After visiting Manila a few times for strictly business purposes, I decided to return there for a very quick spur-of-the-moment overnight trip.
I was lucky to score a great deal from Cebu Pacific Air. It was not Piso fare but it was economical enough for me to afford it. As I was on a tight budget and I really did not plan for this tour, I had to scour for a reasonably priced hotel in a not-so-inexpensive metropolis. The internet has basically become my best friend through this process. Sure thing, the internet did not fail me and I was able to book a hotel room for around Php 900.00 or so with GoHotel.
So off I started with my cheap thrill journey.
I took the jeepney from my home to about three corners away from the airport. From there, I took the cab and paid only less than Php100.00. When I arrived at the Manila airport, I walked out all the way to a Paranaque circle. I was not sure the exact name of that place but it was a good 600 meters walk from the airport’s main exit. I took the jeepney from there to the MRT station along EDSA corner Taft Avenue. Then I boarded the MRT to get to GoHotel.
Since it was such a short trip, I had to use my time wisely. I headed to SM Mall of Asia after checking in at the hotel. It should have been a long travel but was made shorter and that is thanks to MRT. I got off at the EDSA station after which I rode the bus.
I am a mall rat. So I leisurely strolled at what was said to be the biggest mall in the country. I was amazed at how big it really was. The mall seemed to occupy several hectares of land plus it offered a scenic view of the Manila Bay. I spent a good three hours for window shopping, buying some stuff, eating at a restaurant that was not available back home and simply enjoying the chance to wander. After enjoying the mall, I went back to the hotel by riding a bus. There are several bus companies that transverse through the Mall of Asia-GoHotel route. Travelling through bus is another inexpensive alternative. This is especially convenient since I need not get off and find another transportation to get to my destination. However, this is only recommended when its already late at night and there is lesser traffic.
The next day, I decided to go to Intramuros. Again I took the MRT, got off at the EDSA station, rode LRT from there and got off at the Central Station. From Central Station, Intramuros is a mere 5 minute walk away.
Intramuros blew me away! The place is so full of history, which I find very exciting. There are a lot of structures that were preserved in its original state. I was in awe in everything I saw!
After a calesa ride around the walled city, it was time to go. I took the same route in going back to the hotel. I got my bags; rode the bus to Mall of Asia since traffic was not heavy that day. I ate lunch there then rode a cab going to the airport.
Less than two hours later, I was home. That was then that I decided to reward myself once in a while with a low-cost trip. After all, exploring need not be expensive.
