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INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES<br />
MANILA PHILIPPINES<br />
092<br />
Malen R. Alava<br />
Merchandise group<br />
manager, Stores<br />
Specialists Inc.<br />
MUST-BUY GIFT: The famous<br />
South Sea pearls, which are<br />
very affordable and beautiful. Buy<br />
them at the Greenhills Shopping Mall<br />
in North Manila.<br />
MUST-EATS: Tourists should<br />
defi nitely try the local lechon<br />
or roast pig served with a special<br />
sauce, and the chicken or pork<br />
adobo, which is a national favourite.<br />
FOR HISTORY: The Spanish<br />
Fort at Intramuros is a great<br />
place to visit to trace Philippines’<br />
history under its 300 years of<br />
Spanish rule. There are guided<br />
walking tours, which tourists are<br />
bound to enjoy.<br />
MOST ROMANTIC SPOT:<br />
The sunrise or sunset view at<br />
Roxas Boulevard is a romantic spot.<br />
There are several restaurants in this<br />
area where couples can settle in and<br />
admire the view.<br />
FAVOURITE/RECOMMENDED<br />
SIDE TRIP: Take a trip to<br />
Tagaytay City and see the smallest<br />
volcano in the world.<br />
MANILA<br />
Manila Cathedral<br />
FROM THE AIRPORT<br />
CBD 7km from Ninoy<br />
Aquino International<br />
Airport<br />
Travel time CBD is<br />
around 30 mins by car<br />
Taxi Approx PHP450<br />
(S$12.80). Prepaid<br />
taxis are available<br />
inside the airport<br />
terminal and save you<br />
the hassle of haggling<br />
ON THE GO<br />
1. Taxi You can usually<br />
fl ag one down at most<br />
malls. Be sure to<br />
always insist on using<br />
the meter. If the driver<br />
refuses, just say no<br />
politely and get out<br />
from the cab.<br />
2. Jeepney These<br />
lorries ply most major<br />
city roads, and can<br />
take you anywhere<br />
along their route.<br />
TAIPEI TAIWAN<br />
Treena Huang<br />
Specialist, CNC Line<br />
BEST NIGHT OUT: If you want<br />
to experience local food,<br />
you have to check out the Shilin<br />
Night Market — the largest and<br />
most famous night market in Taipei.<br />
Take the MRT and get off at Jiantan<br />
station. Try the pan-fried stuffed<br />
dumplings, among others.<br />
FAVOURITE LOCAL FESTIVAL:<br />
The Pingxi Sky Lantern<br />
Festival. Write your wishes on a<br />
lantern and release it into the sky —<br />
your dream may just come true!<br />
Tip: people say white lanterns are<br />
good to be released at night while<br />
more colourful ones should be<br />
reserved for daytime.<br />
BEST IDEA FOR A FAMILY<br />
OUTING: Taipei Zoo is great<br />
for families. After your visit, hop onto<br />
the Maokong Gondola to Maokong<br />
for a cup of tea.<br />
FOR HISTORY: History buffs<br />
should not miss the National<br />
Palace Museum. Look out for the<br />
famous ‘Jadeite Cabbage with<br />
Insects’ collection!<br />
Rainbow bridge<br />
on the waterfront<br />
TAIPEI<br />
FROM THE AIRPORT<br />
CBD 40km from<br />
Taiwan Taoyuan<br />
International Airport<br />
Travel time Around 50<br />
mins by car to get to<br />
the city centre<br />
Taxi Approx TW$1,100<br />
(S$46.60)<br />
Buses Seven buses<br />
leave from the airport,<br />
with some making<br />
hotel stops. Costs<br />
TW$110-140 (S$4-6) for<br />
an adult and TW$43-<br />
65 (S$1.80-2.80) for<br />
a child; takes 40 to<br />
90 mins<br />
ON THE GO<br />
1. Taipei Rapid<br />
Transit System This<br />
is defi nitely the most<br />
effi cient, fuss-free way<br />
of getting around the<br />
city, as well as that of<br />
Greater Taipei.<br />
MANILA PHOTO: LESTER LEDESMA
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