The Philippines
Embark on a journey through the pearls of southeast Asia
Travel itinerary
I stayed there for 2 weeks and my itinerary was as follows:
1) Manila
3) El Nido (Palawan)
2) Coron (Palawan)
4) Puerto Princesa (Palawan)
5) Cebu City
6) Bohol
The most difficult thing about travelling to The Philippines is making the decision as to where to go. Unless you have about 6 months to spare, along with a 6-figure salary, you could maybe see all 7.641 islands.
But even that would be unlikely. And who would want to rush through this Asian gem like you gotta catch a train?
Manila
The capital city Manila is a bit of an enigma. Before I went, a lot of people warned me “it might not be the nicest place to go to”, or “it’s dirty and dangerous” and of course “it’s just another city”. Yes, all of this applies in a way, but I would never not go just because people say so.
It’s still a capital city and I do always want to have at least seen the capital city of each country I go to, no matter how dilapidated it might be. I scheduled 3 days to explore Manila and I have to say, I did find some lovely spots that made it worth the trip.
Must-sees in Manila
Intramuros
This means “inside the walls” or “within the walls” in Spanish. This is a walled area that dates back to the Spanish colonial times when this district was in fact the capital. Everything outside of it was called extramuros and wasn’t officially part of the capital city anymore. This all changed during the 20th Century, making this the unofficial “walled city within the city”.
Nowadays, you can find cute coffeeshops and restaurants along with an impressive cathedral and houses and buildings still preserved from back then with original architecture.
The way to go around in the city centre is definitely either the tricyle, which is a coloured tuk-tuk that literally goes all over the city centre (at least up to the confines) for only 100 pesos.
Or the jeepney, a “kitschy” decorated and colonial-American taxi that fits up to 8 people (though Filipinos are known to stack more, lol). This was only 25 pesos per ride and also limited to the city centre only.
Bonifacio Global City
One of those “hard-to-get” districts was Bonifacio Global City which is an estate in the heart of Taguig City in the south of Manila. It is known for its upscale residential areas, modern skyscrapers, high-profiled commercial centres and flamboyant lifestyle and party scene.
It was like walking into a whole other world, coming down from the city centre. I had to take a taxi because the jeepney didn’t go there.
As I got out, my neck hurt from having to look all the way up at the high mirror-reflecting skyscrapers, streets cleaner and brighter than my future, and the aroma from each well-maintained store, selling only upper class brands. What an immense contrast compared to the “Manila” I was in an hour ago.
Chinatown
Manila is known to have one of the oldest China towns in the world! It’s more than 400 years old and is located in the heart of the Binondo area, which is adjacent to Intramuros.
At the entrances on all sides you will find the typical Torii gates along with pillars in the same fashion. There is big Chinese-styled arch at the southern entrance with one hell of a view on the Jones Bridge.
Aside from your standard pawnshops, DIY stores and Chinese massage salons, there are lots of cute market fairs and obviously a ton of restaurants to feed every part of your soul.
Nightlife in Manila is a little spread out over the city. You have your main vibrant party hubs like Makati, Pasay and the Manila Baywalk. Most of the nightclubs, karaoke and classy rooftop bars are located in these areas.
Some of the best clubs include Revel at The Palace, Black Market and Royal Nightclub. I spent my last night at Antidote, a rooftop bar inside the I’M Hotel which was right around the corner from my hotel.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Manila is a little spread out over the city. You have your main vibrant party hubs like Makati, Pasay and the Manila Baywalk. Most of the nightclubs, karaoke and classy rooftop bars are located in these areas.
Some of the best clubs include Revel at The Palace, Black Market and Royal Nightclub. I spent my last night at Antidote, a rooftop bar inside the I’M Hotel which was right around the corner from my hotel.
The party scene in Manila is literally 24/7. Don’t worry about arriving on a Monday and missing out on the weekend buzz; there is plenty going on every night of the week. And for solo travellers, no need to fear a lonely night. Lots of people are out and about, so it is always fun and always safe. You walk into a club alone and come out with 20 new friends. The party vibe is incredible!