My fever is gone, but still not that well. We tried the pasta from Bee Home’s Restaurant. If you have a choice to eat outside do it, the pasta is not that tasty but is given in huge serving.
Going down the DongChang Road train terminal is not that easy. We are carrying 2 luggage bags, 1 backpack and 2 shoulder bags – and this was not easy to carry at all in the stairs! Luckily, there is an old woman who offered her help for us to carry our things.
We took again MagLev going to the airport. At the airport, I had again my rest, sleep and wake-up just in time for the check-in. My sister said that I should not make unnecessary noise at the Immigration – no coughing, no flu, and no sneezing. But how can I pass their temperature scanner.
Happily, I was able to make it to the plane. Upon arrival in Manila, is when it went WORST! I was not able to stabilize the pressure in my right ear. While going to the Philippine Immigration area, there is a loud tick sound, and my right ear was not able to hear anymore. We arrived at 4am, at our home I’m still not able to ear. While lying down and moving left to right, my right ear is aching. Then there are times, that I was shouting due to the hurt that I’m feeling. I was telling my family to take me to the hospital. Then, by the EENT Specialist it was proven that my ear drum is still kept intact. The reason I can’t hear is due to a blood stuck on my right ear that is not able to go down on its veins which is due to my nose irritation – remember that I had runny nose. Perhaps that my nose has allergies to the new environment.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
2010 June: Shanghai: Day 6: World Expo 2010 – Europe
Travel Date: June 17, 2010
Destination: World Expo 2010
This day is just a really just a quick stop at the Expo site – this is to see the Europe area (and other non-Asian countries). We had a quick walk to see the buildings and had a goal of going back early to Bee Home for me to take a rest.
Destination: World Expo 2010
This day is just a really just a quick stop at the Expo site – this is to see the Europe area (and other non-Asian countries). We had a quick walk to see the buildings and had a goal of going back early to Bee Home for me to take a rest.
I had a long sleep in the afternoon to get better. We went out to see Shanghai World Financial Center at night. Since it was foggy, there is less to see when we go at 100F. We bought the cheapest ticket 100yuan that will reach only until 94F. It was not so clear, but still we were able to see the flashes coming from the The Bund to capture photos of the buildings in Pudong area.
2010 June: Shanghai: Day 5: LOVE
Travel Date: June 16, 2010
Destination: LOVE Architecture
Still sick, but went out to see the LOVE architecture. We took the train and dropped off at Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. We took a cab going to Shanghai Zendai Museum of Modern Art. It is just a 3min ride at 12yuan. I’m collecting photos with this LOVE architecture (by American Artist Robert Indiana).
Good thing there is also Nike, Adidas and Nine West outlet shops in the area.
Destination: LOVE Architecture
Still sick, but went out to see the LOVE architecture. We took the train and dropped off at Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. We took a cab going to Shanghai Zendai Museum of Modern Art. It is just a 3min ride at 12yuan. I’m collecting photos with this LOVE architecture (by American Artist Robert Indiana).
Good thing there is also Nike, Adidas and Nine West outlet shops in the area.
Just a very short trip, as we went home for me to take some rest.
2010 June: Shanghai: Day 4: Hangzhou
Travel Date: June 15, 2010
Destination: Hangzhou
We booked our Hangzhou Trip from AbsoluteChinaTour.com (http://www.absolutechinatours.com/Hangzhou-tours/). We were picked-up by the Guide in BeeHome. We thought that we are joining a guided group tour. Then, it came to us by surprise that we are riding a car since we are the only guests who booked the tour on that day.
After around one and half hours of driving, we reached the first stop – Six Harmony Pagoda. At first it was good, learning the culture, taking our time as to when we will return to the car.
Then, we went to Meijiawu Tea Village. Beware of this traditional tea ceremony. Even if this is very informative on health ideas, you will be suggested to buy their product – I really don’t want to buy it, but my sister wants to, so we ended up buying 1 can of green tea.
We had a very quick lunch, short cruise and walking at the West Lake. This is when I started not to enjoy the tour. As if we are running on something, were walking so fast. We are not stopping on some scenic places. Bai and Su Causeways were not that attractive as seen in internet photos.
The lesson is not to book a tour during any local Holiday – like Dragon Boat Festival. There are lots of locals and tourists coming to the river and lakes – that you’ll end up not enjoying the trip.
By the time we reached Shanghai again, I started to feel cold. After a short stroll at the Malls in Central – we already went home as I was confirmed sick.
Tip: When travelling, prepare all your medicines and carry with you a thermometer. It is so hard to find thermometer that even Watson’s staff don’t understand English.
How to get to Hangzhou
Destination: Hangzhou
We booked our Hangzhou Trip from AbsoluteChinaTour.com (http://www.absolutechinatours.com/Hangzhou-tours/). We were picked-up by the Guide in BeeHome. We thought that we are joining a guided group tour. Then, it came to us by surprise that we are riding a car since we are the only guests who booked the tour on that day.
After around one and half hours of driving, we reached the first stop – Six Harmony Pagoda. At first it was good, learning the culture, taking our time as to when we will return to the car.
Then, we went to Meijiawu Tea Village. Beware of this traditional tea ceremony. Even if this is very informative on health ideas, you will be suggested to buy their product – I really don’t want to buy it, but my sister wants to, so we ended up buying 1 can of green tea.
We had a very quick lunch, short cruise and walking at the West Lake. This is when I started not to enjoy the tour. As if we are running on something, were walking so fast. We are not stopping on some scenic places. Bai and Su Causeways were not that attractive as seen in internet photos.
The lesson is not to book a tour during any local Holiday – like Dragon Boat Festival. There are lots of locals and tourists coming to the river and lakes – that you’ll end up not enjoying the trip.
By the time we reached Shanghai again, I started to feel cold. After a short stroll at the Malls in Central – we already went home as I was confirmed sick.
Tip: When travelling, prepare all your medicines and carry with you a thermometer. It is so hard to find thermometer that even Watson’s staff don’t understand English.
How to get to Hangzhou
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
China: Shanghai: Day 3: World Expo 2010 – Asia
Travel Date: June 14, 2010
Destination: Work Expo 2010
From our hostel, we took Line 9 (Blue Lane) and drop off at Madang Rd. Station. After the Exit gates, we had a long walk going to the Expo Ticket counter. They no longer offer the 3-day pass, so we bought the day’s pass for 160yuan.
As we go to the entrance gates, that is where the long queue begins. They open the gates at 9am. Everyone will pass a very comprehensive security check. For the bags, it will pass an x-ray scanner, just like the airport security. This is the most scrupulous body check I ever had: I was holding a handkerchief, Expo map and Expo ticket on my right hand; a watch on my left hand; and was wearing a cap. The personnel said something and I told her to say it in English, “What is this?” Not sure “what” she was referring to until I knew that she was asking about “what is a handkerchief?” Out of my surprise, duh! Officer: “Can I open it (referring to the hanky)?” Next, “Can I see your watch?” (closely look at it for about 5 seconds). “Can you take off your hat?” “Can you please turn around?” (did another security check). Finally, “Okay, no problem”. I told her “So, is it fine now?”
As I was about to grab my bag, the officer grab it back from me and let it pass again (the second time) on the x-ray scanner. I was about to be interrogated by the first officer in charge, but I guess he can’t speak in English, so he pass my bag to the last officer. He said, “Is there anything here like a light?” “Can I see it?” “I need to check it.” I said, yes and okay. Then after turning on and off the small flashlight I carried in the bag, he let me pass the gate.
It almost took me an hour, waiting for the queue, passing the security checks, before I can finally use my Expo ticket to enter the gates. I believe that this is a world event that should really be safe and secure, but they are really messing the enjoyment of the visitors.
We had to walk a little further before we can reach the train station, Line 13 (Pink Lane). From Madang Rd., visitors had the option to drop off at Lupu Bridge station for the Corporate Pavilions. We dropped off at Shibo Rd. station to visit the Asia section (A and B).
During early morning, all pavilions have long queues. It is so hard to take photos with the pavilion alone. The locals or visitors don’t mind passing in front of the camera. Don’t be shy to tell them to stop or pass on the other side when you are taking your photos.
Here are some of the shots from section A and B.
New Zealand Pavilion: Tiki Dance
Cambodia Pavilion
Taiwan Pavilion
Saudi Pavilion
Nepal Pavilion
Korea Pavilion
The rain did not stop, so we decided to leave the place early.
Destination: Work Expo 2010
From our hostel, we took Line 9 (Blue Lane) and drop off at Madang Rd. Station. After the Exit gates, we had a long walk going to the Expo Ticket counter. They no longer offer the 3-day pass, so we bought the day’s pass for 160yuan.
As we go to the entrance gates, that is where the long queue begins. They open the gates at 9am. Everyone will pass a very comprehensive security check. For the bags, it will pass an x-ray scanner, just like the airport security. This is the most scrupulous body check I ever had: I was holding a handkerchief, Expo map and Expo ticket on my right hand; a watch on my left hand; and was wearing a cap. The personnel said something and I told her to say it in English, “What is this?” Not sure “what” she was referring to until I knew that she was asking about “what is a handkerchief?” Out of my surprise, duh! Officer: “Can I open it (referring to the hanky)?” Next, “Can I see your watch?” (closely look at it for about 5 seconds). “Can you take off your hat?” “Can you please turn around?” (did another security check). Finally, “Okay, no problem”. I told her “So, is it fine now?”
As I was about to grab my bag, the officer grab it back from me and let it pass again (the second time) on the x-ray scanner. I was about to be interrogated by the first officer in charge, but I guess he can’t speak in English, so he pass my bag to the last officer. He said, “Is there anything here like a light?” “Can I see it?” “I need to check it.” I said, yes and okay. Then after turning on and off the small flashlight I carried in the bag, he let me pass the gate.
It almost took me an hour, waiting for the queue, passing the security checks, before I can finally use my Expo ticket to enter the gates. I believe that this is a world event that should really be safe and secure, but they are really messing the enjoyment of the visitors.
We had to walk a little further before we can reach the train station, Line 13 (Pink Lane). From Madang Rd., visitors had the option to drop off at Lupu Bridge station for the Corporate Pavilions. We dropped off at Shibo Rd. station to visit the Asia section (A and B).
During early morning, all pavilions have long queues. It is so hard to take photos with the pavilion alone. The locals or visitors don’t mind passing in front of the camera. Don’t be shy to tell them to stop or pass on the other side when you are taking your photos.
Here are some of the shots from section A and B.
New Zealand Pavilion: Tiki Dance
Cambodia Pavilion
After the Expo Axis, we have reached the China Pavilion.
Taiwan PavilionSaudi Pavilion
Nepal Pavilion
Korea Pavilion
We had a simple dinner in Indonesia Pavilion, good thing the entrance to the restaurant is different from the exhibit that is why we don’t need to queue.
While the rain keeps on falling, the Philippine pavilion keeps on having visitors; the queue did not get shorter. By around 6pm, we decided to be in line. With a theme of Performing Cities, the designs used are traditional instruments found in Pinas. There are shops for the local goodies and much on pearls. Almost two-thirds of the place was used for the restaurant. I noticed that they did not promote, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol or other beautiful sceneries here in the country – maybe because of the theme.
The rain did not stop, so we decided to leave the place early.Sunday, December 26, 2010
2010 June: Shanghai: Day 2: The Bund and Bee Home Hostel
Travel Date: June 13, 2010
Destination: The Bund and Yuyuan Gardens
Sunday morning, we ate breakfast at Burger King at the ground floor. We waited for the opening of the train rides going to the city. We bought MagLev tickets – these are for the Magnetic Levitation train which is considered the fastest train. (Per Wiki, The top operational commercial speed of this train is 431 km/h (268 mph), making it the world's fastest train in regular commercial services since its opening in 2004.) See more on: http://www.smtdc.com/en/jszl.asp.
LongYang Road station is the last station of the MagLev. We pulled our luggage in the escalator to transfer to the MRT terminal. We were not able to buy the card as this is not available from the counter. Even the machines are not releasing multi-ride card, or we just don’t know how does it work? So, we just took a one-way chip going to DongChang Road station.
There is an escalator going up to the street level at DongChang station. Bee Home Hostel is just easy to find and is simply 12 min walk away from the train station. One of the receptionists is not accommodating as he wanted us to wait until 12nn before we can check-in. We waited for an hour, it was like 10am, when we asked another receptionist, and he allowed us to go to our room.
We booked this hotel from www.hostelworld.com. We were given a room in 3rd floor, we took the stairs as there were no elevators in the building. The room is clean, it has broken cabinet, it has a small table and a chair, it was well lighted and has a window with good view of Shanghai World Financial Center.
After taking some rest, we started the adventure. We bought Shanghai Public Transportation Card for 100yuan (20 yuan for deposit and 80 yuan for usage)We went straight ahead to East Nanjing Road (Green Lane). Spend some time to see Church of Holy Trinity, too bad that it was closed and under construction. We went straight ahead to The Bund. Don’t worry about crossing the streets as there are pedestrian lanes across the main street. We took a lot of photos as it was a beautiful cityscape.
We roam and do shopping at Yuyuan Street Shops. (This is a Detour Task at Leg 11 for Amazing Race Asia Season 16: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amazing_Race_16)
From Yuyuan Gardens, we took a cab going to Shanghai People’s Heroes Memorial. Why I was pushing to see this place? It was one of the location shoot of Cheng Xu’s series Starlit. (http://www.crunchyroll.com/forumtopic-421668/starlit-jerry-yan-terri-kwan-alice-zheng-airing-jan-24).
Destination: The Bund and Yuyuan Gardens
Sunday morning, we ate breakfast at Burger King at the ground floor. We waited for the opening of the train rides going to the city. We bought MagLev tickets – these are for the Magnetic Levitation train which is considered the fastest train. (Per Wiki, The top operational commercial speed of this train is 431 km/h (268 mph), making it the world's fastest train in regular commercial services since its opening in 2004.) See more on: http://www.smtdc.com/en/jszl.asp.
LongYang Road station is the last station of the MagLev. We pulled our luggage in the escalator to transfer to the MRT terminal. We were not able to buy the card as this is not available from the counter. Even the machines are not releasing multi-ride card, or we just don’t know how does it work? So, we just took a one-way chip going to DongChang Road station.
There is an escalator going up to the street level at DongChang station. Bee Home Hostel is just easy to find and is simply 12 min walk away from the train station. One of the receptionists is not accommodating as he wanted us to wait until 12nn before we can check-in. We waited for an hour, it was like 10am, when we asked another receptionist, and he allowed us to go to our room.
We booked this hotel from www.hostelworld.com. We were given a room in 3rd floor, we took the stairs as there were no elevators in the building. The room is clean, it has broken cabinet, it has a small table and a chair, it was well lighted and has a window with good view of Shanghai World Financial Center.
After taking some rest, we started the adventure. We bought Shanghai Public Transportation Card for 100yuan (20 yuan for deposit and 80 yuan for usage)We went straight ahead to East Nanjing Road (Green Lane). Spend some time to see Church of Holy Trinity, too bad that it was closed and under construction. We went straight ahead to The Bund. Don’t worry about crossing the streets as there are pedestrian lanes across the main street. We took a lot of photos as it was a beautiful cityscape.
We roam and do shopping at Yuyuan Street Shops. (This is a Detour Task at Leg 11 for Amazing Race Asia Season 16: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amazing_Race_16)
From Yuyuan Gardens, we took a cab going to Shanghai People’s Heroes Memorial. Why I was pushing to see this place? It was one of the location shoot of Cheng Xu’s series Starlit. (http://www.crunchyroll.com/forumtopic-421668/starlit-jerry-yan-terri-kwan-alice-zheng-airing-jan-24).
Then we passed by The Bund again for the final photo-opportunity, before we take the trains going to Pudong area.
2010 June: Shanghai: Day 1: Arrival
Travel Date: June 12-13, 2010
Destination: Pudong International Airport, Shanghai
We took Cebu Pacific flight going to Shanghai. We arrived at Pudong International Airport quarter before 12.
After a long queue in the Immigration, we found our way to the Foreign Money Exchange. We follow the signs going to the Airport Hotel. Good thing we took a photo of the Hotel sign because it was useful when we asked the direction to the Airport Guard.
It was sad that the cheapest rooms are not available anymore, the next available room costs 6000php. I’m more choosy on this type situation but decided to sleep at the Airport rather than to pay an expensive room just to stay for less than 8 hours.
We find our way back to the airport lobby, settled in the most quiet area in the Departure section, then sleep. It was a good sleep not until 4am when the loud local voices started to distract the night.
Destination: Pudong International Airport, Shanghai
We took Cebu Pacific flight going to Shanghai. We arrived at Pudong International Airport quarter before 12.
After a long queue in the Immigration, we found our way to the Foreign Money Exchange. We follow the signs going to the Airport Hotel. Good thing we took a photo of the Hotel sign because it was useful when we asked the direction to the Airport Guard.
It was sad that the cheapest rooms are not available anymore, the next available room costs 6000php. I’m more choosy on this type situation but decided to sleep at the Airport rather than to pay an expensive room just to stay for less than 8 hours.
We find our way back to the airport lobby, settled in the most quiet area in the Departure section, then sleep. It was a good sleep not until 4am when the loud local voices started to distract the night.
2010 June: Shanghai: Visa Preparations
Visa Application: China
Visa is required in any parts of China for Filipino travellers. We first need to prepare the long list of requirements before we can continue our Shanghai dreams.
Here are the requirements as of June 2010:
Here are the requirements as of June 2010:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport picture or 2x2 (white background)
- SSS Contribution History (You can print what is posted in your contributions in http://www.sss.gov.ph/)
- 2 valid IDs (Should be with photo and signature; this could be a driver’s license, SSS id or Company ID)
- Employment Certificate (Get this from your Company HR, take note that this will take 3 – 7 days processing)
- ITR (A photocopy of your recent ITR will do.)
- NBI Clearance (should specify that this is FOR TRAVEL PURPOSES. You can get this from NBI or other NBI authorized stalls, there is one in Park Square Makati or Megamall)
- Round trip plane ticket- Tour/Hotel Voucher- Bank Certificate dated at the same month that you are applying for the visa (range of 75-100k as a minimum will do. Bring your bank passbook if possible.)
- Application Form (You will get this from the Embassy Guard for free)
For full details of the visa application you can go to this link: http://ph.china-embassy.org/eng/lsfw/hzqz/t171818.htm
Once you’re ready, wake-up early on the day you are submitting the requirements. You should be at the venue like 6am or earlier. I’m telling you that the queue is too long. Following is the location of the Chinese Embassy Consul Office in Makati.
Once you’re ready, wake-up early on the day you are submitting the requirements. You should be at the venue like 6am or earlier. I’m telling you that the queue is too long. Following is the location of the Chinese Embassy Consul Office in Makati.
Consular Office, Chinese Embassy in Manila, Philippines (Visa, Passport, Notarization & Authentication)
Address: 2nd & 3rd Floor, the World Center, 330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel: +63-2-8482396, 8482395
We arrived at around 7:30am on the day we are submitting the requirements, first queue will be combination of all the travellers (Filipino or Chinese). Upon entering the office (at 8am), a customer number will be distributed between: New Visa Applicants, Claiming of Visa, and Passport Application/Renewal (for Chinese). After getting the application form from the Guard’s Desk, we filled the necessary information and waited for almost 3 hours. We were served at around 11:30 and they finally accepted our requirements.
Rules in the Embassy:
- follow your line,
- be attentive on your turn,
- keep your voice low,
- do not take photos; and
- do not make or accept mobile calls.
Single entry at normal processing costs 1400php. A slip will be given to you on your return date (normally, after 3-4 days) on when to claim your visa. Again, the same way, be there the earliest possible time to avoid the long queue and long waiting.
Or if you don’t want to go through this tedious process of visa application, why not go through travel agencies. But here expect a more expensive price of visa processing.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
2010 April: Kota Kinabalu: Last Day and More Shopping
Travel Date: April 23, 2010
Destination: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Friday, my last day in KK. I was able to attend a very small mass ceremony in Sacred Heart Cathedral Kota Kinabalu. They have an English mass every day at 6am. Go to the back door of the church as this is where the mass is held.
I had difficulty going back to the Hotel, but was able to resturn after getting lost for an hour.
After late breakfast, was able to roam around KK Plaza, Wisma Merdaka, Sinsuran Complex and Sabah Suria. Was able to send my postcards at their post office. Some of our Filipino words are related to their Malayan language, our “tulak” is their “tolak” and our “bukas” is their “buka”. I appreciate our door signs being on English language as open and closed.
While I was eating in a pasta restaurant, I saw this clip in a magazine.
While packing, here are my loots: Lexus biscuits which are my favorite, 3 pairs of Vinci shoes and Starbucks City Mug for my collection.
Thank you HK Lee for touring me around the city, the Filipino people at Next Café, the Cititel Manager who emailed me back on my suggestions. I appreciate the bus driver who made me lost on my last day, and to all the cab drivers who safely sent me to my destinations.
Destination: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Friday, my last day in KK. I was able to attend a very small mass ceremony in Sacred Heart Cathedral Kota Kinabalu. They have an English mass every day at 6am. Go to the back door of the church as this is where the mass is held.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Kota Kinabaluhttp://sacredheartcathedral.net/component/option,com_contact/Itemid,28/
14b
Jalan Menteri, P. O. Box 10049
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, 88800
I had difficulty going back to the Hotel, but was able to resturn after getting lost for an hour.
After late breakfast, was able to roam around KK Plaza, Wisma Merdaka, Sinsuran Complex and Sabah Suria. Was able to send my postcards at their post office. Some of our Filipino words are related to their Malayan language, our “tulak” is their “tolak” and our “bukas” is their “buka”. I appreciate our door signs being on English language as open and closed.
While I was eating in a pasta restaurant, I saw this clip in a magazine.
While packing, here are my loots: Lexus biscuits which are my favorite, 3 pairs of Vinci shoes and Starbucks City Mug for my collection.
Upon check-in at the airport, all luggage should pass this x-ray machine. 8pm is my flight back to the Manila via 5J 734.
Thank you HK Lee for touring me around the city, the Filipino people at Next Café, the Cititel Manager who emailed me back on my suggestions. I appreciate the bus driver who made me lost on my last day, and to all the cab drivers who safely sent me to my destinations.
2010 April: Kota Kinabalu: Beach and Shopping
Travel Date: April 21-22, 2010
Destination: Manukan Island, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Wednesday, upon my arrival from Brunei, I get my taxi coupon and go to Cititel again. I got my luggage without any issues and without anything missing. After check-in procedure and settling my things at my new smaller room with a cheaper price, I immediately went out for window shopping. Why I’m here in Malaysia? To buy Vinci! Haha! I went to Centerpoint and Warisan Shopping Mall checking out the prices. I also tried the food at their food court.
Thursday, is my beach day. From Cititel to Jesselton Point, the cab fare is 20RM. I bought my own snorkeling gears and good thing there is a group who is also going to Manukan, so as suggested by the counter I just joined their boat. Return fare for Manukan Island is 23 RM. The separate entrance for non-Malaysian is 10RM. Life jacket can be rented for 5-10RM. I choose Manukan over Sapi or Mumutik Islands due to security; since I’m on a solo journey I’d rather be safe. Manukan Island has more people (but still serene), has restaurants and stores, and has very good shower rooms, and no lizard or crocodile in the sand area. Beach closer to the arrival area has much jellyfish than when you stay on the farther area of the beach. The sand is white and pure and the water is so clear, that even if you are not yet snorkeling you can already see school of fish.
Before 12nn, I went back to the hotel to freshen up, took my lunch and now ready to go to their new mall, 1Borneo.
There is a free shuttle ride from Warisan Square near the taxi stand. The coach leaves every half hour.
Outside the mall, is the Tune Hotels which is also cheap and new. By 6pm, I took again the free return transfer from the shopping complex back to Warisan Square.
Destination: Manukan Island, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Wednesday, upon my arrival from Brunei, I get my taxi coupon and go to Cititel again. I got my luggage without any issues and without anything missing. After check-in procedure and settling my things at my new smaller room with a cheaper price, I immediately went out for window shopping. Why I’m here in Malaysia? To buy Vinci! Haha! I went to Centerpoint and Warisan Shopping Mall checking out the prices. I also tried the food at their food court.
Thursday, is my beach day. From Cititel to Jesselton Point, the cab fare is 20RM. I bought my own snorkeling gears and good thing there is a group who is also going to Manukan, so as suggested by the counter I just joined their boat. Return fare for Manukan Island is 23 RM. The separate entrance for non-Malaysian is 10RM. Life jacket can be rented for 5-10RM. I choose Manukan over Sapi or Mumutik Islands due to security; since I’m on a solo journey I’d rather be safe. Manukan Island has more people (but still serene), has restaurants and stores, and has very good shower rooms, and no lizard or crocodile in the sand area. Beach closer to the arrival area has much jellyfish than when you stay on the farther area of the beach. The sand is white and pure and the water is so clear, that even if you are not yet snorkeling you can already see school of fish.
Before 12nn, I went back to the hotel to freshen up, took my lunch and now ready to go to their new mall, 1Borneo.
There is a free shuttle ride from Warisan Square near the taxi stand. The coach leaves every half hour.
1Borneo MallWebsite: http://www.1borneo.com/One Borneo Rainforest has its free entrance but you can skip this, there is nothing to see here. The Borneo SeaWorld is still closed (April 2010). I was able to buy my Starbucks City Mug collection here at 1 Borneo for 42RM.
Direction: http://sabahbah.com/kota-kinabalu-shopping-centres/1borneo/371/how-to-get-to-1-borneo
Outside the mall, is the Tune Hotels which is also cheap and new. By 6pm, I took again the free return transfer from the shopping complex back to Warisan Square.
2010 April: Kota Kinabalu: City Tour
Travel Date: April 20, 2010 Tuesday
Destination: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
The next day, I booked for a City Tour at the travel agency at the Lobby of Cititel Express. You can contact them prior to your arrival at 1tourandadventure@gmail.com. I do recommend their tour but not the airport transfer.
The tour guide arrived at 8am at the Hotel Lobby. I really thought that I’ll be joining a group tour, but I was wrong. I was like in a huge van (like can accommodate 15 passengers), where I’m the only tourist to be guided for the half-day! However, I feel safe during the whole trip and thanks to HK Lee who has been very accommodating and act as a driver, tour guide, and photographer all in one.
Our first stop is the Atkinson Clock. It is the oldest standing structure in the whole of Sabah that survived the destruction of Jesselton town during World War II.
The Signal Hill is the highest point in the city. You can see the main road, building strip, and the water front from this location.
Next stop is the Floating Mosque also known as City Mosque at Likas Bay (with Blue Dome). The floating Mosque opens every day for Muslim prayer. You are not allowed to go in unless you are Muslim and do your prayer.
Then, since we arrived ahead of time, we were able to pass this long stretch of walkway going to the sea. Then at 9:30am we entered UMS Marine Aquarium Museum. I’m not happy with their procedure of having a separate entrance for the camera. Like you are non-Malaysian, you will pay 10RM for the entrance and you will need to pay a separate 10RM for every camera you have. It is a museum of the bones and shells of the species they found in the Sabah waters. They do have few aquariums inside. You can skip this if you have been to Sentosa Underwater Aquarium or Manila Oceanarium.
Next, we went to Yayasan Sabah also known as Menara Tun Mustpha or the Sabah Foundation Building. It is a circular tower with 30 floors. It houses auditoriums, theaters, offices and a revolving restaurant. We were able to visit the restaurant but it is still closed during that time. It is very elegant, nice paintings, soft sofas and chairs, and of course nice view to watch the KK city. You can even see the peak of Mount Kinabalu.
We had a quick stop in Filipino Market. They have different dried seafood and seaweeds, also offers traditional bags, clothes and textiles. This place is also the featured in Amazing Race Asia Season 4 Episode 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOPuqV6jHMc).
We ended the trip by returning to the Hotel. I had a quick lunch, then, check-out at the hotel. Lock and left my luggage at their Safe Room and go the airport for my flight going to Brunei.
Destination: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
The next day, I booked for a City Tour at the travel agency at the Lobby of Cititel Express. You can contact them prior to your arrival at 1tourandadventure@gmail.com. I do recommend their tour but not the airport transfer.
The tour guide arrived at 8am at the Hotel Lobby. I really thought that I’ll be joining a group tour, but I was wrong. I was like in a huge van (like can accommodate 15 passengers), where I’m the only tourist to be guided for the half-day! However, I feel safe during the whole trip and thanks to HK Lee who has been very accommodating and act as a driver, tour guide, and photographer all in one.
Our first stop is the Atkinson Clock. It is the oldest standing structure in the whole of Sabah that survived the destruction of Jesselton town during World War II.
The Signal Hill is the highest point in the city. You can see the main road, building strip, and the water front from this location.
Next stop is the Floating Mosque also known as City Mosque at Likas Bay (with Blue Dome). The floating Mosque opens every day for Muslim prayer. You are not allowed to go in unless you are Muslim and do your prayer.
Then, since we arrived ahead of time, we were able to pass this long stretch of walkway going to the sea. Then at 9:30am we entered UMS Marine Aquarium Museum. I’m not happy with their procedure of having a separate entrance for the camera. Like you are non-Malaysian, you will pay 10RM for the entrance and you will need to pay a separate 10RM for every camera you have. It is a museum of the bones and shells of the species they found in the Sabah waters. They do have few aquariums inside. You can skip this if you have been to Sentosa Underwater Aquarium or Manila Oceanarium.
Next, we went to Yayasan Sabah also known as Menara Tun Mustpha or the Sabah Foundation Building. It is a circular tower with 30 floors. It houses auditoriums, theaters, offices and a revolving restaurant. We were able to visit the restaurant but it is still closed during that time. It is very elegant, nice paintings, soft sofas and chairs, and of course nice view to watch the KK city. You can even see the peak of Mount Kinabalu.
We had a quick stop in Filipino Market. They have different dried seafood and seaweeds, also offers traditional bags, clothes and textiles. This place is also the featured in Amazing Race Asia Season 4 Episode 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOPuqV6jHMc).
We ended the trip by returning to the Hotel. I had a quick lunch, then, check-out at the hotel. Lock and left my luggage at their Safe Room and go the airport for my flight going to Brunei.
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