jose rizal travel in colombo sri lanka

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Rizal in other lands (1882-1887)

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Travels of Jose Rizal

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Singapore The first of Rizal's many visits to foreign lands was a two-day stopover in Singapore in 1882. He toured the island by carriage, visiting sites such as the Raffles statue, the Botanical Gardens, temples, markets, and a school.

Raffle Statue

Botanical Garden

Buddist Temple

Colombo, Sri Langka

Colombo, Sri LankaIt was Rizal's journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka that was important for him to improve his knowledge of the French language while on board a French ship, Djemnah. It noted Jose Rizal's frequent visits to Colombo in the 1880's, with his love for the city captured in his writing: "Colombo is more beautiful, smart and elegant than Singapore, Point Galle and Manila."

Colombo, Sri Lnka

Point Galle, Sri Lnka

Colombo, Sri Lanka It was Rizal’s journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka that was important for him to improve his knowledge of the French language while on board a French ship, Djemnah. It noted Jose Rizal's frequent visits to Colombo in the 1880's, with his love for the city captured in his writing: “Colombo is more beautiful, smart and elegant than Singapore, Point Galle and Manila.

Egypt En route through the Suez Canal, Rizal got off at the Red Sea terminal and was amazed by the impressive moonlight scenery in Suez and was engrossed with the multicultural people and language of the place

Switzerland

Czech Republic

Milan, Italy

Naples, Italy

June 11, 1882 - Rizal disembarked and, accompanied by a guide, went around the City of Naples for one hour. This was the first European ground he set foot on. Rizal was pleased on this Italian City because of its business activity, it's lively people and its panoramic beauty

Paris, France

Marseilles, France

-Arrived in Marseilles on June 12, 1882 for two-and-a-half-day visit. He described it as "the most acient commercial city that perhaps exists." Notably, he visited the Chateau d'ff, where Dantes (hero of the Count of Monte Cristo) was imprisoned-June 14, strolled around Merseilles with Mr. Buil and Mrs. Salazar and met new people. Rizal watched a concert until midnight.-June 15, last day in Merseilles. Had lunch with Mr. and Mrss Salazar and 3 others around 11:15 am. Had 28 or 29 pesos left out of the initial 76 pesos with Rizal

Chateau d'if

Barcelona, Spain

• He met some Filipinos in Barcelona
• He wrote his first article ("Amor patrio") abroad. It was published in Diarong Tagalog.
• He didn't like Barcelona at first, but later on learned to love the city
• Rizal received a sad news from the Philippines

Rizal had detailed descriptions of the places where in he found interest and excitement. In Paris, he toured the National Panorama, a huge building constructed in 1885, designed for diverse exhibitions of arts and trades. “Admission usually costs 2 francs or 50 centimes on Sundays and Thursdays”(National Historical Institute 1997, p. 240). Moreover, Rizal had the opportunity to step inside the Hotel Dieu, France’s National Hospital – this building had three stories and had five floors on each side. “It is very clean and if I’m not mistaken, the hospital accommodates very comfortably 300 patients. It has magnificent verandahs where convalescents take a walk (National Historical Institute 1997, p. 241). None of these, however, compare to his visit to the Museum of Orfila. The famous and extraordinary museum was named after Mathieu Orfila (1787-1853), a French physician and chemist who made significant contributions to toxicology. Orfila had an enormous popularity in France, Spain and other European countries in the nineteenth century. He participated in trials which made him famous far beyond the academic community (Richards 2008, p.148). Rizal was among those who benefited from his works and might have encountered Orfila’s name in general biographies. In Rizal’s accounts, the museum was important to medical students because: “All can go there to study human and comparative anatomy including its innermost secrets; from the dwarf to the giant, the fish to man, from the cell to the organ” (National Historical Institute 1997, p. 241). The collections included a table made of human livers, intestines, bones, flesh, lungs and ears. Human organs were arranged in fanciful designs and hardened like marble. Rizal commented that: “The process is unknown, the secret having been lost, it seems” (National Historical Institute 1997, p. 241). Furthermore, a picture of a famous dwarf also caught the attention of Rizal; in contrast, the latter was very well proportioned, neither deformed nor hunchbacked nor is his head big like others. The dwarf was well-groomed and noble, and wore a garb similar to what he wore when he was living. Certainly, Rizal enjoyed what he had seen and learned. “I’m planning to come back some seven times to see the museums”(National Historical Institute 1997, p. 241). The public was admitted free and so people strolled, studied, sat on benches under the trees and worked at their own convenience without admission fees. Rizal was among them – at least one of those who believed that the best things in life are free. His collections of numerous specimens of birds, insects, butterflies, shells, snakes and plants in Dapitan have once earned him renowned scientific names like Draco rizali (a small lizard), Apogania rizali (a rare kind of beetle), Rhacophorus rizali (a peculiar frog species) and Spatholmes rizali (fungus beetle) – all gained high praises from European scientists and became useful proofs of the country’s biodiversity. On the 30th of December, Filipinos shall raise his banner once again. Surely, he will be remembered not only as the man behind the famous Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo but also as a curious collector and naturalist. His travels had shaped him for the person he had become, further earning him the belief that even the smallest of all collections have a significant impact to one’s education.

National Ponorama

Hotel Dieu, France’s National Hospital

Museum of Orfila

Berlin, Germany

Bavaria, Germany

Berlin, Germany -Rizal met for the first time Dr. Feodor Jagor, celebrated German scientist-traveler and author of Travels in the Philippines, a book which Rizal read and admired during his student days in Manila -Dr. Rudolf Virchow- introduced to Rizal by Dr. Jagor; famous German anthropologist -Dr. Hans Virchow- son of Dr. Rudolf Virchow, professor of Descriptive Anatomy -Dr. W. Joest- noted German geographer -Dr. Ernest Schweigger (1830-1905)- famous German ophthalmologist where Rizal worked -Rizal became a member of the Anthropological Society, the Ethnological Society, and the Geographical Society of Berlin, upon the recommendation of Dr. Jagor and Dr. Meyer -Tagalische Verkunst (Tagalog Metrical Art)- Rizal wrote this scholarly paper in German which he read before the society in April 1887. This paper was published by the society in the same year, and elicited favorable comments from all scientific quarters -Rizal lived in Berlin, famous capital of unified Germany for five reasons: (1) to gain further knowledge of ophthalmology (2) to further his studies of sciences and languages (3) to observe the economic and political conditions of the German nation (4) to associate with famous German scientists and scholars (5) to publish his novel, Noli Me Tangere -Madame Lucie Cerdole-Rizal’s professor of French in order to master the idiomatic intricacies of the French language -Unter den Linden- the most popular boulevard of Berlin wherein Rizal enjoyed promenading, sipping beer in the city’s inns and talking with the friendly Berliners -March 11, 1886 - one of Rizal’s important letters written while he was in Germany that addressed to his sister, Trinidad - in this letter, Rizal expressed his high regard and admiration for German womanhood - The German woman, said Rizal to his sister, is serious, diligent, educated, and friendly. She is not gossipy, frivolous and quarrelsome -Aside from the German women, Rizal admired the German customs which he observed well NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887) -The bleak winter of 1886 in Berlin was Rizal’s darkest winter because no money arrived from Calamba and he was flat broke. The diamond ring which his sister, Saturnina, gave him was in the pawnshop. It was memorable in the life of Rizal for two reasons (1) it was a painful episode for he was hungry, sick and despondent in a strange city (2) it brought him great joy after enduring so much sufferings, because his f irst novel, Noli Me Tangere came off the press in March, 1887 -Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin- inspired Dr. Rizal to prepare a novel that would depict the miseries of his people under the lash of Spanish tyrant

Dr. Rudolf Virchow

Dr. Feodor Jagor

Dr. Hans Virchow

Dr. w. Joest

Dr. Ernest Schweigger

Prague, Czech Republic

Maximo Viola

Vienna, Austria

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Vienna, Austria In Vienna, Rizal was met by a famous European novelist, Norfenfals, who toured him to the churches, art galleries, and other tourists spots in the city especially along the Danube Rivera

Danube River

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Bavaria, Germany Rizal went to Munich and enjoyed its famous beer, to Nuremberg to see its doll factory and Ulm to see the biggest cathedral in all of Germany.

Ulm tallest crurch

Nuremberg doll factory

Geneva, Switzerland

Lausanne and Geneva Rizal and Viola spent one night in Bern before continuing on to Lausanne. Before moving on to the actual city of Geneva, they did some sightseeing at the village that was situated just along the shores of Lake Geneva. The two finally made it to Geneva on June 6. They decided to stay at the Bel-Air Pension on Rue du Rhone 3. Rizal visited the city for around two weeks, and it was also where he celebrated his 26th birthday. Fadul claims that Rizal celebrated by taking Viola out to dinner. The final place Rizal visited in Switzerland was Geneva. He said goodbye to Viola here as well. On June 21, Rizal boarded a train headed for Turin, Italy, while Viola boarded a train for Barcelona, Spain.

Geneva Switzerland

Bel-Air Pension

Rizal visited the well-known Italian cities of Milan, Venice, and Florence, which are renowned for their arts and culture. He also went to the Vatican in Rome, where he was especially moved by St. Peter's Church.

St. Peter's Basilica - Vatican City

4 July 1887 Rizal passed the island of Cerdeña.

7 July 1887 In a letter he informed Fernando Canon about his trip on board the Djemnah, about the different co-passengers he had the activies he did on board.

8 July 1887 He arrived at Port Said, Egypt.

July 1887 He arrived at the Suez Canal.

21 July 1887 Rizal arrived at Colombo, Ceylon. He went ashore and bought a hat.

26 July 1887 He wrote in a postcard from the Strait of Malacca: "Greetings from the Strait of Malacca in a sea as tranquil as a mirror..."

27 July 1887 Rizal arrived at Singapore.

28 July 1887 Rizal left Singapore for Saigon.

30 July 1887 He arrived at Saigon and transferred to the S.S. Hayfong, a passenger ship.

2 August 1887 He left Saigon for Manila on board the S.S. Hayfong.

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Sri Lanka hotel preserves suite where Jose Rizal stayed

Upon the request of Philippine officials, the management of a hotel in Sri Lanka has preserved a suite where Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal once stayed. Room 305 of the Grand Oriental Hotel in Colombo is now known as the "Dr. Rizal Suite" upon the request of the Consul General, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. "The Grand Oriental Hotel's management preserved the room which is now known as Dr. Rizal Suite 305 upon the request of the Consul General," the DFA said in a news release. Rizal had stayed at the hotel during one of his visits to Colombo on his way to Europe between 1882 and 1886, the DFA said. On June 19, Rizal's 150th birth anniversary, Philippine Honorary Consulate General William John Terrence Perera and his office organized a function at the Grand Oriental Hotel to mark the occasion. Those present at the reception were National Heritage Minister Dr. Jagath Balasuriya, Western Province Governor Seyed Alavi Mowlana, Chief Opposition Whip, Founder Member and Vice President of the Sri Lanka-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Association Hon. John Amarathunga, MP. UNP, Advisor to Minister of Cultural Affairs Prof. Sri Nimal Lakdusinghe, and Colombo Plan Secretariat Secretary-General Dato' Patricia Yoon-Moi Chia. Also in attendance were members of the diplomatic and consular corps, the Sri Lanka Philippine Business Council, RP-SL Parliamentary and Sri Lanka Philippine Friendship Associations. - VVP, GMA News

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Grand Oriental Hotel

Colombo, Sri Lanka

• Full Review
• Historic property that once served as barracks for the British army
• Across from the harbor, and close to Dutch Hospital
• Colonial-style guest rooms have kettles, flat-screen TVs, and safes
• Charming historic elements throughout
• Buffet restaurant with harbor views
• Sri Lankan eatery with lovely, colorful decor
• Nightclub, bar, and pastry shop on-site
• Small spa with a massage room
• Event spaces and business center on-site
• Free Wi-Fi throughout
• Dated, rundown interiors
• Not the most scenic location
• Limited wellness facilities -- no gym or pool
• Some guest rooms lack hairdryers and toiletries are sparse
• Some complaints of unpleasant odors

Bottom Line

The three-pearl Grand Oriental Hotel occupies a 19th-century building across from Colombo Harbor and near the Dutch Hospital shopping center, but interiors are dated and rundown. The 80 old-fashioned, colonial-style guest rooms have some historic decor, flat-screen TVs, and tea- and coffee-making facilities, however, wear and tear is visible and toiletries are limited. Two restaurants include a buffet eatery with harbor views and a ground-floor Sri Lankan spot with fun, colorful decor, plus there's a pastry shop. A nightclub, free Wi-Fi, and business center are also on-site, as is a small spa, though it receives mediocre reviews. Travelers who want a better-maintained historic property should consider the Galle Face Hotel Colombo , though rates are typically higher.

Hotel & Amenities Photos

Standard room.

Jose Rizal Suite

Deluxe Room

Restaurants and Bars

Oyster Hotel Review

Historic, colonial-style property in need of full renovation.

In 1837, a Dutch governor's home was converted to barracks for the British army, and the building eventually became the Grand Oriental Hotel in 1875. The hotel is currently owned by the government-owned Bank of Ceylon. While the facade features attractive colonial style, and some historic decor is on display inside, the widespread mismatched and dated furniture, visible wear and tear, and unpleasant odors make this property a poor value. However, the harbor views from the buffet restaurant are interesting and the lobby-level Sri Lankan eatery has gorgeous, colorful painted ceiling tiles and a bronze wall frieze. 

For those who want a historic property relatively nearby, the Galle Face Colombo Hotel is a more luxurious alternative. Travelers who want to stay in the Fort area of Colombo should consider The Kingsbury, which has quality features that include an infinity pool and rooftop bar.

Central location opposite the harbor

The Grand Oriental Hotel sits in the Fort area of Colombo, which is the central business district. It's just opposite Colombo Harbour and Sri Lanka Port Authority, which isn't necessarily the most scenic, but provides interesting views of docked ships. Lots of government and bank offices are located in the area, and dining and shopping options are nearby. Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, which houses the famed Ministry of Crab restaurant, is a seven-minute walk away, and Pettah World Market, where vendors sell spices, souvenirs, and clothes, is a 15-minute walk. Bally's Casino is also a 15-minute walk, and Colombo Lighthouse is 18 minutes on foot in the opposite direction. The popular Galle Face Beach and park is an eight-minute drive, and the National Museum is 10 minutes by car. The main Bandaranaike International Airport is a 36-minute drive from the hotel. 

Colonial-style rooms showing their age

The design varies between room categories, but guests can expect worn and dated colonial-style decor, such as carved wooden furniture, mismatched patterned linens, and tile floors. Although four-poster beds and vanities in some guest rooms are charming, units show their age and need a full renovation. On the upside, they're huge, and come with seating areas, wardrobes with safes, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and efficient AC. Two suites are named after former famous guests -- playwright Anton Chekhov and activist Jose Rizal -- and have antique details like rotary phones and historic photographs. Bathrooms have either brown or more attractive black-and-white tile, and either tiny stall showers or shower/tub combos with plastic curtains. Standard Rooms lack hairdryers, and toiletries are sparse across the board. 

Two restaurants, a massage room, and nightclub 

Features here are sufficient for travelers who don't mind the lack of a pool, gym, and full spa. A massage room is available, but guests have reported services are mediocre. For dining options, the all-day buffet restaurant serves well-regarded food and offers harbor views from a wall of windows. The restaurant was redesigned by famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa in 1966, and it also houses a green back-lit bar and pool table. The ground-level Sri Lankan Restaurant is a more colorful space that serves buffet lunches and a la carte dinners. Another bar, plus a nightclub and pastry shop are also on-site. A business center and event spaces are available, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.

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Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.

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