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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

9 years ago

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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

Visiting San Pablo City’s Pho Viet Nam

When we came across Facebook posts on Pho Viet Nam in San Pablo City in Laguna, we expected to encounter what was experienced in Vietnam (i.e. good food over so-so venue). We expected too much…

Published

1 week ago

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September 17, 2026

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If you’ve been to Vietnam, you’d know that some of the best places to eat at are in those neighborhood eateries; their versions of karinderya, in a manner of speaking, where locals prep good lutong-bahay Vietnamese offerings sans the classy places of expensive restos. Here, the focus is always the food, never the blings.

So when we came across Facebook posts on Pho Viet Nam, located somewhere in San Pablo City in the Province of Laguna, we sort of expected to encounter what was experienced in Vietnam.

@outragemag Looking for #Vietnam food while in #SanPabloCity in #Laguna? We #LGBT checked #PhoVietNam ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, this is not the most accessible place even for those with vehicles from Metro Manila. This is because you still have to travel for over an hour (if you’re lucky traffic-wise), and spend on your gas and the toll and so on.

Note that when you’re also along Apolinario Mabini Street, the resto isn’t apparent. It is located at the back of another resto (Joy), so it is very easy to miss. There is, BTW, a small entry at the side of the resto, which leads to an outdoor parking space.

Ikalawa, the actual resto is cheap-looking – e.g. plastic décor, running lights here and there, and so on. Very karinderya; cheap karinderya, for that matter.

Ikatlo, the servers were okay naman; they knew what was on the menu, and – after making quick recommendations – kept you undisturbed to enjoy what you ordered. The orders took some time to be prepped, however; I was even able to order bad-tasting fries from the other resto due to the waiting time.

Ika-apat, how was the food?

Both the ₱245 Beef Noodle Soup and the ₱245 Seafood Noodle Soup weren’t bad naman; but they weren’t good either. You get enough properly-cooked meats, the noodles are sufficient, and so on. Taste-wise, though, they were bland, and no amount of the prepared condiments helped in changing the flavor.

The ₱190 Rice Paper Roll sufficed even if, by and large, it was tasteless. The saving grace: the satay dip since it was rich and nutty and all that.

The ₱160 Meatloaf and Egg Sandwich (the banh mi kep thit va trung) had enough meat naman… and yet was also bland.

Considering the asking prices of this place, you sort of expect a lot, too. Add to that the popularity of the place – e.g. look at all those who dine there, kinukuyog. Alas, the realities when already there are harsher.

Heading to San Pablo to check this place led us to the nearby Dagatan Blvd. surrounding Sampaloc Lake, a must-check place in these parts. So we sort of do not regret heading to San Pablo.

But buod: No, Pho Viet Nam is not worth the dayo; not worth for you to intentionally seek this place out. The food wasn’t bad. But it’s not great, or even good either. It just suffices. And so, particularly for non-locals, the additional expenses for the gas, toll, et cetera make going there not worth it… sorry.

But off we go for more LGBTQIA+ rampa…

Pho Viet Nam is located at 130 Apolinario Mabini Street, San Pablo City, 4000 Laguna.

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Destinations

Heading to Pila, Laguna? Check out La Cosina Antonio

We found our #LGBT selves in #Pila, #Laguna, where we ended up checking La Cosina Antonio.

Published

3 weeks ago

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September 4, 2026

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While traveling from Batangas City on the way to Paete, Laguna after an Intersex 101 training workshop, intersex activist Jeff Cagandahan worried where he’d feed us. And then, after a quick discussion with his wife, he suggested La Cosina Antonio, which is apparently a must-check resto in the Municipality of Pila in the province of Laguna.

So we went there, and… how was it for us?

@outragemag #LGBT wandering in #Pila, #Laguna? You may as well try #LaCosinaAntonio ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, this is really only convenient to access by locals, or those with private vehicles. Pila, if you must know, is one of the oldest settlements in the Philippines. It is, nonetheless, still largely provincial. And so this place is dadayuhin; you need to intentionally go there as it’s not on the way to major destinations.

Ikalawa, the actual venue is BIG. This one’s an old house converted into a resto with different parts – e.g. for dining, for drinking complete with a performance space for a band, venue spaces, and so on. La Cosina Antonio is, thankfully, well-kept, so that it’s clean, has updated furniture, and so on.

Ikatlo, the staff was okay naman when we were there, able to discuss what’s on the menu, make recommendations… and then prepare the orders and deliver them fast. Very home-y approach, actually, treating guests as regulars.

Ika-apat, how was the food?

The ₱375 Dinakdakan was actually good, the pork belly crispy, the chopped onions and green chilies fresh, and the calamansi-mayo dressing not overpowering.

The ₱390 Sinigang na Hipon was… so-so, not bad though not good either. Pampainit-tiyan. Though, this has to be said, at least di tinipid in the number of shrimps served.

The ₱560 Garlic Pepper Whole Chicken was good; the meat stayed juicy even if the skin was crunchy.

The ₱770 Crispy Pata was also good; crunchy skin and, yes, malamang pata. There are times when you get Crispy Pata that’s basically just skin and bone, no meat at all. Here, we got meat… thankfully.

This place is popular, true (check their Facebook page, LOL). I can be dismissive and say that because, if in Pila, it’s not like you have lots of choices. But truth be told, it’s also because La Cosina Antonio actually has not-bad stuffs to offer… including the okay venue, okay service, and okay food. So check out if you can… or just join us as we look for more LGBTQIA+ lafangan venues…

La Cosina Antonio is located along JP Rizal St., Barangay Sta. Clara Norte, Pila, Laguna.

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Destinations

Pasalubong shopping in Davao via Aldevinco

#Pasalubong hunting in #Davao? Consider the new, pinasosyal #Aldevinco that may not have the grimy character of the old location but still is worth #LGBT visiting.

Published

4 weeks ago

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August 31, 2026

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Davao-bound tourists know – or should know – of Aldevinco Shopping Center, the city’s one-stop-hub for everything Mindanao-related. You need malong or patadyong as pasalubong? You need a kulintang not just as a musical instrument, but as décor? You need batik, or T’boli ethnic apparel? You can find them all… and even more, in Aldevinco.

But here’s the thing, particularly for those who do not know yet: the old Aldevinco, which was located along C.M. Recto Street and Roxas Avenue in Davao City, is no more.

Now… enter the new Aldevinco, this time located at Poblacion Market Central on C. Bangoy Street (former Madrazo Fruit Stand)… which isn’t that far from the old place, actually.

We checked, and here are some things worth noting.

@outragemag #Pasalubong hunting in #Davao? Consider the new, pinasosyal #Aldevinco that may not have the grimy character of the old location but still is worth #LGBT ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, this place looks and feels new. The old Aldevinco had a palengke feel, but this one has a mall feel. So you have a high-ceilinged venue with better-arranged stores that are air-conditioned, and so on. Pina-sosyal, in a manner of speaking.

Ikalawa, when there, the rules remain the same: haggle. The prices first quoted to you are not the actual prices the goods go for… unless you’re too moneyed and you don’t want to ask for discounts, though in that case, you shouldn’t even be in Aldevinco at all. The more you buy (i.e. bulk buying), the lower the prices, obviously. But always haggle… even if only for the fun of doing it.

Ikatlo, if you have time to spare, don’t auto-buy from the first store you check. Tour the area and compare prices. Often, the goods sold in one store will also be offered in a different store. So move around before making a final decision.

And ika-apat, Aldevinco may be popular as the go-to place for pasalubong, but in truth this isn’t the only one. Halimbawa, right across the old Aldevinco is a series of shops, some of them from the old Aldevinco. Because, at times, Aldevinco can feel like a tourist trap, and understandably, not everyone likes going into one. So consider your other options.

All the same, when in Davao, this is a place worth checking… if not for the shopping, then the food… or at least to check what happened to the tenants of the 60-year-old Aldevinco that was closed in December 2021, and is now being redeveloped into who-knows-what.

All part of rediscovery as we continue the LGBTQIA+ rampa wherever and everywhere…

Open from 9AM to 7PM (with the Kūkūñ Food Hall open from 10AM to 9 PM), Aldevinco Shopping Center is located at Poblacion Market Central, C. Bangoy Street, Davao City.

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