From Brunei, I hopped over to Manila, where a rainy arrival led to a brief but enjoyable exploration with a newfound Polish friend. Soon after, I journeyed to the remote island of Palau, where I was embraced by a warm Chinese couple at a cozy hostel. Despite a mishap with my drone, the dive trips revealed breathtaking underwater landscapes and pristine beaches. The camaraderie and stunning natural beauty of Palau left an indelible mark, making it one of the most remarkable and cherished destinations of my travels.

Links:

• Omar-‘Ali-Saifuddien-Mosque — A stunning mosque in Brunei with a golden dome, often mistaken for being made entirely of gold. It is one of the most impressive landmarks in the country.
• Royal Brunei Airlines — The national carrier of Brunei, offering flights to various destinations including Manila and other parts of Southeast Asia.
• Visit Palau — The official tourism website for Palau, providing information on attractions, activities, and travel tips for visitors.
• The tiny island with human-sized money — Information on the BBC about the unique stone currency of Yap, which is still used in traditional transactions and is an important part of the island's cultural heritage.
• Sam's Tours Palau — A diving center in Palau offering various dive trips and courses, known for its excellent service and beautiful dive sites.
• Brunei Tourism Official Site — Offers guided boat tours along the Brunei River, showcasing the local fauna, the king's palace, and water villages.
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As I adjust to being alone, my travels take me to the serene surroundings of El Nido. Opting for a secluded Airbnb in the jungle, I embrace the quiet, finding peace in the simplicity of my surroundings despite the initial boredom. Learning to ride a scooter becomes a thrilling necessity, opening up new vistas of lush landscapes and local life. Adventures to local waterfalls and beaches interspersed with moments of reflection and unexpected social interactions enrich my experience, marking a significant, introspective phase of my travels.

Links:

• Makati Shangri-La, Manila — A luxury hotel located in the business district of Manila, offering upscale rooms and a variety of amenities including a renowned breakfast buffet.
• El Nido Tourism — Official tourism site for El Nido, Palawan, providing information on activities, accommodations, and attractions in the area known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty.
• El Nido Tours A, B, C — Information about boat tours and Helicopter Island, a popular destination for boat tours in El Nido known for its unique shape and pristine beaches.
• Plaza de Roma — Historical plaza located in Intramuros, Manila, surrounded by significant landmarks and featuring a statue of King Carlos IV of Spain.
• Balut — Information about Balut, a traditional Filipino street food that is a fertilized duck egg with a developing embryo inside, considered a delicacy.
• Red Horse Beer — Information about Red Horse Beer, a popular strong beer in the Philippines known for its high alcohol content and distinct taste.
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