Discovering Paradise: Vidhya’s Family Trip to the Philippines with Thrillophilia
Have you ever visited a place that made you feel like you were in a dream, where each moment felt like a postcard crafted out of dreams? I certainly had not - until my family and I arrived in the Philippines.
From the moment we landed in Manila, I felt an exhilarating sense of excitement and curiosity. It was as if the Philippines was waiting to reveal its hidden gems to us. I could not help but think - what makes a place magical? For us, it was the combination of vibrant culture, breathtaking nature, and the warmth of its people that made every part of this journey so special.
A View That Stole Our Breath Away
After resting for a day, we took a day trip to Tagaytay above Taal Lake on the second day. The highlight of this excursion was, undoubtedly, the view of Taal Volcano rising from the waters. Standing at the edge of the viewpoint, my kids were fascinated by the idea of a volcano standing on a lake, which itself was on the island of the Philippines- a natural marvel that left them stunned.
After this, we stopped at the Gingerbread House, where the kids rushed through, fascinated by the candy-shaped structures and playful atmosphere. Even my wife and I found ourselves drawn to the charming details of the sugar-themed decor.
Lunch at Sonya’s Garden was the thing that stole our hearts. The garden was a serene and floral heaven that served the freshest organic produce I had ever tasted. I remember biting into a crisp salad with the residual flavours of basil and lime on my tongue, along with freshly baked bread and homemade jams. It was simply delicious.
Beaches, Starfish, and Sunsets
The next leg of the journey was taking a flight to Puerto Princesa, and the minute we arrived there, the vibe of the journey shifted completely. Gone were the bustling streets of Manila, and the swaying palm trees against a backdrop of aquamarine waters greeted us.
The day after, we set out for Honda Bay. Here, the crystal-clear waters lapped at the white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs lay just beneath the surface, filled with life. The kids screamed in delight at the sight of Starfish Island and their little hands carefully picked up starfish on the beaches to put them back in the water.
“This is cooler than any aquarium,” my son declared, a smile went across his face.
Snorkelling was another adventure that left us spellbound. While floating above a world of colourful fish and coral gardens, we were reminded of how vast and beautiful life under the sea is.
Apart from the beaches, Honda Bay had a unique kind of peace. The sunset that evening was unlike anything I had ever seen before. Hues of orange and pink painted the sky as the sea glittered like molten gold. What made it all the more special for me was that I could witness such a sight with my family sitting beside me.
Fireflies and Magic on the River
Our favourite evening of the entire trip was at Iwahig River. As darkness fell, we boarded a paddle boat and glided silently through the mangroves. The stillness of the night was broken only by the gentle splash of the oars and the occasional chirping of crickets.
And then, the show began. Thousands of fireflies lit up the trees, with their light reflecting on the glassy water. It was as if all of the stars had descended to the earth to create a magnificent dance of light and shadow.
My daughter whispered, “It is like Christmas in the forest,” and I could not agree more.
Our guide explained the science behind the phenomenon, but no explanation could diminish the wonder of the moment. As I sat there with my family surrounded by the soft glow of the fireflies, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. These were the kinds of moments that you live for, that you travel for.
The Warmth of the Philippines
While the destinations we visited were undeniably breathtaking, what made this trip truly memorable was the warmth of the Filipino people. From the guide in Tagaytay who shared local stories with a smile, to the driver in Puerto Princesa who insisted we try fresh mangoes of the Philippines (and would not take no for an answer), every interaction was laced with genuine kindness.
One such moment took place on our last day in Manila as well- as we wandered through a local market, my wife spotted a vendor selling handmade crafts. Intrigued, she began chatting with the elderly woman behind the stall. In minutes, they were laughing like old friends, with the vendor sharing stories of her family and how she had learnt her craft from her grandmother. My wife walked away with a beautiful woven bag and a newfound appreciation for the artistry and brilliance behind it.
A Chapter We Will Cherish Forever
As our journey drew to a close, I replayed every moment we had lived in the Philippines. Each sunrise was a new beginning and each encounter with the wildlife and culture of the Philippines was a story we would carry for a lifetime. It was an excellent combination of experiences that brought our family closer.
On our flight home, I watched my wife scrolling through photos of Taal Volcano and my kids giggling over a video of their starfish encounter. And me? I sat quietly, reliving the joy of seeing my family so connected and alive.
Weeks after, as I share these travel stories with friends and family, I always say the same thing over and over:
You have to visit the place, not just to see the beauty of the islands, but to feel the magic that invites you to slow down and witness the magic of life.
Read More: Thrillophilia Philippines Review