2012: Travel Madness Expo 2012

Travel Madness Expo 2012 is happening on SMX Convention Center starting July 20 Friday until July 22 Sunday.

Know more about the team behind the expo in http://www.travelmadness.ph/.

Unlike the traditional annual travel open-market sale, The Travel Madness Expo shall offer both Tourism Boards and Travel Providers a wider and growing opportunity to take a step forward in this industry. Our main strategies circle on a foundation of professional and profitable relations through fair and equal trade endeavors.

Was it because of the rain or its just that tourism lost its hype?  Unlike the previous travel expositions held in SMX, this time it is more peaceful, less noise, fewer crowd and sad to see there is reduced promotion on domestic spots. 

I’d consider that the airline industry topped in number of participants.

Dragon Air, Eva Air, Seaair/Tiger Airways

Fly Zest (http://www.flyzest.com/index.php) use to have crowd before, but now there is none.  Qatar has a quiet booth as well.  Cebu Pacific (http://www.cebupacificair.com) has only few buyers compared to the previous season when they offer Piso fares or extremely much lower costs.  I appreciate that smaller airline as Jeju Air (http://en.jejuair.net/jejuair/en_EN/main/main.jsp) can participate in this type of event. 

The most attended airline on the expo’s first night is Air Phil Express.

For the agencies that offer their services locally and abroad, it is Uni Orient that has the biggest booth.

Whether you are decided to go for a trip, or just preparing and missing traveling – attending this type of event will help you expose yourself on bigger offers of Tourism either within Philippines or outside Asia.

2012: Travel+Leisure - World's Best Awards

Travel+Leisure released the results for the 2012 World's Best Awards

http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/2012

Top Island in the World

Boracay, Philippines - Score: 93.10

Rank 1 (Rank 4 in 2011)

Top Cities in Asia
Bangkok - Score: 89.87
Rank 1 in 2011 and 2012 (Rank 1 the World) 

2012 April: Singapore: Well Spent Saturday

8:15am @ Botanic Gardens

Took Circle lane and drop-off at Botanic Gardens.

We walk around the park under the rain for about 2-3 hours.

Open:  5 am to 12 midnight daily  Admission Fee:  Free 

National Orchid Garden Open: 8.30am to 7pm daily (last ticket sale at 6pm) 

Admission Fee:  Adults   $5.00

2012 April: How to spend 10 hrs in Singapore

This is my third trip in Singapore and I’m doing this to keep in touch with my closest friends.  

2:00pm Official check-in time at Le Hotel, Clarke Quay

2:30pm @ City Hall Station

St. Andrew's Cathedral

Drop-off at Red/Green MRT: City Hall; Exit B

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm

http://www.livingstreams.org.sg/sac/visitors.html

3:00pm @ Somerset Station

Had an afternoon snack with my friend Kim at Charlie Brown Café, Somerset (http://www.charliebrowncafe.com.sg/).  I love the food and I miss our chit chat!

2012 April: Singapore: Arrival at Le Hotel

Been waiting for this day!  After my provincial experience in Langkawi, I finally arrived at Changi Terminal 1, had to pass by 3-4 walkalators, go down by one level and lastly reached the Immigration section. 

After the exit gates, I exchanged some money.  Go up for the Sky Train going to Terminal 3, then go to the city.

First stop from the airport is Expo station.  Alight and visit City Point mall if you want to visit outlet shops.  I was able to buy an Esprit bag for with sister worth 34sgd (1100php, 2012).  Other outlet shops are Charles and Keith, Adidas, Coldwear, Nike and Lacoste

Since I carry heavy backpack, from the Raffles train station, I took a cab going to Carpenter street which is also accessible by Clare Quay station.  It was a good decision, since the pedestrian between the block and the station is an overpass and I don’t have to walk on it with heavy bags.  

Accommodation Review: Le Hotel Carpenter Street

This is my first time to stay on a plain room with shared bathroom.  Staying there in less than a day (actually less than 8 hrs stay in my room) is not bad.  The reception officer is a Filipino, some guests are also Pinoys, so it feels like home.

Malaysia: Langkawi

Wednesday, just arrived in Langkawi International Airport from KL via Air Asia for only 26MYR (300php, 2012).  What to expect on this type of booking?  The airline might possibly send notifications about rescheduling your flight so make your itinerary flexible.

Taxi is the main form of public transportation in the island.  Better buy a coupon at the desk in Arrival Hall, then hand it to the cab driver at the waiting area to go to your hotel.

I choose to stay in Best Star Resort because it is facing Cenang Beach.  Not much to say on the area, water is not so healthy and a bit dark.  I prefer more the islands in Kota Kinabalu.