Philippines Day 4 - Manila City Tour Part 1 (Rizal Park)

Date of Visit: 23rd March 2012

Let's continue with my Philippines travelogue again. On the fourth day, we decided to utilise Abel's tour service again for a full day city tour around city of Manila. Yes, you still can wander by yourself without hiring any local tour guide but I doubt that you able to visit as many places and attractions like we did. As usual, before starting any tour, I will list down few of the places and attractions that I love to visit and sightseeing. Turns out our 12 hours city tour with Abel, we managed to visit 8 different destinations in a day. Here are the places we went and I decided blog them in different post instead of cramp everything into a post. 

• Rizal Park
• Intramuros
• Fort Santiago
• Manila Cathedral
• Quiapo Market Manila
• San Agustin Church
• Casa Manila
• American Cemetery and Memorial

So, in this post I will begin with Rizal Park, the first destination we visited. This park was a tribute to Philippine's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, whom the park was named after. A lil bit history of Dr. Jose Rizal was he was a doctor, novelist, nationalist and reformist, who was executed on the charges of fomenting local rebellion against the Spanish government. If you wanna know more about this national hero, you can click here. 

#1: Rizal Monument located in the middle of the park

This historical urban park located right in the heart of Manila city and also known as Luneta Park because its believed to have the shape of a half moon during the Spanish time. Admission to this park is free of charge by the way.

#2: Not just a historical site but also it's also recreational park for the public

Rizal Park is one of the famous tourist attractions and maybe cause we arrived quite early, there ain't much tourists. Well, it's a good sign anyway because we could take as many photos as we want. It's incredibly huge and we can see that most of the local here were either jogging, cycling, dancing and a group of young little students doing their virtual tour here.

#3: The Martyrdom of Dr Jose Rizal - A "living" memorial honoring of this national hero.

Abel brought us to another side of the monument where we got to witness huge and tall bronze statues which it recreates the dramatic last moments of the hero’s life before the execution being done. For this site - The Martyrdom of Dr Jose Rizal, it requires admission fee of P20 per adult, but because three of us are students, we only paid P10. 

#5:Dr Jose Rizal was convicted on three charges (rebellion, sedition and conspiracy) and sentenced to death.

#6: His last family visit before the execution

#7: Wrote his last poem before the day of execution. His poem "Mi Ultimo Adios" which originally in Spanish version, has been translated into 38 different languages up to date.

#8: Said goodbye to his wife whom he reportedly married shortly before his execution

#9: This is exactly the side where Dr Jose Rizal was executed by a firing squad.

Abel told us that the best time to visit this place is during the night time; between 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm cause these statues will become part of the light-and-sound presentation. During this period, the admission fee is P50 for each pax. But we didn't return for this during the night time because we were introduced by Abel for something extraordinary, something unique. Probably only available in Manila, I guess. Wanna know more? Then, stay tune for more in the next few upcoming posts of Philippines travelogue.

[Credit To: Manila.PH, Wikipedia]

Goodbye 10 Days Trip & Burned 4 AirTickets

At this hour, I was supposed on board to Shenzhen, China to join a group of awesome travel bloggers for 10 days trip around China (Shenzhen, Guilin & Nanning) and Vietnam (Hanoi & Halong Bay) via overland but at the end, I had to cancel due to my own business and work commitment. Imagine that my 10 days leave successfully being approved by my big boss as well for my China visa application also has finally done but still, the trip had to be cancelled at the end. #heartpain

And of course, I am feeling freaking sad and depressed at this moment cause unable to join them in this wonderful and amazing travel adventures. Plus, among the places that going to visit, three are currently in my travel bucket list (check out my DT Travel page) - Guilin, Hanoi & Halong Bay. That's makes me more #heartpain. 

Shenzhen - Source

Went Shenzhen before in year 2011 but would love to visit here again and visit Window of the World - where it houses vivid replicas of the world's wonders, historical heritages and famous scenic sites. 

Guilin - Source

Guilin is being known as Heaven on Earth and is considered the most beautiful city in China with its fantastic natural mountain and water scenery in the world.   

Nanning - Source

Nanning - a nice "little" town of in Guanxi province in southern China.

Hanoi & Halong Bay, Vietnam - Source

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been listed as New 7 Wonders of Nature. Would really love to witness this myself especially the typical junk. 

This could be consider to be the very first time in my travel history I had to burn my tickets (well, I did burned one of my ticket before) but since ever I started to travel extensively from my Hong Kong trip back in 2010, I had never burned any tickets of mine until this one. Not just one or two airtickets, but I eventually burned 4 tickets that I bought earlier. I thought that I might got the chance to experience the new airline Malindo Air but looks like perhaps next time.



But then I believe "Him" The Almighty must be planning something bigger and better for me, perhaps. #prayharder. And this means since I ever back from my Cambodia, and also because this trip had been cancelled, I am not going to fly and travel anywhere until end of July. Not flying for more than 4 months, now my body seriously feeling itchy. Imagine for a travel junkie and jet setter who had been flying for almost every month - it's really a tough time for me.

P/S: To Helmi/John aka Kaki Berangan, thank you so much for letting me join you guys but unfortunately I unable to join at the end. I'm so sorry for the troublesome especially in the arrangement of the accommodation. 

Too Many Dreams, Too Many Destinations, Too Little Time & Money Seems to Be Insufficient. 

#truestory #quote

Philippines Day 3 - SM Mall of Asia

Date of Visit: 22nd March 2012

On the third day, we decided for more free and less rush trip since we will spend a whole week in city of Manila itself. Plus we will be heading for another city tour with the local tour guide which recommended by my cousin on the next day. Therefore, we plan to do a lil shopping as Philippines is famous for the size of their shopping malls which few being listed as top 10 largest shopping in the world.

Among the shopping malls that being listed was SM City North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia. Between these two, SM Mall of Asia is the most closest to our lodging and we decided to visit this instead. From Friendly Guesthouse of Metro Manila, we took taxi cause one of my friends afraid to use jeepney and she felt more comfortable with taxi. Before embark to this mall, we were being approached by another Caucasian backpacker from Canada that he would like to car pool since he was alone. We instantly agreed cause at least the cost of sharing among of us will be lesser.

Travel Tips in Philippines

Before get into the taxi in Philippines, do ask the driver to use the meter. If they refuse to do so, find and wait for another taxi cause without using the meter, they tends to overcharge.

#1: Huge signage of SM Mall of Asia

SM Mall of Asia is the second largest mall in the Philippines after SM City North EDSA, third largest shopping mall in Asia and the 4th largest shopping mall in the world.

#2: Our brunch at McD. Guess I was being spoiled by this fast food chain restaurant whenever I travel.

Upon arrived and bidded goodbye to the Caucasian backpacker, immediately we went to McD to have our brunch. Well, there were slightly different from ours one in Malaysia where they're selling rice.

#3: Even their sitting and rest area were so huge and plenty too

Mall of Asia consists of four buildings which interconnected by walkways; the main mall, the entertainment mall, and the north and south carpark buildings. One thing I found out about Philippines's shopping mall was they were very strict in their security. Everytime before entering, we will being asked to open our bag for security checking.

#4: Food courts located on the top floor

#5: The mall even features the Philippines's first Olympic-size ice skating rink. Even ice hockey can be held here. 

Besides ice skating rink, another highlight of this mall is the first ever IMAX theater in the country, which offers a high quality presentation on a big screen format.

#6: Few of the shops especially for the ladies

Talking about the shopping, we didn't do any shopping here cause we found out that it seems to be more pricey compare to Malaysia. Perhaps maybe cause of the cost of rental they need to bear.

#7: Kultura Filipino - A definititve shopping experience for Philippine culture and crafts

Ok, I lied! We did do some shopping but most of the items that we bought were eventually those common souvenirs for family and friends such as T-shirt, keychains, fridge magnets, tote bags and more in this Kultura Filipino which located right in the center of the mall. We spend more than an hour shopping around here.

#8: Pork Broth Cubes by Knoss - I bet you can't find this in Malaysia

Done with the souvenirs, we went to their supermarket which located on the ground floor to search and hunt for their local snacks and delicacies. We came across these stock or broth cubes which use in cooking soup were available in prawn and pork flavour which I think can't find in Malaysia. Interesting! Besides these, we did bought quite number of dried mangoes cause it was more cheaper in Philippines than in Malaysia.

#9:Dried mangoes - and you know what? It's totally not enough!

There are also a wide varieties of restaurants, cafes, coffee house scattered all over the mall. You can have your favourite a cup of coffee in Starbucks or even sweet little donuts in Krispy Kreme here. After spending almost half of our day wandered and window shopping around, we settled down for dinner before going back to our lodging.

#10: Dinner at Chowking Restaurant - Biggest Chinese Fast Food Chains in Philippines

#11:Large steel framed globe in the middle of roundabout

Philippines Day 2 - Tagaytay City & Taal Volcano

Date of Visit: 21st March 2012

Our real adventures in Philippines began on the second day because by the time we arrived on the first time (Philippines Day 1), it already late evening and we can't do much thing by that time. So on the second day itself, after discussed with my friends and also the local tour guide, we decided to go somewhere more further, which outskirt from the town. 

Tagaytay City, which an hour drive from city of Manila, it's the quickest and easier if you plan to escape from the heat and bustling big city. Tagaytay City is one of the country's most popular destinations among the the local and foreign tourists because of its dramatic scenery and cooler climate provided by its high altitude. One of the main highlighted in Tagaytay City would be Taal Volcano. 
 

Taal Volcano, is claimed to be the second most active volcano in Philippines and known as the smallest active volcano in the world. So, I did witness an active volcano in Indonesia back in year 2011 (post here) and now, it's my second time to witness another active volcano again right in front of my eyes. Taal Volcano is totally different from other active volcano cause it is a lake with a volcano with a lake within, and an island in the middle of that small lake. Ok, now I myself also kinda confusing.

Eventually there are many ways to get from Manila city to Tagaytay City and also Taal Volcano. But if you are travel alone, please be aware cause there are many scams around. If you wanna try this kind of adventures, you can check Foongpc's blog - The Cheapest Way To Visit Taal Volcano. Whereas for us, since a local tour guide was recommended by my cousin who went before me, he arranged everything for us except that we need to pay extra for the boat, admission fee and horse ride.The total damages that we paid for all these three (boat, admission fee and horse ride) were PH5,050 (approx. RM353).  

#1: 25 min outrigger traditional boat ride to the volcano that is within the lake.

#2: And here we are, Taal Volcano finally

Actually we haven't reach the exact location and we were being approached for a horse riding to the volcano. It was my first time experience of horse riding and I was kinda nervous and worried but luckily there's a horse guides that will lead us up to the top of the crater. 

#3: The pathway was so bumpy and so narrow. Plus, it was so dusty too throughout the journey. Hence, it is advisable to bring along facial mask before embarking this adventures.

If you want to avoid from paying the horse riding (it's not free of charge, ok), you can try challenge yourself by hiking which it will take roughly from 50 minutes to 90 minutes, only if you have the reasonable fitness because of the hills and rocky terrain.

#4: Main crater and spot something in the middle? That's Vulcan Point Island.

That's the reason they said Taal Volcano is one of a special kind cause it's a volcano with a lake within, and an island in the middle of that small lake.

Upon reaching, we were approached by the local who were selling drinks and souvenirs but we declined. We're indeed tired and exhausted eventhough we're not the one who used more energy for walking up the hill but mainly cause of the weather and dusty environment. After did the shutterbug for few minutes, it's time to heading down the hill.

#5: Jeepney - Public transportation in Philippines. Too bad I didn't managed to take photo with them. 

#6: A view of Taal Volcano from the City of Tagaytay

#7: With our friendly, funny and attentive local tour guide - Abel Dave. 

If you are going Philippines in a big group and want to avoid the hassle especially in terms of transportation mode, you can contact him via Facebook - Abel Dave. He charged us PH3,500 per day (approximately RM245) and can accommodate up to 7 people in his vehicle. His service hours mostly up to maximum of 12 hours.

Without realised, it's time for lunch and our tour guide offered to bring us to something different and unique which we weren't able to find in Malaysia, or maybe in anywhere else. 

#8: Mushroomburger - For A Healthier Choice!

Frankly speaking, I hate when comes to mushroom but when eating this burger, I totally didn't realised I was actually eating a burger that was 100%  made out of mushroom. This was because it tastes exactly the same as the usual ones that we used to have either in McD, KFC or even Burger King but this one is more towards healthy twist as no red meat is being used at all. I guess for those who are vegetarian, for sure this will be your favourite. There are three MushroomBurger outlets in Philippines and the one we went in Tagaytay City, it is the oldest one and the one where MushroomBurger started since 1980. As relating whether it's halal or not, I still doubt on this.

And because we had plenty of times, Abel decided brought us again to another place for phototaking. Well, except for Taal Volcano which suggested by us, the rest was arranged by Abel. Upon reaching this place, it simply took our breath away.

#9: Sonya's Cottage Inn Bed & Breakfast

This place is totally a hidden gem of Tagaytay City. It's actually a bed and breakfast but they allowed visitors to visit and for phototaking purpose eventhough not staying there. This place is very serene and romantic surrounding by lush greenery environment filled with colourful and vibrant flowers and plants. Even my friend said this is the ideal place to held wedding. But of course, staying a night here would be pricey.  

#10: The cottage is gorgeous with quaint beds and well decorated at each and every corner

#11: Love this wall decoration using different kind of ceramics

#12: For a dog lover like me, I wouldn't miss out any chances to take photo with dogs wherever I go.

#13: Blueberry Cheesecake & few cup of drinks at Bags of Bean Coffee Shop

We ended our trip by visiting Bags of Bean Coffee Shop which recommended by Abel as he said we should try the heavenly taste Blueberry Cheesecake. He was right, the cheesecake was indeed taste good and melt once we put inside our mouth as well as the scent of freshly brewed coffee that we ordered. It might be pricey but with great ambiance and atmosphere where most of the dining tables are built under big trees, this place is totally "fantabulous" for those who are looking for some relaxing and calm environment.

Bag of Beans Coffee Shop's Location:

115 Aguinaldo Highway,  

Mendez Crossing West,

Tagaytay, Luzon, Philippines

Philippines Day 1 - From Clark to Manila & Friendly Guesthouse

Date of Visit: 20th March 2012

Frankly speaking, Philippines has never in my travel bucket list nor neither popped up in my mind before. But there was once one of my secondary friends ever suggested to go Philippines and during AirAsia Big Sales back in year 2011, I just tried and had a look on the price and surprisingly return airfare from Kota Kinabalu to Philippines (Clark) cost RM45 per pax. Tell me now, how would you resist such an amazing offer right? Hence, I called up my secondary friends and there is goes, our journey to Philippines. 

We booked a 7 days trip to Philippines and we planned to cover on Boracay Island too. Unfortunately even AirAsia which happened to launch their new route from Clark to Kalibo early of last year for just return flight of RM27, but the travel period only started few days after the end of our Philippines trip. We totally booked our travel period on the wrong date! Of course, we felt kinda sad and plus, now AirAsia has terminated the direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Philippines. No more direct flight via AirAsia from Kota Kinabalu unless you decide to fly with Cebu Pacific but I doubt it will be more cheaper than AirAsia.

Print screen of AirAsia started to launch their route from Clark to Kalibu - Return flight for RM27 only

The flight duration from Kota Kinabalu to Philippines (Clark) took almost 2 hours. Oh well, AirAsia disembarked at this airport which located 2 hours away from Manila as it is mainly serves the low-cost carriers and thus, it has currently become a hub for AirAsia Philippines.

#1: Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, the old name for Clark International Airport 

#2: Pink colour helicopter spotted outside the airport

Once we came out from the arrival hall, immediately we bought the bus tickets near the counter at the airport exit cause it was limited of seats. If we miss out the bus, we might need to wait roughly another half an hour or maybe an hour. We don't mind to wait but the journey from Clark to Manila took almost 2 and half hours, hence it was better to take the earlier bus and arrive earlier to check-in the guesthouse.

#3: A trip from Clark to Manila by bus cost PH350 per person and our destination was Makati.

#4: Ninoy Aquino International Airport - The main international gateway for travellers

The bus driver supposed to drop us at Makati bus station but most of the passengers requested to drop them in their hotel instead. Hence, we did the same thing too but of course, the bus driver did requested for some tips and we agreed to pay him.

#5: Friendly Guesthouse which we stayed throughout our trip in Philippines

This guesthouse was basically introduced by Lady Mariah to me and I make this recommendation to my friends and they agreed to stay here cause it was dirt cheap. But to be frank, we were kinda disappointed especially in terms of cleanliness and for sure, we will never consider this for the second time. One of my friends was attacked by bed bugs and there is no blanket provided in the dorm. The other down side of this guesthouse was all electronic gadgets including smartphone, laptops are not allowed to be charged inside the room and being requested to charge at the front desk.

#6: Two-storey guesthouse with all dorms and bathroom on the 3rd floor whereas the living room and kitchen on the top deck.

After a long hour and exhausting journey, we settled our dinner at the Robinsons Mall, a shopping mall nearby our guesthouse.

#7: Inasal, a kind of roast chicken served on skewers that originated in the Visayas

Foodie Friday: Excapade Sushi @ Kuala Belait, Brunei Darussalam

Date of Visit: 12th January 2012

Right after I back from my Phuket trip last year, 3 days later I went to Brunei to attend my cousin's wedding with my family. We travelled by road and it was freaking long roadtrip which took more than 7 hours and had to go through 6 different immigration before reach the desired destination. It's kinda troublesome and exhausting journey but on the bright side for a part-time traveller like me, my passport was occupied with 2 pages of passport stamp for just 2 days short trip. I did blog about this before and if you haven't read before, check out this - 7 Hours Road Trip from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei.

Right after meeting up my cousin and the rest of my relatives upon reaching Kuala Belait, my daddy immediately brought us to Excapade Sushi, which is one of the famous Japanese chain restaurant in Brunei. He went before and he can't stop repeating telling that it is the best Japanese restaurant that he ever visited. You will be surprised that most Miri and eventhough KK people willing to cross the border just to satisfy their crave towards this Japanese cuisine in Brunei. Even most of my friends who went before also informed me that I shouldn't miss out Excapade if I have the chance to visit Brunei.

#1: One of Excapade Sushi's outlet in Kuala Belait

I'm not too sure how many of Excapade Sushi outletS around Brunei but the one we visited in Kuala Belait is located just nearby my cousin's house. It always fully occupied especially on weekend and during lunch time but we were kinda lucky mainly because we went on weekday and plus, it was before 6pm, which we arrived earlier for dinner time. Hence, no worry of long queue and long hour of waiting for seats. 

Ok, now let's us have #foodporn session, shall we?

#2: Salmon Sashimi - What can I say more about this? Delicious, thick and most importantly fresh.

#3: A small set of sushi with combination of tamago sushi, salmon sushi, kani maki and mini California maki.

#4: Mini California Maki (top) and Inari Sushi (bottom) - Both are my favourite & it's incredibly huge. Unable to fit into my mouth at one time.

#5: Tamago

#6: Tama Unagi Sushi

#7: Salmon Sashimi again but in smaller slice

#8: Tempura

#9: A bento set of Tori Katsu (fried chicken with breadcrumb)

#10: Vanilla Milk Shake

#11: Dessert to end our late lunch - Mango Pudding with Chocolate Ice-cream

And you know what, we visited Excapade Sushi a year later which was 2 months ago but at the different outlet while waiting for our flight back to KK from Bangkok. We went the one in Gadong area (will blog about this in the future post). Seriously, if any of you ask me what will I recommend if visiting Brunei, I will definitely say "Visit any outlet of Excapade Sushi" cause not just their sushi and other meals which were so huge, fresh and serve in great quality but it's definitely worth every penny you pay. I was kinda forgot how much we paid during the first visit but for the second visit, the total damages was $170++ (roughly around RM425) for almost 20 people of us. Surprisingly cheap, right?

 
Excapade Sushi (Kuala Belait Branch) 
No 2, Block B,
Ground Floor, Bangunan Pg. Hj. Hashim,
Pg. Hj. Mohd. Jadid,
 Lot 7561, Jln. Jaya Negara,
Kuala Belait KA 1931, Brunei.
Opening Hours: Daily from 11am - 2.30pm and 5.30pm - 10pm

And this concluded as my final post for my 2012 Brunei travelogue. We didn't go for any sightseeing cause our main purpose was basically to attend my cousin's wedding. Plus, I stayed and studied in Brunei before when I was kinda very young and went most of the places around Brunei. Hence, my family didn't have the intention for another revisit. However, if you want to know more about Brunei, you can check Jeff's travel blog - click HERE.