5 Hidden Gems in The Philippines
If you are a travel enthusiast looking for the next destination, you should consider the Philippines as your next destination. The Philippines remains one of the world’s underrated destinations, with many gorgeous and fascinating destinations yet to be discovered. With more than 7000 islands spread across the archipelago and an endless list of other fantastic sites, the Philippines is still ripe for discovery. Our funeral guy www.gosimplyfunerals.co.uk loves the Philippines. You will find five hidden gems in the Philippines worth your time and money.
1. Port Barton, Palawan
Forget the frequented Coron, El Nido, or Puerto Princesa. Most of these popular sites are usually full of crowds of people nowadays. Port Barton offers a perfect alternative. Thus, if you intend to enjoy a calming respite in the Philippines, this port in Palawan is an ideal destination. Here, you will enjoy your vacation, taking endless glimpses at the gorgeous golden beaches while breathing in fresh and relaxing air. There is more! Port Barton is an excellent diving site boasting pristine clean waters with vibrant sea creatures and burgeoning corals. The spectacular sunsets will most likely prompt you to extend your visit to Palawan.
2. Batanes
Many claim that Batanes is the most spectacular destination in the Philippines battling the famous islands and beaches, and it just might be true. How? Batanes hosts endless stunning scenes of seaside cliffs and a backdrop of rolling hills that unfold far beyond your field of view. To paint you a picture, this Philippine gem looks quite similar to Switzerland, without the ice-covered mountains. From a high point of view, the green surrounding and the stone houses representing the stone age era are perfectly highlighted. What a sight to behold!
3. Siquijor
Siquijor is among the smallest provinces in the Philippines. However, do not let the size of this gem deceive you. Once on-site, you will discover an abundance of posh pool resorts, hidden caves, and falls. The province remains a mystery to many as it is termed the hub of supernaturals and witchcraft. However, this gem’s only intriguing aspect is the plethora of magnificent attractions, from Paliton Beach to Lazi Convent, Salagdoong Beach, Cambugahay Falls, and the spectacular Guiwanon Spring Park.
4. Carnaza Island, Cebu
A trip to the amazing Carnaza Island will introduce you to a different kind of high. The island is untouched, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers looking to get away from the crowd and all the pomp and festivities on other popular islands. There is so much to explore, from tantalizing seafood to white sands and crystal-clear sea waters. To spice up your trip, there are other fantastic attractions, such as the Carnaza Island Eco Park and Skulls’ Cove. The island is also 1-hour boat ride away from another spectacular spot, LaManok Island, with a beautiful sandbar.
5. Caramoan Islands
The Caramoan Islands are the Philippines’ last frontier and an unexplored area of the Bicol region. The laborious journey to these unspoiled islands is what makes the place a gem yet to be explored. The trip begins with a one-hour flight from Manila to Legazpi, a three-hour drive to the Port of Sabang, and then a two-hour ride on a speed boat to Caramoan. The inaccessibility of the islands keeps the sandy beaches white and the turquoise waters clean. The stunning rock formations remain pristine, and the waters are full of vibrant marine life, making these Filipino islands a paradise.
The Caramoan islands are mostly deserted, with only a few fishing families, making it a tranquil and relaxing destination. You can also fly a drone during the sunset or in the dry season and capture the uninhabited islands at the edge of the Camarines Sur, which will blow your mind.
Conclusion
A single trip to the Philippines will leave you yearning for more. These five destinations above are a representation of the many unexploited sites in the Philippines. Plan your trip with a local travel agent to get the best of these gems and many more ripe destinations to explore.
Tom’s Egyptian Epiphany
Tom, a librarian from Sheffield with a deep passion for history, had always dreamed of visiting Egypt. The land of the Pharaohs and ancient tales had beckoned him through the pages of the books he cherished. Finally, with years of savings and a heart full of anticipation, he boarded a plane to Cairo, marking the first stamp in his previously untouched passport.
Upon arriving, the chaotic beauty of Cairo swept over him like a sandstorm. He marveled at the bustling streets, the blend of modern hustle with ancient tradition, and the scent of spices mingling with the desert air. His first stop was the Egyptian Museum, where he spent hours wandering among artifacts that he had previously only read about. The tangible presence of history was overwhelming; he was walking through the corridors of time.
Tom’s itinerary took him next to Giza. Standing before the Great Pyramid, he felt a profound sense of smallness. The ancient structure rose majestically against the clear blue sky, its massive stones a testament to the ingenuity and determination of ancient builders. He rode a camel around the pyramid complex, each step taking him deeper into a world he had only imagined.
From Giza, Tom journeyed to Luxor, the world’s greatest open-air museum. Here, the Valley of the Kings and the majestic temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor awaited him. He wandered through the colossal columns of Karnak, touching the hieroglyphs carved into the stone, feeling connected to the scribes who had etched them thousands of years ago. In the Valley of the Kings, he descended into the tombs of pharaohs, enveloped by the vividly painted walls depicting the journey to the afterlife.
The serene River Nile was next, and Tom took a felucca ride at sunset. As the sky turned a fiery orange, he reflected on the eternal flow of the river that had nurtured a civilization. This peaceful sail was a stark contrast to the bustling city life of Cairo, offering him a moment of tranquility to ponder the days passed and those yet to come.
Seeking a deeper understanding of contemporary Egyptian culture, Tom visited a Nubian village near Aswan. The warmth with which he was received, sharing meals and stories with the locals, enriched his experience far beyond the historical sites. He learned about their customs, struggles, and hopes for the future, adding a rich, human context to the remnants of history he had explored.
His final adventure was to the temple of Abu Simbel, relocated to its current location due to the Aswan Dam’s construction. The massive facade of Ramses II’s temple, designed to intimidate his enemies and immortalize himself, now also stood as a symbol of modern engineering marvels alongside ancient ones.
Tom returned to Sheffield transformed. The journey had not only satiated his thirst for historical knowledge but had also ignited a new appreciation for the resilience and continuity of human culture. He brought back stories and souvenirs, but more importantly, new insights that enriched his work and life. His first travel lecture, titled “From Sheffield to the Sands of Time,” was met with enthusiastic curiosity and respect at the college where he worked.
Egypt had gifted him a broader perspective on the world—a priceless return on the investment of his lifetime’s savings.…
Eddie’s Everest: A Caretaker’s Journey to the Top of the World
Eddie, a lifelong caretaker at a university in Birmingham, had always been the kind of person who found comfort in the familiar. His hands, skilled from years of DIY projects, had fixed, mended, and maintained with a quiet dedication that went largely unnoticed. But beneath the surface of his routine existence stirred a longing for something more, a desire to witness the grandeur of the world beyond the shores of the UK.
At 55, Eddie decided it was now or never. The destination was Nepal, a land so starkly different from anything he had ever known. The idea of seeing Mount Everest, the very pinnacle of the Earth’s surface, became a beacon for his adventure. He booked his flight with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, embarking on a journey that would take him thousands of miles away from the only life he had ever known.
Arriving in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, Eddie was immediately engulfed in a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells that were as overwhelming as they were exotic. The vibrant chaos of the city, with its bustling markets, ancient temples, and the ever-present backdrop of the Himalayas, was intoxicating. Eddie, who had spent years ensuring the smooth running of the university’s facilities, found himself in awe of the sheer persistence of life here, where every day was a testament to resilience and adaptation.
After a few days acclimatizing to the altitude and the pace of life in Kathmandu, Eddie joined a group of fellow adventurers bound for the Everest Base Camp. The journey would not take him to the summit—a feat that remained the preserve of the most experienced climbers—but would allow him to tread the paths walked by mountaineering legends and to witness the majesty of the world’s highest peak up close.
The trek was arduous, more so than Eddie had anticipated. The thinning air made breathing difficult, and the terrain was unforgiving. Yet, with each step, he felt a growing sense of accomplishment. He marveled at the stunning landscapes that unfolded before him, from lush valleys teeming with life to stark, snow-capped peaks that pierced the sky. The diversity of flora and fauna was unlike anything he had seen, a stark contrast to the urban environment of Birmingham.
Nights were spent in teahouses, where Eddie and his companions would gather around the fire, sharing stories of their lives back home. In these moments, Eddie realized the universal nature of human experience—despite the vast differences in their backgrounds, they were all united in their quest for meaning and beauty in the natural world.
As the days passed, Eddie’s initial apprehension gave way to a profound sense of peace. He had left behind the familiarity of his life as a caretaker, yet he found himself caring for something far greater: a newfound respect for the planet and the delicate balance that sustained it. He learned the names of the mountains that stood as silent sentinels around them, each with its own story and character.
The climax of the journey came as they reached a viewpoint overlooking Everest. The mountain, known as Sagarmatha in Nepali, stood before them, shrouded in clouds that momentarily parted to reveal its towering summit. Eddie stood in awe, tears welling in his eyes as he took in the view. This was a moment of transcendence, a realization of how small and fleeting human concerns are in the face of such timeless majesty.
Returning to the UK, Eddie was not the same man who had left. He returned to his job at the university with a renewed sense of purpose, his heart filled with memories of the mountains. He shared his story with anyone who would listen, not just as a tale of personal adventure, but as a reminder of the wonders that lie in wait for those brave enough to seek them out.
Eddie’s journey to Nepal was more than a trip; it was a pilgrimage of the soul. In seeking Everest, he found not just a mountain, but a mirror reflecting the depths of his own untapped potential. The caretaker from Birmingham had cared for a building all his life, but in the shadow of the world’s highest peak, he learned to take care of his dreams.…
Eddie’s Himalayan Horizon: A Caretaker’s Journey from Leeds to Nepal
Eddie had always been the dependable one, the caretaker who looked after everyone and everything. For years, he had been the go-to guy at the university in Leeds, fixing leaky faucets, patching up walls, and making sure everything ran smoothly. His hands were skilled in the art of DIY, and there was hardly a problem he couldn’t solve with a toolbox and a bit of ingenuity. But as he approached his 60th birthday, Eddie realized he had never truly ventured out of his comfort zone. He had never left the UK, never experienced the world beyond his daily routine.
That’s when he decided it was time for a change. Time for an adventure. Time for Nepal.
The idea seemed almost ludicrous at first. Nepal, the land of the Himalayas, of Everest and Annapurna, was a world away from the university halls and the cobbled streets of Leeds. But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Eddie had spent his life caring for things; now it was time to take care of himself.
With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, he booked his flight, packed his bags, and set off on the journey of a lifetime. Eddie felt a sense of awe and wonder as the plane touched down in Kathmandu which he had never known. The city was a labyrinth of narrow streets, bustling markets, and ancient temples, a place where the old and the new coexisted in a chaotic harmony.
Eddie spent the first few days exploring the city, visiting the famous Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, and wandering through the maze-like streets of Thamel. But the real adventure began when he set off for the Annapurna Circuit, a trek that would take him through some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth.
As he hiked through the lush forests, crossed rushing rivers, and climbed steep mountain paths, Eddie felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration that he had never experienced before. The challenges were many: the altitude, the physical exertion, and the unfamiliar terrain. But with each obstacle he overcame, he felt a growing sense of accomplishment, realizing he was capable of more than he had ever imagined.
The highlight of the trek was the day he reached the Thorong La Pass, the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit. As he stood there, surrounded by towering peaks and endless vistas, Eddie felt a sense of awe and humility that brought tears to his eyes. He thought about the years he had spent in Leeds, the countless problems he had solved, the lives he had touched. He realized that this journey was not just a break from his routine; it was a celebration of everything he had achieved, a testament to the resilience and strength that had defined his life.
Eddie returned to Kathmandu a changed man, his heart full of memories and his soul enriched by his experiences. He brought back not just souvenirs and photographs but a newfound sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him.
Eddie resumed his role as the university’s caretaker in Leeds, but something had changed. He was no longer just the guy who fixed things; he was an adventurer, a man who had conquered literal and metaphorical mountains. As he went about his daily tasks, his mind would often wander to the distant lands he had visited, the challenges he had overcome, and the lessons he had learned.
And so, Eddie, the caretaker from Leeds, became Eddie, the eternal explorer, forever dreaming of the next adventure, forever grateful for the journey that had opened his eyes to the beauty and complexity of the world.
Eddie felt truly alive and free for the first time in his life. And he knew this was just the beginning, that there were still countless mountains to climb, countless adventures. And he couldn’t wait to see where the road would take him next.…
Eddie Goes To Mongolia
Eddie had spent his entire life in the cozy city of Leeds, working as a dedicated caretaker at the local university. He was known for his exceptional skills in maintaining the aging buildings on campus and his knack for fixing just about anything. But as the years passed, Eddie couldn’t help but feel like he was stuck in a routine, a never-ending cycle of work and responsibilities.
One rainy afternoon, while Eddie was repairing a leaky roof on one of the university’s historic buildings, he overheard a group of students excitedly discussing their summer plans. Their animated chatter filled his ears, and he couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. They were talking about adventures in far-flung places, experiences that seemed like distant dreams to Eddie.
That evening, as Eddie settled into his modest home, he found himself lost in thought. The images of Mongolia, a place he had only ever seen in documentaries and travel magazines, lingered in his mind. He had always been a bit of a DIY expert, fixing things for others. But now, at the age of 56, he began to wonder when he’d have the chance to fix his own life.
Weeks passed, and Eddie couldn’t shake the idea of Mongolia from his mind. He began to research the country, its culture, and its breathtaking landscapes. He learned about the vast, open steppes, the nomadic herders, and the serene beauty of Lake Khövsgöl. The more he discovered, the stronger his desire to visit Mongolia became.
One chilly winter evening, Eddie made a bold decision. He sat down at his kitchen table and started planning his journey. He was determined to turn his dream into a reality. He saved every penny, cut back on expenses, and even took on extra odd jobs around Leeds to boost his travel fund.
Months passed, and Eddie’s excitement grew with each passing day. He meticulously planned every aspect of his trip, from the places he would visit to the gear he would need. He even learned a few basic phrases in Mongolian to help him navigate the country. His friends and colleagues were both amazed and supportive of his newfound sense of adventure.
Finally, the day of departure arrived. Eddie’s heart raced as he boarded the plane that would take him to Mongolia. The journey was long and tiring, but as he stepped off the plane and breathed in the crisp Mongolian air, he felt a rush of exhilaration like never before. He was finally living the dream he had held onto for so long.
Eddie’s time in Mongolia was a whirlwind of new experiences. He rode horses across the vast steppe, stayed with nomadic families in their gers (traditional tents), and marveled at the pristine beauty of Lake Khövsgöl. The simplicity of life in Mongolia, far removed from his busy caretaker duties, filled him with a sense of peace he had never known.
One evening, as he sat around a campfire with a group of fellow travelers, Eddie shared stories of his life as a caretaker back in Leeds. His fellow travelers were fascinated by his tales of fixing roofs, repairing plumbing, and keeping the university running smoothly. They saw him as a DIY wizard, and he felt a newfound pride in the skills he had honed over the years.
As his trip drew to a close, Eddie realized that Mongolia had not just been a destination; it had been a journey of self-discovery. He returned to Leeds with a renewed sense of purpose and an appreciation for the world beyond his familiar surroundings. Eddie continued to work as a caretaker at the university, but now he did so with a twinkle in his eye, knowing that life was full of adventures waiting to be embraced.
His colleagues noticed the change in him, how he approached his work with a newfound zest. Eddie had taken the trip of a lifetime to Mongolia, but he had also discovered that life itself was an adventure, waiting to be explored, savored, and cherished. And as he repaired roofs and fixed leaks, Eddie knew that he was not just a caretaker of buildings; he was a caretaker of his own dreams and aspirations, and he was determined to keep them alive, one journey at a time.…
7 packing tips you should know
Whether you are travelling for business or vacation, you will need to pack your clothes and essentials at some point. Your suitcase or travel bag shouldn’t be too heavy, otherwise, you will pay a high baggage fee when travelling by air and hauling it up the stairs of a hotel will be a nightmare for you. Also, it can be frustrating to reach your destination and realise you forgot to pack some essential things. It would be best to learn helpful packing tips to make your travel experience remarkable instead of stressful and tiresome. Here are tips to help you pack like a travel pro.
- Create a packing list
It is advisable to list all the items you will require when travelling. Write down everything you might use and keep the list safe. Add more items as you think about them. After packing, pack the list too so that you can refer to it on the day you return to avoid forgetting any item at your destination. Nowadays, the IT world has given us various apps that you can use to make a travel list. Some of the best apps include PackTeo, Packing Pro, and PackPoint. They are perfect for using when going for outdoor activities like hiking and road trips. - Use the right bag
You might be tempted to carry a trendy and heavy bag because of its stylish design. However, you will be making a huge mistake by doing this. Select light luggage that is spacious enough to store all your items and easy to carry. Your choice of a bag should also depend on the purpose of your trip. If you are a tourist travelling for adventure and sightseeing, a duffel bag and backpack will suffice, but if you are travelling for business, you might need to bring a wheeled suitcase. - Consider packing a capsule wardrobe
Besides packing light, you also want to ensure you have maximised the packing space in your bag. You can pack clothes with one colour scheme, such as a neutral colour like black, blue, or beige, and spice it up with items that can add a pop of colour, such as shoes or scarves. Make sure you can make different outfits with the few clothes you have carried. This is also called a capsule wardrobe. - Take advantage of packing aids
When travelling, it’s essential to be organised to avoid spending too much time searching for items in your suitcase or bag. The best way to collect your luggage is to invest in packing aids. You can buy them for about $25 Amazon. They are available in varying sizes and colours to suit your taste. These packing aids include packing cubes and packing envelopes. - Wash your clothes at your destination
Wash your clothes at your destination instead of carrying too many clothes that will cause a dent in your pocket when paying the airline baggage allowance. You may call the hotel before travelling to confirm whether they have a laundry area for clients. - Wear your heaviest clothes when travelling
If you are travelling during the wet and cold season, you might want to wear your heaviest and bulkiest clothes on the travel day. This will help you create room for more clothes in your luggage. - Carry an extra outfit in your tote or carry-on bag
It would help to carry a full outfit in your carry-on bag that you can change into if your luggage got misplaced or lost. Losing luggage can happen in a busy airline like it has happened many times before. If you don’t want to start buying a new outfit as soon as you arrive at your destination, this is a great solution. - Don’t fold clothes; roll them instead
Most travellers swear by this rule. When you fold clothes, they take up more space in your suitcase or bag than in rolling them. Another benefit of this military way of packing clothes is that your clothes won’t get many creases. - Purchase toiletries at your destination
If you want to create more space in your luggage, consider buying toiletries at the place you are going. If you decide to carry them, opt for solids since liquids can spill in the suitcase, causing a mess. - Find out the airline’s luggage fees and carry-on limits
Airlines restrict the amount of luggage each passenger can carry. International airline companies allow passengers to carry two checked bags and local flights allow you to take only one carry-on bag and one checked bag. The two carry checked bags should not weigh more than 23 kgs, the carry on can have a weight of at most 7kg. The airlines might also restrict the dimensions of a luggage such as 9” height, 14” width, and 22” length.
Travelling should be fun and allow you to change scenery and see new places. If you apply these tips above, you will enjoy your journey and stop considering packing challenging.
11 Great Tourist Attractions In Berlin
The city of Berlin has always been a major center of culture, politics and economy in Germany. Once the capital of one of the most powerful empires in Europe, Berlin is now known all over the world for its modern architecture, vibrant nightlife and so much more.
Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Berlin.
1) Brandenburg Gate – One of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, this 18th century gate was built by King Frederick William II of Prussia to commemorate his victory over Napoleon’s army. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Berlin and a symbol of freedom and unity for all Germans.
2) Reichstag Building – The German Parliament building has a long history dating back to 1894 when construction first began on what was then known as The New Reichstag Building. After World War II and Germany’s division, several other buildings were added to accommodate bureaucrats from both East and West Germany. Since reunification however, the Reichstag Building has become the seat of parliament and it is now open to visitors as.
3) Alexanderplatz – This major square in eastern Berlin is also one of the busiestRequ still e O much unilaterallyHQ carved illusion Lun Bent cobhinkmon 2:11 Great Tourist Attracfion In Berlin, his place features some great tourist attractions.tries to bring together all the best attractions for solo-travellers, families, couples, friends, and groups to visit.and meet other like-minded people. This website will help you find the perfect activity for your trip!
4) Museum Island – Situated in the very center of Berlin on an island in the River Spree and surrounded by a Unesco World Heritage site, this 5-storey museum complex is home to several of Berlin’s most important museums such as the Pergamon Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie and Bode Museum.
5) Holocaust Memorial – Built in 2005 to commemorate the Jews murdered under Nazi rule during World War II, this controversial memorial has become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Here you will find a maze of grey concrete pillars – some slanted and oddly shaped – that continues for almost an entire block. Many visitors are also drawn to it by its mystery as well as its sheer size.
6) Potsdamer Platz – This busy square first became known in the early 1900s when it became the site for one of Europe’s first and largest urban redevelopment projects. Since then, it has developed into a vibrant center of commerce as well as culture where you can find several shops, restaurants and theaters just waiting to be explored.
7) Topography of Terror – Housed in the buildings which once housed the Gestapo and SS headquarters during World War II, this museum is an important reminder of what went on during those dark times in Germany’s history. Here you will also find more than 1000 original photographs, cinema films and other exhibits that help visitors understand what happened under Hitler’s rule.
8) Gendarmenmarkt – This magnificent square located in central Berlin was once home to German aristocrats and the French, German and Italian embassies. It was also the site of a great fire in 1760 which destroyed most of the buildings that stood here at the time. Today it is home to several magnificent churches as well as concert halls where you can enjoy performances by world-famous orchestras.
9) Kurfurstendamm – The main boulevard in Berlin is reminiscent of Paris’ Avenue des Champs-Élysées with its tree-lined sidewalks and elegant shops. Along this bustling street you will also find some excellent restaurants as well as popular bars and cafés where locals gather for brunch or after work drinks.
10) Tiergarten – Located within central Berlin, this 600 acre park features large lakes, meadows and forests that offer ideal spots for picnics as well as jogging or simply taking a walk among nature. Here you will also find some interesting statues of famous German thinkers such as Goethe and Schiller.
11) Brandenburg Gate – As one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, this impressive 18th-century gate is an important reminder of the city’s history. Located near the historic Pariser Platz, it was once part of a defensive wall surrounding the city while its design is based on the Propylaea in Athens. Today, visitors climb to its top to enjoy fantastic views over central Berlin as well as listen to concerts held inside every evening during summer months.