Tokyo is one of the world’s most glamorous cities. With incredible shopping and must-see sights, and incredible food. Feast on Tokyo’s finest (and make your dinner reservations) with KKday’s round-up of the best restaurants in the city.
Tucked away in a back alley, Akasaka Hanamura may be small and unassuming, but its built a loyal patronage after almost a century in business. Enjoy a delicious tempura meal cooked right before you, with fresh vegetables dipped in tentsuyu sauce.
Specialty: Seasonal Tempura Course
Akasaka Hanamura: Seasonal Tempura Course
Reserve nowwith KKday! Open on: Mondays to Sundays at 5:00pm to 10:00pm Closed on: Tuesdays. Address: 6-6-5, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Amidst the bustle of the Roppongi district, Hyoki Kasuitsei’s minimalist interior and incredible customer service allow you to dial back a bit. Let their famous Steamed Hot Pot course transport you all the way back to Ancient Japan.
Specialty: Steamed Hot Pot Course
Hyoki Kasutei: Steamed Hot Pot
Reserve now with KKday!
Open on: Mondays to Saturdays at 6:00-11:00pm. Closed on: Sundays and Public Holidays Address: Mercury Roppongi 1, 2F, 6-7-7, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Sushi is one Japanese dish that’s become so popular, you can grab a bite at the closest convenience store. But for the owners of Hyakumangoku, there’s just no rushing craftsmanship.
Tokyo Restaurants: Hyakumangoku
For over 45 years, they’ve been perfecting their Edo-style Sushi with only the freshest seasonal ingredients picked from the Tsukiji Market. The patience and attention to detail is evident in their whole menu, as even their simple herbal miso soup is marinated for three weeks before it’s served to you.
Specialty: Sushi
Hyakumangoku: Sushi
Reserve now with KKday! Open on: Mondays to Fridays at 4:00pm-10:00pm, Saturdays at 4:00pm-9:00pm. Closed on: Sundays and Public Holidays Address: Ebato Building 1F, 2-11-5, Higashiueno, Taitou-ku, Tokyo
At this Michelin Star restaurant, freshness it top priority. So much so, that it’s only upon placing your order that the chef cuts, skewers, grills, or steams your eel. As you wait for your meal, the staff serves you a fine selection of appetizers, freshly cut liver, wasabi, and eel bone chips.
Specialty: Unagi Eel Dishes
Unagi Uomasa: Unagi Eel Dishes
Reserve Nowwith KKday Open on: Mondays to Sundays at 11:30am to 2:00pm and 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Closed on: Tuesdays and 3rd the Wednesday of the month. Address: 4-14-4, Higashiyotsugi, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo
After dining at Tokyo’s Wagyu Imari Restaurant, no steak will ever truly compare. Enjoy their special Hapinesumura beef, which is handpicked daily and noted for its signature melt-in-your-mouth flavour.
Specialty: Wagyu Beef Course
Wagyu Imari: Wagyu Set Course
Reserve now with KKday!
Open on: Mondays to Fridays at 5:00pm-11:00pm, Weekends and Public Holidays at 11:30am-10:00pm Location: Uniden Ginza building 7F, 2-8-12, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Operating since 1830, the restaurant chain—which has opened branches all over the country—has built a legacy for excellent food and service. After a trip to the Imperial Palace, feast like royalty at Kioi Nadaman as you enjoy authentic kaiseki cuisine as overlook the stunning Imperial Gardens.
Specialty: Kaiseki Cuisine
Kioi Nadaman: Kaiseki Cuisine
Reserve now with KKday!
Open on: Weekdays at 11:30am-2:30pm and 5:00pm-10:00pm, Weekends at 11:30am-10:00pm Address: Hotel New Otani garden tower 6F, 4-1, Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
When the Portuguese first arrived in Taiwan, they exclaimed ‘Ilha Formosa!’ The expression translates to, ‘The Beautiful Island.’ And while Taiwan has long outgrown the name, much of the island continues to inspire that same kind of awe and wonder.
On site, in particular, amazes even the Taiwanese. A 3-hour train ride south of Taipei is Taroko Gorge, Taiwan’s grandest natural attraction. ‘Taroko,’ which means ‘magnificent and beautiful’ in the language of the native Truku tribe, is a fitting description. Taroko Gorge is an impressive geological mass of cliffs, canyons, and ravines, with mountain peaks rising 10,000 feet above the sea.
Taroko Gorge
The Taroko National Park covers over 120,000 hectares with multiple roads and pathways for visitors to explore either by bus or by foot. This 1-day guided tour will take you to all the major attractions without exhausting you.
Most tourists skip over Quingshi Cliff to head straight to the main gorge; you’ll instantly see why you shouldn’t do the same. Your bus will park by the north of the Chongde Tunnel, close to an observation deck where you’ll see a 21-km cliff stretch jutting out of Mt. Quingshi to overlook the sea. Within a single photo frame, capture the earth sky, and sea as Mt. Quingshi rises from the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean before disappearing into the clouds.
Swallow Grotto
On the trail to Swallow Grotto, the first thing you’ll hear isn’t the birds—it’s the river. Over the years, Liwu River’s erosive current has carved out deep valleys and ravines across the park before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. As a result, a number of potholes formed into the marble cliffs, and swallow birds began nesting.
Taroko National Park: Swallow Grotto
There are two suspension bridges nearby (only one is crossable) for you to walk. Get an up-close view of Taroko’s most dramatic land formations; Some bends are only a meter wide, giving you sheer cliff to the left, and a 400-meter drop to the right. If you want a different experience, try your hand at river tracing: an outdoor activity where travelers wade, climb, and trek through the river.
Eternal Spring Shrine
Taroko National Park: Eternal Spring Shrine
Your next stop will be to the Eternal Spring Shrine, a sobering historical monument amidst all the natural beauty. Often mistaken for a temple, the shrine is a memorial built in honor of 212 construction workers who died during highway construction. A natural spring of water cascades from below the shrine, draining into the Liwu River.
Shakadang Trail
After a series of overwhelming sights and climbs, take a leisurely walk along the scenic, beginner-friendly Shakadang Trail. But while the trial is just a steady climb, be sure to watch your head. The mountain sides just out at odd angles, like a massive tower of jenga. You’ll pass ‘Beware: Falling Rocks’ signs every few meters.
Taroko National Park: Shakadang Trail
Unlike the wild and rapid Liwu River, the Shakadang Stream is much calmer and gentler. Its brilliant, turquoise waters snake around marble boulders and lush vegetation.
Taroko National Park: Shakadang Trail
Unique to this trail is that it passes through a Truku tribal village And while visitors are prohibited from going to grounds, there is a small stall that sells indigenous crafts and delicacies.
If you want to see more of Taroko National Park, check out our other similar tours:
Christmas is a great time to spend in somewhere new, but we can’t always travel far. But just here in Asia, there’s a lot of holiday cheer to go around. KKday rounds up 4 Christmas Festivals and Traditions worth checking out this year!
As soon as winter rolls in, Hong Kong becomes a glamorously festive. Hong Kong is in a holiday for a whole month long, which means one thing: Christmas shopping! Be on the lookout for all the great deals (READ: 9 Shopping Spots in Hong Kong). After a long day of shopping for everyone, unwind by taking a stroll through the iconic Statue Square Christmas Tree, or take your significant other to see the Hong Kong Pulse Light Show.
Japan is always a great country to visit if you’ve got your family in tow, with its cultural sites, shopping districts, and kid attractions. And at Tokyo Disnyeland and DisneySea, they pull all the stops to bring you a Christmas that kids and kids at heart will never forget. Visit the happiest place on earth and see the famous Christmas parade, see your favorite characters dress up for the holiday stage shows, and take ride on your favorite attractions that have put on their own festive hats. Cap the day with some seasonal delights at the park stores and restaurants, and watch the holiday fireworks show with the whole family.
Christmas in Asia: Lighting Festival at the Garden of Morning Calm (Flickr/Travel Oriented)
The Garden of Morning Calm is a beautiful place to visit year-round, but becomes especially festive once the Christmas season kicks in. Catch Korea’s biggest and most extravagant light festival and see 30,000 colorful lights adorn the trees, the paths, and gardens. In the middle of the blistering winter cold, the lighting festival is sure to warm you up and have ready for the holidays.
Dates: Annually, from early December to late March
The Philippines will proudly claim to have the longest Christmas season in the world. As early as September 1, you’ll hear Christmas songs on the radio and malls start hanging up festive decorations. One uniquely Filipino Christmas tradition is what they call ‘Simbang Gabi’ (‘Night Mass’), a nine-day series of Masses held at 4:30 in the morning, leading up to Christmas. Many believe that if you complete the novena, you’ll be granted a single wish. Whether or not you’re Catholic, be sure to check out the beautiful Churches this time of year.
Dates: December 16 to December 24, 2017
See some of the country’s most beautiful churches and more when you book a Bohol Tour with KKday!
To efficiently forest off the large cedar trees of Taiwan, the Japanese built an impressive narrow-gauge train. And while logging has since ended, the Alishan Railway continues to be the best way to enjoy this scenic mountain resort.
Less than an hour away from Taipei, the Alishan National Scenic Area continues to leave visitors in awe with its dated charms and mystic atmosphere.
Getting There: Taking Taiwan’s HSR
Beyond Taipei: Using Taiwan’s High Speed Rail System
Taiwan’s High Speed Railway is an enviable train system that takes you to the island’s most scenic countrysides. At a speed of over 180 kilometers per hour, the HSR can take you from Taipei to Taichung in less than an hour.
Skip the lines and book your HSR tickets ahead of time. Only one-way tickets are sold, but you can purchase all of them at an exclusive discounted rate with KKday.
You’ll receive an email voucher after booking, which you can print out.
At the Taipei Main Station, head to the HSR Counter and present your voucher and passport. Select your desired departure time and seat, then get your ticket. NOTE: Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your desired departure time.
Present your ticket to the staff, and board your train. Travel time is less roughly 45 minutes long.
Once your day trip is over, your guide will escort you back to either your hotel in Taichung City, or the Taiching HSR Station. Similar to before, simply present your KKday HSR voucher from Taichung to Taipei along with you passport and claim your ticket.
The Taiwanese have been perfecting tea drinks for centuries. The High Mountain Ooolong Tea grown by Alishan benefits from the high altitudes and humidity, which makes for slow and careful production.
Alishan, Taiwan: High Mountain Tea Experience (image by Lady Ninevetch)
The result is a bold and aromatic brew, rich in antioxidants and all sorts of health benefits. Enjoy a cup (or a pot) as you learn about Taiwan’s rich tea culture, before feasting on a delicious Aboriginal lunch.
Forest Recreational Area
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for your jacket or umbrella after lunch; Alishan enjoys a cool yet erratic climate, shrouding its forest in mist. Choose from a number of hiking trails that will take you deep into the mountainous forest.
Alishan, Taiwan: Alishan Forest Recreational Site ((image by Lady Ninevetch)
Dense with fog and Taiwanese red cypresses over 2,000 years old, take your time enjoying the mystical atmosphere. Follow the unused railway tracks and cross an old wooden bridge to see the 2,700-year old Giant Tree. Or sit and contemplate over the still emerald waters of the Sisters Ponds. Whichever path you take will lead you straight into a fairytale.
Alishan Forest Railway
With Taiwan’s TRA and HSR systems, the Alishan Forest Railway now runs mostly on nostalgia. For most visitors, riding the train in the highlight of the trip, and leaves a lasting memory.
Alishan, Taiwan: The Alishan Forest Railway ((image by Lady Ninevetch)
For a truly breathtaking site, plan you trip during the autumn when the fall foliage is warm and welcoming, or spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Alishan, Taiwan: The Alishan Forest Railway (Shutterstock)
See the villages, waterfalls, and tea plantations in the warm glow of the sunset—a fitting way to end your trip.
Out of all the holidays in the year, New Year’s Eve is the loudest and most celebrated of all. Spanning countries and cultures, each city has its own way of ushering in the new year. Here are our top picks for the best cities to celebrate.
Sydney, Australia
New Year’s Eve: Sydney, Australia
As one of the first cities in the world to enter the new year, Sydney constantly sets the bar high for celebrations across the world. As the whole city gears up to celebrate, you’ll find indigenous smoking ceremonies, mini-light shows, and boat parades. Cruise along Sydney Harbour, and see the city come to life with a brilliant light show before Sydney sets its sky ablaze with an incredible fireworks display.
Book theNew Year’s Eve 2018 Fireworks Cruise with KKday over here.
At the City of Lights, thousands gather to witness the Eiffel Tower explore into light as fireworks burst from the Parisian symbol to usher in the new year. The night is full of music and dancing, as Parisians and travelers celebrate all over the city with Champagne bottles in hand. But if you’re looking for a quieter place to share that New Year’s kiss, take a romantic boat ride and cruise along the Seine, where you’ll see the fireworks reflect magnificently on the river.
Milk the New Year’s celebration down to the last second when you head to London. Three hours before midnight, the city comes alive as residents and some 10,000 performers sing along to “Auld Lang Syne,” before gathering at the banks of the River Thames. There, you’ll witness a spectacular light show as Big Ben chimes in the New Year. Of course, for a truly unique view, take a ride on the famous London Eye. When you wake up the next morning, head out into the streets to witness the London’s New Year’s Day Parade.
For health and happiness, feast on a piping bowl of buckwheat noodles and listen to the temple bells ringing. Known as Joya No Kane, the Japanese-Buddhist tradition of ringing temple bells 108 times is said to banish evil passions and desires so we can begin the new year cleansed and renewed. Visit a temple to ring a bell and make a wish. And if you can, linger on until January 2 and visit the Imperial Palace—only one of the two days a year the Emperor opens the grounds to the public.
For the best New Year’s Party, head to Rio. On December 31, its famous Copacabana Beach is filled with loud music, colorful costumes, live performances and attractions, and wild events that make for the world’s biggest beach party. For good fortune, come dressed in white and toss flowers into ocean as an offering to Yemanja, the Goddess of the Sea. Afterwards, drink and dance the night away, but pause to see the small fleet of boats set off incredible fireworks over the ocean.
Last, but definitely not the least: New York City. The city that never sleeps is an exciting place year-round with over 80 attractions to see, but it pulls all the stops on December 31 with its blazing neon lights, fireworks, and of course: the crystal ball drop. For over 100 years, millions have elbowed their way past the crowds of Broadway and Seventh Avenue to see the Waterford crystal LED ball drop to usher in the new year. Don’t settle for the live stream this year, and experience one of America’s favorite traditions yourself.
The Philippines is full of postcard-ready wonders, from its incredible beaches, old cities, and dazzling mountains. Best of all, it’s really nearby. Check out our pick for the most picture-perfect places in the archipelago.
El Nido, Palawan
Picture Perfect Philippines: El Nido, Palawan
Palawan’s been listed as one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Check out our Ultimate Guide to El Nido to learn more about what to do, or check out our island hopping tours over here.
Coron, Palawan
Picture Perfect Philippines: Coron, Palawan
Very close to El Nido is another cluster of stunning islands. Coron boasts of incredible tropical waters and marine life. Be sure to book a scuba diving experience while you’re there!
Trek to the highest peak in the Luzon area, where you’ll find yourself looking down on the clouds.
Old Manila City
Picture Perfect Philippines: Manila Cathedral, Manila City
As a former Spanish colony, many of the old cities in the Philippines have a bear the beautifully distinct colonial architecture. Check out some of the old buildings and churches in Manila City.
Not satisfied with regular Manila? Go deeper into Intramuros, the ‘Walled City,’ a district within Manila with Spanish-era museums, Churches, and military forts.
Calle Crisologo, Vigan City
Picture Perfect Philippines: Calle Crisologo, Vigan City (Joelaldor)
Head to Vigan and feel yourself go back in time as you explore these Spanish colonial neighborhoods.
Taal Volcano
Picture Perfect Philippines: Taal Volcano (therealbrute)
Taal Volcano is a geological marvel worth visiting at least once in your life. See this volcano that both contains a lake, and is contained in a lake.
Chocholate Hills, Bohol
Picture Perfect Philippines: Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Unfortunately, these hills aren’t edible. But the sight of them is still mouth-watering. Book a tour and see them up close with KKday, over here.
When it comes to the Northern Lights, photos just don’t do them justice.
Also known as the Aurora Borealis, this celestial spectacle constantly makes its way onto every traveler’s Bucket List. This natural phenomenon occurs when gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere collide with charged particles from the sun. The result? Grand aural displays of rippling curtains, shooting rays, and scattered clouds in all sorts of brilliant colors.
Why you should see them now
Scientists and explorers have been enchanted by the northern lights for centuries. Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t disappearing. But scientists have discovered that auroral activity comes in cycles, peaking roughly every 11 years. And with every passing year until 2025, we’ll be seeing less lights and more dark, empty skies.
As the name implies, the Northern Lights are best seen close to the north pole in the Arctic Circle. And the best season to catch them is between the months of September and March, where the skies are dark and cloudless. Of course, the light show can vary from day to day, even within this season so it’s best to check out the auroral forecast.
If you’re ready to tick this experience off your lifetime bucket list, here are the best places to see the lights.
The main draw of Alaska is its accessibility, especially if you’re coming from America. But compared to the other places on our list, Fairbanks suffers from more light pollution—not ideal for catching the lights.
Fortunately, clearer skies are just a short drive away. Book a hotel or Airbnb in Fairbanks, and drive out to the Chena Hot Springs, a world renowned resort that’s also great viewing spot for the northern lights.
If you’re worried about the frigid cold, then head to Iceland. Yes, it sounds oxymoronic, but the warm waters of the Gulf Stream make for pleasantly mild climate.
If you’re looking for a festival experience, then head to Tromsø, Norway: Aurora Borealis, Norway. Thanks to the tourist boom of the Aurora Borealis, this small city has developed a lively nightlife and is a friendly place for tourists.
Just outside the city are the majestic arctic fjords, which make for a truly great Aurora Lights experience. Enjoy a traditional Norwegian dinner on the deck of a historic ship as you see the colorful lights shoot from the glassy-ice cliffs.
Abisko, Sweden: Aurora Borealis (Photo from the Abisko Guesthouse)
Last but not least, there’s the small and secluded Abisko town in Sweden. With its unique micro-climate and low urbanization, Abisko is the best place to see the Northern Lights in all their celestial grandeur.
There are a number of ways to see the lights here. You can rent a private car and go Aurora chasing on your own, or take ride a snowmobile. But for a truly intimate viewing experience, head to the Aurora Sky take a chairlift up to mountaintop. Up this high, you’ll feel like you can catch the light with your bare hands.
There’s so much to see and do when you head up north. Be sure to check out our website for more Aurora Borealis Tours, and keep reading our blog for more exciting guides!
The Palawan island cluster of the Philippines is slowly gaining popularity as a must-see island paradise. ‘Palawan’ loosely translates to ‘Land of beautiful and Safe Harbor,’ a historical reference to old trading ships. But the name has taken on a new meaning over the years. Palawan enjoys a unique natural environment of lush jungles, powdery sand bars, and exotic marine life, and a community of native Palawenos committed to its preservation.
El Nido, Palawan
One of the draws of Palawan is how most of the island cluster has remained relatively commercialized. The best way to get around is by foot, by boat, or by tricycle so you can take all the time you need drinking in the view. Here’s a guide with how to get to one of its main islands, El Nido.
Getting There: Straight to El Nido
The fastest (and also the most expensive) way to get to El Nido is by plane. You can catch a flight to and from El Nido with Air Swift airlines if you’re coming from Manila, Cebu, or Caticlan. The are several flights a day, and you can check out the schedules and book them at Air Swift’s official website.
Flight to El Nido
Average Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Average Cost: 13,500 to 17,000 Php (roundtrip)
Getting There: Stop over at Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa, Palawan: Underground River Tour (Flickr/Paweesit)
The most popular route for both locals and foreigners by making a stopover at Palawan’s major city, Puerto Princesa. The major carriers like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia have daily flights from Manila and Cebu which you can monitor on Skyscanner, and often have promotional fares.
Stopping over at Puerto Princesa extends your travel time to around 10 hours before actually arriving at El Nido. But it’s a charming town, and is worth spending at least a night here so you can explore the famed underground river. You can book the tour with KKday over here.
Flight to Puerto Princesa
Average Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Average Cost: 3,000 to 3,500 Php (roundtrip flight). But tickets can go as low as 1,400p Php depending on when you book.
From Puerto Princesa, you have several options on how to get to El Nido. They vary in price, comfort, and duration.
Option 1: Shuttle Van
Take this if you want to spend nearly as little time in transit as possible. You’ll find shuttle vans by the Airport Arrival Area that will take you to the edge of the El Nido town. From there, you can hail a tricycle that will take you to your hotel.
Vans are the most popular way to get to El Nido, so it’s advisable to call in advance and reserve a slot, although you can try your luck as a chance passenger. A van typically seats around 12 people.
Van to El Nido Town
Average Travel Time: 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic.
Average Cost: 550 to 600 Php. For an additional fee, you may be able to arrange hotel pick-up.
Schedule: Vans depart almost every hour, starting from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm
Reserve with any of the popular franchises:
Eulen Joy (+63 0915 829 3735), Lexus (+63 0917 686 1118 or 48-433-9802), Fortwally (+63 0917 276 2875), and Day Tripper (+63 0917 848 8755)
Option 2: Bus
A slightly more complicated and longer route is by bus. Unlike the shuttle van, the buses make several stops along the way before finally dropping you off at El Nido. But if you’re set to find the cheapest way to El Nido possible, this is it.
Puerto Princesa Airport to San Jose Bus Terminal
Option a: Trike to the Bus Terminal
Average Travel Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Average Cost: 100 to 150 Php, depending on your haggling skills. This is the price per trike ride, and not per head.
Option b: Trike to Junction 1. Then hail a multi-cab, and stop to the San Jose Terminal.
Average Travel Time: 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Average Cost: 8 php (trike) plus 13 Php (multi-cab)
The bus is a good option is you want more legroom, but not if you’re carrying a lot of baggage. The two major franchises are the Roro Bus and the Cherry Bus, and have both air conditioned and non-airconditioned buses.
San Jose Bus Terminal to El Nido Town
Average Travel Time: 5 to 6 hours
Average Cost: 290 to 385 Php (regular, non-airconditioned bus) and 380 to 480 php (airconditioned bus)
See the bus schedules and reserve a seat ahead:
RoRo Bus: Departs every two hours, starting from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm
Cherry Bus: Departs every two hours, starting from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm
The buses will drop you off 10 minutes away from the town proper. From there, you can hail a trike to downtown El Nido, straight to your hotel.
Must See and Must Do
As beautiful as El Nido is, it’s just impossible to see all the best sights in a single day. KKday brings you 4 popular tour routes that will give you a glimpse of the island’s best. Of course if you’ve got the time, nothing’s stopping you from taking all the tours! Here’s a simple run-down of them to help you choose what to book.
El Nido’s lagoons often make their way to tourist postcards for good reason. Kayak through the calm, emerald waters snaking through the limestone cliffs, where you’ll find yourself waiting to get lost with no plans of returning.
Here’s where you’ll typically dock for lunch. Work up an appetite by snorkelling out to see the exotic marine life, and then enjoy the powdery sand beach as you feast on fresh fish, crab, and fruit.
The local urban legend goes that 7 Japanese soldiers got stranded on the island during the War. The locals you meet will quickly quash that story. Nonetheless, it’s easy to picture yourself staying on the 7 Commandos is an island forever. Enjoy a drink at the bar, and while it’s not an eternity, you can rent a room at the small resort here.
This is the highlight of Tour B, and your best chance to see some of El Nido’s underrated gems—and we mean that quite literally. Cudugnon Cave became an important archeological site when early researchers found ceramics and jewelry dating back to China’s Sung dynasty.
Your kayak or pump boat will take you to the outside of the caves. From there, you’ll have to crawl through the water yourself. The extra effort is well worth it, and you’ll see huge stone chambers with cathedral-high ceilings. Just don’t get too distracted looking up that you step on a jellyfish!
Thankfully, the name is a reference to the shape of the sand bar and not the island residents. You can take it easy and laze around the sandy beach, or challenge yourself to trek to the top for a stunning view of the Bacuit Bay.
If you can only choose one tour package, choose this one. El Nido is full of diverse and magnificent sights, and this tour route gives you a glimpse of some of the best of them.
You’ll spot the island almost immediately from the El Nido town, as its unique shape beckons you to hop on a boat and explore it yourself. Up close, the island is calm, cool, and cinematic—in fact, The Bourne Legacy was filmed here.Traditionally, the name is ‘Dilumacad Island,’ but ‘Helicopter Island’ has become the more popular moniker, thanks to its unique rock formations and lush forests. Whether or not it’s an accurate one, that’s for you to decide.
Matinloc Shrine
El Nido, Palawan: View from Matinloc Shrine
An abandoned shrine to the Virgin Mary seems out of place in the middle of this tropical haunt. But the Matinloc Shrine is its own spiritual oasis. You’ll have to climb a set of dingy stairs before reaching the shrine, but the leg work is well worth it. From here, you’ll be treated with incredible views of the entire El Nido cluster and crystal blue waters dissolving into the sky.
Without the local knowledge of the boatmen, you’d miss out on El Nido’s best kept secret. Well hidden beneath the limestone cliffs, you’ll have to swim underwater through a narrow rock tunnel. Be careful; the waves can get quite strong. But once you finally break the surface, you’ll find yourself in a secluded haven with Palawan’s most exotic marine life.
This tour route is perfect if you want to avoid the crowds, and really want to take your time drinking in the beauty of El Nido. Enjoy the slow boat ride to Cadlao Island, El Nido’s largest island and see the towering limestone cliffs that keep the Cadlao Lagoon hidden. Paddle your way to lagoon, where the waters are so clear you can see the coral reefs and fish swimming beneath you.
Paradise Beach
The name is no exaggeration: with infinitely-long stretches of sand lined by coconut trees, you’ll spend the moments in between your delicious barbeque lunch taking photos.
Spend the rest of the tour hopping among these smaller islands. Be sure to rent some snorkeling gear to see the unspoiled coral reefs and exotic marine life, and end the day enjoying the romantic sunset.
Accommodations in El Nido are plenty, with something to fit each kind of traveller or budget range. For the backpacking budget traveller, check out OMP Hostel, El Taraw Inn, or the Outpost Beach Hostel. If you want the full blown luxury island getaway experience, then look into El Nido Overlooking and the Cauayan Island Resort. Or, check out Airbnb to filter exactly what you’re looking for.
Food
El Nido, Palawan: Fresh Seafood
Each of the Boat Tours mentioned above includes a fresh seafood lunch. There are a number of eateries restaurants in El Nido serving some of the freshest seafood in the country—which is saying a lot. Budget around 150php for each meal and be sure to try the Crocodile Sisig, the local delicacy.
Things to Take Note of:
Nearly every commercial outfit only accepts cash, so be sure to withdraw all the money you need before the trip. There are very few ATMs and during peak season, they tend to run out of cash.
You’ll pay a 200 Php Eco Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) when you take any of the boat tours. This goes to the local El Nido communities and conserving the area.
Bring water shoes. You’ll definitely be swimming in the lovely waters, but you’ll want to avoid any wounds and injuries.
Gone are the travel days when you had to lug around maps, travel books, and printouts of your tickets, flight tickets and hotel bookings. Blend in like a local and have all your essentials conveniently stored onto your phone. Here are the top 12 travel apps you should have for your next trip.
Best Travel Apps
Best Travel Apps
Skyscanner
Finding the best flight deal can be one of the trickiest (and most expensive) things about travel. Skip the travel agent who’ll charge you extra fees and commissions and use Skyscanner. This app is a flight search engine that scours prices and promotional fares from hundreds of airlines to give you the best comparison. And if you’re determined to get the lowest price, explore the apps Price Alert and Cheapest Month feature. Read up how we used Skyscanner to plan a whole week in Seoul under S$1000.
KKday
Book all your travel essentials and activities with KKday! We’ve transformed our website to an easy to use smartphone app. With over 6,000 products in over 52 countries, you’re sure to find local tours to fit your travel style. You can plan your itinerary ahead with their day tours and attraction tickets, or completely wing it by booking whatever fits your fancy once you land. Once you’ve booked, just save the voucher onto your phone and show it right before the tour. It’s that simple!
Airbnb
Gone are the days when you had to choose between overpriced hotels or sketchy hostels. With Airbnb, you can find the room or space at your ideal price and location with everything you need. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for the bare minimum or something fun and snazzy, like these Fun Seoul Accommodations. And because the system works on reviews and recommendations, you get honest feedback about host (READ: 5 Things to Consider Before Booking Your Airbnb)
Kayak
Level up your travel deal-hunting up by using Kayak. The app hunts travel sites for the best prices on flights, hotels, and even car rentals. Unlike other apps, Kayak is able to monitor price changes and can alert you on the best time to book. Not only that; Kayak often offers exclusive deals on these bookings. This almost always guarantees you the best deal possible. Once you’ve finished your bookings, Kayak summarizes them all into simple itinerary.
TripAdvisor
The best place to get travel advice is from locals and fellow travellers. TripAdvisor has over 500 million user reviews and ratings for hotels, tourist attractions, and restaurants. You don’t have to worry about sponsored posts giving you misleading advice. See accurate photos and read honest opinions and traveler tips from people who have been there and done that.
Duolingo
Hype yourself up for your trip by learning some of the basics of the language. With its fun and simple interface, Duolingo makes learning a game, so you’ll be able to impress the locals with your perfect pronunciation in no time. Among its ever growing catalog of languages are French, Spanish, Japanese and Korean. Best of all, it’s completely free!
Google Maps
Ol’ reliable Google Maps. It’s fairly accurate, updated regularly, and allows you to save the addresses of particular places for offline use. And thanks to the translation feature (for countries that don’t write in English), you can easily show the address to a friendly local and and ask for help and directions
Citymapper
One of the best ways to really explore the heart of a city is by commuting. City mapper lets you check out subway lines, bus lines, and local ride-sharing services in the city, and even recommends the fastest routes to get to your destination. Best of all, City Mapper works offline so you can look at your maps and your routes on the go.
Google Translate
If you don’t speak or read the native language, you need to have Google Translate. Not only does it churn out quick and useful survival phrases, but it’s also handy for interpreting road signs, menus, and other images—just take a picture of the phrase you need translated, and the app will give you a rough English translation.
WhatsApp
WhatsApp has billions of users worldwide and allows you to send text and multimedia messages, make voice calls, and even video calls. Spare yourself from criminal data roaming charges by communicating with everyone using WhatsApp. All you need is a WiFi connection, and you’re good to go.
XE Currency
Exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis, so it can be hard to keep track of how much you’re actually spending. XE Currency updates in real-time, and lets you compare rates across multiple currencies.
Pack Point
Save yourself the nightmare of over packing for your trip but missing the one thing you need the most. Your packing list will vary depending on your trip (Business Trip? Family Trip? Weekend getaway with your significant other?) and destination (City? Beach? Mountains? All of the above?), and Pack Point knows that. Key in your activities, destination, and travel date, and the app will churn out a list of travel essentials based on the weather and your itinerary.
Uber
After a few drinks with your friends at night in a foreign country the last thing you want to do is to get lost figuring out your way back using public transport. Don’t take your chances and get an Uber to get you back safe to your hotel! But do be careful not to book it when you are near a taxi stand as many taxi drivers might not be happy about it (Eg. Thailand, Malaysia)
The Maldives is top of the mind when we think of the world’s most relaxing destinations. But its ridiculous exclusivity and cost of travel can definitely sour any dream vacation plans. So if you’re looking for an island paradise with no crowds, don’t look too far. Here are our top picks for your next great escape.
Underrated Beaches in the World: Cebu, Philippines
As an archipelago in the tropics, the Philippines has more than its fair share of fantastic beaches. Skip the tourist flocks of Boracay, and head elsewhere in the Visayas region to Cebu. A rare mix of everything you need in a vacation, and more: water sports, powder-soft sands, and resorts and guesthouses for every budget range. Spend a day exploring the coastal mountains, which will treat you to spectacular sunsets and a view of the other 167 nearby islands dotting the sparkling sea.
Komodo, Indonesia
Underrated Vacation Spots: Komodo, Indonesia (via Max Pixel)
Yes, this is a reference to the dragons. Komodo, Indonesia is a secluded paradise for nature lovers filled with lush mountains, crystal clear waters, and colourful coral reefs. And of course, exotic wildlife fresh off the set of Jurassic Park.
Koh Phayam, Thailand
Underrated Vacation Spots: Koh Phayam, Thailand
Thailand is a great country with a lot to offer locals and tourists (READ: 6 Thrilling Bangkok Activities) but it can get overcrowded during peak holiday season. With a local population of roughly 500 people, and tourists heading to Thailand’s better known islands, Koh Phayam is wonderfully quiet. With all the holiday attractions of its more known neighbors, Koh Phayam is a beach paradise perfect if you don’t want to be disturbed.
Jeju Island, Korea
Underrated Vacation Spots: Jeju, Korea (image via Republic of Korea)
This longtime honeymoon spot for Korea’s newly weds boasts of incredible beaches, seas of exotic wildlife, and landscapes shaped by centuries of volcanic activity. Spend a day exploring Mt. Hallasan, a dormant volcano rising 1,950 meters above sea level and see the stunning crater lake and colourful fields of flowers, before heading back into town for some delicious (and affordable) seafood.
Con Dao Archipelago, Vietnam
Unerrated Vacatin Spots: Con Dao, Vietnam (image via Lam Tr Th)
Vietnam is full of incredible sights and steeped in culture and history. Much of Con Son is charmingly Gallic, with almost no traffic and a number of cheap and delicious cafes and restaurants. But for many years, many of the islands were used as prisons by the French and US. It’s an interesting but sobering history worth exploring, but be sure to end your visit on a high note. Enjoy the wildly idyllic beaches now mostly populated by nesting sea turtles.
The lack of roads and tourist facilities make a great deterrent. But isolation has its upsides, and Simpang Mengayau is a beach that has thrived from the solitude. Take day trip up north from Kota Kinabalu and enjoy kilometers of pristine coastline as the South China Sea crashes into the shore. And if you have the time, be sure to explore Sabah’s forests and see Mt. Alab and the Mahua Waterfall.
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