Destinations

The most spiritually interesting places to visit

We’re here to suggest you do something with your vacations that you might not have previously considered in your pursuit of hedonism under the sun. We’re here to suggest you visit the world’s most spiritually interesting places.

Published

7 years ago

December 18, 2017

Lily Asis

Heading to a country because you’re interested in it’s beaches and food is a pretty positive outlook on tourism. It could be considered quite limited, however. If you’re not used to traveling to a culture in order to sample it’s locations of spiritual interest, then boy do we have the article for you. We’re here to suggest you do something with your vacations that you might not have previously considered in your pursuit of hedonism under the sun. We’re here to suggest you visit the world’s most spiritually interesting places.

IMAGE SOURCE: Pexels

No matter you religious belief or lack thereof, you can glean some immense value out of doing this. You might feel that religion is a sham for the masses, and one of the biggest mistakes of human civilization. That doesn’t lessen the emotional truth and passion it takes for someone to hand craft a temple in centuries old. To disregard the pure emotion and love behind that effort is to lose out on experiencing something culturally significant. We’re not here to make a state on anyone’s religious preferences, of course everyone is free to believe what they do or do not wish, and the world is healthier as a result of that free choice.

However, we’d argue that visiting these spiritually interesting places the following article will explore can lend you some wonderful insight and interest regarding your general human experience. It can certainly culturally enrich you. Seeing religious iconography, architecture and cultural celebrations often informs you of the best of a people. Again, you needn’t agree with the beliefs, but marveling at the artistic integrity of some of these places is a universal allowance.

After all, even the most devout atheist would have a hard time looking up at the Sistine Chapel and not being floored with its beauty.

Vatican City

Vatican City, known the world over for being the home of the Catholic Pope, is one of the most beautiful places in modern Europe. A place of cultural, religious and historical significance, the Vatican City has stood since the fourth century AD. Rumored to be located above the tomb of St Peter, the Vatican City also takes pride in being named the smallest country in the world. Despite common perception, the Popes only began living in the Vatican during the 14th century, and not before.

The Vatican City boasts a citizenship of around 600 clergy members, but most live overseas in religious diplomatic positions around the world. If you’re in the area, visiting the Vatican is one of the must-dos of your Italian tourist checklist. Over five million tourists visit the Vatican each year, but that doesn’t cheapen the experience one bit. Home to the beautiful and aforementioned Sistine Chapel, featuring famous and world-known artwork by Michelangelo (no, no the ninja turtle,) this place serves as a real place of reverence and pure spectacle.

It’s hard not to enter the hallowed halls of this beautiful construction and not marvel at the power of belief which permeates its halls. Think of the last time you entered your holy place, be that a Church, Synagogue, Mosque or other. Times this by a thousand when entering what many consider to be the hub of their religion, and you’ll understand just how much power this place wields, both artistically and spiritually.

Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, especially from a cultural perspective. It’s home to the Malay, Indian and Chinese people, meaning that a blend of all religious beliefs make their way here. The culture is populated with both intricate and wonderful mosques, jaw-dropping Buddhist temples as well as incredible statues of the Buddha. While Island is the official religion of the state here, Buddhism, Christianity, Sikhism and Hinduism make their nest here also.

This allows for a great amount of cultural and spiritual diversity, and for the most part (unlike other places,) each religion is tolerant of the other in this country. The constitution of the country allows for freedom of religious expression. This country delivers that in droves. From Buddhist monks to Muslim elders, this country boasts some of the most variant wisdom to be found in the East.

This diversity makes the country so interesting to occupy. Not only is the food, populace and history so rich and interesting, but the peace that these religions preach and practice with one another do a lot for the moral backbone of the country. In fact, an extended stay here soaking in the variant spiritual disciplines on show will lead you to desire reading the complete guide to obtaining a mortgage loan for property in Malaysia.

We’d recommend checking out the Batu Caves in Selangor, as one of the most amazing and recently built Hindu temples is chiseled into the rock. It’s a truly unique and sheltered religious arena, one which demands exploration and slow study of it’s beautiful structural embossing. We’d also recommend seeing the Jamek Mosque in nowhere other than Kuala Lumpur, as it serves as one of the largest and most prominent mosques in the country. Despite being built by the British in an effort to expand the cultural and religious significance of the then small city, it retains its architectural authenticity and still serves as the primary hub of worship for many Malay muslims to this day.

Camino De Santiago

Popularized by Martin Sheen’s movie ‘The Way,’ the Camino de Santiago serves as one of the longest standing pilgrimage routes in the world. Also known as ‘The Way of Saint James,’ this Spanish route of pilgrimage leads to the eventual shrine of Saint James the Great in the Santiago de Compostela – situated in Galicia. This route is a popular route to walk for those searching for quiet and meditative spiritual reflection, and serves as a wonderful activity to experience.

Excellent hostels and hotels line this walk now, but so do beautiful, historical building converted into hospitality points for travelers. Restaurants, cafes and incredible camping spots line this way, but it’s important to respect the significance of this route if traveling it and practice the same quiet respect afforded to you if walking it.

This significance is hard to understate. In the middle ages, this route served as one of the most important and discussed pilgrimage routes in the world. You can gain a modern day certificate for completing this route yourself, but in order to gain your certificate you need to walk a minimum distance of 100 kilometers into Santiago from the French or Spanish path in. If cycling, this distance is doubled. Of course, if you’re doing it out of a pure interest in the cultural significance and have zero interest in the religious side, you can receive a difference certificate of welcome, without the spiritual congratulation laced on top.

This route is not one which has faded into obscurity. Those who know about it really do know about it, but try to keep it a secret thanks to its natural beauty. We guess that makes us discussing it part of the overtourist problem, but the place is simply too beautiful for you to be unaware of. Over 250,000 walkers attend this pilgrimage each year, all for various reasons. If you feel interested in the slightest, you can be sure that this is much more than a tourist destination, but can serve as many things. Some use it for religion, some for a right of passage, and some for an adventure. Whatever you choose, you can be sure that your time here will be well spent.

Visiting these locations will not only stimulate your cultural interests, but it will lend you perspective about the role religious belief has had in the storyline of mankind. Appreciating this can be a humbling experience, regardless of your personal beliefs.

We hope you find some value in attending these wonderful locations.

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Destinations

Pinoys’ top picks for weekend adventures

With the “ber-month” holidays on the horizon, Pinoys are setting their sights on short weekend, domestic getaways. These short trips provide a refreshing mix of relaxation and adventure without the pre-planning required for travel to faraway destinations.

Published

7 days ago

September 5, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Digital travel platform Agoda reveals the top five most searched destinations by Pinoys for a brief yet fulfilling weekend getaway or staycation. For those who are craving a quick escape but unable to commit to a longer vacation abroad, weekend breaks in the archipelago offer the perfect solution.

Agoda looked at searches made by Pinoy travelers for overnight stays between late August to September. Manila, the second most populous city of the Philippines, emerged as the top choice, followed by Cebu, Tagaytay, Boracay Island and Batangas respectively.

Mike Hwang, Country Director, Philippines at Agoda shared, “Weekend getaways or staycations are an excellent way to recharge without the need for extensive planning. The Philippines offers such a diverse landscape where travelers can enjoy the cityscape, the beach or even the mountains without needing to travel too far. Each location also offers unique experiences that cater to different interests.”

Here are Pinoy’s top destination choices for a weekend break:

Manila
Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, offers a mix of iconic landmarks and modern attractions. Visitors can do anything from exploring Intramuros, the historic walled city, to enjoying a shopping spree at numerous malls. The city’s vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene make it an ideal spot for a quick urban escape.

Cebu
Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is famous for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage. Travelers can visit the iconic Magellan’s Cross, dive in the crystal-clear waters of Moalboal, or take a scenic drive to the highlands of Busay for a panoramic view of the city.

Tagaytay
Just a short drive from Manila, Tagaytay is a popular destination for its cool climate and stunning views of Taal Volcano. Here, visitors can enjoy a leisurely day at Picnic Grove, savor local delicacies at Mahogany Market, or simply relax in one of the many cozy cafes overlooking lake Taal.

Boracay Island
Boracay Island remains a top choice for those seeking sun, sand, and sea. With its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Activities such as kite surfing, island hopping, and sunset sailing are just a few of the many attractions travelers can enjoy here.

Batangas
Batangas is a favorite for its accessibility and diverse attractions. From the pristine beaches of Laiya to the diving spots in Anilao, Batangas caters to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. The province is also home to historical sites like the Taal Heritage Town, making it a well-rounded destination. Agoda’s extensive offerings include over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. This makes planning a weekend getaway easier and more convenient.

Travel

70% of Filipino travelers can’t get enough of their favorite spot: Agoda

Agoda surveyed travelers who just booked a new trip to their favorite destination. The largest group of respondents from the Philippines 54% cited adventure as the main purpose for their upcoming trip. 44% are traveling for food, while 25% declared celebrations to be their main travel purpose.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 30, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

It turns out that one trip to Japan just isn’t enough for most of us. Agoda’s latest Return Visitor Ranking reveals that 70% of Filipino travelers return to their favorite destinations. The ranking, which was compiled from a survey conducted on the Agoda platform earlier this month, shows Japan, Thailand, and South Korea are leading the pack as the ultimate hotspots for returning visitors, followed by Taiwan and Hong Kong.

55% of travelers have visited their favorite destination between 1 to 3 times in the past decade, making up the largest chunk of repeat visitors. 10% of travelers have even visited their favorite destination ten times or more.

Mike Hwang, Country Director for the Philippines at Agoda shared, “Where some make it a habit to globetrot, others find pleasure in revisiting their favorite destinations. Agoda’s Return Visitor Ranking shows that for Filipino travelers, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea are more than just destinations, they are experiences that travelers crave to relive. Agoda is proud to facilitate these journeys, offering a diverse range of accommodations, flights, and activities to make any trip enjoyable, no matter if it’s the first or the tenth.”

When asked what makes Japan, Thailand, and South Korea so irresistible, half of Filipino respondents chose “Ease of Travel” at 50% as the primary reason. “Local Cuisine” at 47% was a close second, followed by “Convenient location” at 34%, “Safety and Cleanliness” at 33%, and “Previous Positive Experience” at 30% to round out the top five.

Looking at the survey data from an Asia-wide perspective, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam are the destinations that Asian travelers can’t get enough of, respectively 44% of Asian travelers listed “Ease of Travel” as the main reason for going back to their favorite destination.

Interestingly, this aligns with the preferences of Filipino travelers, who also prioritize ease of travel and local cuisine.

Agoda offers travelers great deals on a wide range of accommodations, flights, and activities for everyone looking to revisit their favorite destinations. Whether it’s the first visit or the tenth, Agoda’s easy-to-use features helps travelers plan and book the next adventure with ease.

Destinations

Big Bad Wolf schedules another Manila book sale at Ayala Malls Trinoma

Ready for more, Manila wolfies? Drop by the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at Ayala Malls, TriNoma, happening from August 7 to 15. Doors open during TriNoma mall hours: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 9pm, and Friday to Sunday from 10am to 10pm. This is a book sale extravaganza you won’t want to miss. See you there!

Published

2 months ago

July 22, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Surprise, Manila wolfies! Big Bad Wolf continues to take the city by storm. This time, the Wolf is heading up north of the metro! Opening this August 7 until August 15, the world’s biggest book sale is setting up shop at Ayala Malls, TriNoma Activity Center.

Big Bad Wolf returns to Manila after its triumphant runs at Parqal and Glorietta, extending its mission to reach one million new readers with the TriNoma book sale. Big Bad Wolf is bringing a collection of over two million books to the TriNoma Book Sale! With books from different genres, including self-help titles, Filipino literature, romance novels, and so much more, Manila wolfies are sure to find their next great reads at the book sale. Metrobank is also set to return as Big Bad Wolf’s official bank partner, offering credit cardholders a 0% 3-month installment promo for single-receipt purchases worth at least P3,000.

Along with its third Manila book sale, Big Bad Wolf is continuing its partnership with Ayala Malls and extending its support for “BookLat: Open. Imagine. Discover.” This Ayala Malls initiative promotes reading for leisure and entertainment, providing an extensive collection of books at affordable prices.

Through “BookLat,” Ayala Malls targets to gather about 20,000 books for public school kindergarten to grade 3 students within Ayala Land Estates and Ayala Malls communities. Big Bad Wolf is set to donate 1,000 books towards the initiative.

Aside from returning partners, local publishers such as Feast Books, Adarna, Tahanan, Lampara, Bookmark, and independent book publishers will be joining the TriNoma book sale for the first time. Big Bad Wolf is committed to supporting local publishers, ensuring their unique voices and stories reach a wider audience. This collaboration promises to provide a richer and more diverse selection for book enthusiasts, highlighting the vibrant literary culture of the Philippines and offering a unique opportunity to discover new and exciting titles.

Get ready to be swept off your feet because Big Bad Wolf guarantees another unforgettable book sale for Manila bookworms! Cosplay enthusiasts rejoice as “501 Legion,” a storytelling activity infused with cosplay, makes a comeback at the TriNoma book sale! Young ones will get another chance to join the “Little Wolfies Crew” on weekends and experience life as part of the wolf pack. To learn more about the program and to stay updated on unbeatable deals, promos, and more exciting surprises heading your way, keep an eye on Big Bad Wolf’s social media pages.

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).