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Binondo Food Crawl 2024

How to Get There:

Via Jeepney: Take a jeepney with a "Divisoria" signage from Heritage Hotel. The trip to Divisoria takes approximately 45 minutes. Inform the driver you’re heading to Binondo, and ask to be dropped off at Divisoria Church.

Via LRT from Mall of Asia: Take an e-tricycle or mini bus to LRT Buendia, then ride Line 1 and alight at LRT Central Station. From there, walk to the underpass to cross to the Intramuros entrance.

We chose this route for a walking tour to hit our daily 10,000 steps. We explored Intramuros and ended at the Filipino-Chinese bridge connecting Intramuros and Binondo. The view was great, and there are plenty of photo spots.

After crossing Jones Bridge, we walked to a 7/11 near the Binondo entrance to buy water and then started our food crawl.

1st Stop: Jiu Ding Dimsum We had fried dumplings here, which were delicious—crunchy, soft, not oily, and cheap at 6 pieces for 100 pesos. They also offer fried siopao, but we didn’t try it.

2nd Stop: Dong Bei Dumpling Located on Yuchengco Street, we tried their bestseller, Boiled Kutchay with Pork Dumplings, 14 pieces for 200 pesos. It was a bit bland, even with sauce and chili oil. They also offer plain pork dumplings, fried dumplings, xiao long bao, and fried pancakes.

3rd Stop: Lord Stow's Bakery We bought 4 egg tarts for 235 pesos. Though I usually don’t like egg tarts, these changed my mind—they were milky with a flaky base.

4th Stop: Wong Kei / Vege Select Initially, I thought this place only offered grilled vegetables due to its name. We ordered a 3-piece set with meatballs, tofu, and sausage for 120 pesos. The sausage and meatballs were decent.

5th Stop: Oishiekun Chinese Bites They offer bicho bicho. You can choose from plain (35 pesos), sweet (60 pesos), or milky (60 pesos). I tried the milky bicho bicho, which was delicious—bite-sized pieces rolled in powdered milk.

6th Stop: The Original Shanghai Fried Siopao Aside from fried siopao, they also offer Filipino kakanin. We bought fried siopao for 35 pesos, which was fluffy with a tasty filling, unlike any other fried siopao I’ve had.

Last Stop: Quik Snack Located on Carvajal Street. Although I was full, my friends wanted pancit. They ordered pancit for sharing, and I tried a dessert called white fungus. The pancit was a large serving, as was the white fungus, which was sweet but nothing special.

Binondo has a plethora of food stalls and restaurants, which can be overwhelming. I had been planning this food crawl for a long time and finally managed to convince my friends to join me. I hope this guide helps!

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7 PROVINCES IN 6 DAYS (Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique, and Capiz)

This trip was both exhausting and incredibly rewarding! I planned it for my 26th birthday. After six months of research, I finally created an itinerary that perfectly matched my flight schedule. Yes, I bought the plane tickets before finalizing the itinerary. I’m excited to share all the details with you—this will be VERY detailed!

Where to start?

I started my trip in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, for easier transportation. My flight was 7AM.

I booked a flight from Manila (MNL) to Dumaguete (DGT) with Cebu Pacific. My flight was originally scheduled for 7 AM, but there was a one-hour delay. Fortunately, my tour guide was very kind and waited for me at the airport.

Day 1: Dumaguete, Negros Oriental

9:30 AM: Arrive at Dumaguete–Sibulan Airport. 9:30 AM – 9:45 AM: Wait for my checked baggage. 9:45 AM – 10:00 AM: Freshen up at the airport. It’s a small airport with only two restrooms, so it was a bit crowded. 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Meet up with Kuya Thony for the Dumaguete-Valencia Tour. I was a bit shy at first because I was running late, but Kuya Thony was incredibly understanding. I had booked a solo tour with him two months in advance. Despite the rain throughout the tour, which I usually dislike, we pushed on and I eventually forgot about the weather.

Here are the places we visited on the tour, including the entrance fees:

Subida Souvenirs Cata-al Museum: Donation only Tierra Alta: PHP 100 per person, PHP 50 for parking Sulfur Vent: No entrance fee Pulangbato Falls: PHP 100 per person, free parking Redrock Hotspring: PHP 100 per person, free parking Forestcamp Resort: PHP 200 per person, PHP 30 for parking Chada Valencia: No entrance fee Dumaguete Signage: No entrance fee Rizal Boulevard: No entrance fee Cathedral: No entrance fee Silliman View: No entrance fee Sansrival Pasalubong: Depends on what you buy Monkey Sanctuary: No entrance fee. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see any monkeys because of the rain, though I spotted some in the distance on the mountains. Dove Feeding Plaza: No entrance fee, but you need to buy bird feed to attract the birds for photos. I opted for the larger feed, which cost PHP 50. 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM: Arrive at the hostel, Antwet Backpacker’s Inn & Rooftop Bar, for PHP 449.98 per night. After settling in and taking a bath, I headed out again at 7 PM. The hostel is conveniently located in front of the Negros Oriental Provincial Capitol.

I explored the area, took some pictures, and visited Rizal Boulevard, which was also part of the tour. Kuya Thony had mentioned it’s especially lively at night, and he was right—it was vibrant and full of energy.

Since I wasn’t very hungry, I looked for a café near the boulevard and found Tom N Toms Coffee. I ordered a mango yogurt smoothie for PHP 200. It was decent, and I spent about 30 minutes there before heading back to the hostel.

I prepared my things for Siquijor before sleeping.

Day 2: Siquijor

I booked a fast craft ticket in advance via the Oceanjet website, which cost approximately PHP 750 for a round-trip ticket. I mistakenly thought that purchasing the ticket online meant I wouldn’t need to wait in line at the port. Unfortunately, I was wrong. First, there was a long line to get a physical ticket, and then another line for the terminal fee payment of PHP 15. It would be helpful if they included all fees on the website to streamline the process for tourists. I wasn’t the only one confused; many other travelers seemed to be in the same boat. The travel time is approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

There’s also a cheaper ferry option costing around PHP 400 round-trip, with a travel time of about 2 hours.

5:30 AM – 6:00 AM: Wake up and prepare. I was supposed to check out of the hostel and leave my luggage there, but the reception was unavailable. So, I ended up booking another night through the Agoda app. I couldn’t reach the property representative either.

6:00 AM – 6:30 AM: Breakfast at Jollibee, which is conveniently located near the hostel.

6:30 AM – 6:40 AM: Head to the Port of Dumaguete. Remember to bring a valid ID, as it’s required for entry.

6:40 AM – 7:00 AM: Wait in line to get a physical ticket and pay the terminal fee.

7:00 AM – 7:20 AM: Wait for departure.

7:20 AM – 7:30 AM: Boarding. One thing I love about Oceanjet is their punctuality—they’re always on time!

7:30 AM – 8:15 AM: Fast craft ride from Dumaguete to Siquijor.

8:30 AM: Meet my tour guide, Kuya Dehm, outside the terminal. Although he wasn’t the guide I initially booked, everything went smoothly during the tour!

8:30 AM – 5:00 PM: Siquijor Tour—an action-packed day exploring the island. Here are the places we visited, along with their entrance fees:

Welcome to Siquijor: Free, located just outside the port

Saint Francis of Assisi: No entrance fee

Paliton Beach: No entrance fee; donation requested for photo ops by locals

Pitugo Cliff: PHP 30, plus PHP 30 for parking

Old Enchanted Balete Tree: PHP 20

Hapitanan Broom Shot: No entrance fee; donation requested for photo ops by locals

Lazi Church: No entrance fee

Lazi Convent: No entrance fee

Cambugahay Falls: PHP 20, plus PHP 30 for parking

Molave Man-Made Forest: No entrance fee

Salagdoong Beach: PHP 50 entrance fee, plus PHP 20 for parking

Cang-Isok Old House: No entrance fee; only for sightseeing, as you cannot enter

Lilibeth Pan Bisaya

Kuya Dehm and I parted ways at exactly 5:15 PM outside the port where we initially met. The Siquijor port is more convenient than Dumaguete’s. I just showed my e-ticket and paid the terminal fee. Although there were plenty of tourists, the line moved surprisingly fast. I waited until 6:00 PM.

6:00 PM – 6:15 PM: Boarding.

6:15 PM – 7:10 PM: Fast craft ride from Siquijor to Dumaguete. This was the most terrifying hour of my life—the weather was cold, the craft was fast, and the waves were huge due to the rain. It felt like a roller coaster ride. The woman sitting next to me said the rough ride was normal, though the waves were higher than usual. After this nerve-wracking journey, I took a tricycle back to the hostel. The caretaker was very kind and said it was no problem to leave my things in the room, even suggesting I shouldn’t have booked another night as it was unnecessary.

I checked out at 9:00 PM and headed to the Ceres Bus Terminal for the 10:00 PM bus to Bacolod. To my surprise, the only available bus was an ordinary one. The conductor advised me to wait for the 1:00 AM air-conditioned bus, which would be more comfortable.

In the midst of it all, I forgot to have dinner on my birthday! I quickly took a tricycle to Bazinga Dumaguete, where I enjoyed a burger and fries combo for PHP 200. It was delicious! I stayed there until 11:30 PM and then returned to the terminal, where I almost missed the bus.

1:00 AM: The bus departed for Bacolod. I slept throughout the journey to save time and hotel expenses.

Day 3: Bacolod, Negros Occidental and Iloilo

I arrived in Bacolod at 6:00 AM and had breakfast at a carinderia next to the terminal—one rice and hotdog for just PHP 35, plus a free soup!

Since it was too early for the museum and The Ruins, I decided to explore the area:

7:00 AM – 7:45 AM: I took a tricycle to the Plaza, which was only a 3-minute ride, but the driver asked for PHP 200. I was unsure and ended up paying him. I took a leisurely stroll around the plaza and visited the following attractions:

Bacolod Plaza Bandstand Welcome to Bacolod City arch City of Smiles San Sebastian Church 7:45 AM – 8:15 AM: Enjoyed coffee at Dunkin’.

8:15 AM – 8:50 AM: Walked to Capitol Park and Lagoon.

8:50 AM – 9:45 AM: Visited The Negros Museum.

9:45 AM – 10:40 AM: Took a Grab to The Ruins, but unfortunately, it was closed for an event.

10:40 AM – 11:30 AM: Headed to Manokan Country and had lunch at Aida’s Chicken. The chicken inasal was decent.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Stopped by SM City Bacolod, which is conveniently located just in front.

12:00 PM – 12:15 PM: Walked to Bacolod Port and waited until my departure at 1:00 PM.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Arrived in Iloilo, took a tricycle to my hotel, and checked in.

2:20 PM: Arrived at the hotel, which was quite old and lacked an elevator. My room was on the third floor, so I rested until 4:00 PM before continuing my tour.

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Started a walking tour around Iloilo:

Calle Real Sunburst Park Plaza Libertad 4:30 PM – 4:45 PM: Commute to La Paz Market by bus with a La Paz signboard.

4:45 PM – 6:00 PM: Had an early dinner:

Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy Madge Coffee, the oldest coffee shop in Iloilo 6:00 PM – 6:15 PM: Took a bus to Jaro with a Jaro signboard.

6:15 PM – 7:00 PM: Explored Jaro:

Jaro Plaza Graciano Lopez Jaena Park Campanario de Jaro Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral 7:00 PM – 7:20 PM: Returned to Iloilo City Proper.

7:20 PM: Arrived back at the hotel.

I must say, Iloilo City has an excellent transportation system. Buses seem to go everywhere, which is very convenient. Plus, the hotel I booked is located in the city center, making it easy to get around.

Day 4: Guimaras

6:00 AM – 6:30 AM: Prepare to head to the port.

6:30 AM – 6:50 AM: Travel from the hotel to Parola Wharf. Advanced booking isn’t necessary. There are various fast crafts available, with fares ranging from PHP 15 to PHP 30 one way. I chose the PHP 30 option because it’s air-conditioned.

7:00 AM – 7:20 AM: Ride the fast craft from Parola Wharf to Jordan Wharf.

7:20 AM – 4:00 PM: Met my tour guide, Kuya Ryan, and we started the tour right away. Here are the sites we visited:

Jordan Signages: No entrance fee.

Smallest Plaza: No entrance fee.

Windmills and Man-Made Forest: PHP 30 entrance fee, PHP 20 parking fee.

Pitstop Restaurant (for Mango Pizza): I was skeptical, but it turned out to be surprisingly good! Free parking.

Guimaras Signages: Free parking.

Trappist Monastery: Free parking; donation requested for candles.

Guisi Lighthouse: PHP 30 entrance fee, PHP 20 parking fee.

4:00 PM – 4:20 PM: Travel back from Jordan Wharf to Parola Wharf.

4:20 PM – 4:40 PM: Return to the hotel to freshen up.

5:00 PM – 5:25 PM: Commute to Molo Plaza.

5:25 PM – 6:30 PM: Relax and explore Molo Plaza—there’s so much to see and do!

6:30 PM – 6:45 PM: Return to the hotel by riding a bus bound to Iloilo City proper.

6:45 PM – 7:30 PM: Prepare for bed and get ready for the trip to Antique.

Day 5: Antique

I woke up before my alarm and quickly got ready to start the day.

5:00 AM: Wake up.

5:15 AM – 5:45 AM: Prepare for the trip to Antique.

5:45 AM – 6:15 AM: Walk to the public market behind Robinsons Place Iloilo. I needed to catch a jeepney with the “Mohon Terminal” signage. I was a bit anxious about commuting since there weren’t many clear instructions online. Thankfully, the hotel receptionist kindly advised me to head to the back of Robinsons Place Iloilo and wait for the right jeepney.

6:15 AM: Arrived at Mohon Terminal. I was initially confused because the only bus there was headed to Kalibo. Fortunately, I asked the driver, who confirmed that the bus would pass by Anini-y, Antique, my destination. I boarded the bus to Kalibo but informed the driver to drop me off in Antique.

6:30 AM – 8:30 AM: Travel from Mohon Terminal to Siraan Hot Spring and Health Resort in Anini-y, Antique.

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Enjoyed relaxing at Siraan Hot Spring and Health Resort. The sulfur hot spring was wonderful, and the resort’s cliffside location offered stunning views. I would have loved to stay overnight, but I had other tours planned.

12:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Headed back to the hotel. I waited for a bus bound for Iloilo outside the resort. The bus dropped me off at Mohon Terminal, where I caught a ride back to Iloilo City proper.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Freshened up at the hotel and then prepared for an Iloilo City tour.

3:30 PM – 3:45 PM: Took a bus with a “La Paz” sign from Iloilo City. This bus also passed by the museums.

3:45 PM – 6:00 PM: Explored the museums:

Museo Iloilo

National Museum Western Visayas Regional Museum (This one was particularly interesting; it was converted from an old prison into a museum.)

Both museums are conveniently located side by side.

6:00 PM – 6:20 PM: Rode the bus back to Iloilo City proper and stopped at Robinsons Place Iloilo for dinner.

6:20 PM – 6:45 PM: Dined at JD Bakery Café. I tried their Molo soup, which was decent.

6:45 PM – 7:30 PM: Strolled around Robinsons Place and nearly forgot to buy pasalubong. Luckily, there was a Biscocho Haus kiosk nearby!

7:30 PM – 7:40 PM: Returned to the hotel.

7:40 PM – 8:00 PM: Prepared for the trip to Capiz and then went to sleep.

Day 6: Capiz

I woke up extra early to prepare my check-in baggage. I had bought a bit too much biscocho and butterscotch, so I needed the extra time.

4:00 AM: Wake up.

4:00 AM – 5:30 AM: Prepare for Capiz and check out. I left my luggage at the hotel lobby before heading out.

5:30 AM – 6:00 AM: Went to the back of Robinsons Place again to wait for a jeepney bound for Jaro, as it would pass by Ceres Northbound Terminal.

6:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Traveled from Ceres Northbound Terminal to Roxas City Integrated Transport Terminal. There was light traffic, and we made a 15-minute stop in Passi City.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: From Roxas City Integrated Transport Terminal to Roxas City Plaza.

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Explored the city. Here are the places I visited:

Roxas City Plaza

Manuel A. Roxas Monument

Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Capiz)

Capiz Provincial Capitol

Ang Panublion Museum

Pres. Manuel A. Roxas Ancestral House

I initially planned to visit The Edge, but it was an hour away, and traffic was heavy.

12:00 PM – 12:15 PM: Took a tricycle back to the Integrated Transport Terminal.

12:15 PM – 4:00 PM: Travelled from the Integrated Transport Terminal to Ceres Northbound Terminal in Iloilo.

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: From Ceres Northbound Terminal to the hotel in Iloilo. I took a jeepney bound for Iloilo City proper.

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: I had planned to book a Grab to the Iloilo Airport, but fortunately, I found a couple of travelers also heading to the airport. The hotel offered a transfer service that was much cheaper—PHP 150 compared to the PHP 500 Grab fare.

5:00 PM – 5:45 PM: Transferred from the hotel to Iloilo Airport.

5:45 PM – 6:00 PM: Checked in.

My flight was originally scheduled for 7:30 PM, but as usual, there was a delay. We ended up boarding at 9:40 PM. You know there’s a delay when you see a Jollibee box at the gate!

10:00 PM – 11:15 PM: Flew from Iloilo to Manila.

EXPENSES

Dasma to Baclaran: PHP 60

Baclaran to Airport: PHP 200

MNL to DGT RT with 20kg check-in baggage: PHP 4,771.12

Breakfast at the airport: PHP 150

Coffee: PHP 255

Dumaguete-Valencia tour (tricycle, good for 2 pax): PHP 1,300 (Motorcycle tour for solo pax costs PHP 1,000)

Tip: PHP 500

Lunch: PHP 1,300

Coffee: PHP 100

Tour entrance fees: PHP 730

Hotel (2 nights): PHP 996

Cafe smoothie: PHP 200

Coffee: PHP 200

Souvenir: PHP 300

Total for Day 1: PHP 11,062.12

Day 2

Dumaguete to Siquijor RT OceanJet ticket: PHP 750

Tricycle to port: PHP 20

Breakfast: PHP 120

Coffee: PHP 200

Terminal fee RT: PHP 30

Siquijor tricycle tour: PHP 1,300

Tip: PHP 500

Lunch: PHP 1,200

Entrance fees: PHP 500

Souvenirs: PHP 500

Refresher: PHP 200

Tricycle from Dumaguete port to hotel: PHP 20

Tricycle to Ceres bus terminal: PHP 50

Tricycle from Ceres bus terminal to Bazinga: PHP 50

Tricycle from Bazinga to Ceres bus terminal: PHP 100

Dinner: PHP 250

Dumaguete to Bacolod bus fare: PHP 510

Total for Day 2: PHP 6,300

Day 3

Breakfast: PHP 35

Ceres terminal to plaza: PHP 200

Entrance fee: PHP 100

Coffee: PHP 100

Grab from Capitol to The Ruins: PHP 220

Grab from The Ruins to Manokan County: PHP 220

Lunch plus tip: PHP 250

Coffee at the terminal: PHP 50

Tricycle to hotel: PHP 100

Hotel (4 nights): PHP 3,462

Iloilo City to La Paz: PHP 15

Dinner: PHP 165

La Paz to Jaro: PHP 15

Cafe: PHP 200

Grab back to hotel: PHP 164

Total for Day 3: PHP 5,196

Day 4

Grab from hotel to Parola Wharf: PHP 125

Coffee: PHP 200

Iloilo to Guimaras RT: PHP 60

Tricycle tour: PHP 1,500

Tip: PHP 500

Entrance fee: PHP 200

Lunch: PHP 1,000

Parola Wharf to hotel: PHP 130

Iloilo City to Molo Plaza: PHP 15

Souvenir: PHP 100

Total for Day 4: PHP 3,830

Day 5

Iloilo City to Mohon Terminal: PHP 18

Coffee: PHP 200

Iloilo City to Anini-y: PHP 210

Siraan Hot Spring entrance: PHP 150

Anini-y to Iloilo: PHP 210

Lunch: PHP 150

Coffee: PHP 180

Entrance fee: PHP 200

Dinner: PHP 150

Pasalubong: PHP 5,000

Total for Day 5: PHP 6,318

Day 6

Iloilo City to Ceres Terminal: PHP 15

Ceres Terminal to Roxas City: PHP 210

Bus from terminal to plaza: PHP 15

Entrance fee: PHP 50

Coffee: PHP 165

Lunch: PHP 200

Tricycle from plaza to terminal: PHP 100

Roxas City to Ceres Terminal Iloilo: PHP 210

Ceres Terminal to hotel: PHP 15

Grab from hotel to airport: PHP 150

Coffee: PHP 250

Dinner: Free (due to delayed flight)

Coffee: PHP 255

Grab from airport to Dasma: PHP 1,500

Total for Day 6: PHP 3,135

Total Expenses for the Trip: PHP 35,841.12

Overall, this trip was the most expensive and exhausting journey I’ve ever undertaken, but it proved to be profoundly fulfilling. The Visayas region, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, particularly Dumaguete, has truly captured my heart. Dumagueteños are some of the kindest and most welcoming people I’ve ever met. Their warmth and hospitality made every moment of the trip memorable and worthwhile.

Despite the challenges, such as navigating the various transportation options and managing expenses, the experience was enriching. From the breathtaking natural beauty to the rich cultural experiences, every aspect of the trip added value to my journey. The sense of community and the genuine kindness of the locals left a lasting impression on me.

If I ever decide to settle down or retire, Dumaguete will undoubtedly be at the top of my list. Its charm, combined with the incredible people and the serene environment, makes it a perfect place for a future home. The memories and experiences from this trip have cemented my affection for this wonderful region, and I look forward to returning someday.