where my soul rests. To get to Dumaluan Beach on Panglao Island requires much time and patience. But it’s well worth your effort if you wish to get some quiet, peaceful rest. And I recommend you to participate in a tour program to swim with whale sharks in Oslob. It’s an indescribable experience! It’s way more fun in the Philippines.

Experience Philippines!

Camarines Norte, Tagaytay, Batangas, and more

I worked for six weeks for a travel company in The Philippines, where as a travel manager we led groups to some trips around the country, where the destination is a secret and the activities a surprise! I had the chance of visiting many amazing non-touristy places, sleeping in tents under the clear sky, swimming with turtles in pristine waters and having loads of fun with delicious food around bonfires.... I had an awesome time with the best people ever, so I will definitely come back!

~Gabi Fernandez

Natural glow

Humid weather in the Philippines gave me a natural glow! If you seek holidays with adventure, Cebu is your playground. It boasts many amazing experiences such as canoeing, waterfalls, rock jumps and the opportunity to swim with whale sharks.

~Chaiun The Great

Paradise in the Philippines

Having gone twice, El Nido has become my favourite place in the Philippines. It is so rich in nature, both wildlife and underwater. The seawater, in particular, is crystal clear. Although the water is deep, you can see the bottom because of its clarity. It was the first time that I swam with jackfish, sea turtle, and blacktip reef shark. Coral reef and fish are abundant and diverse. It is common to see lizards, snakes, and monkeys. Bird-watching is also famous. Big lagoons and small lagoons are soenchanting that I cannot get enough of the experience!

~Piangpat, Thailand

It is more fun in the Sili region!

I went to Bicol region for various reasons. It started with the grandeur Mayon Volcano, almost perfect and cone-shaped. The lava and volcanic rocks also evolved into a black sand beach which you cannot find anywhere else. Daraga Church and Cagsawa ruins are national treasures. Even though whale shark watching is not on my bucket list, I went to Donsol just to experience it. I had only one morning and was fortunate to see at least one whale shark. It was unexpected, but absolutely memorable. Above all, Bicol food is delicious and HOT!!!

Lost in time in Batanes

What makes Batanes unique is that being there is like getting lost in another world where time and technology do not matter. Internet connection is rare. It is a cash economy. Life is quiet, peaceful, and slow. The Ivatan tribe that lives there still preserves its culture. People are pure and honest. I forgot my wallet at a tourist attraction and got it back. Scenery is picturesque and breathtaking, whether it be hills or ocean. Local food is heavenly delicious and cheap.

Experienced Philippines under disaster

Guiuan, Eastern Samar

I went to Guiuan as a volunteer of an emergency shelter kit distribution team. At that time the town was hugely impacted by Super Typhoon Haiyan. People lived in temporary shelters. Electricity was limited. Having water to take a shower was lucky enough. People were excited to see a foreign face and in high spirits even in tough times. Since I do not know the local language, I could not help much. Nonetheless, I hope at least I demonstrated love for humanity without discrimination towards race, religion, or belief.

Orani, Bataan

Upon visiting the Municipality of Orani, I experienced raw and organic life that I had never seen or felt before. I could feel the unadulterated warmth and kindness the people in Orani were made up of. Material and tainted influences were absent. The simplest ways of life are lived here and the people were content with what they have. The Old Port area of Orani left such an immense feeling that I carry with myself each day, waiting inside until I have a chance to revisit this wonderful place.

~Jeff Hoyopatubbi

Home is where the heart is

Manila, Tacloban, Isabella, Bacolod

I fell in love with the Philippines on my very first trip in 2012. Since then all I’ve done is work hard and save so I can keep going back to this wonderful country. The way the Filipino people live with hearts of kindness and resilience are simply inspiring. I love the hospitality of the locals! Just thinking about the amazing adobos and chicken-on-a-stick make my mouth water! I also love the culture, especially the Masskara dances which captivated my soul. I love this country with all my heart!

~Eva Muilenburg

#CSR #StuffitChallange #Shookt

My first week with PwC ended with doing something memorable for the environment. I had the pleasure of supporting the CSR team on our way to La Union. We created eco-bricks (plastic bottles stuffed with non-biodegradable waste) which were used to construct walls and fences for classrooms and houses. Eco-brick is a solution for today’s plastic challenge. Let’s work together to live in a world that has a lot less plastic and a lot more organic: from trash to treasure, from pollution to solution.

~Kevin Nick Renz  

I had a very impressive tour riding the Kalesa last September 2016. It was so nice to see the attractions by sitting in the Kalesa and hearing that “klip klop” sound while the horse was trotting along the streets. The driver and his son were very friendly. The driver was also our knowledgeable tour guide. It was nearly half an hour tour around the historical center of Manila. I even had my first Taho! It was very delicious and I recommend others to try it. The tour ended at the National Museum.

~Henry Lukkari

A land of warm-hearted smiles

Boracay, Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Puerto Galera, etc.

I first visited the Philippines back in 1994. Since then I have traveled to many places alone or with my wife, son and daughter. Many of my acquaintances ask: “The Philippines again?!” I ask myself why I am addicted to the nation. Because of warm weather that makes me feel good? Lovely palm trees and beaches? Low prices compared to Korea? Or their religious faithfulness? Nope! My No.1 reason is that ordinary Pinoy people smile wholeheartedly to travelers despite many hardships in life!

~Peter  

A perfect outdoor getaway from the hustle of Manila

Anawangin Cove, Zambales

This place has an amazing camping spot where you can set up a tent, cook food, enjoy, and relax with your loved ones. It’s an escape from the world of technology as this place doesn’t have telephone signals and there is no electricity: nevertheless there is a shower place where you can wash off the sands after you dip into the ocean and be bathed by sand. You can then enjoy hiking in the hills and be enchanted by the mesmerizing view from the top. It’s an ideal place for nature lovers.

~Marisha Shrestha, Nepal  

The hottest internship

I grew up in Germany, spent the last semester in the US, and now ready for my internship with PwC – this is my first time in the Philippines. My arrival was a bit of a culture shock. However, it is the best time – the WARM welcome from the team made me fall in love with the country as it feels like home, the SPICY food (gising-gising and kare-kare), and the warm weather made my stay so enjoyable. The Philippines has so much to offer, that I am considering a permanent move: the move to happiness.

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Initiatives.

Over the last decade or so, PwC Philippines embarked on iconic projects that delivered sustained outcomes for communities and society.

Philippine Gems

Believing that the Philippine has a lot more to offer, our firm announced recently the ten up and coming tourist destinations.

About PwC Philippines

Isla Lipana & Co. is the Philippine member firm of the PwC global network.

Alexander B. Cabrera

Alexander B. Cabrera

Chairman Emeritus, PwC Philippines

Tel: +63 (2) 8845 2728

Catherine H. Santos

Catherine H. Santos

Assurance Partner, PwC Philippines

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My First Vacation Experience in Boracay, Philippines

By: Garry S. Pagaspas

I have this conception in mind that Boracay Island, Philippines is a status symbol and only for selection few with the means. It turned out to be wrong with our present Boracay getaway adventure from August 26-29, 2012. It seems that Boracay Island vacation is friendly for backpackers and cost conscious like us. Ooops!!! Do not get me wrong! I am not a great travel blog writer to describe heavens in our Boracay adventure, but would simply just share how we enjoyed that you may get some clues and tips for your dream Boracay experience.

Trip to Boracay Philippines from Manila

Going to Boracay Island Philippines from Manila is either by sea (via Batangas – Mindoro – Caticlan) or by plane from Manila to Kalibo, Aklan then by land to Caticlan. From Caticlan to Boracay Island Philippines is by boat. There is an alternative route from Manila to Caticlan but it seems costly so we had ours by plane from Manila to Kalibo, Aklan (the home of the famed Ati-atihan festival every 2nd week of January). It was a promotional plane ticket via AirPhil Express we booked months ago so it costed us less, P2k plus for a round trip.

From Kalibo, Aklan airport are a number of vans to Caticlan with average fare of P250 per head. A cheaper alternative is to ride a tricycle from the airport to the terminal of Vans to Caticlan. Tricycle fare is P100 only for at most six (6) passengers and Van fare is only P100 per head. See, its more cheaper to go by tricycle plus you experience the local ride.

Accomodations in Kalibo, Aklan and Boracay Island Philippines

Our 6:25pm flight from Manila landed Kalibo, Aklan at around 7:10pm. We decided to accomodate at Kalibo, Aklan and will just leave at early morning for Caticlan, then, finally to Boracay Island Philippines. Our accomodation at Ati-atihan Festival Hostel only costed PhP700.00 (Hostel Room) for an overnight.

In Boracay Island Philippines, we got the opportunity to claim the free coupon of Astoria Plaza Boracay Island. Hotel rooms, amenities, and services are superb for a most relaxing and fun stay at the Boracay Island. We got the coupon few amounts ahead in a marketing drive of Astoria Plaza’s time sharing rights. I read some articles some negative comments about Astoria Plaza time sharing but for me our stay is a positive impression and a deadma of the negative comments. Without the coupon, stay in Astoria Plaza would be costly at our income bracket so its the least option for our accommodation in Astoria Plaza Boracay Island. At any rate, some accommodations in Boracay Island only costs P1,000 to P1,500 for a basic minimum amenities – aircon, nice bedroom, and free breakfast.

Adventure activities in Boracay Island, Philippines

As they say it – Enjoy the Sand and the Sun in Boracay Island Philippines. Boracay is a long stretch of white sand beach lying few kilometers, so walking along the beach, and lots of swimming are most fun all throughout. Adding more fun are the tricks and activities you could enjoy watching and choose to engage into. Hereunder are some and it was really really fun:

  • Fire dancing in Boracay Island, Philippines

You have not been to Boracay if you have not seen young performers doing a fire dancing. Its so nice watching them playing with ropes with fires at the end of it swinging them up and down, right and left, rolling and more. No charges for watching them.

  • ParaSailing in Boracay Island, Philippines

For me “para” is for parachute and sailing is because the parachute will be lifted up to 300 feet above sea level. In parachute, you jump from the plane to reach the land while in parasail, your parachute will be elevated using a speed boat. On top you will have an overview of Boracay Island shores and feel the cold sea breeze on top. If you are afraid of heights, then, avoid looking down behind you. Instead, look a bit far to enjoy the beautiful views and move your body a bit to draw away your fear, or you may keep talking or even shout out your fear.

  • ATV ride to Mt. Guho, Boracay Island, Philippines

ATV ride is not new to us because we already had one in Enchanted Kingdom before, but Boracay Island ATV is one of a kind. Aside from the fun ATV ride, the end of the line is the prize. The finish line is Mt. Luho that is approximately 375 feet above sea level so you will see the entire Boracay Island and the nearby islets on the top view. Natural beauty of the plains, the mountains, structures, and more awaits you there in Boracay Islands Philippines.

  • Helmet Dive at Boracay Island, Philippines

Seeing helmet dive pictures in Boracay Island from friends made me wonder how technology works to avoid saltwater from getting into the helmet. Now I found the answer – its the air pressure supplier from the compressor or air supplier on top that prevents the water. Worry not about drowning within the 3-5 feet underwater in case water gets in because a diver is closely watching and monitoring. Just enjoy looking at the school of fish around you, feeding them, pausing with your smiling face and wacky moves during the video and picture taking under ground.

  • Jet Ski in Boracay Island, Philippines

Admittedly, this is my first ever Jet Ski ride and I did it in Boracay Island. I saw in movies and first think over how the motorcycle like floats and speeds up. Cost conscious on an hourly ride is so discouraging but when the tour guide gave us the most reasonable offer, I jumped off to the adventure. Wow, its a fun ride and will give it more ride in the next adventures. But yet, I need more ride to make a sudden U-turn like what we saw in movies, or do a standing drive.

Foods and drinks in Boracay island, Philippines

Along the beach from Boat Station 1 to 3 are a long line of hotels, bars, restaurants and several other establishments. Depending on your taste for food and the feel of your pockets, you can choose from a saliva dropping foods to a carenderia type delicious foods. I saw common food chains like Shakeys, Yellow Cab, Army Navy, Pancake House, Andoks, Mang Inasal and more. Also experience the Paluto in Talipapa comparable to Seaside – Manila where you buy at the wet market and have it cooked with the reasonably prized coking service. Hhhhhhmmm, delicious!!! Smoked food outlet located in a subway going to D’mall from beach front is a must try also. No worry about food and drink budget because you can dictate your budget from the choices available.

Compliments

With the above fun and excitement, I pay the kindness of Halabira Boracay Tour Services (view their website at www.halabiraboracay.com ) for their effort in making them possible. Halabira Boracay is a group of young and energetic professionals who advocate in making your dream Boracay Island Philippines experience within your reach. They are in themselves travelers so they could relate your worries as to cost, convenience, and preferences.

There could be a lot more fun, excitement and activities in Boracay Island Philippines but with the time and other constraints, we deemed it wise to undertake only the few believed to thrill us much. Will try the rest on our next Boracay Island getaway – island hopping up to Crystal Cove Boracay Island, kayaking, scuba diving, boat riding, fly fish, buggy car ride, and more.

my travel experience in manila essay

(Garry S. Pagaspas is a Resource Speaker with Tax and Accounting Center, Inc. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a degree holder in Bachelor of Laws engaged in active tax practice for more than seven (7) years now and a professor of taxation for more than four (4) years now. He had assisted various taxpayers in ensuring tax compliance and tax management resulting to tax savings rendering tax studies, opinions, consultancies and other related services. For comments, you may please send mail at ga************@ta************.org .)  He also loves traveling despite busy work schedules and appointments to give way for his adventurous character and for love of nature.

Disclaimer : This article is for general conceptual guidance only and is not a substitute for an expert opinion. Please consult your preferred tax and/or legal consultant for the specific details applicable to your circumstances. For comments, you may also please send mail at info(@)taxacctgcenter.ph, or you may post a question at Tax and Accounting Center Forum  and participate therein.

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My Siargao Travel Experience

Siargao by jojoscope/Creative Commons

I and my two other girl friends thought it nice to have a weekend escape. I guess it was extreme for us to pick Siargao in June considering the limited time we have due to our work. But then we decided to push through, had our tickets booked and accommodation reserved. Good thing there is a direct flight from Cebu to Sayak Airport in Siargao Island.

Siargao by jojoscope/Creative Commons

We missed work that one Friday since the only scheduled flight in a day is at 10:45 am and would arrive on 11:55 am. Anyway when we arrived, the La Luna Island Resort personnel fetched us. That was actually a good move since there were no cabs and jeepneys were so rare. The resort was native-themed and had a spacious room with private balcony. It cost us 1500 pesos per night for 2 guests only and since there were 3 of us, we paid an additional 250 pesos. We spent that day checking out the whole place.

Surfing was the first order of the day!

We’ve been dying to try out surfing so the next day, we immediately headed out the beach to inquire where we can start. The resort we stayed was just a few minutes away from the Cloud 9 surfing area. They also have their surf instructor who guided us to the right spot and taught us the basics in surfing. That was my first time to try and it was very exciting. We rented out our boards from the resort.

It is best to start the activity early in the morning as the scorching heat is not yet in full swing and the tides, not very high. The first thing that was taught to us was how to paddle. It seemed a bit funny trying to practice paddling out of the water but we really had no choice. We were also told how to flip our boards and go under them when the waves would come towards us.

At last, it was time for us to head toward the water. I got a little panicky as the waves were very intimidating but still I paddled along. I thought I was doing the right thing until I heard my friend saying something to me so I looked back. I didn’t see the big wave coming and it beat me down. It beat me down actually a couple of times during our 2 and a half hour surfing session. Although I was a newbie, I still enjoyed the activity. If you haven’t tried out this water sport yet, then you have to on your next vacation to Siargao!

Surfing 101 by bingbing/Creative Commons

Next is a yummy breakfast!

In front of Cloud 9 surfing area was The Boardwalk. We rested and had a hefty breakfast here at around 9 am. I had a big burger patty and hash brown with eggs and bacon for less than 200 pesos. You can also play board games and billiards in the restaurant. Some would do jamming in the afternoon until evening. We didn’t however stay long. After our breakfast we went to the actual boardwalk and took pictures. They said that was the closest way to take you towards the waves when you surf. We spent the rest of the day in the resort relaxing.

Siargao Boardwalk by bagting/Creative Commons

The 3 islands of Siargao for our second day!

Our second and last day was equally exciting. The boatman was a friend of the surfing instructor and he took us to the 3 famous Islands in Siargao. The first one was the Naked Island. It was a 200-meter long sand bar with nothing in there, not even coconut trees, hence the name “Naked.” Daku Island was also beautiful where we had a fresh coconut for only 20 pesos. The locals sell fresh seafood and they also cook it for you. Lastly, the white sand of Guyam Island also fascinated me. We had a satisfying island hopping for only 1500 pesos in an all-day boat-ride.

A Beach in Siargao by betamyr/Creative Commons

Dinner at Ronaldo’s barbecue!

My friends and I tried Ronaldo’s Barbecue for dinner. The food was good and very affordable. After that, we headed back to the resort. We had a sound sleep that night and had a morning flight back to Manila. That experience was something really worth it and I would gladly go back to Siargao given two days or more.

A must in your bucket list, I should say if you prefer to relax from the humdrum of the hectic, city life.

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    3. Davao. If there's one place that characterizes Mindanao grace in a cosmopolitan pace, that is Davao City. It is a multi-cultural community that converges many of the country's best minds, skills & talents. Popular for its unbeatable security & order, Davao is a charming & progressive city to visit or live. 4.

  11. Top 5 Experiences in Manila

    Easy Rider. Forget buses and trains - in Manila the "jeepney" is king. As the backbone of the public transport system in the Philippines, these ubiquitous vehicles are a hangover from the jeeps left by American GIs after World War II and no visit to the city is complete without a ride in one. They stop and start according to the whim of ...

  12. Free Essay: Manila: a Beautiful City

    The Manila tour was a very challenging and interesting experience for me, since I am not that familiar with those places that we have gone by. Although really very tiring, I had fun throughout the trip and enjoyed it so much. Our group did the tour last August 8, a Monday. First stop was the famous church here in Manila, the Quiapo church.

  13. My Travel Experiences: My Journey To The Philippines

    This is a quote from Martin Luther king Jr an activist for equal rights for african americans during the 1960's until he got shot in 1968. This quote means that people have to do something for change, they have to push against the grindstone and when it doesn't move just keep pushing until it does.…. 1158 Words. 5 Pages.

  14. Essay on Travel Experience [200, 500 Words] With PDF

    By Medha Sureka | April 15, 2022 0 Comment Advertisement Travelling plays an important role in our lives as it enriches our experience. In this lesson, you will learn to write essays in three different sets on the importance of libraries. It will help you in articulating your thoughts in the upcoming exams. Table of Contents

  15. "I Love Baguio City"

    April 12, 2014 The Strawberry Farm, Burnham Park, Mines View Park, the Mansion, Wright Park, Lourdes Grotto, and Session Road; these are among of the popular landmarks in the more commonly known "Summer Capital of the Philippines" - Baguio City. Why so? Well, the temperature here seldom exceeds 26 degree centigrade.

  16. Manila's commutes from hell

    The daily loss of business in Manila because of traffic woes has risen to 3.5bn pesos (£51.2m) in 2017 from 2.4bn pesos in 2012, according to the Japan International Cooperation Agency. President ...

  17. 19 Inspiring Travel Experience Stories About Life-Changing Trips

    Love inspiring travel experience stories? Then you're in the right place! Grab a snack and your favorite beverage and get ready to settle in, as you're about to read some truly inspiring travel stories about life-changing trips. In this roundup, some of my favorite bloggers share their best travel stories.

  18. Essay on My Travel Experience

    February 18, 2024 Students are often asked to write an essay on My Travel Experience in their schools and colleges. And if you're also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic. Let's take a look… 100 Words Essay on My Travel Experience Introduction to Travel

  19. A Wonderful Experience

    It's not. It has some interesting old buildings like churches and Fort Santiago, but Intramuros is a mixture of new buildings, old dilapidated buildings and has all the trappings of Manila with cars and people everywhere. It's not what you expect it to be. But I'm glad that I at least drove through it for 20 minutes.

  20. My Philippine Experience

    I first visited the Philippines in 2004. Since 2007, I've taken with me my wife, son and daughter. The Philippines is the closest tropical destination from Korea. It's a heavy burden for you to move to a touristic destination with your kids after an international flight. So my family always stays at the Sofitel in Manila.

  21. Summer Vacation in the Philippines Free Essay Example

    2985 Hello there! Are you now planning for your next Summer Vacation in the Philippines? Checkout our list of Hotels in the Philippines for your accommodation needs.

  22. My First Vacation Experience in Boracay, Philippines

    Our accomodation at Ati-atihan Festival Hostel only costed PhP700.00 (Hostel Room) for an overnight. In Boracay Island Philippines, we got the opportunity to claim the free coupon of Astoria Plaza Boracay Island. Hotel rooms, amenities, and services are superb for a most relaxing and fun stay at the Boracay Island.

  23. My Siargao Travel Experience

    The 3 islands of Siargao for our second day! Our second and last day was equally exciting. The boatman was a friend of the surfing instructor and he took us to the 3 famous Islands in Siargao. The first one was the Naked Island. It was a 200-meter long sand bar with nothing in there, not even coconut trees, hence the name "Naked.".