After vibrant adventures in Malaysia and Singapore, my journey continued to the Philippines. Day one in Manila was a series of first impressions, from efficient airport procedures to an unexpected lesson in adapting to local hostel conditions and city dynamics.
Seamless Transition: Singapore to Manila
My flight from Singapore departed at 10:30 AM via Cebu Pacific, after a leisurely morning and some last-minute shopping at Changi Airport. The departure process was surprisingly smooth; auto check-in through the Cebu Pacific app generated my mobile boarding pass, and the immigration was entirely human-free—a truly wonderful, modern experience that amazed me.
The Cebu Pacific flight attendants stood out with their casual yet professional attire of jeans, polo shirts, and full-sleeve dresses, which perfectly set a holiday mood. Despite an empty flight, food was available, though a minor hiccup arose when I couldn’t pay with a card, necessitating a quick currency exchange on board using Singapore dollars. The view from the window, as we flew over the merging blue sea and sky, was breathtaking.
Upon landing in Manila, the first step was to complete the eTravel.gov.ph onboarding form, a mandatory digital process for foreign passport holders. The immigration process itself was swift and simple: passport scan, fingerprint, and a quick facial recognition, followed by friendly words from the officer wishing me an enjoyable stay.
Navigating Manila & Hostel Realities
Leaving the airport, I attempted to call a Grab bike. However, the bike option redirected me to another app, Move It, which I downloaded and registered. The initial attempt to meet the biker was a bit confusing due to a misunderstanding about pick-up points (a common issue I’d faced in Malaysia), and the biker’s covered face made identification difficult. Eventually, a local helped clarify the Grab pick-up process, and I was off.
My destination was “Rivercent” (River Central) hostel. I’d booked it in a rush, without fully checking the details, and the reality was a bit surprising. The room was small, and the bunk bed felt unstable. More concerning, the atmosphere felt unsafe and uncomfortable, especially compared to my previous hostels. This immediate dissatisfaction led me to decide to check out and search for another hostel.
An Evening of Discovery & Local Encounters
With time until a new check-in, I decided to explore. My first stop was a nearby old cathedral, the Church and Monastery of Guadalupe, dating back to the 16th-17th century. Its old, broken, yet grand architecture was very much like those seen in movies, a testament to enduring history. I learned about the area’s history, including the impact of Japanese and US occupations and the Plazuela, a monument to victims of torture, with bones stored for eventual transfer to the National Cemetery.
Wandering around, I observed the local street life. Filipinos were generally shorter, and my Asian features often drew curious stares, which I interpreted as a sign that this area wasn’t typically frequented by many tourists. Despite this, I felt safe enough to continue my exploration. Other notable historical sites included the Manila Cathedral, the beautiful San Agustin Church (though I missed the museum), Casa Manila, and the Gallery of Presidents, showcasing Philippine history.
My search for a new hostel led me to Cheese Hostel, highly rated on Booking.com and Google Maps. Its cheese-themed decor, good reviews, and a rooftop common area for socializing immediately appealed. I also learned about Mad Monkey Hostel and Mozo Hostel in El Nido, which would be relevant for my upcoming island adventures.
Later in the evening, I visited Cash & Carry mall. Observing how locals crossed the roads—a mix of structured signals and free-flowing movement—was an interesting cultural insight. While dining, I attempted to order local food, but a mix-up led to me ordering an old, watery lasagna and an overpriced imported Coke, a humorous but frustrating experience that further emphasized the need for careful communication and local currency knowledge.
Traveler’s Tip:
- Always complete the eTravel Philippines form before arrival for a smoother immigration process.
- When booking hostels, pay close attention to reviews and check photos for bed stability and room size, especially if comfort and safety are priorities. Don’t hesitate to change if unsatisfied.
- Be aware of local payment methods. While cards are increasingly accepted, cash is still often preferred for smaller purchases or specific services.
- Embrace local transport like Grab bikes, but ensure clear communication with drivers, especially if language is a barrier. Use translation apps if needed.
Day one in the Philippines was a steep learning curve, filled with both historical insights and practical lessons in urban travel. Despite the initial challenges, the vibrant culture and the promise of new adventures in El Nido and Puerto Princesa kept my spirits high.