suroy_suroy ta nijo!

Temple Tour: Candi Borobudur

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:35:00 +0000

November 14, 2012 – Temple Tour

*take Transjogja bus – Malioboro to Jombor – 3,000

*Jombor bus to Borobudur – 20,000

*Borobudur – entrance: 200,000 (20usd)

*Borobudur to Jombor bus station – 20,000

*Jombor to Transjogja Maioboro-3,000

*transjogja malioboro to Prambanan – 20,000

*Prambanan – entrance: 165,000 (18usd)

*Prambanan Transjogja to Malioboro – (20,000)

That’s a copy of my detailed itinerary for my supposed DIY temple tour in Central Java. Total expense for transportation only for the DIY tour is around 86,000IDR. Some travel agencies offer transport tour for only 65,000 to 75,000IDR. As always, the downside of joining group tours is that you cannot own the time of your tour.

So I decided to scratch that part of my iti, because I accepted the offer of the kind family I met in the railway station (obvious bang nakalimutan ko ang name nila. Tsk. Tsk.) Free transport tour to Borobudur and Prambanan temple – means saving 86,000IDR. Saving 86,000IDR means more KFC. Haha!

The night before, I texted the travel tour owner to confirm my stay in Anda Losmen. They told they’ll pick me up at around 430 in the morning. But it was almost 530 when they arrive. (Borobudur temple opens at 6am.)

Borobudur Temple

Entrance fee:

180,000 IDR/20USD (foreign visitors)

90,000 IDR/10USD (foreign students with ID)

30,000 IDR (local visitors)

I never get tired to exploring temples. I must admit I vaguely remember all the details of the history of Angkor Wat temple, but I cannot forget how beautiful and magnificent the temple was. Now another Buddhist temple in central Java left me with so much awe-wow moment.

Entrance fee in Borobudur temple can be very hefty. This is after all one of the country’s tourist hotspots, so expect a double even triple charge for foreigners. But there’s always a way for a kuripot traveller like me. I first plan to act like a local in order to avail the cheapest entry fee. But since, I accepted the free transport offer of a travel agency, I had to join other foreign visitors, and be one with them.

The next thing I did was to pretend to be a legitimate student of a university. I know, what I did was a crime, but it’s one of those days that you have to make a crazy ‘diskarte’ to save a big bucks when travelling. Haha. Besides, I didn’t come up with this idea all by myself. I got this from research. Haha. And I didn’t make such claims without any document to support it – my Recto-made ID. (sabi nga, wag tularan!)

Right after securing my student pass, one of the attendants assisted me on how to wear the sarong. It’s their way of showing respect to the holy temple especially from visitors who will be wearing shorts and short-shorts. There’s a different sarong for foreign and local visitors.

I then took advantage of the free coffee being served in the office. We were oriented for a minute then we proceeded to the tour – all by ourselves. It was a weekday, yet, there were a lot of visitors in the area most of them were local students from Surabaya and Bandung.

But these students aren't there just for the tour, but to learn and practice their English – by talking to foreigners visiting the temple.

So while being in awe at the grand temple in front of me, students started to flock the view. Mobbing most of the white-skinned tourists entering the temple. Oh well, I thought they won’t notice me, being tanned and dark skinned and all – before I knew it – I was there, talking to them, after all, I was wearing the sarong for foreign visitors. So there I was, answering all their scripted and much memorized questions – what’s your name, where you from, when did you arrive in Jakarta, what do you think of the Borobudur temple etc. They’d better do it right because their respective teachers were documenting the whole thing. Haha. They also shared bits of Indonesian culture – food, dance and few local words which I can no longer remember. And to end the discussion, you have to grade them how do you think the whole conversation exercise went.

brown sarong for locals, white for foreigners

It was fun at first, really. I was just amazed how eager they were to learn English. But after having three different batches of students – it began to sound a little annoying. They asked almost same questions over and over, except the last one, where I talked to college students. But the interview basically ate up my tour time – c’mon as much as I wanted to tell them my story, I still have a temple to explore and I was running out of time. When I saw new visitors coming up the stairs in the temple, I started to beg off interviews from the kids and started my tour. This time, I was in a hurry because I only had few minutes left from our allotted tour time. But still, it was a wonderful experience talking to them.

Borobudur temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It is also one of the most complex I’ve ever seen. From afar, it may look similar to a pyramid. But when you take a closer look in it – you’ll see magnificent features and intricate designs that made this temple into the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. History dictates it was once buried into volcanic ash and was abandoned for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered.

On the top floor, you will see the most photographed stupa of the temple. There are 72 stupa (bell-like designed monument) surrounding the main dome that is located at the heart of the temple. Inside these stupas are 72 Buddha statues, sitting in different meditating position, protected and covered. They say the Buddha statue inside the stupa symbolizes the holiness of the spirit of the monks.

But there are some special stupa that is open for prayers and pilgrimage, like this one.

They say it’s best to visit the temple for the sunrise, at around 4-5am, but it’ll cost you more. The price you have to pay if you want to see the beautiful transformation of the temple once the first ray of sunlight kisses it and displays the various color of volcanic stones the temple is made of from. (Regular operating hours in the temple is 6am to 5pm.)

Some facts on Borobudur temple:

The largest stupa, right at the heart of the temple has a lightning arrester to protect it from bad weather.

It has a total of 1,460 reliefs that illustrates a story and more than a thousand panels for decoration.

A total of 32 lion guards surrounded the temple.

There are 504 Buddha statues in the entire temple.

Persistent souvenir vendors will mob you at the exit of the temple.

Note: Don’t be surprised, it’s a long walk from the exit of the temple to parking area where the tour vans and your tour mates will be waiting for you.

Spelunking Bayukbok Cave

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 04:44:00 +0000

One of the highlights of the trip to Mt. Manalmon is to explore Bayukbok Cave.

We were told there are three caves in the area, each cave charges 30 each. But Kuya AL just asked for 60pesos for all three. Well, the first cave which is the Madlum cave is nothing but normal – nothing extra ordinary. You can actually explore the small area by yourself. So parang di rin kami naka discount.

Bayukbok cave is said to be the hideout of guerillas during the revolutionary era. Just like Cu Chi tunnels of Vietnam, these caves served as the shelter of our forefathers from the historic battle against Japanese colony.

From the camping area, we started our descent a little past 9am. Back in the registration area, we left our bags in their conference room – and get ready for spelunking. The cave is located at the other side of the river, and this time, we were motivated to try the monkey bridge. No one dared to try it first but me … But I wasn’t alone, because Kuya Al was there to complete our tandem.

First few steps were scary. Reaching the middle of the wire bridge became more terrifying. I could feel my legs shaking, so I had to stop in the center, rest and relax for a moment to regain my fading strength. Kuya Al said the wire can carry up to two persons at the same time. At least you have someone to give you confidence and cheer you up to continue the heart pumping activity.

So pair by pair, we successfully finished the monkey bridge – buti walang nahulog kundi nakakahiya. Haha. But according to Kuya Al, wala pa namang nahulog dun ever. Well, looking back, it was an easy task, so long as you have that adventurous heart to try it. Tip: Try not to focus your attention down the river. Hold the wire firmly but not too strong. Relax when you feel like your legs are uncontrollably trembling. Take one step and just glide all throughout. Most of all, enjoy the moment.

The monkey bridge served as a warm up for our spelunking activity. It somehow boosts up our spirits.

Bayukbok cave is a series of interconnected caves. Their leaflet says it’s a 4km roundtrip with hardness scale of 6. I have personal idea about the hardness scale, but yes, exploring these caves was indeed hard. Rates: Caves 1-6 (150 per 5persons), caves 7-8 (150 for 5persons). So we decided to take all the cave, and we started with the hardest – caves 7-8.

It was the first caving experience for everyone, except for me and my boyfriend. So just imagine how surprise they were when we started to crawl, squeeze ourselves to the narrowest paths and climb the rockiest and sharpest limestone. The real adventure is here.

After finishing caves 7 and 8, we walked back in an open, grass-rocky hill – and traversed the second part of our spelunking. And we started it with rappelling. It looked easy and simple, but it’s quite challenging. Compared to caves 7 and 8, caves 1-6 is little less complicated but still, some parts of it can be death defying. Aside from rappelling, we also had to climb a swinging bamboo ladder placed in one of the rock walls.

And we thought the final part of all is the least difficult because we had the sunlight to our advantage. We were wrong. We had to climbed up an open rocky cliff – no harness or any supportive gadgets but your grip to the stones and your flexibility to bend and twist your body to ascend one of the risky parts of the cave.

It took us more than two hours navigating one of the best caves I have ever been to. I got one bruise on my knees – and unnumbered fun and body aches.

*collage photos courtesy of Allenson Varquez

Riverfront Camping in Mt. Manalmon

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 03:55:00 +0000

It’s been a long time, I know. Honestly, I’ve been busy doing nothing. I still have few back logs about my solo backpacking in Indonesia last year. Been wanting to post updates, trust me, my spirit is willing but my body is just too weak! Haha. If not for the intense adventure I had last weekend, I wouldn’t have any strength today to start my-first-story-of-the-year.

Unlike my other adventure, this time, it was my beloved boyfriend who organized the trip. This is indeed a new year for me. He started his new found hobby last year, when he and his group of friends went to Anawangin and Nagsasa in Zambales. Then it was succeeded with another overnight camping adventure in Batlag Falls in Tanay last month. And just last week, I had one of the most extreme and most exciting camping trips ever.

I normally don’t travel on a weekend to avoid the crowd, but since J and his friends has Sat-Sun offs, he didn’t give me much choices.

While planning the trip, one of the major concern we had to consider, is that fact that his friends aren’t actually the ‘climber’ type. They want something adventurous but not ‘too’ hardcore… They want to camp and they want to swim as well. And most of all, the words ‘cheap’ and ‘budget’ must also be taken to consideration.

With all these conditions to think about, we knew exactly where to bring them. Mt. Manalmon.

Mt. Manalmon is part of the preserved Biak na Bato National Park. History said that this is one of the hiding places of Katipuneros during revolutionary era. Now, this part of San Miguel, Bulacan slowly became a paradise for thrill seekers and nature lovers.

We left Cubao – Baliwag bus terminal at around 930am. Five from the group just came from their respective shifts so we had to wait for them – but it was actually J and I who were late at our meeting place. SHAME! Travel time from Cubao to San Miguel, Bulacan is approximately 2.5 hours. Fare: 117Php/oneway.

Tricycle drivers mobbed us as soon as we get off the bus. It was about lunch time, so decided to take our lunch first before heading to our ‘climb’. One of the tricycle drivers suggested that we take our lunch on our way to the jump off, besides there were no visible karenderia in the bus stop area. So we hopped into the trike and stopped in the next few meters – and ate in a karenderia, where we saw other campers and climbers eating.

J’s friend bought rice for takeout for their dinner. And off we went back to the road. Travel time from bus stop to jump off point is approximately 45mins. Fare: 200 per trike (3persons - in our case, because we had big bags, tents etc.) But normally, for day trippers, trike would fit 4 persons.

When reaching the jump off, these mesmerizing views will warmly welcome you.

Registration area is at the other side of the river and the only mode of transport crossing the river is the balsa/raft. It can carry up to 12 persons, provided they weigh not more than 100kilos each. In short, basta hindi masyadong matataba ang sakay. Haha. Otherwise, manong driver will have to go back and forth for the other passengers. Travel time: less than a minute. Fare: 5php each. Aside from the raft, you can take the more exciting and cheapest way of crossing the river – through the wire. The called it the monkey bridge. Travel time: Depende sa nerbyos at tuhod mo. Fare: 0php (free). Since we were still on our full battled gears, we chose the raft.

option 1: raft: 5php

option two: monkey bridge: free

We wasted no time after we listed our names in the log book. Tatay Carling, (0919.574.6470) our contact person in Mt Manalmon reserved us a guide. Guide fee is 300 for a day trip. It gets double for overnight (600php), maximum of 10. We were 11, so they just allow us to get one guide, with the same price, of course. Registration is 5php each.

True to what they say, Mt Manalmon is best for novice climbers – or even just for someone who wants to take a break from the monotonous cycle of a city life. It only took us 45minutes from the jump off to get to the camping area. That includes stops for photo ops and quick rests. It was a piece of cake for most of us, except for the first part of the trek where we had to pass the rather less exciting Madlum/Manalmon cave and was surprised with the massive rock formations after it. I think other than that, everything was a walk in the park.

didn't i tell you it's a walk in the park!

There are two camping areas in Mt Manalmon. One is near the river, and the other one is a stone away from the summit. We chose the former because bonfire is not allowed in the summit area. Besides, it’s hard to resist the serene waters of the river.

We set up our tents and settle our things. At that time, we were the only ones in the area, as most of the campers preferred to stay near the summit. The guys wasted no time and took the chance to refresh themselves. While we chose to do the thing we’re most good at – cam whoring! Haha.

We get back to our tent area for a quick rest and a brief introduction for the new joiners. J and his friends have this ‘special thing’ on how to make every outing more memorable and extra fun, in the most ‘lu-od’-way… It’s just hard to explain. You need to join one of their trips to fully understand this entertaining part of the adventure.

Just before the sun down, we started to hit the road again for the summit. If you’ve been to Mt Maculot or Mt. Gulugod Baboy, this part of Mt. Manalmon will be nothing but an effortless 20-minute-hike.

the second camping area

We made it to the summit earlier than we expected. The sun was still up, that made us a hard time capturing the beautiful view, salamat sa mga shadow at mga against-the-light moments. Not to mention the strong winds the summit has to offer.

Mt Manalmon has one of the best summits I’ve ever seen. The view of Madlum River lying in the midst of the forested region added much beauty to the totality of the landscape. The sights of Mount Gola and Mount Arayat are also hard to miss.

view of our campsite from the peak (8x zoom)

J and I wanted to stay a little longer and wait for the sunset – we’re addict to sunsets. For me, there’s just something about sunsets that brings out the deep seated and the most romantic emotions a person can ever feel. In short, nakaka-emo ang sunset. Haha.

But since not everyone in the group share the same emo-sentiments and not everyone has passion for heights, we started our descent while daylight was still on our side.

We then prepared our dinner. We had adobo, and adobo… canned goods and canned goods… Haha. Normally, J takes care of the bonfire. But since, we had a guide, Kuya Al took over and borrowed J’s bolo to gather woods and dried bamboo to make the fire. We finished our fun-filled delectable dinner, and proceeded to the next part of our night – game time and socials.

what's camping without bonfire?

what's bonfire without mallows?

our guide, Kuya AL: tao ba to, bagay? hayop? nakikita dito?

We had Pinoy henyo where categories must be Mt. Manalmon trip-related and movie charades. Even our guide, Kuya Al joined the fun.We also had random question-and-answer-portion-ala-miss-universe prepared by yours truly, to break the ice and to get to know more each of the participants. And to always wrap things up - they have this thing called, ‘luod-luod’ moment, which can be very funny and corny at the same time. If you wanna what this part is, you need to join us in one of our trips to find out. Haha.

Budgeting Mt. Manalmon

Bus fare:		234	roundtrip
Tricycle to Sitio Madlum:	860 (4 trike/11pax)	80	ripped off
Raft:		15	3rides
Registration:		5
Guide (overnight):	600/11pax	55	(300 for daytrip)
Cave fee:	3 caves	60	discounted price daw
Tricycle to Bus stop:	800 (4 trike/11pax)	75
Miscellaneous:	Food, drinks, tip for guide	150
	Total:	674

Yogyakarta: Anda Losmen, Cecko Tours, Malioboro St.

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 09:19:00 +0000

Originally, I plan staying at a more posh, boutique-type EDU Hostel. Their website is very enticing and they offer cheap rates for budget traveler like me. They also have free breakfast. Quiet a steal really. But things change when I entered the famous Gang II of Sosrowijayan St. Sosrowijayan St is the Pha Ngu Lao and Khao San Road of Jogja.

first night in Jogja

After parting ways with the Indonesian family I met in Gambir station, I tried to explore Sosrowijayan St. in lieu of my search for a cheap Mt Bromo-Denpasar tours. The plan is to book my Bromo-Denpasar tour before heading to my hostel – which is a little far from the area.

I may look Indonesian to them – but with my backpack and my camera – again, my cover is compromised. Few men approached me, trying to offer their travel tour packages – in full Indonesian Bahasa dialect. Kala kasi talaga nila Indonesian ako. Haha.

Based on research, these are the few reliable travel companies that offer great deals on my chosen leg (Jogja-Bromo-Denpasar) – Cecko Trans, Simple tours and Sorso tours. The first two agencies are located next to each other in Gang II area. While Sosro is located near Malioboro Inn.

Upon entering Gang II, different travel agencies and ‘anda’ (guesthouses) will welcome you. Bike rentals, internet café, money charger will also join the welcome party. It's called the international village for obvious reasons that the area houses different people from different countries.

Signs of Cecko and Simple tours are hard to miss when you’re in the alley. I first checked Simple tours but it was too crowded with tambay. I walked a little more and saw the office of Cecko Trans. After talking to the guy in charge, I booked myself one slot for Jogja-Bromo-Denpasar package for 350,000IDR. This includes the following:

Private transportation from Jogja to Probolinggo to Cemaro Lawang – 13hrs (with stops)
Overnight stay with breakfast in Cemaro Lawang (shared room)
Jeep transfers to Mt. Penanjakan and Mt. Bromo
Private transportation from Cemaro Lawang to Probolinggo to Denpasar, Bali – 10 hrs (with necessary stops)

In dealing with Mt Bromo tours, make sure to ask if the ‘jeep transfer’ is included in the package or not. So you won’t be charge again in Probolinggo for the jeep transfer (100,000IDR), unless you want to walk all the way to Mt. Penanjakan and to Mt. Bromo. Other backpackers had this dilemma when they realized that jeep transfers were not included in their tickets – when they pay the same amount as mine. I paid directly to the travel agency, while they pay through a third party.

After settling my Bromo package, I exited the office. Just in front the Cecko trans, I saw Anda Losmen. Because I told the Indonesian family I met that I had reservation in Anda Losmen, I tried enquiring their rooms. Good thing, they had one single, fan room with private bath for 35,000IDR – I got excited about the price and checked the room – it’s very basic. But it has free WIFI. I love being basic and I love free WIFI – so I took the room, 70,000IDR for 2nights. My budget is 60,000IDR per night. Yes, may pang KFC na ako. Life is great.

right in front of Cecko Tours

35,000IDR = 175.00Php per night

Talk about the room being basic, it has one outlet. I had four essential lifeless gadgets to charge (one camera, one mp3, one cell phone for roaming, one for local use). Not to mention the fan in the room. The price I had to pay. Haha.

One of the attendants of Anda Losmen was kind enough to accompany me buy an adapter. We took the short cut and walked the narrow alleys of Gang II area.

newly painted walls in one of the alleys

I then decided to change my dollars bills to rupiah in an authorized money changer near Garuda Inn, it's along Malioboro St.

my first million in Jogja

Before calling it a day, I leisurely walked the streets of Malioboro. It’s famous for batik and the likes. Souvenir items and other Indonesian crafts are being sold here. There’s also a nearby shopping mall in the area.

Next: Temple Tour: Candi Borobudur

On the rail: Jakarta to Yogyakarta by Train

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:14:00 +0000

Birthdays are best celebrated with families and friends, with cakes and ice creams with colorful balloons and flowers… and booze for others. I have done that for the past 29 years of my life. And it’s not that I’m tired doing it, it’s just I want to mark my life turning 30 into something different – celebrating it alone, miles away from my loved ones, no fussy celebration – just a moment, must say, a week of self discovering of how I lived my life, in 30 years.

This is one lame excuse I came up for my solo trip to Indonesia. Honestly, I booked my tickets by mistake – and it was too late when I realized the dates. That’s one problem when you’re in a hurry securing tickets from a seat sale (11-11-11), and doing it at work, when you’re strictly prohibited to access any non-work related sites. Well, a thousand peso round trip ticket to Indonesia on my 30^th birthday is not that bad after all.

Nov 12, 2012

NAIA Terminal 3

After my crazy stunt in Bangkok last September, I had to triple check my money before I left my boarding house. Even J had to counter check it, just to make sure I have everything essential I need before I leave the country. Haha.

Well, it seems to me that I begun to love having airport mishaps. While in NAIA, I unknowingly left my passport at the check in counter. I comfortably sat in the food court area, enjoying the barely-there WIFI connection, when I heard my name, echoing in every corner of the airport… the voice was telling me to get my passport at the Cebu Pacific help desk. Tsk. Tsk.

Touchdown: Jakarta Airport (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport)

Much has been said about the hassle passing through the Immigration in Indonesia – I have read numerous horrible stories about Pinoy travelers being harassed, extorted and worst, suspected to be drug couriers in the country. Just days before my trip, I read one blogger who had yet another untoward Immigration experience in Surabaya. Almost make me backed out from my birthday plans.

Taking things seriously, I made a very detailed itinerary just in case an IO would dare asked the why’s and where’s of my travel. Usually, I travel with my flip flops, but this time, I dressed up properly complete with my shoes on. Paranoid lang. Sleepy and exhausted, I tried to look fresh and respectable in front of the IO – only for him to glance at me in less than a second, checked my passport – and viola! It got stamped – no single word from the officer. *Sigh*

After withdrawing money from the ATM (I used an RCBC My Wallet Visa card), I decided to stay overnight in the airport – and waited for Damri Bus to take me to the Gambir Railway Station the next morning.

Nov. 13, 2012
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta
Jakarta doesn’t have MTR or BTS. DAMRI bus transports passengers from the airport to the city. I’m not sure what time they operate but I was able to ride one at around 530am. (20,000 IDR to Gambir Station).

In less than an hour, I reached the Gambir Railway station. It looked a little unkempt from the outside. You wouldn’t even think it’s a railway station – but it appeared different inside. I went straight to the ticket counter, having a very detailed itinerary made it easy for me to tell them my preferred train time – 8am. Destination: Yogyakarta (they call it Jogja). I got an ekslusif class ticket for 355,000IDR. During the planning stage of this trip, I thought of getting an overnight train to save one night accommodation, but nothing interests me in Jakarta – so I decided took the first train of the day.

Gambir Railway Station

One can fly from Jakarta to Jogja, cheaper than taking the train, especially if you get the chance to book it on a seat sale. But train rides can be exciting too. It’s my first time to experience a non-economy class seat. Travel time from Jakarta to Jogja is 8hrs. Can be longer if you take economy train.

After securing my ticket, I had my first Indonesian meal, or should I say, Asian meal – Nasi Goreng it is.

If you have plenty of time and energy, you check out the famous site few steps away from the station – MONAS, Jakarta's National Monument. I saw it on my way to the station while inside DAMRI bus, so I didn’t bother checking it up close.

While waiting for my train, an old couple approached me for some help. They were trying to use their new Smartphone, same unit as mine. They might have seen me using my phone so they asked me to help them out. I had a hard time fixing it, because all are written in Bahasa and they thought I’m Indonesian – actually, it has been always like that for my entire trip. Haha. But I speak no Bahasa, apart from Terima Kasih (thank you) and Sama Sama (Your welcome) which I practiced before leaving Philippines. Good thing they know how to speak in English, as the lady was a retired teacher in Jakarta. They told me they had an emergency call to make. I offered my phone but they declined. After some time, the phone got fix, and they were able to make a call. They were suppose to take Air Asia flight from Jakarta to Jogja, but some reasons, they missed the flight and left some of their luggage in the airport and decided to take the train instead. Their son owns a travel tour company in Jogja and they also have a guesthouse in Malioboro- area (the backpackers area in Jogja).

It was a good thing, I guess that there was no economy class ticket available – or else, I'd miss the comfort offered in the ekslusif class. Oh well, it’s not every day that I get to travel in an exclusive class. Comfortable seats, bigger leg room – and on top of that – I had these seats all for myself. Tired from my flight, I dozed off to sleep before the train could ever leave the station.

outside the railway station, view from my seat

There are two outlets exclusively available for you, next to your seats, in case you wanted to recharge your gadgets while inside the train. Exactly what I needed – but they have different sockets – the round ones. I wasn’t aware of this – I mean, none among my research mentioned about the different socket – Haha.

We arrived at Jogja a little past three in the afternoon. Again, I was with the same old couple I met back in Gambir station – we were in the same coach. Their son fetched them in the railway station – he was introduced to me and he started asking me about my stay and my plans in Jogja. He owns a travel tour, I remember.

Jogja station is just a five minute walk away from the famous Malioboro St. So we walked and we talked. They offered me their guesthouse. At first, I thought it was for free. Haha. They gave me a discount, from 60,000IDR to 50,000IDR for a night – just right for my budget. But instinct held me back from accepting the very tempting offer. I just told them I have reservations already at Anda Losmen – kahit wala. I was about to say EDU Hostel para social ang dating, I didn’t know why Anda Losmen came out first. They didn’t insist though, about the guest house because they knew that Anda Losmen has cheaper rates than theirs. But just before we separate our ways, he presented another offer – a temple tour for free – their gesture in return for helping his parents – ahh... Isn’t that sweet! I had no plans joining any temple tours, because I want to do it myself – I have a very detailed information how to get to and fro from those temples, I’m pretty sure I won’t get lost. But a free transport tour – made me think twice. And I think it’ll be a crime not to say yes. Haha.

Budgeting Bangok

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:22:00 +0000

Travel dates: September 25-28, 2012

		*Shared(4)*	*Personal*
Day1	Arrival/Half day Temple tour
	Airport City Link		45
	Smartpass – Rapid Card		300 (50 refundable, 50 card fee)
	Check in: Bangkok City Hotel	7,140 (2 rooms, 4d/3n)	1,785
	Tourist ferry to Grand Palace		40
	Entrance fee: Grand Palace		400
	Entrance fee: Wat Pho		100
	Tuktuk from Wat Pho to pier	40	10
	Ferry back to main port		12
	Subtotal:		2,692

Day2	Muang Boran: The Ancient City
	Metered Taxi to Muang Boran	350 (w/ light traffic)	87.5
	Entrance fee		500
	Golf cart rental	900 (3hrs)	225
	Metered taxi to Platinum Mall	230 (no traffic)	57.5
	Tuktuk from Platinum Mall to hotel	50	12.5
	Subtotal:		882.50

Day3	Daytrip: Pattaya
	Van to Pattaya (near Victory Monument station)		100
	Entrance fee: Sukhawadee Palace		300
	Entrance fee: Nong Nooch Garden Centre		500
	Entrance fee: Floating Market		200
	Pattaya Car rental	1,000	250
	Van to Bangkok		120
	Taxi from Victory Monument to hotel	45	11.25

	Subtotal:		1,481.25

Day4	Terminal 21/Shop-hopping
	Hotel check out extension up to 7pm	300	75
	Tuktuk from Platinum mall to hotel	50	12.50
	Taxi from hotel to airport	400	100
	Subtotal:		187.50
			5, 243.25 Baht (x1.35)
	Total:		7, 078.50Php*

*without food: decent meal with drinks will cost you 100 – 120baht

Budgeting Laos

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:15:00 +0000

Travel dates: September 20-25, 2012

	Thai Baht	Lao Kip
Train:
Bangkok-Laos-Bangkok (non-AC, 2nd class, upper deck)	976

Bus:
Vientiane to Luang Prabang (sleeping bus)		150,000
Luang Prabang to Vientiane (VIP sitting bus)		130,000
Vientiane to Nong Khai (International Bus)		15, 000

Tuktuk:
Thanaleng station to Vientiane (with 4 others)	60
Vientiane city to Northern bus terminal		50,000 (solo)
LP bus terminal to my guesthouse		5,000 (after I walked for 20mins)
Guesthouse to LP Bus terminal v.v. (4x)		40, 000

Accommodation:
Xayana Guesthouse and X3 Capsule hotel		35,000 (overnight)

Entrance fees:
Temple hopping		50, 000
Kuangsi Falls		30,000 (I paid for my Lao friend)
Motorbike Parking		2000

Food/ drinks in Laos:
Night Market plate buffet		10000
Baguette, Iced coffee, fruit shake (my meal for 2days in LP)		40, 000
Lunch in Vientiane		28, 000 (splurge! trying to spend the remaining Lao money)
Meals in transit: mostly in Thai railway station	60

Miscellaneous:		60, 000
Total:	1096 (x1.4)	642, 000 (x.0044)
Total in Peso:	3,069.00	2,825.00

Pattaya Floating Market

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 09:10:00 +0000

When I see a photo of a floating market – Thailand will always comes first to my mind. They’re like synonyms to me. Though, I’m more interested experiencing it in Bangkok, in the famous Damneouk floating market –, I think Pattaya’s version didn’t disappoint me either. Despite the expensive entrance fee of 200 baht.

We didn’t eat our lunch in in Nong Nooch Botanical Garden as the food didn’t look delectable that day. We were starving when we arrive in the floating market, so we instantly bargain for good food. There were a lot of choices. Others were sold on the boats, while some in the stalls and food carts.

Too bad, boat ride costs 600 baht (very expensive!), so we decided to explore the market on foot, which isn’t bad at all. You get to see interesting food being sold and bargain souvenirs in different shops. Though prices are higher compared to Bangkok, but it all boils down how expert you haggle.

Matching up to what I’ve read about damneoouk floating market, I think Pattaya’s less crowded, more organized and a little dirt free. The lake may seem dark and filthy, but it looked unpolluted to me.

****

On our way back to Sukhawadee Palace for our van pick up, Mr Toh, our driver for the day, brought us to a winery – Silverlake. It’s a vineyard slash restaurant. It’s just disappointing they don’t offer free wine tasting. Haha. But the scenery is great. You can get close to the plantation and the garden, for a fee of course. We didn’t bother. We just bought some grape-flavored cookies and pies.

Just few meters away from Silverlake is the very unusual Buddha Mountain. When most Buddha sits in a temple, this one is being carved into a mountain. They say this was a gift made for the King’s birthday. It’s also called as the Laser Buddha, because it was whittled by a laser and the spaces were loaded with gold. I wonder how it looked like in the evening. My companions didn’t make an effort getting an up close view with the Buddha, you can see from afar anyway. But I did – for maybe less than 15 minutes.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden: Pattaya’s Royal Pride

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 07:33:00 +0000

This day trip to Pattaya is actually not part of my final itinerary. Simply because I know it’s far from Bangkok and I don’t think my companions will enjoy the long journey. So, I scratched it out from the plan.

But then a friend of ours who works in Bangkok convinced me to visit the town as it has a lot more to offer – of course she mentioned this beautiful botanical garden which I’m very familiar with, thanks to Google. She also helped us facilitate our transportation in Pattaya so we can visit the floating market, one famous palace, and two more extra sites. And the next thing we knew, we were inside the van, traversing the one of the expressways of Thailand. It was a grueling 3 hour ride. And yes, my companions complained about the long and winding journey. I was worried about the expenses for that day because it wasn’t part of my budget. But I think it was all worth it.

Entrance fee (foreigners – 500, locals - 200)

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is a 500 hectare garden centre and tourist attractin in Pattaya. Its also a major scientific center dedicated to cycads, with its own Ccyad Gene Bank. They once won the Chelsea Flower Show organized by the Royal Horticultural Society in London. - wiki

You cannot leave the premises of Nong Nooch without being overwhelmed with the scenic beauty of different flora and fauna. I know my mom, how she loves flowers and plants, and I know this place is like another heaven for her. It was indeed a treat, according to her. But it was just disappointing that I can no longer afford to let her ride an elephant as it was very expensive, 400 baht. The elephant will tour you around the garden which will only take less than an hour. They had another option though. That is to take a shuttle car for 100 baht each, for 35 minutes I guess. It has two stops, to give visitors chance to take pictures. I did not join them. I wanted to feel the amazing garden myself, be one with nature for a moment…

It’s easy to roam around the botanical garden as it is has covered walkways that makes it easy to get to one place to the other. Although, at some point, I had to walk in an open area, where, my skin and the sun kissed again. But with this view, who cares if I get tanned. *tan talaga!* (I still have tan lines on my feet from my flip flops..haha!) If it wasn’t too hot, I would love to walk all day in every corner of the garden to maximize my 500 baht entrance fee. I am not really a plant enthusiast, but seeing different plants and flower meticulously arranged into great, stunning landscape, it will surely take your breath away.

stonehenge!

Nong Nooch Botanical Graden isn’t just about flower and plants. They also have cultural show to educate visitors of the historic background of Thai traditions. Refer to their website for the schedule. After our garden tour, we went to their theater to witness the cultural show. It has Thai and English narration which is good, though you can hardly understand the English version of it. The show depicts the beginning of the rich culture of Thailand. From different forms traditional dance to sword fighting to drum beating to the origins of Muay Thai, kingdom battles and a lot more.

After the colorful cultural show, we transferred to yet another show – the famous elephant show. Personally, I had no interest watching it. I mean, I have seen them on TV, several times, in different shows, different channels. But since it’s a free show, might as well take advantage of it. Besides, my mom was so eager to witness it.

It's like these elephants are trained to extort money from the audience. They can smell money from your hands. Once you give it to them, they’ll hand it over to the one manning them. Bananas are being sold in the arena for 40baht – and in less than a second it’s already inside the elephants belly. Walang nguya nguya! Mom had a chance to feed one of the elephant with 20 baht – and she was so excited and thrilled about it. Haha

It was fun watching the gigantic creatures doing amazing tricks like basketball, holahoops, bowling and painting. Yes, they paint – on t-shirts – and they’re selling it for 500 baht. They have a lot of elephant painted shirts displayed in an area (sa araw araw ba naming nagpi paint ang elepante sa show) but I think it’s just too expensive. And as their finale, they danced the phenomenal Gangnam style, that gave much delight to the audience. It was really cute.

Should you get hungry from touring around the garden and watching the shows, there are a lot of restaurants and food stalls inside the park to satisfy your stomachs… and more souvenir shops to empty your pockets. Haha.

We didn’t stay much long in Nong Nooch as we had to visit one more site in the town – the Pattaya Floating Market.

Bangok City Temple Tour

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 06:16:00 +0000

After checking in Bangkok City Hotel, we wasted no time and we headed to our first tour of the day – the temple tour, do-it-ourselves way.

Most travel agencies offer half day temple tours – but you can actually do it on your own, cheaper and it’s more fun.

From our hotel, we took the BTS from Ratchathewi to Saphan Taksin, where we need to hop into a ferry boat to transport us to the port near the Grand Palace entrance.

We purchased the rabbit card (similar to octopus card of Hong Kong MTR) and topped it up with 300baht to avoid hassle in buying tickets for the BTS.

From Saphan Taksin station, we took Exit number 2 proceeding to the pier. I know that the regular fare from the main pier to N9 Tha Chang – where the Grand Palace is near to - is 12 baht only. Apparently, when I asked the first ticket booth I saw, we were charged of 40baht. I was caught off guard – and handed them the money. It was then when I had the glimpse of the ferry that I realized it was the tourist ferry – and not the public ferry. Grhh..! (When in the same situation, try not to buy their ticket first and look for the public ferry just few steps away from the booth.)

It started to drizzle while we were still in the ferry. The next thing we knew, the rain dispensed all its wealth upon us. What a way to start our day?

That famous scam they have in the Grand Palace, where most tuk tuk drivers will tell you that the palace is closed? Yes, they still do that. I wonder, don't they know that their swindling style is all over the world wide web? Haha. We were just asking for directions at some point, when that old man interrupted and told us about the ‘closed’ thing. And my mom and two aunts reacted right away – haha. I told them it’s just a scam. I think, it would be better if you avoid asking the tuk tuk drivers around the area. We asked the vendors, and more safely, ask the man in uniform.

The rain didn’t bother considering that we were all dressed up (with closed shoes and long skirts for me and my mom) for the Grand Palace tour, and still heavily poured all the remaining water there is to spill out. While waiting for it to subside, we decided to just change our dollars to baht in a money changer near the entrance of the temple and entered into one of the restaurants.

my first pad Thai experience

We stayed a little longer inside the restaurants. It was already 3pm – and the rain showed no sign of stopping. Did I mention, only one of us has an umbrella? So there, we were forced to buy one more.

*****

A friend of mine told me once that there’s nothing much to see in Bangkok. She may be right. But if you have a half day to spare, a visit to the famous and grandest palace temple won’t be bad idea.

The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Entrance fee: 400baht (Free for locals. Pretend to be on at your own risk!)

Closing time: 330pm

Proper dress code is strictly implemented. (In our case, since it was raining pretty hard, we were allowed to wear our flip flops inside the area.)

It cannot be called the Grand Palace for nothing. My mom and my aunt eyes feasted with all the golden architecture and intricate structure in every part of the temple. The rain continued to spoil our afternoon, but that did not stop us from snapping photos left and right – amid the busy crowd.

the shining emerald Buddha

Just behind the very impressive Temple of the Emerald Buddha, you will see the one of the largest temples in Thailand –

Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha).

Entrance fee: 100 baht (free bottled water)

Closing time: 6pm

Apart from the floating market, I think one of the most famous landmarks of Bangkok is the Temple Reclining Buddha. It’s like when you see it, you would right away think of Bangkok. Well, it’s a huge marker not to be noticed. Wat Pho is measured 46 meters long and is fully covered with gold. His feet are 3 meter- long, decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations. It is said to be the oldest and largest Buddha in Thailand. It's so huge that you I had a hard time putting it on my camera frame. So I made a 'chop-chop' version of it.

There's more in the temple other than the reclining Buddha. While in the ferry on our way back to the BTS station (this time, we took the public ferry), we had a glimpse of the Wat Arun temple from afar. They say you can climb the temple to see a panoramic view of the city. I wanted to see it for myself, but my companions started to complain about getting tired – and so was my camera.

Temple-hopping in Luang Prabang

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 08:32:00 +0000

Legend has it that Buddha smiled when he rested here for a day during his travels. Prophesying that it would one day be the site of a rich and powerful capital city – UNESCO.Org

No wonder Luang Prabang is a home to more than 30 temples that houses hundreds of monks. Actually, there were almost 70 different temples in the town since the beginning of Lao history, but only few survived and now are being preserved.

Watmai Suwannaphumaham (The New Monastery of the Golden Land)

Entrance fee: 10, 000kip
It is the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang.

Wat Nong Sikhounmuang

Free entrance
Wat Nong Sikhounmuang is one of the bigger temples in Luang Prabang. It was built in 1729, during the reign of King Inta Som (1727-76), but was razed in a fire in 1774. The only thing salvaged from the fire was a bronze statue. A full restoration was carried out in 1804 by the Thais, thereby introducing some Thai elements to the design. - source.

Wat Sop Sickharam

Free entrance

Wat Xieng Thong (Monastery of the Golden City)

Entrance 20, 000
Wat Xieng Thong is regarded as the most beautiful temple, not only in Luang Prabang but one of the most exquisite in all of Laos. It is one of the most important Lao monasteries and remains a significant monument of the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. - wiki

Wat That Chomsi/ Mount Phou Si/ Wat Tham Phou si

Entrance fee: 20, 000kip

Mount Phou Si is a 100m high hill in the centre of the town of Luang Prabang. It lies in the heart of the old town peninsula and is bordered on one side by the Mekong River and Nam Khan River on the other side. The hill is a local religious site and houses several Buddhist shrine. - wiki

Halfway up the hill, overlooking the Nam Khan is Wat Tham Phou Si, a Buddhist temple. At the summit of the hill, overlooking the town and surrounding countryside, is Wat Chom Si, which is also a Buddhist temple and is a tourist highlight of Luang Prabang. - wiki

I ended my temple hopping at the summit of Mount Phou Si, and waited for the beautiful sunset to wrap my beautiful day.

sunsets in Luang Prabang

The Natural Charm of Luang Prabang

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 07:01:00 +0000

This is the main reason why I wanted to visit Laos. I knew nothing about Luang Prabang when I overheard someone said it is a UNESCO heritage town. Curiosity tickled my mind, how can a town be a UNESCO Heritage site. I mean, most of the UNESCO heritage sites I have been to are places or just spots like the Rice Terraces in Batad and the Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, but not really an entire town to be called as such. Then I asked my friendly neighborhood aide Google for more information… and the next thing I knew, I was engagingly researching how to go to Luang Prabang the cheapest possible way.

Luang Prabang, which name means The Royal Buddha Image, is also known as the Jewel in Laos Crown. There is really something fascinating in this town to be chosen a UNESCO Heritage site, and I wanted to see and experience for myself the mystery of this place.

From Vientiane, I took the VIPsitting bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. I didn’t book any accommodation in LP, but I had one guesthouse in mind. It’s quite far from the bus terminal and I need to ride a tuk tuk for 20,000 kip. But since, I was trying to save my money, I decided to walk. I just asked for directions going to the city centre and started walking. Though most Lao people cannot converse English properly, they were kind enough to show me the way. There was even one guy who offered me a free ride – siguro nahalata nyang wala akong pangtuktuk haha... but I declined. Hindi pa ako masyadong confident. Haha.

So I enjoyed my morning walking exercise… trying to feel the cold, quiet mornings of Luang Prabang. I noticed they only have tuk tuk, motorbike and bikes… and private cars. No trucks and buses visible on the streets.

Upon checking in at Xayana Guesthouse, I didn’t waste my precious time inside the dorm. Even when my bed is so tempting, I decided to start my tour in the town – at midday! (Sunogan ito ng balat!)

Did I ever mention I haven’t eaten yet – I mean, a proper meal? Yeah. And these row of food stalls just few steps outside my guesthouse saved my day. I just bought iced coffee and baguette. Since Laos has been colonized by French government, not only their buildings are French-inspired, but also their bread.

bags of baguette

With my hands full, I started walking while sightseeing… and trying to contemplate why and how this town made it to the UNESCO Heritage site lists.

Luang Prabang is just a small town and you can cover the whole area in a day, that is if you want to cover the whole thing. But I just wanted to enjoy the walk and feel the difference of this town.

I saw these children in a day centre. Talked to them, but they cannot speak English much. They were actually the first ones to ask me where I’m from – because they thought I am a local. I look like one. Haha.

Compared to Ho Chi Minh and Siem Reap, Luang Prabang is a quiet and simple town. Very laidback, parang probinsya lang. No motorbikes queueing the streets. No skyscraper buildings and modern infrastructures. No theme parks like Hong Kong. No shopping malls like Bangkok. No casinos like Macau. Everything in Luang Prabang is traditional. Seeing the old houses and ancient looking architectural structure gave me the feeling that I have been transferred to a different era of Lao history. Though French influences are noticeable but they have also kept their tradition alive – and those streets and houses and buildings even hotels speaks for themselves.

the Mekong River

Talk about tradition, did you know that in Laos, all women are ‘required’ to wear their traditional skirts all the time? It's called sinhs. The sinh, woven with diverse motifs and colors, reflects the culture, social relationships, and beliefs from community to community and region to region - source. I first noticed this tradition while in Vientiane. I thought it was just a uniform in an office, but upon seeing even a pancake vendor wearing almost the same style of skirt, I begun to wonder – and suspect that this could be part of their rich culture. I mean, I never saw a Lao lady wearing any other skirt apart from this kind. Even when they’re just staying at home or running errands, they’re wearing it. They have different colors, different designs but it has one signature style. Even school uniform for girls has the same style. I saw they’re selling these skirts in the night market, but as much as I wanted to buy one, my budget won’t fit. So I just decided to take photos of the skirts worn by women. Apparently, I accidentally deleted all of them (don’t know how it happened, but I was able to save one.)

Other photos taken from the internet.

Luang Prabang has also strict curfew policy. It’s like the whole town shuts down at 11pm. Even the night market closes by that time. This event can be a nightmare for those who love the night life. You can perhaps try Vang Vieng – I heard it’s the party town of Laos. That’s 3-4hours drive from LP.

The town is also blessed with numbers of temple that houses hundreds or thousands of monks. Magsasawa ka sa kakasalubong sa mga monks sa bawat kanto… which is a great experience. It’s not every day that you get to see monks in their different shade of orange robes… up close and smile at them, sometimes interact and converse with them... though others seemed to look too serious.

All photos were taken discreetly… paparazzi style.

Did you also know that in Luang Prabang, locals give alms to the monks, every morning? Actually, it has become one of the tourist attractions in the town. I didn't experience this one, because I overslept – something I regret up until now.

You see, monks don't get pay checks.They get food every day from the villagers. In Luang Prabang, alms giving or tak bat happens early in the morning along Sisavangvong Road. At this hour, you’ll see a procession of monks, carrying their bowl, collecting their food for the day and sometimes giving it back to the poor along the way. And the locals, they never get tired doing this every day of their lives because they believe it gives them spiritual redemption.

Tak Bat must be done in silence and as a sign of great respect, alms giver cannot make any eye contact to the monks while giving food. Apparently, this tradition has slowly become endangered because of the tourists improperly participating the ritual.

photo from Anis

Now I think I cannot question UNESCO for declaring this town to be one of the few priceless heritage they want to save. Luang Prabang has a very distinct tradition and rich cultural inheritance that needs to be safeguarded from any form of abuse... because their innate charm – can never found anywhere else in the world.

My photos may not suffice the natural grandeur of LP, but my eyes were delighted and satisfied, and my heart is just humbled to have travelled this side of the world and experience the exceptional beauty of the town of Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang: Sengphet Guesthouse

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 11:28:00 +0000

I didn’t actually stay in Sengphet Guesthouse during my visit in Luang Prabang. It was my three new found friends from Indonesia who did. Sengphet Guesthouse is next to Xayana Guesthouse where I stayed for a night.

So why am I giving them space here? Well, this is my way of saying thank you to them, for welcoming me into their beautiful guesthouse.

After meeting the three, Anis, Wina and Egi invited me to their room in Sengphet Guesthouse. They had a three bed room accommodation for 150,000kip per night.

They told me I can stay with them for the night, only I have to sleep in their huge bathroom. Hmp.

What I enjoyed most in this guesthouse are the freebies along with the price tag. They have free flowing cold water and coffee and different types of tea. They also have free banana every day.

Though I get complimentary bottled water from Xayana Guesthouse, drinking a cold one is much better in Sengphet Guesthouse. Haha.

The next day, after missing the alms giving ceremony, I had breakfast and coffee at Sengphet Guesthouse with my Indonesian friends. I wanted to use my 3-in-1 coffee, but since they offer free coffee, I also tried theirs. Haha.

Wasn’t able to taste the banana though, I think it was too much of me, taking advantage of the guesthouse’s generosity.

They also have free stable wifi, which of course, I was able to try myself as well. Xayana Guesthouse has wifi also, though it cannot reach the four corners of our room.

I really did enjoy my stay in Sengphet Guesthouse. I mean, it felt like I stayed there, after all the freebies I get to experience. And the receptionist/owners, they’re an epitome of a true Lao, very nice and accommodating. They might have noticed me as a visitor yet they didn’t show any unpleasant treatment to me.

memories in Luang Prabang

Compare to Xayana Guesthouse whose lobby is very open to sunlight, Sengphet Guesthouse is more homey and relaxing because it’s covered with plants and flowers… and they have these two cute, noisy kittens. Haha.

Sabai dee!

Living in a Capsule: Xayana Guesthouse and X3 Capsule Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 11:13:00 +0000

One of the cheapest accommodations there is in Luang Prabang. I didn’t bother reserving any beds before arriving in the town. I just asked them once, through email, for the directions from the bus terminal. They advice me to take the tuk tuk, for 20,000 kip (regular fare), but since I was trying to save up, I walked.

After almost 20minute walk from the terminal, I had a gut feel of being lost. But Luang Prabang is too small to be lost in any translations. I was about to pull out my laptop and check the details of the guesthouse I was looking for, when I noticed one signage. It was the same as my desired guesthouse, though it's under a different name. Upon a closer look, it was one of their sister companies. So I went inside and asked for directions. The receptionist gave me a map and calling card of the guesthouse for additional reference. One famous landmark would be the Joma bakery.

Upon seeing the map, and knowing that Joma café is just around the corner, I hailed a tuktuk and bargained for a 5,000kip ride – and the driver agreed with a smile. (sa isip nya, sige na nga…haha!). And in less than five minutes, I was there.

I walked the alley adjacent to Joma bakery… and there it is – the Xayana Guesthouse and X3 Capsule Hotel.

with my three Indonesian friends (yan daw ang uso sa kanila)

Dorm bed was fully booked when I arrive. They suggested me to come back by noontime to check for availability. I cannot come back because I have nowhere to go. Besides, I can already smell my other self, I need to wash up right away. So I stayed in their hot, open lobby while waiting for an available bed. They were generous enough to give me the password of their wifi connection to keep me entertained. At that time, I really didn’t need wifi, but that dark-colored-liquid with cream powdered mate on it. I brought several sachets of my favorite 3-in-1 coffee, but I don’t know where to ask for hot water. As much as I wanted to buy one café latte at Joma’s, I was holding myself back. I cannot spend much, not yet.

Just before 10am, the lady receptionist asked me if I wanted to check in early – oh yes… So she led me to my room – X22 is my bed number.

more beds upstairs

Almost all the beds in the room were occupied. I had mine on an upper bed, to my discomfort. It was my first time to stay in a dorm-type room. I was never comfortable sharing a room with others, I’ll make this one an exception because I’m on a tight budget.

nakalimutan kong buksan ang ilaw.. haha

my capsule!

Beds are big, could actually fit for two...and comfortable. Bring your own towels, but if you don’t have one, you can rent theirs. They also provide complimentary water. Our room has two baths and two toilets.

I was interested in this guesthouse not just because it’s cheap but because I thought I’d be able to experience sleeping in a capsule bed (imagining Japan’s famous capsule accommodations.) Apparently, it’s just the name or the photo in their website. Or maybe other rooms have it. I don’t know. Other than this concern, it was a nice experience sleeping for a night in this guesthouse – my only room accommodation in my five night solo trip in Laos.

Xayana Guesthouse is very convenient in many ways. It’s in the town centre. Few steps away from the cheap bread and fruit shake stalls. Very near the night market and the morning alms ceremony. And if you can’t get a bed in their hotel, there are a lot of guesthouses near them that you can also check out, like Sengphet Guesthouse.

Laos Capital City: Vientiane for a Day!

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 10:33:00 +0000

They say there’s nothing much to do in Vientiane that an expert traveler would skip this historical capital city of Laos… But as a greenhorn backpacker, I’d like to see it for myself. Though I didn’t really plan staying in the city for a night, I had few sites I wanted to visit. But due to the unbearable high temperature, I only managed to see two, albeit important ones.

1. Patuxai

Perhaps the most famous landmark of Vientiane is Patuxai, also known as the Victory Gate. The first time I saw this photo, I thought it was taken from somewhere in Europe. Well, Laos was once colonized by France, and this is them telling us that they were once here.

You can climb the top of Patuxai to see the panoramic view of the town. Entrance fee is 3,000 kip. I paid in baht (15baht) because I wasn’t able to change my money yet to Lao kip. (Baht is widely acceptable in Vientiane.)

Can’t exactly remember how many floors there is that consist the monument. But each floors houses different stall selling different kind of souvenir items.

Climbing the stairs to the top can be very exhausting. Especially if you haven’t eaten anything yet since you arrive the country. Haha. I had bottled water to sustain my energy and slowly, I succeeded it – panting, almost out of breath.

If only I can leave my backpack in one of the souvenir stores, so I can roam around freely. But I think I had to endure all of it. My only consolation perhaps was the promising 360 degree-view of Vientiane right in front of me.

Even though I wasn’t able to explore the town itself, I think the picture I’ve seen on top of Patuxai will do me, for now.

Patuxai can be compared to our Luneta Park, camera men are all over the place. Mind you, they’re not your ordinary camera men, because they have the most updated cameras in hand… (naghahabaan pati ang mga lente nila) and they have mobile developing area… you can see it at the back of their vans located in the parking area.

2. Pha That Luang

Not very far from Patuxai, is the Pha That Luang also known as the National Monument. I saw it from the map displayed in the Victory Gate. So I just asked for directions and walked relaxingly under the excruciating heat of the sun.

It took me at least 15 minutes to get to the temple. There’s an entrance fee for foreign visitors, so I didn’t bother. I just took few shots outside and check other temples near it that doesn’t require you to pay for the entrance.

While trying to differentiate my baht and kip bills… I realized Lao money has this photo of National Monument. Made me think, did I really make the right choice skipping to view the temple? After all, it’s called the national monument. It must have played a bigger role to the history of Lao Republic. It was a cheap entrance fee though, I just didn’t want to spend another dime because I was trying to save my money. Haay.

I wanted to experience more of Vientiane but the heat was totally unbearable. Besides, I cannot spend much in the city because I still have Luang Prabang waiting for me.

Before heading to the terminal for my bus ride to Luang Prabang, I went to a bank near the National Monument to change my Thai baht to Laotian kip. (1 baht = 268 kip).

On the Road: Vientiane to Luang Prabang by Bus

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:05:00 +0000

After changing all my Thai money to Lao kip from the bank near Pha That Luang, I hired a tuktuk to the Northern Bus terminal to catch an overnight bus to Luang Prabang. First tuk tuk charged me for 90,000Kip. Again, he showed me their standard rate card to prove it. But I cannot afford it. So I walked some more… and asked another tuk tuk driver. He first quoted me 70,000kip, I asked for 50. He lowered to 60…I insisted for 50…then tried to walked away… slowly… then he gave in. Hah! This trick is very effective sometimes.

The Northern Bus station is quite far from the city. Though, I felt guilty about haggling the price, I think it was just fair. Anyway, the normal fare for a public transport from the city centre to the terminal is only 15,000 to 20,000kip. I just didn’t know where to find them. Some backpackers told me it’s near Talat Sao mall.

Upon entering the terminal, I heard a very familiar song in the background that made freeze my feet, and raised my eyebrows while turning my head left and right, trying to locate where that song came from. Ah. It was from their huge flat screen television hanged on the wall. They were showing some boxing fights and the Philippine National Anthem was sung. It did make me smile for a moment.

I went straight to the counter and save myself a seat for a VIP sleeper bus to Luang Prabang, (150,000kip) which will depart at 8pm (last trip). It was only 4pm. Still have four more hours to kill.

Express Ordinary bus – 110,000 (earliest bus leaves at 6am)

VIP sitting bus (bus with toilet and with food coupon) – 130,000kip (last trip for VIP bus is 7pm..)

Travel time from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is about 10 - 12 hours, depending on your bus of choice. It wasn't really first choice, the sleeper bus. I was forced to buy one, because it will arrive in Luang Prabang at around 5am or 6am. I won’t be worrying about wandering the streets by those hours. If I took the earlier ones, it will arrive in the town by 3am or 4am, and I have nowhere to go… I didn’t book any accommodation yet. I’m just not confident arriving in LP that early.

So, I boringly waited and wasted my time in the terminal – so bored that I didn’t even have a photo of it, except for one. Tsk. Tsk.

Do not expect buses to Luang Prabang will leave the terminal on time. Give it at least an hour extra. I was starting to worry about mine. It will be a little late for me if I arrive in LP at around 8am. So minutes before the 730pm VIP bus leaves (original trip schedule is 7pm), I rushed to the counter to change my ticket from sleeper bus to VIP sitting bus. The attendant gave me back my 150,000 kip… and I bought 130,000 ticket for VIP sitting bus.

I actually thought I save few bucks after changing my tickets. Well, the VIP sitting bus isn’t really for VIPs. It may look comfy outside, but you can barely feel the AC inside. Seriously, I was torturing myself for that another stupid decision. I was imagining how my life would have been if I took the sleeper bus.

After an hour, aircon-less, bumpy ride… the bus stopped. They were trying to fix the aircon. It worked…for some time… then it was gone… So we stopped again… and all of a sudden they announced that we need to transfer to the sleeper bus because our bus broke down. Boom!

Minutes later, the sleeper bus came. We thought we will be transferring for free, because it wasn’t our fault that our VIP bus broke down. But we’re wrong. They asked for additional 20,000kip for the price of the sleeper bus. Some Western backpackers argued and insisted not to pay – but do they have a choice? They won’t be able to ride the sleeper bus, if they don’t pay 20,000kip. In the end, they handed down the money and hopped into the bus. Good thing I paid right away that I was able to secure one of the few seats available. Other foreign backpackers settled in the aisle in between sleeping seats. Whew!

Compared to the shaky ride in the VIP bus, the sleeper bus seemed to be more comfortable and less bumpy. Was it really the bus or the driver, I don’t know. At least for few hours, I was able to find some sleep and woke up the next morning in the beautiful town of Luang Prabang – the Jewel in Laos Crown.

On the Road: Luang Prabang to Vientiane by Bus

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:04:00 +0000

When you’re travelling Luang Prabang to Vientiane by bus, and it falls on a Sunday, make sure to reserve your seats early or you’ll end up spending another night in the town.

It didn’t happen to me, thank God, or else I’ll end up staying overnight in the bus terminal. Haha.

My new friends from Indonesia will be travelling back to Vientiane the same day I do. So Anis and I went to the bus station at around 9am to purchase our tickets in advance. They needed to be in Vientiane as early as 4am because they need to catch their flight back to Indonesia by 9am. While I’m in no hurry getting back to Vientiane because my train to Bangkok does not leave until 6pm. They took the 4pm Express bus (110,000kip) while I had my VIP sitting bus at 730pm (130,000kip). VIP sleeper bus leaves at 8pm (150,000)

At the counter, we met this very friendly guy, Mike… I complained to him about what happened to our VIP bus on my way to LP…so I asked him to make sure that the aircon of the VIP bus works this time and it cannot break down in the middle of the road, because I no longer have extra 20,000 kip to pay for another transfer to sleeper bus. Haha. (By the way, it was Mike to give me free ride to Kuangsi Falls…)

That day, according to Mike, there were only three buses travelling from LP to Vientiane. The one that departs at 4pm (express bus), then 730pm (VIP bus) and 8pm (sleeper bus). It doesn’t really happen every day, but just to be safe, buy your tickets early. It was the sleeper bus who got fully booked first.

Minutes before 7pm, I was already in the bus terminal, with my other Chinese friend Ben.

VIP Sleeper bus - 150,000kip (last trip 8pm)

VIP sitting bus - 130,000kip (last trip - 730pm)

I am really sure if the bus left the station on the dot, because I was sleepy already. Thanks to Mike, I got the best seat in the bus. Haha.

VIP buses offers free meal, coupon is attached to your ticket. But I wasn’t able to use mine. Food looks okay, but not really that appetizing for me.

bus stop

After almost 12 grueling ride, we arrive in the northern bus terminal in Vientiane. We then joined the locals riding the public tuktuk that cost 20,000kip. We dropped off at the central bus station (near Talat Sao mall).

On The Rail: Laos to Thailand by Train

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:44:00 +0000

From Luang Prabang, I met this American backpacker, Kim… she’s heading to Phuket. She’s supposed to ride the sleeper bus to Thailand from Vientiane, but upon realizing that it’s cheaper to take the train, she decided to tag along with me.

After almost 12 hour bus ride, we arrived the northern bus station in Vientiane. We took the public tuktuk to the central bus station, near Talat Sao Mall. (fare: 20,000kip)

mornings at the central bus station in Vientiane

I made two options for my return journey to Nong Khai station, from Vientiane city centre.

First, I will be doing the reverse of what I did when I first arrive from Bangkok. Hire a tuk tuk back to Thanaleng station… that will cost me 300 baht or more… then ride the border train to cross the bridge over Mekong River. With this option, I needed to arrive Thanaleng station before 5pm, because the last trip schedule of Thanaleng-Nong Khai train is 5pm.We tried bargaining with tuk tuk and van drivers, but they’re just very expensive. I only have few bucks left. This led us to my other option – later I realized was the cheaper and better and more comfortable option.

Second, is to ride the local bus from the central bus station in Vientiane to Nong Khai bus station. Fare is only 15,000 kip. Then from Nong Khai bus station, hire a tuk tuk to Nong Khai railway station – standard tuk tuk rate is 50 baht per person, but Kim and I was able to bargain for 60baht for two persons. Haha. Seriously, you need to master your haggling skills if you’re dealing with tuk tuk drivers.

So we decided to take the bus to Nong Khai station. I was hesitant about the second option because I thought we will be riding an ordinary, non-AC bus. But I was surprised when I saw this one. After all, we will be crossing the border…

In all fairness, it was way more comfortable than riding the tuk tuk. From the central bus station, we dropped off the Lao Immigration for our departure stamp... and the border immigration in Nong Khai for our arrival stamp to Thailand. It was very quick and easy.

REMINDER IF YOU’RE HEADING TO THE TRAIN STATION:

After getting you passports back and finally crossing Nong Khai border immigration, you don’t need to ride the bus again… because the railway station is just a 10-15 minute walk away from the border. Just ask for directions. With this, you can save at least 30baht for the tuk tuk ride from the terminal.

It was too late for us to realize this when we saw the signage directing to the railway station. We wanted to halt the bus driver but we were too shy to do so. So we arrive in the bus station and we were mobbed by the ever present and ever persuasive tuk tuk drivers. Funny, they didn’t actually care about me, as I look very local to them. It was my white complexioned companion, Kim, that they continued to crowd around before she can even get her luggage in the bus compartment.

The one and only driver we asked charged us with whooping 60 baht per person to the railway station. He even showed us their taripa. But we walked away. He followed us to the other side of the terminal until he agreed to our price of 30 baht per person.

We hopped into the tuk tuk and after 10 minutes, we arrive in Nong Khai railway station.

Kim was able to purchase one second class upper deck sleeper bed for 488 baht… just across my assigned bed. I bought my roundtrip tickets in Hualamphong Railway station the day I travelled to Laos.

Arriving in the station four hours early from your estimated departure time can be very boring… good thing Nong Khai railway station has free wifi, though not very stable, but just enough to check FB messages and update one’s status. Haha.

They also have shower rooms… bigger and cleaner than the ones in Hualamphong railway station. I had no plans taking a bath, but upon feeling the lukewarm waters of the shower, I decided to have one.

sunset somewhere in Thailand

The train departed the station at exactly 620pm, and was expected to arrive in Bangkok railway station at 625 the next morning. Apparently, it did not happen. We arrive in the station at around eight in the morning.

Now I’m back to Bangkok.

On The Rail: Thailand to Laos by Train

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:20:00 +0000

Moving on from my tragic airport story, I went straight to the Hualamphong Railway Station (Bangkok’s main railway station) to officially start my second solo backpacking.

Destination: Laos.

I won’t be more interested travelling to Laos if not for the train connection between Thailand’s last train station (Nong Khai) and Laos’ first station (Thanaleng). You see, only the great Mekong River separates the two countries that can be crossed hassle free through the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. You can also fly to Laos from Thailand, but that’s not really one of my options.

So from Hualamphong Railway station in Bangkok, I secured my second class sleeper train tickets for 488 baht. It’s a non-AC coach with tiny roaches everywhere. Not really advisable for maaarte (fussy) travelers. I read it’s cheaper when you get the upper bed, so I chose one and it’s s little safer from the brown colored crawling insects. Sleeper train number 69 departs Bangkok to Nong Khai at 8pm. (for other reference, click here.)

It was my first time to be in a public railway station as big as Hualamphong station, after all it’s the main Bangkok Railway station. I’ve seen the PNR station in Naga, and I don’t want to compare it with the one in Bangkok. Haha.

After purchasing my tickets, I immediately asked for their shower room. I read somewhere they have one, so I started to roam around. I won’t be checking in into a hotel in two days, so this shower room will be of great comfort to my stinky body.

shower for 20baht

This isn’t a Venetian Hotel shower room not even close to a regular hotel shower room but if you’re not really choosy and you need to washen up your filthy bodies, this can suffice your needs.

The railway station also has left baggage counter. It’s opposite the ticket counter. Here, you can leave your heavy bags for a minimum fee. Small bags for 50 baht, medium bags for 60 baht, large bags for 70 baht… and 80-100 baht for extra large bags.

Just above the left luggage counter, you will find one internet shop. If you badly needed to get in touch online, this can be your only option in the station. They charge differently if you’re using their computer for internet surfing ... or if you want to connect to their wifi using your own device.

There are a lot of food stalls inside the station. They also had food court area, where you can buy coupon in exchange for food. Like other food court restaurants in Bangkok, you will be refunded for the unused coupon.

30baht with water - kasi sa tingin ko ito lang ang kaya kong kainin

I didn't finish my meal, my taste buds cannot just tolerate the very unfamiliar taste. So I went out the food court and leisurely walked the vicinity of the station. Tried looking for the platform 9 and ¾ but I failed.. (I realized, it’s not in Bangkok.. haha)

Our train was scheduled to leave Huamlaphong station at 8pm, but it started to move at around 830pm.

train to Nong Khai at Platform #5

inside second class, non-AC sleeper coach

lower beds are convertible chairs joined into one... see photo below

now, that's the lower and upper beds of a second class sleeper train in Thailand

my first official overnight accommodation

unofficial overnight yung sa airport..haha

It was a small but modest, I must say I had a pretty good sleep overnight with my upper deck bed… Why wouldn't I, been awake for more than 24 hours… half of it was spend in the airport, fighting starvation, overcoming disgrace and shame, while de-stressing oneself about an unforgivable mistake of having poor memory. Talk about old age. Haha.

Fast forward:

We were supposed to arrive in Nong Khai station at 825am, but it was already 830, yet we’re still few stations away from our destination. Had I known, I shouldn’t have woken up early.

mornings somewhere in Thailand

anong petsa na, 20 km pa?!

Few more hours from our estimated arrival time, we reached Nong Khai station. From here, I had to ride another train to cross the Thai-Lao friendship bridge, going to Thanaleng station in Ventienne, the capital city of Laos. (fare: 20baht)

another 15-minute train ride to cross the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge

hello Mekong River...my father says hi!

Arriving Thanaleng station means passing the Lao Immigration…this is hassle free for Asian people…

Thanaleng station is in the middle of nowhere. It’s very far from the city centre and the only option for a ride is to hire a tuk tuk or van which is very visible in the area. Problem is they charge too much. Well, 300 baht for a tuktuk ride is too much for budget traveler like me, whose money is just enough for a five day economical adventure.

So after checking the price of the tuk tuk, I started asking other foreign backpackers where they’re heading. Luckily, I was able to convince four men to share the 300 baht tuk tuk ride to Ventienne. It wasn’t that hard, they were just waiting for me to approach them about the ride. Haha.

my first friends in Laos (two Japanese, one american, one Russian...) forgot their names...haha

The tuk tuk ride took at least 45 minutes from Thanaleng station to the city centre – the central bus station (near Talat Sao Mall).

Now, I’m officially in Laos.

How I Survived a Day in Bangkok Without My Pocket Money

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:56:00 +0000

Have you ever traveled without your pocket money and your ATM card? It would be a little convenient if it’s just a local or domestic trip, but what if it’s international? Worst, what if you are travelling solo?

Well, here’s my story.

September 19, 2012 (my mom 64^th bday)

I had my things fully ready, a day before my much awaited trip to Bangkok and Laos (for my second solo backpacking). Weeks before, I bought some Thai baht bills from BDO and exchange some peso to dollars. I’m not used to having different kinds money in my purse, so I set them aside from my remaining peso bills for my taxi fare… travel tax and terminal fee in NAIA. Confident enough that I was able to keep my money intact and safe in my backpack, I hailed a cab and proceeded to the airport.

I was keening to try the self-service check in, but it was off line, so I went to the queue… secured my boarding pass… paid t he extraneously expensive travel tax and terminal fee, passed the ever masusungit Immigration Officer… and waited for my flight at the boarding gate.

While waiting, curiosity hit my uneasy mind to check my pocket money. Lo and behold, there's nothing. Seriously, I couldn’t find it. I had to unload all my belongings, one by one from my backpack, trying not to cause a scene in the boarding gate. I cannot hide it, the tension – I can feel it in any part of my body. I called my boyfriend. Before heading to the airport, I went to his apartment to leave half of my luggage – because my mom will carry it for me. I will meet her in Bangkok after my Lao backpacking. So, upon realizing about my missing treasure, I immediately called him. Worse comes to worst, he was fast asleep like a newborn babe – and his cell phone was on silent mode. No matter how many times I tried to call, it was the annoying voice of Vhong Navarro on his voicemail that irate me.

I didn’t know what to do. There were a lot of unreasonable ideas that came to my mind, but I had no strength to make a move. I wanted to go back home, but I only had 20 peso bill in my purse. I left my atm card to my boyfriend so he can withdraw some money and hand it to my mom when she arrives – besides, I cannot use my atm in Bangkok. It was raining hard that night, that even if I’ll be able to go back home, get the money, there won’t be any guarantee I can get back on time to the airport – I barely had two hours before the flight when I realize I had no money at all.

Maybe after almost a hundred missed calls, my bf answered the phone in his i-just-woke-up-out-of-bed voice. I wanted to cry upon hearing his voice. No drama. I then asked him to check the bag I left him and other possible options where I could have left the money. After some time, he found it – I wanted to cry even more.

So he found the money, what now? He may be my superman, but he cannot super speed to the airport and hand it over to me. I was hoping for an advisory for a delayed flight but there were no signs. Part of me tells me to just rebook the flight- but the other half of me wouldn’t just allow that to happen – the price of a new ticket won’t be easy to swallow.

I was really expecting my boyfriend to be ranting about my carelessness, which happens very often when I’m travelling. But he remained calm – and managed to transfer the energy to me. He told me to proceed to my plans – and he’ll just send me money through Western Union the following day in Bangkok. Confident enough that there will be a Western Union branch inside Bangkok Airport, I agreed to his plan. Besides, I only need at least five thousand pesos. This is my allotted budget for my trip to Laos. And my mom will just bring the rest of my money for our Bangkok holidays.

Minutes later, I saw myself inside the craft, filling up the Thai Immigration arrival form. I cannot believe I just boarded the plane with no money but my 20 peso bill. I have always wanted to experience something remarkable in any of my trips, just like other travelers, but I never expected this kind of event to happen.

Touchdown Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

I was really praying that there’s a Western Union branch in the airport. But to my horror, there’s none. And no free wifi. Grrh... Suddenly, I miss NAIA Terminal 3. Haha. I walked around, as If I have money. I went to one of the tourism kiosk and get my copy of Bangkok map...

In one of the tourist info kiosks, there is a free 15-min internet for every visitor. I took advantage of it and sent an email to my bf, informing him about my current situation. Then I hopelessly proceeded to the ground floor – where City and Airport Express line can be found. True to what I have read, there are a lot of benches in the area, where you can rest your bodies for hours while waiting for your morning train schedules.

Did I just seriously make it to Thailand without any money? That’s what first came to my mind when I sat in one of the benches. Even if my boyfriend will send me money, how will I go to the Western Union branch when I don’t have a single dime to buy for my train ticket. Though I had my credit card ready, still most of the establishments in the airport would prefer cash.

While walking in the ground floor, looking for the good spot to lay my tired body - I saw a Filipino-looking woman. Blame it to our Asian blood, unless you start talking, sometimes you can be a victim of a mistaken identity.

Now, I had this terrible idea in mind – very terrible and disgraceful, that I needed to put a hard mask on – or I'll end up somewhere else. Haha. I introduced myself to her … and I went straight to my point – I needed her help – I needed money. When everything is doomed, you’ll always find the strength and power to survive. (kapalan na ng mukha at lakasan ng loob.) All I needed was 250 baht for a Thai sim card and extra bucks for my train fare to the nearest Western Union branch. I tried purchasing sim card using my credit card, but they won’t accept it. I had no choice but to act upon this shameful idea of borrowing money from a total stranger. Why do I need a Thai sim card? So my bf can call me and update me on how and where to get my money. And in this traumatic situation, I would badly need someone to talk to. If only there’s a free wifi in the airport, they’ll be no need for a simcard.

Anyway, the lady, ma’am Rita, she was really astounded when I told her my story. Who wouldn’t? How dare me travel without any money, and bother other tourists for few bucks. Worse thing, it was her first time to travel to Bangkok, and she had me to start her memorable trip. It was hard convincing her to lend me some amount – I had to show her my passport, my ticket, my hotel reservations, my other supporting ID’s… I even offered her to take my notebook for a while, in exchange for the money I was borrowing. But she didn’t. I just insisted she hold new Unified ID for her reference. At that time, in that particular situation, she was my only hope. While talking to her, I was silently praying that God will touch her heart. C’mon, she has all the reasons in the world not to believe me or just ignore me, but thank God, she has one pure heart, and she saved my life.

So I was able to buy a sim card…and save an extra 50 baht for my train fare to the nearest Western Union branch. But it wasn’t easy looking for one. I was talking to my tech-savvy boyfriend who made all the efforts to find a Western Union branch close to my 50 baht airport train fare. It took us hours to settle things before I surrender to sleep at around 5am. We’ll just have to wait for the office hours to process what we’ve talked about on how to get my money.

September 20, 2012

patingin tingin, di naman makabili.. hahaha

I arrived Bangkok minutes before midnight… it was already 12 noon the next day and I can still see myself lying in one of the benches in the lower ground floor of the airport. J sent the money as early as 830am, but he had to make some follow up calls to the Western Union customer service based in Bangkok to ask the nearest WU branch to any station of the City Line airport link (maximum fare for City Line airport link is 45baht, I still have 50baht.)

showcasing my ever reliable winter socks... malamig sa airport eh..

Finally, after all the waiting and calling, J told me that it was the branch near Phaya Thai station where I can get the money. Actually, it’s nearer to Victory Monument station, but I can no longer afford another train ride, so I had to walk for at least ten minutes to get to the branch itself, but that’s fine with me. Good thing I had my ‘pantawid-gutom-baon’ to survive the troublesome day.

After getting off Phaya Thai station, I walked to the bank… and finally received my money. *sigh* What a relief!

in memory of my first train ride in Bangkok

Thanachart bank, 3^rd fl Century The Movie Plaza, Phaya Thai, Bangkok

Once I received the money, I went straight to the hotel where ma’am Rita and her friend were checked in. But they weren’t there. I asked the reception if I can leave the money to them because I have a train to catch to Laos, but they refused. After few text messages, she replied and asked me to see them in Platinum Mall, which is a few steps from their hotel. I rushed to the mall, and met them again. Paid her the exact amount I owe, with so much debt of gratitude that I could ever imagine in my entire life. We had a little chat, and I got totally startled when they told me they work for NAPOLCOM (National Police Commission)… Malalagot talaga ako kung hindi ako nakapagbayad.. Haha..! – I think it was the first time I laugh hard, since I arrived in Bangkok.

Before, I used to think or dreamed of unusual experiences during my travels... the likes of missing the bus, sleeping in the station or someone else’s house… but I never imagined this would ever happen to me. Nah. ‘Be careful what you wish for’ may sound a cliché but sometimes it can be an eye opener.

Now I have this funny experience to top my most embarrassing and trauma-challenging moment of my life. I have learned my lesson the hard way. I still can’t believe I made it – well, maybe when you are in the same situation, you’ll realize, it’s the fittest that survives… and you’ll just have to endure whatever that disastrous scenario you are in. Besides, God will always make a way. I already charge it to experience, and hopefully it won’t happen again… I think once is enough for a (now) sober traveler.

Cheap, cheaper, cheapest: Zamboanga City Accommodation

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 08:57:00 +0000

Perhaps one of the most recommended, if not the most recommended budget accommodation in the Asia’s Latin City is the Atilano family-run lodging house. During my research for my first solo trip to Zamboanga, I found out that the place was bombed a year ago – talk about safety. But other than that, I read no other negative reviews about them.

So when the day I set foot in the city, I first went to the Atilano Pension House. It's a 5-8minute- jeep away from the airport. Take Canelar jeep and tell the driver to stop at the Atilano compound. Let Gerry’s Grill restaurant be your landmark and you’ll see a newly painted building near it.

I walked in and got myself a fan room with tv and private cr for 420 pesos per night.

cheap!

If you're travelling solo, and 350 is a little out of your budget, you can skip dropping the front building, and walk inside the compound, at the back of Atilano Pension House, you’ll see the Casa Don Atilano. It’s a little old and smelly, but a-50-peso cheaper for a solo non-AC room.

cheaper!

But wait there’s more…

Just beside the Atilano Pension House, there’s another newly opened Atilano-related accommodation – Chang-V Atilano Pension House.

cheapest!

The cheapest rate among the three accommodation in the compound: non-AC solo/double room – 280 pesos only. Kung nakita ko lang agad to. Tsk tsk.

***

Alavar’s restaurant doesn’t only serve curacha, they also offer bed and breakfast where comfort comes first. And if budget isn’t much of a problem, they can be one of your options.

Curacha, only in Zamboanga!

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 08:45:00 +0000

It was a looong, annoying rainy day… and there was only one way to pacify my little incensed mood – food.

I wasn’t really decisive about splurging my just released payout to one expensive meal. But I convinced myself to think about my aborted Basilan trip (di pa rin makapag let go!) and the not so traumatic incident earlier that day. Really, I was just trying to make an excuse to think that I’ve been through a lot of emotional stress – and I needed to reward myself. Haha.

Enough said, I headed to Alavar’s Restaurant – where you can find the famous and expensive Zamboanga-only recipe – it’s called Curacha.

They have two branches. I chose the main branch near to Atilano Pension House… the other one is in Paseo del Mar.

Pikit mata sa presyo ng curacha. Haha.

As you can notice in their menu, it started with medium size… it came natural to me to ask if they have smaller ones – ako lang naman kasi mag isa ang kakain - and it was indeed my lucky day.

Just a little reminder, do not go to Alavar’s restaurant and order curacha – if and when – you are an inch away to becoming a monster due to an empty stomach. Most likely your order would take close to 30-minutes and crabs are not much an ideal meal in the verge of starvation. That was my mistake. It was too late when I came to my proper senses – kasi naman gutom na gutom nako. Haha.

Honestly, I didn’t find anything exemplary with curacha. It’s the Alavar sauce who did the magic, but not the crab itself – the crab tastes like a normal crab to me (malaman lang sya, which is just right, for its price). If you’re on a very tight budget, and want to taste something from this restaurant, you can try other meals, cheaper meals with Alavar sauce in it – and just imagine eating it with a crab. Haha.

Good thing, I had Zamboanga white juice to appease my thirst. It tastes delectably amazing.

Curacha is best when you’re not really hungry and you have friends around – at least you won’t get bored digging for crab meats alone. Haha.

Overall, it was an experience – an unforgettable experience to wrap up my two-day solo trip to Zamboanga City. The next day, I headed a little north to Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte (six hour drive from the city) to attend my cousins wedding.

Adios mabalos, Zamboanga!

Soloista sa Zamboanga City

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 08:04:00 +0000

Touchdown Zamboanga City, the Asia’s Latin City.

To be honest, I didn’t feel any unwanted feelings with my first solo trip in the country, until I reached the grounds of Zamboanga City. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, I felt something cold in me, something in a in between the borders of excitement and fear. Haha

I felt excited because it was my first solo backpacking trip in the country, at the same I felt so scared about the fact that this city isn’t really an ideal tourist place (for others ) because of its connotation to the never ending peace crisis in this part of Mindanao.

I speak no Chavacano, I only know a word or two of Spanish… but I can speak Bisaya (bisdak ini haha!). Not really fluent though, because our version in Surigao is different from the universal Visayan (Cebuano) dialect. So upon exiting the airport, I kept on practicing my Cebuano so I won’t mumble my words, which I often do when I try to say it fast. I also had to set some rules for this challenging trip.

First rule: it’s always safe to ask a man in uniform. Instead of asking the taxi and trike drivers for directions, I approached one of the heavily armed men in the airport vicinity.

Me: Sir, asa gani pwede mosakay ug jeep paingon sa Canelar (san nga po pwedeng sumakay ng jeep paptuntang Canelar?)

Military man: Ikaw ra usa mam? (mag isa lang kayo mam?)

Me: (bigla ako nakaramdam ng takot, promise!) oo sir, ngano man?

Military man: Taga dire ka mam? (taga rito po ba kayo?)

Me: (confused and little irate – wala pang tulog for the last 24 hrs) naa koy friend sa Canelar.

Military man: Magtricyle ka nalang mam or magtaxi (yes, may taxi sila!)

Me: (jeep ang gusto ko, kasi mura lang) asa ang exit gate dinhi? (san po ang exit gate ng airport?)

Military man directed my way to the exit of the airport compound. I wasn’t really sure if that short conversational made me feel safe or just triggered the fear factor inside me. Whew.

Just in time when I reached the exit gate, there was a Canelar-bound jeep waiting outside. I hopped it and my set my second rule.

Second rule: Act as a local. I may not speak nor understand their native language, but at least, knowing how to speak in Cebuano is a little advantage to not knowing anything at all. Haha. Paid my fare and asked the driver to drop me off at the Atilano Compound – all in Cebuano dialect. I was really trying hard, but I had this feeling that the more I tried hard, the more they didn’t understand. Haha.

It was a short ride from the airport to Atilano Compound. The driver signaled me that it was my time to get off the jeep and he voluntarily pointed the directions to Atilano Pension House – nice! Well, from the main street, it hard to miss the signage of the pension house. Take Gerry’s Grill restaurant as your landmark.

Atilano Pension House is one of the cheapest and highly recommended accommodations in Zamboanga City. I had non-AC room for 420pesos per night.

I haven’t slept properly for the past two days before my trip, so upon checking in my room, I then succumb to slumber and took a much needed sleep. Yes, I felt like I had to travel to Zamboanga, para matulog lang. Di ko na talaga kaya. Haha.

After an uninterrupted 4hour sleep, I decide to start my solo escapade in Zamboanga. I first went to Pueblo (city centre), Fare: 8pesos. Hearing the locals talk in the native Chavacano language instantly made me feel like I was in a different country. Ang sarap nilang pakinggan magsalita. The words ‘porke’, ‘este’, gracias’ ‘pabor’ are just heaven to my ears. I have always wanted to learn Spanish, too bad it was no longer included in our curriculum during college years. I think learning has something to do with our inner culture – after all, we were once under a Spanish colony.

I roam around the city, walking as if I am a local. With that, I meant, no photo shots while walking.( May local bang picture ng picture na parang turista. Haha.) I came across with this fountain beside Southway Square mall. Locals were taking pictures, so did I. It was really a challenge – the no picture taking from time to time. I had to minimize it so as not to draw attention that would blow up my cover as a local (paranoid lang!) – That made my rule number three – do not draw any attention. Haha.

Keeping rule number one alive, I always ask manong guards for directions, until I reached the famous bay walk of the city – Paseo del Mar. It was quite a long walk from the plaza, near the town hall – had I known, I took a trike for it.

It was typical bay walk with lights and restaurant and bars in it… but what made it different and special from others – is the attendance of the Badjaos, paddling their boats in the darkness of the –sea.

Seeing badjaos diving for money in full darkness isn’t an alien to me. I’ve seen those when we were young, while travelling Surigao-Manila-Surigao for years, through different shipping lines. Ah, gone were the shipping days that would always eat up my VL’s. Haha. Apart from diving in the dark for coins, others Badjao children use their banca for selling souvenir items.

I wanted to stay a little more yet it started to drizzle. I didn’t bring any umbrella, thanks to my go-lite backpack. I rushed back to Pueblo, had a takeout for dinner… rushed back to my guest house, and call it a day.

Pasonanca sa Zamboanga

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 07:58:00 +0000

Thanks to the heavy rains overnight, I slept like a baby for my first night in Zamboanga City. Mind you, I prayed hard before I went to bed the previous night. Haha. But it was as if the rain didn’t want me to get out of my bed, that did not stop until noontime. Oh well, it was fine with me, I had Bumble Bee as my company – good thing I got the room with tv.

Past noontime, the rain stopped and the sun took over the clouds. I then hurriedly went outside, hailed a Pasonanca-bound jeep. Fare: 9pesos.

I took the front seat, as I was the only passenger at that time. As usual, I tried to control myself not to take photos while in the jeep. While my eyes enjoyed seeing the busy streets of Zamboanga, my ears heard one familiar sound. So familiar that made my heart beat a little faster and my eyes got distracted with numerous people running toward a particular site… I wanted to think it was a mere vehicular accident… but who am I kidding, there was a gun fire… not once, but twice.

Having comfortably seated in the front seat, I was just inches away from the newly ended lives of the victims. My hands itched and I tried to take my camera out of my bag. But I didn’t shoot until we passed few more meters from the crime scene. Police started to barricade the area, and commanded the growing crowd to clear the vicinity.

Traffic started to develop when we passed the crime street – and my driver chatted with fellow drivers about the incident - they were saying it was more a drug-related case than a terrorist or rebellious act. Well, whatever it was about – it just made my first solo trip in the Philippines a lot more thrilling. (What more if I spent the day in Basilan…mas exciting siguro… haha!)

So much for crimes and no passion, I safely reached the camping grounds of Pasonanca Park.

Pasonanca Park is the official BSP (Boy Scouts of the Philippines) activity and camping grounds in Zambaonga. To make my visit more realistic, an on-going camping preparation welcomed my arrival.

I then went straight to the famous tree house.

Then to the other famous boys scout tents…

… and the children busy preparing their camping gears.

I wasn’t able to explore the whole area, though it was just a small place, because there were boy scouts everywhere. Haha.

Going back to the town, you can wait for jeep from Pasonanca back to Canelar. But I decided to walk my way out and had my feel-the-Zamboanga-atmosphere moment. After a ten-minute walk, I reached the main road – and noticed a flower-y site. It’s the Jardin Maria Clara Lobregat. Good thing, I didn’t ride a jeep or else, I might’ve missed this Zamboanga-only attraction.

Zamboanga Matriach

There was really nothing extraordinary inside the garden– except for the Spanish written signage.

****

A little later that afternoon, I went to Canelar Barter – the best place to buy your pasalubong. It’s a few meters away from Atilano Pension House. Here, you’ll be amazed seeing imported products being sold mostly from Malaysia and Indonesia – (para ka talagang nasa ibang bansa: Spanish-like ang salita, tapos pasalubong mo imported… Haha.) Apart from imported goods, you can also spot different sarong designs, batik and more local products in the barter area.

My failed attempt to visit Basilan

noreply@blogger.com (suroysuroy.ta.nijo) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 06:32:00 +0000

I had my first taste of solo backpacking in Vietnam and Cambodia last year, and it felt like it was only yesterday. I can still vividly remember how I first tried to cross the streets of Pha Ngu Lao, my first sleeper bus ride to Phnom Penh, my first tuk tuk ride and the day I came face to face of the world’s treasures in Angkor Wat Archeological Park. But to prove further that it’s really more fun to travel in the Philippines, I had to try solo backpacking in the Philippines too. I never planned to, really, because I have travel buddies here to join me in my escapades. It’ll be more fun to travel with them than go solo. But sometimes, when you don’t really ask for it, chances are, it’ll be delivered to you right in front to your doorsteps.

So I really didn’t plan to travel to Zamboanga on a July. I want to see the vintas on its full glory during the Hermosa Festival which is annually celebrated in October. But when my cousin told me he’s getting married in July, I knew what I had to do. Actually, my cousin-in-law lives closer to Dipolog than Zamboanga City. But there were only few seat sale available for Dipolog-bound airlines, so the best option left was to travel via Zamboanga City, which is another 6-8hour land travel to Dipolog. So I found a very compelling excuse to visit the Asia’s Latin City for a few days before heading to Sindangan, where the wedding was to be held.

Since it was a July, surely, I won’t be able to see any vinta sailing the seas of Zamboanga. And beach-ing the famous Pink Beach in Sta. Ana Island doesn’t really interest me much (I’m not a beach person) – I only had one thing in mind while planning my first solo backpacking in my native land – to visit one of most tourist-less town in the country –Basilan.

Ok, you can drop those eye brows down. There’s just something in this town that I want to experience. That’s just it. Besides, there were a lot of bloggers/ travelers who have made it and were able to get out of it totally unscratched. It may not be a perfectly safe place to travel alone, but it doesn’t mean it cannot be safe at all, even for a day. Haay. I do have a colleague who’s family lives in Isabela, and he even helped me with my itinerary and my contact person in the tourism department.

But even when I had it planned flawlessly, I had to face two critical problems.

First, my ever over-acting-protective boyfriend.

When I first told my parents about my Basilan plan after purchasing my Zamboanga tickets, Mama was shocked but this is what she told me ‘ang daya mo, bakit di mo ko sama?’ and Papa? Oh, he just reminded me that we have no money for any ransom demands and that he hates publicity. I intentionally told them about this, so they can pray for me during the daytrip of my lifetime. Haha.

But when I mentioned this to my loving boyfriend, it was as if I need to get an approval from the higher courts to allow me to travel. Grhh. For a time, I hated him so much for not supporting me on this. Imagine, my parents even gave me their thumbs up for this trip, but that guy. Grhh... He then, warily enumerated those times that he tolerated me with my first solo backpacking … and all the travels I had without him. His exacts words were ‘pinapayagan ka naman sa mga lakad mo, kahit hindi ako kasama... Sige, tumuloy ka, and you’ll see.’ Yes, there was a threat involve. Hahaha. I had a hard time giving up the trip until the eleventh hour, when problem number two popped up.

Second, the pricey guide and security detail for a daytrip in Basilan.

I was quoted 1, 500 pesos for a daytrip, that includes habal habal transpo, guide, security… and food, I guess. I think, it was a fair and reasonable price considering that it’s your dearest life that’s at stake. No doubt about that. Apparently, I was on a tightly budgeted solo trip. Apart from the 1,500peso quotation, I still have to pay for my return tickets from Zamboanga to Basilan that would cost a little less than a thousand. Poorita mirasol. I only alloted a thousand for the entire day trip. Tsk tsk.

A day after my aborted trip, a minor disastrous attack in Basilan made it to the headlines of TV Patrol that made my boyfriend felt so vindicated with all the lectures and threatening he gave me.

Well, perhaps it wasn’t really the right time for me to visit Basilan. Not yet.

For assistance and enquiries:

Department of Tourism Gerard Tabil – 09176344989