These Effortlessly Enjoyable Philippines Cities Are Ideal for Quick Getaways
Not everyone celebrates all festivals & holidays - in fact, some people prefer to celebrate the occasion by traveling. With school break, Christmas, New Year and so many upcoming holidays all lined up, why not venture off your usual getaway routines and explore these friendly yet fascinating cities in the Pearl of The Orient Seas?
No it’s not another Southeast Asian country other than Thailand, Vietnam or Cambodia. In fact, Philippines’ history goes way back that its culture is unique on its own. For one, it is the only Asian country that is - not predominantly Buddhist or Muslim but - Christian due to its Spanish colonial influence in the 16th century. It’s no surprise the nation is crowded will beautiful churches and cathedrals to visit!
Now that there is a flight promotion to Manila and Cebu by AirAsia, it’s a money-saving opportunity for you to check out one of these two fun-filled cities.
Can’t decide between the two? Check out some interesting things to do from both the romantic Manila and action-packed Cebu and find out which destination suits your getaway better:
Manila
Celebrate Christmas in Manila
(Source: The Restless Pinoy Traveler)
Planning to spend Christmas in somewhere festive? Manila’s Christmas celebrations may most probably be more traditional and authentic than, say, Singapore’s! From merry decorations and twinkling lights to seasonal shows and cheerful tunes, you can literally feel the holiday vibes no matter which corner in this city you go to.
Embrace the sacred beauty of Catholic churches
Come anytime else, and you’ll still be able to feel the holiness of the city as it is populated by ancient, majestic churches existing since the Spanish colonization years. Take a cultural tour around some of the most iconic churches in Manila, such as San Agustin Church (the oldest church in Philippines) and San Sebastian Church for their elegant architecture, artistic styles and rich history.
Sample Pinoy street food
(Source: Junpinzon)
No trip is complete without a local food challenge, and in Philippines, it’s an absolute must to tackle this notorious delicacy - balut. Can’t stomach the stress? There’s still so many more extraordinary but equally yummy Pinoy snacks that you can easily get on the streets, including kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs), fish balls, adidas (chicken feet), turon (banana lumpia) and more. Up your game and pair your street food with San Miguel, the beer most loved by Filipinos.
Take a stroll down history lane
(Source: Yannah The Wanderer)
Shaped by history and romanticized by culture, antique sentiments are kept alive in this modern and progressive city through preservation of historic sites and landmarks. There is never enough sightseeing to be done: take a cultural walking tour in Intramuros, the oldest walled districts carefully rehabilitated post-WWII; learn about Filipino heritage in the beautiful National Museum; pay tribute to Philippine’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal at the iconic Luneta park.
Cebu
Watch… or Swim with Whale Sharks!
(Source: LasieAttitude)
Sharks are always fascinating sea creatures, and in the clear waters of Oslob, Cebu, you get to do more than just witnessing the friendly resident whale sharks! Dive into the water and get up close and personal with these gentle giants by taking a whale shark swimming tour. Remember not to use sunscreen to help protect these endangered species.
Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls
(Source: Reserve PH)
If you’re an outdoor sports fanatic who enjoys walking, jumping, swimming, trekking, abseiling and the like, you’ll want to challenge yourself to the next level of excitement: canyoneering, which is a combination of all aforementioned activities in the wild. You’ll need a local guide for this, as you embark on an adrenaline-pumping journey climbing through canyons, high jumping into water pools, and ending with a dip in the refreshing Kawasan Falls.
Visit a 450-year-old Roman Catholic Church
(Source: Wikipedia)
Cebu is also not short of beautiful places of worship to visit, and many of them remain until today to be some of the oldest churches in Philippines. A must-see in Cebu is the well-preserved Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño, where you can find on public display a replica of the statuette of Santo Niño that had been discovered ages ago.
Time travel by entering Philippine’s oldest fort
(Source: Ronrag / Flickr)
A popular historic attraction in Cebu and even Philippines, Fort San Pedro is known to be the oldest fort in the country, built in 1565 by the Spanish. It may be the smallest, but during its earlier glory, it served not only as a functional military defense structure and rebels’ prison but even the city zoo as well. Today, visitors flock the fort for a glimpse into the war times and the Spanish settlement.
Fascinated yet? Catch the real deal by booking your flight to Cebu or Manila now with fares from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu (Manila only) starting from as low as RM149! If you book anytime now till 15 Oct 2017, you get to travel as early as now till 31 Mar 2017.
Check your dates at www.airasia.com. Terms & conditions apply.












