Actual Travel Date: 13 Aug – 17 Aug 0040H
Route: MNL to SG to Malacca to SG to MNL
Showing posts with label plan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plan. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
2014 August: Singapore and Malaysia: Itinerary
Actual Travel Date: 13 Aug – 17 Aug 0040H
Route: MNL to SG to Malacca to SG to MNL
Monday, March 21, 2011
2011 March: Boracay Island, Philippines: Arrival at Caticlan
Travel Date: March 16, 2011 Destination: Caticlan, Malay, Aklan October 2010, I bought my 750php worth of Manila-Caticlan-Kalibo-Manila round trip at Cebu Pacific. Upon the announcement of boarding time, we get in to a bus – hmm, that was unusual! We waited for around 30 mins in tarmac before getting into a propeller plane – I was thinking that if it is like only one bus getting into the plane, then it is like a bus added with wings. One foreigner said, “I though we are riding a plane going to Boracay, how come we are riding a bus”. Since, the plane already stayed in open air for a long time, it was too hot when we get in and until we get off. Since it was a propeller jet, they do limit the weight of check-in baggage to only 10 kilos. Also, each of the passengers is required to pass a weight check. Upon our landing, it was already windy – our plane bounced twice, had a very hard break that you really need to tighten your seat belt, to hold on to your arm rest and push the seat in front of you, and finally a strong right turn going to the parking area. Before getting out of the Airport Gate, you need to fill up an arrival form – name, flight details, and accommodation. The transfer guides are near the gate waiting for you and you just need to look for your name on which agency you booked. To be honest, I do not know the procedure when you prefer to commute. The South West Transport helped us carry our bags going to the boat and upon transfer to a multi-cab. We stayed at Boracay Holiday Resort.
Boracay Holiday Resort Station 2, Corner Main Rd. & Tirol Rd., Manggayad, Balabag, Boracay Island Malay, Aklan Philippines http://www.boracayholidayresort.com/
The standard room costs 3000php, and we also take the advantage of getting their Caticlan-Boracay-Kalibo transfer. The room is clean and neat, television are with good cable channels, refrigerator is available, there are hangers on the cabinet, towels and toiletries (shampoo, condition and soap) are provided. Your rooms will be cleaned upon request. Also, no slippers and hair dryer are provided. Wifi connection on your rooms are with corresponding fees.
Breakfast is free on our stay. A breakfast slip is required to be checked by the staff. Food ranges from bread, hot cakes, eggs, fish, pork, ham, cereals and plain rice. Available drinks are coffee, fresh milk, juice and water.
Wifi is available on the lobby and pool area. The pool is open from 8am-11pm. They do clean the pool everyday.
After we settled our things, we slept for a while and finally get out for our first night at Bora. We had dinner at Manana – a Mexican themed restaurant. Walls are painted in vibrant orange. Table napkins are in rainbow sheets, and service is fast and great. We ordered for a beef taco, with Mexican rice and few simple side dishes.
While walking, this corner caught my attention. Near the Lonely Planet store, there is a group of people painting shirts with your name. They were really artistic and talented – totally amazing!
Breakfast is free on our stay. A breakfast slip is required to be checked by the staff. Food ranges from bread, hot cakes, eggs, fish, pork, ham, cereals and plain rice. Available drinks are coffee, fresh milk, juice and water. 
Wifi is available on the lobby and pool area. The pool is open from 8am-11pm. They do clean the pool everyday. 
After we settled our things, we slept for a while and finally get out for our first night at Bora. We had dinner at Manana – a Mexican themed restaurant. Walls are painted in vibrant orange. Table napkins are in rainbow sheets, and service is fast and great. We ordered for a beef taco, with Mexican rice and few simple side dishes. 
While walking, this corner caught my attention. Near the Lonely Planet store, there is a group of people painting shirts with your name. They were really artistic and talented – totally amazing! 
Sunday, February 20, 2011
2011 February: Vietnam: Cu Chi Tunnels
Travel Date: February 17, 2011 Destination: Cu Chi Tunnels I thought it was already a good deal, but “my guided tour did not reach my expectation” – this was my initial comment. An old man looked for my name at the hotel reception. We walked about less than 5 minutes to get in to the bus service on the next street. It took us an hour to reach our first stop – it was a factory of wall decorations (with not so clean toilet) – is this what they call “for refreshments”? At 11.45am, we arrived at Cao Dai temple. The guide let us walk for less than 10 minutes since their bus need to park at the parking area. He did not lead us inside the temple. Tourists should remove their slippers/shoes before going to the temple. We are guided to go on the second floor. 
After 45 minutes and returning to the bus, some of their co-guides were playing cards inside our service and our guide is not attentive to welcome his tourists. Then, along the way, we were notified that there is no lunch provided for the tour – they took us to this very lousy restaurant. I think they could offer more than that. By 2.30pm we finally reached Cu Chi Tunnels. Here, he guided us along the way. He explained all the human traps and how Vietnamese live and try to survived during the war.
I will already tag my day as an average tour not until I saw this very famous and familiar face in front of me. I’ll not convince you to believe me nor I’ll post photos for any evidence, but I saw Piolo at Cu Chi Tunnels that afternoon.
After 45 minutes and returning to the bus, some of their co-guides were playing cards inside our service and our guide is not attentive to welcome his tourists. Then, along the way, we were notified that there is no lunch provided for the tour – they took us to this very lousy restaurant. I think they could offer more than that. By 2.30pm we finally reached Cu Chi Tunnels. Here, he guided us along the way. He explained all the human traps and how Vietnamese live and try to survived during the war. 
I will already tag my day as an average tour not until I saw this very famous and familiar face in front of me. I’ll not convince you to believe me nor I’ll post photos for any evidence, but I saw Piolo at Cu Chi Tunnels that afternoon. Vietnam: Dai Nam Park
Travel Date: February 16, 2011
Destination: Dai Nam Park
This is my journey to Dai Nam Park. I started to wait at Ben Than Bus Terminal at 8am. Bus 616 arrived at 8.40am (be ready with other people bumping you, old beggars, lottery ticket sellers, motorcycle drivers looking for passengers, the noisy horns from all types of vehicles, and the loud voice from the terminal guide). The fare is 20000vnd (80php) for 1.5 hour bus ride.
Destination: Dai Nam Park
This is my journey to Dai Nam Park. I started to wait at Ben Than Bus Terminal at 8am. Bus 616 arrived at 8.40am (be ready with other people bumping you, old beggars, lottery ticket sellers, motorcycle drivers looking for passengers, the noisy horns from all types of vehicles, and the loud voice from the terminal guide). The fare is 20000vnd (80php) for 1.5 hour bus ride.
Vietnam: Arrival at Ho Chi Minh City: Blue Diamond Hotel
Travel Date: February 15, 2011
Destination: Hanoi Airport and Ho Chi Minh City
It started to rain, the forecast said it will drop at 7 degrees Celsius that day. I’m now heading to the airport. I booked my airport transport at 15USD for a travel time of almost 45 minutes.
It was totally crazy in the airport, most were in their bubble jackets, boots, scarves, hand covers, bonnets and I’m with my ear muffs! It was freaking cold at the airport especially as you pass by the doors. The check-in counter for Jetstar is located at the Arrival area – not so nice location, hard to find and simply causes the tourists to be confused.
My flight was in an hour delayed. Upon arriving at Ho Chi Minh domestic terminal, it was only after an hour when the bags were made available at the rotating belt. No foreign exchange counter is available at the domestic terminal, but it is easier to find a taxi here.
I took a metered Mailinh Taxi and paid for 95000vnd going to Blue Diamond Hotel. On my first afternoon at Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), I was looking for a restaurant, I already reached Saigon Center Mall and they only have cafes.
Finally, I found Pho 2000, I was able to eat rise and pork.
At the Hotel desk, they asked me if I’ll be leaving my passport to them. I told them, I’ll take it back – they asked permission if they can make photocopy of it as the police might ask about it. (Still wondering about this…) And she made a note, that I should keep it safe in my room and not to bring it when I go out. I booked this hotel from agoda.com which gives a cheaper deal.
The assigned room to me is 704, they had rooms until the 9th floor. I’m totally impressed in my room, very clean, well-lighted, with small window (nothing to see outside), small cabinet with air freshener and hangers, slippers, refrigerator, thermos, daily supply of 300ml mineral water and tea sachets, cable television with English channels, double size bed with clean pillows and wireless internet connection. The bathroom is with hair dryer, toiletries, clean towels and bathtub. The breakfast is served at the ground level on 6.30-9.00am. The manager here is very attentive, good selection of food, lots of fruits and good drinks (coffee, tea, soya milk, fresh milk, orange juice and water). There are computer terminals on this area also.
Destination: Hanoi Airport and Ho Chi Minh City
It started to rain, the forecast said it will drop at 7 degrees Celsius that day. I’m now heading to the airport. I booked my airport transport at 15USD for a travel time of almost 45 minutes.
It was totally crazy in the airport, most were in their bubble jackets, boots, scarves, hand covers, bonnets and I’m with my ear muffs! It was freaking cold at the airport especially as you pass by the doors. The check-in counter for Jetstar is located at the Arrival area – not so nice location, hard to find and simply causes the tourists to be confused.
My flight was in an hour delayed. Upon arriving at Ho Chi Minh domestic terminal, it was only after an hour when the bags were made available at the rotating belt. No foreign exchange counter is available at the domestic terminal, but it is easier to find a taxi here.
I took a metered Mailinh Taxi and paid for 95000vnd going to Blue Diamond Hotel. On my first afternoon at Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), I was looking for a restaurant, I already reached Saigon Center Mall and they only have cafes.
Finally, I found Pho 2000, I was able to eat rise and pork.
At the Hotel desk, they asked me if I’ll be leaving my passport to them. I told them, I’ll take it back – they asked permission if they can make photocopy of it as the police might ask about it. (Still wondering about this…) And she made a note, that I should keep it safe in my room and not to bring it when I go out. I booked this hotel from agoda.com which gives a cheaper deal.
The assigned room to me is 704, they had rooms until the 9th floor. I’m totally impressed in my room, very clean, well-lighted, with small window (nothing to see outside), small cabinet with air freshener and hangers, slippers, refrigerator, thermos, daily supply of 300ml mineral water and tea sachets, cable television with English channels, double size bed with clean pillows and wireless internet connection. The bathroom is with hair dryer, toiletries, clean towels and bathtub. The breakfast is served at the ground level on 6.30-9.00am. The manager here is very attentive, good selection of food, lots of fruits and good drinks (coffee, tea, soya milk, fresh milk, orange juice and water). There are computer terminals on this area also.
 |  |
2011 February: Vietnam: Halong Bay
Travel Date: February 14, 2011 Destination: Halong Bay Valentine’s Day is the same date for my visit to Halong Bay, still cold at 10-12 degrees celsius. I booked this from the same Hotel. The guide picked me up at around 8.30am. It took us 2 hours before we reached our first stop for some refreshments. Aside from simple restaurant and high-priced biscuits and drinks, they also display a lot of local products (vases, bags and other woven items).
Again, another 2 hours before we reached the pier. We were re-grouped and separated from those having one, two and three day Halong Bay Tour.
We passed by the lime stones that formed to a dog, etc. 
We stopped at the fishing village were we took our lunch from our boats. Some of the locals are offering different fruits from their own version of floating market. 
Then we visited Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprises) – this is so beautiful in the pictures. But realizing what they have done to the cave is so interesting - it looks like man-made, but they claim it to be a natural resource. The stalactites and stalagmites are so dry, there were walk-ways for the tourists and they installed lights in between rocks. Did they cut-off some stones to do the walk-ways? 
We reached the pier at 5pm in the afternoon, it was passed 8pm when we arrived at Hanoi proper. Additional Information: For those planning to take take a day tour or over night tour at Halong, kindly read this news article. The accident happened on Wednesday morning (2 days after I went to Halong Bay):
Again, another 2 hours before we reached the pier. We were re-grouped and separated from those having one, two and three day Halong Bay Tour.
We passed by the lime stones that formed to a dog, etc. 
We stopped at the fishing village were we took our lunch from our boats. Some of the locals are offering different fruits from their own version of floating market. 
Then we visited Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprises) – this is so beautiful in the pictures. But realizing what they have done to the cave is so interesting - it looks like man-made, but they claim it to be a natural resource. The stalactites and stalagmites are so dry, there were walk-ways for the tourists and they installed lights in between rocks. Did they cut-off some stones to do the walk-ways? 
We reached the pier at 5pm in the afternoon, it was passed 8pm when we arrived at Hanoi proper. Additional Information: For those planning to take take a day tour or over night tour at Halong, kindly read this news article. The accident happened on Wednesday morning (2 days after I went to Halong Bay):
Sunday, November 14, 2010
2009 Feb: Hong Kong: Day 5: Last Day in HK
Saturday, was our last day in Hong Kong. We already check-out at around 9am, left our luggage in the Hostel, then made the final walk in Time Square and Lane Crawford. By 2pm, we return to the hostel to get our things, waited for the Airport Bus just right outside Marco Polo Mansion.
Upon arrival at the Airport, we had a chance to roam around the area, buy few things, take late afternoon snack, send out postcards to friends, check-in baggage and take some rest.
We also had a time to use the free internet service at the airport before going to the actual Departure Gate.
Good thing that at this trip, our Cebu Pacific flight was not delayed.
Thanks to my sister for getting me as her personal tourist guide on her first visit to Macau and HK. This makes my 3rd visit on both countries, all within 18 months.
Upon arrival at the Airport, we had a chance to roam around the area, buy few things, take late afternoon snack, send out postcards to friends, check-in baggage and take some rest.
We also had a time to use the free internet service at the airport before going to the actual Departure Gate.
Good thing that at this trip, our Cebu Pacific flight was not delayed.
Thanks to my sister for getting me as her personal tourist guide on her first visit to Macau and HK. This makes my 3rd visit on both countries, all within 18 months.
2009 Feb: Hong Kong: Day 3: Disneyland Day
Travel Date: February 2009
My sister is really afraid on taking cable car rides. Even though I’ve been dreaming on taking the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Ride, she decided to wake up so late for us skip that entry in our itinerary. Instead we just had a quick shop in Citygate mall, this is like a mall of factory outlets where you can buy stuff at a lower price.
Before noon time, we moved to Disneyland Resort. I advise you to visit the website before going there. Always check the show, character meet and greet opportunity and parade schedule - for you not to miss any of the fun offered. For first timers you should not miss Mickey’s Philharmagic Show, this is a 4-d show of Disney and Mickey adventures.
During Summer time, they have 2 parades, normal parade @ 12nn and Summer Wet Parade @ 3pm. During our visit, which is still covered by the Chinese New Year celebration, we got to see the Chinese Parade @ 12nn and normal parade by 3pm.
Since this is my second visit in HK Disneyland, I already skipped Tarzan/Pirate Adventure and Philharmagic. I had a repeat on Lion King Show.
It’s a Small World and Golden Mickey were something new for me. 
And this time, I finally got to see the Fireworks display!
How to get to Tian Tan Buddha if Ngong Ping 360 is out of service? Take Bus #23 from Tung Chung station.
Our Lantau Adventure!
My sister is really afraid on taking cable car rides. Even though I’ve been dreaming on taking the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Ride, she decided to wake up so late for us skip that entry in our itinerary. Instead we just had a quick shop in Citygate mall, this is like a mall of factory outlets where you can buy stuff at a lower price.
Before noon time, we moved to Disneyland Resort. I advise you to visit the website before going there. Always check the show, character meet and greet opportunity and parade schedule - for you not to miss any of the fun offered. For first timers you should not miss Mickey’s Philharmagic Show, this is a 4-d show of Disney and Mickey adventures.
During Summer time, they have 2 parades, normal parade @ 12nn and Summer Wet Parade @ 3pm. During our visit, which is still covered by the Chinese New Year celebration, we got to see the Chinese Parade @ 12nn and normal parade by 3pm.
Since this is my second visit in HK Disneyland, I already skipped Tarzan/Pirate Adventure and Philharmagic. I had a repeat on Lion King Show.
It’s a Small World and Golden Mickey were something new for me. And this time, I finally got to see the Fireworks display!How to get to Tian Tan Buddha if Ngong Ping 360 is out of service? Take Bus #23 from Tung Chung station.
2008 Nov: Ilocos, Philippines: Day 1: Photoholic
2008 Nov: Ilocos, Philippines: Day 1: Photoholic
What’s the story behind the getting famous adventure of Photoholic Ilocos by Travel Fractor?
8pm Friday, the meeting place is at Mc Donald’s Quezon Ave. MRT Station. Leia came in and they started the registration. After the id laces have been distributed, we waited for a while and we started boarding the bus (Orange Luxury Bus: TWE 383).
First stop over was the one on/before Tarlac area. After doing a washroom break and few stretching, we went to our bus seats and continue our sleep and night ride. It was still dark and early (5:20am) when we arrived at the San Agustin Bell Church.
Another had another washroom break to freshen-up ourselves. We immediately grab the opportunity to take some photos on the Bell Tower.
Then we took our breakfast. Thanks for giving us the chance of tasting the famous and delicious Vigan Lumpia Tart like.
After then, we drove to Paoay Church, we stayed there for almost an hour.
We passed the Marcos Place and Sand Dunes. Unfortunately there was no sand, grasses already grew on the area, so we’re not able to see the exact desert scenes of Panday. The area has already its border gates and we were not able to get into the sand area. Per Leai, this will soon be a residential area as well.
We had our Lunch and prepare our selves for the next set of places to be visited in the afternoon.
We were lucky that we are able to reach the top of the Lighthouse and see the lamp. It was scary at first because the stairs are so old, when we were able to reach the top. When we were there, it is a little dangerous because the wind is so strong, also one glass wall was already broken because of the strong wind. We were able to see the border of the Philippines or Ilocos outline and of course the South China Sea horizon.
We made our own adventure! We though that from the Lighthouse we will also take a tricycle going to Capurpurawan Rock - so it was very a long scary ride on the national highway, another long and bumpy journey on the rocky soil, and still a long walk and short jumps across the dead corals before we reached the summit. It was totally windy on top and big waves were still able to reach the other side of the rock formation.
We then move to Bangui Windmills. This place has been used for the WOW Philippines advertisement by the Department of Tourism. For those who will visit the area, even baseball caps are not good to use, try using big handkerchiefs to manage your hair. This is also the place I lost my eyeglasses due to my addiction on jump shots. Too bad, I was not able to recover my glasses.
We are already on the road going to Polaris Beach House (in Saud Beach) when the sun set. We reached the resort by 6pm, get a quick rest, freshen ourselves and join the group again for small gathering with self introduction and have our dinner.
After dinner, we got to talk with our fellow travelers and got to chit chat on things in and around photography, life and traveling.
Travel Guide: Travel Factor
What’s the story behind the getting famous adventure of Photoholic Ilocos by Travel Fractor?
8pm Friday, the meeting place is at Mc Donald’s Quezon Ave. MRT Station. Leia came in and they started the registration. After the id laces have been distributed, we waited for a while and we started boarding the bus (Orange Luxury Bus: TWE 383).
First stop over was the one on/before Tarlac area. After doing a washroom break and few stretching, we went to our bus seats and continue our sleep and night ride. It was still dark and early (5:20am) when we arrived at the San Agustin Bell Church.
Another had another washroom break to freshen-up ourselves. We immediately grab the opportunity to take some photos on the Bell Tower.
Then we took our breakfast. Thanks for giving us the chance of tasting the famous and delicious Vigan Lumpia Tart like.After then, we drove to Paoay Church, we stayed there for almost an hour.
We have seen a small shop that sells Basi and Duhat - Ilocos Wines.
We passed the Marcos Place and Sand Dunes. Unfortunately there was no sand, grasses already grew on the area, so we’re not able to see the exact desert scenes of Panday. The area has already its border gates and we were not able to get into the sand area. Per Leai, this will soon be a residential area as well.
We had our Lunch and prepare our selves for the next set of places to be visited in the afternoon.
To reach Cape Bojedor Lighthouse we took tricycles. The road is steep and narrow that is why we need to transfer to a tricycle.
We were lucky that we are able to reach the top of the Lighthouse and see the lamp. It was scary at first because the stairs are so old, when we were able to reach the top. When we were there, it is a little dangerous because the wind is so strong, also one glass wall was already broken because of the strong wind. We were able to see the border of the Philippines or Ilocos outline and of course the South China Sea horizon.
We made our own adventure! We though that from the Lighthouse we will also take a tricycle going to Capurpurawan Rock - so it was very a long scary ride on the national highway, another long and bumpy journey on the rocky soil, and still a long walk and short jumps across the dead corals before we reached the summit. It was totally windy on top and big waves were still able to reach the other side of the rock formation.
We then move to Bangui Windmills. This place has been used for the WOW Philippines advertisement by the Department of Tourism. For those who will visit the area, even baseball caps are not good to use, try using big handkerchiefs to manage your hair. This is also the place I lost my eyeglasses due to my addiction on jump shots. Too bad, I was not able to recover my glasses.
We are already on the road going to Polaris Beach House (in Saud Beach) when the sun set. We reached the resort by 6pm, get a quick rest, freshen ourselves and join the group again for small gathering with self introduction and have our dinner.
After dinner, we got to talk with our fellow travelers and got to chit chat on things in and around photography, life and traveling.
Travel Guide: Travel Factor
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