3-Night, 4-Day Trip to Manila!

I took advantage of my university summer break to go on a 3-night, 4-day trip to Manila 🇵🇭✨ Manila is the capital of the Philippines, with a population of about 13 million (over 20 million in the metropolitan area!), making it a major city. While I expected "tropical = hot!", the peak temperature in the Philippines is actually in April. August is, of course, still hot, but honestly, it didn’t feel much different from Japan’s intense summer heat ☀️ For this trip, I flew AirAsia on the way there and Jetstar Japan on the way back. True to my student budget, I opted for LCCs! This was my fifth international trip, and as always, I traveled light with a minimalist backpacking style, which was more than enough to enjoy the trip 🎒 🛫 Narita International Airport (T3) ⇄ Ninoy Aquino International Airport (T3) Narita’s Terminal 3 is just the right size, making procedures smooth. Manila’s Terminal 3 also left a good impression for its ease of use. However, as is often the case with LCCs, the check-in counter line moved slowly due to baggage issues 💦 This time, I arrived early—3 hours before departure at Narita and 4 hours before at Manila—and completed the process smoothly! Be mindful of the number and weight of your luggage, as they are strictly checked ⚠️ 🚕 All transportation via Grab! While it’s pricier than negotiating with taxis, a 30-minute ride still costs less than 1,000 yen. From a Japanese perspective, it’s incredibly affordable, safe, and comfortable—highly recommended! 🏨 Stayed at Selah Garden Hotel in Pasay City. Pasay is close to the airport, and the hotel is conveniently located next to a 7-Eleven and has a pool! A short walk takes you to a local market, but it’s safer to stay at the hotel at night. Waking up to the sound of roosters in the morning was a quintessentially Filipino experience 🐓 The room was clean, housekeeping was thorough, and the air conditioning was comfortable. However, it’s better to bring your own amenities from Japan ◎ 📍 The two sightseeing spots I particularly enjoyed were: ① San Agustin Church The oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next to it is a museum where, for just a few hundred yen, you can admire numerous paintings and historical books—very satisfying! Don’t forget your student ID for a discount. ② Fort Santiago A former defense stronghold and a site associated with the national hero, José Rizal. The entrance fee is just a few hundred yen, and the view from the top of the walls is stunning. Inside the fort, there are exhibition areas that you can enjoy at no extra cost. I also visited the Manila Zoo and shopping malls, making the most of the 4 days! Key points to keep in mind include: "Don’t go out after dark," "Use Grab for transportation," and "Don’t overdress." With these precautions, you can enjoy your trip safely 😊 That’s a quick report on my trip to Manila! 🇵🇭✨