Visiting Kampung Ayer—the iconic Water Village in Brunei Darussalam—is like stepping into a living postcard. Known as the “Venice of the East,” this centuries-old settlement built entirely on stilts is a must-see for culture lovers, photographers, and adventurers alike.
Whether you're exploring the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan or venturing to the scenic outskirts, getting around Brunei is surprisingly easy — if you know your options! This guide covers buses, taxis, car rentals, and water transport to help you navigate Brunei like a local.
π½️ Ending Our Vigan Trip with Local Delicacies
As with every trip, we ended ours the best way we know how—with food! Before checking out of the hotel, we made sure to enjoy lunch at their in-house restaurant and savor the iconic dishes of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
When in Vigan, one dish you simply can’t leave without trying is the iconic Bagnet—a crunchy, golden slab of deep-fried pork belly that Ilocanos proudly call their own.
During my visit, I asked a local how it gets that extra crispy bite, and they shared a little secret: Bagnet is sun-dried for hours after boiling, then deep-fried to perfection. No wonder it's this crunchy!
Ukoy, sometimes spelled Okoy, is a beloved Filipino appetizer known for its golden, crispy texture and flavorful shrimp filling. Traditionally, it’s made using unpeeled small shrimps, which give it a distinct crunch and savory flavor. Some variations use peeled shrimp, but the unpeeled kind adds to that irresistible crispiness.
π What Makes Vigan Ukoy Special?
Unlike the usual Ukoy, the famous Vigan Ukoy is made from galapong — a sticky rice dough — mixed with shrimps, onions, spring onions, and a blend of spices. This batter creates a unique texture and a deeper flavor profile.
Leyte is an island in the Philippines composed of two provinces: Leyte Province (Northern Leyte) and Southern Leyte. The island is widely known for being home to the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines, which connects the provinces of Leyte and Samar.
Many say it seemed impossible to build—but during the Marcos era, it was made possible, allegedly as a grand gesture for Imelda Romualdez Marcos, a LeyteΓ±a by birth.
Food always goes hand in hand with travel—especially when you're exploring the beautiful island of Bohol in the Philippines. After a long morning of sightseeing, nothing beats a hearty meal by the river, beach, or farm. Whether you’re looking for local flavors, seafood feasts, or organic dishes, these top dining spots will surely satisfy your appetite!
I’ve only been to Puerto Princesa once, and though we only stayed in one place, I can confidently say it was comfortable and convenient for our packed itinerary. If you're looking for a clean, no-fuss stay that feels like home, here's a quick review of where we lodged.
Of course, no adventure is complete without tasting the local cuisine! Every time I travel to a new province, I make it a mission to try their specialties and well-known food spots. While we didn’t get to try everything, these restaurants were definitely worth the visit—and a few might even make you miss your flight (yes, really!).
"A heartfelt travel journal from my Palawan escape"
I’ve always had a soft spot for places that feel both peaceful and powerful—and Puerto Princesa gave me exactly that. It’s the kind of destination where history meets nature, where you can chase quiet sunsets after wild adventures, and where you’re constantly reminded that the Philippines is full of places still worth exploring.
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