“You pray in your distress and in your need;
would that you might pray also in the fullness of your joy
and in your days of abundance.”
― Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Whenever I feel that life is too stressful and I need to recharge before the next wave comes in to knock me off, I always resort to a little “me” time, or sometimes, “you & me” time. No matter, the need to getaway is vital, even for a short weekend of R&R, to breathe, get my perspectives in order, rest and soak into life’s bare essentials.

Bali, Indonesia was a plan out of the blue. When AirAsia held a seat sale, my colleagues and I decided to grabbed promo seats. Before Eat, Pray, Love happened, it was known that Bali have stolen the hearts of many. Travellers come back again and again. I was keen  to discover the reason why.

Nine months into planning, cancellations and bookings, we’re finally off to make our own Eat, Pray, Love happen. And one for the list, I’m off to the Island of the Gods with new found travel buddy, Yen.

It was my first time to travel into a foreign land with a not-so stranger, foreign colleague. Yen is from Vietnam, and we’ve known each other for about a year. It will be an exciting journey together, seeing that we have preferences that sometimes differ, and both clueless on what awaits our five days vagabonding.

Statue of Bedawang Nala, mythological turtle

While solo travel crossed my mind in the early part of planning, it’s more fun to have someone to share the experience with. Much as I needed companion, hesitations arise that we are girls travelling  in foreign land. With growing numbers of crime scenes, we have to be mindful of circumstances.

I made an online reservation with Teba House for our accommodation and airport pickup. Rate for standard room is USD 24 per night. With good reviews and cheap rates on room and breakfast, it’s definitely worth the deal. Distance from Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport to Central Bali is 50 minutes by car.

Our hosts were helpful and accommodating. And I can say that to most of the locals of Ubud. They are probably one of the most friendly community one can ever meet while travelling.

Our lovely abode is teeming with work of art as most of guesthouses and home stays in Ubud, Bali. The serenity it offers the moment we step in this town is a mystery. My eyes frolic into the garden’s morning dew and our cozy sanctuary’s distinctive balinese style. Not to mention they serve heavenly banana pancakes.

On our first day, we explore the town on foot. Getting around Ubud central is relatively easy, relaxing and safe. Check out the town map below to get you started. We practically did a walking tour the whole day from our accommodation to Monkey Forest to Ubud Market and back in Padang Tegal (near Teba House) in the map.

Ubud Map Source. Click the image to see in large scale.

The charming town of Ubud is home to endless temples, shrines, museums, art galleries, craft villages, shopping centres and natural wonders. Tourist centres and travel agents is also everywhere. If you plan to exchange money while in Bali, I suggest you do it here with abundant money changers in town, rather than in Kuta, where we had series of unfortunate encounter.

One of the guesthouse in Ubud have this extraordinary intricately designed passage. How can such thing exist? It’s beyond beautiful.

The span of Jl Monkey Forest is crammed with dining and boutique shops, albeit a bit high end and expensive, but picking up treasures look promising.

Caught up in our shopping detour, we located the entrance to Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana, also known as Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Entrance fee for Adult, Rp 20,000 and Children, Rp 10,000. Ubud Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and shelter to troop of long-tailed Macaques monkeys. It also houses three temples, including Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, the temple of the dead.

Bunch of bananas can be bought at the entrance for Rp 20,000 to feed to the monkeys. Beware though, these macaques are voracious and there were reported cases of attacks.

The balinese temple is more than just a collection of pagodas and pavilions. The temples and forests are essential for renewing contact with the spiritual world. Further down the dragon bridge and unto the streams lies the Bathing temple. Water is significant in Balinese Hinduism for its ability to sustain life and to purify. Sarong must be worn before entering the temple. There is a Sarong stand where men & women can borrow one.

It took us about one hour to explore most of the complex. We continued our walking tour to pursuit late happiness for our famished soul. Surprisingly, Dian Restaurant fits the budget with their delish menu.

Further to the corner of Jl Monkey Forest and Jl Raya Ubud is Ubud Market, bursting with colourful sarongs, handmade batiks, wood carvings, paintings and all sorts of souvenirs. Prices have shoot up now that the community is seeing tourism growth, specially after the world witness the  setting of Julia Roberts’ movie. Bargain hard and you might get the items more than 50% off.

Dinner is love. We got a romantic seating in bamboo mats and balinese style  lesehan (covered terrace) at Lotus Cafe overlooking the lotus pond and Pura Saraswati.

Our first day around Ubud, Bali is awfully amazing. The town is undeniably charming, the art scene is impeccably overwhelming, and at the end of the day, our tired feet are pretty much happy with how laid back the culture is despite the crowd of tourists.

And I think many would agree that this mystical place spreads inner peace. Religious activities permeates the daily lives of Balinese. Inspiring how enthusiasm fill this place with happiness. In love and enlightenment, faith makes it possible.

Two girls found their way back to the sleepy village reckoning under the stars the next destination.

Get the latest update and Like us on Facebook!

Colourful journeys start with thousands of tulips. Pink, red, white, yellow and more will welcome you when you visit the Flower Dome at  Gardens by the Bay from 29 April to 20 May 2013. Be dazzled by a colourful display of 20,000 imported tulips – the largest of its kind in Singapore.

Tulipmania ticket promotion rates:

Adults – $10.00 (Locals, PR, Work Pass holders)
Senior Citizens and Children – $7.00 per ticket
Tourists/Visitors – $16

Aloha Holland!  Here’s a parade of windmills, tulips and wooden Dutch clogs. 

Cooled Conservatories (Greenhouse) are offering discounted rates at a limited period to enjoy a little piece of the Netherlands right in the heart of the Gardens with Tulipmania. The Flower Dome replicates the cool-dry climate of Mediterranean regions like South Africa, and parts of Spain and Italy. Home to a collection of plants from deserts all over the world, it showcases the adaptations of plants to arid environments.

Pink hyacinths on modern Bike pots

This spring, Gardens by the Bay brings us closer to our dream destination, Netherlands, the land of tulips as it showcase the largest tulip-themed floral show in Singapore.

a way to a woman’s heart is a tulip field

Get the chance to indulge in the glory of a Dutch spring. Even the sunflowers are in full bloom!

We also get to visit the Succulent Garden and Bottle Trees, which features interesting families of cacti and aloes, baobabs and drunken trees.

Lithops are also known as living stones or pebble plants. They mimic the surrounding rocks to avoid being eaten. Don’t be fooled by the hard looks, they are actually luscious inside.

Miniature trees

Garden lovers can catch Tulipmania for 3 weeks in this beautiful indoor garden. Walk through the sea of spring bulb varieties and charming flower arrangements.

Get the latest update and Like us on Facebook!

Over the decades, tourism around the world has grown substantially to support economic and regional development. Tourists tend to flocked destinations like top  island resorts in Asia and then there are some that do long-term backpacking.

It’s high time to see the world. Even though It is More Fun in the Philippines, we see a rising number of Filipino travellers exploring beyond the limits of the 7,107 islands.

Thanks to the increasing number of low-cost economy airlines, globetrotting is more affordable than ever and if you plan to cross the borders without any hassle, check out the list below for countries that  Philippine passport holders are entitled for visa-exemption.

It is estimated that 62 countries and territories granted visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Philippine passport holders, while 41 countries and territories are visa free accessible (visa on arrival for free counted). Visa issued prior to arrival or pre-arrangement required for countries or territories not mentioned below.

source: Wikipedia

“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life”  - Jack Kerouac, On the Road

Get the latest update and Like us on Facebook!

“Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote,
and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life”
― Michael Palin

One of the perks in growing up in Asia is that every country is strategically positioned to complement a well-diverse landscape. Fly over and explore an entirely different world filled with shoestring budget-worthy destinations.

While Europe is extremely popular for holidays, seasoned travellers, retirees and backpackers also flocked the huge continent of Asia  to experience the eclectic mix of culture, religion, history and local tradition.

Poten Hindu Temple at Bromo Tengger Semeru Park

We list down the Top 5 budget destinations in Asia in no particular order.  No frills, cheap thrills where you can maximize every cent of your holiday getaway.

Bangkok, Thailand

Backpacking in Asia isn’t complete without a visit to “the centre of the backpacking universe”, the famous Khao San Road. Who knows how many bottle of beers have been knocked off, strangers turned friends,  numbers taken, hugs given and itineraries shared in this chaotic, lively and authentic Thai street.

Floating Market at Ancient City

Budget:

Less than USD150.

Accommodations ranges from $12, 3- Day Skytrain ticket pass costs 230 baht,
Admission Fees to temples:  Grand palace 350 baht, Wat pho 100 baht, Wat Arun 200 baht

Eat, Pray and Shop!

Chase the sunrise at a cruise along Chao Phraya River, avoiding the common rush-hour traffic (albeit an all-day occurence). Indulge in a wide-selection of inexpensive street food and ethnic cuisine.

Do a temple run at  the old city, to appreciate the massive work of art, handmade buildings of worship. Start with Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun among hundreds more temple.

If you ever get templed out amidst the smiling Buddhas, cool down at the endless list of shopping centres and  street markets. This will keep you occupied for a week, warning: bring plenty of baht.

Pressed on time, hit the road beyond the bustling scene and discover Ancient City, the Gateway to Thailand’s Cultural Heritage located just outside Bangkok, in the province of Samut Prakan. Ancient City, also known as Muang Boran, is the largest outdoor museum in world.

Mui Ne, Vietnam

The sun, the sands and the sea rolled into one in this all-year round destination.

Mui Ne is a coastal town, five hours away from Ho Chi Minh City. Hidden somewhere is a sea of sands, weaved into stunning ridges by rustling wind. Known as the driest land in Southeast Asia, Mui Ne sand dunes changes colors from bright white to gold to red at sunset.

 Mui Ne Sand Dunes

 Budget

Less than USD 150.

Bus from HCMC costs USD10 for a night-rider. Accommodation ranges from USD25 depends on location and amenities. Travel around and rent a motorbike for as low as USD5 per day. No admission fees on top destination spots.

Ride, Play & Get baked.

When you’re done learning about the long history of  Saigon and have scoured all there is to shop at Ho Chi Minh City, time to pack up your bags and immerse into the surfing scene of Mui Ne.

Get a tan everywhere. This sunny place is gifted with an automatic tanning machine once you stepped out of your hotel room. The 10-km long stretch of beach is dotted with colourful kites and windsurfers. To the far end is a fishing port, while further along the coast is an interesting sea of sands, white, red and golden, pick your choice.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a haven for artists aptly famed as Island of the Gods and one of  the world’s most popular island destinations. North to South Region offer stunning visual treats from mountain ranges, cliffs and offshore islands. Kuta is bustling with nightlife, surf vibe and 90% tourists. Ubud is a shopping haven for arts and crafts, monkey spotting, museums and temples while Jimbaran is a sunset seafood paradise.

Dalem Agung Padangtegal Temple, Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud

Budget

Less than USD 150.

Accommodation ranges from USD 20 per night. Private van service from Ubud to Kuta is roughly USD45 inclusive of day tour to Bedugul Lake, Tanah Lot and Seminyak. Seafood feast  at Jimbaran is quite pricey which ranges from USD50.

Art, Beach and Outlet Stores!

The charming city of Ubud is surrounded by small villages and was made famous in the movie “Eat, Pray & Love”. Despite the huge influx of travellers over the years, the community remains accommodating, friendly and close-knit. Locals dress in native sarongs and  practice traditional religious ceremonies. Get ready to meet a lot of Wayans and Ketuts.

One common feature of temples in Bali is that it becomes one with nature. It is as if the forces of earth and the architects behind it worked together to give the Balinese and visitors stunning display of natural wonder. Like the monkeys in Monkey Forest and the panoramic seaside view of Tanah Lot.

If Ubud is a place for artists, Kuta is home to surfers and outlet stores! The busy street leading to the beach never sleeps. Think of Roxy and Billabong.

Singapore

Singapore may come in as one of the most expensive destination in Asia along with Japan and South Korea. But having the opportunity to live here for a significant amount of time, there are a lot of places to see through walking tours and best thing is that, it’s free!

Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Art Museum

Budget:

Less than USD 150.

Backpacker accommodation starts at SGD 20. Hawkers food ranges from SGD 3. EZ link card starts at SGD 11 and can be use for train and bus services. Walking Tour: Free!

Walk, Shoot & Be Merry.

Be amazed to find some hidden treasure in the small island city of Singapore. Despite the small land area, Singapore prides itself to be one of the world’s most prosperous country and continuously makes effort to be a City in a Garden.

Explore the 50 major parks, one each week for the entire year, start with Singapore Botanic Garden and Gardens by the Bay. Walk through the 9 km nature trail of the Southern Ridges which connects 3 parks namely Mount Faber Hill, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park. These parks are interconnected with canopy walks, bridges and greeneries along with eight trails: Henderson Waves, Faber trail, Marang trail, Hilltop Walk, Forest Walk, Alexandra Arch, Flora Walk and Hortpark and Canopy Walk.

A visit to Singapore wouldn’t be complete without meeting the national icon, Merlion, in it’s full glory. View the best of Singapore’s skyline from Marina Bay Sands, Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade Theatres to Singapore Art Museum.

Northern Philippines

Summer time promises fun away from stress and off to the beach, staycation, island hopping and road trips! With 7,107 islands, there’s always a destination to go to all-year round.

Ilocos Norte to Ilocos Sur is the epitome of road trip destination. Three days is all you need to a full-packed retreat to historical sites, gastronomic adventures, rock formation and beach getaway.

Bangui Wind Farm

Budget

Less than USD 100.

Bus to Laoag from Manila, roughly Php 750. Jeepney/Van Rental to get around Laoag, Burgos and Pagudpud. Accommodation starts from USD 15. Most museums and attractions charge minimal fees.

Load up on History.

Hop on to a late night 9-hours numbing bus ride to Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Immerse into it’s rich history of Philippine’s political dynasty as well as Unesco’s World Heritage site, Paoay Church which features baroque and javanese architecture. Marcos Mausoleum and Malacanang of the North is also a must-visit.

Spend early morning at the massive Bangui Windmills, photo ops at the scenic Patapat Viaduct and a laid back afternoon at Blue Lagoon. At sunset, watch the waves crashing through Kapurpurawan Rock formation at Burgos and cool down to the scenic view at Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

Going further South, visit Vigan and get lost at Calle Crisologo’s bygone era of Spanish houses and cobbled stone street. For a sample of Ilocos Itinerary, click here.

Disclaimer: Budget reference are estimated from own experience. Get ready to scrimp and save!

Get the latest update and Like us on Facebook!

“Clouds come floating into my life,
No longer to carry rain or usher storm,
But to add color to my sunset sky.”
- Rabindranath Tagore, Stray Birds

A day of basking in full glory of the infinite golden sands of Nacpan Beach, we then capped of our fourth day and last sundown in El Nido at Stunning Vistas Beach Resort.

Amazing how sunset never looks the same everyday

Hammock for the ultimate sundown party!

We seek refuge at the their cozy cottage, looking out to the sea, while the cool afternoon breeze soothes our sunburnt skin. We stayed until the sun went down and ordered an early dinner. Nothing special on the menu, but with the view and a bustling day, can’t complain.

hearty dinner for two

While the idyllic view of El Nido town is enough to keep you in awe, those who longs for a more private and quiet place to spend a lazy afternoon can head to one of the resorts in Corong-Corong. Best during sunset and 20 minutes away from El Nido town, hail a tricycle to get your dose of Bacuit Bay’s panoramic view.

karst stones masterpiece from afar

playtime at the resort”s beach front

What a bliss to celebrate good life than a tropical dinner for two. I’m over the moon. Thank you El Nido for flaunting your natural wonders.

Get the latest update and Like us on Facebook!

I would love you all the day, every night we would kiss and play,
if with me you’d fondly stray, over the hills and far away.

- John Gray

Trapped in an unpredictable weather for days, we finally made it to our Island Hopping tour off the coast of El Nido. One can never get tired of exploring any of the 7,107 islands of the Philippines and feasting the best of Pinoy street food.

Another off the road challenge when in Palawan is visiting El Nido’s best kept secret. The unadulterated, undisturbed, absolutely stunning and utterly peaceful twin beach of Nacpan & Calitang.

Palawan’s best kept secret. Sexiest Beach in town.

On our last day before heading back to Manila, we decided to check out this off the beaten track paradise. Bring on the bucket list, ’tis the highlight of our getaway!

A four-wheel off-road vehicle was not an option to us, we are cheapskates like that so we bargained with some tricycle drivers for the best price of a half-day trip. We have no idea how bad the road was until we get there.

The Muddy Terrain and our 3-wheel drive. Obstacle Course. More Fun in the Philippines. 

Since it has been raining a lot lately, some parts of the road are not passable with our 3-wheel drive.  But that wouldn’t stop us, we are ready to get rough and dirty at all cost. I wish it was drizzling though, it’s more fun to walk in the rain, muddy and all, rather than under the sun in a scorching heat.

Getting rough and dirty. We are.

After more than an hour of battling the obstacle course, we finally reach this tropical destination! As if we didn’t get enough of our island-hopping adventure a day before, this beach is OURS. Well, just for the day when the long stretch of powdery soft sands as far as the eyes can see, don’t have much guests to entertain. We’ve only seen a couple of foreigners and five local kids playing around. No hotels, bed & breakfasts, restaurants, clubs and even campers around. It’s nice to get lost in this island once in a while, to experience tranquillity at it’s best.

When universe conspires, priceless.

We reached by the damaged breakwater. The photo above is part of Nacpan Beach, taken from the breakwater focal point, it is of the left side. The hill at the center is where we did a little trekking to  take photo of the twin beach. It’s about 3 kilometers away from the breakwater.

From the hill, we bask in the glory of this awesome creation. The twin beach on both sides of the island, Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach. At low tide and during monsoon season, the beach on the right is scattered with seaweeds. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful sight. And there is more to see, a third-party in this love affair, the cliff on the other side of the beach.

Paradise found!

We trek back to the breakwater, secretly wishing that the solitude within this place remains forever, away from the chaos of upscale constructions and developments.

 Right side of the beach from the breakwater focal point

Wishing that ten years from now, we can still have moments to call this our own beach.

Thanks to Flip for sharing this awesome wonderland.

Get the latest update and Like us on Facebook!

You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.
I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.
- John Lennon

Southeast Asia is certainly one of many traveller’s must-see destination.  A backpacking haven for the independent budget travellers that is home to great deals of idyllic beaches, mouthwatering cuisines, ancient temples, historical places, and more. It offers a great year-round Asian holiday destination.

at the backpackers district, the city never sleeps

On our recent trip to Vietnam, I feel fortunate that we lived in the same continent, thus favouring us the easy opportunity to explore all the remarkable places out of my own country.

Although a weekend seemed limited for our Ho Chi Minh & Mui Ne trip, it turned out wickedly overwhelming. The 3-days journey were packed with various activities from hunting some bargain stuff, a trip to the beach, a mad rush to the sahara to watching sunset at the fishing village. You bet, our adrenalines gone crazy that “rest” wasn’t an option.

With the increasing number of budget airlines these days, searching for cheap Vietnam airfares is easy. There are even websites where you can find the best airfare deals and compare cheap flights to any holiday destinations.

Beyond the famous limestones in Ha Long Bay, Here are more reason to pack your bags and head to Vietnam:

Gourmet Treats

Rice noodles is a part of Vietnamese culture and no meal is complete without a compliment of fresh vegetables and herbs. For the coffee connoisseurs, a variety of iced coffee to try with. Ca phe sua da is an excellent choice to cool down from Vietnam’s hot & humid weather.  The Vietnamese spring rolls are to die for.

Authentic Beef Pho, Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Ca phe sua da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)

Shop ’till you drop

Saigon is a bargain-hunters paradise. Dotted at the heart of city are local markets and shops which offers a wide array of colorful handicrafts, souvenir shirts, apparels, paintings, local spices, ceramics, lacquer wares, woodworks,  gift items and more.

 Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City

A piece of the Sahara

Mui Ne is a coastal town, five hours away from Ho Chi Minh City. Hidden somewhere is a sea of sands, weaved into stunning ridges by rustling wind. Known as the driest land in Southeast Asia, Mui Ne sand dunes changes colors from bright white to gold to red at sunset.

Mui Ne White sand Dunes

Get a Tan!

Mui Ne Beach is a tropical paradise for kitesurfing and windsurfing. A mixed selection of budget and upscale resorts, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops stretch along the 15km beach coast at Nguyen Dinh Chieu street.

Mui Ne Beach as far as the eyes can see

Vietnam definitely fits in to our list of best-value cities in Asia. A weekend isn’t enough to explore a town or two, but without a doubt, left us all the reasons to go back and discover more.

Get the latest update and Like us on Facebook!

Everything you can imagine is real.
- Pablo Picasso

Painted in 50 shades of blue,  El Nido’s picturesque view offers more than a weekend sanctuary.

 Small Lagoon, El Nido, Palawan

Our chronic passion for travel made us realize that everything do not work out smoothly as planned. While we leave room for  troubles, amazing things are bound to happen. 

On our first night in El Nido, we  wander around and search for ArtCafe, paying no attention to the constant drizzle. We booked our island hopping tour with ArtCafe’s Travel Center. Since the weather is unpredictable and we will be joining 4 more tourists, we only get to avail one option, Package Tour A at that. A visit to the 3 lagoons of Miniloc Island, Small lagoon, Big lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Snorkelling around Simizu Island, Buffet lunch at Entalula Island and 7 Commandos Beach. Not bad for the price of P700. By the time we left ArtCafe we were ecstatic with high hopes that the weather condition will improve.

We come by this neat El Nido Town Map. Reminds me of the unique doodle Sagada town map.

El Nido Town Map by ArtCafe  (click to zoom)

Our second day in El Nido was pretty much uneventful. The weather is not cooperating. We received a call from ArtCafe that Island Hopping tours were cancelled due to bad weather. We succumb to gastronomic adventures instead to make the most out of our stay.

Our all-time fave, street barbecues.
A Squidos’ feast- Stuffed Squid, Mixed Seafood Curry, Dangit Rice & Egg, Chocolate Shake
Filipino Breakfast at the Sanctuary includes a sweet mango treat

Mushroomed along Calle Hama or M.L . Quezon St. now are a multitude of affordable beach front accommodations, small cafes and restaurants. Even with monsoon season, foreigners and locals flocked this side of the Philippines. And what I really loved about this coastal town is the availability of  wi-fi everywhere. When I had to do work errands one night and needs a decent internet connection, we stayed at Barrack’s cafe ’till midnight.

Finally on our third day, a hint of sun showed up and we received the best news to kick off our morning. Our island hopping adventure is finally coming forth!

We met our fellow seafarers of the day, a Filipino-American couple visiting from the U.S., and a Swiss student on a one month holiday. All of us were excited to explore Palawan for the first time.

Small Lagoon at Miniloc Island, Palawan

First stop is the breathtaking Small Lagoon, about 15 minutes away from the town of El Nido. This paradise brings in a tranquillizing effect by just mere looking at it from the surface. Set against a natural karst formation as backdrop, the green-turquoise water must’ve been the result of the fusing of salt and fresh water.

Here you can rent out kayak to get to the entrance of the Small Lagoon or just thread your way at the waist-deep high water. My crappy underwater camera plus limited swimming skills cannot do justice of it’s colourful marine life.

haven hunters in el nido, represent!

There is a small opening that we need to thread through to get inside the cove. Kayaks are not allowed beyond this point. We snorkel and check out a small cave. Snorkelling for non-swimmers like us is a joy in this stretch. Wading through a cold, lucid water calms down some apprehension we have for deep waters and strong currents.

For most shallow part, the damaged coral reefs are evident, perhaps a long term effect of dynamite fishing.

The Deep Blue Sea sans Sharks

If it weren’t for a number of people coming from different tour companies, this cove will be so eerie with just us. I’m not comfortable with deep waters, so my imagination always runs wild with sharks and monsters in picture.

The fishes would be happier if they have nicer playgrounds. Those damaged reef offers no fun at all.

 Seriously, I don’t have a joke, so get out of here! – Clown Fish

Our next stop is Entalula Island, a private beach in Bacuit Bay for Lagen and Miniloc guests. There is a small public area though reserved for ArtCafe tours. Here we take rest and enjoy a downtime moment while we wait for our boatmen to prepare our lunch.

White sand beach, blue sky and crystal clear waters of Entalula Island

Oh my, I cannot even fathom how ”downtime” is possible in this pristine island. I am overjoyed, I just want to do cartwheels (if only I can) at the whole island, take photos and marvel at how such beauty is so far away from Manila. Well, it’s still a good thing though, like a protective mother, I feel that this place isn’t for everyone, I hope there will never come a time that it will not be as stunning as this.

Lunch was served, grilled fish, pork barbecues, vegetable salad and fresh bananas. Coffee is free while soft drinks came in hefty price.

After an hour, we sail around Simizu Island, a better site to witness a healthier reef where we are allowed to do fish feeding.

 I can’t think of a better poster name for this one but “Jaws”, “Lost” or “Doomed”. This photo gives me creep to go on an open water adventure again. Don’t get me wrong, it was the best snorkelling experience we had, I just wished I can be more at ease with the open sea.

Kudos to our boatmen for letting us experience swimming away from our boat. We usually just go around the boat to snorkel being a non-swimmer. I’m a scaredy cat even with a life jacket on. No wonder it takes a million heartbeat before I jump my way out of sohoton cove. This is the first and I superlove our guide.

Here are some underwater scenes. The school of fish migrated to the tropical university.

Our next stop is the Big Lagoon, a showcase of islets and karst formation. The water varies from emerald blue to clear to deep blue, that I bet if the crayon company is with us, they will go crazy picking up another shade of blue to add to their collection. How about “minilowinkle” as the new name.

We only get to marvel at it’s beauty from afar as the Big Lagoon is close for the Survivor shooting.

We were also told that the passage to the Secret Island is non-passable for our boat. So we headed to our final island, the 7 Commandos Beach. This is a perfect setting to lounge and wait for nightfall. The waves are crazy though.

There are around 3 small houses in this island, and I guess almost the same number of family lives here. Their main source of income is to sell fresh coconut juice. It costs more than the usual tourist price, but a refreshing treat nonetheless for our tired and thirsty soul.

We wander to the end of the island and found a perfect spot to lounge but we can’t stay long enough for sunset. At past 4 pm, we were on our way back to El Nido.

Going through the pictures again, I can’t wait  to go back and experience some more island hopping adventures, perhaps on another summer getaway.

Get the latest update and Like us on Facebook!

Mt. Bromo, Mt. Batok and Mt. Semeru

Rising Beyond The Clouds

{click image to display full size}

Perched high on a crowded deck, amidst a throng of tourists, few minutes after sunrise,
this heavenly scene will calm even the most agitated soul on earth.

Get the latest update and Like us on Facebook!

I won’t admit that I’m lost, because I like getting lost.
It’s like owning an extraordinary adventure every time.

- Valerie, weekendhaven.com

Ever dreamed of breaking away against all the chaos and seek refuge in an island solitude?

Amazing how the thought of sun, sand and sea can lit up anyone’s gloomy mood. Our wandering soles were given the best of r&r beyond our usual weekend getaway in a paradise called El Nido. Indeed, It’s More Fun in the Philippines!

Finding solitude in our own beach

I was once again flying under the deluge of non-stop air and land travel. I feel the race brushing through my skin and my heart pounding in anticipation, yet I never get tired.

My itinerary is made up of a red-eye flight from Singapore – Manila. Given an hour to breath Manila air and reunite with the Mister at the airport then were off to board our plane to Puerto Princessa. I’ve summon all my luck and mother nature to deflect any circumstances of delays and cancellation from Cebu Pacific. Crossing fingers not to run into Raymart or Claudine or dash madly at the whole stretch of NAIA 3 to catch my connecting flight again.

Airport Shot with one of my fave budget airline

Bliss comes my way, as the odds are in my favour, no delayed flights, and I found the Mister waiting for me. Happiness.

Now, for a truly pinoy way of welcoming me for breakfast, we ordered some Jollibee Burgersteak meal at NAIA 3. Sweet! My happy tummy would be happier for bigger meals though. Is it just me, or the meal is getting smaller yet more expensive by time?

At half past 7, we were already waiting to board. Crossing fingers for a safe and smooth ride.

I scored the tickets at one of Cebu Pacific’s seat sale. Got it at Php 2900, ticket for two, for Mla-Puerto Princesa- Mla. Prior to our flights, we made arrangements with  FortWally Shuttle Company to pick us up at the airport. Their van service will also take us to El Nido on a 6 hours road trip.

The long and winding road to El Nido

We found our service waiting for us at the airport. Very reliable. We then dropped off at their office in Palawan to wait for other passengers.

At 11:00 AM we were off to a butt-numbing road trip, rolling to the northernmost tip of Palawan.

I hardly fell into a slumber with our jammed zone inside the  van and the lacked of fresh cold air. Even so, I find myself wonder at the breathtaking sceneries unfolded right  before my eyes.

The much anticipated leg rest happened half-way, when we settled at FortWally Restaurant for a late lunch. The food was  surprisingly good for a stopover diner, that or I’m really starving. Pinoy food all the way, how awesome and perfect for an excuse to gorge everything mouthwatering while on this short holiday.

Long road trip to feed our happy hungry soles

A little stretching and we hit the road again. This time, heavy downpour ensue as we near El Nido town. I didn’t made any hotel reservations prior to our trip, planning to walk-in and compare rates on the lined up resorts since we  have plenty of time when we arrive late afternoon. The heavy downpour is not part of the plan though. Darn.

We negotiated with a tricycle driver to take us to Marina Garden Beach Resort first. Good thing, I already have few resorts on my list to start with. On my research, it’s quite cheap. But, low and behold, my luck has drifted with the rain, all rooms were occupied.

 I was contemplating on getting hotel vouchers before leaving. There are plenty online nowadays, if you are on the hunt, Don’t forget to find coupons when you use hotwire .

El Nido in a  heavy rain glory. Amazing limestone cliffs view from our resort balcony.

We retraced our route back to this colorful facade we overlooked earlier. Rovic’s Pension house at P800 per night. This can do with a modest restaurant facing the beach. So we settled for two nights. I find the room dark, with no windows. Too late to realize there’s a stinking smell from the toilet. I’m not sure if it’s just the weather, but there’s a damp feel inside with all bamboo furniture and furnishings. The rooms are divided by thin walls, that even a whisper isn’t censored. Madness.

We spent the rest of the day exploring the town and in quest to find El Nido Boutique and Art Cafe. We organized our tour for the day after and plan to conquer the surrounding islands and virgin beaches.

On the way back, we sampled the dinner at Squidos, and had a very appetizing seafood fest. Heavenly. Happiness in my tummy. I guess my luck is back with a vengeance.

Up next, our Island hopping tour at Small & Big Lagoon, Miniloc Island, Simizu Island and Entalula Island. Best snorkelling experience ever. Indeed, El Nido is a paradise.

Blue Starfish!

Special thanks to Nina, for her list of cheap El Nido accommodations and to Flip, for sharing his discovery of Nacpan & Calitang Beach.

Get the latest update and Like us on Facebook!