Land of Bruce Lee and Magellan

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5vTDJpfD-U

For documents required, follow this link -

 https://www.gov.hk/en/nonresidents/visarequire/visasentrypermits/applyvisit_transit.htm

Ultimately I got visa by paying Rs 2300 approx.

Hong Kong: Country Snapshot

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 is pleasant 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 A21 Bus That Became Our Best Friend

• 11:45 am: We landed at Hong Kong International Airport, fully charged, fully excited (as usual).

  Now, Hong Kong offers many ways to reach the city — but only one of them loves your wallet.
  Enter the Citybus A21, the superhero of budget travellers which stops at the Airport.

  The Legendary A21 Bus — Our Lifesaver

  • Fare: A friendly HK$ 33

  • Route: Airport → Middle Road, Nathan Road

  • Walking distance to Chungking Mansions: About 30 metres 

  • Travel time: 50–60 mins

  • Timings: 05:00 – midnight

  • If you arrive late, its nocturnal cousin N21 works night shifts.

  The A21 became such a permanent part of our Hong Kong story that by Day 2 it felt like a family member.

  Of course, Hong Kong also offers the Airport Express — a sleek, fast, futuristic train costing HK$ 105 just one way. But even then you have to change another metro to reach our hotel

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  Arrival at Kowloon & Our First Evening Adventure
  
  

  Chungking Mansions — The Most Chaotic, Colourful Rabbit Hole on Earth

  If Hong Kong has a beating multicultural heart, then Chungking Mansions is the part that beats twice as fast. This 17-storey ( officially 17 floors) concrete legend on Nathan Road is infamous, iconic, chaotic, and somehow lovable.

  A Mini United Nations — With a Khidirpur Branch Office

  Inside Chungking Mansions, you don’t hear Cantonese first.You hear Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Tamil, Punjabi, and sometimes all of them at once.

  In fact, you will find people who look and sound just like those from Khidirpur — because many actually are from Khidirpur, or from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Africa, Nepal, and everywhere else. Many originally came during Hong Kong’s earlier easy visa-on-arrival days, and some simply… never left.

  It is the kind of place where:

  • You can eat biryani at 2 am

  • Get your phone repaired at 2:30 am

  • And argue about cricket at 3 am

  All in Bengali.

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  Food Heaven: From Dhaka to Lahore to Punjab

  The ground floor is full of:

  • Indian restaurants

  • Bangladeshi Bengali eateries

  • Nepali momo stalls

  • South Indian dosas

  Our hotel was run by a friendly Sikh owner, which only added to the charm of this global melting pot.

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  The Great Lift Quest

  Chungking Mansions has five separate blocks — A, B, C, D, and E — and each block has its own lift.

  This means:

  • If your room is in Block E and you mistakenly enter Block B, congratulations — you will explore the entire building before reaching your room.

  • You must stand in a queue for the lift, sometimes long enough to reconsider your life choices.

  • And every lift seems to move according to its own philosophy.

  But that’s the charm. Surviving the lifts of Chungking Mansions should be listed as an extreme sport.

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  Location: The BEST Part

  Despite the chaos inside, the location outside is unbeatable.

  • Star Ferry Pier → 7–8 minutes’ walk

  • Bus stop → Literally 30 metres

  • Tsim Sha Tsui MTR → Right across the road

  • Nathan Road → One of Hong Kong’s busiest streets

  • 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.

  For a budget traveller, this place is nothing short of paradise. I was warned before booking this place. But this is a very safe place. In fact there is Holiday Inn hotel nearby.

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  Historical Significance of Chungking Mansions

  • Built: 1961. By the 1980s and 1990s, it became the hub of migrant traders from South Asia and Africa.

  • Academics call it “Asia’s most global building” because residents come from over 130 nationalities.

  • It is also famous as Hong Kong’s cheap accommodation district for backpackers.

  • Featured in the classic Wong Kar-wai film “Chungking Express” (1994), making it part of cinematic history.

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  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.

  4:00 pm onwards: We kicked off Walking Tour 1 on the Kowloon Peninsula, inspired by Lonely Planet. Starting from Prince Edward MTR, we wandered down to Jordan MTR, following the route like obedient tourists with disobedient stomachs.

  Along the way, we explored:

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  Prince Edward: Markets, Markets & More Markets

  Named after Prince Edward (later King Edward VIII), this area has been a buzzing commercial zone since the early 20th century.

  Here we saw:

  • Flower Market — an explosion of orchids, lilies.
    Fun fact: Hong Kong’s Flower Market grew in the 1970s and became the main supplier of flowers during festivals like Lunar New Year.

  • Pet Street — where one can find every creature from goldfish to hamsters looking more pampered than humans.

  Temple Street Night Market — The Star of Kowloon

  As the evening deepened, we headed into Hong Kong’s most famous street market.

  • Founded: 1920s

  • Named After: Tin Hau Temple located at its southern end

  We sampled street food, inhaled mysterious aromas (some food, some not). 

  Temple Street at night is an assault on all five senses — in the best possible way.
  
  

  • Kowloon Park

  But I found that English is gradually out and Cantonese is in. Many people here do not understand English.

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  Significance of Kowloon

  • Kowloon means “Nine Dragons” — named after the eight mountains and the last emperor of Song dynasty.

  • British acquired the Kowloon Peninsula in 1860 under the Convention of Peking.

  • Today it remains the vibrant, neon-lit, chaotic soul of Hong Kong.

  
  

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  Overnight in Kowloon

  After a long day of walking, eating, photographing, and pretending to know Cantonese, we returned to our hotel at the legendary Chungking Mansions — a building that has hosted travellers, traders, and dreamers since 1961.

  And with that, we wrapped up Day 1 — fuelled by excitement, street food.

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🏙️ Day 2 (19 Oct 2025) — Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island Tour

• Morning Energiser: Breakfast & Bruce Lee

  After breakfast, we strolled along the Kowloon Promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and pretending to be in a slow-motion movie scene. Our aim was to visit the Bruce Lee Statue, because who can resist paying tribute to Hong Kong’s greatest icon?

  Bruce Lee stands here in his legendary fighting pose — erected in 2005 as part of the Avenue of Stars project — silently reminding tourists to stay hydrated in the Hong Kong heat.

  While walking, we noticed a number of pleasure cruises leaving from the promenade. Very tempting, but we had a strict schedule. If Lonely Planet said “Walk”, we walked… even if we melted.

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  Walking Tour 2 – Kowloon Edition

  We followed Lonely Planet’s Walking Tour 2, starting from Star Ferry Pier 1.

  Highlights included:

  Avenue of Stars

  Hong Kong’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame — reopened in 2019 — with handprints and sculptures of classic Cantonese cinema stars.

  Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower

  Built in 1915, this red-brick beauty is the only remnant of the old Kowloon–Canton Railway.
  It looks like a lighthouse that failed UPSC and instead became a historical monument.

  🏛️ 1881 Heritage

  The former Marine Police Headquarters (built 1884) turned into a luxury shopping complex.
  We admired the colonial architecture from outside because our wallets trembled at the thought of entering.

  By this time, the sun was doing its own version of Bruce Lee’s flying kick. Mohua wisely left the walking tour midway and returned to the hotel, while I bravely continued like a roasted potato.

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  Hotel Break (AKA Air-Conditioning Nirvana)

  After the walk, I returned to the hotel, revived myself, and summoned Mohua again — this time for an expedition to Hong Kong Island.

  We took the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR to Sai Ying Pun MTR, ready for Round 2 of our pedestrian adventures.

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  Walking Tour 1 – Hong Kong Island

  We began near Kennedy Town tram stop (Sutherland Street) or Sai Ying Pun MTR, depending on which entrance we accidentally found first. We saw the historic old town of Hong Kong.

  This walk was full of:

  • Steep slopes

  • Instagrammable street art

  • Old shophouses.  The streets in Sheung Wan specailized in various kinds of Trade.

  • Famous Western Market

  • Man Mo Temple

  The walk ended at Sheung Wan MTR, the heart of old Hong Kong’s trading district since the 1840s, when the British first settled here after the First Opium War. The China Town was located here in Sheung Wan. Sheung Wan was historic, atmospheric. It soon became first Commerical and residentail centre of local Chinese, after HK became British Colony. The road was called Connaught Road. There is Jervois Street (there is a Jervois Street in Singapore also) and Lascar Row (British interpreted as Indian sailors) - which is home to Antique markets. We also saw remaining Chop and Printing Shops.

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  The Famous Hong Kong Tram Ride

  Since time was short, we skipped Walking Tour 2 of Hong Kong Island. Instead, we did what every sensible tourist does — hopped onto the iconic double-decker tram. These trams have been in operation since 1904, making them older than most countries’ electrical systems.

  We rode all the way to the last station and then returned to Star Ferry Pier 7, enjoying:

  • Cool breeze

  • Rattling tracks

  • And the feeling that the tram was older than some of its passengers

  From Pier 7, we took the MTR to go back to the Kowloon Peninsula.

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  Overnight in Kowloon

  Returned to our  base in Kowloon, legs tired but hearts full, ready for the next adventure.

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Day 3 (20 Oct 2025) — Lantau Island & Big Buddha

A Windy Day, a Giant Buddha & Hong Kong from the Top (and the Sea) 

Getting to Lantau Island

We took our trusted Citybus A21, fully confident that it would take us everywhere in Hong Kong except maybe the moon. Of course, A21 goes straight to the airport, so we had to change buses at Lantau Bus-bus Interchange Stop to reach Lantau Island—a small reminder that even life-saving buses have boundaries. If you do not get down here A21 will take you to Hong Kong Airport or HZMB Passenger clearence building.

Our grand plan was to take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, famous for its jaw-dropping aerial views of North Lantau Country Park and Hong Kong International Airport. Sadly, Mother Nature had other ideas. It was too windy, and the cable car was shut.

So, like sensible (and budget-conscious) travellers, we took the bus from Tung Chung, proving once again that buses never abandon you—even when cable cars do.

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Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) & Po Lin Monastery

Our first stop was the iconic Tian Tan Buddha, popularly known as the Big Buddha.

• Completed in 1993, this 34-metre-high bronze statue is one of the largest seated outdoor Buddhas in the world.

• It symbolises harmony between man, nature, and faith.

• The nearby Po Lin Monastery was founded in 1906 and remains an active Buddhist centre.

The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. There is also a small museum inside, which quietly reminds you to calm your soul after the stair-climbing trauma.

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🕚 Tai O Fishing Village: The Place That Got Away

We wanted to visit the charming Tai O Fishing Village , famous for its stilt houses and fishing heritage dating back over 300 years. Unfortunately, time said “No”, and Tai O remains on the Next Time, Definitely list.

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🕕 Victoria Peak: From Daylight to Dazzling Darkness

By afternoon, we rushed back to Hong Kong Island to catch the legendary Peak Tram or Funicular —and thankfully, this was running.

Peak Tram trivia:

• Operational since 1888, it’s one of the oldest funicular railways in the world.

• Originally built to transport British colonial residents to their hillside homes.

We reached Victoria Peak while there was still some daylight. Slowly, magically, Hong Kong transformed into a sea of lights. The transition from dusk to darkness was nothing short of cinematic.
Yes, it was crowded. Yes, there was a Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. But honestly, the view alone steals the show.

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Star Ferry: The Grand, Cheap Finale

To end the day, we boarded the legendary Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour.

Why this ferry is special:

• Operating since 1888

• Costs less than bottled water

• Offers million-dollar views of Hong Kong’s skyline

The sight of skyscrapers shimmering over the water is pure magic—and probably the best-value experience in the entire city.

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Back Home

After conquering Buddhas, peaks, buses, and boats, we finally returned to our hotel. 

7/11 was our life saver in Hong Kong for various reason - snacks, water, re-charge Octopus Card.

🛏️ Overnight in Kowloon

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🏰 Day 4 (21 Oct 2025) — Macau City Tour

Macau: Beyond Casinos, Gondolas & a Very Useful Bus 

Morning Mission: Hong Kong to Macau (A21 to the Rescue—Again)

We left early in the morning for Macau, once again placing our full faith in the life-saver Citybus A21 from Tsim Sha Tsui (Nathan Road).This dependable friend dropped us at the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB) terminal.  

From Tsim Sha Tsui, this is the most budget-friendly way to reach Macau. After immigration at the Hong Kong side, we boarded the HZMB shuttle bus and crossed one of the world’s longest sea bridges. 

STEP 1: Take Citybus A21 from Kowloon

  Get down at HZMB Hong Kong Port

  Fare: ~HK$ 33

  Time: 60 minutes 

  Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes

Operating hours: ~05:00 to ~00:00 (After midnight, use N21)

Important: Stay on the bus until “Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge or HZMB Hong Kong Port” stop.

STEP 2: Walk to Immigration (Hong Kong Side)

Once you get down walk 5 minutes following clear signs: “HZMB Hong Kong Port – Departures”

Hong Kong Exit Immigration

• Passport check

• No visa needed for India exit (normal HK exit)

STEP 3: Take HZMB Shuttle Bus (Public Bus)

After Hong Kong immigration: Board HZMB Shuttle Bus

Route: HZMB Hong Kong Port → Macau Port

Fare: HK$ 65 

Time: 45 minutes

Frequency: Every 5–10 minutes

You’ll cross the 55-km Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (opened 2018, world’s longest sea bridge)

STEP 4: Macau Immigration

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 !

STEP 5: Macau Port → City (Ordinary Bus or Free Shuttle)

Now you are officially in Macau SAR 

Option A: Ordinary Public Bus (Cheapest)

Buses like 101X, 102X, MT4
Go to Macau Peninsula / Senado Square

Fare: MOP 6–10
Time: 20–30 minutes

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Option B: Casino Free Shuttle  - Free

• Venetian

• Galaxy

• Lisboa

• Londoner

Time: 15–25 minutes

Costs & common sense:

• Bus: HK$ 65–70 one way

• Bonus: No pre-booking needed for bus 

• Ferry / Express Bus options: ~HK$ 160

HZMB Shuttle Bus (Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge shuttle) — cheapest overall

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Macau basics :

• Population: ~7.5 lakh

• Currency: Macanese Pataca (MOP) (HKD also widely accepted)

• Status: A Special Administrative Region of China, like Hong Kong

• Former colony of Portugal (1557–1999)

If someone air-dropped you into Macau, you’d think it’s just another normal city—buses, taxis, schools, and people rushing to work. It is not one giant casino, despite what my neighbour Sushanta (and some travel agents) led me to believe.

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Macau Is Not One Place (Despite Appearances)

Macau has multiple areas:

• One part where most people actually live—a proper city

• Another part (Cotai Strip) where casinos live their best life

• These are connected by long bridges.

Unlike Las Vegas, Macau is a real city first, casino capital second.

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Casino Crawl: Free Entry, Paid Curiosity

From the Macau port, we opted for option B and took a free shuttle to the casino area.

The Venetian (Venezia)

• A Venice-themed mega-structure: hotel + mall + casino + artificial sky

• Yes, you can take a gondola ride inside (for a fee)

• An Italian lady playing the violin completed the illusion beautifully

• Entry to the Casinos and shows : Free 

Impressive? Yes.

Would I visit again and again? No. Once is enough unless I suddenly discover a love for slot machines.

Galaxy Macau - Another gigantic casino-resort complex:

• Famous for its shows

• The Crystal Show was sadly closed for renovation

• I watched another show instead—still entertaining, minus the crystals

• Entry to the casinos and shows : Free

From Galaxy, you can easily hop to:

• The Londoner (London-themed, complete with Big Ben vibes)

• The Parisian (Paris-themed, Eiffel Tower included)

When Sushanta visited 10 years ago, Londoner and Parisian didn’t exist—proof that casinos multiply faster than rabbits !

The Real Treasure: UNESCO Heritage Macau 

After enough artificial canals and fake European skies, we went to the UNESCO World Heritage area of Macau by a local bus, outside the Galaxy Casino —and this time, we paid happily.

Why this area matters:

• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005

• Represents over 400 years of Portuguese–Chinese cultural exchange

• Features beautiful Baroque architecture, churches, forts, and civic buildings

Key highlights include:

• Ruins of St. Paul’s (built 1602–1640) – Macau’s most iconic landmark

• Senado Square – colonial civic centre with wave-patterned pavement

• Old churches, forts, and narrow streets that feel genuinely European

You can start the walking tour from Largo do Sendao and it ends at Maritime Museum - 2.30 hours

This part of Macau is beautifully preserved, something I felt was less visible in Hong Kong, which has raced ahead into ultra-modernity.

Going Back: Bus Beats Ferry (Again)

I initially planned to return by ferry, but reality intervened. Ferries are:

• More time-consuming

• More expensive and we board the Ferry it was already dark

So we did the sensible thing: took the bus back to Hong Kong over the magnificent HZMB, watching the sun set over engineering excellence.

Overnight in Kowloon.

 Day 5 (22 Oct 2025) — Departure :   Hong Kong (17 40 HRS) > Manila (20 10 HRS) 

Check-out from Hotel and took ever reliable A21 bus to Hong Kong International Airport for onward flight. 

While Mohua boarded her flight back to Kolkata, I headed in the opposite direction—towards the Philippines. Interestingly, our flights were scheduled more or less at the same time. The moment she took off, I officially transformed into a temporary bachelor in the Philippines, navigating life, luggage, and meals all by myself. She left , since she did not have  any leave left in her office.

Indian nationals are required to complete the eTravel registration before entering the Philippines. This digital pre-arrival registration is mandatory and serves as an essential part of the country's immigration and health monitoring systems.

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How to Complete the eTravel Registration

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to https://etravel.gov.ph.

2. Select “Arriving”: Choose this option to begin your registration.

3. Fill in Required Information:

   • Personal details (name, nationality, passport number, etc.)

   • Flight information (arrival date, flight number, port of entry)

   • Accommodation details (hotel name and address)

   • Health and customs declaration

4. Submit the Form: After completing the form, submit it online.

5. Receive QR Code: Upon approval, you'll receive a QR code via email or on the confirmation page.

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Mobile App Option

You can also complete the eTravel registration through the eGovPH app, available in Android devices. This app serves as a one-stop platform for various government services, including eTravel registration.

Download for Android: eGovPH on Google Play

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Registration Timeline

• When to Register: You may register within 72 hours (3 days) prior to your arrival in the Philippines. And not before 3 days

• At Check-in: Present the QR code during check-in and upon arrival in the Philippines.

         Arrived in Manila in the evening. 

Arzo Hotel Grand Lodge: 1440 San Marcelino St, Ermita, Manila, +63 963 584 5578

Arrival in Manila: Chaos, Choices & Coffee at ₹40

Manila greeted me exactly the way Kolkata does—chaotic, noisy, slightly confusing, and strangely familiar. At one point, I half-expected a yellow taxi to shout “Dada,  jaben?” 

My hotel was in Ermita, a historic district of Manila, and reaching there from NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) came with multiple options.

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How to Reach Ermita from Manila Airport (NAIA)

1️⃣ Budget Adventure Mode: Bus + Jeepney / Tricycle

This is for people who believe travel builds character—and leg strength.

• Combination of bus + local jeepney or tricycle

• Cost: ~ ₱60

• Time: ~ 1 hour (or more, depending on traffic )

Jeepneys, by the way, are a Filipino cultural icon—colourful, loud, and inherited from modified US military jeeps left behind after World War II (post-1945).

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2️⃣ Semi-Comfort Mode: Airport Bus 

These buses head towards Taft Avenue or Roxas Boulevard, from where you switch to a jeepney or tricycle for Ermita.

Time: ~ 45 minutes to 1 hour

Roxas Boulevard, built during the American colonial period (early 20th century), runs along Manila Bay and was once considered one of Asia’s most scenic boulevards.

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3️⃣ Lazy-but-Wise Mode: Taxi / App Taxi 

Since the Philippines is relatively inexpensive— I opted for peace over heroism.

• Designated taxi lanes at NAIA

• Official white/yellow airport taxis

• Cost: ~ ₱400

• Time: ~ 25 minutes 

The best part?

There are designated airport counters that book the app taxi for you. You don’t need to install anything, click anything, or argue with anyone. Just nod politely and follow instructions—very un-Indian, I must say.

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Late Night Check-in & 7-Eleven Fine Dining

By the time I reached the hotel, it was quite late. I checked in, dumped my luggage, and went out in search of food—only to discover that 7-Eleven is practically a national institution here.

• Had a decent coffee for  ₹38

• Clean, quick and various options for food. I wonder why there is no 7/11 in India.

• There I met some Indian , Nepali and Sri Lankan students. They are studying medicine since it is chepaer here.

At one point, however, I accidentally walked into the wrong kind of restaurant, where pimps were waiting for their clients. I made a smooth U-turn worthy of a seasoned bachelor in a foreign land .

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First Impressions of Night-time Ermita

• Roads were surprisingly dark

• Street lighting was inadequate

• The city felt alive, but not brightly lit

Ermita, once a fashionable residential area during Spanish and American rule (late 19th–early 20th century), has seen better days. Today, it’s a mix of history, budget hotels, nightlife, and everyday Manila chaos.

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Conclusion: Bachelor Mode Activated 

With Mohua safely flying back to Kolkata and me navigating Manila alone, I officially entered Bachelor Mode: Philippines Edition—armed with Google Maps, ₹38 coffee, and a strong sense of direction (mostly away from suspicious restaurants).

Philippines: Country Snapshot

• Population: ~115 million (2025 est.), larger than West Bengal (~100 million).

• Islands: ~7,641.

• Area: 300,000 sq. km (≈ 3.4 times West Bengal’s 88,752 sq. km).

• Per Capita Income: ~USD 3,500 (India ~USD 2,700).

• Religion: ~80% Roman Catholic; others include Islam, Protestantism.

• Languages: Filipino & English official; 170+ local languages.

• Currency: 1 Philippine Peso ≈ 1.5 Indian Rupees.

• Climate: Tropical; October is in the rainy season (carry an umbrella).

• Industries: Electronics, BPO (outsourcing), tourism, agriculture.

• 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.

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Day 6: Colonial Manila (23 Oct)

Manila in One Day — An Walk Through History, Heat & Helpful Strangers

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Morning Start: Walking, Heat & Instant Déjà Vu

I began the day on foot from my hotel, immediately embracing Manila’s heat and humidity—something that felt oddly familiar. My first stop was Paco Cemetery, a quiet and slightly eerie circular cemetery built in 1822 during the Spanish colonial period. Originally meant for Spanish aristocracy, it later became a burial place for Filipino elites.

Along the way, I encountered my first colourful jeepneys—former US military jeeps converted into Manila’s most artistic (and loudest) mode of transport. Every jeepney looks like it was designed during a creative outburst.

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United Nations Area & NBI Office: Welcome to “India Abroad”

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.

Outside the NBI office:

• Agents were openly offering “help”

• Candidates were standing in long queues

• A large sign screamed: “NO TO FIXERS”

At that exact moment, I smiled and thought: “Yes, I am definitely not far from India.”

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Churches & Crowds

Next, I walked past the Central United Methodist Church, a Protestant landmark built in 1901, symbolising American influence after Spain ceded the Philippines to the US following the Treaty of Paris (1898).

Nearby, there was a massive crowd at the Maritime Industry Authority, where recruitment for seafarers was underway. Given that the Philippines is one of the largest suppliers of seafarers globally, the turnout made perfect sense.

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Brunch Break: Chowking to the Rescue

By now, the heat was becoming aggressive. I escaped into an air-conditioned Chowking restaurant—a popular Filipino fast-food chain combining Chinese-style meals with local flavours.

• Affordable prices

• Quick service

• Blessed air-conditioning

Sometimes, history can wait—comfort cannot.

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Rizal Park (Luneta): The Heart of Filipino Nationalism

By late morning, I reached Rizal Park (Luneta), one of Manila’s most historically significant places.

Here lies Dr. José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines:

• Born: 1861

• Executed: 30 December 1896 by Spanish authorities

• A doctor, novelist, poet, linguist, and reformist

• His execution ignited the Philippine Revolution against Spain

Rizal is often described as “the Gandhi of the Philippines”, though he predates Gandhi and believed in reform through intellect rather than violence.

Within the park, I saw:

• The exact execution site

• Museums detailing Rizal’s life and writings

• Monuments symbolising Filipino nationalism

After visiting Fort Santiago, I truly understood how extraordinarily versatile Rizal was.

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Fort Santiago: Prison Before Martyrdom

Next stop: Fort Santiago, inside the walled city of Intramuros.

• Built: 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi

• Entry Fee: Just 75 Pesos

• Served as a military fortress, prison, and defence stronghold

Here:

• Rizal was imprisoned before his execution

• His final walk is marked with bronze footsteps

• The fort offers grand views of the Pasig River and Manila skyline

By sheer coincidence (or destiny), I met a Bengali from Dum Dum inside Fort Santiago. Kolkata, as always, refuses to leave me alone—even abroad.

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🚻 Survival Tactic: The Diagnostic Centre Strategy

Walking for hours has consequences. I tactfully entered a diagnostic centre, pretended to be a patient, and successfully located a large, clean toilet.

Manila Cathedral & Wedding Woes

I then moved on to the Manila Cathedral, an imposing structure that has been rebuilt eight times since 1581, due to earthquakes, wars, and fires. The present version dates from 1958.

Next was San Agustin Church (1607):

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site

• The oldest stone church in the Philippines

• Survived earthquakes and WWII bombings

Unfortunately (again), I was not allowed inside due to a private wedding. Apparently, Filipino couples are determined to block my church visits.

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Casa Manila: Spanish Colonial Life

Just opposite San Agustin Church is Casa Manila, a beautifully recreated 19th-century Spanish colonial house. It offers insights into how wealthy Filipino elites lived during Spanish rule.

Walking through it felt like stepping into a period drama—minus the subtitles. It has a steep entry fee.

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Missed Stops & Missed Meals

Due to time constraints, I had to skip:

• Destileria Limtuaco Museum (est. 1852) — the oldest distillery in the Philippines

• Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, famous for cultural performances during dinner (and expensive food)

I skipped lunch too.

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Culture, Crafts & Shopping Success

Later, I saw the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and finally reached the Silahis Arts & Artifacts Center, one of the very few genuine handicraft stores I encountered in Manila.

I bought:

• Beautiful capiz  shell items

• Traditional Filipino crafts

Souvenir shops are surprisingly rare in Manila, so this felt like treasure hunting.

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Intramuros Walls & An Unexpected Friendship

Walking along the walls of Intramuros—the historic walled city built by the Spanish—I met a friendly college student. Our conversation flowed so well that he offered to take me on his bike to Roxas Boulevard.

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Roxas Boulevard & Manila Bay

Roxas Boulevard runs along Manila Bay, famous for its sunsets and scenic views. Nearby are major shopping malls and entertainment hubs.

We:

• Had dinner at a mall

• Walked along the boulevard

• Shared stories

I skipped Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) due to lack of time.

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End of the Day: Full Circle

He dropped me back at my 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

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Final Thought

Kolkata trained me.
Manila tested me.
And both rewarded me—with chaos, kindness, and unforgettable stories.

Day 7: Rizal Park & Cultural Manila (24 Oct)

Manila – Angeles City - Instead of going to Angeles City - famous for its raucous nightlife, making it effectively the Sin City of the Philippines, I opted for Museum visit.

🕓 3:00 PM – National Museum of Fine Arts / Natural History

• Located near Luneta Park — revisit the area now for the museum complex.

• Explore artworks, ancient artifacts, and natural treasures from the islands.

Lunch Time!

• Option 1: Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant – Enjoy traditional Filipino dishes under antique chandeliers inside Intramuros.

• Option 2: Head to Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown (est. 1594), for a walking food tour. Try lumpia, hopia, pancit, and other Chinese-Filipino classics.

Evening (optional twist): Take a Pasig River ferry cruise or visit the Cultural Center of the Philippines for a traditional dance or music performance (depending on schedule).

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Day 8: Flight to Cebu (25 Oct, 00:30 hrs)

Catch late-night flight to Cebu and reach 101 F. Gonzales St., 6000 Cebu City

Bus (MyBus) + Jeepney / Short Walk

• Take the MyBus from the airport to SM City Cebu. The fare is ~ ₱50. 

• From SM City Cebu, take a jeepney or short taxi/Grab to Mybed Dormitory. The walk may be too far for a heavy load, so jeepney/taxi preferred.

• Total cost: ~ ₱70-₱100 depending on final leg.

• Time: ~ 45-60 mins depending on traffic.

Airport Bus / Van + Taxi / Grab

• If there is a direct airport bus service (or shared van) that drops you closer to city center, then from that drop-off point take a taxi or Grab to Mybed.

• Cost: ~ ₱150-₱250 depending on how much of the last leg is by taxi.

• Time: ~ 35-50 mins.

Regular Metered Taxi from Airport → Mybed Dormitory

• Head to the official taxi stand at the airport and tell them your destination (101 F. Gonzales St.).

• Cost: around ₱260-₱320 depending on traffic and waiting.

• Time: ~ 25-35 mins if traffic isn’t very bad.

Since I’ll be doing a mostly walking tour based from your hotel at 101 F. Gonzales Street, Capitol Site, Cebu City, the smart thing is to focus on Cebu City proper (the historical core and nearby sights) — and skip faraway spots like Lapu-Lapu Monument and Alegre Guitar Factory (both on Mactan Island — at least 45 min–1 hr one way by car).

Walking Tour of Cebu City — A Stroll Through 500 Years of History

08:00 a.m. – Start from Hotel (Capitol Site, 101 F. Gonzales Street)
After breakfast (or a strong local coffee), lace up your walking shoes. The city awaits!

08:15 a.m. – Fuente Osmeña Circle

Just a few minutes from your hotel, this circular park is the heart of Cebu City — like Esplanade for Cebuanos. Named after President Sergio Osmeña, it’s a great spot to feel the pulse of modern Cebu waking up.

08:45 a.m. – Colon Street

Walk (or take a short ride) downhill to the Philippines’ oldest street, laid out by Spanish colonizers in the 1560s. Colon feels like a mini-Burrabazar: chaotic, colorful, crowded — and charming in its own way.

09:30 a.m. – Heritage of Cebu Monument & Yap-San Diego Ancestral House

At the end of Colon stands this sculptural monument — a wild mix of bronze, stone, and steel narrating 500 years of Cebuano history in one glance. Right next door, peek into the Yap-San Diego House, one of the oldest surviving homes in the Philippines, built around 1675.

10:15 a.m. – Casa Gorordo Museum

A two-minute walk away, this elegant 19th-century home belonged to Cebu’s first bishop. It’s filled with period furniture and gives a peek into upper-class life during the Spanish era.

11:00 a.m. – Basilica Minore del Santo Niño & Magellan’s Cross

Walk south (about 10–12 minutes). You’ve reached Cebu’s most sacred site — home to the image of the Santo Niño (Holy Child) brought by Magellan in 1521. Just outside stands Magellan’s Cross, encased in a stone kiosk to protect it from zealous pilgrims.

Note: Wearing of sleeveless shirts, shorts and ripped pants is not allowed inside Sto Nino Church

11:45 a.m. – Fort San Pedro

A short stroll brings you to this compact but fascinating fort built in 1738 by the Spanish. It served as barracks, prison, and even a zoo at one point — history clearly had no shortage of imagination here!

12:30 p.m. – Lunch Break at La Vie Parisienne or nearby Café Laguna

Time to refuel. Try local dishes like sinigang (tangy soup) or Cebuano pancit, or go European if you’ve had enough rice for the day.

01:30 p.m. – National Museum of the Philippines – Cebu

Just beside Fort San Pedro, this museum — housed in a grand old customs building — tells the story of Cebu’s pre-colonial trade, Spanish conquest, and vibrant culture. Worth an hour’s stop.

03:00 p.m. – Destileria Limtuaco Museum (optional)

If you’re up for a little spirited exploration (pun intended), this museum showcases the Philippines’ oldest distillery, complete with tasting sessions — a 45-minute walk or quick Grab ride from the old quarter.

04:30 p.m. – Stroll back toward Fuente Circle / Capitol Area

Take a Grab or jeepney if your legs protest — it’s mostly uphill now.

06:30 p.m. – Dinner Time: Cebu Lechon Feast - (roast pig), considered the best in the Philippines

Celebrate your walking marathon with dinner at House of Lechon or Rico’s Lechon, both close to your hotel. Crispy skin, tender meat, and zero guilt — after all that walking, you’ve earned every calorie!

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🏛️ Quick History Bites Along the Way:

• Cebu is the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines — where Magellan planted his cross and Spanish rule began.

• Colon Street is the country’s oldest street, laid out in the 1560s.

• Santo Niño image was a gift from Magellan to Queen Juana in 1521 — the same one still revered today.

• Fort San Pedro predates even Manila’s Intramuros by several decades.

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This route is map-optimized, stays within a 4 km radius, and can be done comfortably on foot with short taxi rides as needed — ideal for a full day without rushing or doubling back.

Day 9: Bohol Day Trip (26 Oct)

06:00 – Depart hotel (Cebu City) to Pier 1/3

06:30 – 08:30 – Fast Ferry to Tagbilaran, Bohol

08:45 – 09:30 – Tarsier Sanctuary

• See the tiny primates safely in their natural habitat.

09:45 – 10:45 – Baclayon Church

• One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, built in 1596.

11:00 – 12:30 – Chocolate Hills

• Natural wonder of over 1,200 hills; best seen from the viewing deck.

12:45 – 13:45 – Lunch in Bohol (recommended: Bohol Bee Farm or local restaurant)

14:00 – 15:00 – Heritage Tour (Yap-San Diego House or Casa Gorordo)

15:15 – 16:00 – Transfer back to Tagbilaran Port

16:30 – 18:30 – Ferry back to Cebu City

18:45 – Arrive Cebu City Hotel

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✅ Advantages:

• Linear route avoids backtracking.

• You maximize Bohol sightseeing during daylight.

Or do a tour 

This morning after breakfast, we proceed to Bohol via a ferry. 

Upon arrival, we proceed to Chocolate Hills Tour where we visit Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon church "The Ruins" and Museum, Loboc River Cruise, Laoay Backyard Industry, Clarin Ancestral House, Tarsier Encounter, Chocolate Hills & Man-made Forest and MAN-MADE FOREST (Bilar) - Feel the coolness of the air and view the awesome display of the thousands of mahogany trees painstakingly planted by the people.

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Day 10: Cebu Exploration (Mactan Island tour) + Flight to Manila (27 Oct, Flight 20:05 hrs)

08:30 – Depart Hotel (101 F. Gonzales St., Cebu City)

• Take a Grab or local taxi to Mactan Island (approx. 30–40 minutes depending on traffic).

09:15 – Arrive at Lapu-Lapu Monument & Magellan’s Shrine

• History: Lapu-Lapu, the native chieftain, resisted Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, becoming the Philippines’ first hero. The monument and shrine commemorate the Battle of Mactan.

• Visit Duration: ~45 minutes

10:15 – Depart for Alegre Guitar Factory

• Travel time: ~20 minutes from Lapu-Lapu Monument

10:35 – Arrive at Alegre Guitar Factory

• History: Cebu is famous for handcrafted guitars, combining Spanish craftsmanship with local artistry. Watch artisans at work, and maybe pick up a souvenir.

• Visit Duration: ~45 minutes

11:20 – Depart for Philippine Taoist Temple

• Travel time: ~30–40 minutes from Alegre Guitar Factory (depending on traffic in Cebu City / Mandaue)

12:00 – Arrive at Philippine Taoist Temple

• History: Built in 1972 by Cebu’s Chinese community, the temple offers panoramic views of the city and Mactan Island, plus a peaceful retreat from urban bustle.

• Visit Duration: ~45 minutes     

• Cebu lechon dinner in Mactan (famous local roast pig)

15:45 – Depart for Mactan-Cebu International Airport

• Travel time: ~20–30 minutes (buffer for traffic)

13:30 – Arrive at Mactan-Cebu International Airport

• Check-in for 20:05 flight to Manila

• Enjoy lunch or a quick snack at airport cafes if time permits

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✅ Notes:

• All sites are on or near Mactan Island, so local transport (Grab/taxis) is sufficient.

• You have ~6–6.5 hours before your 20:05 flight, leaving plenty of buffer for check-in and security.

Mactan Island Hopping tour (PVT Basis)

  

Visit Hilutungan Island, Caohagan Island and San Vicente in Olango Island, some of Mactan's most beautiful islands. All three 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

This morning after breakfast, we proceed for the tour of Highland Vista where we 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.

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Day 11: Departure (28 Oct, 02:05 hrs)

Arrive in Manila late on the 27th. After a short rest, connect to your 02:05 hrs international flight to Hong Kong.