In this article, we'll recall travels to exotic countries. And at the same time, we'll learn how to combine two completely different countries in one trip and not lose out. Our subscriber Philip is on the line, and he will tell us about the best hotels, entertainment, and his observations in Hong Kong and the Philippines. 

In pre-COVID times, these countries were visa-free for Russians. In Hong Kong, one could stay without a visa for 14 days, but upon exiting to a third country and returning, this period was reset. In the Philippines, one could stay without a visa for 30 days. Currently, tourists from Russia cannot visit these countries, but you can read about how things are there. Let's start with Hong Kong.

Accommodation

These two countries are complete opposites. If in Hong Kong you'll be cramped in a 5-square-meter hotel room, in the Philippines, for the same money, you can rent an entire bungalow or a huge hotel room. 

Hotel prices in Hong Kong are indeed astronomical. With a budget of up to 10,000 rubles per night, you can only expect a room no larger than a double bed, with the toilet possibly located in the same room or separated by a flimsy cardboard door. The cheapest options come without windows, but I advise paying extra for a window, as the skyscraper view is something you'll remember for a lifetime. Choose a higher floor and preferably a view of Kowloon Bay, as a grand fireworks display is held every evening on the promenade. 

A good view opens from the rooms of Silka Tsuen Wan in Kowloon. Another inexpensive option is Best Western Plus, from whose upper floors a beautiful view of the city and Victoria Peak opens. On the hotel's rooftop, there is an open-air swimming pool with panoramic views.

It should be noted that it can be cool in Hong Kong in winter, but hotels will not have heating – only an air conditioning system, which does not always work for heating. In other seasons, it will be very hot and humid. You just have to accept it.

Leisure in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, be sure to ride the double-decker trams and buses. Fares are paid with an Octopus Card, which is sold directly at the airport, or with cash, but using the card is more advantageous. Also, be sure to take a ride on the old green Star Ferry boats that cross the bay. The fare is pennies, and the ride is very atmospheric. And don't forget to take the tram up to Victoria Peak; the main thing is to make sure that clouds aren't covering the mountain, otherwise, instead of a stunning view of the city and the bay, you'll be walking in a fog. It's best to go up to the peak before sunset to catch the city both during the day and lit up after dark.

To experience the full atmosphere of Hong Kong, stroll through the markets and shopping streets, adorned with neon signs, amidst residential high-rises, skyscrapers, banks, and corporations. Hong Kong is simultaneously a city with the highest housing costs and the highest population density. Many old residential high-rises don't look very presentable: they are covered with air conditioners and mold, but this is precisely the charm of this city. It's not perfect, not artificial, it's alive. At the same time, tropical vegetation doesn't give up and continues to fight concrete on all fronts.

On weekends, all spots on sidewalks, bus stops, and indeed any flat surfaces are occupied by Filipinas who came to Hong Kong to work as nannies and governesses for wealthy Hong Kong families. On weekdays, they live in the family's home, and on weekends, they have free time. They don't have enough money to rent accommodation or fly home often, so they simply settle on cardboard boxes, build walls from these same boxes, and sit in groups – chatting, eating, playing their national games, doing each other's hair, or even singing karaoke. Despite this, they all smile, don't beg, and are happy to take photos with you. 

As soon as they save enough money for a long-awaited vacation, they fly home. The flight to Manila or Cebu with Cebu Pacific is quite inexpensive and takes only a couple of hours. On the plane, cool vaporized water is sprayed on you from the ceiling, and cheerful rhythms emanate from the speakers. And it works – you immediately tune into a holiday atmosphere, instead of Hong Kong's business pace of life. 

The Philippines

The city of Cebu on the island of the same name, after Hong Kong, strikes with its disarray and poverty. On the way from the airport to the ferry, you'll appreciate all the charms of Filipino road traffic. And you'll also likely see men relaxing in a ditch along the road and a carnival dedicated to another religious holiday. 

Islands and Accommodation

At The Henry hotel in Cebu, for the price of a bunk bed in a Hong Kong hostel, you'll get a huge room with a very stylish interior. But most tourists don't stay long in Cebu. The most popular islands are Bohol and Panglao, but there are also small secluded ones, such as Cabilao. It has only a few hotels, but Cabilao Sanctuary Beach and Dive Resort is the best. 

Transport

Getting to Cabilao Island is not easy. You can order a transfer from the hotel in the form of a boat or helicopter, but then you won't experience what jeepneys and tricycles are. 

Jeepneys are roaring and rattling long minibuses with two benches along the sides and a conductor-barker hanging from the back step with a wad of cash in hand. Originally, jeepneys were made from old army jeeps – hence the name. Now, only the external resemblance remains, but one thing is constant – the more inscriptions, drawings, and decorations on a jeepney, the better. Tricycles, on the other hand, are weak motorcycles with homemade sidecars, which, like jeepneys, move slowly, shake a lot, but leave an indelible impression.  

You Are the Center of the Universe

The Philippines is remembered for its very friendly population. But here's the rule: the smaller the island, the more interest you will attract from the locals. This interest is not solely about wanting to profit from tourists. Yes, locals often offer to sell you something, but they do it unobtrusively, with a smile or a friendly chat. And the prices, by the way, are decent.   

The Pearl of the Philippines

The main attraction of the Philippines is its nature and underwater world. On Cebu Island, you can swim with whale sharks. And Cabilao Island has many spots for diving and snorkeling. Underwater, you'll see corals, starfish, and many fish. But always remember safety: wear shoes when entering the water, as there are many sea urchins. 

Another iconic place is Panglao Island. It is famous for its long white sandy beaches and numerous cafes where you can listen to music or dance with a bottle of Red Horse, and also eat the freshest seafood for a modest sum. But this island is youthful and party-oriented, so it's not suitable for a quiet holiday. 

Bohol Island attracts tourists no less. There, be sure to see the Chocolate Hills (resembling "Rodnye Prostori" candies) and the tarsier sanctuary – the cutest tiny animals with huge eyes. 

Prices

Food prices, as with accommodation, are very low in the Philippines. Although in Hong Kong, despite expensive housing, food is inexpensive, except for places with European cuisine and trendy bars. But in the Philippines, don't look for gourmet dishes; everything is simple here – either fresh seafood or dry and spicy breaded chicken. There are also various oddities, like eggs with dead embryos, but that's strictly for extremists.

Thus, in one trip, without exhausting flights, you can visit two wonderful countries. The impressions will be vivid precisely because these places are so unlike each other. And contrasts are always memorable.