my greatest opponent

4 Days Seoul DIY Itinerary with Budget

2017-01-12T06:49:00.000-08:00

Travel date: August-September 2015
Length of travel: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Total Spent: ~Php26,000 (with souvenirs)
~Php20,000 (without souvenirs)
Tips: search for vouchers and coupons online for discounted entrance fees to theme parks and museums, there are also discount coupons for select restaurants

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Trick Eye Museum and N Seoul Tower
Day 2: Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Dongdaemun Market
Day 3: Everland and Lotte Mart
Day 4: Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm and Myeongdong

5 Days China Itinerary

2016-12-19T07:15:00.000-08:00

Travel Period: April-May 2015

Length of travel: 5 Days / 4 Nights

County: China

Cities: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

Modes of transportation used: 2 international flights, 1 domestic flight, 1 sleeper train, city buses, taxis, hop-on/hop-off tourist bus, subway

Total Spent: PhP 38,860

Total Spent without souvenirs: roughly PhP 32,000 (can be further reduced to ~PhP30,000 if all plans worked out)

Guimaras Day tour

2016-12-09T08:08:00.000-08:00

Point of Origin: Iloilo City pier to Guimaras

Start time: 8:00 AM

Travel time: more or less 20 mins

sample big boat from Iloilo City to Guimaras

Tour transportation: rented a multi-cab for the entire day

9:00 AM - breakfast at The Pitstop (Mango Ice Cream, Mango Pizza among other mango flavored products)

10:00 AM - Guisi Lighthouse

ruins of Guisi Lighthouse

rusty of Guisi Lighthouse tower

ruins of Guisi Lighthouse

10:40 AM - Guisi Beach (short walk from the lighthouse)

Guisi beach

Guisi Beach

11:30 AM - lunch at Raymen Beach Resort (right by Alubijod Beach)
1:30 PM - swimming at Alubijod Beach

Alubijod Beach

3:00 PM - pasalubong/souvenir shopping at Trappist Monatery
4:00 PM - left Guimaras back to Iloilo City

their symbol greets every arriving and departing tourists in their pier

Siquijor Day Tour

2016-12-07T07:13:00.002-08:00

Starting Point: Dumaguete City
Transportation: RORO from city wharf

Mode of tour: rented a multi-cab for a day's tour

Left Dumaguete City at around 830am, and arrived Siquijor by 1030am.

welcome rotunda near the pier

11:00AM:

Capilay Spring Park

11:30AM:

Old Enchanted Balete Tree

12:00PM:

St Isidore de Labrador Church

12:30PM:

Cambugahay Falls

2:00PM:

Salagdoong Beach

6D/5N Hong Kong - Macau Itinerary

2016-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sharing our (me and my mom) 6 Days/5 Nights Hong Kong and Macau Do It Yourself Itinerary. This is dated way back August 2013 so the prices indicated are not applicable today anymore.

Riverside Inn Iloilo City

2015-12-31T23:58:00.001-08:00

We found out about this inn because we have a colleague who is from Iloilo. This inn is located just in from of University of San Agustin which is less than 4kms away from the city proper, just one jeepney ride away; also is one jeepney ride from SM Iloilo, minimum fare.

The inn is pretty basic which is fair enough for the cheap price we paid. The room amenities are basic as well but good enough for two nights stay. I am impressed with the spacious toilet and bathroom which is usually compromised in most cheap inns. They don't have a grand lobby and signage in front so you could miss this easily. There are food stalls at the ground floor and it is on the main road.

Here are some of the photos I got for our room:

Mt Isarog : Panicuason Trail

2014-04-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

Warned by a friend that this mountain is a major climb and since I love adventures, I give it a go. honestly, I have no idea what a major climb really is. Despite having nervousness in mind, I see that this would be just another challenge for my climbing stint.

It was June 2013 when we climbed this mossy and lush rain forest mountain. From the Naga City Bus Terminal, we took a tricycle going to the city public market area where we took a jeepney going to Barangay Panicuason. At the jeepney's turn-about we met our tour guide and started our trek to the majestic mountain of Naga City. Trees are everywhere! This is why I so loved this mountain. But adjacent to this realm is the high presence of "limatik" or parasites up to their so-called base #2. There is also a part of the trail where only huge and tall bamboo trees are all over the place. Oftentimes, you would also jump or hop off large fallen trunks of trees along the way. Another major feat of this trail (for me) is to like rock climb about one-storey high rocks or boulders which is almost 90 degrees inclined; going down this steep part is my most unforgettable part in this climb. There are also water sources along the trail, particulary in base 2 (?) and base 3 where we camped.

base #3 is the last and topmost base where you can camp overnight

We started our climb from the jump-off at about ten in the morning and reached base #3 at around four in the afternoon. I think it would be faster if I didn't had minor muscle cramps which partly delayed the group. Water wasn't really an issue during the climb since (1) the trail is almost purely covered with trees and (2) it was cloudy at that time. Actually, we forgot to buy some rice at that time yet survived the whole day trek without any carbo-loading from rice. The next day, we hiked on to the summit for two hours from base 3; leaving our bags and things there.

at the summit, still surrounded with trees

no clearing for us on that day

parts where you can hardly see the trail

Before reaching the jump-off on our descent, we made a stop-over to its falls; i just forgot its name. Entrance is free and many locals are having their family picnics here. The water is really cold and gets very deep near the falls.

the falls right next to jump-off

Mt. Malipunyo-Mt. Manabu Day Hike

2014-04-15T20:35:00.002-07:00

From the foot of Mt. Maculot the other night, we traveled to Lipa City then from Lipa Terminal we hired a mini-cab going to the foot of Mt. Malipunyo. Here lives our tour guide for the next day's hike and here we will be spending our night.

the backyard of our tour guide and where we pinched our tents

At 6am, we started out trek. The trail at first were a bit moist due to overnight's dew. The trail is abundant with lush green trees which I liked the most. We also came across at least 3 water source so we haven't had any problem with re-hydration.

Before reaching Mt. Malipunyo's summit, we came across two peaks where you can have rest at. There is also a very challenging trail which is around 75 degrees inclined where you would only rely on the roots of the trees and to give it a more quirk, the presence of mud all over the trail. They have named it after a famous Filipino bad expression since you would glad saying it after you pass the trail.

Mt Malipunyo's summit view

From Mt. Malipunyo, there would be just a slight descent inside the rich forestry and would go straight to a series of mountains before reaching the Mt. Manabu's foot. We also pass by a tree house where the owner is our tour guide's mother. Here, we were served with hot native coffee and boiled cassava for free! It is always good to taste fresh and native delicacies straight from the plantations. Aside from that, I am also amazed seeing wild fruit-bearing trees such as lanzones and rambutan.

named as Susong Dalaga (a teenager's breast)

you would came across this scenic view and mountain-top before reaching the Mt. Manabu summit; from here you could see the summit as well

Before reaching Mt. Manabu's summit, be prepared for tall grasses and plants which could slash any part of your body along its way. Be covered!

Mt Manabu's summit view

The descent form Mt Manabu's summit can be swift and easy. There is also another water source along the way from a small nipa hut. Before reaching the end, there is a couple living in the area who will offer you another native coffee (kapeng alamid) for free! Then at the end of the trail, we washed up for Php10 at a local's house. Electricity is now present in this area. There are also tricycles in this area who will ride you back to Lipa City Terminal.

Mt. Maculot : Rockies-Grotto Traverse

2014-04-11T00:55:00.000-07:00

This I would tag as my baptismal climb. I have no idea what to expect or to feel but all I want is to be with nature. My mountain climbing/hiking/trekking history starts from here.

Our meet-up was at JAM Bus Terminal - Buendia. Rode a bus bound to Cuenca and I think we were dropped off at Cuenca Town Market. From there we rode a tricycle to the Mt. Maculot jump-off. Travel time is roughly under 3 hours. It was a fair Saturday morning.

The trail...They said that this mountain is apt for beginners but I am shocked feeling off the edge of quitting my climbing stint somewhere in the middle. That time I realized that my lower body strength is one of my weakness. This is the part before the "Rockies" having huge steps and felt my thighs are close to being numb.

The Rockies...this is the most famous part of Mt. Maculot where you will have a spectacular view of Batangas. It is called Rockies because as its name implies, it is of pure rock (almost 1005 rock) so just be careful wandering around this area as it may be slippery and dangerous especially on the edges.

The Summit...I was quite disappointed with Maculot's summit as you wont see a thing. There are high but not huge trees blocking every view you could think of. It is also unsafe to climb up the trees to get a view since it can't hold on an adult's weight.

this ain't the summit but the trail going to it, large and huge trees and grasses

on descent, you will experience a semi-rapelling stint

The Grotto...from the summit starts the descent to the traverse trail leading to a Grotto on a hill. Another fantastic view from here, good to cap off your Mt. Maculot climb.

view at the grotto

At the first community at the foot of Maculot, we were able to wash up in a resort for Php50. They also sell some refreshments and foods to recuperate your thirsty mouth.

Boracay's Treasures

2014-01-19T16:02:00.002-08:00

Here are my keychains and cellphone blings from the Island paradise of Boracay. Most of them are gifts from friends.

a shell and some sands

sands and shell combidation too

colored sands? or salt?

collection of different sea creatures

shells and colored sands

traditional Filipino banca

Biak na Bato Day Tour

2013-11-03T01:27:00.000-07:00

Looking for a quick out-of-town day tour for our balikbayan relatives, we opted to go to one of the Philippine's neglected historical site - the Biak na Bato National Shrine in San Miguel, Bulacan. You may do your own homework on what about this place that played a vital role in our past.

Leaving from Makati City, it took us about 3-4 hours in order to reach the place. There are no visible signboards along the way so make sure you do your research eagerly. I forgot the exact amount of per head entrance fees and tour guide fee but on my rough estimate it is about Php50 per head and Php200 per tour guide. I'm not sure if they allow visitor to explore on their own since the path is pretty straight-forward. I've read some blogs before that you can swim in the river here but during our time, the river is splashing with mud from the mountain since it just rained the night before. The over-all tour of the area is approximately 1.5-2hrs with not all the sites are allowed for tourists.

Here are the scenic and the not-so-scenic views of the place...

The walk path has been cemented so trekking shoes are not that necessary. There were steeps encounters but even our senior citizens able to reach the end with just some hesitations; but there is just one place that is not paved that scared them not to continue.

the biggest and grandest caves of them all..the final stop

I just felt so bad seeing all the vandalisms in the area and the area is not properly conserved anymore and maintained. I hope sites like this would be preserved by the government for the generations to come.

Anawangin Weekend

2013-09-22T02:44:00.000-07:00

For this tour, I hitched with my former officemates to save on planning and tour expenses as such they got a group package tour which includes van return transfer from Manila to Zambales, all-inclusive meals and water, round-trip boat to Anawangin and tent rentals. All-in-all, I just spent Php3000 including souvenirs (shirt, keychain and bracelet), transportation from and to Laguna and additional snacks.

We left Quezon Avenue pick-up point at around 4:30am and arrived in Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales at around 8:30am. Our first stop before heading to Anawangin Cove is Capones Island. It is about 20-30minutes boat ride from the Pundaquit shoreline. If you will be doing this, be sure to be in your swimming attire as boats can't dock close to the shoreline so we were forced to swim chest-deep. Caution: the sea floor is rocky and full of corals so watch out for sharp edges or yet be prepared to get wounded.

the trek up the island from the beach/docking area

quite nice view from the top

on the way up to the lighthouse, it felt like an oven in here

view from the lighthouse

Capones Island lighthouse

After spendin about an hour and a half in Capones Island, we headed then to our final destination - Anawangin Cove, which is approximately 20-30 minutes boat ride from Capones Island. On our first day, we explored the area and swam, bought some alcohol in the nearby sari-sari store to spend the night away. For our second day, we hiked the hills near the cove, swam again then packed-up.

the beach front

the picturesque forest of Anawangin

superb mountain view!

also on the other side

the famous lake of Anawangin, you need an entrance fee to get in here unless you stayed in their premises

the jump-off point for our 2-hour hill-trekking

the view of the cove atop flag #2

steep and rocky hill-side trekking

stunning view from flag #3

We left at around 1pm to give time for enough rest before going to work the next day.

Baguio City Tour: Day Two

2013-06-30T19:30:00.001-07:00

Mines View Park

On our second day, we left our pension house in DPS Compound at around 0830H. We rode a jeepney going to Burnham Park and from there we waited for a Mines View jeepney to pass by. Getting off right infront of the entrance of the entrance, our tour starts. This is the park where you would see a lot of souvenir items and I think the prices are reasonable enough. I bought all my souvenir from this place. Things to do in the area are pictures, pictures and pictures!

the view why people are going here for

right at the entrance

The Mansion - Wright Park

These two landmarks are situated right infront of each other. We rode again a jeepney going here from the entrance of Mines View Park; just ask the barker to be sure it will pass by the area, fares are just minimum.

the gates of the Mansion; free entrance!

scenic view of Wright Park without the parked vehicles

on the other side, you may hire guided horses for a ride

Botanical Garden

Nothing much to see here now since they are still rehabilitating the park but if you want to complete all the landmarks of the city plus there's no entrance fee, it's just a hefty 10-15mins walk from Wright Park. Just do a research first on how to get there using a map; it's not a straight path that you would be taking.

this old lady dressed in tribal costume immediately made her way toward us and asking for a price, tsk!

BenCab Museum

From the Botanical Garden, we took our lunch first at Glen's 50s Diner. It's just one jeepney ride plying the route of Burnham Park from the outside (minimum fare). Then from the diner, we rode a jeep going to Burnham Park then within the vicinity of the town proper, we asked people on where is the terminal for Asin. BenCab Museum is about 5-10mins walk from the jeepney terminal in Barangay Asin. The museum is very neat and organized; all of us were amused from what we saw inside. They have this ecological tour downstairs but due to time constraint, we were unable to do that. They also have a cafe in the area!

3 Days / 2 Nights Baguio City Itinerary

Baguio City Tour: Day One

2013-06-29T23:40:00.004-07:00

Philippine Military Academy (PMA)
Before eight in the morning, we left our pension house in DPS Compound (walking distance from Victory Liner Terminal). From the main road, we took a taxi going to PMA compound. In just about 20mins we were already at PMA's gate but was not allowed to enter since we are wearing slippers. There are stalls outside the gates that sells rubber soles which are enough to let you through the mighty guards. For the ladies they costs Php50 while for men it's Php150. From the gate, we just waited for a jeep to arrive. Only Php8 fare up to the parade grounds, which is also the jeep's turn-about point.

I think this is their main hall

you may watch the cadets parade and march for free!

PMA Museum: just Php10 entrance fee

Camp John Hay
From PMA, we waited again for a jeep at its turn-about point. This same jeep goes back to the city proper and will pass by Camp John Hay entrance gates (fare: Php14). From there we started to walk along this huge area for half day; very tiring yet still relaxing as the view is scenic and refreshing. They have only one main road and road signs are evident everywhere so just be patient in reaching your destinations. Restaurants are also available inside.

theater

the Bell Ampitheater

inside the Bell House (entrance is about Php50)

Burnham Park
From Camp John Hay's gates, you may wait for jeepneys marked Burnham; it's that easy isn't? Well, I just observed that here in Baguio City, almost every jeepney route starts and ends nearby Burnham Park, if not within the park. I don't have much pictures in Burnham Park but what we just did here is hired a boat and bicycles. So much activities and walking to do here though.

3 Days / 2 Nights Baguio City Itinerary

2013-06-27T01:56:00.001-07:00

I've been to Baguio City for several times already since childhood with my parents and relatives using private vehicles but since one of my friend want to experience the city for the first time, we did a quick tour of the city budget-style! Sharing our do-it-yourself tour of Baguio City...

Day 0	2230H	ETD Cubao (Bus: ~Php450)
Day 1	0400H	ETA Baguio City
	0500H	Check-in: Tuvera Pension House (~Php1200 per room per night, triple occupancy)
	0800H-0830H	Taxi: DPS Compound to PMA (~Php200)
	0830H-1200H	PMA Grounds Tour
		*watch the cadets march/drills*
		*PMA Museum*
		*Lunch at a carinderia*
	1200H-1230H	Jeep: PMA to Camp John Hay (~Php14)
	1230H-1630H	Camp John Hay
		*Bell Ampitheater*
		*Bell House (~Php50 entrance)*
		*Cemetery of Negativism*
		*The Mile-Hi Center*
		*Snack: Filling Station*
		*Paintball (~Php200 for target shooting)*
	1630H-1700H	Jeep: Camp John Hay to Burnham Park (~Php8)
	1700H-1900H	Burnham Park
		*boat rental (~Php150 per boat)*
		*bike rental (~Php100 per hour)*
	1900H-1930H	Walk: Burnham Park to SM City Baguio
	1930H-2100H	Dinner: SM City Baguio
Day 2	0815H-0900H	Jeep: DPS Cmpd-Burnham (Php8), Burnham-Mines View (Php10)
	0900H-1045H	Mines View Park
	1045H-1100H	Jeep: Mines View-Mansion (Php8)
	1100H-1200H	The Mansion and Wright Park
	1200H-1215H	Walk: Wright Park to Botanical Garden
	1215H-1300H	Botanical Garden
	1300H-1320H	Jeep: Botanical Garden-50s Diner (Php8)
	1320H-1500H	Lunch: Glenn 50's Diner
	1500H-1545H	Jeep: 50s Diner-Burnham (Php8), Burnham-Asin (~Php21)
	1545H-1730H	Ben Cab Museum (~Php50 entrance)
	1800H onwards	Rest at Pension House
Day 3	0800H-0830H	Jeep: DPS Cmpd-Burnham (Php8), Burnham-Mines View (Php10)
	0830H-1000H	Pasalubong: Good Shepherd's Convent
	1000H-1100H	Lunch: Glenn 50's Diner
	1200H	ETD Baguio City (Bus: ~Php450)
	1830H	ETA Cubao

Pardon for the prices as all are estimates since I haven't took down notes during our tour. At first I am hesitant of touring the city via commuting but because of this trip, I stand corrected. Total Budget consumed: ~Php4000; not bad eh?!

Ayutthaya Day Tour

2013-05-29T20:20:00.001-07:00

Right after visiting the Grand Palace on the onset of its opening, we headed to tour the ancient city of Ayutthaya, known for its century-old temple and ruins. It's about 2 hrs travel from Bangkok when we got to set our foot on our first temple stop - Phra Chedi. This is I think the highest temple-mountain of the city and with that you need to climb steep stone staircases. I'm with my mom and aunts who managed to climb under the heat of the sun so I bet you will too! There is a minimal entrance fee here but I forgot how much; it won't go higher than THB50.

After touring the place, we stopped for a quick lunch over a nearby local eatery before heading to our last stop - Wat Maha That where the famous Buddha face relic on a tree roots can be found. The place is more ruin-liked and more spacious and said to be comparable with the ruins of Siem Reap temples though smaller in scale. Like with Phra Chedi, there is a minimum entrance fee here.

These are just two of the most important temples in the city. There are still a lot more to see. We just opted to visit two since we don't have much time. We were back in Bangkok before 5pm. Estimated time of visit for each temple is around 1-1.5 hour each. On this day, we rented again our airport taxi whom we used for our Floating Market tour for about THB2000-2500 since this is farther than Damnoen Saduak.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

2013-05-26T19:45:00.001-07:00

Finally during my third visit in Bangkok I got to experience their so-called "floating market" and I chose to experience this on the largest floating market community. It's about 1.5-2 hours travel from Bangkok downtown. On this trip, we hired an airport cab for a day for not more than THB2000, we are a group of six people. We have been picked-up from our hotel at around 7am-7:15am since the floating market lasts only until noon time. On the site, we were dropped off to a boating wharf (actually there are a lot along the road). I forgot the exact prices but as far as I could remember we paid THB50 each for the entrance fee/environment fee plus THB300 per person for the boat. And the tour starts from here...

sometimes our ride gets tough and speedy so better hold on to your seats!

this is our first stop..it's a coconut factory where you could also buy some souvenirs

a lot of stores along you way, and boats too!

you may hail floating vendors and buy from them

I even saw some tourists eating their noodle soup on their boats, cool!

the busiest part of the market

this is the final stop of our tour, a temple (forgot the name of it though)

nothing much to see here except for some dancers practicing their craft

before hopping on your boat, try to feed the huge kois, you'll be amazed on how big they are

After the floating market, we planned on going to an elephant show but instead our driver took us to a different one - Elephant Village (only about 15 minutes from the wharf). Here we paid THB600 for an elephant ride which everyone of us enjoyed. It's only a 30 minute bumpy ride but worth the experience.

this is how high I am

they have made a village track with vegetations on the side for this ride

you'll even pass by a small body of water which scared the oldies

chained mother and child captive, kinda felt pity for them here

We were back in Bangkok downtown at around 2:30pm. Pretty cool and experience-packed half day for me!

Centre Point Wireless Road

2013-04-27T19:32:00.002-07:00

We got their Three-Bedroom Suite for two nights. Our stay was awesome! Everything is clean and well-maintained. It felt like we have our own flat unit in the center of Bangkok. We also got spectacular view of the city. Follows are my first-hand experiences:

Wireless Road is one of Bangkok center business districts so expect to have traffic here especially during peak hours.
They have ample space for parking and waiting area for vehicles.
Upon entering the lobby, you can smell the aroma of their special scent. Very soothing! They have huge lobby as well. You may also get maps and guides from the reception. Their staff are well-accommodating too!
They have ample elevator (about at least six) to service all of their floors. Nice and new elevator too!
One complaint we have is that their corridor (on the rooms floor) are not air-conditioned so it may be hot during noon time.
(may I reiterate?) Their room is spectacular and classy and huge! All of us were amazed upon entering the suite.
Our suite have 3 bedrooms (2 each with queen-size bed and one with single bed), each with ensuite bathroom.
I got the smallest room (good for one person) but I am still impressed. I want to have a room like that too!
Their breakfast is pleasing too! Though not really comparable with those from five-star hotels but they are more that enough for me. I got tasted my first macaroons here!

the bathroom of the single room, this one has a door from the living room

the single-bed room, with city view

the kitchen/utilities section, with provided kitchen utensils and appliances

the dining area

the living room with access to the balcony

the room with queen-sized bed

view from the balcony door

city view at night from our balcony

Legacy Express Bangkok

2013-04-25T19:46:00.001-07:00

Stayed here for two nights last March 2013. Two major reasons why we chose this hotel is that it is very close to the BTS Station (and is along the main road) and it is very affordable. Well, it didn't failed us! Reviews I've read for this hotel are true and all of my family was impressed with it. Here are some of my insights and observations:

Taxi drivers might have difficult time understanding the address, just show them the full address and mention that it is at the corner of Soi 1.
Only about 3 minutes to the BTS Station and is along the Sukhumvit Road (one of the busiest road in Bangkok)
They just don't have parking and waiting area for your taxi/van pick ups.
Their staff are very helpful, don't hesitate to ask for assistance especially in getting a cab. Trust me on this!
Maybe it is not mentioned on their site but they now have buffet breakfast that comes with your accommodation. Not that a lot of choices though but it will keep your stomach full.
Small and slow elevator though, it only fits around six people without travelling bags.
First impression upon seeing the hotel is that they are very chic and contemporary. This applies even on the hotel interiors and rooms.
Rooms are well-kept and simple. You would just have a small window to view the outside. All the basic amenities of five-star hotels are also provided. Great!
Their WiFi works pretty good anywhere you are in the hotel. Impressive!

hallway facing the back of the hotel

hallway facing the front of the hotel

our standard room

the comfort room

Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

2013-04-13T02:35:00.001-07:00

For this tour, we opted to do it ourselves and not get any group tour packages to save on expenses. We hired a van for pick-up and drop-off the wharf going to the Honda Bay for Php1300. We asked to be picked-up at 9am from our hotel. We passed by a rental shop for snorkeling gears and booties first. I think the booties are Php150 a pair and Php100 for the snorkels. You could also buy hear bread for fish feeding. I saw some also whom encased their cameras for water-proof protection. Arriving at the wharf, you first have to line up to their tourism office and they will give you your boat number. As it was already the peak time, we waited for about 30 mins on this step.

Here are the chronological order of our island tour..

COWRIE ISLAND. Entrance is Php75 per person. Very few people were here when we arrived. It was quiet and I can find solitude here. It has also a bar in the middle of the island were you can order drinks and food.

PANDAN ISLAND. Entrance is Php100 per person. This is the famous spot for eating lunch. Various cottages may be rented out but make sure to be here before noon time as all the cottages gets filled up very fast. We only got an umbrella cottage just enough for four persons for Php300.

PAMBATO REEF. Entrance is Php50 per person. This ain't an island but a station for drop off to their reef. I think this is the main reef sanctuary of the area.

LULI ISLAND. Entrance is Php50 per person. An island with picturesque view and long stretch of sand bar, at least for this Honda Bay islands.

For the complete list of our expenses on this tour, you may go to this link:

Puerto Princesa City Itinerary with Budget

Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour

2013-04-12T23:05:00.003-07:00

We booked this tour through our hotel along with our reservation to them. I think you need to reserve and give your names at least one month before your trip as they are accounting the number of visitors per day. It costs us around Php1500 per head with free hotel pick-up and buffet lunch. We were picked by the van at around 7am and we are the last to be picked up before heading to the wharf. It was about 2hrs travel from the city proper to the wharf going to the underground river. We had one stop on the middle of the route. At the wharf we had to queue and wait for the next available boats. I think the earlier you were there the better as many tourists may queue and hinder your fast travel. We waited about more than 30 minutes before plying our route to the underground river which is about 30 mins boat ride.

the view at the wharf going to the vicinity of the underground river

Arriving at the vicintiy of the underground river, we were awed with the spectacular view of the limestone formations of the area. Another queue is on the main banca that will tour you inside the cave with seating capacity of 8 persons (I think there also a seating configuration bigger than 8 pax).

nice shore and sand! this is where your boat will dock

the cave that you see is the entrance to the underground river

before going back, make sure to mingle with these friendly "bayawaks", they are huge!

We ate lunch at the resorts along the beach near the wharf. It was buffet and the food is okay but nothing special though. Try tamilok when you got there. It's Php100 per serving and you could share this along with your friends. There are vendors selling these in the area.

We were back at the hotel at around 5pm since our fellow van-mates did rock climbing which damaged at least 2 hrs of our time. This is just the setback of group tours, you may have conflict with your fellow tourists. We were not properly informed though about this.

Puerto Princesa City 4D/3N Itinerary and Budget

Puerto Princesa City Half-day Tour

2013-03-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

Arriving Puerto Princesa City Airport immediately after noon, we went straight for the city tour which lasted for about 4 hours (1pm to 5pm). Here are the chronological order of our tour (as suggested by our van driver):

PLAZA CUARTEL

Nothing much to see here though as it is like a memorial park for the war times and the veterans. It is clean and well-maintained.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH

This is just right across the Plaza Cuartel Park. Very solemn and quite place but nothing special too.

PALAWAN CROCODILE FARM & NATURE PARK

Your typical crocodile farm. If you like to take pictures with the crocs, you may do it here while waiting for the scheduled guided tour which is every 30 minutes. Also take time to enjoy their Nature Park after the crocodile farm. You'll have to walk in a forest like environment with caged animals along the path. No guides, guards or staffs inside this park so just follow the trails.

MITRA'S RANCH

This is nestled on top of the hill where you could have a picturesque view of the city. You may also try their zipline if you like to.

BAKER'S HILL

This is famous for their pasalubong products (breads and the like) so better get some to take home. I love everything that they have here. Inside is some what like a park on its own right with a lot of tables and chairs for meals. You may also buy meals and snacks inside with various concessionaires to choose from.

For our dinner, we went back to the city proper from our hotel to try their famous dishes...

KINABUCH BAR AND GRILL

This is a must try when you are in Puerto Princesa!

Puerto Princesa City 4D/3N Itinerary and Budget

Royal Oberoi Resort Hotel, Puerto Princesa City

2013-02-27T22:23:00.003-08:00

We stayed here for 4 days and 3 nights during my last visit to the city last November 2012. Here are some of my reviews for this accommodation:

Their reservation through email was very quick and hassle free. The owner, Mark, responds to my queries almost everyday. You can even ask for the tally computation for better understanding.
Their facade isn't that inviting that you couldn't even imagine that it was a resort hotel inside. Just like a typical subdivision gate.
The location was a bit off the city proper, about 30 minutes travel by tricycle and the (rough) road leading to the place is creepy and dark at night.
Their entire vicinity is really huge - the pool, the garden and the restaurant/events place. Everything is well-kept as well and enough attendants to assist and guide you when you need them.
Their pool is huge and quite deep for Asians like us. I think the shallowest is around 5 feet deep. Though they don't change the water everyday, I can see that they put treatment chemicals every night to the pool.
Their restaurant is also huge! It is actually two floors but I think we can only access the ground. It is non-aircon but the air is enough to keep us cool and be one with the environment. You got to try their burger and pizza!
The rooms are tidy as well. I appreciate their decorations and fixtures that made the room more pleasing to the eye. We had the villa type and my only concern is that there is only one aircon (at the second floor) and their shower area drainage wasn't that properly placed. Aside from that, everything is fine.

Here are some of my captured photos of the place...

the double bed at the second floor

the balcony looking through the outside of the resort

view from the second floor loft

the second floor bed and sofa set

shower area located on the first floor

master bed at the ground floor

our delicious welcome drinks!

the pool and the pool-bar at night

their restaurant

my free breakfast

free breakfast on my last day

I highly recommend this accommodation if you want to have a quiet time during your stay in Puerto Princesa City. Definitely we will be back to this place!

Puerto Princesa City Itinerary and Budget

Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour

2013-02-23T23:48:00.002-08:00

We scheduled our half-day tour to Cu Chi tunnels on our second day at Ho Chi Minh City through our hostel. We were picked up by the tour agency at our hostel and passed by the other groups as well from the different hotels in the Bui Vien area. It was just a short walk to where the coach is parked. Before getting to the Cu Chi tunnels proper, we stopped by a porcelain factory where you could actually see how they were done and buy some items at the end of the path. Here are our step-by-step journey of the Cu Chi Tunnels tour proper...

from the entrance gate, you'll walk by a huge tunnel before getting up to a forest-like surroundings

you'll first attend an orientation about the history of the tunnels

visitors are actually allowed to do this too!

some booby traps

one of the many tunnel entrances

the actual tunnel we duck-walked into

cassava treat before ending the tour

with matching tea!

the sticker provided at the main entrance

We were back to the city at around 2:30pm. It was a very knowledgeable tour and a one-of-a-kind experience. Got to try this when you'll be in Ho Chi Minh!

Backpaking Indochina Itinerary and Budget

Ho Chi Minh Half-Day City Tour

2013-02-20T18:38:00.000-08:00

Just after settling up our things in our room, we immediately braved ourselves for our own city tour. Since we are lacking with time, we took a taxi along the Bui Vien Street. I recommend you take with you a map since taxi drivers here doesn't quite well understand English and if they do, they have a different intonation and pronunciation of words that would make the comprehension between you and him a great task. First off is the Independence Palace or also known as the Reunification Palace. This closes at 5pm and the last free guided tour will start at 4pm. Estimated time of the guided tour is around 1 hour.

scenic view of the palace from the outside

our pretty tour guide, very witty and full of humor!

the palace' window panes

one of the restricted secret passages at the basement

at the roof top

Just straight ahead from the exit of the Palace grounds, we walked for under 5 minutes to reach the Notre Dame Cathedral. You will happen to pass by parks along the way so it is still scenic and you'll get to see a lot of people relaxing alongside.

the Church's facade, it has not gates and the road is just right at its sides

Right beside the Cathedral is the Central Post Office. It is a bit elevated by about 5-10 steps so you won't be missing on this one. Also, it's architectural design wouldn't surely miss your eyes. Don't be contented with its outside because the inside designs are much better and could I say awesome?!

With the aid of a map, we managed our way towards the City's Committee Hall which is spectacular at night! There are no gates as well and its entrance is just along the road. Very magnificent indeed! I just can't imagine there's no traffic nearby this site. You will also get to see Mr. Ho Chi Minh right in front of the Hall at the island/park.

Just about 2-3 minutes walk, you'll get to see their Opera House which is also a terrific night view. Like most of the sights here, there are no gates and it is located almost in the middle of the road plus with no traffic! Truly amazing coming from a traffic-everywhere country.

Doing this blog 3 months after visiting this city makes me miss my travel to this city. I appreciate their way of life considering it is already a city with less crowded roads and population.

Backpacking Indochina Itinerary with Budget