On the way back from Apo Island I wanted to take extra time to be sure not to miss my international flight. I first spent a night in Dumaguete before returning to Manila and visiting intramuros. Finally no issues with transport during my trip!

• Dumaguete

From Apo Island I shared a boat with French couple who negotiated a boat for 1500 (500 per person so). After the wet cross, I walked to the main road to Malatapay and took the bus to Dumaguete. Then I went to my hostel U feel fun (500 per night) by tricycle (not easy, drivers are not able to read a map and it’s complicated to explain to them. Even if it was only a few streets …). This is the best hostel I have had for accommodation facilities. Room perfect, I was all alone so I could adjust the AC as I wanted (I’m not very fan of AC). There are cool cafes in the area I really liked the place! And the receptionist went out to negotiate a tricycle the next day for the airport.

• Arrival in Manila

I booked at In&Out guest house (672 per night)to be not too far from intramuros. I took a taxi by the meter (maybe not the most economical but I wanted to be sure to take a safe taxi …). The hotel is not in the place indicated on Google map. After trying to find, I called them to pick me up 😅. The hotel is nice, there are guards on the street who help with the bag. Then the hotel staff puts the bag directly in the room. I had a room in the second floor, the AC was not very functional (I was very hot) but I was quiet alone. There is a shopping center nearby, very convenient! And the hotel will help you to take a taxi or grab if needed.

• Visit of intra muros

I decided to walk to visit the old part of Manila. I made a stop at the Rizal Garden (with the guarded statue). The interesting part of intra muros is at the other end, I did not expect to walk that much but it went well anyway. You can visit the old prison where Rizal (the liberator of the Philippines from the Spanish settlers) was locked up until his execution.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

• Manila cathedral

Filipinos are very Catholic. I wanted to visit the cathedral and it turns out that a mass was going to be given few minutes later. It was the party around, dancing on the forecourt, songs inside. I really enjoyed this festive atmosphere, nothing to do with the austere masses of the old continent. I am neither a practitioner nor a believer but I enjoyed sitting here for a few moments.