NAME: Jillian
CITY: Manila
COUNTRY: Philippines
YEAR OF TRIP: 2017
HOW LONG WERE YOU THERE?: Local
BEST TIME TO GO: November - January (not typhoon season)
GREATEST CHALLENGE: Transportation is difficult in the Philippines. It’s not walkable and public transportation is difficult (and unseen as unsafe to the developing world) if you don’t know where you’re going.
WHAT MAKES THIS PLACE SPECIAL? History & food! There’s a long history of colonialism tied to Spain and America which makes the culture and food so interesting and almost familiar. Not to mention the beautiful landscape whether it’s volcanoes, mountains, beaches, etc., the Philippines has it all.
MUST EAT:
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Lechon
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Halo-halo
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Adobo
MUST SEE:
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Intramuros
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Fort Santiago
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Rival Park
MUST DO:
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Shop (plenty of malls)
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Masungi Georeserve
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National Museum of the Philippines
Other Recommendations: So much to see in the Philippines (Palawan, Banaue, Baguio) so try to get out of the city. Manila makes a great base if you want to extend your stay to explore more of Southeast Asia. But most importantly definitely challenge yourself to try new foods.