Manila to Incheon (Seoul)

MANILA, the capital city of the Philippines, was founded in, 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and was the seat of power for most of the colonial rules of the Philippines. It is situated on the eastern shore of Manila Bay and contains a multitude of landmarks, some of which date back to the 16th century. It is home to the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and military prison. In the 19th century Manila became one of the most modern cities in Asia. Before the Spanish–American War, Manila saw the rise of the Philippine Revolution. Under the American rule following the Spanish-American War, the United States changed the official language from Spanish to English. Towards the end of World War II, during the Battle of Manila, most of the city was flattened by intensive aerial bombardment. Today, tourism is a vital industry in Manila. Major shopping malls and bazaars thrive around Manila.

The Hong Kong Island skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks to ambition and money. Paris, London, even New York were centuries in the making, while Hong Kong's towers, bright lights, and glitzy shopping emporia weren't yet part of the urban scene when many of the young investment bankers who fuel one of the world's leading financial centers were born. Commerce is concentrated in the glittering high-rises of Central, tucked between Victoria Harbor and forested peaks on Hong Kong Island's north shore. While it's easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today's Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You'll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong's luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong's most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There's no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.

The Hong Kong Island skyline, with its ever-growing number of skyscrapers, speaks to ambition and money. Paris, London, even New York were centuries in the making, while Hong Kong's towers, bright lights, and glitzy shopping emporia weren't yet part of the urban scene when many of the young investment bankers who fuel one of the world's leading financial centers were born. Commerce is concentrated in the glittering high-rises of Central, tucked between Victoria Harbor and forested peaks on Hong Kong Island's north shore. While it's easy to think all the bright lights are the sum of today's Hong Kong, you need only walk or board a tram for the short jaunt west into Western to discover a side of Hong Kong that is more traditionally Chinese but no less high-energy. You'll discover the real Hong Kong to the east of Central, too, in Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. Amid the residential towers are restaurants, shopping malls, bars, convention centers, a nice smattering of museums, and—depending on fate and the horse you wager on—one of Hong Kong's luckiest or unluckiest spots, the Happy Valley Racecourse. Kowloon sprawls across a generous swath of the Chinese mainland across Victoria Harbour from Central. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of Kowloon peninsula, is packed with glitzy shops, first-rate museums, and eye-popping views of the skyline across the water. Just to the north are the teeming market streets of Mong Kok and in the dense residential neighborhoods beyond, two of Hong Kong's most enchanting spiritual sights, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery. As you navigate this huge metropolis (easy to do on the excellent transportation network), keep in mind that streets are usually numbered odd on one side, even on the other. There's no baseline for street numbers and no block-based numbering system, but street signs indicate building numbers for any given block.

Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s second largest city, its biggest seaport, and the world’s fourth largest container port. It entered the 21st century as a newly emerging international metropolis. In the forefront of Taiwan’s expansion and modernisation efforts are the China Steel Corporation and China Shipbuilding. They are perfect examples of what Taiwan’s export-oriented economy is all about. The Love River, which has seen some recent landscaping, adds to the beauty of the city. Coffee shops along its banks offer good opportunities to view the river’s activities and enjoy a nice breeze. A 495-feet (150 metres)-long urban corridor of light, known as Urban Spotlight, was designed by local artists who wanted to make light and shadows the theme of the hall. The result is an urban space in the Central Park area teeming with artistic vision. A very important event in Taiwan’s recent history occurred here in 1979, and is known as the Kaohsiung Incident. It was the day of the first major human rights celebration on the island. Until that time, the authorities had never allowed any expression of discontent. When the day came, however, the celebration ended in chaos when police encircled the peaceful crowd and started using teargas, and pro-government instigators incited violence. Kuomintang (KMT) authorities used this as an excuse to round up all well-known opposition leaders and imprison them. Although it was hardly noticed internationally, it is recognised locally as an important turning point in the island’s transition to democracy, and it galvanised the Taiwanese people into action.

With the glittering lights of Taipei - a futuristic metropolis of culture and ideas - sparkling nearby, Keelung is the first calling point for many visitors arriving in Taiwan. While this port city essentially serves as Taipei's ocean gateway, you shouldn’t be too hasty in dashing off to Taipei's neon-lit magic – first it’s well worth spending some time exploring the famous glowing night market, which hums with life each evening and is famous for its local seafood.

Ishigaki is a city in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, and includes Ishigaki Island and the disputed Senkaku Islands territory. Ishigaki City is the political, cultural, and economic centre of the Yaeyama Islands. At approximately 85 square miles (221 square kilometres) Ishigaki City covers all of Ishigaki Island. Ishigaki Island is part of the island chain comprising the Yaeyama Archipelago, and surrounded by coral reefs. Its highest point is Omoto, an approximately 1,726-foot-high (about 526-metre-high) mountain located on Ishigaki Island, and the tallest mountain in the Okinawa Prefecture. Together with Kabira Bay, Mount Omoto is a nationally-designated Place of Scenic Beauty. The uninhabited Senkaku Islands are located approximately 93 miles (about 150 kilometres) north of Ishigaki Island, and have an area of approximately 2.4 square miles (about 6.3 square kilometres).

Jeju Island is a stunning volcanic island located off the southern coast of South Korea, famous for its natural beauty, unique landscapes, and relaxing atmosphere. Often called the “Hawaii of South Korea,” it is one of the country’s top travel destinations.

At the heart of the island stands Hallasan, South Korea’s highest mountain and a dormant volcano surrounded by a national park with scenic hiking trails. The island is also known for its dramatic natural formations, including Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a UNESCO World Heritage site formed by volcanic eruptions.

Jeju features beautiful beaches, lava tubes, waterfalls, and lush countryside, offering a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Cultural highlights include traditional stone houses, local markets, and the famous “haenyeo” (female free divers) who harvest seafood without oxygen tanks.

With its mild climate, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural heritage, Jeju Island is a peaceful getaway ideal for nature lovers and travelers looking to explore South Korea beyond its cities.

Yeosu, South Korea, is a picturesque coastal city known for its stunning views and rich cultural heritage. On the southern coast, it boasts beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking and island-hopping. Famed for the Yeosu Expo, showcasing the city’s focus on marine and coastal sustainability. Visit attractions like the beautiful Odongdo Island, known for its lush camellia flowers and walking trails. The city also offers historical sites such as the Hyangiram Hermitage, an ancient Buddhist temple perched on a cliff with panoramic views of the sea. Yeosu’s combination of natural beauty, cultural sites, and delicious seafood makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a relaxing and picturesque experience.

Incheon is a major port city located on the northwest coast of South Korea, near Seoul. Known for blending modern development with rich history, it serves as a key gateway to the country, especially through the world-class Incheon International Airport, one of the busiest and most advanced airports globally.

The city offers a variety of attractions, from the futuristic Songdo International Business District—a modern smart city with high-tech infrastructure—to cultural and historical sites like Incheon Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in South Korea, filled with vibrant streets, traditional architecture, and delicious food.

Incheon also has scenic coastal areas, parks, and islands such as Wolmido Island, known for its seaside views, amusement rides, and relaxing atmosphere.

With its mix of innovation, history, and coastal charm, Incheon provides a unique experience for visitors, combining urban convenience with cultural exploration.

Incheon is a major port city located on the northwest coast of South Korea, near Seoul. Known for blending modern development with rich history, it serves as a key gateway to the country, especially through the world-class Incheon International Airport, one of the busiest and most advanced airports globally.

The city offers a variety of attractions, from the futuristic Songdo International Business District—a modern smart city with high-tech infrastructure—to cultural and historical sites like Incheon Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in South Korea, filled with vibrant streets, traditional architecture, and delicious food.

Incheon also has scenic coastal areas, parks, and islands such as Wolmido Island, known for its seaside views, amusement rides, and relaxing atmosphere.

With its mix of innovation, history, and coastal charm, Incheon provides a unique experience for visitors, combining urban convenience with cultural exploration.