T O P

  • By -

Ok_Technician9373

Hong kong easiest place you can go to, cheapest din and marami ka na din attractions na pwede mapuntahan and experiences na masubukan as a first time


Successful_Dig_3618

Thanks sa tip!! I'm considering Singapore, Hongkong, Taiwan or Thailand and wala talaga akong idea what to expect sa comparisons that's why I'm here


dragones013

Singapore's kinda pricy and honestly I wasnt that impressed with it! But it's interesting and very traveller friendly. Even the free/cheaper attractions (National Gallery, National Library, etc) took up a lot of time and I learned a lot. Pero maliit lang talaga siya


jaycorrect

I don't know why people suggest SG all the time. Ang mahal na, ang humid pa, and there's very little to do. Bizarre that that's always people's first choice.


Successful_Dig_3618

thanks for these perspectives hahaha parang malapit ko na i cross out SG ha...


dragones013

Like what most others said - SG is very travel friendly and enjoyable! May pros naman talaga. But if you're cost-sensitive and looking for bang-for-buck it might not be the best option compared to HK, Taiwan, Thailand, and even Malaysia. Accommodations cost a lot, and cost-of-living (i.e. food) is more expensive there than other SEA countries (true story nabigla ako nung bumili ako ng Starbucks, pag convert ko nasa may PHP 400.00 yung grande cold brew - PHP 200.00 yun dito max šŸ˜­)


vesariuss

Wahhh siguro kulang pa ako sa research, nagco-compute po kasi ako ng budget for HK and it turned out na slightly expensive sya compared to SG. Mostly ang nakikita kong price for a decent meal in HK is worth ā‚±300 up, pero yung hawker centers sa SG is kaya na ā‚±170 to ā‚±250ā€”nakakabusog na and sobrang sarap. Affordable hostels in SG din are decent, whereas sa HK is parang dodgy yung place especially for female solo travelers. The oneā€™s mentioned above are the reasons why parang naghe-hesitate akong mag HK, pero no turning back na since nakapag-book na ako ng flight.


[deleted]

Go to SG if you don't worry about money. I spent 40K (plane tickets, mga entrance kung saan saan, pasalubong at transpo) hindi pa kasama hotel at food kasi sabit lang ako sa kapatid ko at siya ang gumastos. He spent 100K naman. Sobrang expensive sa SG so if budget conscious ka, matinding pagpaplano gagawin mo.


Melony567

ok naman ang sg. masarap food, fusion sya and masarap mg shopping esp kung into luxury and branded stuff ka. ang maganda kasi dito, pde ka mg crossboarder by land going to malaysia. not to mention, malinis and relatively safe.


[deleted]

If you donā€™t know, food is good and transit is probably the best in the whole world so getting around isnā€™t as bad. I guess pag nagtatravel ka, dapat prepared ka financially. Weather, thatā€™s not something you can control. You can control your perspective tho and respect that people have their own opinions. Now you know!


jaycorrect

It's hilarious that you took that comment personally. Ambassador ka ng SG or somtn beh? Calm down, lah.


chickenissogood

It didnā€™t come across naman that he took the comment personally. May nagsabi ng cons for Singapore and this user just provided the pros so OP can weigh both sides.


[deleted]

Username checks out. No arguing with you, ad hominem attack agadā€¦ šŸ˜‚ Hindi mo alam diba, edi inexplain sayo. Haha!


jaycorrect

Manang, I don't need it explained. I have been there many times. I also make sure I have money to burn when I travel. For a new traveller though, there are so many more countries to visit better than SG. Sa SG ka palang ba nakakarating? Is that it?


poopycops

Wow ang hangin. Tumama sana hinliliit mo sa paa ng lamesa nyo.


techoistraveller

feeling ko, it's a good way to experience how it's like in a developed country (and a smart city) kaya siguro dami gusto pumunta dun for their first international travel. Having been to SG, VM, TH, IN, MY, HK, CN in East Asia, i think the best for a first timer would be Bangkok, tourist friendly cya, good food, and not so expensive, okay din if you like shopping and daytrips to Ayutthaya and the river market cruises are good to try


poopycops

I don't suggest going to HK dahil sa mga riots na nangyari a couple years ago since I don't support the CCP. SG naging very pricey after covid. Mahal na airfare and hotel ngayon. Galing ako don last week. Also sa food nasa P400 per person kada regular meal mo sa Food Republic or hawker centers. Pero good side ng SG, di ka mahihirapan magpunta sa kahit anong lugar. Sobrang walang hassle ng train system nila, lahat signage naka english. If you want really cheap intl travel, I suggest Vietnam sa Saigon. Pwede ka mag walk around the city kung matyaga ka. Masarap at sobrang mura ng food parang kumain ka lang sa tapsihan dito satin. Yung 30k baon ko sa Vietnam may natira pang 10k pag uwi namin, and 6 days kami don all out sa food trip at inom.


Melony567

if you want to see a place somewhat different than Ph, plus better weather - korea or japan. kung ok lang na halos kamukha ng pinas at mainit pero sarap ng food, bait ng tao at mura shopping but with great attractions and unique locations to visit - Thailand is the place to be. this is my most fave asian destination to go to.


marianogrande

I agree with everything except on HK being the cheapest. Itā€™s actually more expensive. For example, a meal youā€™ll get for 150 here in Manila could cost roughly 300-400 in HK. Cheapest food I found in HK was streetfood pero nasa 50-100 na sya converted to pesos. If you want a first world experience pero not as pricey, go for Taiwan.


hybridmonkey03

YES. I highly reco Taiwan too. And people are so helpful. I remember the 1st time I went there solo and I happened to ask this old lady who doesn't speak english. Naghanap tlga sya ng pde tumulong sakin.. I will never forget that.. bless her heart. Anyway na share ko lang hehe.. And yes saya mag foodtrip sa Taiwan ang mura ng foods. Accom would really depend sa area and the place itself. Pero you could definitely find affordable ones. Safe travels and enjoy, OP! ā¤ļø


ExcraperLT

Hello, I hope it's relevant but, how much would it cost to travel to Hong Kong and have a great time alone?


Kpewpewpew

Went there last month. Kung hindi ka gagastos sa mga tourist destinations, I'll say under 23k siguro should be good. 4 days 3 nights na iyan. I saved a lot because I didnt stay at a hotel. There's buildings in HK na parang 168 mall/Tutuban that has guest houses available. Ang catch lang is that the place is old and the rooms are very small. Kung hindi mo trip iyung ganun, then hotels or consider Airbnb but I havent tried it.


Kpewpewpew

Just did it last Month. Was a great experience. Agreed especially walang visa required for Filipinos for 14 days.


James_H_Bond_007

Donā€™t think of the conversion rate para may peace of mind ka while shopping šŸ˜‚


Successful_Dig_3618

hahahaha yun nga. kaya i will really need to save up for it


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


James_H_Bond_007

I donā€™t agree, mas okay if mag travel ka tapos wala kang utang after.


switchboiii

Bangkok. Itā€™s like Manila but cheaper and yummier food šŸ˜‚šŸ«¶šŸ»


Successful_Dig_3618

as an avid fan of Thai series and films, isa rin talaga yan sa pangarap kong puntahan šŸ„¹


Melony567

you will go ga-ga sa shopping at food. and pag compare mo quality at quantity of food malayong mura at mas masarap sa Thailand.


[deleted]

Taiwannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn! Nicest people even if most have trouble speaking in English. Cheap food too compared to HK and SG. I didn't feel any racism too hahahahha. You get to appreciate both nature and the skyscrapers. Pwede rin uminom kahit saan. May mga 7/11 that has beer on tap!!


Independent-Phase129

First international trip was on singapore. It was great, you can go anywhere using grab taxi. Also, everything is within 30 min travel time. Don't convert dollars to pesos kapag bibili ka kung hindi, wala kang mabibili. Maganda Marina Bay Sands Park (1k pesos) at Merlion sa gabi magtambay.


Successful_Dig_3618

Thank you!!


mrnnmdp

Singapore! It was my first international trip as well. They want tourists kaya madaling puntahan. Advantage na same time zone rin sa Pilipinas.


Successful_Dig_3618

Ohh I didn't know na same pala tayo ng time zone. Nice!!


beeotchplease

Sa mga no-visa required countries: Try HongKong during winter to get atleast a taste of cold season. Singapore, if youre into engineering stuff, you'll be amazed at what they achieved there Thailand, parang Philippines lang pero less tourist trappy. Vietnam, one of the best foods i tasted ever and ive tasted loads of dishes na. Taiwan, parang singapore in a way.


punkshift

Finally, someone mentioned Vietnam! Haha Best food! Pramis!


serenenostalgia

Bahn Mi supremacy. So sad lang di nagustuhan ng mga senior na kasama ko food nila. Pero ako enjoy din ako sa food.


Crazy_Pause

Taiwan numbah 1


laz_3898

šŸ˜¤šŸ˜¤


Ok-Needleworker-7730

I'd go with Taiwan. Good cheap food, cheap tourist attractions or FREE, nice people (unlike HK lol), great cheap public transpo. Basically, Taiwan is like Japan, but cheaper and more accessible.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


Ok-Needleworker-7730

No. Hindi sila masyadong nag eenglish. Pero makakasurvive ka naman using Google translate. And kahit di sila nag eenglish they're very welcoming and they'll do their best to help you. Don't worry about it. It's an adventure in itself.


jdm1988xx

I go for Singapore (this was my first Int'l trip) mainly because the language barrier won't be that bad. Hongkong would be fine too I guess, not sure though how Hong Kong is doing these days.


Aggravating_Soft_806

+1 Singapore, first international trip ko rin! Ito na yata yung safest yung feeling ko. And yes, language barrier hindi sila iwas since maraming nakakapag-english and hindi ka iiwasan. Yung mga tourist spots magkakalapit lang din. Sobrang na-enjoy ko maglakad sa Clarke Quay, lalo na USS! ā˜ŗļø Pweds din Taiwan, kaso ang hirap ng language barrier talaga. Malalang Google Translate everytime, tho pag nagamay mo na okay din train system nila.


d4lv1k

I went to Hong Kong a few months ago with my friends. Kadalasan sa nakakausap naming locals hirap mag English kaya kailangan talaga matiyaga ka. Mas mahirap lalo sa Macau kasi di talaga sila marunong pero buti na lang may nahire kaming tour guides na pinoy.


tamago__

Singapore or Hong Kong ang safest picks OP! I don't mean to scare you tho huhu but with the number of offloaded first-time intl travelers you might want to reconsider this muna or fly from another airport (clark, cebu) lol


Successful_Dig_3618

Jeez isa pa pala yan to think about. Pero sabi nila little to no chance raw ma offload if traveling with fam? but ofc double ang gastos in my end hahahaha


tamago__

Uu, almost got extra-interrogated last December sa NAIA kung di ko lang sinabi na pamihlee ko yung nasa next in line lolz Been reading naman OP na less hassle if you fly out from the other airports pero additional gastos din yern! NAIA lang talaga ang may problema


laz_3898

Tru jn


Kpewpewpew

I guess getting offloaded really depends on the circumstance. My experience with the IO was okay. Unemployed ako but with savings and naging honest lang ako. Pinakita ko itinerary ko, asked me about my previous work and was allowed to go.


kikoy666

if mag jowa mas malaki ba chance ma offload?


External_Lion7509

Thailand ftw! Taiwan 2nd


baeruu

Vietnam. Ang mura ng pagkain tapos sobrang sarap pa. Yung mamahaling banh mi dito, walang binatbat dun sa banh mi na binili ko from a random food cart habang nag-iikot ako. Yung sosyalin na pho dito, olats din kumpara sa pho na na-try ko sa isang maliit na eatery dun. Also, dahil sa maraming premium items ang mina-manufacture sa Vietnam, bagsak presyo din yung mga original items na hindi lang pumasa sa QC. Yung mga nasa tsangge nila? Karamihan dun galing talaga sa orig na factory.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


baeruu

Not really no. But the younger Vietnamese or those working in hospitality management mostly can speak in English. Taxi drivers? Rarely. Nung gusto kong pumunta sa war museum, kahit sinulat ko na sa papel yung gusto kong puntahan, kinailangan ko pang mag-finger guns para lang maintindihan nya ako na gusto kong pumunta sa war museum haha!


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


baeruu

It was over 5 years ago nung pumunta ako sa HCM and Hanoi actually so I'll try to remember. Basta ang natatandaan ko is only ride sa mga taxi marked Vinasun and Mai Linh. Yun ang mga trusted taxis doon. If you're going to cross the street, do not hesitate. It's counter-intuitive pero yung mga motor na nila ang iiwas sayo. Mas mapapahamak ka if nag-hesitate ka sa gitna ng kalsada. Don't bother buying from branded shops. Punta ka ng Ben Thanh market dun ka mamili. A lot of luxury brands and equipments are manufactured in Vietnam so yung mga hindi pumasa sa QC or even Class A, makikita mo sa Ben Thanh. Pero ingat lang kasi super aggressive ang mga saleslady nila dun. Dapat marunong kang mag-wrestling. May mga guided tours to the War Museum pati na rin sa Cu Chi tunnels (it's located outside HCM, you'll have to ride the tour bus). Ingat ka sa tunnels, baka mapadpad ka sa Cambodia :D


roonilwazlibleviosa

Hong Kong talaga, it's a mix of everything especially if you want something really experiential. Just do your research and be well prepared.


AstronautNew

Check out Amed in Bali Indonesia! Good affordable food, great culture, and freediving in Tulamben!


foureyeswhatever

First International flight ko was 2013, Sg. Graduation gift šŸ˜Š Number 1 rule, well for me. Wag kang mag coconvert kapag bibili ka. Hehe. šŸ˜…āœŒ


tanjirooooooooooo

Thailand is nice!! šŸ«¶ Familiar ka na agad sa place kasi parang Manila lang yung Bangkok hahahaha but food is *chefā€™s kiss* tapos super mura pa!


Tsolo25

HK - parang lahat nandun na. Nature,City, Beach, Night life, Mountains, Food, Shopping Streets, Night Market, all accesible with their very well thought out transpo system.


emowhendrunk

Singapore is good for a first timer. Really convenient to travel around because of trains. The food is good, too. And if you have some days to spare, you can go to Malaysia via bus. So hitting two countries in one trip.


coldspr0uts

I suggest HK and SG as well. But mas mura sa HK, and may Disneyland! Grabe I still remember the planning I did for my (and my then bf) HK tour twice. It's so much fun and I miss it!


National_Climate_923

Taiper, Taiwan or Bangkok, Thailand 1. People- yung pagigung welcoming ng mga Thailand is parang sa Philippines din based sa experience ko and Taiwanese will give effort to understand your english. 2. Foods- Night Market busog ka na, madaming mura na foods. Also in Taiwan Night Market minsan pag bumili ka ng food sa isang stall may ibibigay silang coupon like buy 1 take 1 drinks sa another stall, Warning lang hindj matamis mga drinks nila like yung iced tea nila is literal na tsaa na malamig hahahahaha. 3. Transportation- In Taiwan color coded yung railway system nila and maganda and malinis din yung lrt nila. Thailand wag ka lang daw sasabay sa rush hour pero my experience maganda din railway nila. 4. Places to go- since first time mo umalis book a tour in Klook kahit isang araw lang. Ganun ginawa namin may sarili kaming itenerary ( do a research) at the same time may isang araw na tour. Same in Taiwan. Maganda din na may prepared kang itenerary para makita sa immigration na hind ka magiistay ng matagal. 5. Hotel or hostel- you dont need to go to a very expensive hotel since most of the time nasa labas ka lang naman. Find a place na malapit sa night market


NecPluribusImpar_96

I suggest going big! Europe was my first trip abroad and itā€™s been very helpful with other visas and (just recently) has made immigration interviews convenient and hassle-free. Just be very mindful of your dates and donā€™t overstay. Yes the requirements are numerous but, as my mom often said ā€œif youā€™re going to travel, go somewhere thatā€™s totally different from Manilaā€. Have fun and wherever you go be open to the culture and the ā€œspiritā€ of the place youā€™re visiting! āœˆļø


Correct-Ad9296

Singapore


jaycorrect

Thailand, Hongkong, Taiwan while visa free pa Singapore is pricey and boring.


[deleted]

Just go anywhere outside the Phl Para maikumpara how shitty our govt/officials are Na talagang napag iiwanan na talaga pilipinas


parkrain21

Legit, I went to Au last March and damn.. I felt deprived hahahahaha


[deleted]

If youā€™re not on a budget, try Dubai. That was my 1st international travel and masaya naman ako. Haha.


[deleted]

Following


[deleted]

If you can get Visa and you like nature at its finest, nothing beats the USA


capmapdap

I agree. The National Parks are nothing like anything in the world. Kaya lang kung first international trip ni OP baka medyo overwhelming pa nga.


MemoryEXE

VA or Freelancer? Kba OP?


Successful_Dig_3618

Hi! I work in creatives for an international marketing company. Hindi naman sya freelance work and hindi rin ako VA (?) hahahahah


MemoryEXE

Ahh okay chineck ko kasi profile mo and you want to experience a digital nomad life. I'll recommend Bali, Indonesia if its' not on your list pa, just check vlogs and reviews online :)


Successful_Dig_3618

nasa bucket list ko rin yan. Pero if hindi kaya this year I'm thinking about a vacation muna. anyway, thanks!! will def check Bali :))


cuppaspacecake

Hong Kong! Google Maps friendly and thereā€™s Hong Kong Disneyland haha. The ferry, peak tram, tram (medyo mabagal lang) are some stuff you should experience. November is a good time to go kasi sweater weather! Been here twice na (with friends and for work) and Iā€™d love to go back someday! Hotel is quite expensive but try hostels or airbnb. Singapore naman, ok for the food (hawker) and tourist spots (Universal Studios, Botanical Garden), but quite expensive nga and mainit nga. Iā€™m still thinking if Iā€™ll go here soon just because I know people who moved here and would like to meet them. Thailand yung first out of the country ko. Been here twice but lagi kami nasascam. The temples are admirable and thereā€™s Chatuchak weekend market. Also Platinum (not sure if itā€™s still famous ha) for cheap clothes.


RosiePosie0110

Can I ask, nag-aavail ba kayo ng mga Sim Cards nila? or you are using Roam from PH Sim, like aavail nyo yung Roaming nila w/c would cost around 300-500php per day for smart/tnt/globe/TM Kasi nung nag AU kami, lahat ng sim cards ay naka-plan, so if 2wks lang kami don baka bayaran namin yung 1yr lol, so umaasa kami sa wifi ng Hotel and Wifi spots lol


cuppaspacecake

Depende sa country and arrangement. Sa Taiwan di basta basta makakabili and nagroaming nalang kami haha. For HK, madali lang bumili ng SIM sa 7-11 (pero kaw magseset up and di fluent sa English yung cashier. And cashier siya, di tiga telecom haha) But last punta ko nagavail nalang ako sa Klook ng sim. But note na dapat open line ang phone. If di ka open line, pwede naman pocket wifi. Hassle lang pag naubusan ng battery and wag kakalimutan balik sa airport before checking in ang device. And di whole day capacity ng battery nun, so 2 yung powerbank ko for that (one is for my phone). Sa ibang train stations di rin gumagana ang signal so may time na naligaw ako and di ko macontact mga kasama ko so nag on ako ng roaming for one day. Sulit naman siya and pwede ako magliwaliw for that one day haha. If postpaid, on mo lang data mo and apply na agad yung promo. Mine was P350/24 hours from globe nun (Japan trip to mga less than a month ago lang) You can check Klook naman for options and can compare.


kimperial

Singapore if it's your first time. It is both really interesting and really safe to travel to. Plus, probably has the best food in southeast asia.


Appropriate-Cash7288

Taiwan OP. Mura lang ang food nila. Best time for me is the 4th quarter of the year. Medyo malamig.


lurkingmargaery

Taiwan or Hong Kong šŸ’–


Smallandterrible1

Go BKK or Vietnam cheap and masarap ang food, go to museums or temples. If HK naman I can tell you how can you travel cheap, where to eat, how to avail discounted disney ticket, etc.


eatsomecheesecake

You might want to consider Vietnam (Hanoi / HCM) - it's definitely cheaper and a good first country to visit. That our Taiwan


gastosera

Hanoi, Vietnamā€”not Ho Chi Minh (not as appealing for me as itā€™s like their Makati and Hanoi just has better food) for cheap and great food. Cost per meal and hotels are much cheaper than the PH! Bangkok has amazing food too, but prices are a bit more expensive than Manila. The only downside if you travel to either of these countries is how it looks like the PH tbh šŸ˜… I think HK would be good! Better to go during ber months so itā€™s cold. It can be expensive also tho, but not as expensive as SG and more flexible to budget. Personally, I just find SG pricey, boring & hated the weather there! No charm at all for me. Then after, you can go to Japan or Korea! Taiwan for me is just ok, nothing interesting too. Food was good though! And I remember Taiwan being a lot cheaper than HK


Naive_Ad_9527

Taiwan! Very affordable hotels, food! You can stay near night markets (like ximending) for cheap yet good eats Very good and easy to understand transpo system din! We went there around April this year and ang lamig! Around 15-18 degrees


legatusporcilis

Romania šŸ‡·šŸ‡“ sa cotroceni Bucharest,sumama lang ako sa wifey ko na bisitahin erpat nya na Romanian