TRIP TO PUERTO PRINCESA TOWN, DOS PALMAS HONDA BAY, AND PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER ( NEW 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD )

January 30, 2014 – We arrived at Puerto Princesa town in the morning. My friend and I checked in at the Blue Lagoon Inn & Suites. It is a hotel with basic room amenities ( Flat TV, air con, minibar ), but it has a really nice pool and Jacuzzi. Upon arrival at Puerto Princesa airport, we were picked up by the hotel van ( the hotel has a free shuttle to and from the airport, most hotels in Puerto Princesa City have this). The hotel is just a 5 minute trip from the airport. I really recommend this hotel for the value for money, and it is near to the airport and centrally located to all restaurants ( Kinabuchs is of walking distance ). Although from the hotel to the main road, there is a short 2min walk on a non-cemented road, but it is very safe. Just outside the Blue Lagoon Hotel, there is a nice Fish Spa, which I also recommend.

After checking in at the Blue Lagoon Hotel, we rented a motorcycle ( the hotel can also do the arrangement for you). It costs Php 500 a day. We had an entire day free, so we rented this and biked around Puerto Princesa.

Bamboo bridge above the mangroves on the way to Badjao Seafod Restaurant

Badjao Seafood Restaurant

We opted to have lunch at the BADJAO SEAFOOD RESTAURANT. A must go! From the hotel to Badjao, we rode our motorcycle ( a 15 minute trip also by tricycle ) in a small barrio called Sikat which can be found along Abueg Road. The easiest description for the location would be, it is the road just in front of the airport. It is a small road going to the small not so busy barrio. But the trip is worth it. Have your tricycle driver wait for you as it is difficult to get one after from the restaurant because there is not much tricycle passing by. The road going there is quite interesting because you will see a few BAHAY KUBO (native Philippine homes made of nipa huts) along the way). And on the tiny little road from the mainroad going to the restaurant, you will pass by a house that have a family of ostrich as pets! I even took a photo with some of them! Anyone passing by can see them as they are kept on a gate in the backyard of someone’s home. Badjao Seafood Restaurant offers a variety of Seafood, and is a very popular dining place in Puerto Princesa. So popular in fact that the Prince of York, Prince Albert, went there to eat when he visited Puerto Princesa. Its not just the food that is worth visiting, but the place itself is so beautiful. From the entrance ,one would have to walk on the bridge or bamboo stilts, best to describe it…above some surrounding mangroves! The restaurant is decorated with colorful fabrics which are used for VINTAS. A vinta is a boat used by the Badjao Tribe in the southern provinces of the Philippines. I was so happy to be seated overlooking the sea, and the view with the mangroves is spectacular. We went there on lunch time, that It was such a clear day and the water is so clear I saw some little fishes on the water beneath the stilts.

Sta Monica Ranch aka Mitra's Ranch

Relaxing at Mitra's Farm

 After lunch, around 15-20 minutes from the city center, we then went to the Sta Monica Ranch or best known as Mitra’s Ranch located uphill of Sta Monica, Puerto Princesa. It is a very popular tourist destination as it has a nice view of the town. It has no entrance fee, and we were greeted by the sight of cows and goats. A beautiful place to just sit and relax and savor the fresh air. Its an ideal picture taking site too! My friend commented that it’s a bit rundown, seems like no one is taking much care of it, but anyways it is still pretty. And beside, it is free of charge as the Mitra famiy open it for public to enjoy.

Curious peacock at Baker's Hill

 On the way back from Mitra’s Ranch back to Puerto Princesa town, we dropped by BAKER’S HILL. I really recommend this for tourists to visit! The owner, opens its house to public for free as well. Inside you will enjoy having pictures taken to many statues of different characters such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and also of statues of animals (crocs and monkeys). The place is so much fun and romantic. There is a beautiful garden with hearts for couples to have their picture taken. And it has a mini - zoo where you can see birds. I enjoyed taking picture of the peacocks the most!

Only for the adventurouse....the TAMILOK

 Came dinner time, for first timers to Puerto Princesa, I recommend you go to KINABUCHS restaurant! Aside from their normal menu, they also serve exotic menus! I suggest you try their sizzling crocodile ( my favorite! ). But for those who are more adventurous, try the TAMILOK. The native wood worm. I ordered it served raw in vinegar, but when I tried it, it was hard for me to digest it. It tasted like oyster, but it is a very slimy. So slimy that you can actually feel it in your throat when you swallow it. I tried so hard to just swallow it, but even though I am an adventurous eater ( snakes, frogs , crocodiles, insects ). This one, was a bit hard. I tried to finish, but I surrendered. The waiter gladly took it back and suggested they have it fried, like an onion ring. So I asked them to do so. And voila! When they came back with a friend Tamilok, It did tasted and looked like a squid ring. If you all come in groups, this would be a fun game. Maybe bet on someone who can finish an entire raw serving. Definitely , only the brave can do it.

Arriving at the Dos Palmas Resort and Spa

The next day was exciting for me because we had to go to DOS PALMAS ISLAND RESORT AND SPA Araceffi Island in Honda Bay. Instead of a day tour ( the island also offers day tours at around Php 2500 / person, we opted to go an overnight in the island for 7800 per night in Agoda. But now, I learned they have promo rates of Php 6500 per night. It is so worth the rate. I would say since I have been to many island resorts in the Palawan ( Visited most of the El Nido Resorts – Miniloc, Lagen, Apulit ) , some Island resorts in Coron too ( El Rio Y Mar and Club Paradise Palawan ), this, so far, is the most AFFORDABLE. With the rate comes your free shuttle from the airport / PP to Honda bay wharf, and free boat trip from wharf to the resort), and also free use of their non-motorized water sports. So, we arranged to be picked up in their office in Puerto Princesa, which is not so far from our hotel. It was about 10 minutes by tricycle, located at 89 Lacao St, Puerto Princesa City. On arrival in their office, we were asked to wait for some others. Do not expect to receive the same VIP treatment as one usually have when waiting from El Nido Resort Airports to their resorts. Since the rate for Dos Palmas is affordable, there is NOT MUCH VIP TREATMENT. No hot towels, drinks in their offices. Nonetheless, its understandable as we didn’t paid much. So, we had the van bring us from the office, together with some other resort visitors ( Mostly for DAY TOURS), on a 30- 45 mins drive to Honda Bay Wharf. In Honda Bay Wharf, you would see a lot of little shops in the wharf selling from sunblocks, hats and clothes. I guess looking at it, it is not that difficult to do a DIY tour in Honda Bay. If you are traveling alone, you can do a DIY tour. But if you come in groups, it would also be cheaper if you join a tour. Be aware though that the toilets in Honda Bay Wharf is dirty. I wish that Puerto Princesa will make it cleaner because there are so many tourists visiting this place it would be nice if the public toilets are clean. I heard plenty of tourists make comments about the toilets. Boat trip from Wharf to Dos Palmas Resort was an hour. I slept most of the time during the trip that I cannot share much about the islands of Honda Bay that we passed by as I was in deep sleep on the boat trip.

Dos Palmas Areccefi Island Resort and Spa

 Upon arrival, my companions were so excited to see the beautiful island. It is a very pretty island. With a beautiful beach. Although i cant help but compare with other island resorts, this one, has an eerie feel to it. It is because the water cottage are empty, damaged and in much need of a renovation. Later, a staff told me that they closed the water cottages because the wood that serves as stilts are corroded it is dangerous to have it occupied. Also, I was told, during the raid by the Abu Sayyaf in the island ( the popular kidnapping incident ), they only took the guests who were occupied in the water cottages. I guess that’s why it has an eerie feel to it. As we walked to the resort, we were given hot towels and it felt so good after a long boat trip. We were told to go straight to reception, and we were given our welcome drinks, and a very fast check in to our room. Our room is on a cottage near the mangroves. We were given the farthest cottage! It was full of guests that time. There is a free multi-cab type shuttle to Dos Palmas Reception and Pool Area from the room anytime, just call Reception and they will easily send the shuttle to pick you up. Also, from the reception to our room ( a 2 minute shuttle ride or about 4-5 minutes walk ), there are little gardens where they plant vegetables. Also the resort have billiards, darts, bikes that you can borrow for free, and a tennis court). They offer a lot of activities for free. We checked in the room, and the room is very spacious! I was so delighte to see our view of the mangroves and it was such a relaxing view that I said I can imagine myself just sitting in the balcony with the view with some coffee. But I decided to take a nap as I was so tired from the trip ( and I had a busy work week previous to that too!), that the nap became a 3 hour nap. We woke up and went to have lunch. Their restaurant is not bad! So many ala-carte choices and very affordable too! Menus range from 150- 500 pesos. Pasta costs around 200. Not bad for an island resort. After which we joined the snorkeling group. Our guide, brought us to snorkel and I was so happy! I saw a stingray the size of a little piglet! I saw nemo, and many kinds of fishes! And the coral reef is just so beautiful! I am definitely coming back for a dive! The guide also brought us to see an airplane wreck. The airplane wreck was so old it has now become a home for the fishes like the corals. It was so pretty that the next day I plan to join their island hopping ( resort offers for free ). After our snorkel, I went to enjoy the sunset in the beach. The beach has so many fishes and sometimes they go near to people. We changed and had dinner by 8pm. The restaurant have shows ( fire dancing and dance shows done by staffs ). The food is also yummy. After dinner we opted to have an early night in, as I was expecting to do a lot of island activities the next day. But by 4 am, the storm came. It suddenly was raining hard. The reception called by 7 am and informed us that there is a storm coming, so we had to cut our trip short, if we want to go back to town, the next trip is at 9am. Puerto Princesa sea authorities will not allow boat trips after 10 am because of the coming storm. So we hurriedly packed our staff, had a quick breakfast, and went to ride the boat. Everyone looked sad to leave the island. It was raining hard already when our boat left. I was sad to cut my trip short that I plan to come back again. Indeed I am coming back again, this time with my best friend Ivy from London, this coming June 2014.  

For Dos Palmas Resort, it is best to book thru their website www.dospalmas.com.ph Or contact them at mobile +63 9175904442.

The shuttle bus arrived in the wharf and brought us back to Puerto Princesa town in 30 minutes. We stayed most of the day in the resort because it was raining bad. Luckily the storm stop and we heard on the news it left Palawan by 6 pm. It stopped raining hard too. As we are back in the Blue Lagoon Hotel and Inn, I went for a dip in the hotel’s Jacuzzi. Ahh, it felt nice after a long day, I remember.

Puerto Princesa Baywalk

Unicorn Fish at Baywalk Puerto Princesa

We then went for dinner in Baywalk. Puerto Princesa Baywalk does not have a lot of tourists. Baywalk is about 15 minutes by tricycle from our hotel near the airport. It does have a lot of little simple streetside restaurants for the “cowboys”. But, according to my friend, definitely the best dinner during our stay in PP. Amongst the many streetside restos, we went for K’na Boyet sa Baywalk. They have so many choices of seafood and meat for bbq. We ordered the UNICORN FISH. It was my first time to try this grilled Unicorn Fish. And it was so delicious!

After which, we then again went for an early night since we have a full day the next day to our PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR.

I arranged the tour through EPHESIANS TRAVEL AND TOURS. I saw on an ad in a flight magazine that they were having a promo for Php 1200 per person for the tour with the coupon. ( Regular rate is Php 1,500). So I called and arranged our trip with the tour manager, Mr. ERIC. A great guy who can answer your queries and he will always try to make arrangements for you! I really recommend this tour agency because of the good customer service that Eric gave us. To contact Ephesians Travel and Tours : mobile + 63906 2796653 or (smart) +63 918 2890566.

Eric arranged a very good tour for us! It is best you get a tour, because they can arrange your transportation, plus all the license to the Underground River Tour. There were so many tourists doing the tour on the date that we went. I was told there is a cut-off of 1000 guests for the underground river in a day, so better join a tour group so less hassle in getting in the cut-off guests. Arrange with the tour operator at least a 2 days or a day before you plan to go. So, we were picked up by the tour van at 6 am. By 6 am we were readily waiting and they were on time! Our tour guide was a very funny lady, named Sharon. She was so funny she makes us laugh all the time! So all in all we were a group of 10, all coming from different countries, from the US, Taiwan, Philippines and Australia. The trip from PP- Underground River Wharf is about 2 hours. Halfway, we stopped by a place to use the toilet, and has a nice view for picture taking.

At the stopover from PP Town to the Underground River

Sabang Beach on a stormy day

The road to Underground River is in the mountains and if you are not familiar you will easily get lost. So its always best to get the tour. Or hire a van. The road trip is very scenic. We passed by massive and tall trees. When we arrived in the wharf, it was raining bad. There were so many tourists because the trips on the previous day was cancelled due to the storm. On the wharf there are so many vendors selling shorts, plastic raincoats and food. I bought a plastic raincoat for Php 50 because it was raining so bad. Also, I bought a shorts! I went to the trip on a bikini with long beach pants and string strap top. I have learned my lesson and will advise friends who will go to Underground River to go in shorts! Otherwise you will get wet, or you will end forced to buy shorts because you will feel so wet with a wet long pants / skirt. I will definitely advise those who plan to visit not to go there wearing a Sun-dress! We arrived at 8 am, and we waited without lunch.

While waiting for our boat to the Underground River in Sabang Wharf

The view during the bumpy boat ride from Sabang wharf to the Underground River

While waiting for our paddle boat to go inside the Underground River

We were next in line by 1145 am that our group opted to wait. By 12 we made it in line! There are many bangkas going in/out from the wharf to the island for the underground river. You cant just hop on to be next in line, because everyone is in a queue. First come, first serve. The trip from the wharf to the island is 15 minutes on a VERY BUMPY BOAT RIDE. Our guide Sharon told us that it was normal for the trip. When I mean bumpy, It was sooo bumpy the boat is raising from the water a meter high up/down. So for those prone to seasickness, take a medicine before you go do the trip. I am a seasoned boat traveler as I also travel ( frequently in Bangka ) from Iloilo to Guimaras. I go on sailing in many places like Boracay and Ibiza too. But this one, scared me to death. I was scared we might sink, but our guide assured us it is NORMAL. Upon arriving the island, you definitely know it is worth the effort! The view is spectacular! Rock and mountain formations like that in El Nido, Palawan. So we jumped off the boat, had our picture taken.

On the beach, you will be welcomed by many monkeys. Beware of the monkeys! They like to grab your things so make sure you don’t have any plastics with you as they tend to grab it. Put everything in your bag, and try not to put anything on your pocket. Also, they are prone to grabbing plastics as they think you might have food in it. They are not dangerous, but since they are wild animals, try not to be so near them. Also, you can take their pictures but try NOT TO SMILE! Monkeys think that when you show your teeth, you are getting mad. And that’s no joke. Monkeys, when mad or angry, show off their teeth.

While waiting for our turn, I am very lucky to see a monitor lizard roaming around the island

The cheeky monkey

nasty monkey who took the bag of one of the tourists and after which the monkey just threw it away from the tree. So I made sure that I don’t leave anything but always have things in my bag.

 Our group was called. It was our turn. We went to ride the small paddle boat in groups of 12 seated in pairs. The passengers in the first row ( front row ) will be asked to hold the flashlight the entire trip in the underground river. I didn’t do much of spelunking before, but this one made me hook for it! So the cave trip was great. Around 15 minutes I guess. Our guide showed us some caves, stalactites, and some descriptions and look alikes of the stalactite formations. The person holidng the flashlight in the front was Taiwanese, so she was always delayed in following the boatman/guide’s instructor as she didn’t understand much English. The boatman always will instruct the person holding the flashlight to go left/right/up/down with the flashlight so it is best if the person holding it understands the instructions. After an unforgettable 15-20 minutes of spelunking (paddle boat ride) we were back from the cave to the beach. During the trip make sure you smile to photographers taking pics as you can buy the pictures at the booth before going out.

 

 

On the way to the cave

Another boat approaching inside the cave at the Puerto Princesa Underground River

Stalactite here. Stalagmite there. The best spelunking Ive ever done! What do you think this looks like?

We then jumped back to the boat and went back the wharf for lunch. Lunch is included in our tour package. We were so hungry it was already 1.30pm. The buffet choices was a lot, mostly Philippine food. Soup, rice, meats and veggies with a softdrink/ water. After lunch we waited in the restaurant as a pair in our group went to go for THE SABANG ZIPLINE. Theres a zipline in the location, and they told us that they really enjoyed it as it’s a bit different from other ziplines that they did because of the view of the ocean. But I was so full, and still dizzy from the boat trip that I am not really in the mood to do a zipline. While waiting for them my companion and I walked along the beach.

There are so many resorts nearby, but the nicest one is the SHERIDAN BEACH RESORT in Sabang. Sabang beach though is not recommended for swimming because of the big waves. On the day that we went there, there was a RED flag on the beach. It means a “NO SWIM” due to the big waves. They are very strict with this as there was an accident last year. Someone drowned in the beach. But Sheridan resort has a nice pool. So I sat in the resort, and they were having so many guests that day. A group of guys were playing Frisbee in the resort, and they have a nice restaurant by the beach. Our group then rode our van back to PP town by 3 pm. Everyone was mostly asleep during the 2 hour trip. The van dropped us off back to our hotel.

We arrived about quarter to 5pm. We were so tired that we had dinner at Kinabuchs Restaurant nearby, and then the FISH SPA at the PURPLE BAMBOO SPA, just outside our hotel, BLUE LAGOON INN AND SUITES. We then had our well deserved massage at the Purple Bamboo Spa. Last guest is by 11 pm. They close by 12midnight. The staff are mostly from my hometown of Iloilo, and they were very friendly.

The next morning, before our flight by noon…we went for some souvenir shopping in the city. Make sure to do some shopping in TIANGGE TIANGGE OF PALAWAN. Ask any tricycle driver to bring you there, its in the city center. They sell all souvenirs of Palawan that you can get, from tshirts, beads, bracelets, pearls to crocodile meat.Afterwards, we went back to the hotel. On the way back, we passed by a little Vietnamese ( streetside restaurant ). Oooh they serve really nice authentic Vietnamese Noodles. Vietnamese used to stay in Puerto Princesa, but has now left. And thanks to those who stayed, we have the nice Vietnamese Restaurants. And for some Vietnamese fix – I discovered RENE’S SAIGON. It is in Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa’s main road. The road to the airport. The Vietnamese streetside restaurant / stall is located in Rizal Avenue, just beside JGM
Finance Corporation Puerto Princesa. .

Also, another restaurant worth mentioning in Rizal Avenue as well very near Kinabuchs...is Ka Inato... there local version of  Veggie Salad is worth a try! Its made of okra , tomatoes, kangkong and many other local boiled veggies with Bagoong as the sauce!

Subic on a Rainy Day....

Although I have been traveling a lot back and forth Iloilo and Manila / Tarlac for business, I have never blogged about any of my travels for work. I guess the travel is so routine that I never have the urge or excitement to blog about it. But just now, I have arrived from a day trip from Tarlac City to Subic. My boyfriend needed to go to Subic for a meeting, and since I was in Tarlac, I have agreed for him to pick me up in Tarlac which is an hour and a half away from Subic, ( he travelled from Manila) and accompanied him to his trip. And because I was coming with him, we decided to stay in Subic for a night. On the way from Tarlac to Subic, we passed by so many nice sceneries. The road ( the NLEX) is very nice and there is no traffic. On the way you will pass by a bridge with a huge sight of the lahar, instead of a river. This lahar was caused by the lahar overflow from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the early 1990's. I have been to Subic a few times, and most of the time its for touristic vacations. Subic is one of the many places I like to go here in the Philippines. The freeport zone is clean, and has lots of duty free shopping which I love. There is the Royal Duty free shopping. I used to go there a lot, but lately when i went there yesterday, it was still okay, but it has lost its luster due to the opening of the new Puregold Duty free. I guess most people now go to the duty free in Puregold because it has more choices than the Royal Duty Free. What i love most about Subic is that they still have their forest preserved, and it has so many attractions for tourists, such as the Zoobic Safari and the Treetop Adventure. This time when i went there, there was not a lot of people because it is the typhoon season and parts of Subic has been flooded last week. After my boyfriend's meeting this afternoon, since i know we were here not for holiday but business and on a budget as we are just staying overnight, i have decided to look for affordable hotels in Subic. Before, in my previous visit to Subic, I stayed in one of the best hotels I have stayed so far. The Segara Villas. I think this is the best hotel in Subic. What i love most is they place really delicious chocolates and personalized letter in my bed during their turndown service. This time though, since we were on a budget, I looked at agoda and checked for a hotel that is affordable yet popular. And voila! i found the CINDY KELLY hotel, and it is indeed popular with an 8 rating out of 10. I booked the room at 1200 pesos Room Only/ night on agoda thinking that i need to hurry as there is only one available at this price of the standard remaining and so i did. We went to the hotel after his meeting and the hotel is not hard to find indeed. It is beside the James L Gordon Hospital and in front of the Volunteers Park facing the Harbour Mall/ Puregold and SM. Not bad for the location as it is just a walking distance to the mall, but at the opposite of the river. It is not in the Freeport area anymore. It is located in a shoddy area, near cheap drugstores. But not to worry, the hotel looks clean and with a security guard. Still, I feel it is safer if I have booked a hotel inside the freeport zone. But hey, I was on a budget so I cannot complain. Then came check in. The check in was great. No hassle at all. She said there is still a Standard Room available. Although, I saw a brochure in the front desk that says, Promo rates now starts at Php 800 per night for a Standard room, and 1200 pesos for a Superior Room. I asked the Receptionist if she can give me an upgrade because I paid 1300 in Agoda anyways, and she said no, she cant as the promo is just if you give them a call. She gave me a key ( Room 116 ), and we went in. Not bad at all, the room is new, and its clean. With an LED flatscreen TV, and clean toilet. A clean basic hotel which is all we need. Although during the night we couldnt sleep well,as the bed is too soft and it gives us a back pain. But..again, cant complain. My boyfriend and I went out for dinner in the Waterfront in Subic, and usually in the summer, this place is full, this time there is no one. And all the rooms in the waterfront road, in the freeport area are on promo because its the rainy season. Herbie's Inn in the waterfront rd, is i think 1200 pesos a night, and if I knew that most hotels are in promo, i would have just called. Anyways, we still had a fantastic dinner at the Seaside Restaurant. Went back home afterwards. The next day, had a bit of shopping again at the Ayala Mall Harbour Point, and then lunch at my favorite beach front restaurant at the Camayan Restaurant. It's beside the Ocean Adventure. I suggest for anyone visiting Subic for the first time, and with a car, this place is a must! Theres plenty of choices for food, and it is so delicious. Their pasta and salads are well made, and it is also cheap. A Ceasar salad costs Php 280, and a pomodoro pasta at Php 150. So, all in all....Subic is still lovely on a rainy season. The road from the freeport to the west side of Subic ( way going to Camayan Beach ) is so scenic. In the summertime, you would see monkeys on the streets but during rainy season, they seem to be not around. And also accommodation in Subic is cheap as long as you know better to book through phone and not through agoda. For budget travellers who wants to stay at a clean basic hotel that is affordable, I still recommend the Cindy Kelly Hotel. Just Just be sure though that you have a good back...and that you are not choosy with beds. Otherwise, this budget hotel can give you a backpain the next day. :) Other than that, its still a good hotel. Instead of booking online as well, I suggest to call them to book instead. Here's their phone numbers: (047)2220218 or 09174705583. Address:

Corner Fendler Exit and Columban Road, Subic.

Birthday Trip to Bali, Indonesia

It has been a very long time since I opened and updated this blog. Although I have been traveling quite a it, I haven't posted anything for reasons that: I'm very busy and have no time to blog.
Okay...I'm trying to make excuses about this, I have to admit, I'm not a good writer and I just have very little patience when it comes to writing my thoughts. But I have decided that if I share my travels with people in the net, maybe, in some ways, I can contribute in helping others with anything and everything, like all other bloggers who have helped me by giving insights regarding places I am about to go, by checking their blogs in the net.

So here goes.... Welcome to my first blog in ages....hello to Bali, Indonesia!!

Before I went to Bali, I was not really that excited in going there as I live near Boracay, and I am a big fan of Palawan, that I was sure that Bali will not impress me. But thanks to the low fares of Cebu Pacific... I decided to just grab the flights when the fare sale advert flashed in my laptop!

The Welcome Fruit Basket in our Hotel Room

 Arriving in Bali's Denpasar Airport....I noticed the airport in Bali, since we arrived in the old airport, is un impressive. However, the new airport is going to open soon, targeting the year end of 2013. The airport is small. When I got out of the airport, there were money changers. My advice is not to change a lot of your currencies as the exchange rate is bad here. Try to change in USD to Indonesian Rupee. Exchange rate as of June 15 2013 at the airport is 1 usd = 9500 rupee. The rates outside are 1 usd = 9830 rupee. Also avoid trying to change your peso to rupee. You will end up getting half of what you can get if you changed to USD.

Next that I learned is, upon exiting the airport, make sure to get the taxi from the official taxi queue outside the airport. Many drivers will try to talk you in getting their cab, knowing that you are clueless, they will say they charge you half the price, when in fact, they charge double the price! So we grabbed the cab... And off we headed to Nusa Dua. I swear and I really recommend, that if budget allows, try to stay at the Laguna Resort Nusa Dua. I have stayed in many other hotels before, but with this one...I have no complains at all specially the service! The hotel has a private beach and it has a big and small man-made lagoons inside the resort.

At the Laguna Resort Nusa Dua

The private beach of The Laguna Resort Nusa Dua

The Hotel room in the Laguna Resort Nusa Dua

Upon checking in I was very impressed with the hotel. It was massive and beautiful! From its pool, to it's spa and sports gym facilities, it's simply beautiful! The receptionist asked us to sit down, gave us our welcome drinks, while they made the check-in procedures. When I got in the room, I was very impressed. I love the fact that birds just come to our balcony and the view of nature is just fantastic. So, we had a nap, then went for a swim in the beach in the afternoon and then to its lagoon pools and fake waterfalls. The ambience of the resort is really nice. Check out their website: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=277

The private beach

Balinese Cultural Dancer

Dinner on our first night in Bali was amazing! We went to have a seafood dinner at Jimbaran Bay. It is an experience that I suggest everyone who comes to Bali should try! The beach is amazing! It's so different from all the beaches in the world, because the waves are so strong and big..it is even scary yet fascinating. The strong waves makes a big smashing noise all the time. There are many seafood restaurants lining up at Jimbaran Bay, all with candlelight dinners by the beach, each with its own entertainment. In our restaurant, there was a Balinese cultural dance, while I can see that from the other restaurant beside ours, there was fire-dancing as entertainment. The fire-dancers are so well trained that their talent and skills in this surpasses that of those fire dancers in the beaches in Boracay, Philippines.

At the Monkey Forest

The next day, we went to rent a car! Car rentals here are so cheap! USD 20 dollars a day for self drive! Our only mistake is that we didn't hire a driver! I suggest you hire a driver it's just going to cost you an additional of max 20 usd for 10 hrs a day, but it will save you the hassle of driving at the traffic in Bali! My travel companion, who is also a Manila driver, cursed that Bali is the worst place for traffic that he has ever driven! For every day we drove, we have always wasted 4 hrs minimum in the traffic! So if you want to be saved from all these hassles, hire a local driver as they know the road very well, and the shortcuts! It's Cheap yet we didn't take it, thinking we would love the adventure of driving in Bali, but later, regretted 100% that we didn't hire a driver! It was tiring! Also the gas is so cheap, it was only usd 0.40 per liter! Gedde, from autobali.com is very reliable and offers very reasonable price. On our second day, we went to Ubud! We went to a restaurant in Ubud Went to visit the Monkey Forest. For first time tourists in Bali, a must see! Entrance to the monkey forest is around 2 USD per person. Not bad at all. Just make sure to take off the sunglasses in your head, when a monkey approaches you. A cute little monkey went to me and jumped to my head, and I thought he was so cute, until he tried to get my sunglasses. Luckily, I managed to get it first. Yet he didn't give up, and took the flower hairclips in my hair! So just be careful. And if the monkey gets stuff from you, never try to grab it back as the monkey might bite you! Instead, take my advice and hide your belongings in your bag! We went driving around Ubud area, if you come early, try to visit this area as its full of artsy stuff for souvenirs, from wood to ceramics.

That night,we went to Take Japanese Restaurant in Legian, Bali. I very much recommend this restaurant for authentic Japanese cuisine. The owner is there as well in the restaurant almost all the time involve in its operations. We tried another Japanese restaurant the day after, called Fukutaro near the entrance of Nusa Dua. I tell you, this restaurant doesn't come near to the quality and authenticity comparing to "Take" Japanese restaurant. Anyways, my tip is this.... Try not to do a self-drive when renting a car in Bali. For an additional of a max of 20 USD for a driver, you can avoid getting stuck in traffic as the Bali drivers knows their way around. Enjoy Bali!!! :)

Trip to Valtellina, Italy August 2010

This year, I have spent a whole month of August 2010 vacation in Italy around Valtellina.

For most of the first timers in Italy, I would suggest they go to the normal touristic places first, like Rome ( a city that is like a museum ), Venice ( very romantic ), Florence, and Milan ( although Milan is not my favourite, it is not as pretty and not as full of character such as Rome and Florence.

But for those who would want to see nature and the best of Italy, I suggest to visit Valtellina ( Bormio, Sondrio, Tirano, Livigno )...with its magnificent and postcard like beauty of nature

In Italy, its always best to go around by car. But if not, there are trains around to go to these places. From Milan, to go to the Valtellina, you would be driving by the Lake of Como. Beautiful place! I mean, why would George Clooney get a villa in the Lake of Como anyway? Thats because it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. On the way, i suggest you find some place to have lunch around any of the towns around Como.

It would also be good if you get to stay at Como for 2 nights. There are so many tourists around, mostly Americans. Specially on the summer, it is worth to stay there for two days, bask in the sun and swim in the lake, then get a nice gelato ( ice cream ) while sitting and just watching the beauty of Como.

An hour from Como, you will be arriving in Sondrio. There is not much to do in the town of Sondrio. But there are places you can go and visit, i suggest probably dinner or a little bit of bar clubbing here. For dinner, the nicest restaurant in Sondrio is at La Veranda in Fracia. Magnicent view of Sondrio, plus nice food and wine. I suggest it is best to go there for romantic dinner. And for some nice dancing, visit Pendolasco Club Latino ( www.pendolasco.com ) where its nonstop dancing with latin music and they have the best caribbean music and with live dancers as well.Either you can stay overnight at any hotels nearby in Sondrio or either in Bormio town as well. They are both pretty.

Bormio is a part of the Lombardy area of Italy. Then from Sondrio and Bormio, i suggest you go to stay at Forte di Oga. Its magnificent and beautiful. Just staying there is like relaxing with nature. It is best to go there on a summer or better, on the winter as they offer ski holidays.


For the hotel, i would suggest you stay at Albergo Al Forte, and it is in the forte the oga. Rates start at 35 euro a night. But the best part is, their restaurant! Always frequented by locals and tourists alike and serves Valtellinese food. A must try is Pizzoccheri and Chat, and the pasta ragu! In italy, I would say this is one of the most delicious restaurants ( even suggested by locals ) and very reasonable price. pasta ragu at 6 euro a plate. And ...they have the tiramisu to die for! Their website for their hotel is http://www.albergoalforte.it

I stayed their and always waking up in the beautiful and breathtaking view of the alps is just amazing. One morning, i woke up and saw a wild deer near my window! If you wake up early around 6 am, there is likely a chance you would see one. So this is a must see for nature lovers.

In Bormio, never miss the Roman bath Spa. Its one of the only two original Roman Hot Spring spa in Italy. and its so relaxing. There is the Bagni di Bormio which has 2 choices, either you go to the spa Bagni Vecchi, or the newer Bagni Nuovi. I suggest you go to the Bagni Vecchi. Its a huge hot spring spa. And they even have a hot spring pool with the view of the alps. I went to stay in the hot spring pool, overlooking the alps. I heard its also great to go there on the winter. Imagine being on a hot spring, with the snow everywhere and the alps in your view. Rate is at 40 euros, and also, they have a very nice hotel here. I definitely suggest this for Honeymooners! check http://www.bagnidibormio.it

Once we were refreshed and relaxed on this holiday, we decided to go shopping at the only tax free place in Italy, at the border of switzerland. The place is called Livigno.

But on the way to Livigno, you will pass by Tirano. Do not forget to stay a bit, and bring your camera as you will see the Red Train in Tirano, a UNESCO world heritage site. It runs trips few times daily from Tirano to St Moritz in Switzerland. If you have time, get a day trip to tirano and ride this train. If watch Bourne Supremacy the movie, I remember seeing the scene where Matt Damon rode this train. a must see! Plus, also in the center, visit the most important monument of Tirano, the Basilica della Madonna di Tirano. It is believed that the Virgin Mary had an apparition here in the 1500s.

Then not far will be Livigno, where its like a heaven for shopping addicts. Here you will find beautiful branded items at 50 to 70 percent off because it is tax free! I saw a nice Bulgari sunglasses for 90 euros where in normal price would cost 500 euros! Also, Prada has an outlet here. they will sell bags at half the price in here! Just go around, you will see a lot of outlets for big brands, and restaurants and coffee shops to rest and recharge.

Enjoy Valtellina! It was a lovely holiday, with the unbelievable views of the alps! Unbelievably breathtaking!

EL NIDO PALAWAN TRIP

Went to El Nido resort in palawan, with my boyfriend as a gift for my birthday.

The trip with El Nido resorts was really special. We went to get a private plane 12 seater that is only for guests of El Nido resorts, with ITI Air, flies direct from Manila to Palawan. When we arrived at the airport ( it is in the airport separate from all the domestic airport terminals. We arrived there, and were greeted with the very nice staff, and were treated with a private lounge with coffee and nice delicious pastries. Our flight was at 7 am, and exactly 7, we boarded the plane with a red carpet. The management really knows how to make each resort goers special. The 12 seater plane was half full, and a bit scary as it is so small, specially when you are not really a fan of flying ( like me ).

Arrived at El Nido airport. Fantastic! Airport not even cemented yet! Greeted by the locals singing for us a song. Directed to the waiting area, where we were introduced to our guides for our trip, and feasted again with local desserts and drinks.

After a brief introduction on activities we can do at the El Nido resorts ( even if you are staying at either Lagen or Miniloc, you can do all the activities of either resort and they have free pumpboats to transfer you from resort to resort ); we went to ride a big Jeep to the beach port.

At a wooden port, we rode a speedboat where a pump boat is waiting at a distance. We all was transfered to the pumpboat, and off straight to El Nido Miniloc resort.

After the 30 minutes boat ride, then seeing the El Nido Miniloc resort from a distance- it was so exciting!

The resort is just so pretty from the distance. A white beach with very clear waters on a bay with lagoons nearby. Beautiful!

When we get to the resort- it was a feeling like a deja vu! I have seen this before. ah...in the comedy film - Couples retreat! Were the beach was so nice. Looks like that...heaven.

While walking towards reception, i can seet he waters below me, with all the many fishes swimming. Unbelievable. So many fish, that not anyone can count. They are just so many in here.

First day- we went to the tour of the nearby islands. Went swimming in Snake Island. So clean and untouched. Its like you are in your own beautiful world.
Then went to visit the caves - it was fun. After a tiring tour, we went back to the resort, enjoyed the happy hour at the bar, and was off to a nice dinner

Second day- we went to visit the Big Lagoon...magnificent! Like its all fake. its so pretty it cant be real! But it is.
Then the small lagoon- were we kayak and snorkelled.
Went back to our resort, had lunch and sun bathing with that delicious margarita. Looking at the sunset - just so much of a postcard picture.

Third day - woke up at a very beautiful view of the sea! Our room facing the sea. Amazing view! Went to have breakfast at the other El Nido Lagen resort, then went back to El Nido Miniloc, and went snorkelling. I saw my boyfriend underwater being swarmed by lots of fishes - big fishes- a meter in size. it was so fun. And then my boyfriend pointed for me to look below..and Lo! I saw a huge turtle- 2 meters perhaps! Huge, and i heard it is an endangered species.My boyfriend and i are one of the lucky few to spot the green sea turtle!

To sum up my holiday at El Nido - it was so amazing! Unbelievable, that even now I still have the hangover of the beautiful holiday. Definitely one of the best experiences ever!

Trip to Bohol May 7,8 and 9, 2010

2 PM My boyfriend and I got a Cebu Pacific flight from Iloilo to Cebu ( 20 minutes flight ), then from Cebu Airport, we took a cab to the pier ( around half an hour with traffic ) and got a Supercat to Tagbilaran.

We made the trip 6pm to Tagbilaran. Cebu- Tagbilaran boat trip is about 2 hours. When we arrived in Tagbilaran at 9 pm, we rode a van to our hotel Bohol Beach Club.

After the long trip ( well the only exhausting part is the boat trip ), arriving at Bohol Beach Club made it all worth it.

I am so glad we booked with Tuggy's Travel for our hotel stay at the Bohol Beach Club. Its just beautiful. There are many beaches in Bohol, actually the nicest resort is the Eskaya since it is very expensive. What made it expensive is the resort and the rooms are villas. However, the best beach front is still at Bohol Beach Club Resort.

We got the Premiere Suite at the Bohol Beach Club, a beach front villa, with a big jacuzzi ( which actually we never get to use since we are always sunbathing and swimming at the beach.

The first day ( Saturday), Tom and I spent the entire day lounging at the beach, him- reading his book, and I, enjoying my nice mango shake. We had a walk around nearby resorts of the Bohol Beach Club and went back to our hotel for a nice dinner.
I love the pretty amacas around the resort. We later learned, that bohol beach club is actually a huge resort.

The Sunday, Tommaso and i went to a tour around Bohol, after persuading him to get the tour, since he just want to have a lazy day at the beach and at the pool. We were so excited with the tour, and so glad we did it. It was such a nature trip. We hired our van to show us around Bohol for ( driver + van, but no tour guide would cost 3500 php). The driver brought us to (1) see the tarsier ( smallest primate in the world ); (2) Chocolate Hills - magnificent and amazing! around 1700 plus hills in all area (3) went to the man-made forest in Bohol (4) Went to cross a hanging bridge to go to a gift shop (5) then lunch at a LOBOC RIVER CRUISE - this one...you should never miss out! The view is perfect! Like in those scenes on Vietnam-war movies and we got to stop at an aeta village where we had a show - this guy blowing fire, this other aeta showing off his pet iguana, and children climbing a coconut tree about 7 meters high then jumping off from the coconut tree diving to the river- what a sight!...and finally to finish our trip (6) we visited the church.

Went back to the hotel around 4pm- With me still having a lot of energy, i dragged tommaso to go boating with me. We went for a glass boating just a few meters from our beach - around the island...and it was so nice to see whats underneath our boat. The glass bottom really gave me a feel like i am looking at an aquarium. I saw many fishes, starfishes ( red, orange and blue ), corals, and many many sea urchins. After the quick boating- i was a bit dizzy and not that excited to swim in the beach anymore after all those sea urchins!

The rest of the evening was spent with a lovely dinner with my boyfriend at the nearby resort - just for a change.

Monday- tommaso flew back to Thailand and i flew back to Iloilo.

Perfect way to spend the weekend.