Tuesday, December 20, 2011

2011 December: Philippines: Bohol: Metro Centre

From Panglao, we decided to have an overnight stay at Tagbilaran - we booked for a Superior B room at Metro Centre. We had a very good stay here.

Place: MetroCentre Hotel and Convention Center
Address: C.P.G. Avenue, Tagbilaran City Bohol 6300, Philippines

The hotel lobby is well lighted, they already have Christmas decorations.


Sunday, December 18, 2011

2011 December: Philippines: Bohol: Botanika Tarsier

Destination: Tarsier Botanika (Philippe Tarsier Recreation Inc.)
Location: Km.16 Hoyohoy Tawala, Panglao, Bohol
Website: www.philtarsier.com

From Alona, we took a tricycle (150php) for a 15 minute ride going to Tarsier Botanika.

The entrance fee for non-Boholanos is 500php, then it is 300php for the locals. We got a discount for my mother since she was born in Bohol. The fee includes a 2 hour guided tour over the featured sites of their 7 hectare farmland.

First attraction is the line of flowers, orchids and bonsai collection.












Next, the animal area - they have monkeys, a lot of species of birds and some reptiles. They also have a horse training area, but the rider should provide himself full gear before they can rent a horse.


I like their small reclining Buddha surrounded by a small pond, water lily and hyacinth – feels like I’m in Bali or Thailand.



Their Grotto is so unique for me, it is made of shells.



They also have conservatory with paintings, plants and café in one.



Another thing I’m proud of this place is the very well maintained art gallery – that is divided to Asian, European and Modern or Futuristic themes.



They are still constructing the ocean view restaurant upon this writing. But food at that their small cafe is very delicious - we ordered spaghetti bolognese and margarita pizza.



The reception room also offers products that are locally made with export quality.



There is no other way out, and we already requested our tricycle driver to pick-up us to go back at Alona Beach.

2011 December: Philippines: Bohol: San Agustin Church

Destination: San Agustin Church
Location: Panglao, Bohol, Philippines

It is December 08, Feast Day of Immaculate Conception. From Alona Beach, we took a van (200php) going to the church. The 6:30am mass is in vernacular language. The church has very beautiful ceiling, but I cant deny that these now looked old by time.


Going back at Alona, we hailed for a tricycle at the street (100php). If it was not available, we can opt to go first to the mercado (wet market) to find the tricycle.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

2011 December: Philippines: Bohol: Bee Farm

From Alona Beach, we took a tricycle and ride for less than 20 minutes (400php), it is a smooth ride at first while we are in the main street, then had this shaky ride on the very rough road.

It is raining that afternoon and there are no guided tours available because of the rain - too bad! But since there is no tour, there is also no entrance fee - yehey! But, the entrance fee is just 30php, its affordable for the tourists.

They have rooms available for accommodation which range from 2500-9000php per night. They have several locations for cafes and restaurants. Some were overlooking and some can be on a small banca.

Here we tasted their Champorado with Carabao's milk (80php)



and the organic ube and mango ice cream (80php) - which I really love.



Do not under-estimate the place, we had a long walk, stiff stairs and ended a bit tired.



Before we leave the place, we spent sometime on their shop and they have this sample comfort designed with bee theme.

On closing, we visited a Bee Farm without seeing the bee - as the care taker said, bees are more aggressive and would likely to bite people during rainy weather.

2011 December: Philippines: Bohol: Alona Beach: Lost Horizon Hotel

Our flight from Manila is delayed by around 30 minutes due to busy departure schedule. Travel time going to Tagbilaran is 1 hr and 5 minutes. "Your flight is not complete, without the Fun Games," - I won a tumbler for being the first one to raise a family picture.

We already booked the airport transfer from the hotel, it is 500 php from the airport to Panglao for about 30 minutes without traffic.

On our previous trip, we stayed at Dumaluan beach. Now we are staying at Alona beach – specifally at Lost Horizon Hotel. We booked the Modern Standard room for 2500php/night, plus 400php for the additional person. We opted not to get the extra bed as the queen size bed is enough for the three of us. I'm very satisfied with the place, good sea and pool view from our room. It is well lighted and I like the glass wall. The bed is soft and with clean sheets. The room has electric thermos, cups and complimentary coffee set and bottled water. Also, has a television with less than 30 cable channels (diversed from English, Korean, Macanese, etc.). They also provide a cabinet with hangers, table with monoblock chairs, refrigerator and full body mirror. The bathroom is spacious, well provided hot and cold water, and offers basic toiletries and towels.

Lost Horizon Beach Resort
Location: Alona Beach, Tawala, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Email:losthorizonresort@gmail.com




Wednesday, December 14, 2011

South Korea: Jeju: Joongang Cathedral

Destination: Joongang Cathedral of the Jeju Diocese
English Address: JoonAng Cathedral of the Jeju diocese, 114, Samdo2-dong, Jeju-city
Website: http://www.diocesecheju.org/
Date Visited: 2011 November


The closest Catholic church I found near Yeha Guesthouse and the airport is Joongang Cathedral of the Jeju Diocese. This is just about 10 minutes away by taxi from my accommodation.Thanks to the person who allowed me to leave my luggage at the lower ground floor – it is now easier for me to take the stairs going to the church. I love the façade of the church, it felt like the architecture is so different compare to what we have in Manila.

After my visit, I still have to walk a few blocks to look for a cab going to the airport.


Read discussion on English Mass in Jeju.



Summary of 5 days itinerary in 2011 Jeju-Seoul Trip:


Day
Places to see
Food and Restaurants
Where to Sleep
Day 1
Take out from McDo
Lunch on Tour
Day 2
Paris Baguette
Lunch at Seongeup
Yeha Guesthouse, Jeju
Day 3
Joongang Cathedral
Flight to Gimpo Airport
Four Seasons House
Coffee Prince Restaurant
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul
Day 4
Coffine Gurunaru
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul
Day 5
Angel in Us Coffee
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul

Monday, December 12, 2011

South Korea: Jeju: Manjanggul Cave

Destination: Manjanggul Cave [UNESCO World Heritage]
Location: Donggimnyeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
Travel Date: November 15, 2011
Individual Entrance Fee: 2,000 KRW

Manjanggul Cave (만장굴) is one of the finest lava tunnels in the world, and is a designated natural monument. A lava tunnel is formed when the lava that was deep in the ground spouts from the peak and flows to the surface. Manjanggul Cave has a variety of interesting structures inside including 70cm lava stalagmites and the lava tube tunnels. Only 1km of the 13,422m Manjanggul Cave is open to the tourists. The inside of the tunnel sustains at a temperature of 11~21C. [Reference]


Tourists are being warned upon entering the tunnel:
  • The stairs inside the cave are steep
  • The floor is uneven and puddles are formed
  • The light in the cave is relatively dim
  • There are no rest rooms inside the cave

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

South Korea: Jeju: Gimnyeong Maze Park

Destination: Gimnyeong (Kimnyeong) Maze Park
Location: Jeju-si Gujwa-eup Donggimnyeong-ri
Website: http://jejumaze.com/eng.html
Date Visited: 2011 November

We arrived at the place together with busses of students touring around the area. What I remember about this place -- it was on a maze when "Edward" (Pattinson) was killed in one of the books of Harry Potter.

And yes, I did not bother to get into the maze -- for a definite reason that I'm afraid! And still my guide insist, "I will help you get out! Really, i will help you!"

If I'm with someone, maybe I have tried it.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

South Korea: Jeju: Haenyeo Museum

Destination: Haenyeo Museum
Location: Jeju-si Gujwa-eup Hado-ri 3204-1
Date Visited: 2011 November

Haenyeo refers to female divers who dive into the ocean water to gather various shellfish, seaweed, etc, without using any underwater diving equipment. [Reference]

I first knew about the Jeju Women Divers from an episode shown in Travel Living (TLC) and Arirang channels. It is their type of work to be able to send their children to school. They dive without gears and can stay for 1-2 minutes underwater.
Most Jeju haenyeo work under water to a depth of 10 meters without the aid of any modern breathing apparatus, although some are capable of diving to twice depth. They hold their breath for about one minute, although some are able to remain underwater for as much as two minutes. When surfacing to breathe, they cling to a life buoy known locally as a taewak in order to take a brief rest before the next dive.

We have not seen an actual diver in the area, but having this museum gives a tribute to them and this simply shows how proud they are for their locals.




Other Museums in South Korea: 





Summary of 5 days itinerary in 2011 Jeju-Seoul Trip:


Day
Places to see
Food and Restaurants
Where to Sleep
Day 1
Take out from McDo
Lunch on Tour
Day 2
Paris Baguette
Lunch at Seongeup
Yeha Guesthouse, Jeju
Day 3
Joongang Cathedral
Flight to Gimpo Airport
Four Seasons House
Coffee Prince Restaurant
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul
Day 4
Coffine Gurunaru
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul
Day 5
Angel in Us Coffee
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul

South Korea: Jeju: Seongeup Folk Village

Destination: Seongeup Folk VillageLocation: Seogwipo-si Pyoseon-myeon Seongeup-ri, Jeju
Located at the foot of Mt. Halla on Jeju Island, Seongeup Folk Village is a small town that holds a vast amount of culture.
I learned from Arirang channel, the photo on left side means that the house owner just left and will be back after 30-60minutes. The photo on right means you are not welcome to enter his house.



Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace) (Sep 2003 - March 2004)
Many of the scenes in which Jang-geum learns medicine as a maidservant for the Jeju local government from episodes 27 to 32 were filmed on this Folk Village. [Reference]

After roaming for around one hour in the Folk Village, we were given the traditional lunch with a choice of: Jeju black pork barbeque or vegetable bibimbap.



Date Visited: November 2011

Summary of 5 days itinerary in 2011 Jeju-Seoul Trip:


Day
Places to see
Food and Restaurants
Where to Sleep
Day 1
Take out from McDo
Lunch on Tour
Day 2
Paris Baguette
Lunch at Seongeup
Yeha Guesthouse, Jeju
Day 3
Joongang Cathedral
Flight to Gimpo Airport
Four Seasons House
Coffee Prince Restaurant
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul
Day 4
Coffine Gurunaru
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul
Day 5
Angel in Us Coffee
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul

South Korea: Jeju: Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak

Destination: Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Sunrise Peak)
Location: Seogwipo-si Seongsan-eup Seongsan-ri 114
Date Visited: November 2011

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jejudo Island, there is a huge crater at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. The crater is about 600m in diameter and 90m high. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a verdant grassy hill that is connected to the Seongsan Village. The ridge provides an ideal spot for walks and for horse riding as well. [Reference]

After almost an hour road trip from the city, we were able to reach the Sunrise Peak. I'm geared for this trip but not on this day... when I step out from the bus, there's the chilling effect of the very cold and strong wind. In less than 5 mins, I'm literally having runny nose, I can't take my photo as every second, that thing is flowing from my nose. It’s a very long walk of climbing the active volcano with both seaside and grassland on the background.

When I say a lot, yes really a lot of people are coming to his place. When we were there, about 9-10 buses full of tourists came in too.

Can you imagine me walking with a mass of people. So decided to stop at a point and some of them also stop on the same place where I was. Too bad because I have runny nose that I can’t immediately take a photo of myself.

I’m in Jeju, but it felt like walking to a demilitarized area. Some military men are also visiting the place.
The place is really picturesque.








Summary of 5 days itinerary in 2011 Jeju-Seoul Trip:


Day
Places to see
Food and Restaurants
Where to Sleep
Day 1
Take out from McDo
Lunch on Tour
Day 2
Paris Baguette
Lunch at Seongeup
Yeha Guesthouse, Jeju
Day 3
Joongang Cathedral
Flight to Gimpo Airport
Four Seasons House
Coffee Prince Restaurant
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul
Day 4
Coffine Gurunaru
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul
Day 5
Angel in Us Coffee
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul

Saturday, November 26, 2011

South Korea: Jeju: Yeha Guesthouse

Yeha Guesthouse (http://www.yehaguesthouse.com)
Yeha Tour (http://www.yehatour.com/)
Book Goodstay Yeha Guesthouse, Jeju Island in Agoda
Date Visited: November 2011


I would recommend Yeha Guesthouse if you are looking for a place to stay in Jeju – for a positive note that they have a very good English guided tour. I commend Zin for his very informative and clear English on my West and East coast tours – courtesy of Yeha Tours.

The website shows true and good information and they answer my inquiries/email quickly. They also offer special discounts on accommodation and tours like early-bird booking, etc. There are dormitory and private rooms to choose from.

I booked at their site last July for my stay this November. Upon check-in (until 10pm) to their place, they requested for a 10000krw as deposit which I also got back on my check-out (11am).


Good thing that I got room 201 just near the stairs and take note that they do not have an elevator. The room is a typical Korean room, which you have to take off your shoes and change with your indoor slippers.


I’m happy with my room, I don’t need an air-conditioner but good thing they still have fan – in the middle of 13 degrees Celsius. They have television without cable channels, refrigerator, hair dryer, small towels and mosquito repellant. They don’t have cabinet to place in your clothes, but they have wall hangers. Good thing that have also have clock on the room.

For the bathroom, they provide toiletries, tooth paste, soap, shampoo and conditioner. It looks like there used to be a bathtub on it, but they removed it and I prefer if they could add shower curtains.

I so loved my bed – its soft, silky, clean, and it has its own heating pad which you can easily control.




The other facilities they offer are “do it yourself” breakfast, snacks or noodles you can buy, and open entertainment room (games, television, chess, computer and internet). If you don’t want to make your own breakfast, there is Paris Baguette just across the street which is always open.



You’ll notice that most of the memorabilia from the guests are all over the place, from the stairs to the walls. And, I also add a piece on my own – pinned this Manila postcard just near room 201.


Their front desk has very good English. I was also able to buy postcards and stamps from them. It feels like home on their place and I would really recommend this to you if you are looking for a place to stay.

Location



Summary of 5 days itinerary in 2011 Jeju-Seoul Trip:


Day
Places to see
Food and Restaurants
Where to Sleep
Day 1
Take out from McDo
Lunch on Tour
Day 2
Paris Baguette
Lunch at Seongeup
Yeha Guesthouse, Jeju
Day 3
Joongang Cathedral
Flight to Gimpo Airport
Four Seasons House
Coffee Prince Restaurant
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul
Day 4
Coffine Gurunaru
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul
Day 5
Angel in Us Coffee
Green Residence, Myeongdong, Seoul

South Korea: Jeju: Teddy Bear Museum

Teddy Bear Museum
Location: Seogwipo-si Saekdal-dong 2889 (Jungmun Tourist Complex), Jeju
Website: http://www.teddybearmuseum.com/
Entrance Fee: 8000krw = 320php, 2011
Date Visited: November 2011

At the end of the tour, our guide (Zin) allowed that I can be dropped off at Teddy Bear Museum. The one in Jeju is the actual location place of Princess Hours, but I’d say that I appreciate more the one in Namsan Tower than this museum in Jeju.

The Birth of Teddy Bear: “Teddy Bear” was named after Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. The story begins in November 1902 when Pres. Roosevelt was bear-hunting in the state of Mississippi.
There are 3 galleries at this museum.

First, The History: Teddy Bear takes a journey in time. Ride the time machine with Teddy Bear Marty and learn the history of the past hundred years. Enjoy the quirky combination of history and teddy Bear charm.



South Korea: Jeju: Jusangjeolli Cliff

Destination: Jungmun Daepo Coast Jusangjeolli Cliff
Location: Seoguipo-si Jungmun-dong 2663
Date Visited: November 2011

The Jusangjeolli are stone pillars piled up along the coast and is a designated cultural monument of Jejudo Island. The Jusangjeolli was formed when the lava from Mt.Hallasan erupted into the sea of Jungmun. They are rock pillars shaped like cubes or hexagons of various sizes and almost seem as if stonemasons had carved them out. - http://visitkorea.or.kr/


Sunday, November 20, 2011

South Korea: Jeju: Yakcheonsa Temple

Yakcheonsa Temple
Location: Seogwipo-si Daepo-dong 1165, Jeju, Korea
Website: http://www.yakchunsa.org/ (KR only)
Date Visited: November 2011

Yakcheonsa Temple, largest Buddhist Temple in East Asia, located in southern area of Jeju.