Today was always going to be a long one—but nobody expected this.

We started the day early, checking out of Singapore at 6:00 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. flight. The plan sounded simple enough: Singapore to Manila, then a short domestic flight, followed by a car ride to our final destination. In reality, this would turn into a full-blown travel saga.

By the time we were meant to arrive, it was already looking like 11:00 p.m.—and that was before everything went sideways. Jet lag was still hitting hard from the UK, too. One hour of sleep for her, maybe three or four for me. Not ideal conditions for what came next.

Airport Madness in Singapore

The chaos started early.

Our boarding passes said Terminal 2, so we went to Terminal 2. The self-service machines told us Terminal 3, so we sprinted there. Then the departure boards said… Terminal 2. Back we went.

With less than an hour before departure, we were running through the airport dragging bags, unsure where our luggage would even end up. Eventually, staff confirmed it was Terminal 2—bags dropped, confusion high, stress levels peaking.

Oddly enough, security wasn’t where we expected it. Instead of a central checkpoint, each gate had its own security screening. Strange at first, but honestly, it sped things up.

Once things finally calmed down, we grabbed a quick bite and even had time to check out the Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3—a surreal moment in the middle of absolute travel madness.

First Flight Down

The flight to Manila went smoothly enough. Food was surprisingly decent, though hunger quickly returned once we landed.

After arriving at Manila Terminal 3, we had to transfer to Terminal 2 for the domestic flight. A shuttle bus handled the transfer, but it meant more waiting—hours of it.

By now, exhaustion was setting in.

The Plot Twist No One Wanted

Then came the moment we thought we were finally done.

We boarded the flight to Puerto Princesa. One hour. Easy.

Except… as we approached, the plane suddenly powered back up and climbed away from the runway. The pilot announced that strong tailwinds made it unsafe to land.

Instead of touching down in paradise, we flew right back to Manila.

At this point, it was nearly 10:00 p.m. We had been traveling since 5:30–6:00 a.m., and somehow we were back where we started.

Close. Painfully close.

An Unplanned Night in Manila

With no immediate flights available, we were rebooked on a 5:00 a.m. departure the next morning.

We grabbed a hotel near the airport, though even that came with drama—the taxi driver didn’t know where it was, so Google Maps had to step in. When we finally arrived, the scene outside felt straight out of a movie: dark streets, neon lights, pure Manila energy.

A quick shower and change later, we were back on the move.

Finally Touching Down

This time, the flight worked.

We landed at Puerto Princesa Domestic Airport, tired but relieved. The vibes were high—until one last curveball appeared.

Our original driver had car trouble and sent a replacement without telling us. After a quick video call to confirm everything was legit (because… priorities), we got moving.

Thankfully, the drive was smooth—a 2.5-hour journey that finally delivered us to our accommodation.

Arrival at Last: Villa Number One

At long last, we made it.

Villa number one was a private compound just for us. Bags still outside, first impressions already hitting hard:

• Private pool

• Outdoor seating area

• Complimentary drinks

• Outdoor kitchen with stove, fridge, coffee, and cooking essentials

Inside, the villa delivered:

• Two spacious bedrooms with AC

• Stylish bamboo headboards

• Ensuite bathrooms with showers

• High ceilings and massive mirrors

After nearly 24 hours of continuous travel, standing next to that pool felt unreal.

This journey tested patience, energy, and sanity—but paradise finally won.

And honestly?

It was worth it.