Egypt, Ever a Wonder! (Part 1): The Gems of Cairo and Giza

- March 27-28, 2026, Friday to Saturday. 

- Egypt has always been in my bucket list ever since was a kid. At some point, I fancied the idea of being an Egyptologist before life redirected me to Indology/Indian Studies. But Egypt has never stopped being fascinating and I'm glad I finally had the chance to visit it this time.

- An extra hurdle to the trip is the current geopolitical situation in West Asia. Since my dad and I were to fly with Emirates, there was obviously a stopover in Dubai, whose airport was recently affected by the missile strikes in the region. With flights to West Asia being cancelled here and there around a week or two before our flight, I thought that maybe my Egypt dreams have to be put on hold yet again. But thankfully, things went smoothly, and we were able to fly from Manila on the late evening of the 27th, arriving in Cairo on the 28th after a short stopover in Dubai.

- For Philippine passport holders, a standard visa processed by the Embassy of Egypt is necessary. However, those holding a VALID AND USED multiple-entry visa to any of these countries/zones (i.e., USA, UK, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Schengen) are currently eligible to apply for a visa-on-arrival at Cairo International Airport. Fortunately, my dad and I had valid and used Japan visas, so we only had to pay 30USD (yes, should be paid in USD) at the airport. Just look for one of the bank stalls at the arrival hall right before the immigration, pay, and you'll get your visa sticker. However, the immigration officer should be the one to stick it on the passport.

- Traveling around Cairo is easy since Uber is available. Cairo also has a metro station, but because of time constraints I was not able to try it out during my stay. From the airport, we rode an Uber to Steigenberger Hotel at Tahrir Square, which is the main downtown area of Cairo. 

- After checking in and having a quick lunch at a restaurant across the hotel, we wasted no time and immediately went to the current largest museum in the world (based on exhibition area size), the Grand Egyptian Museum or "GEM". Because of its size, it also gets the honor of being the largest museum in the world dedicated to Egyptian artifacts. Only opened on November 1, 2025, it is the newest addition to the roster of prominent museums across Egypt. GEM is located in Giza, which technically isn't in Cairo anymore but a separate governorate, and just across the famous pyramids.

On the way to Giza, saw Cairo Tower.

Nile River.

I spy with my little eye....

What a way to start my adventures in Egypt!

Finally arrived at GEM!

Statue of Ramesses II.

Grand staircase.

- GEM features some artifacts from the old Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square (yes, this one's actually just beside our hotel) apart from many more collections in its almost infinite galleries. One of its most prized artifacts is the well-preserved golden funeral bust of Tutankhamun from 14th century BCE.

Funeral mask of Tutankhamun.

Lighting was chaotic.

Tutankhamun's sarcophagus.

One of the inner burial chambers.

One of the outer chambers of King Tut's tomb.

- Another major artifact to not be missed is the sun barque of Khufu from around 26th century BC. Despite its size, it was meant for use in the afterlife. It was actually found right beside the pyramids, and was originally displayed in the necropolis before being moved to GEM recently.

Hatshepsut.

Pyramid view.

Small sphinx.

- The GEM was difficult to finish even within a day, so we only visited the main artifacts to save time. Aside from this, I was chasing the sunset at Giza too, so we hopped on an Uber to Giza Pyramids View Inn, one of the smaller hotels just outside the Giza necropolis. It had a rooftop restaurant with a view of the pyramids and the sphinx! 

How many pharaohs have seen a sunset like this?

So much geometry.

Really, you're paying for the view.

Giza at dusk.

Hello sphinx!

Back at Tahrir Square after dinner.

- Frankly, the food wasn't that great, but the view was definitely priceless! Despite a worrying trip to Cairo, our first day in Egypt was a reward for making it to the country safely. Of course, this was only the beginning of more things to explore and experience in the land of one of the earliest civilizations of the world!