Crawling through the Cu Chi Tunnels

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam’s largest city, is the Củ Chi Tunnels, a network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Củ Chi district. As the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, the tunnels were the Viet Cong’s base of operations for the Tết Offensive in 1968.

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VIETNAM | 10 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), commonly known as Saigon is one of the most vibrant and largest cities in Vietnam. Known for its complex history dating back to the Vietnam War, its French colonial landmarks, and delicious healthy cuisine, Saigon is a good base for backpackers and budget travelers to start their exploration of Southeast Asia.

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Travel Guide: SuperStar Virgo Cruise from Manila

Last May 2017, I went on a 6-day-5-night cruise aboard Star Cruises SuperStar Virgo, the first cruise ship to homeport in Manila. Compared to my usual DIY backpacking trips, this was an amazing hassle-free vacation that I got to enjoy with my mom and nephew. Going on a luxury cruise is something I’d never thought I’d get to do. It’s a unique type of travel experience worth saving up for and ticking off your bucketlist!

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Travel Guide: Queenstown, New Zealand

Dubbed the “Adventure capital of the world,” Queenstown in New Zealand’s South Island blew us away with its breathtaking landscapes and extreme adventures. Everyone who heard I was going to New Zealand said I had to go to Queenstown. And while it was roughly more than 1,500 km away from our original entry point in Auckland in the North Island, the long journey going to the South Island was so worth it.

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10 Things to Do in Baguio

Baguio City, the country’s summer capital, is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines. “The City of Pines” is always a top destination for vacations and weekend trips because of its proximity to Manila and cooler climate.

While a lot has changed here over the years, there are still lots of scenic spots reminiscent of the Baguio of the old, parks and flower gardens, a great range of places to eat, top hotels and city comforts. Here are 10 essential Baguio experiences for first-time visitors.

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Road Trip Guide: Laguna & Quezon

Because Metro Manila and many surrounding towns are highly urbanized and congested, a lot of us are always looking for easy escapes for day trips and weekend getaways. Just a couple of hours from the metro, the nearby provinces of Laguna and Quezon are good choices for those who want to experience the “simple country life.” You can spend the day in a farm or natural resorts, stay in cozy bed & breakfasts, dine in artistic and homey restaurants, and visit artist’s studios.

For those who like nature-tripping, art, culture and food, here are just some of the places you can drive to for an easy countryside getaway relatively near Manila (excluding Nuvali and Tagaytay).

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Road Trip Guide: Bicol Highlights

Over the years, I’ve gone back and forth from Manila to my hometown Naga City in Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region. I’ve also gone on road trips with the family to nearby provinces of mainland Bicol: Camarines Norte, Albay and Sorsogon. The Manila to Bicol route passing the Asian Highway 26 (AH26), also known as the Pan-Philippine Highway or Maharlika Highway, is a major road trip route on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.

I’ve been getting inquiries from people planning to drive this route whether by car or motorcycle (and even a few long-distance bikepackers), so I’ve decided to compile a suggested itinerary covering the essentials and some travel tips. 

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10 Things to Do in Cebu

The province of Cebu in Central Visayas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. Most tourists associate Cebu with religious and historic sights and dining and entertainment establishments in the city. But those aren’t the only things you can do there. Just a couple of hours from the city, you can access dive sites and beach resorts, trek to waterfalls and mountains, and visit many beautiful natural attractions.

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Travel Guide: Biri Island, Northern Samar

Like a lost planet right here on the earth, Biri Island’s amazing natural rock formations will astound you. The island’s dramatic landscape carved by the fury of Mother Nature are as beautiful as they are surreal. These gigantic limestone rock formations were formed by pounding winds, raging storms and ruthless waves that battered the coast. If there’s one iconic place you need to visit in Northern Samar, Biri Island would be your best bet.

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10 Things to do in Tagaytay

Tagaytay in Cavite is probably the most popular choice for a quick weekend or day trip for those coming from Metro Manila. People come here for the cooler climate, refreshing sights and the various restaurants that offer an easy escape for locals. Other towns in Cavite also offer historic spots and resorts ideal for sports and recreational activities. Here’s a look at some family-friendly activities you can do in and near Tagaytay City.

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