Image adapted from: @apartelph

With its reputation as a congested concrete jungle, Manila is often passed over as a potential destination for holidaying. Yet this is not necessarily true, for dotting its sprawling urban landscape are gems that are well worth checking out.

Apart from its bustling night markets bursting with cheap buys and street food, Manila also boasts a replica of Venice Grand Canal, along with a GoT-themed cafe, and Batman-themed hotel rooms.

Below is a list of activities you can add to your Manila itinerary.

1. Stay in a space-themed room at Astrotel from just $25/night

VIP room in the Avenida branch, which has a mock window featuring a postmodern city
Image credit: Expedia

From just S$25/night, Astrotel brings you to outer space through its quirky collection of spaceship-themed rooms. There are various branches within Manila – such as Avenida, Monumento, and Cubao – but all of them come outfitted with more or less the same futuristic theme.

Space Room at the Avenida branch
Image credit: Expedia

VIP Room at the Monumento branch
Image credit: Expedia

Find their list of branches here.

Website

2. Snap photos at The Dessert Museum

Come crashing in like a wrecking ball with life-sized lollipops in the Cake Pops room
Image credit: @nkayuutami_

If you consider yourself to be a) a sweet tooth, b) attracted to explosions of colours, and c) an IG addict, step right up to The Dessert Museum, Manila’s version of New York’s Museum of Ice Cream, filled to the brim with 8 rooms of dessert-themed goodness.

The Donut Room, where whorls upon whorls of donuts are suspended from the ceiling
Image adapted from: @curlyafff

Pastel pink shelves lined with multi-coloured gumballs
Image credit: @raqsbaby

Snap a “let it snow” photo among these streams of cotton marshmallows
Image credit: @giieann_

Tours through the museum last 2 hours and are priced from PHP699 (~S$18.20), and you’ll get to enjoy 5-6 free desserts to boot.

P.S.: Check out our article on KL’s Selfie Museum, Malaysia’s rendition of this place.

The Dessert Museum
Address: Unit 124, 126, 127a, S Maison, Coral Way, Conrad Hotel Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Barangay 76, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM daily
Prices: PHP699 ~S$18.20 (online rate) | PHP799 ~S$20.81 (walk-in rate)
Website

3. Visit Manila Cathedral and take a horse carriage ride at Intramuros

Also known as Old Manila, Intramuros is a site that preserves the legacy of Manila’s Spanish colonial history through a collection of cathedrals, forts, and other war-related structures.

Keep your eyes peeled for Manila Cathedral, which boasts an impressive level of detail with its intricate carvings and statues of saints decorating its arches, along with its beautiful domed towers.

You can hire a horse-drawn carriage to bring you around Intramuros.

Japanese Cannon – the only surviving WWII cannon in the area. 

Intramuros
Address: Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

4. Knock back with some alcohol at Manila’s best bars

Antidote – rooftop bar with 15m jellyfish tank

Image credit: Spot

Antidote is a bar with a truly unique concept, where an enormous jellyfish aquarium spans 15m across the entire length of the bar space. The aquarium is outfitted with neon lighting, imbuing each translucent jellyfish with hues of red, blue, purple, and green.

Image adapted from: @haroldizer

Outdoor seating is also available here, which affords you stunning views of the surrounding cityscape.

Image credit: @vinnychon

Antidote also offers some unorthodox concoctions on their menu, such as the Tokyo Sojourn (PHP390 ~S$10.13), a mezcal mixed with nordic spices, cucumber, pandan syrup, egg, cumin, and togarashi.

Image adapted from: @theinsatiablewanderer, @wandergirleats

For dessert, the Miso Banana Parfait (PHP250 ~S$6.49) – a combination of dark chocolate fondant with Hibiki whiskey mousse – comes highly recommended.

Antidote
Address: Roofdeck, I’M Hotel, 7862 Ave, Makati, 1210, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening hours: 5PM-2AM (Sun-Thurs) | 6PM-3AM (Fri-Sat)
Website

Early Night? – pastel bar with beer below $2

Image credit: Love of Country

Having an Early Night? That’s no trouble at all, for you can chill under the eaves of this bar’s chic pastel decor from as early as 5PM daily.

Don’t miss this teal potted plant wall, a favourite photog spot of Early Night?’s patrons
Image credit: @itscamilleco

Calmly beautiful by day, Early Night? becomes lit by night, transforming into a vibrant club decorated by neon lights.

Image credit: @sabino.gallo

Drinks here are very affordable, priced from as low as PHP60 (~S$1.56) for a can of beer. Cocktails are aplenty too, with a glass of Kamikaze at PHP100 (~S$2.60) and Mojitos at PHP120 (~S$3.12).

Image adapted from: @earlynightph

Early Night?
Address: 2nd Floor Fort Strip, BGC, Ave, 5th, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening hours: 5PM-4AM (Sun-Fri) | 5PM-2AM (Sat)
Website

Polilya – beer-infused dishes

Image credit: @polilya.mnl

Polilya may seem like your standard hipster hangout with its island-themed decor at first glance, but it’s more than just that: its food and drinks are largely infused with extracts from Engkanto Brewery, one of the Philippines’ top producers of craft brews.

Image credit: Rogue

If you’re in the mood for something fiery, try out their in-house special Polilya Fire (PHP350 ~S$9.09), a classic paloma that comes infused with an Engkanto IPA twist. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, go for Tigrita (PHP295 ~S$7.66), an exotic blend of mezcal, tapache, pineapple juice, and cilantro, with double IPA.

Polilya Fire and Tigrita
Image credit: Rogue

As for the food, tuck into Polilya’s Gambas Engkantadas (PHP440 ~S$11.43), where the classic Spanish gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) dish is jazzed up with beer.

Image credit: @polilya.mnl

Polilya
Address: 5658 Jacobo Street, Corner Don Pedro, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening hours: 5:30PM-2AM (Mon-Thurs) | 6:30PM-2AM (Fri-Sat) | Closed on Sundays
Website

5. Teleport to Italy at Venice Grand Canal Mall

Image credit: @y__photographs

Save the trip to Italy and head over to Manila’s Venice Grand Canal Mall, where you’ll get to experience the beauty of reconstructions of Venetian architecture and even the Grand Canal.

Even the mooring poles bear the signature Venetian red-and-white stripes
Image credit: @jepri_m

The Grand Canal isn’t just for show, as you can hitch a ride on a gondola here, priced at PHP500/pax (~S$12.97). Everything about the experience is as close to the original as possible, right down to the design of the boats to the uniforms worn by the boatmen.

Try out Ponte Rialto’s vongole pasta, coming with a generous serving of Manila clams
Image credit: @arte.3

To complete your faux-Venice experience, head over to Ponte Rialto, an Italian fine dining restaurant which uses ingredients imported from Italy itself.

Venice Grand Canal Mall
Address: McKinley Hill Garden Villas, Cluster B, Upper McKinley Rd, Pinagsama, Taguig, Philippines
Opening hours: 11AM-11PM
Website

6. Be transported to outer space at The Mind Museum

Rivalling Singapore’s very own Science Centre is The Mind Museum in Manila. Over 250 interactive exhibits are presented through 5 interconnected galleries here, which are themed Atom, Life, Earth, Universe, and Technology.

Image credit: JRA

The Universe Gallery, in particular, will transport you to the mesmerising cosmos of outer space.

Image credit: @andengggay

Bask in the soft, pale glow of the Moon in a dark room lit by stars, or be enchanted by the beautiful colours emitted by the planets of the solar system.

Image credit: @andywong913

Keep your eyes peeled for the Light Bridge that connects the Atoms Gallery to the Universe Gallery, which is lit up by the different colours of light that fill the universe.

Image credit: The Mind Museum

Also head down to the Earth Gallery, featuring an enormous T-rex skeleton exhibit, along with other exhibits that deal with the tectonic movements of the Earth.

The Mind Museum
Address: JY Campos Park, 3rd Ave, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening hours: 9AM-6PM (Tue to Sun) | Closed on Mon
Prices: PHP750 (~S$19.45) for an all-day pass
Website

7. Shop at SM Mall of Asia, the 4th largest mall in the Philippines

Image credit: Good News Planet TV

Bagging the title of 4th largest mall in the Philippines, SM Mall of Asia carries an enormous range of retail stores that’ll fulfil your shopping needs, including Muji, Nike, and New Era.

Image adapted from: @kainventures, @franklinbanogon

Dining options are aplenty, with Kissako Uji Matcha Cafe, located on the second floor, highly popular for its Matcha Pudding Parfait (PHP150, ~S$3.91). If you need your BBT fix, get it from Sun Tea, which has fruit, milk, and cheese tea.

Image credit: @smskating

The mall also has an indoor skating rink with affordable entrance fees of PHP450 (~S$11.70), and you can either choose to skate or ride in a Santa Claus-like sled, pushed around the rink by a staff member.

SM Mall of Asia
Address: J.W. Diokno Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay, Luzon 1300, Philippines
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM
Website

Mall of Asia Skating Rink
Address: SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM
Website

8. Grab a bite at Manila’s themed cafes and restaurants

House of Unicorns Cafe – to feed your rainbow obsession

Image credit: @houseofunicornscafe

If you’re unicorn-crazy, swing by House of Unicorns Cafe with colourful pastel decor and even unicorn onesies you can wear for free on entry.

Image credit: @paulanejenn_

Even the food follows the theme, with creations like this funky dessert bearing an ice cream cone to resemble a horn.

Image credit: @houseofunicornscafe

Image credit: House of Unicorns Cafe

House of Unicorns Cafe
Address: Lilac St, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening hours: 11AM-9PM daily
Website

Filling Station – neon diner with Riverdale vibes

Image credit: @heyjudeshoots

The name Filling Station may conjure images of a gas station, but really, it’s a diner that’s retro-themed. The walls and ceilings are plastered with curiosities from the yesteryears: vintage posters, old vinyls, gasoline station signs, and even an entire Cadillac Classic.

Image credit: @jelyneestrella

Come nightfall, Filling Station comes to life, illuminated by neon pink and purple lights that are reminiscent of Pop Tate’s diner in Riverdale.

Four for All (PHP 450, ~S$11.67), a platter of buffalo wings, potato skins, fried calamari, and Shanghai rolls
Image credit: @itsme_hanah

Their milkshakes (PHP295 ~S$7.65) are a must-try, made from fresh milk, whipped cream, and ice cream.

Filling Station Pizza (PHP513, ~S$13.39), topped with a medley of mushroom, chorizo, salami, tuna flakes, and veg
Image credit: @meltinghm

Filling Station
Address: 5012 P Burgos, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening hours: 24 hours
Website

The Witches Brew – Harry Potter meets Game of Thrones

“Hurry, Harry, or you’ll really be late!”
Image credit: @iam_ejsajonas1022

Potterheads and Game of Thrones fans, keep The Witches Brew within your sights, for it brings both worlds together in a single cafe.

Image credit: @lexiecaboosey

Familiar scenes from both franchises decorate the restaurant, including the enchanted wall entrance of Platform 9 ¾ and the iconic Iron Throne. And to help you get your geek on, the restaurant provides with free use of their robes and wands!

Banners of the Great Houses adorn the backdrop of the Iron Throne.
Image credit: @j.a.r.v.i.s.d

Even the dishes served are given HP and GoT-centric names.

Alohomora and Butterbeer
Image adapted from: The Witchers Brew Diners Philippines, @clairebearlingan

Try out Alohomora (PHP220 ~S$5.71), an egg-and-bacon sandwich with chips served on the side. Butterbeer is also available here, coming in both alcoholic (PHP185 ~S$4.80) and non-alcoholic (PHP155 ~S$4.02) variants.

The Witches Brew
Address: Parañaque, 1700 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening hours: 8AM-10PM daily
Website

9. Spend a night in a Batman-themed suite at Victoria Court

Image credit: @victoriacourtvc via Instagram

Victoria Court is a hotel chain in Manila that comes with a unique shtick: all 10 of its branches are outfitted with themed suites you can book for parties and staycations.

Image credit: @apartelph via Instagram

Check into the Batcave at the Malate branch in Manila, which comes with a snazzy replica of the motorcycle Batman used in The Dark Knight.

Image credit: @victoriacourtvc

The same branch also offers a cool Asgard-themed room, with the bed modelled after the elaborate throne of Odin.

Oval Office-themed suite at the Pasig branch
Image credit: @victoriacourtvc

Victoria Court Malate
Address: 2184 Madre Ignacia St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone: +63 2 521 1084

10. Try Manila’s street food at Quiapo Market

As with every foreign country you visit, you’d want to try out the local cuisine to truly get a taste of culture. Trawling Manila’s night markets is a great starting point – such as Quiapo Market, where food prices begin from as a low as PHP7 (~S$0.18). You’ll be able to load yourself up on a feast armed with as little as S$5 on hand.

Balut – duck embryo with savoury broth

Balut (PHP18 ~S$0.46) is a developing bird embryo – usually from a duck or chicken – that is boiled in a savoury broth and eaten directly from the shell. Paired with either salt or soya sauce, it tastes like a regular hard-boiled egg with a distinctly meatier texture. Be sure to drink the broth, which is reminiscent of boiled chicken soup.

Soup Number Five – bull’s genitals soup

If you thought balut is bizarre, wait till you learn of Soup Number Five (PHP20, ~S$0.51). Belying its innocent-sounding name is a soup that is cooked with bull’s genitalia.

Despite the ingredients used, this dish is actually a delicious, flavourful creation, with the meat’s texture markedly springier than your average pork or chicken. The savoury broth with a medley of spices is the main draw, making it ideal for a cold evening.

Green mango with bagoong – unripe mangoes with shrimp paste

Green mango with bagoong (PHP7, ~S$0.18) is basically unripe green mangoes served with shrimp paste – a treat for fans of sour food. The crisp sourness of the mangoes may be sharp on the tongue at first, but this is neutralised by the salty and lightly spicy shrimp paste.

Buko juice – coconut water

As coconut (buko) is native to the Philippines, it is no surprise that buko juice (PHP30, ~S$0.77) – freshly extracted from young coconuts – is a common sight on the streets.  Some stalls offer a sweet version of the drink, with condensed milk mixed in.

11. Check out the street art at Bonifacio Global City

Image credit: @andiesyyap

Bonifacio Global City (BGC), aka The Fort, is the art hub of Manila. Street art is aplenty here, and you can find murals practically everywhere you go in the city.

Image credit: @andiesyyap

It’s not just alley walls that are coated in graffiti art – even office buildings are not spared, with the larger surface areas able to accommodate more elaborate designs.

Image credit: @andiesyyap

Bonifacio Global City
Address: Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines

12. Play carnival games and catch the sunset at SM By The Bay Amusement Park

Image credit: @followme.media

Located just outside SM Mall of Asia is SM by the Bay. The park comes with over 17 rides, and the Mall of Asia Eye, a 55-meter tall Ferris wheel stands out as the star attraction.

Image credit: @jayepineda

If you’re game for something for more thrilling, go for the Drop Tower, where you’ll be strapped to a gondola that goes up a tower before being released to free-fall.

Image credit: @wreckitme

While you’re here, try your hand at the carnival games, which include classic favourites like ring toss, rebound, and short shot. Stand a chance to bring home a plushie if you win!

Image credit: @pinay.backpacker

Like its name suggests, SM by the Bay is located right by the sea – swing by in the evening and you’ll be blessed by spectacular views of the glowing sunset.

SM by the Bay Amusement Park
Address: Seaside Boulevard Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening hours: 3PM-12AM (Mon-Thur) | 3PM-1AM (Fri) | 10AM-1AM (Sat) | 10AM-12AM (Sun)
Website

Food, bars, and activities in Manila

With all these things you can do, planning an itinerary for a holiday in Manila shouldn’t be a problem. From chilling at the city’s unique bars to checking into otherworldly space-themed hotels, there’s so much more to Manila than we would’ve thought.

The post 12 Things To Do In Manila On A Budget – Including Cafes For Potterheads, Game Of Thrones & Riverdale Fans appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Boracay is on top of our list when we plan holidays to the Philippines. But seeing how it’s now reopening to only a limited number of tourists, it might be savvy to look beyond its shores for an impromptu island getaway.

The Philippines comprises several different islands, each one with unique features that make them worth visiting. But what stands out is Cebu, which, apart from carrying the same pristine beaches Boracay is famous for, is actually a budget travellers’ heaven.

From snorkeling in Moalboal to throwing yourself off cliffs in Kawasan Falls, Cebu guarantees a most thrilling adventure without bursting the bank. It definitely did for this travel-starved writer and his companions, who flew there courtesy of Cebu Pacific.

Note: You can actually spend less than $100/pax on activities if you pick from the list below.

1. Bask in a picturesque sunset with 10,000 LED roses in Cordova

After hearing much of the epic field comprising 10,000 LED roses at 10,000 Roses Cafe, we stopped by around 5.30PM at sunset. The entrance fee was PHP20/pax (~SGD0.51), and we were able to get some quality shots of the roses fronting a breathtaking sunset.

As night swept over the earth, we were mesmerised by the sight of the roses lighting up with an electric-blue glow, casting a gentle, ethereal atmosphere over the surrounding vicinity.

If you’re in the mood for drinks, note that the nearby cafe serves these at fairly affordable prices, beginning from PHP110 (~SGD2.80) for a cup of Espresso.

10,000 Roses of Cordova

Address: Day-as Barangay Rd, Cordova, Cebu, Philippines
Opening hours: 11AM-12AM

2. Tuck into a seafood feast by the sea at Salo-Salo Sutukil

You get to see and choose your seafood before it is cooked.

Complaining stomachs doth not a happy man or woman make. With this in mind, we answered our stomachs’ growls by heading down to Salo-Salo Sutukil, one amongst a cluster of seafood restaurants around the Mactan Shrine vicinity in Lapu-Lapu City.

For those who don’t know, “sutukil” is a Filipino Visayan dining concept in which seafood can be prepared in three different ways for a single meal: sugba (grilled), tuwa (stewed), and kilaw (raw bathed in vinegar).

We weren’t too game to have our seafood raw, so we opted for grilled seafood. We had garlic butter prawns, butter-baked scallops, and charcoal-grilled fish, along with stir-fry kang kong, garlic rice, and buko (coconut) juice served on the side. This meal amounted to a total of PHP3250 (~SGD82.89).

The star dish was the butter-baked scallops, a decadent platter of scallops grilled to a fine crisp with melted butter and slabs of cheese sitting in the middle of each shell.

The restaurant had a homely vibe, featuring rustic decor and wooden furnishings. The building itself was situated on a mangrove swamp, but it was low tide when we came. We did get to see something amazing, however: swarms of fiddler crabs scrambling about on the exposed bed.

Salo-Salo Sutukil

Address: Mactan Shrine, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines

3. Snorkel in Moalboal and marvel at the beautiful seascapes that lie beneath the ocean’s surface

For most of us, our closest encounter with marine life would be through watching them behind glass panels in aquariums or from BBC’s nature documentaries.

Yet these can’t beat getting up close and personal with the oceans’ residents in their natural habitats.

We walked along this scenic pier to get to our boat.

Our boat was actually a banca, a design indigenous to the Philippines and distinguishable by its curved booms.

And Moalboal offered us this experience through an island hopping adventure at PHP2500  for 4 pax (~SGD63.68), where we could snorkel in 3 different spots: Pescador Island, House Reef, and Tonggo Point.

That’s me at the back, perfectly safe and sound.

Even if you are, like me, a non-swimmer, you can still get in on the fun, as life vests and experienced guides will accompany you to ensure your safety.

Pescador Island

Our first stop were the waters around Pescador Island, where coral gardens studded the seabed. En route, we were greeted by the sight of dolphins leaping in and out of the water.

I wasn’t able to see much as I spent a lot of time combatting my fear of deep water and struggling with the snorkeling gear as a first-timer, but what little I saw was astounding.

It was surreal seeing brightly-coloured fish darting around the corals perched on the seabed right before my eyes – starkly contrasting the unassuming water surface up above.

House Reef

Our next stop was House Reef, where we entered relatively colder waters to experience Moalboal’s famous sardine run, which is basically a swim with at least 1 million sardines. As the currents here are stronger, non-swimmers should stay close to the boat and their companions.

Tonggo Point

Image credit: Exotic Philippines

Tonggo Point was our final stop, and it was here where we were supposed to catch sea turtles in action. Alas, the sea turtles had gone off to deeper waters to feed when we arrived. To catch the sea turtles in action, our guide advised to swing by earlier in the day, ideally before 11AM.

Moalboal Island Hopping

Address: Barangay Bugas, Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines

4. Trek up the slopes of Osmeña Peak and be rewarded by stunning views of the Mantalongon mountain range

Getting to Osmeña Peak was no mean feat for us, with a 5-hour drive from our lodging in Lapu-Lapu City and a 30-min trek to reach its summit, which is about 1,073 meters above sea level.

Treat your eyes to breathtaking views of the Mantalongon mountain range as you drive.

Yet while the journey to the peak was long, it was by no means arduous, for we were treated to the sight of the Mantalongon mountain range and greenery encircling Osmeña Peak on both sides of the road we travelled on.

And of course, we came to the star attraction of the show: Osmeña Peak. Our drive came to an end at the base of the summit, and after paying an environmental fee of PHP30/pax (~SGD0.76), we began our trek to the summit.

The trek itself offered picturesque views of the surrounding landscape of Mantalongon. And we couldn’t resist having #aesthetic pictures of ourselves taken flanked against the beautiful backdrop.

As the terrain here wasn’t too rough, the trek was manageable – even for a first-time trekker like me. You may want to be cautious of the final leg-up to the summit itself though, as there are loose stones that can trip you up.

We eventually reached the summit, where we were humbled by the reminder of how small we were in comparison to the massive landscape that surrounded us. Photo opps are aplenty in this area, and we spared no time in getting right to work.

Osmeña Peak

Address: Mantalongon – Lugsangan Rd, Badian, Cebu

5. Visit the pristine beaches of Cebu

No trip to the Philippines is complete without having visited at least one of their beaches, renowned worldwide for their clear blue waters and white sands. Cebu is no exception to this reputation, as Lambug Beach proved.

As it was not the tourist season when we arrived (early October), we practically got much of the beach all to ourselves. Nic, at one with his inner beach spirit, couldn’t wait to hurl himself into the crystal clear waters, which were complemented by an obstacle-free bed of sand.

Lambug Beach

Address: Lambug Beach Rd, Badian, Cebu, Philippines

6. Embark on a canyoneering adventure through Kawasan Falls

Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls means a whole slew of activities beyond trekking – it includes climbing, swimming, and the main highlight: cliff jumping.

Getting to the base camp of Kawasan Falls in itself is an unforgettable experience. After a five-hour drive from Lapu-Lapu City, we rode habal-habal, or motorcycles, to the starting point.

The hike was fairly strenuous but had tons of noteworthy sites like waterfalls and there were a total of 7 cliff jumps of varying heights from as low as 2m to as high as 15m.

These jumps are definitely not for the faint of heart, and even now, I can’t say I know exactly how I mustered the courage to perform one jump after another. But I’m most proud of having conquered Kawasan, and, in Nic’s words, will not live to feel #fomo for not having done it.

When the sun beams down its rays just right, you can get sick shots like this with a GoPro.

We were also brought to a clearing where meat skewers were BBQed and sold on the spot. These came cheap at PHP50 (~SGD1.27) per stick regardless of meat chosen (chicken, pork, or beef), and we couldn’t help but get some to refuel before finishing off the journey.

We engaged KCOP Services to guide us through Kawasan Falls. Our guide Jun-Jun was a tremendous boon to us, as his intimate knowledge of the terrain ensured we wouldn’t lose balance and fall.

These guys also offer an affordable rate for their services at PHP6000 (SGD152.89) for 4 pax. Lunch is part of the package, which you can enjoy right beside the main falls of Kawasan.

Kawasan Falls

Address: Badian, 6031 Cebu, Philippines

KCOP Services

Telephone: 09261120868 / 09089661072 (Lemuel Urbina Aspado)
Website

7. Explore the Cebuana version of Artbox through the weekend food market Sugbo Mercado

Artbox is well-received in Singapore for its huge selection of scrumptious food and fun activities, and Cebu City has its own version: Sugbo Mercado.

And like Artbox, Sugbo Mercado is a food lover’s haven, with stalls selling IG-worthy food such as a crazy-huge unicorn candy floss sitting squarely on a cup of cookies & cream shake.

We also looked around for stalls selling Filipino food, and eventually settled for a hearty bowl of pork sisig, a mixture of pig head and liver parts stir-fried with rice, seasoned with calamansi and chili peppers, and topped with a sunny side-up.

Note: Food stalls at Sugbo Mercado change every weekend, so you can enjoy new gustatory experiences each time you visit.

Sugbo Mercado

Address: Garden Bloc, Inez Villa St, Apas, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
Opening hours: 5PM-1AM (Fri-Sun only)

8. Hitch a ride on unconventional modes of transport like jeepneys and trishaws

Charging through the streets of Cebu are unorthodox modes of transport indigenous to the Philippines: jeepneys and trishaws. While hailing a taxi is the easiest way of getting around the country, hopping onto a jeepney and/or a trishaw is still a very feasible option – and only at a fraction of the cost!

Jeepneys are basically minivans, except that there are holes on the sides and the back, acting as the windows and doorway respectively. The resort we stayed in had a number of these coming through on the daily, and we hopped aboard one to head into town.

And trishaws here are a completely different affair here from what we’ve seen in our history textbooks. These are made up of a sheltered sidecar attached to a motorcycle, and can take up to 4 passengers – one riding pillion behind the driver, and the other 3 heaped into the sidecar.

9. Try out Jollibee, the Philippines’ flagship fast food restaurant

In Singapore, we have McDonald’s and KFC to satiate our fast food cravings. While the Philippines also has McDonald’s, what’s even bigger here is Jollibee.

Alison is a true blue Jollibee fan
Image credit: @alisonaliceally

While we have some Jollibee branches in SG, the original stands out in terms of flavour and also carries exclusive items.

Image adapted from: @yuchan_cebulife

For starters, check out their spaghetti. Unlike what we’re used to in our regular bolognese, the bright red sauce used for this spaghetti is sweet instead of tangy and sour.

Image credit: @ohnoitssaintz

Also give their signature fried chicken a go. This stands out from the usual fried chicken we’re used to, for it’s lightly battered – this is more than sufficiently compensated for by its juicy, succulent meat.

Image credit: Yelp

Moving on to the drinks department, Jollibee carries a drink not common to our usual fast food restaurants: Pineapple juice. With the right balance of sweet and sour that we love pineapples for, this drink is the perfect way to complete a meal at Jollibee.

Bonus: Go glamping in Sumilon Island

We didn’t get to go glamping in Sumilon Island as the activity, put together by Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, was fully booked when we went. This only stands as testament to the activity’s popularity, and for very good reason.

Take up lodgings in tents like this one that are packed with modern luxury comforts.
Image credit: Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort

Image credit: Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort

Glamping is a far cry from the regular rough-it-out camping. Instead, your accoms are akin to what you’d find at a 5-star hotel – think spacious tents with beds, air-conditioning and in-tent mini bars. Expert chefs also prepare generous food spreads for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Image credit: @ron_popoy

And while you’re here in Sumilon, be sure to check out the island’s famous sandbar, well-known for its shifting locations and ever-changing shapes.

Fly to Cebu with Cebu Pacific

With this collection of thrilling activities you can do in Cebu, you’ll be able to embark on an adventure of a lifetime while you’re here.

Image credit: Cebu Pacific

But even before you even embark on your Cebu adventure, you’ll need to find a reliable airline that’ll bring you here. Here’s where Cebu Pacific enters the picture, for it flies direct from Singapore to popular Philippine cities – including Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Clark, and of course, Cebu.

We also loved how the airline has stellar inter-island connectivity. For instance, we conquered both Manila and Cebu in a week or so and finding flights was a breeze as there’s a high frequency of daily flights among the islands – at least 6-7 fly out at any given time slot!

We also loved how even the short flights were packed full of entertainment and solid meal options. We tucked into Filipino classics like Chicken Sisig, and were thoroughly impressed with the hospitable crew who carried out Fun Games with prizes to boot.

We won prizes too!

With the Philippines just a few hours away from Singapore, it’s a no-brainer to consider an impromptu island trip if you need a breather from the city. And with these budget-friendly activities, it needn’t stress out your bank account, either, so you can truly and utterly relax.

Book your flight to the Philippines with Cebu Pacific here!

This post was brought to you by Cebu Pacific.
Photography by Alison Tan.

The post 10 Things To Do In Cebu On Your Next Impromptu Getaway For Less Than $100 appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Image adapted from: @mitchelloates, Travel Stories Told, Skyscanner, and Alena Ozerova

Mention the Philippines and you would most likely think Boracay. Beaches. Sun. Sand. Sea. Of course, as the Philippines is an archipelago, it’s only natural that its many islands boast an impressive array of beaches.

But there is more to the Philippines than its gorgeous beaches. As the 10 islands in Philippines below show, there is so much more you can do than frolicking in the sand and waves – from breathtaking waterfalls to subterranean caverns, there is no end to the adventures you can have.

Note: We’ve included recommendations for flights + accommodation to kick off your itinerary! Direct flights start as low as SGD64 with Cebu Pacific, so you won’t bust budgets either. 

1. Cebu

As one of the Philippines’ more developed islands, Cebu is a place you don’t want to miss.

Besides being known for its white-sand beaches, it also boasts some of the best natural attractions the Philippines have to offer, such as Kawasan Falls.

These waterfalls are famous for their turquoise-blue waters. Image credit: @away4mhome.

Image credit: @hopia4775

Or if you’re in the mood for hiking, Osmeña Peak is a mountain range to keep within your sights. This hike is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers alike, with the summit offering fantastic views of the jagged peaks.

Flights + Accommodation

Image credit: @thehenryhotel

Image credit: @thehenryhotel

Flights to Cebu begin from $122, and you can stay in the heart of Cebu at The Henry Hotel Cebu, a charming boutique hotel with 38 unique themed rooms, like a Marilyn Monroe or a Parisian-inspired one. Some even have pedestal bathtubs! All guests can lounge around an outdoor pool too.

Getting here is easy – a mere 30-min drive away from Mactan-Cebu International Airport – and it’s affordable from $74 per night too.

2. Palawan

Not to be confused with our very own Palawan Beach in Sentosa, Palawan clinches the title of “Most Beautiful Island in the World”, and for good reason: its landscape is lush with wildlife, jungle mountains, and beautiful beaches.

Image credit: Alena Ozerova

Standing out amongst these is El Nido, a cluster of 45 small islands that boast some of the best beaches and diving sites that the Philippines have to offer.

Simizu Island’s limestone crags are a sight to behold.

Image credit: @mitchelloates

Simizu Island particularly stands out for its remarkable limestone mountains, which rise up out of the sea to form curtains of black rock coated with greenery.

Image credit: @san.enn

Or if diving is your thing, Dilumacad Island is an island not to be missed, with its famous dive site known as the Dilumacad Underwater Tunnel. Divers can weave through tunnels layered with colourful coral formations, which are teeming with an abundance of marine life.

Flights + Accommodation

Flights to Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan begin from $131, via Manila.

Image credit: @wowshyra

Once you’re here, consider staying at The Birdhouse El Nido, a boutique glamping site with “nests” that are gorgeously bohemian and perched minutes away from Maremegmeg’s beach.

3. Bohol

If you’ve been to your fill of Philippines beaches, swing by Bohol, which offers you a jungle-themed vacation. Begin from a trip to the Chocolate Hills, so named for their semblance to puffy, rising buns that Pappa Roti rolls out.

Image credit: Puripat Lertpunyaroj

Bohol is also home to an animal that is indigenous to the island: the tarsier. Considered the smallest primate, these lil’ critters are endangered, and thankfully, the Tarsier Conservatory is doing all it can to save them from extinction.

Make a visit to catch the cute critters in action. 

Image credit: @itsjerkyyy

Image credit: @mcflorae

As an alternative, if you’re looking for something that’ll spike up your adrenaline, make a stop at Danao Adventure Park, where you can explore a cave, zip-line, kayak, or even plunge off a cliff.

Flights + Accommodation

Flights to Bohol begin from $138, and you’ll alight at Tagbilaran Airport (soon to be replaced by Panglao Island International Airport this year).

Image credit: Expedia

Accommodation here begins from $46, with The MetroCentre Hotel and Conventions Center standing out for its luxurious furnishings and comprehensive range of facilities that include a spa, a sauna, and a fitness centre.

4. Panglao

If you’re in Bohol for your vacation, be sure to include Panglao Island in your itinerary, which is located just 18.1 km away from Tagbilaran City – you can hire a taxi to make the journey. A key attraction to visit is Hinagdanan Cave, a naturally lighted cavern with a deep lagoon and stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Image credit: @travellinpinay

The nearest airport to Panglao is the same as Bohol: Tagbilaran Airport. We would thus recommend taking up accommodation in Bohol and making a day trip to Panglao.

5. Dumaguete

With its beautiful beaches, Dumaguete is ideal for a tranquil vacation. But that’s not all Dumaguete has to offer, as Apo Island reveals. Also known as Turtle Island, it is renowned for snorkelling and swimming with turtles that call the waters around the island home.

Image credit: Slovenians Travel

As the turtles are used to the presence of humans in the water, they won’t flee even when you approach them. If you aren’t too keen on snorkelling, you can simply hang out at the beaches.

Image credit: @earlysunbird

And if you want to explore a little beyond the island, take a 2-hour ferry ride to Siquijor, which boasts the stunning Cambugahay Falls. You can even try cliff jumping at Salagdoong Beach.

Flights + Accommodation

Flights to Dumaguete begin from $225, and you will get off at Dumaguete Airport.

Image credit: The Flying Fish Hostel

Image credit: The Flying Fish Hostel

Consider checking in to the Flying Fish Hostel, which starts from a supremely affordable $36, which impresses with its chic industrial look and spacious rooms.

6. Luzon

For those who don’t know, Luzon is the island that the Philippines’ capital, Manila, sits on.

While you can tour the cityscape of Manila, Luzon’s attractions don’t begin and end with this city. Located a bus ride away is fantastic hiking routes, with Pico de Loro-Mt. Palay standing out among these.

The biggest attraction of this route: a monolithic rock flanked by hills coated in foliage.

Image credit: @bogasy

Also on Luzon Island is Clark, another of Phillippines’ most popular cities. Located just a 4-hour drive away from the city is Potipot Island, a small yet charming place where you can kick back and chill out under the sun on its beautiful beaches.

Image credit: Travel Stories Told

Flights + Accommodation

Flights to Manila begin from $122, and you’ll land in Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Head for a stay at hip Z Hostel which starts from $53 a night, and raise a toast to your adventure at an amazing rooftop deck and bar.

As for Clark, you can easily fly there too from $142!

7. Bucas Grande

Located in the eastern reaches of Surigao del Norte is Bucas Grande, where you can do something truly unorthodox: swim with jellyfishes in the crystal clear waters of Sohoton Cove. You won’t have to worry about being stung by the jellyfishes here, as their stingers lack the barbs that latch onto the skin.

Image credit: Adventure in You

Flights begin from $210, and you’ll drop off at Surigao Airport. To get to Bucas Grande from Surigao City, you’ll have to go to the port and hitch a motorised boat to Socorro. From Socorro, hire another boat to Bucas Grande.

8. Iloilo

The name Iloilo may sound familiar to you – after all, the acclaimed film by Anthony Chen shares the same name. But Iloilo is an actual island in the Philippines, and it is a place of beauty in its own right.

Image credit: Skyscanner

Take Islas de Gigantes as an example, which offers you a plethora of white sandy beaches on 8 of its 13 islands. And as the spits that form these islands are pretty small, you can see their curvatures, which make for great photography opportunities.

Flights + Accommodation

Flights to Iloilo begin from $163, and you’ll alight at Iloilo International Airport. For accommodation, you could choose to stay in Islas de Gigantes itself to make exploring its islands more convenient.

Image credit: Expedia

From $85/night, Solina Beach & Nature Resort is a place to consider, as it offers you the royal treatment with its luxuriously furnished rooms comparable to 5-star hotels, alongside private patios where you can recline and soak in the fantastic views of the nearby beach.

9. Guimaras

Just off to the southeast of Iloilo is Guimaras, which carries some of the most stunning beaches that the Philippines have to offer. A 40-min drive from Jordan Wharf will get you to Nagarao Island, where you’ll be treated to beaches with white sand and clear waters.

Nagarao Island Resort

Image credit: @mgismagnesium

Beaches are not the only thing on Nagarao’s menu, as it is also the place where Oro Verde Mango Plantation is found. This plantation is home to a huge arsenal of about 5,000 mango trees, and this is where you can savour some of the freshest, sweetest mangoes in the Philippines.

Image credit: @annegumiram

The plantation is itself picturesque, with the neatly-arranged trees forming symmetrical foliage covers that are ideal for #wanderlust photography shots.

As the nearest airport to Guimaras is the same as Iloilo (Iloilo International Airport), you can consider incorporating both islands into your itinerary.

10. Davao

Located on the southern tip of Davao is Balut Island, a relatively underrated volcanic island that is waiting to be explored.

Image credit @iamjoshmilton

For starters, take a dip in Sabung Hot Spring, which offers you gorgeous views of the surrounding ocean as you bask in the comforting warmth of the waters.

Image credit: Davao City

Flights to Davao begin from $212, and you’ll disembark at Davao International Airport. 

Explore the beauty of the Philippines islands with Cebu Pacific

The Philippines most certainly never fails to charm us with the allure of their many islands. And of course, this list of islands is non-exhaustive, with many more awaiting you.

Image credit: Cebu Pacific

Even before you plan on which islands to fly to, you’ll have to consider a reliable airline carrier to bring you there. Here’s where Cebu Pacific enters the picture, for it flies direct from Singapore to popular cities such as Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Clark, among other international destinations.

With the “Multi-City” option, choose up to 2 different cities to fly to in one booking.

Image credit: Cebu Pacific

Flying to Cebu but also want to travel to Bohol and Iloilo in the same sitting? Cebu Pacific has got you covered as the airline with the best inter-island connectivity in the Philippines, with flights to bring you from one island to another daily – at least 6-7 are scheduled to fly you to your destination within the same time slot!

Image credit: Cebu Pacific

On top of that, Cebu Pacific keeps its fares low all year round, starting from $109. Despite its low fare rates, Cebu Pacific is committed to providing excellent customer service, with your friendly flight attendants keeping you entertained through Fun Games that reward all participants.

Chicken Sisig and Grilled Chicken Burger with Herb

Image credit: Cebu Pacific

Pre-ordered meal options are also available onboard Cebu Pacific, and these encompass a huge selection of delectables that range from authentic Filipino cuisine like Chicken Sisig to a good ol’ Grilled Chicken Burger with Herb. 

With how easy it is to embark on an adventure to the Philippines, it’s time to put together an itinerary and plan a vacation to unwind from the stresses of your busy work life.

Book your flight to the Philippines with Cebu Pacific here!

This post was brought to you by Cebu Pacific.

The post 10 Beautiful Philippines Islands To Visit Unlike Anything You’ve Seen Before appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Whenever Singaporeans have an itch for an adventure in the mountains, Indonesia or Vietnam are the destinations that usually come to mind, with treks like Mount Bromo or Mount Fansipan being famous for their epic landscapes.

On the other hand, the Philippines is better known for being replete with obscure islands, pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. We took a trip to Sagada, a quiet town in the Cordillera Mountains within the Philippines’ Mountain Province, and uncovered postcard-worthy views while taking on activities that even Indiana Jones would get a kick out of. Here are 5 things you need to do if you ever make the visit to the sleepy mountain town.

This article is part of The $100 Nomad series, where we explore 10 cities for Singaporeans who are time-strapped and on a budget. These 3D2N itineraries cover lodging, meals and activities but do not include flights and transportation.

1. Go spelunking in Sumaguing Cave

If you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner Nicolas Cage a la National Treasure, spelunking in Sumaguing Cave will quench your thirst for adventure.

For the unfamiliar, spelunking, or caving, is the increasingly popular activity of cave exploration. Bear in mind that we’re not talking about brightly lit caves with man-made paths to walk on. These caves are pitch-dark and require a fair amount of physical endurance to traverse. Be prepared to navigate slippery limestone steps, squeeze through tiny openings, and wade through thigh-deep bodies of water with only your guide’s gas lamp to illuminate the way. 

I’d go as far as to say that even the most garang thrillseekers would get a kick out of exploring Sumaguing Cave. Personally, the lure of the unknown was hard to resist, even if it meant wandering around barefoot on rocks covered with bat poop.

While I’m all for saving money, Sumaguing Cave is not somewhere you can explore without a guide. A good guide can be the difference between an enjoyable spelunking experience or serious injury.

We engaged a guide at the tourist centre itself and paid 575php (~$14.57), which also covered a quick visit to the nearby Echo Valley and Hanging Coffins.

2. Pay a visit to the Hanging Coffins and Echo Valley

Hanging Coffins

If you feel $14 is too steep just for a guide to bring you around the caves, take heart in the fact that the guide fee also covers a stop at Sagada’s famous Hanging Coffins and Echo Valley.

The two stops are usually a prelude to Sumaguing Cave, and take roughly 30 minutes to cover. While the Echo Valley provided me with the cheap thrill of fooling around with my own echo, the site of coffins – with actual human remains inside – hanging off the side of a cliff was a lot more sombre.

According to our guide, the ancient burial method was born from the fact that in the past, hungry wild dogs would dig up buried coffins to eat the remains within, resulting in coffins being hung on the side of a cliff out of reach of said dogs. We also learnt that only respected members of the community are honoured with hung coffins.

3. Hike up Marlboro Hill to catch a sunrise above clouds

While Sagada is filled with epic landscapes at every turn, the Sea of Clouds atop Marlboro Hill offers an unparalleled sunrise view.

With the sun rising relatively early in Sagada, we met up with our guides – the same ones who took us spelunking – at 4am. Trekking on muddy ground in the dark through half-opened eyes wasn’t particularly exciting but an hour later, we emerged from a densely forested path into an open hill populated by cows lazily grazing on the dewy grass. All around the hill, fluffy clouds rolled all around us as the dawn broke.

Due to Sagada being non-touristy, the Sea of Clouds barely had any visitors aside from a handful of locals on what seemed like their regular morning hike.

The Sea of Clouds alone was worth the 400php (~$10.17) guide fee, which also includes a stop at another picturesque landmark not too far away – the Blue Hills.

Named as such because of the colour of their soil, the Blue Hills look the way they do reportedly because of high copper content.

4. Get your breakfast fix at Yoghurt House

Often lauded as one of the best eateries in Sagada, Yoghurt House is renowned for their homemade yoghurt. Despite having a full lunch and dinner menu, the other items on the menu that we tried were average at best despite being pricier than most other restaurants around the area.

We ordered the recommended Yoghurt with Sagada Honey for 110php (~$2.79) and weren’t disappointed. The yoghurt was rich and smooth, and you can tell it’s fresh from how the curds and whey didn’t separate even though we did let it sit for a bit while taking photos for Instagram (guilty as charged).

Overall, Yoghurt House is a great place in Sagada to get your breakfast fix before you begin your day of trekking.

5. Take a day trip to Batad Rice Terraces

If Sagada’s countless adventures aren’t enough to satiate your hunger for the outdoors, consider taking a day trip to Batad. A quiet village just 4 hours away from Sagada, Batad also has the distinct honour of being one of the filming locations for Avengers: Infinity War. Surrounded by mountains and untouched by urbanisation, Batad’s rice terraces are informally known as the “eighth wonder of the world”.

Getting to Batad is a bit tricky, as you’ll need to take a jeepney from Sagada towards Bontoc before getting on a van at the tourist centre towards Banaue. Once at Banaue’s tourist centre, you can then arrange for a ride to Batad. The entire trip will cost you about 345php (~$8.75). 

Batad is a relatively remote village with a population of about 1,500, so only homestays with the villagers are available. Some of these homestays are listed on booking sites like Agoda or Bookings.com so you can pre-book your stay.

Once in Batad, it’s highly recommended that you ask around and engage a guide as you’ll need someone who knows the rice terraces and the village’s customs inside out.

This is rice

Our guide arranged for a full day of activities for us, which involved dressing up in a traditional costume, trying our hand at harvesting rice and hand weaving, as well as hiking to the spot where they filmed the final scene of Infinity War.  We paid a 2000php (~$50.82) guide fee for the four of us on top of a “rental” fee of 200php (~$5.08) for the costume.

Although we could have haggled further, I was happy paying slightly more after finding out that the rice from these terraces was for internal consumption within the village only and not for commercial sale. The villagers of Batad rely heavily on tourism and the sale of their hand-weaved items for income. When you consider how remote the place is, it’s clear they aren’t earning much.

Note: From Banaue, the last point of vehicle access is a good 30-minute hike away from the village itself, so travel light. There also isn’t any cellular coverage once you’re in the village. Don’t let this put you off though, because it’s a National Geographic-esque experience you won’t get to experience every other day.

Bonus

Where to stay in Sagada: Coffee Heritage House

The view from the hostel

Location: Tucked away in a quiet yet easily accessible corner of Sagada is Coffee Heritage House. Surrounded by a lush forest, Coffee Heritage House started off as an internationally acclaimed coffee roaster before management converted the second floor of the building into a hostel for travellers. It’s safe to say they have good taste, with the entire establishment looking like something out of a Pinterest board.

Rooms: There are a variety of rooms with different configurations (number of beds and gender) to cater for all kinds of travellers. All rooms come with thick, hotel quality mattresses and an impressive view of the garden or forest. While the existing rooms are all for sharing, there are private rooms that are currently in construction as well. Rooms begin from 700php (~$17.79) per bed.

Shower: Showers are gendered but communal. That being said, the toilets were clean, spacious and with plenty of minimalist concrete surfaces. Most importantly though, the water pressure was strong and the showers were heated, which is all you really need.

Food: The hostel offers complimentary breakfast to guests. Breakfast fare is simple and usually features toast and a spread of your choosing (try their pesto!), but when paired with a freshly brewed cup of Sagada coffee, you’ll feel charged up for the day ahead.

If the weather permits, the staff also set up a bonfire every night in the clearing next to the hostel. Cold weather, hot coffee, a bonfire, and a sky full of stars? Yes please.

Sagada, a hiking destination with epic views and no crowds

While it felt as though we accomplished a lot in just 3D2N, it wasn’t tough to keep our spending within a $100 budget (sans flight and transportation). The scenic views were easily comparable to the popular and more expensive hikes in Southeast Asia even though we spent a fraction of what we would have spent in those destinations. We also didn’t have to jostle around crowds competing to snap selfies against the landscape.

Watch our full adventure on Toggle here!

The post 5 Things To Do In Sagada Under $100 – Philippines’ Offbeat Trekking Heaven With Aircon Weather appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

Boracay is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Philippines. But while the island’s fine white shores and vibrant nightlife have been going strong, there’s a great deal of pollution in its waters and surrounding seas due to a sewage problem. Thus an order for a much-needed, 6 month long cleanup starting from late April this year.

While Boracay is busy recuperating, fear not – there are other islands in Philippines for a short getaway. And even after it re-opens in October, these less touristy alternatives are worth a visit. All of them come with beautiful beaches and plenty of things to do, including snorkelling, cave exploring, and cliff diving.

1. Siargao

Siargao is said to be the best place for surfing in the Philippines, with large rolling waves throughout the year.

Rent a surfboard and ride some waves at Cloud 9

Image credit: @mati.oliveri_surf

You can’t go to the surf capital of the Philippines without riding some waves, or at least, attempting to. One of the most popular surf breaks in Siargao is Cloud 9, where you can enjoy watching seasoned pros shredding through the water. If you’re more of a novice, Jacking Horse nearby will be more suitable with its baby waves.

If tackling walls of water is too much for you, take a leisurely stroll along Cloud 9 Pier and watch the sunset instead
Image credit: @baldwincsantos

Savour a creatively plated smoothie bowl at Shaka Siargao Cafe Gallery

Image credit: @hilambloom

We have our fair share of affordable acai bowls in Singapore. But with fruit toppings beautifully arranged to look like flowers, the ones at Shaka Siargao Cafe Gallery are basically edible art. Each Power Bowl costs P250 (~S$6.35), but Bowl & Coffee Combos go for just P300 (~$6.72), so you might as well go for the latter.

The cafe is housed in a cosy little hut
Image credit: Shaka Siargao

Address: 8419 General Luna, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines
Opening hours: Daily, 6.30AM-5PM
Telephone: +63 929 422 8956
Website

Cliff jump at Magpupungko Rock Pools

Image credit: @thenaturesbest

Magpupungko Beach has beautiful rock pools with clear turquoise waters which you can wade around in. If you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and cliff jump in the the deeper areas – the lagoon is lined with rock formations, some of which are easy enough to climb on and leap from.

The largest rock formation of this beach is Magpupungko Rock – a giant boulder balancing atop a flat stone.
Image credit: @ohgoodlawrd

For safety reasons and an optimum view of the rocks, it’s best to visit during low tide when the waters are at their most tranquil.

Entrance fee: P50 (S$1.27)

2. Coron

As a hotspot for wreck diving, Coron is slowly but surely gaining in popularity, especially dive enthusiasts. Head down before it gets overly touristy!

Dive down to the WWII shipwreck at Coron Bay

Image credit: @guillaumecb

Coron Bay is best known for Skeleton Wreck, an old Japanese WWII shipwreck that’s now an iconic dive location. It’s not huge, which makes it suitable for divers of all proficiency levels. Now encrusted with corals and barnacles, the ship is teeming with marine life.

Don’t worry if you’re not certified in diving, as Coron Bay is also a great snorkelling spot.
Image credit: @gelboidotcom

Other nearby dive sites worth visiting are Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon for their otherworldly limestone caves.

Soothe your tired muscles at Maquinit Hot Spring

Technically, this one’s not on Coron Island, but rather, within Coron municipality which the island is a part of. However, it’s just 30 minutes away and simply too good to pass up.

Image credit: @pietropavlo

As one of the few natural saltwater hot springs in the world, Maquinit Hot Spring sure gives the onsens in Japan a run for their money. The saltiness in question comes from the hot spring being directly connected to the sea – which means that you’ll have a direct view of the vast waters as you bask in the comforting 40-degree water.

Image credit: @lsbrennan

Further out there’s a wooden boardwalk which will take you through the mangroves to the edge of the water. Relax under the shade at one of the huts and watch the water sloshing beneath your feet – but as much as it looks inviting, do avoid jumping in as the currents can get quite strong.

Image credit: @lily_ryeon

Telephone: +63 917 819 5327
Entrance fee: P$200 (S$5.12)

Hike up Mount Tapyas

Image credit: @fedacarr

When you’re all energised from the toasty hot spring waters, get up and going again with a hike up Mount Tapyas, roughly 20 minutes away by car. The journey up isn’t particularly arduous, as there’s a paved path. Just be prepared to cover over 700 steps, one-way.

Your reward will be a gorgeous 360 degree view of the town and surrounding islands below, and if you come at the right time, you’ll be treated to a gorgeous sunrise or sunset.

Note: There’s only one small drink stall at the base of the hill and no other shops along the way up, so do stock up on water before you make your ascent.

3. Panglao

Panglao Island is home to Alona Beach, as well as Virgin Island, a sandbar strip. But other than visiting these sandy areas, there are also non-beachy activities for you to keep occupied with.

Go spelunking in the mystical Hinagdanan Cave

Image credit: @rv_lakwatsiro

Cool story: Hinagdanan Cave was accidentally discovered when a farmer who was clearing his land dropped a stone into a hole and heard a splash. He then built a ladder leading down to the hole and uncovered the mystical beauty of the limestone cavern within.

Opening hours: Daily, 7.30AM-6PM
Entrance fee: P50 (~S$1.28)

Dine on a cliff by the sea at Bohol Bee Farm Restaurant

Image credit: @ron.lacanlale

For homeliness and good Pinoy hospitality, visit Bohol Bee Farm. They do have a resort if you’re keen on the full farm experience, but you don’t have to be a staying guest to dine at their cliffside restaurant. All the food here is organic, with some choices being the Cassava Tacos with various meat fillings (from P220, S$5.63) and Honeyglazed Chicken  (P320, S$8.19).

There are more than 10 ice cream flavours here, ranging from Chocolate and Salted Honey to less conventional ones like Spicy Ginger and Pandan.
Image credit: @aldwinsy

For dessert, hop over to their in-house ice cream parlour, The Buzzz Ice Cream, for homemade ice cream in a gluten-free cassava cone (P60, ~S$1.53). These are made with fresh coconut milk instead of cow’s milk, so those who are lactose intolerant can indulge too. Health nuts will be glad to know that these are sugar-free and sweetened with the farm’s own honey.

You can also grab a drink at Kape Bee and Bar, their coffeehouse-cum-bar
Image credit: @ayenzkim

Address: Dao, Panglao Island, 6339 Bohol, Philippines
Opening hours: Daily, 5AM-10PM
Telephone: +63 38 510 1822
Website

Marvel at the architecture of Our Lady of Assumption Parish

Image credit: @matchyu

Also known as Dauis Church, Our Lady of Assumption Parish is a Roman Catholic church dating back to the early 1860s with a mix of Roman and Gothic architectural styles. Even if you’re not an architecture buff, it’s easy to marvel at the grandeur of it all.

Image credit: @callmebutchie

It’s not quite the Sistine Chapel, but the main church hall has a dome-shaped ceiling with elaborate Renaissance-style fresco art which you won’t find at churches in Singapore.

Address: Circulado Street, Poblacion, Dauis, 6339 Bohol, Philippines

4. Bantayan

Perfect for weekend trips, this small island offers a therapeutic experience with white sand beaches sans the crowds.

(Closed) Let butterflies land on you at Santa Fe Butterfly Garden 

Image credit: Santa Fe Butterfly Garden 

Santa Fe Butterfly Garden is dedicated to the conservation and breeding of 22 butterfly species. Take a walk through their netted garden and watch these delicate winged insects fluttering all around in a myriad of colours. Don’t be alarmed if they land on you – they’re completely harmless!

Butterfly pupas
Image credit: Santa Fe Butterfly Garden & Butterfly Garden Cafe via Facebook

You can also learn about the life cycle of a butterfly here, and see the creature in its different stages. If you’re lucky, you might even get to catch them hatching from their cocoons!

Image credit: Aleksander M via TripAdvisor

Address: G. Borraska Street, Santa Fe, Bantayan Island Cebu, 6047
Opening hours: Daily, 9AM-6PM (closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s)
Telephone: +63 916 274 2321
Entrance fee: Children under 3: free | Ages 3-17: P50 (S$1.28) | Ages 18-64: P100 (S$2.56) | Ages 65 onwards: P90 (S$2.30)

Visit the graffiti-filled German Ruins and cliff diving site

Image credit: @cesseuropa

When it comes to ruins in Bantayan, most people head to Kota Park for its fort – or what’s left of it. But we say, go to the German Ruins instead. We’re not sure of the history of this structure as little about it can be found online, but it’s interesting to see the grey stone columns coated in colourful graffiti – truly a harmony of old and new.

Image credit: @jjustmayalittle

The German Ruins sit atop a small cliff overlooking the sea, so muster up some courage to cannonball into the blue. The drop isn’t too far, so it’s suitable even for daring children who know how to swim. But if you’re afraid of taking the leap, there are also stairs leading down to the water.

Grab a drink and affordable food MJ Square 

Image credit: @mechellemay

MJ Square has been applauded by both tourists and locals alike as the best place to get food in Bantayan. Both aisles of the food bazaar are lined with numerous stalls selling affordable Filipino dishes, and we hear that cheap and good seafood is aplenty here. There are also restaurants of other cuisines like Greek and Mexican, as well as a few bars.

You can even get seafood like prawns and scallops at 1-for-1- prices here
Image credit: @imbringingsexyjac

Image credit: @xyzaigre

One of the most popular drinking holes here is Liquido, which sells cocktails like Bantayan Bujitos, Pina Coladas, and Mango Daiquiris for an unbelievable price of P130 (S$3.32).

Shake Me has a colourful wall of post-it notes – feel free to leave your mark!
Image credit: @sandraviaja

A more family-friendly favourite is Shake Me, for their refreshing tropical popsicles and fruit shakes (from P100, S$2.25).

5. Batanes

If you really want to escape humans, head to one of the Batanes Islands at the northernmost tip of the country. This cluster of islands is closer to Taiwan than to the rest of the Phils, and only Itbayat, Sabtang, and the main island Batan are inhabited.

Bask at the sandless Valugan Boulder Beach

Image credit: @thejerminatorr 

If getting sand stuck between your toes isn’t your idea of fun, Valugan Boulder Beach will be your answer to seaside chillin’ – instead of fine white sand, the entire stretch is filled with stones of varying sizes.

Image credit: @wanderlovepatti

Many have taken to stacking the tinier ones on top of each other for photos. See how many you can balance before your rock tower falls!

Interact with the locals at Sabtang’s stone house village

Image credit: @craftyzet

Get a peek into the lives of the locals at the stone house village in Sabtang. These houses with thatched cogon grass roofs are unique to Batanes, and although some of them appear to be in ruins, most of them have Ivatan people living in them – so do be respectful and keep your noise to a minimum so as not to disturb them.

Image credit: @kimcchiii

The villagers are generally welcoming and might even let you try a vakul – a type of traditional headgear made from palm fibres, meant to shield the wearer from sun and rain. Feel free to give them a small tip for their hospitality.

Frolic among cows at Vayang Rolling Hills

Image credit: @isaywhaaat

With seemingly endless spans of lush green grass, Vayang Rolling Hills can easily be mistaken for one of those meadows in New Zealand. But while the Kiwis have their sheep, these undulating hills in the Philippines are dotted full of grazing cows. Some might even get close enough to you to be touched – just be careful not to scare or provoke them.

Image credit: @i.am.gel

There’s not much else to do here, but that’s the beauty of this quiet spot. Lie back and admire the clouds above, or gaze out at the ocean below while breathing in the crisp air.

Take a dip in the Fountain of Youth

Image credit: @janinedlv

MBS can move over, because Batanes has its own unbeatable “infinity pool” amidst nature – with direct access to the ocean and a spectacular view of active volcano Mount Iraya in the distance.

Image credit: @acyjoy0825

Also known as the Spring of Youth, or Rakuh-A-Idi Spring, the Fountain of Youth can be reached via a 30-minute trek from Diura Fishing Village. Although it was humanly constructed, the cool water in this spring comes straight from mountains.

Best alternatives to Boracay Island in Philippines

A breathtaking sunset from when we visited Boracay in 2016

Boracay might be hailed as one of the most beautiful islands in The Philippines – and even the world – but there are so many other gems around it which make worthy spots for beachy vacays. Dare to venture to these less touristy areas and you’re sure to gain some unforgettable experiences.

That said, while you’re out having fun in the sun, remember this saying: “Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints”. Make sure you don’t litter or pollute the waters, and do treat everywhere you tread with respect. Nature can only remain unspoilt if we humans take good care of it.

For more ideas on island holidays, check out our other guides below:

• Unexplored islands near Singapore
• Telunas Private Island
• Islands in Thailand
• Islands in Johor
• Untouched beaches and islands near Kota Kinabalu
• Party islands in SEA

Cover image adapted from (clockwise from top left): @jjustmayalittle, @i.am.gel, @rv_lakwatsiro, @baldwincsantos 

The post 5 Gorgeous Philippine Islands To Explore Now That Boracay Is Temporarily Closed To Tourists appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

I found it odd that a city can be known for both its tranquility and nightlife, but I soon found that is exactly what Boracay is. Boasting numerous top quality dive spots alongside some of the biggest parties in the region, the locals here thrive in these two extremes and it’s easy to see why.

Boracay is one of the few places I’ve visited that has virtually been swamped by the tourism industry and yet somehow still manages to maintain its own character. Sure, there were occasions where we were herded like sheep but there were many other instances where sunsets like this and little wonders in Boracay still managed to make us stop in our tracks and take our breath away.

Here we bring you 10 compelling reasons to make Boracay your next beach holiday destination.

But first, get in on the action with our video here:

1. #YOLO and take a 15m leap of faith

For someone with an irrational fear of heights, this was my worst nightmare.

Unlike regular theme park rides with safety harnesses and automated systems that essentially force you into a plunge, at Ariel’s Point you are your own Battlestar Galactica.

Word of advice? Don’t hesitate. You’ll need that adrenaline rush to walk off the 15m plank.

It is highly recommended that you attempt the smaller jumps before you proceed to the 15m one. Even the 5m platform looks daunting when you’re on the verge of jumping off. Always keep your arms to your side and enter feet first to minimize the risk of sustaining injuries. Don’t worry if you’re not a good swimmer; there are lifeguards in the water below who will come to your assistance if the need arises.

To get out of the water, simply swim to the ladder on the side and climb out. 

If you’re like me and want to start small, you can jump off the smaller white steps that come in heights of 3m and 4m before attempting the planks at 5m, 8m and finally 15m. It’s also a good idea to jump before lunch, or risk you not being the only thing flying through the air.

Even from 5 metres I could feel the fall deep in my gut. 

One of the best parts of this trip is the amazing fact that you have an UNLIMITED supply of alcoholic drinks included in your ticket price. You get an ice cold San Miguel Light on the boat ride to Ariel’s Point and once your bottle is empty it is replaced with a full one. At Ariel’s Point, you can rock up to the bar counter and ask for a Red Horse Beer or whatever you fancy anytime you want.

Even on the way back to White Beach, the drinks don’t stop there. The boat captain made us a delicious drink of Filipino tanduay rhum (rum) and coke that brought a whole new meaning to ‘ending on a high note’.

Other than cliff diving visitors can also choose to kayak, snorkel and paddleboard. This place certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted but it sure feels good to overcome your fears and say you conquered Ariel’s Point Boracay!

How to get there:

Trips depart once a day from Ariel’s House (Station 1, White Beach, Boracay) at 11.15am, but all guests will have to be physically present for registration at 10am. You will return to White Beach at 5pm.

Price: 2500 PHP (SGD74.90) inclusive of buffet lunch, unlimited drinks and all activities at Ariel’s Point
Website: http://www.arielspoint.com/

2. Sail into a sunset worthy of a Mac wallpaper

If there’s one thing you should never miss in Boracay, it’s the sunset. This is the only time of day when time seems to slow down and people gather by the shore to witness one of nature’s most beautiful phenomenons.

The best way to admire a Boracay sunset is aboard a paraw or local sailboat that sets off from the shores of White Beach in droves once the sun begins its glorious descent. There’s something innately romantic about the gentle rocking of the boat and water on your feet as you’re pulled closer to the sun by Mother Nature herself.

You can choose to book your sailing slot beforehand with one of the many sailing companies available. If not, you can always find one along the beach. You’ll be accosted by numerous vendors hawking the same activities. Simply ask each one for the price and settle with a vendor you’re comfortable with. We managed to negotiate for 200 PHP (SGD6.00) per person for a half hour sail.

Do note the time of your sail will affect the price quoted. Sunset sails are always more expensive, but ten times more worth it. If you can’t make it for a sunset sail, you’re better off saving it for a day when you can.

Price: Approximately 200 PHP (SGD6.00) per person for half an hour during sunset

3. Party like it’s Saturday night every night

Trendsetters in the latest rave accessory – backpacks. 

As far as Kesha was concerned, the party don’t start till she walks in. In Boracay, nobody cares. The party starts whenever it wants to, even at 2pm in the afternoon.

There are no shortage of clubs, bars and lounges along Boracay’s White Beach. Some of the island’s biggest parties happen at The White House and Club Paraw, both located in Station 1. These clubs usually play a variety of genres from trance to electro pop and attract both locals and tourists alike.

Alternatively if you happen to be visiting during the famous #Laboracay period of end April and early May, you’re in luck. Both Filipinos and tourists flock to Boracay annually to celebrate Labour Day and with a reputation for being the party capital of the world, they sure know how to have fun.

Massive parties happen all along White Beach and most of them allow you to enter for free! Our trip also coincided with ZoukOut Boracay that received a CRAZY turnout. This is the best time to visit if you’re a young whippersnapper who can party through the night, but even for the old bones there’s something for you too.

If head banging to Justin Bieber’s Love Yourself on steroids is not how you want to end your night, there are many chilled-out lounges by the beach that offer cold beers, live acoustic music and sometimes even shisha. Our favourite was the Aplaya Beach Bar (Station 2) with its colourful beanbags and tasty pizzas.

4. Skip the restaurants and go local for just SGD4.00

Spicy Paa

We all expect to be paying through our nose whenever we visit rather ‘touristy’ holiday destinations, but that doesn’t always have to be the case! The good thing about Boracay is that it’s home to many expensive restaurants, but also to home-grown local food franchise Mang Inasal!

Spicy Paa and Pork Sisig (in sizzling pan)

Mang Inasal serves a good variety of homey local food at very affordable prices. A set of Spicy Paa (spicy grilled chicken thigh) with your choice of drink and UNLIMITED rice refill costs just 119 PHP (SGD3.60)!

The chicken is marinated in a slightly sweet sauce and grilled to absolute perfection. Served with lime, chilli and the local version of our light soy sauce toyo, everyone agreed we never expected to get food of this quality at a price like that! If you want to try something different, the Pork Sisig (sizzling bits from a pig’s head) is a delicious alternative to your regular roast pork rice.

Pinoy Halo-Halo

End off your meal on a sugar high with the very Filipino dessert halo-halo, literally meaning mix-mix. The local variation of our very own ice kachang contains red beans, ube (a kind of yam) ice-cream, leche flan, macapuno (shredded coconut), jellies and sweetened yellow beans. It was absolutely delicious and well worth the calories.

Address: Mang Insasal is located in D’Mall, Station 2, White Beach.

5. Find Dory for just SGD50 all-in per dive  

Boracay is home to over 20 dives around the island with rich waters that will have you seeing schools of fish even in the shallows.

Patrons can choose to dive in one of the many sites (provided you have a diving license), go on an introductory dive or snorkel. The introductory dive is a unique experience for those who haven’t done it before; you’ll be equipped in full scuba attire with a dive master by your side to guide you through the experience.

If you’re lucky a sea turtle will grace you with his presence and a moray eel will peek its narrow head out of a crevice to say hello. We also managed to see a mantis shrimp, porcupine fish, puffer fish and lion fish amongst a multitude of other colourful marine life.

Safety is most important when diving, so a reliable dive company is essential. We went with Free Willy Diving, known by many for being a stellar company and even the best on the island.

Snorkelling isn’t the most glamorous activity. 

Weather plays a very important factor in picking a dive day so be sure to choose one with loads of sunshine and good water visibility. With the deeper dive sites you won’t get to see as much fish if you’re just snorkelling, so it’s actually a good idea to take the introductory dive if you want to see as much fish as you can.

Free Willy Diving offers full equipment rental from masks to flippers and they even provide water for your trip! The only thing you’ll need to bring is perhaps a towel and tons of sunscreen.

Jon the dive master was like a long-lost friend to us. 

Don’t worry if you’re diving alone because you’ll be accompanied by a dive master who will buddy up with you and ensure your safety. Jon our dive master was the most jovial person and by the end of the trip had become something of a long-lost friend to us. Highly recommend using Free Willy Diving the next time you visit Boracay!

Pro tip: Bring some bread with you to feed the fish – they will come in schools and shoals. You can buy some bread from the coffee shop near Free Willy Diving for just 20 PHP (SGD0.60)! Ask Marj the receptionist to point you in the right direction.

Price: 1800 PHP (SGD53.90) per dive | 600 PHP (SGD18.00) snorkelling per person
Address: Free Willy Diving, Station 1, White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines
Website: http://www.freewillydiving.com/ 

6. Visit Jonah’s place for the most refreshing fruit shakes you’ll have in Boracay

Whoever you are Jonah, thank you for opening your little fruitshake shack in Boracay. This humble little establishment serves some of the best fruitshakes around. There are quite a few outlets along White Beach but this one right here is located in Station 1.

Mango melon is a crowd favourite, but the avocado milk is also one of the best versions I’ve ever tasted. You have the option of having it with or without milk so there’s something for everyone! There’s even alcoholic flavours like banana rhum (rum).

Price: From 120 PHP (SGD3.60) per shake
Address: Station 1 beachfront, Boracay
Website: https://jonahsfruitshake.wordpress.com/

7. Get a bad-ass makeover by the beach

When in an island paradise like Boracay it’s important to look the part i.e. getting a mean set of cornrows done while you sip on your Mojito.

There are many vendors on the beach offering a large variety of beachy and sometimes very creative hairstyles (like a heart-shaped braid pattern on your head). These ladies work extremely fast and I got half my head done in less than 10 minutes.

Prices vary depending on the complexity of the design you choose, but a set of simple cornrows like this should set you back just SGD6. Also, the myth about not being able to wash your hair is nonsense. The lady who did my hair told me to simply pour a mixture of shampoo and water over the braided areas and it will do the job just fine!

Price: 200 PHP (SGD6) for half-head, price negotiable

8. Have the ‘full’ seafood experience at D’Talipapa 

It’s not a seafood experience if you don’t get to see them before they end up on your plate! Here at Boracay’s D’Talipapa, fresh seafood is their pièce de résistance.

I saw some pretty impressively-sized lobsters and prawns here at the market but be warned they don’t come cheap, especially if they’re still live. Here your bargaining skills will really be put to the test – some stallholders charge exorbitant prices for cheaper seafood items like clams and squid. We were quoted a crazy 1850 PHP (SGD55.40) per kilo of clams, but this price was quickly reduced to 500 PHP (SGD15.00) when we started to walk away.

This was the case for almost all the seafood items we purchased, except for the oysters above that came at a very affordable 250 PHP (SGD7.50) for 2 kilos worth. Don’t be afraid to be firm on a reasonable price – they won’t sell you anything unless they’re earning a sizeable profit.

As a rough guide, the seafood pricing is as follows:

• 500g Lapu-lapu (Grouper) – 700 PHP (SGD21.00)
• 1kg Prawns (of a smaller variety) – 400 PHP (12.00)
• 500g Clams – 200 PHP (SGD6.00)
• 500g Squid – 200 PHP (SGD6.00)
• 2kg Oysters – 250 PHP (SGD7.50)

After buying your seafood, simply bring it to one of the surrounding restaurants to have it done the way you like. We chose to go to Blue Jade Cafe, a nice little restaurant with no service charge and tax – all prices are as you see on the menu.

Boracay is best known for their prawns and boy were they delicious. The most popular cooking style is to have it done in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. The prawns were juicy and sweet and one of the first dishes we finished.

Grab a coconut or an ice-cold beer and sit down to enjoy the fruits of your hard bargaining work. The total cost came up to just SGD23.00 per person inclusive of cooking, drinks and some rice. Not too shabby, D’Talipapa!

How to get here: D’Talipapa is located in Station 2 and located near the Regency hotel.

9. Soar through the air like a superhero sans cape

Ziplines were so yesteryear but certainly not this horizontal one! Here in Boracay you can soar through the skies on a very special zipline harness that allows you to go down headfirst just like Superman!

You can choose to go down solo, together on two separate lines or tandem. Being the scaredy cats that we are Shine and I decided to go together on one line (tandem).

Once you get past the initial fear of how vulnerable you feel, the ride is really not as scary as I thought it would be! In fact the view we got was absolutely amazing and I was even sad that it ended so soon.

After your joyride you will be sent back to the start point on a little cable car.

Price: 1300 PHP (SGD38.90) with My Boracay (hotel transfer inclusive)
Address: Fairways and Bluewater Resort, Aklan Province, Philippines

10. Test your gastronomical limits with the local street food

Don’t get me wrong, local street food like the Longga Burger and the Chori Burger you see here are so simple and yet so sinfully delicious one is probably not enough. The Longga Burger is made up of a sweet local sausage much like the Taiwanese version, while the Chori Burger is really short for chorizo burger which doesn’t need further explanation.

Do seek out Merly’s BBQ Boracay located along Station 2, just in front of Free Willy Diving. This food cart claims to be the “original discoverer” of the chori and longga burgers. With a reputation like that you can’t afford to miss out on some of their famous snacks.

Apart from the burgers there’s also a variety of skewered meats on offer like dried squid, pork and chicken. We paid 180 PHP (SGD5.40) for 2 burgers and 2 skewers – a very attractive bargain indeed!

Don’t enlarge this picture if you have a queasy stomach.

What I don’t get however, is how someone can crave for something like balut. You can get balut from any street vendor by the beach for about 25 PHP (SGD0.75) per egg. For the unenlightened, balut is essentially a duck embryo in an egg that is considered a fine delicacy of the Philippines.

The right way to eating a balut is to make a small hole at the top of the egg and first drink the liquid inside (tastes like diluted chicken essence). You can then add a little chilli vinegar provided by the vendor and proceed to deshell the egg. There’s a hard piece of egg white in there – remove that. The egg-duck is now ready for consumption.

I hate eggs so this was really difficult for me to finish. If you get a 16-day old egg the embryo is still soft enough such that you literally don’t know you’re eating it, but any older (19 days and above) and you’ll get a soft beak and maybe a feather or two. Not for the fainthearted.

Getting to Boracay

I’m not going to lie getting to Boracay is definitely not the easiest, but trust me when I say it’s worth it. Scoot flies to Kalibo airport 3 times a week on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Scoot’s nasi lemak is one of the better versions I’ve tasted. 

You also don’t have to worry about going hungry on Scoot with their variety of fresh inflight meals. You can also click here to find out how to pre-order online and enjoy up to 25% savings!

From Kalibo it’s approximately 1 hour and 45 mins drive to Caticlan Jetty where you’ll then board a 15 min ferry ride to Boracay.

To save yourself the hassle of having to scramble for transport at the last minute, it’s a good idea to arrange for these transfers way beforehand. My Boracay offers land transfer services complete with a local guide who will bring you from the airport to your hotel doorstep.

It cost us ‎1400 PHP (SGD41.90) per person for a round trip (Kalibo to Boracay and Boracay to Kalibo). The last thing you want is to be stranded at Kalibo airport at the start of your trip, so the convenience is definitely worth the cost.

Pro-tip: Be sure to handle your luggage yourself if you can. Some porters will demand tips just for carrying your bag off the boat.

Stand a chance to win a pair of return tickets to Kalibo on Scoot by just answering a simple question. Click here to find out more on the contest, airfare and Booking.com accommodation deals and get double Changi Rewards Points for bookings made between 24 May and 08 June 2016!

In our “The Road Less Travelled” series, we embarked on adventures to 4 lesser travelled cities in Indochina and the Philippines. Read more from The Road Less Travelled Series below:

• 20 Laos Moments That Will Make it the Asian Road Trip Experience Of Your Life
• 11 Reasons Central Vietnam is the Ultimate Getaway
• 8 Reasons Myanmar Must Be Your First Non-Mainstream Travel Adventure

Book your ticket to Boracay via Kalibo on Scoot today!

Book by 8 June 2016 to enjoy a promotional airfare of $155 all-in return! 

This post was brought to you by Changi Airport.  

The post 10 Things To Do In Boracay That Prove It’s The #1 Island In The Philippines appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

On one day every year, the sleepy countryside town of Lucban springs to life and transforms into one of Philippine’s most colourful places. Every May 15, the country’s grandest harvest festival – the Pahiyas Festival – is celebrated. Along with the similar Agawan Festival  and Araña’t Baluarte Festival in Sariaya and Gumaca respectively, these harvest festivals honour San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers.

A festival of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, Filipinos decorate their houses with fruits, vegetables and flowers, transforming the town into a visual spectacle. Drawing upon their roots as an agricultural society, these festivals are highly anticipated by the locals. After visiting all 3 festivals, my camera and I were happy – and here are 10 reasons why! 

1. A Colourful Feast For Your Eyes

Our cookie-cutter HDB blocks look exactly the same; at best, they’re decorated with flags during National Day. But during the Pahiyas Festival, the Filipinos unleash their creativity in decorating their houses, competing for the most colourful house!

I spotted an assortment of string beans and vegetables tied to windows and balconies, colourful rice paper ‘lanterns’ and buntal hats adorning the facade, and even life-sized dolls, sunflowers and water buffalos which looked amazingly real. It didn’t matter where I turned – bursts of colour lined the streets.

Be Amazed By Their Creativity

 Kalabaw, or water buffaloes, are essential to farming in the Philippines

Who would have thought to use vegetables as art-and-craft materials? More than that, their life sized dolls were impressive. Perched on a ledge, many dolls depicted farming scenes. What’s especially creative was that the locals printed faces of local celebrities and stuck them onto the dolls! 

3. Marvel at the Procession

Like Chingay, but better! Squeeze your way through the crowd and watch the performers, band, and gigantic floats pass before your eyes. I watched as the sea of people spontaneously split to make way for the procession, as performers with musical instruments and colourful costumes made their way in. After the final vegetable-filled cart passed, the havoc began!

4. Grab All You Can

Chickens in baskets 

Around the town of Gumaca, the Araña’t Baluarte festival had 18 gigantic, eye-poppingly colourful baluarte structures with fruits, vegetables, and even live chicken hanging from them. Once the procession had passed, everyone could jump and grab the freebies hanging in the air.  As the food was cut loose, young agile boys jumped up to grab the vegetables, while everyone else scrambled to get their hands on something. People from above even threw money and coins down – literally money dropping down from the sky! 

5. Filipinos are Fun

Most budget airline flights are boring. But when I was onboard Cebu Pacific Air, there was a game session where the staff challenged the passengers to tongue twister! Though it was short and simple, I thought it was reflective of the Filipino culture – fun-loving and friendly.During the festival itself, I saw people blowing bubbles out of bubble guns, posing with the most ludicrous signboards, and simply soaking in the festive atmosphere. I’m pretty sure the Filipinos know how to have fun every day of the year! 

6. The Weirdest Thins are Found Here

Furry plants that look like Chewbacca

I was completely thrown off guard when I first saw candyfloss-coloured chicks. Pink and orange baby chicks running around a cage…what? Then, I saw a furry plant which my friend actually stroked. After this, yellow chicks running around in the open don’t surprise me any more.

7. It’s a Gigantic Pasar Malam

What do we love about pasar malams? Everything is cheap! It’s the same here in the Philippines – not only is Pahiyas Festival about the decorations, but there are also street stalls selling everything! 

From the infamous fake cockroaches to beach hats, watches and sunglasses, you’ll be guaranteed a good bargain. My friend bought a fake cockroach for 5 pesos ($0.15) – that’s how cheap it is! 

8. Have a Go at Street Food

People say that street food is unhygienic and dangerous for the stomach, but that isn’t always true. Plus, you may be missing out on some delicious food! I decided that since I’d brought some diarrhea medicine along, there was no harm trying. There were many streetside vendors all around, and we tried a variety of street food – noodles, pancake with margarine and sugar, beancurd with sago, and even pork fat. An interesting snapshot of Philippine’s local cuisine, you can’t find these in shopping centres. 

Of course, no trip to the Philippines is complete without trying their infamous street food – balut. Balut is a developing duck embryo that is boiled, before its shell is peeled open and the duck is eaten. Commonly consumed with salt or vinegar, most people get cold feet at the thought of eating a developing duck embryo. We were treated to this delicacy in Sariaya, and that’s enough to last us a lifetime.

9. Rock Out to the Music

It didn’t matter which town I went to – there were speakers blasting music, and to my surprise, they were playing popular Western songs like Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud and Ellie Goulding’s Love Me Like You Do. Filipinos love their love songs!

There were stages set up in Lucban, and though I didn’t get a chance to watch, there were probably performances later on. With the electrifying atmosphere, if somebody were to breakdance in the middle of nowhere, the rest would join in!

10. The Best Atmosphere

To the locals, the Pahiyas Festival is the highlight of the year. The villagers start decorating their homes a week in advance, and people from Manila travel all the way down just to join in the fun. Despite the heat, I didn’t hear any complaints, and everyone was walking around eagerly posing next to larger-than-life sunflowers and colourful houses. Best of all, it’s free!

Where to Experience Pahiyas Festival

Source

We love how localised the harvest festivals are: they are celebrated on May 15 in the towns of Lucban, Tayabas, Sariaya, Gumaca, Tiaong and Lucena City, Quezon. You can fly to Manila via Cebu Pacific Airlines, before taking a bus to Quezon. Be sure to spend a whole day there, with the morning to walk around and the afternoon to watch the procession!

Tips On Surviving

• Wear loads of sunblock

I’m not kidding when I say that Philippines is even hotter than Singapore, and given that you’ll be spending the whole day in the hot sun, it’s best to give your skin some protection.

• Keep your belongings safe

We’re used to Singapore’s security, but in the Philippines, it’s best to wear a sling bag and nestle it in front of you like a baby. I was carrying a backpack, and a policeman advised me to wear it in front!

• Wear good walking shoes

You wouldn’t want your slippers to break halfway or have your toes trampled on, do you?

• Bring an umbrella

The sky was deceptively blue and we were caught unawares by one or two light showers. If you’ve forgotten to bring an umbrella, there’s always the option of squeezing into a tricycle like we did. It looks small, but it can seat up to 4 people.

A Bountiful Harvest

I was blown away by the effort the villagers had put in to decorate their houses, from sticking buntal hats to even creating their own ‘farmer’ dolls. The amount of coordination required to decorate the streets and the creativity of the locals was amazing. 

Considering how it’s like a smaller scale Chingay, but in the small towns of Philippines, I thought it was impressive. One of the locals summed it up best – the Pahiyas festival is “happy pandemonium”!

This post was brought to you by Cebu Pacific and the Department of Tourism (Philippines).

The post 10 Reasons to Visit Philippines During Harvest Festival Season appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

If you’re like me then you love the ocean. I almost like being underwater more than I like being on land. There’s truly nothing that beats the tranquillity that comes along with a beach getaway.

When I think of the Philippines, beaches weren’t the first thing that came to mind. But little did I know, the beaches there and incredible. Honestly, the next time you want to plan a beach vacation, ditch the overcrowded go-to spots like Phuket and Bali and instead head over to the Philippines. It has some of the clearest waters in the world yet isn’t crowded like all the other over-commercialised hotspots.

Here are 12 of the clearest waters to swim at in the Philippines.

1. White Beach, Boracay: Party Central

This beach has been voted the best beach in Asia by fans of the crystal clear water and as its name suggests, pure white sandy beaches.

Source: @boracay_realmaris_mart

If you’re the type who likes to relax all day and party all night, first of all, be my friend. And then head to Boracay because this is truly the place for you. The night life here is out of this world. Walk down the stretch of beach and every few meters you’ll encounter a bar or club open till the wee hours of the morning. 

Source: @ggomamin.i

2. Alona Beach, Panglao: Beauty Beyond Compare

Just like Boracay, this place is known for their crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and plenty of sun.

Source: Best World Travel Destinations

But what adds a certain something extra to Alona is the world class diving spots you’ll find here, perfect for any adventurous traveller.

Source: Dive Discovery

3. El Nido, Palawan: Heaven on Earth

If you’re into really quiet spots then you might want to skip the earlier two destinations and head to the much chiller El Nido. I could tell you more about clear waters and so on… but you already know all of that.

Source: El Nido Resorts

You’ll find the true treasure here when you go island hopping and discover the marble cliffs and enchanting lagoons.

Source: El Nido Resorts

4. Mactan Island, Cebu: Luxury Retreat

Image credit: Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan via Facebook

If you have a bit of spare cash lying around (lucky you) you might want to spend it here because Mactan is home to some of the most lavish hotels in the country.

Each hotel, such as Crimson Resort and Spa, comes with a private beach so if you appreciate privacy and luxury, and honestly who doesn’t, this is where you should be headed.

Source: Crimson Hotel

5. Siargao: Surfer’s Paradise

It’s pretty rare to find amazing surfing spots in the region. Most avid surfers tend to head to Bali or Australia. But there’s actually a beach that’s great for surfing much nearer, and it will be much less crowded too. You’ll definitely be able to hang ten on the famous Cloud 9 wave.

Source: Tropical Beach Getaways

6. Oslob, Cebu: Daredevil’s Den

If you like adrenaline charged vacations, then Oslob is for you. One of the major draws here is whale shark watching, which has attracted visitors from all over the world.

Source: Turtle Bay Dive Resort

Other than that, you can look forward to visiting Tumalog Falls for spectacular views.

Source: The Pink Panther

7. Caramoan: Secluded Serenity

This is one island that remains unspoiled by commercial tourism so if you’re keen on going somewhere serene and naturally beautiful, look no further.

Source: Caramoan.ph

That being said, don’t assume a trip here would be boring. You can look forward to snorkelling, trekking, kayaking and plenty of other activities.

8. Puerto Galera: Diver’s Paradise

Popular among many Europeans as a diving hotspot, this place will surely not disappoint if you’re on the lookout for a great diving adventure.

Source: Marco Vincent

No worries, if diving isn’t your thing the beaches here are spectacular too.

Source: @ritchkerby

9. Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley: Worth The Work

Image credit: @kcabrera05 via Instagram

I’m not going to lie, its absolutely a pain in the butt to get here. You’ll have to stay alive through a 12 hour, 600km road trip from Metro Manila to get to this island. I know I’m not going to be able to make it but if you think you can, you’ll get to enjoy raw beauty that you’ll hardly be able to find anywhere else.

10. Bantayan Island, Cebu: No Frills Relaxation

You’re not going to find amazing five star hotels and first class shopping centres here. This may not be the spot if you’re high maintenance but if your aim is relaxation, then you’ve got nothing to worry about. Throw in a few cheap beers and you’re set.

Source: BantayanIsland.org

11. Samal, Davao del Norte: Boredom Free Zone

This is the largest resort city in the Philippines, which means hotels, food and general entertainment is not going to be an issue at all.

Source: Top Tourist Spots in the Philippines

But if you think that’s all there is to do here you’re mistaken. There’s a bat cave, a water park and many more. If I were you I wouldn’t leave without seeing Hagimit Falls though. 

Source: JejeiZahFaye

12. Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga City: Unspoiled Beauty

You no longer have to go all the way to Santorini or the Bahamas to enjoy pink sand beaches, you’ll find them right here in the Philippines. The island is also under Marine Life preservation, conservation and protection so make sure you don’t do anything funny!

Source: Best Spots Ph

Time for the perfect beach holiday!

So, if like me, and looking for a nearby holiday with clear waters away from the crowd, I say go ahead and book that flight to the Philippines. After all the hard work, a beach holiday with the clearest of waters is what you need to recharge your batteries and reward yourself from months of hard work.

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