Philippines

14.01.2024 – 28.01.2024

Essentials

Registration before arriving in Singapore
All are required to register within 72 hours before arrival
https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/
or iPhone app:
https://www.ica.gov.sg/redirect-links/app-links/myica-app-store

Anusiak Family – starting Thursday 11.01
The rest – starting Saturday 13.01

Registration before arriving to Philippines
All are required to register for eTravel within 72 hours prior to arrival or departure in the Philippines
https://etravel.gov.ph

Anusiak Family – starting Sunday after 12:00 (local time)
The rest – Starting Monday

Currency:
1 Singapore Dollar ≈ 3 PLN
10 Philippine Peso ≈ 0,71 PLN

Weather
Don’t pay too much attention to long-term weather 😉 When checking the temperature look at the RealFeel® value

• Singapore
• Cebu
• El Nido

What to pack:

• Insect repellent
• Driving license (we may rent a scooter or cars)
• Snorkeling gear
• Rain coat / jacket

Recommended Internet eSIM
Singapore
Philippines

Electric Plugs:
Singapore: Type H – (as UK)
Philippines: Type A&B (as US), sometimes C (as EU)

Plan

(click on the dates to go directly to the desired section)

14.01.2024
Flight to Singapore

15 – 17.01.2024
Singapore

Hotel – Marina Bay Sands – 2 nights

https://www.booking.com/hotel/sg/marina-bay-sands.en-gb.html

Singapore – things to do and see

Transport
The best way to get around Singapore is by Grab (local Uber), which is very affordable and allows you to
see the city while traveling. MRT is a very good option too, but as it is underground, one can’t see much.
Good to download the app already at the airport and start using Grab to get from the airport to the hotel.

Places to see
– Visit the Marina Bay with Marina Bay Sands (MBS) complex – the architecture is amazing. Have a drink in
one of the sky bars at the MBS – Celavi Lounge has the best view; Spago Lounge is the classier one (for
more details see below). Don’t go on the observation deck at MBS – crowded and not worth paying for it.
Watch the Light and Water show in front of MBS (every night at 8pm and 9pm),
– Gardens by the Bay (located behind MBS) – worth visiting the two glasshouses: Cloud Forest and Flower
Dome as well as OCBC Skyway (closed on 17 January) – to see the supertrees from above. Worth buying
tickets ahead online to avoid queues. Watch light show happening twice nightly at 7.45pm and 8.45pm
(free admission).
– Singapore Botanic Gardens – with an impressive orchid garden (displaying of all the hybrid orchids named
after heads of state/government who visited Singapore) – worth paying a visit if you have more time.
Located about 20min ride from MBS by cab – west of Orchard Road.
– Boat trip around Marina Bay: take a Duck Tour leaving from Suntec City or boat trip leaving from Boat
Quay. Both tours will take you on a ride through the Bay where you can take great pics of the Marina Bay
Sands.
– Little India and China town – visit these two neighborhoods. If you want to try local food in “Hawker
Centre” visit the most famous one: Lao Pa Sat either for lunch or for dinner.
– Muslim Neighbourhood – visit Arab Street and Haji Lane (a colourful street with small cafes and bars and
small shops). Before heading to Arab Street, visit Parkview Square (name may have changed), aka the
“Batman building”, the iconic art deco skyscraper. Pay a visit to Atlas Bar – in my view the most impressive
bar in Singapore. They accept walk-ins if you come at about 5-6pm, but have a rather strict dress code.
– Orchard Road – the main shopping street of Singapore. It’s pretty impressive with some nice architecture
and the futuristic Ion Orchard shopping mall. Walk from Orchard MRT to Somerset MRT station to get a
feel.

Places to go out (drinks/dinner)
– Celavi Lounge – if it’s your first time in Singapore, you cannot miss a visit to Celavi Lounge located on top
of Tower 3 of MBS Hotel. Celavi offers spectacular views of the Marina Bay and overlooks directly the
rooftop swimming pool. Best time to go is for the sunset or later in the evening (DJs sets every evening).
On Monday/ Tuesday the place is not too busy, but as of Wednesday booking is recommended. There is also
Celavi Skybar and Restaurant on the other side, but it overlooks a very touristy observation deck, so in my
view less nice;
– Spago Lounge – for drinks/apero (also located in MBS hotel like Celavi, but at Tower 2);
– Atlas Bar – amazing interiors-definitly worth paying a visit, but booking or early arrival needed;
– Smoke and Mirrors – for drinks in the National Gallery;
– Southbridge – rooftop bar with great views;
– Level 33 – for drinks/food- cool rooftop bar/restaurant with highest brewery in Asia;
– Mr Stork – rooftop bar at the Andaz Hotel (next to Atlas Bar);
– The Lantern – Fullerton Bay Hotel-rooftop bar – the best location to shoot pics with MBS in the
background (and a very impressive hotel – probably my favourite in Singapore);
– Dragon Chamber – Chinese restaurant, which looks like nothing special outside – empty, but is really cool
inside.

Nightlife
– Jungle Ballroom (in Mnndrian Hotel – Duxton Hill/China Town) – new hot spot opened several months
ago.
– Set of Six – nice lounge bar with dancing later in the evening (as of Wednesday).
– Marquee – huge nightclub (spin off pf a famous Marquee in Las Vegas), worth going only for good DJs.
– HighHouse is a new venue (opened just before X-Mas) which happens to be the tallest nightlife and
culinary destination in Singapore. Located atop One Raffles Place, it features two levels at 282 metres,
with unmatched 360-degree views of Marina Bay and beyond (opposite of the MBS). With a focus on up-
and-coming global DJs, immersive art experiences, cocktails.

Nature
– Biking along the East Coast
– Mac Richie Reservoir
– Bukit Timah nature reserve for a hike. Bring lots of water as the heat and humidity is brutal. But its worth
it if you’re into hiking. You may spot monkeys and a python if you are lucky. Don’t wander off the
designated paths though.

Sentosa artificial island
– Siloso Point with a Fort (possible to get there by cable car from Mont Faber (located on the main land)
– Tanjong Beach Club (TBC) – nice place to spend half a day if the weather is nice
– Panamericana – nice restaurant located at the golfclub; great place for weekend brunch.
– W Hotel – brunch on Sunday, which gives you access to the hotel swimming pool for the afternoon
– Rumours Beach Club – alternative to TBC

Museums
– Art and Science Museum – located next to MBS complex with futuristic design with an interesting
audiovisual art exhibition.
– National Museum of Singapore – worth a visit to understand the history of Singapore
– Asian Civilisation Museum
– Panarakan Museum in Armenian Street – small museum explaining the traditional culture/art.

17.01.2024
Flight to Cebu – Philippines

17 – 22.01.2024
Cebu – Philippines

Hotel – Shangri-La Mactan – 5 nights

https://www.booking.com/hotel/ph/shangri-la-s-mactan-resort-spa.en-gb.html

https://www.shangri-la.com/en/cebu/mactanresort/

Cebu Waterfall excursion

I’m planning a day excursion to the Waterfalls Mantayupan Falls combined with some additional activities
We will hire probably two vans (or hire cars if someone wishes to drive ;))

Cebu – extra activities – points of interest

Apart from the waterfalls, there are several places to visit, apart from the south, everything should be easily accessible

Our hotel on google maps

Cebu City

1. Fort San Pedro: The oldest fort in the Philippines, giving you a glimpse of the country’s Spanish colonial history.

2. Magellan’s Cross: A significant historical landmark situated a short walk away from Fort San Pedro.

3. Basilica del Santo Niño: Home to the oldest religious relic in the Philippines, this basilica is located next to Magellan’s Cross.

4. Colon Street: The oldest street in the country, where you can indulge in some shopping.

5. Taoist Temple: A colorful temple offering stunning views over Cebu City.

Mactan Island

1. Snorkeling and Island Hopping: Mactan Island is famous for its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling spots, with the option to visit neighboring islands like Hilutungan Island and Nalusuan Island.

2. Mactan Shrine: A monument commemorating the Battle of Mactan between Lapu-Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan.

Northern Cebu:

1. Bantayan Island: Known for its pristine beaches and laid-back vibe, it’s a perfect place to unwind and relax. Don’t forget to try their famous delicacy – dried danggit fish.

2. Daanbantayan: A place perfect for diving and exploring marine sanctuaries, offering a great conclusion to your journey in Northern Cebu.

Southern Cebu (very long drive)

1. Oslob Whale Sharks: A location where you can have a unique experience of swimming with whale sharks, following responsible tourism practices.

2. Tumalog Falls: A refreshing spot located near Oslob, perfect for a cooling dip after your adventure with the whale sharks.

3. Simala Shrine: An impressive castle-like church you can stop by on your way back to Cebu City from Oslob.

https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/what-to-experience/cebu-tourist-spots-1

22.01.2024
Flight to Palawan – Philippines

22 – 23.01.2024
Puerto Princesa – Palawan

Hotel – Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa – 1 night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/ph/hue-hotels-amp-resorts-puerto-princesa-managed-by-hii.en-gb.html

23.01.2024
From Puerto Princesa to El Nido

We will be traveling by Vans, from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. On the Way we will visit one of the wonders of the world – Puerto Princesa Underground River

PICK-UP TIME: 23 JANUARY 2024 – 07:00

The trip will take ALL DAY

Puerto Princesa Underground River

The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. It was also voted as a New7Wonders of Nature in 2012.

The property covers an area of approximately 22,202 ha with the Underground River stretching to 8.2km long. The massive limestone karst rock structure shielding the river is the Saint Paul Mountain Range.  Sabang Beach is the takeoff point for tourists to the Subterranean River National Park.

https://guidetothephilippines.ph/destinations-and-attractions/underground-river

23 – 24.01.2024
El Nido – Palawan

Hotel – SANSE Boutique Hotel – 1 Night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/ph/sanse-boutique-el-nido-palawan.en-gb.html

24.01.2024
El Nido: Island Hopping Tour A

PICK-UP TIME: 24 JANUARY 2024 – 08:00

One of the most famous destinations in the Philippines are the famed El Nido Islands. This beach paradise is so famous that no trip to the Philippines would be complete without a visit! This trip will take you straight to its most beautiful lagoons full of picture perfect wonder visiting Shimizu Island, Papaya Beach. Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon

https://www.getyourguide.com/el-nido-l974/el-nido-island-hopping-tour-a-lagoons-and-beaches-t217227/

24 – 27.01.2024
Cauayan Island – Palawan

Boat Transfer to hotel. Meeting 16:30-17:00

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9xWSS8bfNGBPLdxKA

Hotel – Cauayan Island Resort and Spa – 3 nights

https://cauayanresort.com/

https://www.booking.com/hotel/ph/cauayan-island-resort.en-gb.html

Hotel offers:

27.01.2024
Flight to Manila – Philippines

27 – 28.01.2024
Manila – Philippines

Hotel – Makati Shangri-La – 1 night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/ph/makati-shangri-la-manila.en-gb.html

As for the below recommendation, we will be staging in Makati:

Many travellers who have been to the Philippines before would agree with me that Makati is probably the nicest, cleanest and safest area to stay when travelling to Manila.

Makati is actually one of the sixteen cities that make up Metro Manila and represents the country’s financial and business hub with all the skyscrapers and big shopping malls.

The City of Makati is possibly the best area in Manila for first-time visitors, making shops, nightlife and sights really accessible while offering a wide range of accommodation options from budget to fancy.

Staying in this area will minimise the culture shock you may have when travelling to the otherwise a little crazy and much poorer parts of Manila.

28.01.2024
Flight to Singapore and Warsaw