DIY Itinerary PH

21/10/2025

Excited for our next flight via NAIA Terminal 3 😍

21/10/2025

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21/10/2025

The first snow fell on the highlands of Mt. Seorak ❄ in South Korea 🇰🇷

In the early morning of October 20, an early winter cold came to northern Gangwon.

White snow piled up in high mountains such as Seoraksan Mountain and Hyangrobong Peak. Bear ⛄️

If you plan to go hiking, you should prepare thoroughly for warmth.

The temperature difference between day and night is big and exhausting.

Join South Korea Travel Hub (PH)

16/10/2025

🍁 It's Autumn Adventures Week!

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13/10/2025

Comprehensive Travel Guide: Manila → Hong Kong
For First-Time Travelers from the Philippines

BEFORE DEPARTURE
1. Visa & Documentation
• Visa-Free Entry: Filipinos can stay in Hong Kong up to 14 days visa-free.
• Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
• Return/Onward Ticket: Required for immigration.
• Proof of Accommodation: Print or keep digital copies of hotel bookings / host info.
• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended (medical coverage + delays).
• Travel Funds: Bring proof (cash, bank statement, or card) in case immigration checks.

2. Online Registrations
• E-Travel Registration (Philippines): Complete at etravel.gov.ph 72 hours before departure.
• No Hong Kong Arrival Card: You don’t need to fill one if using eGates (for visa-free nationals).

3. Pre-Departure Preparations
• Travel Tax: ₱1,620, payable online or at NAIA (onlinettax.tieza.gov.ph).
• Packing Tips:
o Check-in umbrellas and tripods.
o Power banks must be hand-carried (max 20,000 mAh).
o Prepare basic first aid and medicines (with original labels).
o Bring adapters (Hong Kong uses Type G plugs, 220V).
• Best Flights: Morning flights (6–8 AM) to maximize sightseeing on Day 1.
• Hotel Strategy: Most hotels allow baggage drop before check-in (2–3 PM).

UPON ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG
4. Arrival & Immigration
• Airport: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is the main entry point.
• Arrival Process:
o Scan passport at eGate (for eligible visitors).
o Collect baggage → Proceed to train/taxi area.
• Octopus Card: Buy immediately at Airport Express station or convenience store.

5. Immediate Essentials
• SIM / WiFi: Buy local SIM at airport or pre-order via Klook (data + calls).
• Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD / HK$).
o Withdraw cash via ATM (better rate) or exchange at airport/money changers.
o Cards accepted in malls & hotels; cash for markets or street stalls.
• Transportation Card:
o Octopus Card: HK’s transport e-card; works for MTR, buses, ferries, convenience stores.
o Top-up: HK$50–HK$1,000 at 7-Eleven, MTR stations, or Circle K.

TRANSPORTATION AROUND HONG KONG
6. Airport to City
• Airport Express Train: Fastest (24 min to Central); free shuttle buses to major hotels.
• Bus (A21/A11): Cheaper, scenic ride (~HK$33–40 to Kowloon).
• Taxi: Safe but pricier (HK$250–300 to Kowloon, HK$350+ to Hong Kong Island).

7. Getting Around the City
• MTR (Metro): Clean, efficient — connects all major districts.
• Buses / Trams: Great for sightseeing; use Octopus card for convenience.
• Star Ferry: Short scenic ride between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
• Taxis / Uber: Readily available, but prepare cash for taxis.

8. Key MTR Transfer Stations
• Central Tsim Sha Tsui: Via Star Ferry or MTR Red Line.
• Admiralty: Connects Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, and South Island Line.
• Mong Kok: Busy but ideal for shopping transfers.

ACCOMMODATION STRATEGY
9. Best Areas to Stay
• Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon): Central for shopping and skyline views.
• Mong Kok / Jordan: Budget-friendly, near markets.
• Central / Sheung Wan: Upscale, modern, easy access to ferries.
• Causeway Bay: For fashion, malls, and food.

10. Accommodation Tips
• Choose hotels near MTR stations for convenience.
• Expect small room sizes — space is limited in Hong Kong.
• Luggage storage available at most hotels and MTR stations.

TRAVEL TIPS
11. Money & Expenses
• Daily budget: ₱3,000–₱5,000 (HK$400–700) for food, transport, and attractions.
• Avoid exchanging all money at the airport — city changers offer better rates.
• ATMs (HSBC, Standard Chartered) accept Philippine debit cards.

12. Duration & Pacing
• 3–4 days: Ideal for city + Disneyland or Ocean Park combo.
• Don’t cram — Hong Kong is best enjoyed slowly with food breaks!

13. Food & Dining
• Try:
o Dim Sum (Tim Ho Wan, One Dim Sum)
o Egg Tarts, Milk Tea, Pineapple Bun
o Street Food: Curry fish balls, egg waffles, siomai stalls
• Bring your own water bottle — refilling stations available.

14. Shopping Highlights
• Mong Kok: Sneakers & gadgets.
• Tsim Sha Tsui: Branded shops & malls.
• Temple Street Night Market: Souvenirs & budget items.
• Citygate Outlets (Tung Chung): Discounted brands near the airport.

15. Cultural Etiquette
• Keep to the right side on escalators.
• No eating/drinking inside MTR trains.
• Locals appreciate patience — HK is fast-paced but orderly.
• Respect queue lines; avoid loud talking in public.

USEFUL APPS
• Google Maps: Best for navigation.
• MTR Mobile: Train route planner.
• Klook / Agoda: Discounted tickets for Disneyland, Ocean Park, Peak Tram.
• Octopus App: Check balance via NFC-enabled phone.
• WhatsApp: Widely used for local communication.

HEALTH & SAFETY
16. General Safety
• Hong Kong is very safe, even at night.
• Keep valuables close in crowded areas (Mong Kok, Ladies’ Market).
• Emergency numbers: 999 (Police/Ambulance/Fire).

17. Health
• Bring common medicines (with English labels).
• Pharmacies: Mannings, Watsons.
• Hospitals and clinics are clean but expensive — travel insurance helps.

EXITING HONG KONG
18. Airport Procedures
• Arrive 3 hours before your flight.
• Octopus Refund: Claim balance refund at the MTR Airport Express counter.
• Duty-Free shopping available after security (chocolates, skincare, gadgets).

19. Not Allowed / Reminders
• Power banks in check-in baggage (carry-on only).
• Liquids over 100ml in hand-carry.
• No meat or fruit export to the Philippines (strict quarantine).

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11/10/2025

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09/10/2025

Planning a trip to Japan?

Score discounts on the Shinkansen — up to ₱1,000 OFF + extra 5% OFF! 🚄 Only on Day 1 of the Klook Travel Fest at SM Mall of Asia Atrium (Oct 10–13, 2025)

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06/10/2025

Flowers bloom at Higashimokotoshibazakura Park

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Location:
393 Higashimokotosuehiro, 大空町 Ozora, Abashiri District, Hokkaido 099-3232, Japan
https://maps.google.com/?cid=17547680965444575681

02/10/2025

10 Things to Know before Traveling from the Philippines to India

1. Entry / Arrival Point (Airports & Routes)
• Common entry airports: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL – New Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM – Mumbai), Kempegowda International Airport (BLR – Bangalore), and Chennai (MAA).
• Most flights from Manila require at least one stop (common connections: Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Dubai).

2. Visa Requirements
• Filipino citizens must apply for an Indian visa before travel.
• India offers an e-Visa for tourism, business, or medical purposes, applied online before departure.
• Tourist e-Visas can be valid for 30 days (double entry), 1 year, or 5 years depending on type.
• Make sure your passport is valid at least 6 months from entry date, with blank pages.

3. Currency & Exchange
• Local currency: Indian Rupee (INR / ₹).
• Bring some INR cash for local purchases, as many smaller shops don’t accept cards.
• Use official money changers or ATMs; avoid unauthorized street changers.
• Cards and e-wallets (like Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe) are common in cities.

4. Health / Vaccination / Insurance
• No mandatory vaccines, but recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine shots.
• Travel insurance is strongly advised due to possible medical costs and trip delays.
• Carry prescription medicines, plus water purification tablets if traveling to rural areas.

5. Local Transportation & Connectivity
• Cities have metro systems (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) and app-based taxis (Uber, Ola).
• For intercity travel: trains (Indian Railways), domestic flights, or buses.
• Get a local SIM card (Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea) for data and calls.

6. Language & Communication
• Hindi is widely spoken, but English is common in major cities, airports, and hotels.
• Regional languages vary (Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, etc.).
• Basic greetings like “Namaste” are appreciated.

7. Cultural Norms & Etiquette
• Dress modestly, especially in temples or rural areas (cover shoulders and legs).
• Remove shoes before entering temples or someone’s home.
• Use the right hand for giving/receiving items; avoid touching people’s heads.

8. Food & Water Safety
• Stick to bottled or filtered water; avoid tap water and raw salads from street stalls.
• Indian cuisine can be spicy — ease in slowly if not used to strong flavors.
• Street food is part of the culture, but choose busy, clean-looking stalls.

9. Climate & Time Zone
• India has varied climates: hot summers, monsoon rains, cold winters in the north.
• Check the specific region’s weather before packing.
• Time zone: IST (UTC+5:30), 2.5 hours behind the Philippines.

10. Emergency Contacts & Embassy
• Save local emergency number: 112 (general), 100 (police), 102 (ambulance).
• Philippine Embassy is in New Delhi — keep contact details handy.
• Register your travel if possible, for extra safety.

24/09/2025

Balabac Islands 🏝

Share your Balabac experience below. 👌

24/09/2025

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26/06/2025