Bacolod City: A Vibrant Destination for Food and Festivals

As you step into Bacolod City, a wondrous realm unfolds before your eyes. It is a place where happiness swirls in graceful pirouettes, emanating from the genuine smiles that grace every face. The air carries whispers of a city that has been shaped by a rich tapestry of colors, each thread woven with passion and …

Shenzhen, China

First-time in Shenzhen: Exploring the Wonders of the World

In Shenzhen, a bustling metropolis, I embarked on a transformative journey that revealed the world’s wonders within one city. It was an extraordinary voyage where time and distance seemed irrelevant. Shenzhen, a gateway to boundless exploration, offered travelers a unique chance to witness a kaleidoscope of global marvels in just a day. Shenzhen opens a …

Chiang Mai

First-time in Chiang Mai: A Unique Songkran Adventure

Our clothes clung to our skin, drenched from head to toe, as if we had just emerged from a monsoon downpour. The atmosphere crackled with excitement and the exuberant chaos of the Songkran Festival. From the charming city of Vientiane in Laos to the vibrant streets of Chiang Mai in Thailand, water was the reigning …

Anawangin

First-time in Anawangin: A Coastal Wonderland

More and more Filipino and foreign tourists are finding themselves on the road towards the exquisite beach called Anawangin. A hidden gem in the province of Zambales, Anawangin is about three to four hours from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It was a place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blurred, where nature …

Ho Chi Minh City

First-time in Ho Chi Minh City: a Harmonious Chaos

When I posted online that I was embarking on a long trip and one of my destinations would be HCMC, so many asked me if I were going to Hong Kong and Macau. For the uninitiated, HCMC is Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. It is the biggest city of Vietnam and the …

First-time in Phnom Penh: A City of Contrasts and Charms

The little town of Siem Reap was filled with foreigners wanting to see Angkor Wat. Despite the incursion of travelers, it was still a small as compared to the more progressive city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia‘s capital. Two nights spent at Pub Street and the Night Market was already a great deal for us. A …

First-time in Angkor Archaeological Park: Kingdom of Lost Temples

As the first rays of the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow upon the sprawling landscape, I stood in awe at the entrance of the Angkor Archaeological Park. The air was thick with a sense of anticipation and reverence, as if the ancient spirits of the Khmer Empire were whispering their tales. …

First-time in Siem Reap: An Expedition into Cambodia’s Jewel

Coming from Kuala Lumpur and flying early morning to Siem Reap, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Flying over Tonle Sap Lake, the small houses and boats were first barely discernible until figures of Buddhist temples and typical Asian architecture came into shape that I realized we have truly arrived in Siem Reap, gateway …

First-time in Kuala Lumpur: Exploring the Vibrant Heart of Malaysia

As the airplane descends, my heart quickens with anticipation. The sprawling cityscape of Kuala Lumpur, or KL as others would want to shorten it, comes into view. It was a tapestry of towering skyscrapers, verdant parks, and vibrant streets. The first thing that strikes me is the sheer magnitude of this urban marvel, where modernity …

Vietnam

Prelude to Malaysia-Cambodia-Vietnam visits

Years ago, after my return to the Philippines from a seven-month stay in Indonesia, I gifted myself with a Southeast Asian Travel Guide. It was sold on a very big discount because it’s the non-updated version. I didn’t mind and I figured that it would always be useful and I can find out for myself …

First-time in Bangkok: Beyond the Exotic Veil

As dawn breaks over the sprawling cityscape, Bangkok emerges from the shadows, unveiling a mesmerizing blend of modernity and tradition. Nestled along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this pulsating metropolis captivates the senses with its vibrant street markets, aromatic street food, and ornate temples that stand as testaments to its rich cultural heritage. …

First-time in Macau: Exploring its Enchanting Charms

Macau is a fusion of the East and West. There are Chinese influences everywhere as evidenced in its temples and the Chinese features of the people. At the same time, it has remnants of the Portuguese descent from the old churches to some food and restaurants. The first thing to do when in Macau is …

Jakarta

First-time in Jakarta: A Dynamic Megacity of Southeast Asia

“Selamat datang.” Welcome to Jakarta, the vibrant and bustling capital city of Indonesia! Situated on the northwest coast of the island of Java, Jakarta is not only the largest city in Indonesia but also one of the most populous cities in the world. Known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and thriving economy, Jakarta …

Metro Manila: The Urban Symphony of Endless Adventure

Metro Manila is the beating heart of the tropical paradise, called the Philippines. It blends concrete jungles with endless opportunities. Picture this: a symphony of neon lights, mouthwatering street food, and a cultural fusion that’ll make your head spin. The Metro Manila skyline stretches to the heavens, while jeepneys weave through the urban frenzy. Brace …

First-time in Caramoan: Unveiling Nature’s Hidden Beatitudes

Tucked away in the province of Camarines Sur in the Philippines, Caramoan is the ultimate hotspot that wows wanderers with its mind-blowing beauty and unspoiled vistas. This off-the-charts destination is a magnet for nature nuts, thrill chasers, and sun worshipers, thanks to its epic beaches, crystal-clear waves, and lush greenery that’s straight out of a …