When travel doors finally went wide open in 2022, I used up all of my vacation leaves to travel to three destinations in succession: Singapore, Tagaytay and Baguio in one go. It was exhausting, but definitely worth it. Here’s how it went down.

Singapore nature hikes

Travel bugs who’ve gone to Singapore know that the place is synonymous to walking. There are actually quite a number of good city and nature hiking trails in this small, highly urbanized country that can surprise you. So unlike my previous trips to SG, I took it a notch higher this time. Thanks to my sister-in-law, we did a couple of hikes in between my usual touristy (read: shopping) activities.

The first hike was through Sentosa Island where we traversed through the boardwalk, on to the beach, before proceeding to Mt. Imbiah — stopping briefly only to take pictures by each of the mountain’s 3 natural waterfalls. This includes the Tempinis Cascade that gave me that Jurassic Park feels. The Rock Dragon Waterfall was fun, with a manmade dragon spitting out water ever minute or two. We also took the coastal trail that led us to Fort Siloso, which included the treetop skywalk, WWII museum and gun trail.

Our next hike was actually a “baby hike” as we took on Bay East Garden, where my sister unloaded some of her personal secrets that I wasn’t prepared for. Her jarring revelations actually made the mini-hike feel like a major mountain hike. Oh, the emotional barrage! I just love how my sister-in-law trusts me this much.

Two days before my departure, my brother took me by the entrance of MacRitchie Reservoir Loop, which i had planned to visit the following day. Seeing as it was going to be at least an 11km-trail, I decided to take it the next time I visit SG as I was reserving my energy for the next couple of trips I would be taking when I get back to Manila.

Maryridge Retreat and Renewal Center, Tagaytay

I got back to the condo around 10 in the evening, which left me with a small window to pack for my next trip. I’m one of those psychos who have the habit of unpacking right away after a trip, but this time around, I left my suitcases unpacked to prepare for the next four days.

I barely slept. I had to wake up really early for Tagaytay. I was the designated driver, so I powered through. The two-day retreat at Maryridge Retreat and Renewal Center was a cleansing experience — emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

An overnight stay at Maryridge provides you with a private room (with toilet and bath), 7 meals (including snacks), and access to the entire compound. The meals are home-cooked and absolutely diet-busters especially since the ingredients are fresh and homegrown. Each serving is generous, and even the snacks are hearty. It’s you vs. the food because the meals are served with just about 2-3 hours apart. While your digestive system is still digesting the previous meal, here comes the next mealtime.

And that’s just the food. The place has a stunning, unobstructed view of Taal volcano. The lush greenery fills you with fresh air. There are several outdoor nooks to choose from where you can spend a quiet time for reflection. There is a gardenn swing, and another set of swings right beside the tall statue of the Virgin Mary. You have the option to spend your quiet time indoors as well, which innclude a long lanai, prayer rooms, living areas, library and the chapel. The chapel is extra special because of the majestic view of Taal behind the altar.

The most enriching for me was the spiritual healing that the Sisters provided us. Our friend (who recently passed from cancer) gave us a couple of passages to reflect on. My friends and I had one of the most intimate sharing sessions we’ve had together, bringing us to tears as we recalled moments in our individual lives that brought us closer to our Redeemer.

Baguio City

I got back to the condo late in the afternoon, still feeling a little drained physically from a long drive. I did manage to do my laundry and pack again for my next trip.

My adrenaline is still racing, so I had little sleep once again. I decided to sleep over at a friend’s house for our early morning trip to Baguio. This time, I managed to get about 4 hours of sleep.

The house we stayed in along Asin Road had a beautiful view of the mountains with a sea of clouds and a beautiful sunset. For two days, we went around the usual hotspots around Baguio City: Christmas Village, Bencab Museum, Wright Park, Strawberry Farm, Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, Baguio Cathedral. Although we went our on a food crawl, I would say the best experience was at Choco-Late de Batirol inside Camp John Hay.

Tired but happy

By the time I finally got home, my body was exhausted from the the trips. It wasn’t as if they were in the same proximity. I just couldn’t believe I went from Singapore to Tagaytay to Baguio City in one go. With three different sets of friends. Note to self: plan your vacation well next time.