Incredible $20 Flight from Manila to Cebu in The Philippines 🇵🇭

Summary

In this travel vlog, the host shares their journey from Manila to Cebu, documenting their experience from the airport to hotel check-ins and meeting locals. They explore the excitement of flying with AirAsia, trying Filipino desserts like Halo-Halo, and navigating the complexities of finding accommodation without a booking. Along the way, they meet friendly locals, discuss the Philippines' rich travel offerings, and look forward to scuba diving with sharks in Malapascua. The video captures both the challenges and joys of traveling in the Philippines, highlighting the beauty of spontaneous exploration and local encounters.

Takeaways

• ✈️ The video documents a trip from Manila to Cebu City on AirAsia, starting at the airport and boarding Gate 16 (later changed to Gate 11).
• 🏨 The travelers arrive without a hotel reservation and plan to find and book a hotel upon landing.
• 📖 They receive a Philippines 'travel passport' from the Department of Tourism listing tourist spots and local activities (stamps earned at each location).
• 🍧 A flight attendant prepares a Filipino dessert/drink (halo-halo) on board; the traveler enjoys watching it made and tries it.
• 🔄 Flight and boarding details change during the trip (temporary gate announced, final gate later) — typical airport updates.
• 🚕 There is negotiation and comparison between private car (fixed price) and meter taxis; meter taxis are preferred for lower cost.
• 🤝 The traveler meets friendly local drivers (notably 'Dave'), learns about his life and car rental situation, and pays a taxi fare.
• 📱 The traveler uses mobile data to check hotel rates, discovers the online rate is cheaper, and completes a last-minute booking.
• 🔑 The hotel staff upgrades the room from Superior to Deluxe and provides a quick room tour (ocean view, pool, gym, garden).
• 🌴 The hotel interior feels like a peaceful tropical garden despite busy city streets outside.
• 🤿 The main reason for visiting Cebu is to go to Malapascua Island the next day to scuba dive with sharks — the trip’s primary activity.
• 😴 The traveler is exhausted after long travel (only 2 hours sleep in previous 48 hours) and plans to rest before the diving day.

Q & A

Why didn't the traveler have a hotel booking when arriving in Cebu?

The traveler did not have a hotel booking because they had not planned ahead, mentioning that they would find a hotel once they arrived in Cebu.

What is the 'Philippines Travel Passport' given to the traveler?

The 'Philippines Travel Passport' is a travel guide provided by the Department of Tourism, listing tourist attractions in different locations across the Philippines. Travelers can collect stamps by visiting the places listed in the passport.

What are some of the activities recommended in the 'Philippines Travel Passport' for Cebu?

The activities recommended for Cebu include diving, snorkeling, trying lechon (roast pig), and exploring canyoning.

What Filipino dessert did the traveler try on the airplane, and why was it special?

The traveler tried 'halo-halo', a popular Filipino dessert, on the airplane. The traveler was impressed because they had never seen it served on a flight before.

What were some of the challenges the traveler faced when trying to get a taxi in Cebu?

The traveler faced confusion when deciding between a private car and a meter taxi. A private car was more expensive, but the traveler preferred meter taxis because they are cheaper.

How much did the traveler pay for the taxi ride, and what did they think about the price?

The traveler paid 223 pesos for the taxi ride, which they found much cheaper than the 700 pesos initially quoted for a private car. They were surprised by the price difference and how it reflected the car rental and fuel costs for the driver.

What was the name of the hotel the traveler checked into, and what happened when they tried to book a room?

The hotel was named 'Rison'. The traveler initially did not have a reservation, but after checking availability, they were able to book a room for the night at a price of 7,327 pesos with breakfast included.

What upgrade did the traveler receive at the hotel, and how did they feel about it?

The traveler received a room upgrade from a superior room to a deluxe room, which they appreciated and expressed excitement about.

What did the traveler think about the hotel's location and amenities?

The traveler was pleased with the hotel's peaceful atmosphere, especially its garden and swimming pool, despite the busy streets of Cebu City outside. They also mentioned the presence of a gym and other hotel facilities.

What is the main activity the traveler is looking forward to in Cebu after their hotel stay?

The main activity the traveler is excited about is scuba diving with sharks at Malapascua Island, which is the primary reason for their visit to Cebu.