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. 

4D3N Phuket, Thailand Itinerary (2012)

Here is the compilation for all the post relating to my trip to Phuket, Thailand last year for 4 days and 3 nights.

Day 1 (5th January 2012)

Sawatdee Phuket & Loveli Boutique Guesthouse


Cashew Nut Factory, Wat Chalong, Karon View Point, Promthep Cape & Seafood Dinner

The rate charge for 6 hours tour is 1,500 baht and one car can accommodate up to 4 people whereas for 9 hours tour would be 1,800 baht and this including fuel and driver fee but excluded parking and admission fees. 

Phuket Simon Cabaret - The Ladyboy Show

- Available in the evening, with three showtime; 6.00 pm, 7.45 pm and 9.30 pm
- 700 baht for regular seat whereas 800 baht for VIP seat (including shuttle transfer)

Day 2 (6th January 2012)

Patong Beach, Popular Beach of Phuket


Phuket Fantasea, The Ultimate Cultural Theme Park

A package of 1,550 baht including for the "Fantasy of Kingdom" show, dinner buffet and shuttle transfer.

Day 3 (7th January 2012)

Phi Phi Island Day Trip

A tour package of 1,100 baht to Viking Cave, Phileh Lagoon, Maya Beach, Monkey Island, Phi Phi Don Island, Loh Samah Bay and Khai Island. Lunch buffet and shuttle transfer are included as well.

Phuket Weekend Night Market

This weekend market is runs on every Saturday and Sunday and is start from 4:00pm until 10:00pm.

Day 4 (8th January 2012)

Last Day in Phuket


Extra Features:

• 2012 Phuket, Thailand (Sneak Peek)
• Jungceylon, Phuket's Shopping Destination
• Travel Haul & Expenses  

All my travel packages were booked through this tour company, Phuket Travel Company. The prices quoted were incredibly cheap and affordable and they delivered their services with excellent and attentive. It's absolutely highly recommended travel's agent in Phuket. 

And once again, this post concluded the final travelogue of my Phuket trip which marked as my first ever and opening trip for the year 2012. Wondering what's will be my next travelogue? Do check out my blog.

For more of my travel updates, follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

My Travel Haul & Expenses of Phuket, Thailand (2012)

Most of the time when I travelled, I bought souvenirs was either specially for my family, Boyfie and closest friends. I am not those type will shop until I drop. But for country like Thailand, it's hard for me to resist myself from shopping there, which including Phuket too. I wouldn't shopping so much if we didn't went to the weekend night market. Now let me reveal what did I bought when I was in Phuket for 4 days and 3 nights.

#1: My shopping and food hauls from Phuket

#2: Food hauls especially for my family & Boyfie. Most of them bought from 7-Eleven. Hard to resist especially on the Lay's Potato Chips.

#3: Not just for myself, but for Boyfie too.

#4:Frame bought from Phi Phi Island trip.

#5: For friends - Small pouch, keychains, fridge magnets and for myself, cute hair accessories.

 
(The rate as at the time I change; RM1 : 9.71 baht)

NOTE:

1. Stayed for 3 nights. For more information about this hotel, click HERE 
2. One trip which fit up to max of 4 people is 600 baht whereas for return trip will be 1,000 baht. This is only applies when both trips is with same driver.
3. Rate for 6 hours per day including the fuel but excluded the parking and entrance fees. Fit up to max of 4 people per vehicle.
4. The rate for regular seat including shuttle transfer - post here.
5. The package is including the "Fantasy of Kingdom" show, dinner buffet and shuttle transfer. - post here.
6. A package including to the world-famous Maya Beach, Phi Phi Island and more and also comes with lunch buffet and shuttle transfer - post here.
7. Most of my souvenirs and shopping haul are as above photos. Also including postcards and stamps I bought in Phuket.
8. Taking photo with the ladyboy is not free but I think it's really worth. It's not like I always got the chance to take photo with them especially dress up in elegant and stylish one.

Day 4 in Phuket & It's Our Last Day

Date of Visit: 8 January 2012

We had to face it that our happy moments in Phuket ended real fast. It's seems like 4 days in Phuket is seriously not enough for us. This trip can be consider as my gathering trip with my besties and so many things we not managed to catch up on each other. But it's ok cause I believe someday we will have another besties trip again.

Since our flight was in evening, therefore we tried to do "some" last minute things before heading to the airport. We woke up quite late as all of us were so exhausted and tired with the island hopping yesterday (Phi Phi Island Day Trip). After done with final packing, we went down and had our breakfast at the food court above the Banzaan Market, which located just few steps away from our guesthouse.

#1: Banzaan Market - fresh foods on the ground floor whereas on the 1st floor, this is where foods court located together with some fashion stores.

#2: Oh look what I noticed on their notice board?! - Condom babe!

Banzaar Market is runs as early from 6am until 9pm daily. It is located just behind Jungceylon Shopping Mall. You can find all sorts of fresh and great quality of foods here, ranging from fruits, veggies to seafoods, raw meats and more.

#3: This is our last minute thing - Final shopping at stall nearby the guesthouse

#4: 7-Eleven of Phuket, Thailand. Just take a look at their wide selection of foods

I think besides those in East Asia countries such as in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, 7-Eleven outlets in Thailand turn out to be my favourite spot to visit. My friends and I never missed every of our single day to visit 7-Eleven; when we woke up and even before we went to the bed. One of the plus point we chosen Loveli Boutique Guesthouse was 7-Eleven located just underneath. We even grabbed and bought many kind of foods in 7-Eleven before leaving Phuket especially the Lays potato chips. Hard for me to resist. We even asked our taxi driver to wait for us while doing our "shopping" inside. Crazy bunch of ladies!

After almost an hour ride, finally we reached Phuket International Airport (HKT). Kinda sad to leave this place cause frankly speaking, I tends to prefer Phuket than Bali and wish to come back again someday for another island hopping.

#5: Phuket seems to be famous holiday spot especially for the Caucasians.

Phuket International Airport is not as big as what you can imagine. It has only two floors; the ground floor for arrival area whereas the first floor is for departure area. It is advisable to reach the airport at least 3 hours before your flight cause it was crowded and full with hundreds foreign tourists almost everyday.

#6: Souvenir stores in Phuket International Airport

If you didn't managed to buy any souvenirs for your friends and family, fear not cause you can find in Phuket International Airport. And of course, don't say I never warn you on the price tag.  

#7: Coffee corners, jewellery shop and foot massage & spa

One thing I like to share with you guys before I end my this Phuket Travelogue. I always tend to lazy went and queue up with the rest when the announcement for boarding had made. Waited for the queue to be shorter, then I will go on the board. But for this Phuket trip, I realised I might miss out my flight even I on board on time. We were surprised that one or two Caucasians being asked to wait for the next flight cause of "OVERBOOKED". Had anyone of you came across this? Overbooked, man and it's only happened for AirAsia. I guess Malaysia Boleh, AirAsia also Boleh. Therefore, our flight back to Kuala Lumpur on that day was delayed for almost an hour due to overbooked and to solve the luggage of that two passengers being requested for the next flight. I'm not sure whether they will get compensate or not but I believe they should. It's unfair, is it? So the next time, make sure be on the plane earlier than anyone else. That's what I am doing recently cause afraid I might be requested waiting for the next flight.