Manila to Tokyo

Manila

Manila is the somewhat daunting capital and
pulsating hub of the Philippines. Situated on the east coast of
Luzon Island, it was founded on the site of a Muslim settlement in
1571. The city's major tourist attraction is the old Spanish walled
city known as Intramuros, where visitors can see some marvellous
historic buildings.

It was once known as the Pearl of the
Orient and was an important centre for South East Asia. Suffering
some of World War II's most destructive urban battles, much of old
Manila disappeared in the conflict. Today, expansive parks,
congested traffic and modern high-rises make up a city that has
risen from the ashes to become the archipelago's cultural and
political centre.

Tourists will encounter a truly enchanting
destination and should pause to appreciate Manila Bay's sunsets. A
combination of clouds and humid conditions make them unforgettable.
Most visitors use Manila as a springboard to explore the country's
islands and provinces, with flights generally landing at Ninoy
Aquino International Airport. Select airlines from particular
locations do fly into Cebu and Aklan.

Romblon

Romblon is a hidden gem located in the Philippines, and it should definitely be on the bucket list of every travel enthusiast. Situated in the MIMAROPA region, Romblon is an archipelago composed of three main islands – Sibuyan, Romblon, and Tablas. The province is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality, making it an ideal destination for those who seek adventure and relaxation.

One of the highlights of Romblon is its stunning beaches. Boracay may be famous worldwide, but Romblon boasts equally breathtaking shores without the crowds. The crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and lush palm trees create a picture-perfect setting for beach lovers. Among the top beach destinations in Romblon is Bonbon Beach in Romblon Island, which is renowned for its long stretch of fine sandbar that emerges during low tide. Other notable beaches include Looc Beach and Tiamban Beach in Tablas Island, and Cresta de Gallo in Sibuyan Island, which is frequently dubbed as one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines.

In addition to the pristine beaches, Romblon offers a plethora of exciting activities for adventure seekers. The province is a haven for diving enthusiasts, with its diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Dive sites such as Blue Hole and Gorda Wall in Sibuyan Island and Coral Garden in Bonbon Beach allow visitors to explore the underwater world and witness breathtaking marine biodiversity. Aside from diving, hiking enthusiasts can conquer Mount Guiting-Guiting, which is known as one of the most challenging mountains to climb in the Philippines. Its jagged peaks and lush forests offer a rewarding adventure for experienced hikers.

For those interested in history and culture, Romblon will not disappoint. The province is famous for its marble industry, and visitors can witness the craftsmanship of local artisans through marble-carving demonstrations and visits to marble quarries. The town of Romblon, also known as the Marble Capital of the Philippines, is home to impressive marble structures such as the St. Joseph Cathedral and the Balay Kogon Museum. Additionally, the province celebrates various festivals throughout the year, where visitors can experience the vibrant culture and traditions of the locals, such as the famous Biniray Festival in January and the Marble Festival in December.

Romblon is also an ideal destination for eco-tourism enthusiasts. The province boasts lush forests, majestic waterfalls, and picturesque mountains that offer breathtaking views and picturesque landscapes. Lambingan Falls and Dagubdob Falls in Sibuyan Island are perfect spots to cool off after a day of exploration, while the Cantingas River in Tablas Island provides a unique and tranquil experience with its mangrove forest and clear waters.

Traveling to Romblon is relatively easy, with several airports and ferry services connecting the province to other parts of the Philippines. Once in Romblon, transportation options such as tricycles and jeepneys are readily available for getting around the islands.

In terms of accommodation, Romblon offers a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. From budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts, visitors can find a place to stay that meets their needs. Additionally, the local cuisine in Romblon is a delight for food enthusiasts, with fresh seafood being a highlight.

In conclusion, Romblon has everything a traveler could ask for – stunning beaches, thrilling adventures, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you are seeking a peaceful getaway or an action-packed vacation, Romblon should definitely be on your travel radar. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the hidden paradise of Romblon in the Philippines.

Coron Island

Spoken of with awed reverence in scuba-diving circles, Coron's dramatic rock protrusions, which jut from emerald seas and glorious sweeps of sand, make it a destination that you can't help but dive into. The perfect base for an adventure holiday, Coron's exquisite setting means you'll face taxing choices on a daily basis - to spend the day relaxing on the soft sand, or to pound through the jungle on horseback? Whether you choose relaxation or all-out-action, you're sure to fall head over heels for Coron's beauty.

Vigan

Osaka

Japan's third largest city, the industrial metropolis of Osaka
lies just 26 miles (42km) south of Kyoto. Osaka is an ancient city,
powerful in the days of the feudal lords and samurai. Now the city
is a commercial hub, focused on making money and having a good
time: it has a reputation in Japan as one of the best places to eat
and drink.

It is worthwhile visiting the city just to see the magnificent
Osaka Castle. Osaka's castle dates back to the 16th century, built
by the powerful lord Hideyoshi Toyotomi. It was rebuilt following
World War II, renovated in 1997, and is today a national
treasure.

The city has a number of other attractions, including museums
dedicated to science, wood-block printing, peace, and even ramen.
There are also a number of beautiful temples, and the famous
Bunraku Puppet Theatre. Other attractions in Osaka include an
impressive aquarium and Universal Studios Japan, a theme park
focusing on the American movie industry.

Osaka offers many of the same hardcore shopping opportunities
that Japan's other major metropolises do, with the most famous
shopping district, Shinsaibashi, offering a mixture of department
stores, fashionable boutiques, and Western stores. Nipponbashi is
the best place to go for electronics.

Osaka has a distinct cuisine, putting its unique stamp on
everything from sushi to
(street food). After dinner, head out for some
fun in one of the karaoke bars. The liveliest nightlife is found in
Dotombori.

Tokyo

The modern capital city of Japan, Tokyo could be
described as too good to be true. People dress in the latest
fashions and experiment with the latest technologies, excellent
restaurants serve up delicious food of all varieties, and the
trendiest nightclubs keep going throughout the night.

The public transport system is punctual and one of
the most efficient in the world; and shops and vending machines
provide necessities and luxuries both day and night. All this is
achieved in a city that is home to more than 13 million people,
amid the confusion of bumper-to-bumper traffic, flickering neon
signs, and a crush of humanity packing subways and sidewalks.

Amidst the hurly-burly, Tokyo remarkably remains
one of the world's safest cities with a low crime rate and local
people who are generally only too willing to spare the time and
effort to assist a stranger.

With such a dense population, Tokyo is an urban
maze of buildings that jostle for space in an unplanned jumble of
grey concrete, which makes parts of it drab. The city fills a huge
area that seems to go on forever, with no specific city centre, but
rather a succession of districts grouped together. In the back
streets, where timber houses line narrow lanes, there are reminders
that this is exotic Japan: kimono-clad women prune bonsai trees and
colourful neighbourhood festivals take place.

The city is an exuberant experience for visitors.
It is home to many museums and is the largest repository of
Japanese art in the world. Then, of course, it would take forever
to exhaust the shopping possibilities in this megalopolis.

The more one explores Tokyo, the more it becomes
obvious that one cannot judge a book by its cover. Inside the
modern buildings the cultural life of Japan is very much alive and
well. Interiors reflect the tranquil minimalist Asian style and
taste of Japan.