As a new year tradition(and hopefully I can keep it up), I am sharing these simple travelogue postcards of beautiful cities I’ve visited the past year. All shots were taken by me with my Sony. Feel free to share. =)
Tag: Travel
Wandering Venice : A D.I.Y. Walking Tour
Venice, without a doubt, is the most picturesque place I’ve ever been. The romance, the beauty of its unique setting, its architecture, and the old world feel you see it in movies and on TV, makes this city even more interesting. Every corner and turn in this city are layers and layers of beautiful subjects, making Venice a street photographer’s dream surrounding.
Sited on a group of small islands separated by canals and linked by foot bridges, the city in its whole is listed as a World Heritage Site. Before arriving in Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia from Milan, I already prepared myself for a lot of walking, as I’ve read that there are no taxis or public buses on the Islands. Venice does have water buses circulating the islands for convenience, but the maze like street set up of the city is just too interesting not to conquer. Streets of Venice were never planned to be on grid and orderly manner. And true enough the twist and turns of the streets got me lost in finding my hostel, and took more than two hours of my time. Even google map wasn’t able to clearly list every turns of the city. Nonetheless, walking (or more like wandering) in Venice was the best part of my two days stay, as you get to see experience all the randomness and interesting things of this unique city.
Anyways here is how I spent my two days in Venice. No itinerary at all. I only had Piazza San Marco in mind and eat good pizza. Still, it was a well spent stop in Italy. My favourite two days, in fact. =)
Since the streets of Venice get complicated, I take the riverside route every time I can. It is easier to navigate from there.
Who wouldn’t fall in love with these views? Going up the Campanile for 9 Euro was super worth the money. I recommend really everyone to do this. Skip the peak of Vatican or Milan, reserve your money for this view.
“Experiencing Venice as a solo backpacker is best done on foot. Skip the expensive gondola ride, pang mag jowa lang un. Corny pag single at alone.” – Josemanuel . lol
Anyways, more street scenes here … =)
More street shots here =)
Food Trip :
As for my accommodation, I stayed for two nights at Astoria Hostel in Via Faenza (near Piazza San Marco). A bed in a shared room was at 1300 pesos plus 5 Euro city Tax. Its the cheapest I’ve found in Venice that is near a Piazza, making it easier to find. I booked this through Agoda.
A Peek Inside the Louvre (And tips on visiting one of the world’s richest museums)
“I spent 8 hours in the Louvre, and it wasn’t enough!” That is how I replied when once asked about my visit to the famous museum.
It is no secret that the Louvre is one of the world’s largest museums and a historic central landmark in Paris, France. The Louvre houses vast collection of art and architecture from all corners of the world. What made the Louvre Museum more interesting is on how the galleries are presented with a chronological order; From the Persian and Mesopotamian collection to the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Renaissance, to the contributions of Monet, among other 19th/20th century iconic artists. As the galleries somewhat bring visitors back in time, a full day in the Louvre definitely isn’t enough, especially for the art and architecture junkies.
Here are some tips when planning to visit the Louvre,
- Entrance Ticket is at 15 Euro for a full day visit. Assessing how much art the museum houses, 15 Euro (750 pesos) is already worth every penny. There are packaged passes for multiple museums for 45 to 72 Euro, but I opt not to avail such pass since I only intend to visit the Louvre.
- The iconic glass pyramid is the museum’s main entrance, and lines at this point of entry almost always go crazy long. As advised by experienced friends, I bought my ticket at Carrousel du Louvre, which is the basement mall connected to the Louvre Museum. The Mall also connects the museum to the Paris Metro Rail. As soon as you exit the metro station and enter the Mall, the ticket booth/souvenir shop is at the left side. Very much lesser line here, as compared to the main entrance.
- As blogs mentioned, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the lease busy days. But still, expect to fall in line prior to entering for security check up. I visited the museum on a Thursday morning at the opening hour(10 am); Fell in line for just around 15 minutes.
- For visitors with longer time, I recommend to start with the Persian and Greek on the Left Wing, going up the loop. The Galleries are presented via timeline, making it a much easier experience.
- For visitors with limited time, refer to the free booklet given at the entrance to go straight to the most iconic galleries, such as the Mona Lisa.
- Unlike other museums, visitors may bring bottled water and some light snacks if intended to stay long. They are not strict on that, or at least during my visit.
- Visiting hours are listed at www.louvre.fr/en
Anyways, here is how I spent my visit to the famous museum. More photos to follow =)
Bonjour Paris: A One Day D.I.Y. Walking Tour
At last, napost na din first blog ko from my recent Europe Trip. Sorry natagalan, busy eh, kailangan mag effort sa work. Daming ganap sa Europe, sobra. Sharing those memories will take me ’til December cguro to blog (considering my pace in uploading, hihi).
This is my first post, and what better way to share my experience than to start with Bonjour Paris! Just a recap, my entry and exit point in Schengen Area was Paris, since it was the cheapest way I found to enter Europe. Will upload another article re the detailed itinerary on Paris with fare and all. But for the meantime, share ko muna ung ginawa kong tour route that we followed kasi excited ako. Pinag hirapan ko to eh. Pag bigyan nah. Hope you all enjoy my photos=)
Here’s our one day ‘do it yourself’ walking tour to most of the spots and architectural landmarks of Paris. We paid no entrance fees for these stops, photo op lang and coffee and food trip along the way. It is free to go inside the churches and the Pompidou Bldg. Unless you go inside the museum or climb um Eiffel then that’s the time you pay.
This was the route me and an accountant friend Mary Annilou Bravo did in Paris. Commending her for the patience to walk 6:30 am to 7pm, and bear with my energy. hihi. After Eiffel, which was the last stop, we took the metro na back to our place, took our bags and head to the airport by public bus around 10pm, haha and we slept there. Imagine the hirap para maka laag lang jud and tipid.
This walking tour takes around 12 hours, including the stops. If this would be too kakapagod for you then the Bus Hop on Hop off is the best choice for around 27 to 30 Euro (1500 pesos).
Our route covers most tourist spots and interesting architectural icons that are located along (or near) Le Siene River, making it easy to navigate. When visiting Paris on a thrift, work up those legs and feel free to follow our walking route =)
We stayed at Young and Happy Youth Hostel, which is very near Place Monge Metro Station. This area, known as the latin quarters of Paris, offers fairly cheaper accommodations, that are still considerably near the city center. An overnight stay was around 1,350 pesos/night for a bed in a shared Attic room; very Princess Sarah Feels, lol. The price comes with a continental breakfast (basic bread, jam, cereals and coffee).
We started the walking tour at 6:30 AM. Our first stop was the Pantheon (1), which was just around 15 minutes leisurely walk from were we stayed in Place Monge. The Pantheon and its surrounding buildings are great examples of Classic Revival Architecture. It houses the tombs of famous Frenchmen; Victor Hugo to name one.
After having photo ops at the Parthenon, we walked towards Le Siene River to see the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral(2) . We got there around 8, just as soon as the church opened. Crowds flock in around 9, as a local mentioned. Along the way we also got some coffee and patisserie from Hure Bakery, which was located, just before crossing the bridge to Notre Dame.
Building work began way back 12th century, it was not until some 300 years later construction finally came to an end. Several renovations have been done in the recent centuries due do damages of fire and war, but the original structure has been maintained. Notre Dame until these days is considered one of the most iconic churches in Europe. Getting in the church is free of charge. Unless you go up the tower then that’s the time to pay.
Architectural styles: French Gothic architecture
Crossing the Notre dame by bridge to the northern banks will bring you straight to Hotel de Ville (3), housing the city’s local administration. This is also an iconic architectural landmark for the French. When Vietnam was under the french rule, they built an administrative building in Saigon, patterned and also naming it ” Hotel de Ville “.
Architectural styles: French Renaissance architecture, Renaissance Revival architecture
A short walk from Hotel the Ville stands Pompidou Building(4). Built during the late 60’s, this center is an iconic landmark especially for architects as this is among the most recognised post modernist structure that paved way for the acceptance of such form. Getting in the building is free, (and there is a sports center at the basement). Entrance fee is asked for the museum floors.
Architectural styles: Postmodern architecture, High-tech architecture
Rue de Temple ( which is the street next to Pompidou) is also a destination for Parisian Nightlife for the Yuppie crowds.
After the side trip to Pompidou, we walked back to the riverbanks since our next stops are located there. Prior to getting to the Louvre Museum, we stopped at Pont Neuf (5), a bridge that also has the iconic lovelocks of Paris. The Original lovelocks at Pont du Arts have been towed away already when we got there. Even so, French people are trying to revive the culture na today at Pont Neuf.
Next stop is the iconic Louvre Museum (6). Photo Op lang kami nito sa labas, which was around 11 AM na; And you can also go in the main lobby located at the Carrousel du Louvre, which is an underground shopping mall in Paris. I went inside the Museum on another day, kasi it will take you hours to enjoy the galleries, which houses one of the biggest collection of history and art in the world. Will upload another article re Louvre. Entrance is around 12 Euro (15 Euro kung sa agencies). Nasa 600/750 pesos lang. Sobrang mura na to for a museum to house vast riches from all corners of the world.
Yung kasama ko had lunch at the Carrousel du Louvre, madami naman fastfood dun. When in such touristic place in Paris, expect to spend 10 Euro (500 Pesos) at least for lunch.
Moving onward, we just had a leisurely walk along the riverside, and we got to see a lot of spots like the Jardine de Tuileries, the Place de Concorde. Though not along the riverbank area, I recommend visitors to check La Fayette Shopping Center (7). You can either have lunch here or coffee. And the shopping center has a nice roof deck with a good view of Paris. Just opposite the shopping center is the Paris Opera House.
As soon as you had your rest na sa mall, walk back towards the riverbank. On your way, you will pass by Le Madeleine Church . Famous to for the kids of the 90’s kasi ung movie na Madeline.
Walking back to the riverside, you will also pass by Laduree Pastry Shop, famous for their prettiest Macarons. mga isang piraso, 2″ ang laki, nasa 150 pesos. Laban?
After the Madeleine Church, nasa riverbanks ka na ulit nyan, you may opt to walk towards the Eiffel along the Le Seine River (9), which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes on a slow pace. or pwede rin naman mag train ka na or mag bus. There are tourist kiosks in Paris, should you need assistance. As for me, I’ll definitely walk the afternoon up, because it is when i get to see and really experience the Parisian streets, and those cute details everywhere. I also get to see a lot of cafe interiors to get inspiration from.
Paris is and Art City, with buildings that are generally renaissance/classical revival. Tourists will never run out of details to see. Finally around 5 pm we reached the Eiffel (10) Park. Thou in all honesty, it is difficult to find a good angle for a shot as the grounds are packed with tourist. As per blogs, the best shots are taken from Trocadero, which is just across the river by bridge. Tourist enjoy the Eiffel grounds free of charge. You only have to pay the moment you go up the tower, which is a hefty 15 Euro (750 pesos), not to mention the cue. Sobrang daming tao. So we opt to stay on ground nlang and enjoy the cool breeze. Beware of pickpockets specifically in this area. They are as swift as rabbits.
You can also spend your time here in Eiffel ’til evening to see the light show. That is free. =)
And that was how our one day walking tour happened. After Eiffel, we head back to our place in Latin Quarters by metro to Place Monge Station. Train Ride wont cost you more than 2 Euro (100 pesos). I will upload another article on the complete D.I.Y. tour with costing. Wait lang ha? Hope you guys enjoyed this. Excuse nyo lang my imperfect grammar haha. But, Kebs =)
Biyaheng Pinas : Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Known for its Filipino old world charm, the City of Vigan has already become one of the most desired local tourist spot to visit here in the Philippines. A recognized Unesco World Heritage treasure, strolling around the old city’s cobblestone pavements and well preserved Spanish Era Architecture is such a nostalgic experience, giving visitors a feel of how days and nights were during the old days. In addition to that, Vigan is also the destination to enjoy authentic Ilocano cuisine , with restaurants and street side eateries serving Vigan longganisa, bagnet and empanada , to name a few specialties. In all honesty, Vigan is indeed a must visit for Filipinos; A “must experience”, at least once in our lives.
Vigan is a relatively small city around 8 hours away from Metro Manila by Bus. I stayed there for 2 days before heading to Laoag, which is around 2 hours further up North. With no particular and strict itinerary, I lazily roamed around the city by myself and spent late afternoon sipping coffee along Calle Crisologo. Travel is best spent when you really don’t have to rush time to see everything there is. A lazy walk on streets and local markets gives us travelers better chance to experience the vibe of the place more. =)
I will be uploading a separate post on recommended Ilocos backpacking budget , but for now , here are some of the highlights and the must do’s, inspired by my recent visit to Vigan:
Exploring the Famous Calle Crisologo – the center and the most well preserved part of Vigan’s Unesco World Heritage Protected Area
Museum Visits and roaming around the rest of Vigan City Center on Foot. The city is relatively small and easy to navigate. However, the most interesting mode to see Vigan is on a Kalesa ( Horse Drawn Carriage ). The Kucheros are much willing to be a guide for P 150 per hour . Renting a bike is also a cute idea , any hotel can assist you on where to get one =)
Visit nearby town of Bantay to see the Old Church and Bell Tower. Bantay is just around 10 minutes tricycle ride from Calle Crisologo . I even managed to just walk from Bantay Church all the way back to Calle Crisologo for around 30 minutes. That was a leisurely late afternoon walk , and I got to cross the bridge on foot . =)
Sample staple ilocano noodle specialties such as this Pancit Batil Patung. A mix of fine noodles topped with deep fried pork meat (Bagnet), vegetables, bean sprouts , chicharon and a sweet specialty sauce that has a mild but recognizable “patis” (Fish Sauce) taste in it . It also comes with a sunny side up on top. A nice garden restaurant just outside Bantay Church serves such good noodle dish for only 60 to 65 pesos.
Quest to find the best Vigan Empanada ( .. Or just my humble excuse to eat more empanada. haha ) Vigan Empanada is famous for its staple ilocano style filling of seasoned Vigan Longanisa (skinned) carrots, cabbage , and whole egg. I tried several empanadas and found the best one on an eatery in fron of Plaza Burgos, which was way better than the most publicized one along Calle Crisologo.
Sample some Ilocano Pakbet, Sinanglaw ( Beef Innards in Clear soup ) and other local viands at the eateries along Plaza Burgos.
Witness the Fountain Show at Plaza Salcedo every 7 pm in the evening.
Stroll around Calle Crisologo once more, and this time, in the evening . =)
Recommended Affordable Stay : Vigan Hotel , which is just behind Vigan Cathedral and the School . a few steps away from Calle Crisologo. A non air room costs only 400 pesos per night. This affordable option was recommended to me by Nik of Pinoyontheroad.com
Backpacking Laoag and the rest of Ilocos Norte is up next. Stay tuned =)
Sarawak-Brunei-Sabah : Backpacking Northern Borneo in 6 days
Visiting Northern Borneo was not originally part of my backpacking route last March- April 2014 . After spending more than two weeks in India and Nepal , my route supposedly was to head back to Kuala Lumpur , then Manila ( which was the cheapest option by the way if you think of travelling to central Asia. ) But apparently at the time of booking my tickets online, my lust for wander brought me to find super cheap promo tickets from Kuala Lumpur , to other key cities in Malaysia . Still having a few days left , I then decided to take the long way back to the Philippines, and see more of the south by passing through Miri ( Sarawak State in Malaysia ), the Kingdom of Brunei , and Kota-Kinabalu (State of Sabah).
My promo tickets were quite cheap with “Airasia” . Got a morning flight from Kuala Lumpur to Miri ( Sarawak State ) at 731 pesos (around 15 usd All in ), And Kota Kinabalu ( State of Sabah ) to Manila at 947 pesos ( around 22 usd All in ). Bookings were made around 3 months in advance. Apparently, low cost intercity flights within Malaysia are more flexi and affordable ( as compared to local Philippine flights ). More so when they are on sale, like what I got! =) In between the two Malaysian States , I hopped on local buses , which were a bit consuming , but still worthy to do!
Easy-practical route ? not quite. Up for another travel adventure ? Totally !
Travelling between cities in Borneo is heaven for Passport Stamps Collector
Heres why .
Travelling within Malaysia is quite interesting. Malaysia is composed of several states , and it is a policy of the country for foreign travellers to have their passport stamped approved when crossing between certain states, which is actually ideal to monitor foreign individuals roaming around the Malaysian peninsula. As such , travelling within Malaysia alone, would gain you quite a number of stamps , plus the stamps you get when crossing boundaries with Brunei. The lands of Sarawak and Brunei are interlocked , so If you are on your way to Sabah from Miri/Sarawak , public buses would most likely pass through the capital of Brunei , then through Tendungan/Limbang towns of Sarawak , then enter Brunei once again through Puni/Labu eastmost provinces, then enter Sarawak once again through Lawas, before reaching the State of Sabah. Just to give a simpler picture, here is how my 6 days travel from Miri to Brunei and to Kota Kinabalu by LAND/BUS went on..
- Fly from Kuala Lumpur and Enter Miri, Sarawak — 1 stamp at the airport
Stayed one night in Miri
- Exit Sarawak State at Sungai Tujuh ( Malaysia side ) — 1 Stamp
- Enter Brunei at Sungai Tujoh ( Brunei Side ) — 1 stamp
Stayed 2 nights in Bandar Seri Bengawan, Brunei
- Exit Brunei at Kuala Lurah — 1 Stamp
- Enter Sarawak State at Tedungan — 1 Stamp
- Exit Sarawak State at Dermaga Kastam Limbang — 1 Stamp
- Enter East Brunei at Puni — 1 Stamp
- Exit East Brunei at Labu — 1 Stamp
- Enter East Sarawak at Lawas — 1 Stamp
- Exit East Sarawak at Merapok — 1 Stamp
- Enter Sabah State at Sindumin — 1 Stamp
Stayed 2 nights in Kota Kinabalu , Sabah
- Fly out from Kota Kinabalu to Manila — 1 Stamp at the airport
Thats 12 stamps in Total =)
Bus Travel Details : Miri — Bandar Seri Bengawan — Kota Kinabalu
Miri to Bandar Seri Bengawan (BSB) — PHLS Express runs a direct bus between BSB and Miri for 45 MYR/18 Brunei Dollars . The bus leaves Miri at 7AM and 1PM and takes about 4 hours to BSB . Bus leaves Miri at Pujut Intercity Terminal and stops at the Riverside Promenade in downtown BSB.
Bandar Seri Bengawan to Kota Kinabalu — Jesselton Express offers direct bus from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu at B$ 45 / 114 MYR, which runs only once a day at 7 am . A bit pricey, but it is a direct ride so you wont have to change buses at the border. The total travel time is about 8 and 1/2 hours. Jesselton Express leaves BSB at the riverside promenade fronting Maybank Building, and stops at Kota Kinabalu City Center bus terminal.
Option to ride a ferry to Kota Kinabalu is also available. But I prefer bus ride to see more of the countryside. =)
Daily Expense Tip : Food is relatively inexpensive In Miri and Kota Kinabalu . 10 USD would be more than enough for a day’s allowance, as there are a lot of hawkers and street side cafeterias for budget conscious travelers. with price ranging at 2 USD for a full meal. Dormitories are much available for 5-8 USD per night, with breakfast.
Brunei however, might require you additional budget, especially with accommodation and getting around with public transportation. Brunei Dollars (BSD) is around the same Value as Singapore Dollars ( 35 pesos per 1 BSD ). An accommodation worth 20 BSD/pax was the cheapest that I came across in Brunei. But on a brighter picture , food in Brunei is relatively affordable , if you buy from Gadong night market and grocery stores. 20 – 25 USD per day per pax would probably be a safe budget when travelling in brunei , that includes accommodation, food and getting around. More of Brunei at https://iamjosemanuel.com/2014/09/14/weekend-itinerary-around-brunei-darussalam/
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Miri, Sarawak Malaysia Miri is a relatively small , but wealthy city of the northern part of Sarawak State. ( The more famous city in Sarawak is Kuching at the south ) . Miri may not talked about by usual Pinoy tourists like us , but this city is quite famous to westerners, as well as Australians , as the gateway to the nature reserved mountains of inner Borneo , which is valued for its biodiversity and protected tropical wildlife sanctuary. Aside from that, Miri is also known as the oil producing province of southern Malaysia. Miri was just a transit city for me because I only stayed for one night. Aside from the nature parks and reserve (which I did not get to visit) , theres nothing much to do within the city of Miri . But I did have a good rest though, the dorm and the people were nice.
- Where I Stayed In Miri : Coco Guesthouse ( Dormitory of 8 capsule type beds per room ) at 35 MYR per Bed (+400 pesos)
- Good places to eat : A lot of Hawkers around, serving Chinese food. There are a lot of Chinese in Miri , and even more chinese restaurants than Malay . But they do have malls and fastfood like pizza hut and Mcdonalds
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Bandar Seri Bengawan , Brunei . The peaceful Islamic Kingdom
Refer to this for more of Brunei –> https://iamjosemanuel.com/2014/09/14/weekend-itinerary-around-brunei-darussalam/
Where I stayed in Brunei : With a couchsurfing friend . https://iamjosemanuel.com/2014/08/30/my-couchsurfing-family-in-brunei-darussalam/
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Travelling from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
- Where I Stayed In Kota Kinabalu : Travellers’ Light Backpackers’ Lodge , #19, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar, 88000 Kota Kinabalu , at 25 to 30 MYR/Night . Joy, the owner’s wife, is a Filipina and is very comforting to have a chitchat with. I Definitely recommend this place. You may get in touch with them through Agoda.com and https://www.facebook.com/travellerslight
Around Kota Kinabalu . Will upload more of this soon. =)
Weekend Itinerary around Brunei Darussalam
Heres my Suggested Itinerary for a weekend stay in Bandar Seri Bengawan, Brunei
1 — Marvel at the Detailed Architecture and Marble Carvings of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Guests are allowed to enter during off prayer hours, with no admission fee , but a decent outfit is expected.
2 — A Visit to the Royal Regalia Museum that houses the collection of gifts to the Sultan from all other Nations around the world. The diverse collection of valuable crafts and artifacts, is in a way an experience of world history under one roof. Entrance is Free for all.
3 — A Stroll around Downtown Bandar Seri Bengawan offers significant views of Islamic – Asian Tropical Architecture at every corner.I find the city a worthwhile strolling experience for architects as well as enthusiasts of Architecture.
4 — Enjoy local Muslim Food at Gadong Night Market . Ready made dishes at Night markets are inexpensive. you can buy a chicken meal with vegetable and rice for B$ 2.00 ( thats around 65 pesos ) . Goat Meat , chicken and fish viands are available at B$ 1.00 ( 33 pesos )
5 — Enjoy a Shabu shabu Dinner ( Steam boat Dinner , as locals call it ) at downtown Bandar Seri Bengawan.
6 — Saturday Night out at Empire Hotel at Jurung District , BSB …. and spend late night chit chats over Milk Tea and Coffee ( because liquor is rare to find in Brunei )
7 —– (Sunday morning) Participate in a community Outdoor Exercise at the grounds of Tasek Lema Waterfalls / Nature Park
8 — Go Swimming at the Sultan Bolkiah’s Sports Stadium Park
9 — Watch a Local Charity Show where you can actually meet a lot of Filipinos working as Teachers in Brunei . A lot of Filipinos excel and are highly regarded in Brunei for Various skills , which is nice to know. Since It was my free time , I just tagged along with my host , Leona , who co-arranged this charity show for special children. It was also a good opportunity for me to get inside the Sultan’s Convention Centre =)
I would have wanted to get inside the Sultan’s Palace but it only opens at certain times of the year. As such, locals recommend tourists to visit Brunei , the week after Ramadan . It is when the Kingdom is at its most festive. They also said that The Sultan’s palace opens for locals and tourists , and sumptuous buffet is served by the royal family for three days , which is open for everybody. And if lucky enough, you might also get a chance to see the Sultan . Thats something I look forward to experience when I visit Brunei Again =)
Florenda Beach Resort : Samal’s Affordable Semi Exclusive
I just came from a well spent – chillax Saturday outing with my Arki group at Florenda Beach Resort, in Samal Island. It was my first time to see Florenda. In fact, I’ve never heard of it until today, and haven’t came across this as well on most Samal Island resort listings. Surprisingly charming yet affordable , I thought of putting it up here for others to see this resort as one good option, among Samal Island’s beaches.
Florenda Resort is a Small scale semi – exclusive venue with just around 10-12 overnight cottages. The resort has opened its doors 4 years ago with just a few cottages and a good beach that does not go super low tide. Today, the resort now has an ample sized saltwater pool, fully developed beachfront , duplex type and Dorm type facility. The resort boasts clear shores perfect for snorkelling. Be sure to use proper swimming footwear for protection.
Florenda Beach Resort is located in Catagman ,Samal Island , sharing the same beach strip with Punta del Sol. For navigation, it is easier to find if you google map Punta del Sol. Florenda is just around 200 meters away.
Day Tour 100 pesos
Overnight Facility rates:
Good for 4 with ACU 1,700 – 2,000 ( spacious duplex type )
Good for 6 with ACU 1,800 – 2,000 (Small cottage Type )
Good for 2 with ACU 1,000 (Small cottage type )
Dorm Type Villa good for 24 pax with ACU 6,000
My Personal Rating of this place
Price Range : Affordable Resort
Taste : You have to pre-order your meals, or better yet, bring your own food. Corkage only applies on drinks. Cold Beer and drinks are available at the resort at affordable prices. a Bottle of San Mig Light only costs 30 pesos.
Place : 6.5/10 ( Clean, Well maintained. Just a simple resort. Don’t expect anything high end)
Beach : 8.5/10 ( tucked in the quiet side of Catagman, Samal. Fit for snorkeling . Expect live corals, so be sure to wear proper foot gear )
Service : 7/10 ( Nice staff . They let you use the kitchen )
The resort does not have an office here in Davao at the moment.
For reservations, you may contact the resort manager , HENRY at 0929 180 3175.
Mindanao Towns and Shores: Bucas Grande Islands and Sohoton Cove National Park
Christmas holidays just passed by us a few days ago , and I hope everybody enjoyed some rest and is now fully charged to start the year right and fresh !
To start up my 2014, I have promised myself to begin uploading posts dedicated to the places I have visited within our home country, the Philippines. For the moment, this installment of posts will be focusing on the beauty of the Philippines’ off beaten towns and islands; And theres no better way to explore this subject than to start with the provinces within Mindanao, with its beaches and shores that have not been abused much by tourist footprints.
The first installment will be dedicated to a place where I found the most enchanting seascape by far , which is in Bucas Grande Islands and Sohoton Cove National Park. This nature reserve is composed of scattered limestone islets and maze like clear lagoons located at the southern part of Siargao , near Surigao del Norte. The nearest town to this nature reserve is Socorro, which is around 45 minutes away by boat.
Three most note worthy things to do in the Sohoton Cove National Park:
1. Entering Sohoton Cove is an adventure in itself . To see the cove , the boat must enter through the only passage , which is a cave, that is only accessible during low tide. The Cave opening is wide enough that a small pump boat can fit. Given that, your group must also leave the cove before high tide.
Photo Credits : Mr. Ian Garcia of M Magazine.
The moment you pass through the cave is like entering a ancient world like in times of the dinosaurs. Sohoton cove is a maze like chain of clear blue lagoons walled by groups of islets and rock formations . The islets are covered in lush green and there are patches of pitcher plants. Within the cove, there are a number of caves to explore and perhaps do some diving. =)
2. Also within the far end of the Nature reserve is an area where thousands of stingless jelly fish dominate the water. It is said that the jelly fish had been castaway to this remote lagoon for hundreds of years. Having no predators to disturb them , they have evolved to lose their stings and venom. But, of course , safety should always be a priority, that is why it is better not to touch them if you want to be sure. =)
3. Cheap Seafood in the town of Socorro.
The trip we had was pre-arrranged from Davao City, thanks to our friend Ian Garcia who managed to tap his connections in Socorro.
To get to the National Park, probably the most convenient way is to fly/drive to Surigao City , and there will be loads of agencies offering chartered tours to the islands for less than 2,500.00 pesos (60 USD) per head.
Alternatively , you can just go directly to the port , as there are boats sailing daily to Socorro , which is around 2 hours travel time. From Socorro, your group may charter a small boat to tour the Islands for around 200.00 pesos ( 4 USD) per head ..
Photo Credits : Mr. Ian Garcia of M Magazine.
The Sense of Travelling
Growing up, I have always been interested with world history and different ways of culture. I always had this uptight aspiration to go to places outside my familiar land. And as soon as I began to work and earn right, I immediately got myself a passport , and started to plot my dream of experiencing the richness of our world , one country at a time. I just started actually.
What’s good with Travelling?
Travelling is more than just about leisure. Personally, I take this as a vessel to improve the way I see things and on how I relate to other people of different backgrounds. Travelling improves both verbal and non verbal communication skills.
Self Improvement
Travelling adds up to your self worth and confidence. My stories and personal experiences while travelling, somehow made me, a more interesting person in a way.
A sense of Freedom
I grew up as a dependent person who never made my own decision . Traveling, living abroad on my own, exposed me to different societies and different circumstances requiring me to make important decisions. It developed in me somehow, freedom.
Present your Country
You enjoy sharing with fellow travellers your beautiful experiences from the countries you have visited. And of course, in travel , you get the chance to boast your own nation and culture , what makes your people special and worthy to become your fellow travellers’ next destination.
New Ideas
Travelling for me is a good way to get ideas for various interesting day to day matters; Personally, I always make an effort to visit a public market of the city I am visiting, preferably in the morning , to experience how a foreign community start up their day. Also, Public markets are where you can find exquisite local products, see different ways of preparing food , and also , on how they design spaces with respect to their climate.
The sense of Growing
As much as it may sound cheesy, but with each destination, you grow. You learn the best ways to pack, meet new people of different nationalities and make lasting friendship, get around on cities with rules and practices different from your home country, and you learn to survive.
Travelling Makes History Come Alive
Ever since a child, I have always been fascinated with history, architecture and the ancient way of living. I took up BS Architecture in college, and I best enjoyed those days when we are asked to draw the significant architectures of various nations. Modesty aside, I even got the highest score for a certain Visual Presentation of Indochina Architecture; A sketch of Angkor Wat included.
Recalling last August 2013 when I was about to enter the actual grounds of Angkor Wat minutes after sunrise… that feeling was priceless !!!!
Travelling to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
I was able to book Tigerair ticket for only P 1,500 pesos to Ho Chi Minh from SG ; A good promo deal! I spent 3 days around HMC with no set itinerary ; just walked around the City and checked some particular landmarks , the Market and indulged myself on local food choices . Pure Chillax lang !
Flying to HMC was around 1.5 hours travel from SG . Arrived there just before 9 am. Airport was OK. not much annoying taxi and tuktuk drivers like in other cities I’ve visited.
HMC airport was quite far from the city center, and trains are not yet available. The cheapest way to the city center is by Bus 152 , which is just outside the international airport, at the far right end of the building . Non aircon bus is only 5000 dong . (around $0.25 / 11 pesos ) Its almost an hour travel with a lot of turn arounds, but as soon as i found Ben Thanh Market, I knew I was at the city center already. I hop off at the stop opposite the market and used my google map to navigate my way to Bui Vien St.
Vietnam, as described by many, is a country of motorcycles . Even old ladies dressed with tight skirts dong bother riding the bike.
I stayed at the Cosman Rucksack Inn, along Bui Vien St. , around 15 mins. walk from Ben Thanh Market . (Google Mapping is adviced) 5 usd for a bed/night , Dorm type accommodation. Its clean and cheap, even better than the 15 usd inn I had in SG .
It is quite easy to roam around and get a hold of Ho Chi Minh vibe because almost all of the usually visited spots are at the city center . Getting an accommodation at Bui Vien St. / Pham Ngu Lao area is recommended.
Travel + Lifestyle + Architecture Blog 