Travel Guide – Page 2

Top spots to visit in Bali, Indonesia

Bali, known as “the Island of Gods,” is regularly ranked among the world’s top travel destinations. Of all destinations in Indonesia, Filipino travelers are especially attracted to Bali for its distinctive blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. In terms of vibe and cuisine, Bali feels comfortingly familiar, yet the spiritual atmosphere sets it apart.

The first time I visited Bali almost two decades ago, I was amazed at how such a vibrant tourist hotspot could simultaneously embrace modernity while remaining deeply rooted in culture, spirituality, and respect for nature.

LIST: MICHELIN Guide to the Philippines | Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026

The MICHELIN Guide has finally arrived in the Philippines, with nine restaurants in Manila and Environs & Cebu earning prestigious Stars, including one earning Two MICHELIN Stars in its debut year. The first Philippine edition for 2026 includes 108 establishments, including 90 across Manila and Environs and 18 in Cebu.

Two MICHELIN Stars: 1
One MICHELIN Star: 8
MICHELIN Selected: 74
Bib Gourmand: 25

This is a huge deal for the Philippine food scene. Whether or not you agree with the selection, if you like eating out, you’re probably curious to try some of the restaurants that were recognized and wondering where they’re located.

Scroll to the end for a savable and shareable list on social media for easy reference.

UNESCO Creative Cities in the Philippines

Originally published March 2024, updated November 2025

The Philippines now has five cities that are part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Dumaguete City has been designated Creative City of Literature, while Quezon City was named Creative City of Film, following its application to the UNESCO Creative City of Film Network in 2023.

Previously, Iloilo was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2023, while Cebu was given the title of Creative City of Design in 2019. Baguio City was the first Philippine city to join the UCCN network, having been named a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2017.

Must-visit free museums around Metro Manila

Looking for free museums to visit around Metro Manila? While there are a lot of different museums and art galleries you can visit around different cities catering to different niche interests, not all museums are free to visit.

Since October is Museums and Galleries Month, we thought we’d compile some of the best free museums we’ve personally visited around Metro Manila where visitors can learn about the history of the Philippines and appreciate the country’s art and culture.

Pinto Art Museum: What’s new in this contemporary art museum in Antipolo?

Pinto Art Museum is an art museum in Antipolo that showcases some of the best of the Philippines’ contemporary artists. This lovely museum is one of the top spots to visit in Antipolo, a hilly city just east of Metro Manila.

With art galleries housed in Mediterranean-inspired villas, sprawling gardens, and modern Filipino art exhibits, Pinto Art Museum offers a unique mix of art and culture in a secluded space just an hour or so from the busy city.

Bahay Modernismo: New museum in Quezon City

Looking for a new museum to visit in Quezon City? Check out Bahay Modernismo, a house museum devoted to Philippine modern heritage inside Quezon Memorial Circle. This unique space offers a glimpse into mid-20th-century Filipino life and architecture.

Where to eat in Intramuros: Classic and new cafes to visit in Manila

Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila, is one of the country’s top destinations for international tourists and locals alike. While most tourists visit mainly for the churches, museums, and historical sites, some dining spots also offer unique destinations to grab a bite or drink in between all that sightseeing.

Along with classic restaurants serving Filipino-Spanish cuisine, a few new cafes have popped up in the past few years, giving locals a reason to revisit.

Here’s an ultimate guide to the classic and new restaurants in Intramuros currently operational as of May 2025.

VATICAN CITY | St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Vatican City, an enclave surrounded by Rome in Italy, is the smallest sovereign state in the world. With a size of just 0.44 square kilometers, this pilgrimage destination is a unique place that blends art, history and religion. Going around the Vatican felt like visiting one massive museum with a vast collection of masterpieces concentrated in one space.

TAIWAN | Biking around Cijin Island, Kaohsiung

Biking around Cijin Island was one of the highlights of my recent solo trip to Kaohsiung, Taiwan. For first-time tourists who have half or a whole day to spare, this small island is one place you can easily visit for beach breaks with safe walking and biking trails.

Getting there is a cheap and short ferry ride from the mainland, you can spot some fun art installations along the coast, visit temples, bike through a tunnel, and hike up to a lighthouse overlooking the city.

GUIDE: 2025 Pasig River Ferry Service route map, schedules, timetable & landmarks

The Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) is currently the only water-based transportation in Metro Manila that plies the length of the Pasig River and parts of the Marikina River. As of January 2025, the alternative transport option remains FREE to ride for all passengers. The ferry, similar to a water bus, cruises along Pasig River from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City to Escolta in Manila City.

If you’re looking for a different mode of transport for urban exploration, this commuter ferry has stations in Pasig, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Manila. While work needs to be done along the riverbanks in many areas, the ferry offers a glimpse of local life and offers a view of notable landmarks from a tourist’s perspective.

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