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):

• http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20110220-321297/Tourists-on-cheap-Vietnam-tour-paid-with-lives


• http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/world/8873410/vietnam-death-boat-owner-had-bad-record/

2011 February: Vietnam: Hanoi: Flight, Hotel and the Old Quarter

I got my tickets last year (April 2010) for this February 2011 travel to Vietnam via Cebu Pacific for about 3500php. Since both countries were members of ASEAN, us Filipinos don’t need visa anymore. I don’t know anything as to what happened to Vietnam wars, on how recent it is or on the effects on simple families living there – until I had a quick chat with my friend. I would consider this as one of my hard core Asian trips, still willing to go to Cambodia given a chance. But will not try the farther routes of Laos, Burma or India.

Travel Date: February 13, 2011 
Destination: HCMC Airport and Hanoi Old Quarter 

My flight from Manila left at 23pm, and arrived at HCMC Airport at 1am. There is a time difference on Manila and Vietnam, it is one hour earlier in Vietnam (GMT+7). I’m already expecting to be sleeping at the airport since my next flight going to Hanoi is at 6am. But I never thought that the airports in HCMC shuts down.

From International Terminal, you have to out of the gates, turn left and follow the signs going to Domestic Terminal. All the entrance gates going to the Terminal are closed. No lights, few people outside – so where am I going to sleep here? On the not so clean chairs outside an open area lobby with the mosquitoes biting me? No way! I went back to the International Terminal, hoping that this is open, I thought that the escalator is also not working, but you just have to step on it for it to work. No lights anymore as well, nor air-conditioners, but there are one or two helpers in some of the restaurants at the Business Lobby. Not until I reached the area, were I suppose to be an expensive restaurant, I saw one sleeping on the floor with pillows from the dining chairs, also a family starting to nap as well. Then I decided, that this is the best place to stay for at least 3 hours of light sleep. At 4am, after some refreshments, I headed to the Domestic Terminal again, still closed but more people are waiting outside. For 6am flight, they opened the check-in at 5am, people were like rushing on the lines – luckily I’m the 3rd one who was able to check-in. This is the first time I has experience that upon setting my feet at Tarmac, we have to take short bus trips going to the Airport building. Why? It was freezing cold – 10 degrees! Another thing I noticed, there is no Arrival Card to be filled-up for the Immigration.

At Hanoi Airport, there are lots of people – International and Domestic Terminals are on same building on a smaller area. There are also more than 3 Foreign Exchange counters to choose from.

After doing my errands, I tried to find my Hotel pick-up driver. It was a long 45 minute drive from the airport to the Old Quarter. “What took you so long?”, the concierge asked me, haha! I’m staying at Thaison Hotel II. The manager is kind to offer me free breakfast even if I just arrived at their hotel. The hotel is clean, offers free internet, also has guided tours desk, with service elevator and with rooms until 7th floor. The room is well lighted, cabinet is with 5 hangers, tea cups, water thermos, toiletries (tooth brush, soap, shampoo, sewing kit) are available, soft double bed with 4 pillows, and a massage shower – a very nice place to stay. What I don’t like are the towels, the ants on the floor and having no English news channel.

As I finally settled and had some rest, I’m now ready to roam around the Old Quarter. I started at Hoan Kiem Lake, paying 10,000vnd you’ll find their temple and different kinds of Buddha statue they worship. Nothing is special I found on this place, but paying 40php for the ticket is not a loss. I continue to walk further until I reached St. Joseph’s Church. It was an old church and also picturesque.

If I’ll do it again, I would now choose Ho Chi Minh Temple over Tolia. I was looking forward on seeing cheaper North Face jackets in Tolia – and all was just a disappointment. The sizes they have were too big, some were obviously fake (especially those that are in the streets). Walking at the Old Quarter, is so a good experience, you see: most of the people seated on the street side simply just watching people as they pass by, a lot of local products (bags, woven wall decorations, etc.), restaurants offering small stools and pho and of course a lot of motorcycles coming from all directions.

I was also able to watched the Water Puppet Show in Hanoi for 60000vnd.

Here is what Hanoi looks during the night.

2010 August: Singapore: Sentosa Adventure on the Last Day

Travel Date: August 16, 2010 Destination: Sentosa, Singapore This is our last day in Singapore. In Vivo City, we took our breakfast at Toast Box. Then we find our way to the ticket booth for the Jewel Cable Car. The ticket costs 26sgd if you are going to Mount Faber before going to Sentosa. But if you wanted to go straight to Sentosa Island, you can get the 24sgd one-way ticket. Four years ago, as far as I can remember these cars are in different colors. Now, all the cars were painted in black. The trip was just so smooth, no more shakings as you get closer to the cable post or cable station. You would also see Hard Rock Hotel from above. We arrived there before noon and the weather is just so hot.Few more steps and we reached the tram terminal, we took a tram ride that will take us to the Palawan Beach – where Southern Most Point of Continental Asia is found. We took another tram to go on the other side of the island for the Siloso Beach. To return to the main island, we took the monorail. For our last minute (or should I say, last hour) shopping, we went to Vivo City and Funan Mall.

Postcards collected after 4 days

We had our final dinner in Lau Pa Sat. We arrived at the Budget Terminal almost an hour and half before our flight – we are now leaving Singapore!

Thanks to my travel mates Kath and Reg, to our hosts Kim and Darwin (and Ariel), to our college friends Wally, Diane and Ratz and the rest of the Singaporeans who helped us with the directions to reach our destinations safe and sound.

2010 August: Singapore: Amazing Solo Race in 12 Hours

Travel Date: August 15, 2010 To start my solo adventure, I have visited Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Paya Lebar. From Green Lane, I dropped off at Bugis station. Took Exit B, which is the nearest exit to Kampong Glam. I wanted to see Masjid Sultan (perhaps due to my Brunei trip last April) and Arab Street. The houses and stores are so colourful. They are selling silk, traditional Muslim clothes and postcards.
It was still early in the morning and was not able to get inside Children Little Museum. Most of the stores in Bugis Village were also closed. For those who wanted to take a photo of Manila Street in Singapore – you can find it in Bugis. I took my late breakfast at Toast Box – Traditional Kaya Toast for 4.20sgd. Also, bought the Starbucks mug for my collection. Then, I moved to City Hall for the HMV store. I was looking for a local movie – but unfortunately it was not available there. Another type of City Tour is sponsored by Duck Tours (http://www.ducktours.com.sg/tours_duck.php), price range is 33sgd – 63sgd. It is a bus and boat in one that can travel in both land and water. From Yellow Lane: Esplanade, I dropped off at Promenade, followed the street signs going to Flyer. The ticket costs 30sgd and the flight lasts for 30 minutes. I tried to request if I can take a solo flight but the guard told me that it was a sharing capsule. I shared the flight with 6 other non-Asian tourists. Inside, there is a video that explains the World Record of the Flyer, and a map to guide you on the structures you see on 360 degree angle while at the top. From Green Lane: Raffles station, I dropped off at Tanjong Pagar. I saw this building online, and I have never seen a building fully painted in red - that pushed me to see this in person. This is Red Dot Traffic and Red Dot Museum in one. Still on Green Lane, I dropped off at Jurong East station. For those who wanted to see some outlet shops, visit IMM Building. From the station, take the free shuttle bus going to the mall. Remember the local movie I was looking for in City Hall, I finally found it after inquiring in less than 10 shops – The Leap Years. I saw its trailer in channelnewsasia while I was in Bangkok 2 years ago. You can see it too in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSWsk4aS6nY.

After sending the postcards in Sing Post, I immediately went to Orchard Road. My sister’s order is to buy some prawn rolls and barbequed pork at Bee Chiang. From where I am located, the closest store is either in Takashimaya or Paragon. After I bought the goodies at the basement of Takashimaya, I went to Ion Mall.

As recommended by my friend, I tried Four Fingers. Different kick and flavour for a chicken – uniquely Singapore.

Last station I’ve been to before going home is Clarke Quay – I’m now meeting my friends to have dinner and a short walk in the area. What a wonderful solo adventure – 12 hours, visited 4 lanes, been to 11 train stations.

Full PDF copy of the SINGAPORE itinerary version August-2010, click here.

2010 August: Singapore: Universal Studio Singapore

Travel Date: August 14, 2010
Destination: Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa

From Purple Lane: Harbourfront station, find the Resort World Shuttle Bus (RW8). Not sure if it is 1 or 2sgd, but the return trip to Vivo City is just free. Buy your Universal Studios online tickets earlier because when we check it, most of the days are already sold-out. The place opens at 10am. Don’t forget to take the photo with the Globe and the Hollywood signage at the back of the gates. Exchange your online ticket to get your Retail and Food Voucher (discount of 5sgd). There is no security measure in USS. No checking of bags as we go through the gates. In Hollywood area, we took lunch in Mel’s Drive-In – classic 1950’s American restaurant that serves rocket sauce burgers, fish and chicken sandwiches. Not much fun in the Hollywood Theatre that shows “Monster Rock” concert. They had Dracula and Mummy who dance and sing. In New York area, we watched how Director Spielberg adds special effects in his movies. Nice experience, real fire, water sprinkles, cold temperature, strong winds and the strong floor shake/drop completes the show. Don’t fail to watch the Rockafella Streetboys as they perform outside the World Premier building in NY area. We saw Chris Cruz and Nicko Manalo. Some of my friends were able to catch Meynard Marcellano (based on their FB photos). We passed by the Sci-Fi City as most of the attractions are still closed. Accelerator, Battlestar Galactica Human (Red) and Cylon (Blue) are different roller coasters that will twist, turn and propel you in the air – even if it is open, I’ll never try this! Revenge of the Mummy in Ancient Egypt area – was the highlight of my USS trip. It is a rollercoaster in the dark, with fire, heat and video effects. Don’t worry about your bags, camera or phones, there are locker bins in the area that are free for the first 30mins. Water World is the one I’ve been wanting to see in USS, and it did not disappoint me. Nice stunts and effects. There is a sprinkle and splash area that you could choose from. We also tried Canopy Flyer in The Lost World area. You’ll be seating and your feet are just suspended. Get the back seat – for more excitement, so you’ll never see the direction on which side you will be thrown – there goes the surprise! Far Far Away’s castle is like the Disney castle. The Shrek 4-D Adventure is much better than the Mickey’s Philharmagic Show, it is my first time to experience that even my seat is moving and shaking as the character in the movie is running and falling. Donkey Live show is just so amazing, I mean how can a cartoon video follow the live conversation with the audience in an instant. The voice is obviously easy to create, but not for the video. In Madagascar, we watched the Penguins and other characters singing and dancing on the streets. We also tried the carousel – King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round. Got the following collectibles and apparel in the US Store in the Hollywood area. The attractions close at 7pm, but the area is still open until late night. There is also a Hershey’s store where you can find Reese and some other chocolates. You can opt to go straight to the Songs of the Sea, if you have not yet seen it. For us, we choose to go back to Vivo City, we ate at The Asian Kitchen and the crab meat is just so delicious.