Not Geo Travels

Malaysia Food Scene

2012-02-22T07:25:00.001-08:00

Malaysians love their food and I think I know why. Food in Malaysia is very diverse - Malay, Indian, Chinese, Nyonya and others. Their food presents a wide array of flavors that excite the taste buds. I was particularly looking for the flavors that linger in your mouth.

Budget travelers will not have a hard time looking for cheap eats in Malaysia. The most delicious food (my own opinion of course) can be enjoyed on the streets or in hawker places - cheap, a lot of choices and of course good vibes.

China Town Scene

Food stalls in Komtar

Penang Laksa Stall

Gurney Drive

Some of the food I really enjoyed:

1) Nasi Lemak - coconut infused rice served with spicy sauce, drived anchovies (we call dilis), roasted nuts, cucumber, egg and another protein - chicken, maybe prawns, etc.

2) Satay (my favorite) - skewered meat served with peanut sauce.

3) Durian ice cream - of course, Durian is widely produced in Penang. (I am a fan of the Durian food actually.)

4) Penang Laksa - traditional Penang Laksa has tamarind in the soup giving it a distinguishing taste.

Hosteling in Malaysia

2012-02-16T06:45:00.000-08:00

Hostels provide budget oriented, sociable accommodation where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed, in a dormitory and share a bathroom, lounge and sometimes a kitchen. (wikipedia) This summarizes the reasons why I prefer staying in hostels - cheap and it allows you to hang out with other travelers. Hosteling is also one of the reasons why traveling is becoming affordable to most. Luckily, most countries have hostels and hostelworld.com has made it easy to search and book for the cheapest and best ones.

At MYR 35 you should be able to get a good bed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Good bed means clean facilities, good location, breakfast included - but don't expect a ham-and-eggs-and-toast breakfast. You also need to wash up whatever kitchen stuff you use.

Kuala Lumpur Hostel: Reggae Guest House
Penang Hostel: Old Penang Guest House
Kota Kinabalu Hostel: Akinabalu Youth Hostel

photo from wikipedia.com

Kek Lok Si Temple

2012-02-12T00:30:00.000-08:00

Kek Lok Si Temple was the last destination of our 4-day adventure in Penang. We found it difficult to find the entrance to the temple so we had to go back there after our first attempt. We finally found the stairs leading up to the temple. The way up is lined with several shops looking to sell tourists and visitors some souvenirs. You'd pass by maybe 40 of these shops before you see the temple. The climb is worth the effort as you can finally marvel at the temple and the giant 30.2m bronze statue of Kuan Yin.

The temple can be reached via Rapid Penang buses heading to Penang Hill or Air Itam (201, 203, 204).

Travel Photos: Kinabalu National Park

2012-02-11T20:09:00.003-08:00

Kinabalu National Park, a set on Flickr.

Trave Photos: Penang National Park

2012-02-11T20:09:00.001-08:00

Penang National Park, a set on Flickr.

Trekking Malaysia's National Parks - Kinabalu and Penang

2012-02-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

The sore feet were itching with more adventure so my sister and I set off to explore Penang National Park and Kinabalu National Park. Though we did not see so much of the wildlife that I'm sure is hidden somewhere, we were able to commune with nature for a few hours.

Penang National Park is the smallest National Park in Malaysia. It is found in Penang just a few bus stops from Batu Ferringhi. One can follow trails that lead to the beaches of Penang. The trails are relatively easy but be ready to sweat as it gets hot out there. We ran into a couple who suggested we dip our shirts in the cold stream so that we feel refreshed. It was a good idea but my shirt was not quick dry. Maybe next time.

Kinabalu National Park is of course home to the famous Mt. Kinabalu. The trails we took were easier than the one we took in Penang. The only issue was the muddy trail because we followed the mossy trails that follow a stream. From the road going to the park, you will see a magnificent view of the peak of Mt. Kinabalu. It's one of the high lights of the trip if you don't plan to climb it.

Penang National Park can be reached from Georgetown via Rapid Penang bus 101. Kinabalu National Park can be reached from Kota Kinabalu City via a bus or van headed to Ranau.

Penang National Park

Kinabalu National Park

The Cutest Little Town at the Back of the Island

2012-02-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

Balik Pulau, which literally means back of the island, is a town to the west of George Town. It is the quieter and cooler side of the island. It's not as busy and crowded as George Town but it is a self sufficient little town with enough facilities to support the locals - a hospital, several schools, a Catholic Church (first I've seen in Malaysia after 6 days of traveling) and several snack houses that are open 24-hours, among others.

Balik Pulau is more popularly known for its fruit products such as Durian and Nut Meg. Various varieties of Durians are available in town and if you're in during the Durian season, there is even a Durian buffet.

As for me, I was satisfied with just strolling the streets, eating their famous Laksa and drinking White Nut Meg juice in one of the most recommended stalls. All for the price of MYR 4.60.

A day trip to Balik Pulau is doable however if you want to stay overnight, there are several communities that offer homestays (something I am looking forward to on my next trip to Penang). I was not able to explore Balik Pulau so much as you need transportation to go further. However a homestay should make you closer to the things that can't be reached by walking.

A 401 Rapid Penang bus from KOMTAR or the Jetty can easily bring you to the town at MYR 4.00.

Down Town George Town, Penang

2012-02-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

George Town of Penang together with Melaka was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008 because of its multi-cultural characteristic. It was founded by Francis Light a British Captain in 1786. Since it became a base of the British Easy India Company on this side of the world, it witnessed and experienced the evolution of architecture through out time. For a complete list of the attractions, visit this site.

While one marvels at the architecture and historical significance of the town, it is also as exciting to capture life as the locals live it - the corners where they park their cars, the bright colored windows they own, places where they leave their laundries to dry, etc.

The encounter with the locals is a mixed experience. Most locals are friendly and accommodating while a few were rude. I must have seen more Chinese than Malays in Penang.

In terms of getting around George Town and Penang, the Rapid Penang bus system is very efficient. It has two major bus terminals, in the Jetty and in KOMTAR mall. The complete bus routes can be found here.

Travel Photos: Batu Caves of Malaysia

2012-02-05T06:23:00.001-08:00

Batu Caves of Malaysia, a set on Flickr.

Melaka Day Trip Budget

2012-02-04T06:28:00.000-08:00

Not that Melaka does not deserve an overnight stay (or two nights for that matter). Our itinerary did not allow us to stay their overnight so we ended up doing a day trip which seemed enough (for us at least).

Transportation (To and From Melaka, origin KL Sentral): MYR 22.70
Guide Map (bought at the Information Center): MYR 5.00
Food (Lunch and Snack): MYR 8.50
Souvenir: MYR 4.00

TOTAL: MYR 40.2 ~ $13.35 ~ PhP 570.00

Melaka you deserve a visit

Kuala Lumpur on a Budget

2012-02-04T06:19:00.000-08:00

Staying in Kuala Lumpur is surprisingly cheap especially if you find accommodation near the center of the city, preferably Little India or China Town where street food is overwhelming but very cheap. Below is the total cost of our 2-night stay in KL. On the day of our arrival, we went to the Batu Caves and Petronas and did some rounds in Little India and China Town. On our second day, we did a day trip to Melaka. Cost for a day trip in Melaka will be part of another blog post.

Hostel (near China Town, room for two shared with my sister, breakfast included): MYR 70.00
Food (mostly Street food in China Town and Little India, ate at McDonald's once): MYR 41.05
Transportation (From Airport, To and From Batu Caves, To and From Petronas): MYR 18.20
Universal Travel Charger: MYR 49.90

TOTAL: MYR 68.1 ~ $22.60 ~ PhP 965.00

KL you did not fail me

The Waiting Game

2012-02-04T00:39:00.000-08:00

Leaving for Kota Kinabalu
Waiting at the airport
Long queue of noisy people
A man runs clumsily
Left luggage
7th day on the road
And I miss the TV of all things
45 minutes before boarding
It's so cold in this airport terminal
Remind me to bring a jacket next time
The only song
That gets through the noise barrage "Skinny Love"

photo borrowed here

Travel Photos: Melaka, Malaysia

2012-01-31T06:20:00.001-08:00

Melaka, Malaysia, a set on Flickr.

In and around the Historic Melaka.

Malaysia's Dutch Heritage

2012-01-31T05:49:00.000-08:00

If we Filipinos have our Spanish Heritage; Malaysians have their Dutch Heritage. For almost two centuries Malacca or Melaka was under the control of the Dutch. It was 1602 when the Dutch had their first contact with Malaysia through the Sultan of Johor. From then on, Netherlands and Malaysia carried on a lasting relationship based on commerce, diplomacy and friendship. Read more of the History of Dutch in Malaysia here.

In 2008, Melaka together with Georgetown in Penang was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its multi-cultural characteristic. Read more here.

I admire the people who worked to preserve the site. A walk along the streets of the Historic City is like a stroll back in time.

To get to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur, take a bus to Melaka Sentral from the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan bus terminal that can be reached through the KTM Komuter (Bandar Tasik Selatan station). From Melaka Sentral, board bus #17 found in platforms 6 and/or 7 or board the Panorama Tour Bus also found in the same platforms and ask to be dropped in China Town where the Clock Tower is. From there, you can walk to the Tourist Information Center right across the Church of Christ where you can purchase a guide map.

On Faith and Caves - The Batu Caves of Malaysia

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

"So where are you from?" the man asked in a rather loud voice to get our attention. He was observing us as we were resting after climbing up then down the 272 steps of the Batu Caves. He sat next to us and leaned over as if his voice was not loud already for us to hear.

"People here believe so much that what they ask for come true."

"You mean they have strong faith?" I confirmed.

He said the people don't get tired when they climb up to the Hindu temple in the Batu Caves. Even if their eyes were closed and they were barefoot, they were not scared of falling down. They climb here to ask for blessings - couples who can't conceive, individuals who are sick or old, or whatever it is they need. Some come back to give thanks.

"I am 64," he said. "Yes, it's true," he confirmed when he saw my face of disbelief. His beard and hair were gray but other than those, he did not look 64. "I can climb up and not get tired at all. I don't mind doing it everyday." I smiled. My sister and I were sweaty and hungry. We must have looked very tired to him.

"You know it's all about believing not really religion," he reiterated more than twice. I was trying to explain the context of faith in the Catholic Church. But then again, the context and the concept is the same really, regardless of religion. I am not one to argue about faith especially with him. He looked so passionate about it. I want to believe I have enough faith because it's what's driving me to realize my dream.

The Batu Caves is reachable through the KMTR Commuter Train. Admission is free. Below are some scenes from the Batu Caves.

Sleeping in Airports: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2012-01-29T06:24:00.000-08:00

Our plane landed 15 minutes past 12 midnight. The plan was to sleep at the Tunes hotel near the airport but our 15-minute walk to the hotel was fruitless because we were told they were fully booked. My sister and walked back to the airport tired and eager to sleep. Our second option was the Premium Plaza Lounge, which is much more expensive especially if you stay more than 6 hours.

While we were looking for the lounge, we saw travelers sleeping in almost all corners of the departure area of the airport. This gave my sister and I an idea. We were finally going to sleep in an airport. And so we found a spot with two rather uncomfortable seats. But if they can sleep on those chairs, maybe we can to. So we set up our things and tried to sleep. Our attempts were useless. The chairs were to uncomfortable, the air conditioning was too cold and it was too bright. The travelers sleeping seemed to have really planned on sleeping in the airport. They were ready with their sleeping bags and/or blankets and were happy in dreamland while we were up exploring every corner of the airport until the sun was out.

This particular traveler had to open his umbrella. I don't know why, maybe he did not want to be seen or maybe that's his security blanket?

Will I attempt to sleep in an airport again? Probably, but I will be ready when I have to.

Travel Philippines: Adopting a Turtle

2012-01-26T06:50:00.000-08:00

The adoption happened several years ago. I got it from a box of several of its kind. I named it Loopy because it was so tiny and rounded. I did not know what its gender is. I only had it for a few hours and had to release it to the sea. They said that of the hatchlings that set out to the sea, only a few make it. If Loopy made it, it would be coming back to the same shore after 25-30 years.

The Pawikan Conservation Center sits in Morong, Bataan coastline, the original nesting site of the Olive Ridley turtle species. Pawikans (Filipino for sea turtles) is in danger of being extinct due to poaching. The conservatory is actively protecting the eggs from poachers so they are supposedly free from harm within the protected area. They then collect these eggs and place them in a hatchery. Volunteers work with DENR to make locals aware of the plight of these animals and encourage them to do their part in protecting them. Adopt-a-turtle is one of the programs they are using to educate and encourage locals.

Thanks to Miss Violeta Imperial (Mother Nature) for organizing the event for us.

Travel Philippines: Coves of Anawangin and Nagsasa

2012-01-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

I got to visit Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves of Zambales after two years of wanting and planning. Just like the stories say, both are isolated pristine beaches. Anawangin's sand is lighter than that of Nagsasa's. According to our boat man and guide, the white sand is not actually sand but lahar from Mt. Pinatubo. Nagsasa is a more recent discovery. Both beaches are unique too because of the pine trees lined around the vicinity.

To get to the coves, ride a bus to Iba, Zambales and get down in San Antonio. From San Antonio, ride a tricycle to San Mateo where you will meet your boat man. Nagsasa is farther than Anawangin and the less visited one.

Anawangin Cove

Nagsasa Cove

Camara Island

Capones Island

Travel Philippines: Siquijor

2012-01-21T06:03:00.000-08:00

Siquijor is an island province located in Central Visayas and is famous for mystic traditions. It has the reputation of being the island of magic and sorcery. This reputation either attracts or drives away tourists. Nowadays however I think it attracts more than it drives away. The technology phase makes people more curious about the old ways or alternative of doing things. For those who were driven away, they missed to see several attractions in the island - beaches, caves, waterfalls among the many.

Speak Malay

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

I am currently studying a few Malay phrases for my up coming trip. I have not realized until recently how similar it is to the language that we Pinoys know. It's as easy to read and pronounce as well. I did some research and found out that the following ethnic groups in the Philippines are within the Malay race - Tagalogs, Cebuano, Ilocano, Bicolano, Bisaya and Hiligaynon. Observe:

English	Malay	Ilocano	Tagalog
one	satu	maysa	isa
two	dua	dowa	dalawa
three	tiga	tallo	tatlo
four	empat	upat	apat
five	lima	lima	lima
six	enam	inem	anim
seven	tujuh	pito	pito
eight	lapan	walo	walo
nine	sembilan	siyam	siyam
ten	sepuluh	sangapulo	sampu

Download World Nomad's Malay Language Guide (free) to your iPod or iPhone to start learning the language.

Travel Philippines: The Historic City of Vigan

2012-01-16T07:39:00.000-08:00

I regret that I have not explored Ilocos Sur enough to share a good list of attractions. I’ve been to Vigan several times but have not been to other parts of the province (or maybe I have but have not been paying attention). Vigan is already well worth a weekend’s visit though. Or you can always included it in your itinerary when traveling north.

A trip to Ilocos is not complete without a tour of the historic city of Vigan specifically a stroll along Calle Crisologo. Vigan is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites because of the preserved Spanish colonial town, the best that can be found in Asia. Along Crisologo is also the Crisologo Museum. It is the preserved ancestral home of the Crisologo clan, one of the principal families of Vigan. The museum is open from Mondays through Saturdays 9am - 5pm.

For newbies, a visit to the pottery is recommended. Potters can be paid to create something for you or you can take a stab at pottery.

And if you get lucky, you get to see this during your drive to or from Vigan.

Travel Essentials: Water Bottles

2012-01-15T05:02:00.000-08:00

Being on the road a lot, I have discovered that having a water bottle is important. It's very useful in the most unusual ways. It also helps me save because I don't need to buy 1-liter bottles ever so often. I can always refill in hotels, hostels or from bigger bottles that can be bought cheaper.

I use Nalgene but contemplating on buying a Platypus so that I can save on space when I don't need to use the bottle. 1-Liter Nalgene bottles cost around PhP800 and 1-Liter Platypus costs almost a thousand. You can buy both at R.O.X. at Bonifacio High Street.

Note: You'd want to buy one that has a narrow mouth. It would be easier to drink from it and won't spill while drinking in a moving vehicle. Learned this from experience.

Travel Philippines: Ilocos Norte

2012-01-12T07:18:00.000-08:00

Ilocos Norte has become one of the provinces I visit more often. And I thank my Ilocano friends for that. As long as we can, we spend a few days in their province, doing nothing but appreciating the simple things that life has to offer.

Ilocos Norte can be reached via overnight bus or a plane ride to the city of Laoag. From Laoag, one can travel north to the beaches of Pagudpud, the windmills of Bangui and other attractions.

Here are my favorite attractions and activities in Ilocos Norte.

Pagudpud Beach. Of course, a trip to the north will never be complete without a trip to this beautiful beach. The beach is comparable to those we have in the islands of Visayas. Probably one of the differences I have observed is that it is more windy up north so the waves seem to be bigger up north.

One can enjoy the beach during the day while he can marvel at the magnificent view just before night falls.

The Windmills of Bangui. This is the first wind farm in the Philippines consisting of wind turbines on shore facing the South China Sea. It supplies part of the electricity needs of Ilocos Norte. One can appreciate the windmills as viewed with the sea sa a background. I prefer observing them from a far with the farm as my foreground. In the morning, my friends and I would follow the road by the farm until we reach the beach. It is a great activity if you need to kill some time.

The Historic Church of Paoay. This is 1 of the 4 Baroque Churches listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. Ilocos has 2 (Sta. Maria Church, Ilocos Sur), I only got to see 1.

Observing the people and lifestyle of the Ilocanos. If you get a spend a day or two in a town in Ilocos Norte, it would be nice to observe the people or even live with them. They are hardworking and appreciate time they find to take things easy. They are thrifty of course but leaning to being practical.

Travel Inspiration: Migrationology.com

2012-01-10T06:10:00.000-08:00

I ran into migrationology.com while I was coming up with an itinerary for our Malaysia trip. I was attracted to the site not just because of the several very useful posts about Malaysia but also because of the intent of the site. It focuses on cultural travel.

Some people (that I call vacationers) fly to a place, stay in a great hotel, sign up for tours, take lots of pictures then leave the place. Mark Wiens, the author, immerses himself to the culture of whatever country he is visiting and writes to share it. He lives like a local would, nothing too fancy.

Both blog and author are inspiring. Learn more about the site and author here.

Travel Philippines: Sagada, Mt. Province

2012-01-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

After visiting the big falls of Sagada several years ago, I swore I was not going to do it again. But a few years later, I found myself going down the mountains passing through the rice paddies to see the falls. So "Why?", one would ask. Why would I go through the hard trek going down to see the falls then going back up? Because I think the falls is majestic and it deserves to be seen by everyone more than once - and the Sumaging cave too. One has to do the spelunking and cave connection more than once in his or her life or else you'll be dreaming of it again.

Sagada is a municipality of Mt. Province that can be reached through a bus ride from Baguio City. Sagada attracts people who are more into adventure or those seeking to commune with nature. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place to be - life is slow but you get all the basic things you need. Though through the years, the cost of traveling to Sagada has increased, tourists should not miss this place.

Foggy Mornings

Spelunking in the Sumaging Cave

Rice Paddies or Rice Terraces are seen on the way down to the Big Falls also know as the Bomod-ok Falls

The Bomod-ok Falls on December. There is more water when you visit during rainy months.

Sunset by the Lake Danum

A view from the bus

Sagada can be easily reached through a bus from the Dangwa Bus Station in Baguio City. The trip takes 6-7 hours. If you are coming from Manila, I suggest you take the Victory Liner bus to Baguio. This is the closest you can get to the Greyhound Liner. Be prepared for the trip if you have motion sickness. If you're afraid of heights, don't sit by the window.

Once you are in Sagada you need to go to the Tourist Center (right in the middle of the town where the bus will be unloading) and register. They will give you your guide and will help you look for a place to stay.

From Sagada, you can continue your journey in the mountain by trekking the Batad Rice Terraces or the Ifugao Rice Terraces.

More information about Sagada can be found here: http://www.visitsagada.com/.

**Photos here are all mine I just was not able to watermark them. Please respect my copyright.