In November and Decmember 2025, we took a trip to the Philippines.
We spent time in Manila, El Nido, Cebu and Bicol.
Click this link to see AI chosen highlights from our trip or one of the pictures below to see more pictures from that part of the trip.
Below is the map showing where we took photos. Click the picture below
to see an interactive map. Click any of the pins in the interactive map
to see when and where the picture was taken and a link. Click that link to go
to the picture in the blog post below.
Nov 27 to Dec 2, 2025 - BGC Manila
During the first part of our Philippines trip we stayed at an Airbnb in BGC, Manila.
Our first dinner was at Din Tai Fung across the street from the Airbnb. Din Tai Fung
is a Taiwanese restaurant known for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
One of my favorites is the chocolate xiaolongbao,
which is a dessert dumpling filled with dark chocolate. They're all delicious
though which is why we ordered the birthday basket with a variety dumplings.
Across the street from the Din Tai Fung was a Megaworld Uptown Mall.
In addition to the usual collection of stores and restaurants, there was a Catholic Chapel,
not something I'm used to seeing at a mall.
While in Manila we took a couple of tours including a food tour
and an historical Manila tour.
Nearby Mall of Venice had a gondola ride. Something I've also
never seen at a mall before.
Dec 3 to 6, 2025 - Mayon Volcano Region
The next part of tour trip we flew to Legazpi in the Mayon Volcano Region.
You don't always get a clear view of the volcano, and this time was no exception.
The first night we stayed at Your Brother House Tribal Village, a very rustic hotel.
The next few nights were at Misibis Bay Resort, a ways from the volcano but
with much more upscale accommodations.
Unfortunately the weather didn't allow us to make much use of the private beach.
Dec 7 to 13, 2025 - BGC Manila
We flew back to Manila and the Airbnb in BGC.
Dec 14 to 16, 2025 - El Nido
And soon off to El Nido, a beautiful beach town on the island of Palawan.
Nacpan Beach is a stunning, 4-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand and
turquoise waters in El Nido, Palawan,
often cited as one of the best beaches in the Philippines
Dec 17 to 19, 2025 - Cebu City
Dec 20 to 22, 2025 - Oslob Whale Sharks
I didn't really know what to expect when viewing the Oslob Whale Sharks,
but this really wasn't what I expected. The whale sharks are huge
but the boats bo just 100 yards offshore and the whale sharks are there
being lured near to shore by fishermen feeding them.
Overall it's a bit of a zoo because of the number of boats and people,
but it was still pretty amazing to see the whale sharks up close.
The first day of whale shark watching I saw more people and feet than whale sharks.
Luckily we had planned a trip to Sumilon Island Sand Bar later that day
which was a lot less crowded and more peaceful.
The second day I was more prepared and managed to get a few pictures of whale sharks
without a sea of legs in the picture.
Dec 23 to 25, 2025 - Moalboal Sardine Runs
Dec 28 to 29, 2025 - Camay Coast Beach Resort
This wasn't the end of our trip. After returning to Manila for New Years we flew to Singapore
Auckland to catch a cruise to Syndey. See the next blog post for that part of the trip.
Click this link to see AI chosen highlights from our trip or one of the pictures above to see more pictures from that part of the trip.
