Bhutan welcomes you with mountains, monasteries, and the quiet confidence of a nation that decided long ago that happiness matters more than speed. Is it really true ?
This was our (Subrata and me) six-day journey (21–26 January 2026) into the land of the Wangchuck dynasty, entered not by air, but by the most democratic route of all—an overnight train and a border gate you can walk across. The Plane fare is insanely priced at Rs 35,000 for last 3 years. The plane fare to Rome was Rs 38,000 ! So I gave up and opted for train.
Day 1 – 21 January 2026
Sealdah to the Dooars: The Journey Begins
At 8:30 PM, I boarded the Kanchankanya Express from Sealdah — the perfect train for those of us who believe in finishing office work first and then escaping the city like responsible citizens !
Now, of course, there is another option — the Kamrup Express, which departs at the rather ambitious time of 6:30 PM and conveniently drops you at either New Alipurduar Junction or New Cooch Behar Junction.
However, for the average office-goer, catching a 6:30 PM train requires either:
Superhuman speed, or
A very understanding boss (both equally rare)
So, in the grand battle between practicality and punctuality, the Kanchankanya Express clearly wins — allowing you to wrap up your day, grab your luggage, and still make a dignified exit from the city. !
Day 2 – 22 January 2026
From Bengal to Bhutan: A Journey of Tracks, Tea & Mild Confusion
As the train rolled steadily northward, urban Bengal quietly dissolved into a landscape of tea gardens, forests, and those charming old railway corridors built by the British—primarily to extract tea, timber, and perhaps a bit of dignity from the land. By the time we crossed NJP/Siliguri the next morning, the air felt different—and that was the first sign that the journey had truly begun.
The Great Indian Rail Delay (A Cultural Experience) ⏳
Thanks to the single-line track, the train arrived at Hasimara at 11:30 AM instead of 11:10 AM. A modest delay by Indian Railways standards—almost worth celebrating.
Jaigaon vs Phuentsholing: A Tale of Two Cities
After a shared auto ride (₹50 per head)—and nearly one hour of determined travel—we reached Jaigaon.
And what a contrast!
Jaigaon: Noise, chaos, honking, shops, and pure Indian enthusiasm
Phuentsholing: Clean, calm, quiet… and suspiciously well-behaved
Standing at the Bhutan Gate felt like watching two parallel universes coexisting peacefully.
Meanwhile, Subrata, my co traveller —slightly low on funds—made a strategic stop at one of Jaigaon’s three ATMs, proving once again that cash is king (especially near international borders).
Crossing the Border: One Step, Two Worlds
The auto dropped us right at the gate. We got down, walked across—and just like that, India turned into Bhutan.
By the time we reached immigration, it was around 1:30 PM.
Immigration: Where Time Slows Down (Gracefully)
You don’t enter Bhutan in a hurry.
Immigration here runs on: Bhutan Standard Time (30 minutes ahead of India)
Documents & Reality Check 📄
To enter Bhutan, you need a permit.
✔ Accepted:
Passport (highly recommended)
Voter ID
❌ Not accepted:
Aadhaar
We had passports—so things were smoother (relatively speaking).
Cash is Still King
Important lesson:
Indian cards/UPI mostly don’t work at immigration
Carry sufficient cash
Good news:
Indian currency is accepted
1 INR = 1 Ngultrum
GPay works in some places (after persuasion and luck)
The Great Immigration Shuffle
We moved around immigration like a shuttlecock in a badminton match.
We proudly declared: “We have an email invitation to stay with a friend!”
Authorities politely replied: “Nice try. That’s not a valid invitation.”
Conclusion:
We were treated as regular tourists
Had to pay:
SDF (Sustainable Development Fee)
Guide charges
Mandatory Guide & SDF (Post-Covid Reality) 🧾
Guide: ₹3000 per day (even for short distances!). They were insisting on guide fees for rest of the tour also.
SDF: ₹1200 per person per day
For a 4-night trip: Total SDF = ₹4800 per person (cash only)
Network Saves the Day
Thankfully, Indian mobile network worked at immigration.
A quick call to Subrata da:
He arranged a guide for rest of the trip
Crisis partially resolved
(First-day guide still escorted us—until he mysteriously disappeared after two check posts )
Official Entry into Bhutan
After about 2 hours (including tiffin break, of course), we finally entered Bhutan.
Note:
You can roam Phuentsholing town without permit
But beyond that → Permit is mandatory
The Road to Thimphu Begins
At 3:30 PM, we started for Thimphu in a Santro (₹3000) with a guide.
I briefly considered a shared taxi—only to learn: “Shared taxis are NOT allowed for tourists.”
The road climbed steadily:
Forests
Rivers
Curving Himalayan roads
Pure magic.
Permits were checked at two checkpoints, so: ✔ Keep them safe ✔ You’ll need them again while exiting
Food, Payment Drama & Survival
En route, we had:
Momos (5 pcs, no soup): ₹90
Masala chips: ₹35
Payment experience:
Multiple failed attempts
Finally succeeded via GPay
Paid ₹125 + ₹4 convenience fee
Most shops have QR codes—but success depends on destiny.
Arrival in Thimphu
By 9 PM, we reached Thimphu—a capital city only since 1961, making it one of the youngest capitals in the world.
The Perfect Ending
At Subrata da’s place:
He had already cooked dal and vegetables
We made egg curry
Followed by:
Red wine
Whisky
(I stayed loyal to red wine—discipline must be maintained!)
Understand Bhutan
Bhutan: A Snapshot of the Kingdom
Geography & Size
Area: ~38,394 sq km
West Bengal (for comparison): ~88,752 sq km. Bhutan is less than half the size of West Bengal, yet far more mountainous.
Terrain ranges from subtropical plains in the south to high Himalayas in the north.
Population
Bhutan: ~7.8 lakh (0.78 million)
West Bengal: ~10 crore (100 million+). West Bengal has over 125 times Bhutan’s population.
Bhutan is one of the least densely populated countries in Asia.
Economy
GDP (nominal): approx. USD 3 billion
GDP per capita: approx. USD 3,500–4,000. Higher per-capita income than many Indian states, despite a small economy.
Economic philosophy: Bhutan follows Gross National Happiness (GNH) instead of GDP alone, focusing on:
Environmental protection
Cultural preservation
Good governance
Sustainable development
Main Industries
Hydropower (backbone of the economy)
Major electricity exporter to India
Contributes the largest share of government revenue
Tourism
Controlled, low-volume, high-value tourism
Emphasis on sustainability, not mass tourism
Agriculture
Rice, maize, apples, potatoes
Mostly small-scale and organic
Cottage & handicraft industries
Textiles, woodwork, traditional arts
Forests & Vegetation
Forest cover: Over 70% of the country (constitutionally protected)
Bhutan is carbon negative (absorbs more carbon than it emits)
Vegetation zones:
Subtropical forests (south)
Temperate forests (central Bhutan)
Alpine meadows (north)
Rich biodiversity, including snow leopards, takin, red pandas
Religion
Major religion: Vajrayana (Mahayana) Buddhism
Hinduism is practiced mainly in southern Bhutan.
Religion strongly influences daily life, architecture, festivals, and governance.
Language
Official language: Dzongkha
Widely spoken: English (medium of education and administration)
Nepali and regional dialects spoken in southern regions.
Ethnicity
Ngalops: Western & central Bhutan (Tibeto-Burman origin)
Sharchops: Eastern Bhutan
Lhotshampas: Southern Bhutan (Nepali origin)
Ethnically diverse but culturally unified under Bhutanese identity.
Politics & Governance
System: Constitutional monarchy
Current model since: 2008
The King remains highly respected and influential.
Democracy introduced peacefully from the top—rare in world history.
Day 3 – 23 January 2026: Thimphu
Thimphu Diaries: Museums, Monasteries & the Art of Hitchhiking 🇧🇹
Our day began at Subrata da’s hotel — Pemako Hotel, where we held a very serious “strategic meeting” with the local supervisor regarding our city tour.
Thimphu: A City That Reveals Itself Slowly
Unlike most capitals, Thimphu doesn’t overwhelm you. It unfolds gently—like a well-written novel.
Founded as the capital only in 1961, Thimphu is one of the youngest capitals in the world, yet deeply rooted in tradition. Here, modern governance and ancient monasteries coexist peacefully—a rare sight in today’s world.
And in true backpacker spirit: We skipped taxis and walked everywhere.
Simply Bhutan: Where Culture Comes Alive
Our first stop was Simply Bhutan Museum
Entry fee: ₹1000 per person
Welcome drink: Local wine
A Crash Course in Bhutanese Life
Inside, we were introduced to:
The Royal Family of Bhutan
Traditional Bhutanese homes
A typical kitchen setup
National dress (Gho for men, Kira for women)
Bhutan has strict architectural rules—all houses must follow traditional designs, preserving the country’s visual identity.
Songs, Dance & Slightly Salty Tea
We witnessed:
Traditional house-building techniques (with songs!)
Folk dances
Cultural performances
And were served:
Butter tea (slightly salty… an acquired taste )
Rice
Soon enough, we joined the dance—because: When in Bhutan, you don’t watch culture—you participate in it.
Archery: Where Missing the Target is Also Entertaining
Next stop: an archery ground
Archery is Bhutan’s national sport
If someone hits the target:
Teammates break into celebratory dance
In Bhutan, even competition is joyful.
Changangkha Lhakhang: Views Over Rituals
We then walked up to Changangkha Lha-khang
Built in the 12th century
“Lhakhang” means temple/monastery
We skipped entering (₹500 fee ), but the panoramic view of Thimphu valley from the hilltop was absolutely magical.
Zorig Chusum: The 13 Arts of Bhutan
Next, we visited Zorig Chusum Institute
This institute preserves Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts, including:
Painting
Wood carving
Embroidery
Founded in 1971, it plays a crucial role in keeping Bhutanese heritage alive.
Unfortunately:
It was closed
No staff
No ticket counter
We still walked in—because curiosity doesn’t follow office hours !
The Elusive Takin
Through a bit of hitchhiking (Bhutan style), we reached the Motithang Takin Preserve
To see: The Takin—Bhutan’s national animal
Found only in Bhutan
Looks like a cross between a goat and a cow (nature got creative here)
The Buddha We Missed
We could have visited Buddha Dordenma
Built in 2015
Height: 51 metres (169 feet)
Houses:
100,000 small Buddha statues
25,000 medium ones
Built to celebrate the 60th birthday of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, it is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
But missed it since we were late.
Tashichho Dzong: Where Power Meets Peace
From there, we hitchhiked again and took a ₹100 taxi to:
Tashichho Dzong
Originally built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
Serves as:
Monastery
Government headquarters
Fortress
In short: Where monks pray, ministers govern, and history watches silently
Entry Drama (Of Course)
Without a guide, we were initially denied entry.
After:
Persistence
Negotiation
Mild emotional appeal
We got in (₹500 entry fee)
And it was worth every rupee.
Markets, Momos & Mini Park Street
We hitchhiked back and got down near Crafts Bazaar
Nearby market felt like: “Park Street of Bhutan”
Lively
Tourist-friendly
Full of food options
We had: Momos (mandatory !)
The Places We Missed (Because You Can’t See Everything) ⏳
National Textile Museum
Folk Heritage Museum
Memorial Chorten (1974)
At the Chorten:
People don’t take photos—they pray Elderly locals walk clockwise, spinning prayer wheels
A reminder that: Faith in Bhutan is lived, not displayed
If Bhutan were a film, Paro would be its most photogenic scene—complete with cliffs, monasteries, and just the right amount of spiritual drama.
The Great Plan That Changed (As All Plans Do )
Since 25th January 2026 was a Sunday, our initial plan to visit to Punakha on 24.6.26. to meet our old friend Pooja di at the ultra-luxurious Pemako Resort (₹1,50,000 per night—yes, per night… not a typo) got changed. We switched to Paro.
The Cost of Exploration
Car: ₹2500
Guide: ₹2000 (discounted, thanks to Subrata da )
Official guide rate is usually around ₹3000/day, so we felt victorious.
Bhutan: Peaceful or “Politely Strict”?
Throughout the trip, one question followed us everywhere: “Where is your guide?”
After hearing this repeatedly, we began to feel like we were in a very polite version of a “highly organised society”
The Great Policy Debate
I gently told our guide:
Indians pay: ₹1200/day (SDF)
Foreigners pay: $100/day
And yet: Guide is mandatory
Their response (perfectly rehearsed): “We believe in low volume, high value tourism.”
I replied: “So… only rich tourists?”
He smiled. I smiled. Bhutan remained unchanged
Journey to Paro
We reached Paro in about 2 hours from Thimphu.
Paro valley is historically significant:
Home to Bhutan’s only international airport
One of the few airports in the world where landing requires special pilot training due to surrounding mountains
Rinpung Dzong: The Fortress That Guards Time
First stop: Rinpung Dzong
Built in 1646
Name means: “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”
We admired it from outside—because: Budget + philosophy = selective entry
Ta Dzong: From Watchtower to Museum
Next: Ta Dzong
Originally a watchtower (17th century)
Converted into National Museum in 1968
Entry fee: ₹500
Inside:
Bhutanese art
Weapons
Cultural artefacts
A perfect introduction to Bhutan’s layered history
Lunch Break (Because Culture Needs Fuel)
We paused for lunch—because even the most enthusiastic traveller needs: Food + rest + occasional silence
Dumtseg Lhakhang: The Temple We Admired Economically
Next: Dumtseg Lhakhang
Built in the 15th century
Unique chorten-style architecture
We saw it from outside— Continuing our “external appreciation strategy”
Tiger’s Nest: The Icon of Bhutan
Then came the highlight: Paro Taktsang
Founded in 1692
Associated with Guru Padma-sambhava (8th century)
Legend says: He flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave
We viewed it from a distance.
Because:
Trek takes 6 hours round trip
Requires a full day
Even from afar, it commands: Silence. Respect. Perspective.
Some places don’t need you to visit them— They make you pause anyway.
Drukgyel Dzong: Victory in Ruins
Next: Drukgyel Dzong
Built in 1649
Celebrates victory over Tibetan invasions
Currently under reconstruction, so:
No entry But stunning surroundings—paddy fields, mountains, absolute peace
Kyichu Lhakhang: A Temple Older Than Time
Then: Kyichu Lhakhang
Built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo
One of Bhutan’s oldest temples. We reached just as it closed.
Spiritual lesson: Timing is everything.
Tamchog Lhakhang: The Hilltop Silence
Finally: Tamchog Lhakhang
Located on a hill, known for:
Iron chain bridge
Spiritual significance
We admired it from outside— By now, it had become a habit
Return to Thimphu
By 6:30 PM, we were back in Thimphu.
Evening at Clock Tower Square
We headed to Clock Tower Square
This place comes alive in the evening:
Families strolling
Children laughing
No one rushing
Because in Bhutan: Time exists—but urgency does not.
Dinner & Reflections
We had dinner at Subrata da’s 4-star property near the square.
Food: Excellent Company: Even better
Day 5 – 25 January 2026 : Punakha:
Punakha Chronicles: Passes, Parathas & a Divine Madman
Some journeys begin with excitement. Others begin with… permit issues
When Even Engineers Need Permission
Subrata da, despite being the Chief Engineer of a top 5-star hotel (Pemako), had to sit this one out.
Why?
He didn’t have a permit to travel beyond Paro
At that moment, I had a fleeting thought: “Is this Bhutan… or North Korea (with better scenery)?”
The Road to Dochula Pass: 3,100 Metres of Beauty
The journey to Dochula Pass is nothing short of spectacular.
Altitude: 3,100 metres
Time taken: ~1 hour
At the top: 108 chortens (stupas) built in 2004 by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck
These were constructed to honour Bhutanese soldiers.
Cold Winds & Hot Coffee
It was:
Crystal clear
Extremely cold
And then we discovered: A beautiful café at the top
Coffee price: ₹120
At 3,100 metres, this felt like: The best investment of the trip . It was very cold.
Descending into Punakha: A Change of Mood
As we descended:
Air became warmer
Valleys opened up
Rivers shimmered
Entering Punakha felt like stepping into a painting.
Chimi Lhakhang: Where Spirituality Meets Humour
First stop: Chimi Lhakhang
Built in 1499
Dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, famously known as the “Divine Madman”
Why It’s Unique
Associated with fertility blessings
Decorated with symbolic imagery
Bhutan understands that spirituality doesn’t have to be solemn.
A Punjabi Lunch in Bhutan
By 1:00 PM, we reached Pooja di’s house.
Menu: Fresh Radish Paratha + Achar
Verdict: Outstanding
Her home:
Beautiful
Scenic
Peaceful
But she admitted: It gets a bit lonely
Lesson: Paradise is perfect… until you miss people.
Punakha Dzong: The Soul of Bhutan
Next: Punakha Dzong
Built in 1637–38 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
Located at the confluence of:
Pho Chhu (Father River)
Mo Chhu (Mother River)
Historical Significance
Former capital of Bhutan until 1955
Still used for:
Important religious ceremonies
Royal events
One of the oldest and most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan
Recognised as part of Bhutan’s heritage preservation efforts.
Architecture & Experience
Massive white walls
Intricate wooden carvings
Serene river backdrop
A place where: History, spirituality, and architecture meet effortlessly .UNESCO has included it as part of world heritage. The location is stunning.
The Suspension Bridge Walk
After visiting the dzong, we walked across a suspension bridge:
Used by locals daily
Also a tourist attraction
By evening, around 6:30 PM, we were back in Thimphu.
Shopping & Souvenirs
We visited Crafts Bazaar.
Bought:
Fridge magnets
Famous Mahakal mask of Bhutan
Because no trip is complete without: Proof that you were there
Dinner, Drinks & Domestic Bliss
Back home:
Whisky for others
Red wine for me
Dinner:
Leftover chicken
Fresh Egg Curry by Subrata da
Day 6 – 26 January 2026
Goodbyes and the Long Road Home
Every journey must end—but in India (and Bhutan), it rarely ends quietly. It ends with negotiations, near-missed trains, and philosophical acceptance.
The Early Escape from Thimphu
Before sunrise, at the rather heroic hour of 6:00 AM, we left Thimphu.
Armed with:
A driver (₹3000… allegedly)
A guide (₹2000, firmly fixed )
We began our descent through the same winding Himalayan roads, retracing our journey back to Phuentsholing.
The Great Fare Renegotiation Drama
Just when we thought everything was settled…
The driver announced: “It’s ₹4000, not ₹3000. I came from Paro.”
This was new information. To him, at least.
At that moment, with a train to catch and mountains behind us, we realised a universal truth: “Beggars cannot be choosers.”
We paid. We smiled. We moved on.
Back to Phuentsholing & Into Chaos
By 10:00 AM, even after a leisurely tea break , we reached Phuentsholing.
Exit stamp ✔
Formalities ✔
And then we walked back into Jaigaon
Immediate transformation:
Silence → Honking
Cleanliness → Chaos
Discipline → Democracy
Welcome back to India.
The Train Crisis (Because Every Trip Needs One)
Our original plan: Kanchankanya Express at 4:30 PM
Reality:
Tickets ❌ Not confirmed
Tatkal ❌ Failed (even with expert intervention from all the Travel agents - who normally never fails)
New plan: Catch Kamrup Express at 2:30 PM from New Cooch Behar Junction
The Great Race to New Cooch Behar
We hired a car from a gentleman named Amit Shah (not that one ):
Cost: ₹1500
Distance: 73 km
Time: ~2 hours
And off we went through the lush Dooars region.
Through Tea, Forest & Forgotten Histories
On the way, we passed:
i) Torsa Tea Estate
Part of the legendary Dooars tea belt, developed during the British era in the late 19th century, when the British realised Assam alone wasn’t enough to satisfy their tea obsession.
ii) Jaldapara National Park (Kodalbari Range)
Established in 1941, Jaldapara is famous for:
One-horned rhinoceros 🦏
Elephant safaris
Dense riverine forests
We didn’t see a rhino—but the forest itself felt ancient and watchful.
Conversations from the Tea Gardens
Somewhere along the way, we gave a lift to two Oraon women—one of them, Ramaiya Oraon.
Her story quietly revealed another India:
Originally from Ranchi
Works in tea gardens with:
Munda
Santhal communities
Interestingly: They often don’t understand each other’s languages—yet coexist and work together.
A Day in Her Life
Work: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Tea break: 10:00–10:15 AM
Daily wage: ₹250
Monthly rations:
Rice: 21 kg
Wheat: 13 kg
Plus some tea leaves
Life Beyond Numbers
Meat: Twice a week
No refrigerator ❌
TV: Broken
Entertainment: Mobile serials
Cooking: Gas + firewood
LPG cost: 👉 “বিশ টাকা কম ৯০০ টাকা” (₹880 approx)
It was a humbling reminder that India runs on many parallel realities.
Station Stories & Serendipity
At New Cooch Behar station, we met Amiya Raj Roy:
Studied in Kolkata
Lived in Jadavpur
Which, of course, meant: Instant connection Long adda session
Because no Bengali ever misses a chance for a good conversation at a railway station.
They eat Meat twice a week. They do not have fridege. The TV has stopped working. Her daughter in law watches serial in mobile. They have gas connection. They cook either with gas orwith wood. The price of gas she said is "বিশ টাকা কম ৯০০ টাকা "
Day 7 – 27 January 2026
At 5.40 am the Kamrup Express carried us south, back to Kolkata.
Additional Tips from blogger Pratik Mukherjee :
Nightlife in Thimphu
Nightlife in Thimphu consists of a few bars and
discos. Notable ones are Vivacity, Mozo Park, Club Ace, Space 34. The best is
Vivacity, and it's very close to the Thimphu Clock Tower (the Clock Tower is
their city center, and my hotel was nearby). The dance floor is quite good,
with good EDM, and beer and other alcohol are quite cheap. You must try their
famous whiskey, K5. Don't try the rum; it has a terrible smell. The
beer is very good; you should definitely try Druk Lager Beer. Beer
is available for 40 to 80 Ngultrum. There are no separate liquor stores in
Thimphu; you get alcohol in any grocery shop. Discos are open until 1 AM.
Food & Dining
Be prepared for spicy food. Yes, Bhutanese eat
very spicy food. In one bowl of Thukpa soup, I saw five different types of
chilies, along with lots of gravy. They use a lot of water in cooking. However,
if you tell them while ordering, they won't make it spicy. Here you can get all
kinds of Indian dishes; you'll get rice and bread.
A Word of Caution: They eat both pork and beef. Where chicken and
mutton are sold, pork and beef are also sold. So, if you have dietary
restrictions, you can eat at Hotel Ghasel in Thimphu—it's a
completely vegetarian hotel with both lodging and a restaurant.
Must-try Traditional
Bhutanese Dishes:
Ema Datshi: Chilli
and Cheese (extremely spicy). Ema means Chilli. Dastshi means Cheese
Kewa Datshi: Potato
and Cheese. Kewa means Potato
Recommended Restaurants:
Thimphu: The
Zone (serves Yak meat burger), M K Restaurant (Japanese), The Seasons
Restaurant Pizzeria, Yee-Gha Restaurant and bar, Ambient Cafe.
Paro: Hotel
Peljorling, Hotel First Floor, Sonam Trophel Restaurant.
The Essential Cheat Sheet:
Key Points to Remember
Time: Bhutan
is half an hour ahead of India. They use GMT +6.
Permit: Fill
out the form and submit a xerox copy of your Voter ID or
Passport as ID proof, and keep the original with you. There can be long
lines, so if you don't get it that day, go the next morning. Once you get
the permit, leave immediately. There's a petrol pump right in front of the
Bhutan Gate; the Immigration Office is next to it on the second floor.
Smoking: Public
smoking is not allowed in Bhutan. There are many police in Thimphu city.
If caught, the fine is 50,000 Ngultrum! Yes, fifty thousand. Failure to
pay leads to jail. They show no mercy regarding smoking. Never attempt to
bribe, or you could spend a lifetime in their jail. If you are caught by
mistake, request politely; they might forgive and let you go, but do not
bribe. Cigarettes are not sold openly in Thimphu; they are sold secretly
on the black market. You'll get everything from Navy Cut to Gold Flake,
Classic. You can smoke in your hotel room, at a disco, or at a karaoke
bar. You can bring cigarettes from India; bags are not checked at the
checkpoint.
Money: Their
currency is the Ngultrum. Its value is equal to the Indian
Rupee, so no need to exchange money. Indian currency is accepted in their
country. All notes up to 500
are accepted. You'll even see Bhutanese currency being used in Jaigaon.
Transport: The
Kanchankanya Express to Hasimara departs from Sealdah (platforms 13)
at 8:30 PM. The fare from Hasimara to Bhutan Gate by auto is 50 rupees and
takes about 45-60 minutes. A Santro
takes about 4 -4.30 hours. Santro fares are lower in the morning; they start
increasing around 3 PM as fewer cars are available.
SIM Card: Buy
a tourist SIM upon reaching Thimphu because your Indian SIM won't work.
A Tashicell SIM costs 240 Ngultrum and gives 200 talk
time. Calling India costs 4 Ngultrum per minute.
People & Language: Most Bhutanese can speak English; even
villagers understand English. They are very honest and don't believe in
cheating people.
Local Transport: Public transport here is not good; buses run very infrequently.
In Thimphu city, taxis are possibly your only hope; The minimum fare is 100 Ngultrum, anywhere in the city. Taxi drivers
are also very honest.
Shopping Hours: All shops close by 8 PM, but restaurants are open until 10:30
PM.
Hotel Booking (2016 information) : Book hotels using this website: www.hotel.bt. You can find
hotels from any location in Bhutan.
Budget: Hotel
Norling (21A & 21B, Norzin Lam, Thimphu, +975 77458579), right in
front of the Clock Tower. Double bed for 1350 Ngultrum, but if you don't
take the bill, it could be 1100 or 1200.
Mid-Range: Hotel
Tandin, rates between 1800 - 2800 Ngultrum.
Jaigaon: Hotel
Devi Jaigaon (www.hoteldevijaigaon.com), couple bed 650 rupees, triple bed 800 rupees.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Bhutan is from March to
May. Do not go during the monsoon, as there are many landslides. In
March, you'll need warm clothes for the early mornings and after 4 PM, but
you won't be able to wear warm clothes after 10 AM due to intense
sunlight. We found temperatures around 1 degree at 8 pm , in January 2026.
Entry Fees: There
is entry fee of Rs/Ngultrum 500 for tourist spots .
Cost Breakdown: Food is quite expensive. A plate of Maggi costs approx 80 Ngultrum, a
chicken dish will cost 200-300 Ngultrum, so food will be a significant
expense. But alcohol is quite cheap. In Phuentsholing, opposite the petrol
pump in front of the Bhutan Gate, there's a big liquor store where you'll
find a good collection of foreign brands at low prices. You must try Peach
Wine.
Friday, October 10, 2025
Land of Bruce Lee and meeting Magellan in Philippines
Day 1: 18 Oct 2025 CCU (0200 HRS) >BKK (0800 HRS) > Hong Kong (Arrival at 1145 HRS & Night Tour & City Explorations )
Day 2: 19 Oct 2025 (Hong Kong City Tour)
Day 3: 20 Oct 2025 (Macau Day Trip)
Day 4: 21 Oct 2025 (Lantau Island & Big Buddha )
Day 5: 22 Oct 2025 (Departure) Hong Kong (17 40 HRS) >Manila,Philippines (20 10 HRS)
Day 6 : 23 Oct 2025 : Manila,Philippines - Colonial City Tour
Day 7 : 24 Oct 2025 : Manila, Philippines - Museum Tour
Day 8 : 25 Oct 2025 : Manila,Philippines (0630 HRS)> Cebu,Philippines (0840 HRS) - City Tour
Day 9 : 26 Oct 2025 : Cebu,Philippines - Bohol Tour
Day 10 : 27 Oct 2025 : Cebu,Philippines (20 05 HRS)>Mactan Island tour> Manila,Philippines(21 40 HRS)
Day 11 : 28 Oct 2025 : Manila, Philippines (02 05 HRS) > Hong Kong (04 30 HRS)
Day 11: 28 Oct 2025 : Departure :Hong Kong (1825 HRS) >BKK(23 35 HRS)>CCU(00 40 HRS)
Apply for Visa
See this wonderful video to know about problems of visa application from India, especially Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chandigarh. If you apply from these cities, Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR) Process will be unsuccessful, like my application, inspite of visiting 47 countries. But there is nothing to worry about, still you will get visa. See this video
Population: ~7.5 million (2025 est.) — one of the most densely populated regions on Earth.
Islands: Comprises over 260 islands, with Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories forming the main regions. Hong Kong means all of these 260 Islands.
Area: ~1,110 sq. km — about 1/80th the size of West Bengal, yet with far higher population density.
Per Capita Income: ~USD 53,000 (India ~USD 2,700)
Religion: A blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, with Christian minorities and a growing number of non-religious residents.
Languages:Chinese (Cantonese) and English are official languages; signage and government services use both.
Currency:1 Hong Kong Dollar ≈ 10.7 Indian Rupees (2025 est.).
Industries: Finance, trade, logistics, tourism, and professional services — Hong Kong is Asia’s major financial and shipping hub.
Famous Street Food & Night Markets in Hong Kong
✅ Ladies Market, Mong Kok — famous for street food like curry fish balls, egg waffles, and stinky tofu. ✅ Temple Street Night Market — more street snacks and souvenirs. ✅ Mong Kok Food Stalls — look for Hong Kong-style French toast, dim sum, egg tarts, roasted
Climate:Subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. October ispleasant and dry, one of the best months to visit.
Climate in Oct:Pleasant, 22°C–28°C, mostly dry.
History
Originally a small fishing village.
Ceded to Britain after the First Opium War (1839–1842) under the Treaty of Nanking.
Developed into a global port and financial hub.
Returned to China in 1997 as a Special Administrative Region under “one country, two systems.”
✅ Transportation & Travel Tips
Octopus Card — Buy at airport for seamless travel (MTR, buses, ferries AND shopping).
Day 1 (18 Oct 2025) — Arrival to Hong Kong and Kowloon Peninsula Tour
Arrival in Hong Kong — And the Bus That Adopted Us (A21
Edition)
11:45 AM: We landed in Hong Kong, fully
charged, fully excited—and mildly overconfident about our budgeting skills.
Hong Kong offers many ways to reach the city… but only one
truly respects your wallet.
Enter the A21 Citybus—a double-decker legend that
stops right at the airport and delivers you to the heart of the action without
emotional damage to your bank balance.
The Legendary A21 — Our
Lifesaver (and Soon, Family Member)
Fare:
A friendly HKD 34
Route:
Airport → Middle Road, Nathan Road
Walking
distance to hotel: ~30 metres
Travel
time: 50–60 minutes
Timings:
05:00 – midnight
Night
shift cousin: N21 (for nocturnal travellers)
By Day 2, the A21 had become so integral to our lives
that we half expected it to ask us how our day was going.
Now yes, there’s also the sleek, futuristic Airport
Express—fast, efficient, and priced at HKD 105 one way… after which you
still need another metro to reach your hotel.
We respectfully declined this luxury and remained loyal to our budget .
The Octopus Card &
A Psychic at the Counter
We bought the famous Octopus Card at the airport:
Deposit:
HKD 42
Initial
top-up: HKD 128
Total:
HKD 170
As we stood there, the staff casually asked: “Are you going to Chungking Mansions?”
I looked at them and replied: “Are you an astrologer?”
They smiled knowingly. Clearly, our budget aura was visible.
They said you have to get down at Middle Road and take A21 bus (double decker bus).
From Airport Island to
Kowloon — First Glimpse of the City
The airport itself sits on an artificial island, and soon we
were gliding over bridges, crossing into Kowloon—the dense, buzzing
heart of the city.
2:30 PM: We arrived at Middle Road. 20 metres later: We were at our hotel.
Welcome to Chungking Mansions—a 17-storey concrete
legend on Nathan Road. If Hong Kong has a heart, this is the part that beats
twice as fast—and occasionally skips a beat.
A Mini United Nations
(with a Khidirpur Branch Office)
Inside, you don’t hear Cantonese first.
You hear:
Bengali
Hindi
Urdu
Arabic
Tamil
Punjabi
…sometimes all at once.
At one point, I genuinely wondered if I had accidentally
taken the A21 back to Khidirpur.
This place is home to traders and travellers from over 130
nationalities, many dating back to the 1980s–90s when Hong Kong had easier
visa policies.
Food at All Hours (and
All Accents)
The ground floor is a culinary United Nations:
Indian
restaurants
Bangladeshi
eateries
Nepali
momo stalls
South
Indian dosa counters
Here, you can:
Eat
biryani at 2 AM
Fix and top up your phone at 2:30 AM
Debate
cricket at 3 AM
All in Bengali.
The Great Lift
Adventure (Extreme Sport Category)
Chungking Mansions has 5 blocks (A–E), each with its
own lift.
Which means:
Enter
the wrong block → instant building tour
Lift
queue → time to rethink life choices
Lift
movement → governed by philosophy, not physics
Surviving these lifts should qualify for a medal in
endurance sports.
Location — Absolutely
Unbeatable
Despite the internal chaos, the outside location is
perfection:
Star
Ferry Pier → 7–8 min walk
Tsim
Sha Tsui MTR → across the road
Nathan
Road → right outside
Bus
stop → 30 metres
Cheap & fantastic food → Everywhere around you
Big Shopping Mall just outside
There are at least 6 currency exchanges inside Chungking Mansion, giving the best possible rates anywhere in the world.
Budget traveller
verdict: Paradise found. I was warned before booking this place. But this is a very safe place. In fact there is Holiday Inn hotel nearby.
Our Hotel — Small but
Complete
Located
on 6th floor
Reception
on 16th floor ! The owner is a Sikh. He told me , if you have Hong Kong visa, they can arrange visa for China in 1-2 days.
Room
size: “Minimalist philosophy meets real estate reality”
Facilities:
Everything you need
Bonus:
Free water dispenser & microwave
A gentle reminder that Hong
Kong has some of the highest real estate prices in the world
Historical &
Cultural Significance
Built:
1961
Became
migrant hub: 1980s–90s
Featured
in: Chungking Express - the classic Wong Kar-wai film (1994), making it part of cinematic history.
Academics call it: “The most global building in Asia” - because residents come from over 130 nationalities.
Chungking Mansions may not win an award for luxury, but it will definitely win one for character, chaos, and unlimited stories.
If Hong Kong is a modern skyscraper, then Chungking Mansions is the
colourful basement nobody wants to admit they love — but everyone
secretly does.
Currency, Rest &
The First Walk
While Mohua rested, I heroically went downstairs and
exchanged USD 200 at 7.70 HKD/USD—a rate so good it deserved a round of
applause.
Walking Tour Begins @ 4 pm —
Kowloon Unfolds
Inspired by Lonely Planet, we began our walking tour.
A friendly Bangladeshi gentleman guided us to the Tsim Sha Tsui (pronounced "chim-sa-choi") metro
(globalisation at work again) and we reached Prince Edward MTR Station.
Prince Edward —
Markets, Markets & More Markets
Named after Prince Edward (later King Edward VIII),
this area has been buzzing since the early 20th century.
Highlights:
Flower
Market: Orchids, lilies, colours exploding everywher.It became Hong Kong’s main flower hub in the 1970s. We saw flower aucitons going on
Pet
Street: Goldfish, birds, snakes and creatures more pampered than humans. Goldfish
are considered lucky in Feng Shui
Starting from Prince Edward MTR, we wandered down to Jordan MTR. We tried egg tarts (HKD 7.5) at the bakery inside the MTR.
Mong Kok — The
Gariahat of Hong Kong
We wandered into Ladies Market Mong Kok:
Huge
street market
Pedestrian-only
in evenings
Souvenirs
everywhere
Food
cheaper than most places
Felt like Gariahat…
but with better lighting and more neon
Temple Street Night
Market — Sensory Overload (in a Good Way)
Founded in the 1920s, named after the nearby Tin Hau
Temple,
Temple Street Night Market is where Kowloon truly comes alive.
We:
Ate
seafood fried rice & noodles
Had
softie (HKD 9 — happiness in a cone)
Watched
life unfold in neon light
👉 It’s an assault on
all five senses—delightfully so
Kowloon Park & A
Language Realisation
A quick stop at Kowloon Park gave us some breathing
space.
One observation: English is slowly stepping back, Cantonese is firmly in charge
Why Kowloon is Called
“Nine Dragons”
“Kowloon” means Nine Dragons:
8
mountains + 1 emperor (Song dynasty)
Acquired
by the British in 1860 under the Convention of Peking
Today: It remains the vibrant, neon-lit soul of Hong Kong
End of Day 1 — Back to
the Madness We Now Loved
After a long day of walking, eating, observing, and
pretending to understand Cantonese, we returned to Chungking Mansions.
A building that doesn’t just offer accommodation— It offers stories. Endless stories.
Day 2 (19 Oct 2025) — Kowloon Kowloon to Hong Kong Island: Bruce Lee, British History & One Roasted Traveller
Morning Energiser: Breakfast, Bargains & Bruce Lee
Our day began inside the legendary (and slightly chaotic) Chungking Mansions
Breakfast was at Chettinad Restaurant
Masala dosa: 45 HKD - huge size
Next shop: same dosa at 40 HKD
The sambhar, however, was a philosophical experience— Sambhar… without sambhar masala. A bold reinterpretation.
Kowloon Promenade: Slow Motion & Sea Breeze
Post-breakfast, we walked along the Tsim Sha Tsui /Kowloon Promenade. The breeze was perfect, the skyline cinematic.
Paying Tribute to a Legend
Our primary mission: visit the iconic Bruce Lee Statue
Installed in 2005
Part of the Avenue of Stars
Standing in his signature fighting pose, Bruce Lee
seems to silently advise tourists: “Be water, my friend… and also carry water—it’s very hot.”
Walking Tour 2: Kowloon Edition
We followed Lonely Planet’s walking tour, starting from the Star Ferry Pier 1.
Highlights Along the Way
Avenue of Stars
Hong Kong’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame—reopened in 2019—celebrating Cantonese cinema legends.
Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower
Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower
Built in 1915
Last surviving structure of the Kowloon–Canton Railway terminus
1881 Heritage
Former Marine Police Headquarters (built 1884)
Now a luxury shopping complex
We admired it strictly from the outside—our wallets strongly recommended this decision.
The Sun Strikes Back
By now, the sun had launched its own version of a Bruce Lee flying kick.
Mohua: wisely retreated to the hotel
Me: continued the walk like a bravely roasted potato
Mosque and Kowloon Park Detour
I went past the Mosque -where I saw some Bangaldeshis and then wandered into Kowloon Park :
Birds chirping
Kung fu training centre
Statues and greenery
A swimming pool (which looked extremely tempting at this point)
Then back to Nathan Road, walking via Austin Road to Jordan—thus concluding Walking Tour 2.
Hotel Break: Air-Conditioning Nirvana
Back at the hotel, I experienced what can only be described as: A spiritual rebirth via air-conditioning.
Refreshed and revived, I summoned Mohua again—this time for Round 2: Hong Kong Island.
Crossing Over: Kowloon → Hong Kong Island
We took the MTR from Tsim Sha Tsui Station towards Sai Ying Pun Station, via Central.
Walking Tour 1: Old Hong Kong Island
We began near Kennedy Road Tram Stop ( Sutherland Street), diving straight into the historic heart of the city.
The Smell of Tradition: Dried Seafood Market
We passed through streets selling:
Dried fish (শুটকি!)
Octopus
Prawns
The smell was… unforgettable. Permanently.
Chinese Herbal Shops
Ancient medicine traditions still thrive here—some dating back generations.
Then I strolled along the Central and Western District Promenade, passing through Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park—a pleasant stretch by the harbour. It is near Sheung Wan.
Only later did I discover that this was the very place where Ranojoy and Susan used to take their evening walks. Had I known earlier, I might have walked with a bit more dignity !😄
From there, I climbed an overbridge and made my way towards Western Market.
Sheung Wan: Where Modern Hong Kong Began
Sheung Wan
Became a major Chinese settlement after the First Opium War (1842)
Among the earliest commercial hubs under British rule for the local Chinese community.
Sheung Wan felt both historic and atmospheric. The main thoroughfare here was Connaught Road.
Just above the area runs a pedestrian bridge, where the history of the market is thoughtfully displayed.
Nearby: Western Market located on Morrison Road,
Built in 1906
One of the oldest surviving market buildings
Then I came across a row of shops selling handcrafted stone statues.
Man Mo Temple
Man Mo Temple
Built in 1847
Dedicated to the Gods of Literature (Man) and War (Mo)
A rare pocket of calm amid the chaos.
We also came across Jervois Street (interestingly, there is another Jervois Street in Singapore as well) and
Lascar Row & Antique Trails
Lascar Row
“Lascar” = Indian sailors (colonial term)
Now famous for antique shops
Unfortunately, since we arrived late, most of the shops were already closed. Still, the charm of the place—locally known as “Lascar Row” (লস্কর রোড)—was very much intact.
Chop & Seal Makers
We found traditional engraving shops making:
Stone seals
Custom stamps
One shop owner was quite famous—his name featured in newspapers. In Hong Kong, even stamps have celebrity status.
The Walk Itself
Steep slopes
Street art
Old shophouses
The Iconic Hong Kong Tram Ride
We skipped the Peak Tram (time was not on our side) and instead boarded:
Hong Kong Tramways
Operating since 1904
One of the oldest tram systems in the world
Route: Boarded near Central
Rode till Shau Kei Wan (extreme East)
Experience:
Upper deck
Front seat
₹35 (~3.3 HKD!) for a 1-hour ride
Possibly the cheapest sightseeing tour in Hong Kong history
Dinner & Retail Therapy
Back at Kowloon, we headed to Lock Road
Dinner: 50–60 HKD
Quick visit to Marks & Spencer for Ginger biscuit shopping for Ranojoy (priorities must be maintained)
End of the Day
We returned to our base in Kowloon:
Legs: exhausted
Hearts: full
Hong Kong had given us history, heat, heritage—and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.
Day 3 (20 Oct 2025) — Macau City Tour
Macau: Beyond Casinos, Gondolas & a Very Useful Bus
We set off at the ambitious hour of 8:30 AM, once again placing blind faith in our most dependable companion in Hong Kong— Citybus A21
From Tsim Sha Tsui, this heroic bus carried us to the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB), Hong Kong Port orHZMB Hong Kong Portin under an hour.
Once you get down, walk 5 minutes following clear signs: “HZMB Hong Kong Port – Departures”
After a smooth immigration exit at HK , we boarded the shuttle bus, across the legendary Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge.
No visa needed for India exit (normal HK exit)
Opened: 2018
Length: 55 km (world’s longest sea-crossing bridge-tunnel system)
Time:45 minutes
Frequency: Every 5–10 minutes
Operating hours: ~05:00 to ~00:00 (After midnight, use N21)
For HKD 65, we crossed not just water—but also entered a different historical universe.
Arrival in Macau: A City with Two Souls
At Macau Port: Macau Entry Immigration
Passport stamping
Indians get visa-free
## Yes, there are immigration checks at both borders, but the process is smooth if you’re not trying to smuggle !
Quick Historical Snapshot
Portuguese colony from 1557 to 1999
Returned to China in 1999 as a Special Administrative Region
A unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures
First Impressions (Reality vs Myth)
If someone blindfolded you and dropped you here, you wouldn’t immediately think “casino capital of the world.” Instead, you’d see:
Normal residential buildings like Hong Kong. There are normal residential houses in the Casino Part of the City also.
Schools, buses, daily life
Macau is a real city first—and a casino playground second.
Portuguese and English are written on most signboards. People are said to know Chinese and Portuguese, as they are the official languages. However, this did not seem entirely accurate to me. In practice, most people appeared to speak Chinese and some English—quite similar to Hong Kong. Only a small percentage of the population (around 10%) is of Portuguese origin.
Population: ~7.5 lakh
Budget Surprise
Bus fare: 6 MOP (cheaper than HK!)
Souvenirs: magnets at 10 MOP vs 25 HKD in Hong Kong
Even food felt lighter on the pocket.
Bonus: Pay in HKD, get change in Macanese Pataca (MOP)—a small currency adventure.
The exchange is almost same.
Getting Into the City
From the bridge port:
Public Bus (Cheapest)
Routes: 101X / 102X / MT4
Time: ~25 mins
Casino Shuttle (Free )
To:
Venetian
Galaxy
Lisboa
Macau’s casinos may take your money inside—but they bring you there for free. We opted for Casinao Shuttle.
Casino Crawl: Curiosity is Free, Gambling is Optional
The Venetian Macao
The Venetian Macao
Opened: 2007
One of the largest casinos in the world
Inside:
Artificial sky (always sunny, no matter your mood)
Gondola rides for a fee
Violin-playing Italian performers
Entry to the Casinos and shows : Free
It’s Venice… if Venice had air-conditioning and slot machines.
Verdict:
✔ Impressive
❌ Repeat visit? Only if I develop a sudden passion for gambling.
After spending some time at the Venetian Casino, I walked to the next casino, which was conveniently located nearby.
Galaxy Macau
Galaxy Macau
Massive integrated resort (~4000 rooms)
We missed the famous Diamond Show (under renovation)
…but watched the Crystal Show instead.
Still entertaining.
Themed Extravaganza
From Galaxy, free shuttles connect to:
The Londoner Macao (Big Ben vibes)
The Parisian Macao (Eiffel Tower included)
Ten years ago, these didn’t exist.
Casinos here multiply faster than WhatsApp forwards.
We met a man from Churu in Rajasthan, and noticed that many of the security staff at Galaxy were Nepali.
The Real Treasure: UNESCO Heritage Macau
After enough artificial Europe, we sought the real thing. We took a local bus (Route 26A ) to Senado Square. But you need to pay at the bus.
Why This Area Matters
Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site (2005)
Represents 400+ years of Portuguese–Chinese interaction
Baroque architecture : churches, forts, and civic / Municipal buildings
Highlights of Old Macau
Ruins of St. Paul’s
Built: 1602–1640
Burnt in 1835, leaving only the façade
Macau’s most iconic landmark—and probably its most photographed wall.
Na Tcha Temple (Buddhist temple)
A small but important Chinese temple—symbolising coexistence of cultures.
St. Dominic’s Church
Built: 1587
Classic Baroque style
Holy House of Mercy
Holy House of Mercy
Established: 1569
One of Asia’s earliest charitable institutions
first Bishop of Macau used to stay here
Senado Square
Famous for its wave-pattern Portuguese pavement
The civic heart of Macau for centuries
Walking here feels like Europe… until you hear Cantonese around you.
There were many examples of Andalusian-style architecture, and souvenirs featuring Andalusian tiles were widely available.
You can begin the walking tour from Largo do Senado, and it typically takes about 2.5 hours, ending at the Maritime Museum.
This part of Macau is beautifully preserved—a contrast to Hong Kong, which has rapidly evolved into an ultra-modern metropolis.
By the time we completed the tour, it was around 5:00 PM.
Food Discovery
Tried the famous Macau pork jerky (sweet BBQ style) — Delicious
Understanding Macau
Macau has four main parts:
Macau Peninsula – historical core (less casinos)
Taipa – residential + airport
Cotai – reclaimed land, casino hub
Coloane – quieter, more natural
All connected by bridges.
Ferry vs Bus: Reality Check
Ferry terminals:
Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal
Taipa Ferry Terminal
But:
❌ More expensive
❌ Weather-dependent
❌ Slower in our case
Return Journey: Bus Wins Again
Instead of ferry, we did the sensible thing:
Bus 21A → back to Cotai
Free shuttle → HZMB Port
Shuttle bus → Hong Kong
And just like that, we crossed the great bridge again—this time with a sunset view over the South China Sea.
Engineering + sunset = perfect ending.
Back to Kowloon
We returned to our base in Kowloon:
Legs: tired
Mind: full of history
Wallet: surprisingly intact
Final Thoughts
Macau is not just:
Casinos
Ferries
Fake Europe
It is:
A living museum of colonial history (since 1557)
A fusion of East and West
Day 3 (21 Oct 2025) — Lantau Island & Big Buddha
A Windy Day, a Giant Buddha & Hong Kong from the Top
We took our trusted Citybus A21, fully confident that it would take us everywhere in Hong Kong—except maybe the moon. We used this bus every day. Of course, A21 goes straight to the airport, so we had to get down at Lantau Link Bus-Bus Interchange - a gentle reminder that even life-saving buses have boundaries.
If you don’t get down here, A21 will happily take you on a bonus tour: Lantau Link → Airport → HZMB Port
Entering Lantau: Choose Your Adventure
From the interchange:
We took E31 bus to Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Terminal (For Big Buddha)
Alternatively, you can take R8 bus to Hong Kong Disneyland
Both are on Lantau Island—Hong Kong’s largest island and a fascinating mix of nature, spirituality, and Mickey Mouse.
Cable Car Dreams… Crushed by Wind
Our grand plan was to ride the famous Ngong Ping 360
Known for:
Stunning aerial views
Forests of Lantau North Country Park
Planes landing at Hong Kong International Airport
But alas…Mother Nature said: “Not today.”
Due to strong winds, the cable car was shut.
Bus to the Rescue
So, like sensible (and slightly defeated) travellers, we took the Bus M23 from Tung Chung.
Travel time: ~45 minutes
And what a ride it was!
The road felt like a mix of the French Riviera and Amalfi Coast— with sea, forest, and cliffs all competing for attention.
Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery: Serenity with Stairs
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
Completed in 1993
Height: 34 metres
One of the largest seated outdoor bronze Buddhas in the world
Symbolism: Harmony between man, nature, and religion
Po Lin Monastery - In the same complex
Founded in 1906
Still an active Buddhist monastery
The Climb & The Weather Plot Twist
At the top:
Breathtaking views
A small museum (perfect for calming your soul )
But:
❌You cannot see Hong Kong city from here
It was drizzling all day
Yesterday: boiling hot
Today: windy and cold
Lesson: In Hong Kong, always carry dress for all four seasons—on the same day - when you are a tourist
Food Break: Vegetarian Surprise
There’s a lovely vegetarian restaurant just beside Po Lin Monastery.
We had: Noodles with button and oyster mushrooms
Simple, warm, and perfect for the weather.
Tai O Fishing Village: The One That Got Away
We had planned to visit Tai O Fishing Village
A 300-year-old fishing village
Famous for stilt houses and traditional lifestyle
But time, as usual, had other plans. Tai O now sits firmly in the category of: “Next time”
Back to the City: From Buddha to Business District
We took the bus back to Tung Chung.
Nearby: Tung Chung Station (MTR)
Last MTR stop of the Tung Chung Line (light brown line)
From there:
To Kowloon Station (like Kolkata Station, there is one Kowloon Station in Kowloon area)
Then to Hong Kong Station
(Fun fact: Hong Kong Station connects seamlessly to Central— Island line)
Final Mission: The Peak Tram Awaits
After conquering buses, Buddha, and Hong Kong’s famously unpredictable weather , we set off on our final walking tour—towards the legendary Peak Tram
A Walk Through Colonial Echoes
On the way, we passed by Chater House. Named after Sir Catchick Paul Chater, an Armenian businessman born in Kolkata in 1846—proof that Bengalis and Kolkatans have quietly been influencing global history long before globalization became fashionable
He was one of the key developers of modern Hong Kong and played a major role in land reclamation projects in the late 19th century.
An Unexpected Green Escape
We then walked along an elevated pathway that led us to Hong Kong Park
Established in 1991 on a former British military site
A beautiful urban oasis with:
A serene artificial lake with fish
Plenty of resident birds
Lush greenery that makes you forget you are in one of the world’s busiest financial hubs
Inside the park is also the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware
Built in 1846 (one of the oldest colonial buildings in Hong Kong)
Now a museum dedicated to the art and history of tea
A gentle reminder that the British may have left, but their love for tea never did. Only 10 minutes walk from here is the Zoo and Botanical garden.
The Climb Begins (and So Does the Spending)
Finally, we reached the Peak Tram Terminus.
Tram fare: 105 HKD
Sky Terrace entry: 75 HKD
Total damage: 180 HKD
At this point, even the Buddha we met earlier might have advised detachment from material expenses
Victoria Peak: From Daylight to Dazzling Darkness
Welcome to Victoria Peak
Peak Tram Trivia
Operational since 1888
One of the oldest funicular railways in the world
Originally built to carry British colonial elites to their cooler hillside residences
A Cinematic Transformation
We reached while there was still daylight.
Then slowly… magically… Hong Kong transformed into a sea of glittering lights
The transition from daylight → sunset → night was nothing short of cinematic.
Day view: Clear, structured, almost disciplined
Sunset: Warm, romantic, slightly philosophical
Night: Pure drama—like a Bollywood climax with better lighting
Yes, it was crowded.
Yes, there was a Madame Tussauds Hong Kong at the entrance of Terrace.
But honestly, the view steals the show.
Descent to the Harbour
After soaking in the views (and recovering from the ticket price), we took Bus 15C down to the ferry terminal.
Star Ferry: The Grand, Cheap Finale
To end the day, we boarded the legendary Star Ferry
Fare: Just 4 HKD (!!)
Route:
From Central (Pier 7)
To Tsim Sha Tsui (Pier 1)
Why This Ferry is Special
Operating since 1888 (same vintage as Peak Tram—clearly a good year!)
Costs less than bottled water
Offers million-dollar skyline views
Possibly the best value-for-money experience in Hong Kong
The sight of skyscrapers shimmering over Victoria Harbour was pure magic.
Back Home (and a Food Adventure)
After conquering Buddhas, peaks, buses, and boats, we finally returned to our hotel.
Dinner was at a restaurant near Chungking Mansions
Best Value Meal of the Trip at Ah Say Restaurant
Chicken & shrimp fried rice: 58 HKD
Lemon iced tea: +3 HKD
Free tea included
One dish was enough for two of us. The taste was similar to a good Chinese Restaurant in Kolkata.
Mohua had a Coke for 6 HKD (a rare bargain compared to 15 HKD elsewhere)
Pay-at-counter system
Plenty of set menus
We had also tried earlier:
Pork dumplings
Char Siu-style dumplings
Wonton
All excellent
Dessert & Street Delights
We had the famous Hong Kong Bubble Waffle from a street-side shop
We had the iconic Egg Tart some other day
We also checked out Bakehouse…but sadly, the egg tarts were sold out
Random Discoveries
We even spotted a Thai shop, from where I mentally prepared my shopping list before leaving Hong Kong.
The Real MVP: 7-Eleven
7-Eleven
Our absolute lifesaver in Hong Kong:
Snacks
Water
Octopus Card recharge
Emergency hunger solutions
If Hong Kong runs on efficiency, it is powered by 7-Eleven.
Overnight in Kowloon
And with that, we wrapped up a day that had everything:
History
Nature
Spirituality
Stunning skylines
Budget food victories
From Buddha to Bubble Waffle—Hong Kong delivered everything in one single day.
Day 5 (22 Oct 2025) — Departure : Hong Kong (17 40 HRS) > Manila (20 10 HRS)
Goodbye Hong Kong, Hello Philippines: Bachelor Mode Activated
The Great Exit: A21 Never Disappoints
As planned, we bought our Tom Yum soup from the Thai shop—because no journey should end without a final culinary victory.
We then checked out of the hotel and boarded our ever-reliable Citybus A21
Destination: Hong Kong International Airport
A Tale of Two Flights (and One Sudden Bachelor)
At the airport, our journeys split dramatically:
Mohua → Kolkata
Me → Philippines
Interestingly, our flights were scheduled almost at the same time.
The moment her flight took off, I officially transformed into a “temporary bachelor” in a foreign land— managing life, luggage, and food all by myself
She had to return—office leave exhaustion is a very real and tragic condition.
Philippines Entry: The eTravel Saga
Before entering Philippines Indian nationals must complete the eTravel registration—a mandatory digital pre-arrival system.
What is eTravel?
A government-mandated online registration
Covers:
Immigration
Health declaration
Customs
My Personal Struggle (with Technology, Not Immigration)
Initially, I faced some issues:
Uploading photos ❌
Form submission ❌
But eventually, like all determined Indian travellers, I “somehow managed it.”
Interesting point: If you have a UK visa, entry becomes much smoother.
1571:Capital officially moved to Manila : Better harbour, trade access, defense, and strategic location. This shift marked the beginning of Manila’s 450-year dominance as the political heart of the Philippines.
Enjoy a short stroll along Roxas Boulevard with its famous sunset views over Manila Bay. This is a good way to ease into the country’s tropical rhythm.
Ferdinand Magellan: The Man Who Went Around the World… Almost
Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer sailing under the Spanish Crown—a classic case of international freelancing. In 1519, he secured royal approval from King Charles I of Spain to do something extremely ambitious: find a westward route to the Spice Islands. After all, spices were worth more than gold at the time.
Departure: Big Dreams Begin in Spain (1519)
The expedition departed from Seville on August 10, 1519, sailing down the Guadalquivir River.
The official oceanic journey began from Sanlúcar de Barrameda on September 20, 1519.
Magellan set sail with 5 ships and a truly global crew—Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Greek, and Malay sailors—proving that globalization existed long before LinkedIn.
They ventured into uncharted waters, crossed the terrifying strait that would later be named after him , and entered the vast Pacific Ocean, finally proving that a continuous sea passage beyond the Americas actually existed.
First Contact with the Philippines (1521): History Enters the Tropics
Magellan’s expedition first landed in the Philippines on March 17, 1521, at Homonhon Island (now part of Eastern Samar). This marked the first recorded European contact with the Philippine archipelago—a moment that would change regional history forever. From there, things moved fast.
Limasawa: Mass, Brotherhood, and Blood (March 31, 1521)
Limasawa (Southern Leyte) was Magellan’s next major stop.
On March 31, 1521, the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines was held here.
A blood compact (sandugo) was performed with Rajah Kolambu.
What is a Blood Compact?
This was a sacred pre-colonial Filipino ritual symbolizing alliance and friendship:
Small cuts were made on the arms or chests of both leaders
Blood was collected in a cup (often mixed with wine or water)
Both leaders drank from it, officially becoming “blood brothers”
Diplomacy, 16th-century style—no paperwork, just commitment.
Cebu: Conversions and Alliances (April 7, 1521)
Magellan arrived in Cebu on April 7, 1521, where he:
Converted Rajah Humabon and hundreds of locals to Christianity
Formed a political and religious alliance
At this point, Magellan probably felt unstoppable. History, however, had other plans.
Mactan: Where Overconfidence Met Reality (April 27, 1521)
Magellan moved on to Mactan Island, now accessible by a bridge from present-day Cebu, today’s Cebu airport.
On April 27, 1521, during the Battle of Mactan, Magellan was killed by the forces of Lapu-Lapu, a local chieftain who had absolutely no interest in being subjugated—for Spain or anyone else.
Thus ended Magellan’s personal journey, though not his expedition. Lapu - Lapu was finally defeated by others, later.
Summary of Key Philippine Stops
Although Homonhon Island was the first landing point, Magellan’s most historically significant stops were:
Limasawa – First Mass and blood compact
Cebu – Conversion and alliance
Mactan – Battle and Magellan’s death
The Voyage Continues Without Him (1522)
Magellan may have fallen, but the expedition did not. One ship, Victoria, captained by Juan Sebastián Elcano and guided by Malay navigator Enrique, continued westward. In 1522, the Victoria returned to Spain with just 18 survivors, completing the first recorded circumnavigation of the globe.
Why This Voyage Changed the World
This expedition was monumental because it:
Confirmed the Earth’s spherical shape beyond doubt
Opened the first westward trans-Pacific trade route to the Spice Islands
Transformed global navigation and European geographical knowledge
In short, it changed how humans understood the planet—permanently.
Magellan’s Name: Immortal on Earth and Beyond
Although he never completed the journey himself, Magellan’s legacy is everywhere:
Strait of Magellan – The navigable sea route at the southern tip of South America that he discovered and crossed
The Magellan spacecraft – A NASA Venus orbiter (1989–1994) that mapped the planet’s surface
Magellan Route / Road – A term often used to describe the historic circumnavigation path
Magellan set out to find spices, accidentally helped redraw the map of the Earth. He didn’t make it home—but his name did, traveling farther than he ever imagined. Not bad for a journey that began in 1519 and still echoes across oceans, textbooks, spacecraft, and history itself.
Day 6: Colonial Manila (23 Oct)
Manila Day One — An Walk Through History, Heat & Helpful Strangers
I began the day on foot from my hotel at 9:30 AM, immediately embracing Manila’s heat and humidity—something that felt oddly familiar… almost like Kolkata had quietly followed me here.
Paco Cemetery: Circles, Silence & Spanish Legacy
My first stop was Paco Park and Cemetery
Built in 1822 during the Spanish colonial period
Originally meant for Spanish aristocracy
Later became a burial ground for Filipino elites
A quiet, circular cemetery—peaceful, slightly eerie, and perfect for philosophical thoughts (or mild goosebumps).
Jeepneys: Art on Wheels (and Noise on Demand)
Along the way, I encountered my first Jeepney
Origin: Post-World War II (after 1945)
Made from abandoned US military jeeps
Now the most colourful transport system on Earth
Every jeepney looks like it was designed during a creative explosion with no budget limits
United Nations Area & NBI Office: Welcome to “India Abroad”
There are two metro systems here:
Manila LRT → North–South
Manila MRT → East–West
Near my hotel: United Nations Avenue LRT station If you want to change the train at interchange , you have to buy the ticket again ! The idea of a Metro route was conveived in the year 1977. But it moved at a snails pace. The metro connectivity is very poor.
Passing the United Nations building, I noticed a crowd gathered beside it for online registration at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)—the Philippine equivalent of our police clearance system.
I saw:
Long queues
Candidates waiting
At least 19–20 “helpful agents” offering assistance - possibly because you have to do it online and not everybody can do it.
And a large sign shouting from NBI : “NO TO FIXERS”
At that exact moment, I smiled: “Yes, I am definitely not far from India.”
Street Food Discovery: Sweet, Tangy & Slightly Confusing
Just outside:
Pork sausage
Chicken sausage
Fish balls
Cut into 7 small pieces, served in a glass, dipped in a sweet syrup
Cost: ₱20 (~₹30)
Not bad at all—and I soon realised that sweet & tangy is a national obsession here.
Churches & Crowds: Layers of Colonial History
Next stop: Central United Methodist Church
Built in 1907 (corrected)
Symbol of American influenceafter Spain ceded the Philippines to the US following the Treaty of Paris (1898).
Nearby: Maritime Industry Authority
Huge crowds gathered for recruitment.
The Philippines is one of the world’s largest suppliers of seafarers, so the turnout made perfect sense.
Brunch Break: Chowking to the Rescue
By now, the heat had turned aggressive.
I escaped into Chowking chain of restaurant.
Benefits:
Affordable
Fast
Air-conditioned (most important)
Sometimes, history can wait—comfort cannot.
Rizal Park: The Soul of Filipino Nationalism
I reached Rizal Park(Luneta). One of the most important sites in the country.
José Rizal: The Man Who Inspired a Nation
José Rizal
Born: 1861
Executed: 30 December 1896 by Spanish authorities
Profession: Doctor, writer, reformist, linguist, artist, sculptor, poet and farmer
His execution sparked the Philippine Revolution against Spain
Often called: “The Gandhi of the Philippines” (though he came earlier)
Inside the park:
Execution site
Museums
National monuments
Rizal: The Ultimate Multi-Tasker
After visiting the museum in Fort Santiago
I realised:
He was a doctor, poet, artist, sculptor
Spoke multiple languages
Learned German in Germany
Studied in Madrid and learnt Spanish
Travelled to Japan & Cuba (on the instruction of Sapnish Colonial Authorities)
Even bought land and ran a scientific farm business profitably
Basically, if LinkedIn existed then, Rizal would break the platform
On his return to the Philippines, he was arrested and accused of hatching a conspiracy—his writings and books deemed dangerous to the state—and, in a tragic turn of events, he was ultimately executed by a firing squad, a moment that would ignite the flames of a nation’s struggle for freedom.
Fort Santiago: Where History Gets Real
Located inside Intramuros
Historical Timeline
Built in 1571 by Miguel López de Legazpi
Spanish rule: ~300 years (1565–1898)
Brief British occupation: 1762–1764
American rule: 1898–1942
Japanese occupation: 1942–1945
Highlights:
Rizal’s final prison cell
His final footsteps (marked in bronze)
Dungeon where skeletons from WWII were found
Views of Pasig River and Manila skyline
Entry Fee: ₱75
Kolkata Never Leaves You
Inside the fort, I met a Bengali—Ajay Haldar from Dum Dum. Kolkata, as always, refuses to leave me alone—even abroad.
🚻 Survival Tactic: The Diagnostic Centre Strategy
Walking for hours has consequences. I entered a diagnostic centre pretending to be a patient…
Mission accomplished: Clean toilet located
Travel skill level: Advanced 😄
Manila Cathedral & Wedding Woes
Manila Cathedral
First built in 1581
Rebuilt 8 times
Current version: 1958
From there a pedestrian street led me to San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church: Survivor of Time
San Agustin Church
Built in 1607
Oldest stone church in the Philippines
UNESCO site
Survived: Earthquakes and WWII bombings
❌ Entry denied (another wedding!)
Clearly, Filipino weddings were determined to block my spiritual journey
Just beside the Church there is a Museum - which I skipped , since it was bit expensive and time was a constraint.
Casa Manila
Just opposite San Agustin Church is Casa Manila.
Casa Manila
Recreates 19th-century Spanish colonial life
Displays elite lifestyle and furniture
Walking through it felt like entering a period drama—without subtitles
Missed Stops & Missed Meals
Skipped due to time:
Destileria Limtuaco Museum (est. 1852)
Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant - famous for cultural performances during dinner (and expensive food)
Also: Skipped lunch
Culture, Crafts & Shopping Victory
Later, I saw the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and finally reached the Silahis Arts & Artifacts Centre, one of the very few genuine handicraft stores I encountered in Manila.
At Silahis Arts and Artifacts, I bought:
Capiz shell crafts - very unique
Traditional Filipino items
Genuine souvenir shops are rare—this felt like treasure hunting.
Intramuros Walls & A New Friend
Walking along the historic walls, I met a college student—Egipto (21 years).
Conversation went so well that he offered a bike ride to Roxas Boulevard & Manila Bay
Roxas Boulevard
Built during early American period
Famous for sunsets over Manila Bay
Nearby: SM Mall of Asia
We:
Walked along the promenade
Saw restaurants & a Ferris wheel
Had dinner (my treat)
Surprisingly very few Indians— I spotted 6–7 North Indians
I skipped Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) due to lack of time.
End of the Day: Full Circle
He dropped me back at the hotel.
We exchanged numbers. It genuinely felt like he liked me a lot.
Route Summary
Rizal Park → Fort Santiago → Manila Cathedral → San Agustin Church → Casa Manila → Intramuros Walls → Roxas Boulevard → Hotel
Final Thought
Kolkata trained me.
Manila tested me.
Transport options everywhere:
Jeepney
Sidecar
Tricycle
Auto (Bajaj!)
Bus
LRT / MRT
And both cities rewarded me—with chaos, kindness, and unforgettable stories.
Bonus Observation: Almost everyone (except very small shop owners) understands English in the Philippines.
Day 7: Rizal Park & Cultural Manila (24 Oct)
The Great Moral Dilemma
By now, I had seen most of what Manila had to offer. So I stood at a moral crossroads:
Option 1: Go to Angeles City —famous for its raucous nightlife, effectively the Sin City of the Philippines
Option 2: Visit museums, admire art, culture, and history, and behave like a responsible adult
I chose museums.
(Civilisation: 1 | Temptation: 0 )
Checkout, Backpack, and Back to History
After checking out of my hotel, I kept the luggage at reception and took the now-familiar route toward
Rizal Park. The National Museum of the Philippines complex is located right beside the park and walking distnce from my hotel.
Best part: All museums are FREE
Stop 1: National Museum of Natural History
National Museum of Natural History
Building completed: 1940
Renovated: 2018
The “Tree of Life” Moment
The star attraction: A stunning glass-and-steel dome called the “Tree of Life”
The Philippines is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, and this museum proves it convincingly.
This museum explains why the Philippines looks the way it does:
Austronesian roots
300+ years of Spanish rule (1565–1898)
American influence
Strong local traditions
Baybayin: A Script Ahead of Its Time
I also learnt about Baybayin:
Used as early as 13th–14th century
A writing system (abugida), like Devanagari
Declined after Spanish introduced Latin script in the 16th century
Today:
Being revived culturally by academics
Seen in art, tattoos, logos
Even appears on Philippine passports
A forgotten script slowly reclaiming its identity.
Observations & Cultural Notes
There are ~175 languages/dialects in the Philippines
Many are not mutually understandable—even in Manila
People’s height is generally shorter
Mongoloid features vary—many resemble Indonesians
Social observations:
Young students moving around with girlfriends—very common
Quite different from India
Economic notes:
Things are cheap—comparable to India
Restaurants don’t overcharge like in India
Transport fares:
Metro: ~₱20 (~₹30)
Jeepney: ~₱10
Stop 3: National Museum of Fine Arts
National Museum of Fine Arts
Former Legislative Building (built 1921)
Truly world-class
Spoliarium: Art Meets Revolution
Here lies: Spoliarium (1884)
Painted by Juan Luna
Symbolism:
Suffering under Spanish rule
Became a symbol of Filipino nationalism
The museum stands beside Intramuros Golf Club. Colonial art on one side, colonial leisure on the other—history with irony.
A Thought
There is no museum of this scale in Kolkata!
Food Observations: American Influence Meets Asia
I saw:
Burgers, sausages, French fries → American influence
Rice → very popular
Seafood everywhere: calamari, crab, octopus
Pork freely available
Also:
Many Siu Mai / Bao / Dumpling shops
But fewer soupy noodles compared to Hong Kong
Street food:
Fried Fish
Identity & Names
90% population is Christian
Some Muslims present in Binondo
Names:
Mostly Spanish
Difficult to identify ethnicity
Example: Like “Joachim Saibal Gomes”—sounds Portuguese, but could be Bengali . But in Philippines it is difficult to make out about the ethnicity.
Cleanliness & Economy
Cleaner than India—but not dramatically
People don’t litter as casually like Indians
Signs of poverty visible
Philippines is only ~20% richer than India. I have seen homeless people also.
The roads are not exceptionals .
Language
Main language: Tagalog
Sounds similar to Spanish (many borrowed words). They generally pronounce F as P i.e. Fighting as Pighting
English widely understood
Here, generally English and Tagalog are taught. In few schools Spanish is also taught. But they are few and far between.
I am yet to come across people shouting or fighting. People generally follow Traffic signal.
Behavioural Observations
People are polite
Traffic discipline exists.
No honking! (a miracle for an Indian traveller)
Police are polite
People address each other as “Sir” , not Mr. or Hello as in some other countries of SE Asia.
Learning Culture
In the museum:
Teachers were teaching students with microphones
Explaining exhibits in English/Tagalog
Education happening inside museums—impressive!
Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant: Missed Again
Barbara's Heritage Restaurant
Known for Filipino cuisine
Colonial setting
Cultural performances
Missed it again. Timing defeated appetite—again
Evening Salvation: Binondo, The Oldest Chinatown
To compensate, I headed to Binondo
Crossing the Pasig
Had to cross: Pasig River
The “Hooghly of Manila”—historic trade artery during Spanish rule
Promenade Life At the Binondo Intramuros Bridge
Street performers
Dance groups
Music
Endless food stalls
Dinner = street hopping
Menu included:
Hungarian sausage is good (not really Hungarian )
Siu Mai
Pork satay/kebab
Snacks from museum exit
Cheap, filling, delicious. No regrets. Itis much cheaper than Roxas Boulevard.
Binondo: A Historical Powerhouse
Established in 1594
Oldest Chinatown in the world
Older than:
San Francisco
New York
Singapore
Chinese community:
Minority
Strong economic influence
First place I saw Mandarin signboards in the Philippines
Return to Base
Route:
From Carriedo Station
To United Nations Avenue station
Then walked back to hotel.
Night Routine
Energy drink from 7-Eleven
Followed by coffee
Standard survival combo
Midnight Taxi Drama: Economics in Action
Flight: 6:30 AM to Cebu
Grab prices:
₱258 (on 23rd only)
₱508 → ₱540 (Friday night surge!)
Receptionist said calmly: “Sir, Friday night.”
The Old Trick Works Again
An app taxi dropped a guest.
I negotiated:
Driver asked: Grab rate
Then: ₱600 (!!)
Final deal: ₱350
A long negotiation—essentially a PhD in Southeast Asian bargaining
Departure
Left hotel at 1:00 AM
Sleepy
Victorious
Financially satisfied
Day 8: Flight to Cebu (25 Oct, 06:30 hrs)
From Manila to Cebu: An Early-Morning Migration
Our flight took off from Manila at the ungodly hour of 6:30 a.m. and landed in Cebu at 8:40 a.m. Somewhere between sleep deprivation and airline snacks, I also spotted one Indian girl on the plane—a comforting reminder that no matter where you go, India quietly follows. The aircraft was a small ATR (2+2 seating)—intimate enough to make you reconsider your life choices, but efficient enough to get the job done.
Airport to City: Budget Transport, Philippine Style
Mactan-Cebu International Airport
Interestingly, the airport is located on Mactan Island, not mainland Cebu—connected by bridges, somewhat like Hong Kong’s airport setup.
From the airport, I boarded the wonderfully efficient MyBus to SM City Cebu (one of the city’s largest and most famous shopping malls.)
Fare: ~₱50
Comfort: Fully air-conditioned
A rare combination in life: cheap AND comfortable
Jeepney Chronicles: The National Vehicle with Personality
From SM City Cebu, I hopped onto a jeepney to reach my hotel area.
A jeepney looks like:
A mini school bus
Decorated by someone who clearly loves stickers, chrome, and loud colours
Operates like an Indian auto—but on fixed routes
Fare: ₱13 (~₹19.50) for ~4 km
Minimum fare: ₱13
Cheap, chaotic, efficient—and comes with free sociology lessons
Arrival & Hotel Drama: Credit Cards vs Reality
I got down near Cebu’s most iconic landmarks:
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Magellan's Cross
From there, it was a short 5-minute walk to my hotel:
101 F. Gonzales Street, Cebu City 6000
Booking Gone Wrong (and Then Right)
I was informed that my booking had been cancelled, possibly due to my new credit card (which had expired).
Thankfully:
Rooms were available
I rebooked online using the hotel’s WiFi
It turned out cheaper than the ₱1000 cash rate
Technology: 1 | Human panic: 0
First Impressions: History vs Heat
After leaving my luggage (check-in was later), I stepped out for a walking tour.
Two immediate realisations:
Cebu is historically fascinating
Cebu is very hot
Cebu–Mactan International Airport is far better connected to the old city than Manila’s airport.
Walking Tour of Cebu City
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral (Entry Denied Again )
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Founded: 1594
Rebuilt multiple times due to wars and earthquakes
Seat of the Archdiocese of Cebu
Unfortunately: A private wedding was in progress. Entry denied—unless I suddenly became a distant relative.
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño: The Spiritual Core
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Founded: 1565
Oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines
Significance:
Houses the Santo Niño statue, brought by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521
Centre of the famous Sinulog Festival
Spiritual heart of Cebu
Dress Code Reality Check
No sleeveless shirts
No shorts
No ripped jeans
Faith requires discipline—and full sleeves
It was extremely crowded. Even later, in the evening, I saw people still sitting around the cathedral—clearly, devotion here is a full-time job. The Philippinos are very religious.
Just besdie the Basilica is Magellan's Cross.
Magellan’s Cross: Where It All Began
Magellan's Cross
Erected: 1521
Marks the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines
The original cross is now encased in wood: Because history has learnt that tourists + relics = souvenir crisis
A Personal Realisation
When I visited Cadiz, Spain, I had read about Magellan’s expedition—but did not fully appreciate its importance. Now I do. Cebu is truly the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines
Street Food Interlude: Puso Village
On the way to the fort, I discovered Puso Village:
A covered hawker-style food area
Even had an Indian food stall
I played safe: Had a lemonade—which was excellent
Fort San Pedro: Small Fort, Big History
Fort San Pedro
Built: 1738 (Spanish era)
Oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines
Uses over time:
Military base
Prison
Even a zoo
A Surprise Festival Moment
It was the feast day of: Pedro Calungsod (a young Visayan missionary martyred in Guam in 1672). Locals were singing hymns outside the fort.
Cebu Port: Gateway to Islands
Next stop: Cebu Port Pier 1
Major ferry hub to various Islands
Operated by companies like OceanJet & SuperCat
Long queues—clear sign of popularity
I booked:
Destination: Tagbilaran, Bohol
Fare: ₱800
Departure: 6:00 a.m. next day
Return: 6:30 p.m.
Cebu is truly a maritime hub
Mindanao Reality Check
Ferries also go to Mindanao (12-hour journey).
The Island of Mindanao has historically experienced conflict and terrorist activity from groups like the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Daulah Islamiyah (DI), and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
These groups are active mainly in remote southern regions (e.g., Sulu, parts of Mindanao)
Davao City came under international scrutiny in December 2025 after it was revealed that suspects in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack in Australia had stayed in a Davao hotel for nearly a month shortly before the shooting. OnDecember 3, 2025, apowerful explosion occurred at the night market (Christmas Village) in Panabo City, a key economic center in the Davao Region. The Philippine government officially declared the incident a"terrorist attack."
Heritage Walk: Old Cebu at Its Best
Heritage of Cebu Monument
A dramatic sculpture showing 500 years of Cebu history
Like reading a history book—compressed into one sculpture
Yap-San Diego Ancestral House
Yap-San Diego Ancestral House
Built: 1675
Chinese-Spanish architecture
Entry: ₱100
Casa Gorordo Museum (Closed, but Not Forgotten)
This elegant 19th-century house belonged to Cebu’s first Filipino bishop, somewhat like Casa Manila. Unfortunately, due to recent earthquakes, the museum was closed for repairs.
Just before my visit to the Philippines, there had been a major earthquake, and many of my “well-wishers” advised me against travelling. However, during my visit, I did not observe any visible consequences of the earthquake, once again proving the gap between perception and reality. The earthquake had, in fact, been centred in a different part of the Philippines.
Nevertheless, I went inside the compound and admired the architecture from the outside.
National Museum – Cebu
National Museum of the Philippines Cebu
Located in a former customs house
Covers pre-colonial trade + Spanish period
I managed: ~1 hour before closing
Not enough—but better than nothing. It is somewhat similar to the one in Manila.
Quick History Bites Before Sunset
Cebu = Cradle of Christianity in the Philippines
Colon Street
Laid out in the 1560s
Oldest street in the country
Santo Niño statue (1521) still worshipped today
Fort San Pedro is older than many Manila structures, though Intramuros (1571) predates the fort
Cebu is not just a destination. It is a living timeline of history—served with humidity. And somewhere between Magellan’s Cross and a ₱13 jeepney ride, I realised: Travel is not about comfort—it’s about stories worth telling.
Day 9: Bohol Day Trip (26 Oct): From Cebu to Bohol: A Very Long Day Featuring Hills, Tarsiers, and a Broken Car
Early Morning Escape from Cebu
05:15 – I left my hotel in Cebu City while the rest of the city was still negotiating with sleep.
06:00 – 08:00 – Boarded a fast ferry from Cebu Port Pier 1
to Tagbilaran
Tagbilaran is the main entry point of Bohol.
The ferry ride was smooth and scenic—almost suspiciously so, as if the universe was preparing me for later events.
Arrival Reality Check: When Plans Collapse
After reaching Bohol, I discovered that:
There was no city tour available
The only travel agency open, informed me that the scheduled day tour (₱1000 per person) had already left at 8:15 a.m. It was 8.23 am
My plan to find a fellow solo traveller with similar ambitions also failed. Left with no choice, I hired a private vehicle for ₱1,500 after intense negotiation.
The Tuk-Tuk Negotiation That Failed
Initially, I tried booking an auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk):
Final quoted price: ₱1800
Final reaction: Firm refusal
Return Ticket: A Decision That Saved Me Later
I also booked a return ferry ticket:
6:30 p.m. departure
Possibly the last ferry back to Cebu
First Stop: Chocolate Hills
Chocolate Hills
Travel time: ~2 hours
One of the Philippines’ most iconic natural wonders
What Makes Them Special?
Over 1,200 cone-shaped hills (some estimates say up to 1,700)
Spread across ~50 sq km
Best viewed from the official viewpoint
Why “Chocolate”?
During the dry season:
Grass turns brown
Hills resemble giant chocolate truffles
Sadly, not edible. I checked. Repeatedly.
Geological Significance
Formed from coral limestone deposits (~2 million years old)
Shaped by uplift and erosion
Declared a National Geological Monument
Nature showing off its engineering skills—without any tender process.
Unexpected Bengali Encounter
At Chocolate Hills, I met two Bengalis from Bangalore and Hyderabad.
They were staying at Panglao Island
Has an international airport
Known for beaches
“Goa-like vibe”
Bohol Enchanted: Animals Take Over
Next Stop: Bohol Enchanted
A quirky stop featuring:
Butterfly park
Sugar gliders (yes, the flying kind)
Python
A white carabao (albino buffalo)
VIP Buffalo Alert
Rare and considered sacred
Cannot tolerate sunlight
Not used in farming
Even buffaloes here have lifestyle restrictions.
Tarsier Sanctuary: Small Size, Big Attitude
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
Among the smallest primates in the world
Features:
Huge eyes
Tiny body
Serious personality
Rules (Strictly Enforced)
No flash
No touching
No shouting
Basically: behave better than you do in real life.
Bilar Man-Made Forest: Nature with Air Conditioning
Bilar Man-Made Forest
Stretch: ~2 km
Mahogany plantation from 1960s (Marcos era)
Felt like driving through a natural AC tunnel.
Stepped out → immediately reminded I was in the tropics.
❌ Things I Skipped ( Time constraint)
❌ Zipline near Loboc
❌ Loboc River floating lunch (though I stopped by the river briefly)
The river eventually flows into the sea.
Plot Twist: Car Breakdown & Motorcycle Redemption
Just when things were going smoothly: Car broke down at Loboc
Because no travel story is complete without mechanical betrayal.
Plan B: Bike Adventure
Driver suggested: Jeepney back to pier
I refused—politely but firmly—because:
Baclayon Church
Blood Compact Shrine
…were still pending.
(Thanks to my Egypt-inspired strategy: I had everything written and signed on paper 😄)
Bike Negotiation
Initial demand: ₱400
Final outcome: Included in original deal of ₱1500 ( I have paid to the driver for Petrol - ₱500 before reachaing Chocolate hills - Indian style ! )
Logic used: “Your car broke, not my problem.”
Hindi in Bohol!
Met a local who spoke Hindi:
Reason: worked with Indian colleagues
Bonus Challenge: Rain
Bike ride became adventurous
Then it started raining heavily
Free upgrade to “extreme tourism”
Baclayon Church: Faith in Coral Stone
Baclayon Church
Construction began: 1596
Built by Spanish Jesuits
Materials: coral stones, eggs, limestone
Despite earthquakes: Still standing calmly, unlike my travel plans.
Blood Compact Shrine: Diplomacy, Old-School Style
Blood Compact Shrine
Commemorates the Sandugo (Blood Compact) of 1565, a peace treaty between:
Datu Sikatuna
Miguel López de Legazpi
They sealed the deal by: Drinking wine mixed with each other’s blood
Clearly, modern diplomacy has become too boring.
We also stopped near a coastal spot where locals were swimming—not exactly a beach, but full of life.
Back to Cebu: Ferry, Fatigue & Flexibility
I reached Bohol Peir back by 5:10 p.m.
Tried to board 5:30 ferry:
Check-in closes at 5:00 p.m.
Request denied
Solution: Pay & Proceed
At ferry office:
Paid ₱50 extra
6.30 pm Ferry got shifted to 6:00 p.m. ferry
Additional Costs
Port fee: ₱30
Pier: very clean
18:00 – 20:00 – Ferry back to Cebu
Night: Returned to hotel
Physically exhausted
Historically enlightened
Dinner, Diplomacy & Desi Entrepreneurship at Puso Village
Dinner at Puso Village Hawkers’ Corner near Fort San Pedro
What is Puso?
Rice wrapped in coconut leaves
Pre-colonial Visayan innovation
Dates back before 1521 (pre-Spanish era)
Portable rice—because plates are overrated.
When Peso Ends but GPay Begins
I had almost run out of cash.
Enter:
Indian restaurant
Owner: Zakir from Uttam Nagar, Delhi
Financial Rescue
Exchanged ₱550 for ₹750 via GPay
No commission
No paperwork
Just trust—and WiFi.
Payment Reality Check
Credit cards: limited use
Local system: GCash (like GPay)
Tourists must adapt—or suffer.
From Tourist to Samosa Salesman
Gratitude led to unexpected career change:
Sold pani puri
Sold samosas
Promoted biryani
“Hot samosa! Authentic! Limited stock!”
For a brief moment: I became a freelance Indo-Filipino street vendor
Food Adventures
Tried:
Seafood
Cebu lechon (famous local roast pig).
Why This Place Matters
Puso Village reflects indigenous food culture
Located near a Spanish-era fort (1738)
Where history meets everyday life
I came for dinner.
I left with food, cash, friendship— and an unpaid internship in samosa marketing.
End Note
Overnight in Cebu City :
Day 10: Cebu Exploration + Flight to Manila (27 Oct, Flight 20:05 hrs)
Last Day in Cebu: Grand Plans, Small Wallet & Sensible Decisions
After the seafood dinner, my stomach decided to file an official protest. I woke up a little late—clearly, my digestive system had its own itinerary. Anyway, I checked out of the hotel in the morning and deposited my luggage at the reception.
The original plan was ambitious—almost suspiciously ambitious for a solo traveller with a shrinking wallet:
Lapu-Lapu, the local chieftain, famously defeated Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 during the Battle of Mactan—a rare historical moment when local resistance beat European ambition without even needing firearms. That single event delayed Spanish colonisation and made Lapu-Lapu the first Filipino hero. Not bad for a man who probably didn’t care about global history textbooks.
Alegre Guitar Factory
Cebu is famous for handcrafted guitars, blending Spanish musical heritage with local craftsmanship. These instruments travel worldwide—unlike me, who was struggling just to reach Mactan Island.
Cebu Taoist Temple
Built in 1972 by Cebu’s Chinese community, this temple offers panoramic views and peace—two things I desperately needed, but could not afford logistically.
Why I Skipped All This
I had nearly run out of pesos
Logistics + luggage = chaos
Solo traveller = no cost sharing
No clarity on airport left luggage facilities
So I did what every experienced traveller does:
Changed the plan
Plan B: Walking Into the Soul of Cebu City
Fuente Osmeña Circle
Just 2 km from my hotel, this is Cebu’s beating heart—named after Sergio Osmeña (President from 1944–46). Think of it as Cebu’s Esplanade meets Gariahat crossing—where the city stretches, yawns, and starts its day.
Walking along Osmeña Boulevard, I even spotted some Indians—looked like nurses. Globalisation, quietly doing its job.
Colon Street – The Burrabazar of Cebu
Laid out in the 1560s, this is the oldest street in the Philippines, named after Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón). Today, it feels like: Burrabazar + Chandni Chowk + a dash of organised chaos
History here doesn’t sit quietly in museums—it shouts from every shop, honks from every jeepney, and occasionally bargains with you.
Fuente to Capitol: The “Academic Cooling System” Strategy
From Fuente Circle, I walked towards the Capitol Area and entered: Rizal Memorial Library
Inside:
Packed with students
Blissful air-conditioning
Zero entry fee
After signing the register like a disciplined citizen, I browsed books and cooled down.
Conclusion: In Cebu, libraries are not just for knowledge—they are climate control centres with books attached.
Geography Lesson (Unexpected but Useful)
While studying the map, I discovered:
Mindoro → Island west of Luzon (near Manila)
Mindanao → Southern island (2nd largest), home to Davao City
Completely different regions—same confusion level as Durgapur vs Durgapur Bridge !
I also understood:
Ferdinand Magellan first landed in the Philippines via Leyte (1521)
Then moved to Mactan, where history gave him a permanent exit
Fun fact: The name “Philippines” comes from King Philip II of Spain (16th century).
Back to Where It All Began: History, Round Two
I took a jeepney (₱13) back towards Carbon/Puso Village—cheap, chaotic, and more entertaining than Netflix. The word “Carbon” was written on many jeepneys—like a secret code only locals understand.
Then:
Collected luggage from hotel
Headed again to National Museum of the Philippines Cebu
This time, I used their left luggage facility—museum meets cloakroom, very efficient.
Unlike Manila (3 separate museums), Cebu combines everything into one.
Two days earlier, I rushed. Now I walked slowly, read labels, and behaved like a serious intellectual tourist (rare species).
The Exit Strategy: Budget Travel Masterclass
After collecting my luggage:
Took an AC bus to SM City Cebu (₱30)
Then another AC bus to Mactan-Cebu International Airport
At the airport, I discovered: Flight delayed by 1 hour.
They had emailed. I had not checked.
Some people learn from mistakes. Others… continue to provide content for travel blogs !
Flight Details (Eventually)
Route: Cebu → Manila
Departure: 20:05 hrs
Arrival at Manila: 21:40 hrs
Some alternate tours from Cebu : Mactan Island Hopping tour
Visit Hilutungan Island, Caohagan Island and San Vicente in Olango Island, some of Mactan's most beautiful islands. All 3 islands have marine sanctuaries you can explore, with an abundance of corals and hundreds of tropical fish species. Go snorkeling or just sunbathe for a great day on the beach.
or
HIGHLAND VISTA TOUR : See the Temple of Leah, built in memory of a much-loved wife, the Sirao Flower Garden, home to windmills and a giant hand, and Tops Lookout, with sweeping views of Cebu City, Taoist Temple, sits on a hill in the Beverly Hills subdivision.
Day 11: Departure (28 Oct, 02:05 hrs)- The Long Way Home
My connecting flight from Manila to Hong Kong was scheduled at 02:05 hrs.
At Hong Kong immigration, the officer politely—but with the firmness of someone who has seen too many overconfident tourists—pointed out: “You have already entered Hong Kong three times.”
At that exact moment, I was officially chickened out. Wisdom, long absent during most of my travels, suddenly made a surprise appearance. I decided not to exit the airport, fearing that unchecked curiosity might lead to detention .
Later, enlightenment struck : my Macau trip was counted as an exit from Hong Kong, and my visa clearly allowed only three entries and exits. So it was perfectly alright for me to venture into Hong Kong. But I didn't
Final flight sequence:
Hong Kong → Bangkok: 18:15 hrs, arrived 20:40 hrs
In the Bangkok leg of the journey, I met traders from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who were sourcing goods from Bangkok to sell back home. Unfortunately, they were quite unruly on the plane—chewing khaini and behaving rather disruptively. Mohua had a similar experience as well.
