Holy Week at Bantayan

It has been almost 6 years that i have been working in Cebu City. Since then, i've always heard talks about Holy Week in Bantayan Island. One thing i'd like to experience too.

I've been to Bantayan Island numerous times but not on the holy week. According to Folks, Bantayan is flocked by tourists during Holy Week because of its famous feast. Well, i'd only like to sit on the beach watching thousands of tourists on the white sand rather than witnessing the Feast 😀. 

On Thursday at 4:30AM, we headed to the Cebu North Bus Terminal via GrabATaxi. Upon arrival, as expected there was a long queue waiting to catch for a bus ride to Bantayan though it was not as bad as what others overstated in blogs.

We finally got into the bus by 5:20AM and had to wait until 6:00AM for it to depart. Yebah! 

After about 3 hours land travel with one 15-minute stop, we finally arrived at Hagnaya Port. There we caught for a ferry going to Bantayan Island. I must have to say, kudos to the Island Shipping line for such a very organized and hassle-free set-up. Chaos no more!

The Ferry took us about an hour to the Santa Fe Port. At 10:30, we were already catching a tricycle heading towards Sugar Beach Resort. 

Chilling by the beach of Sugar!

Sugar Beach is the most crowded place in Bantayan during Holy week. Party and some events are always held there. Since it was a Holy week, we decided to camp in a tent for 3 nights. Almost everyone who went to Sugar Beach were camping too.

Setting up the tent.

At the Sugar Beach Camp site.

The rest of the days were just moments sitting on the beach, went to Ogtong Cave for a swim and having a glimpse of an island night parties. 

We decided to transfer our tent by the beach on the second day.

Promenading the beach on a hottie day.

Posing at the Ogtong Resort.

Swimming at the Ogtong Resort Pool after this pose.

Walking down the white sand of Sugar with Ivy and Berna.

Coffee-ing by the beach with a perfect sunset backdrop.

Indeed, Bantayan Island is lovely. It was much more fun on holy week.

We headed back to Cebu at 4AM, jumped into the ferry by 5AM and was in the mainland by 6AM. By 9:30AM, we were already strolling at the Park Mall. 

Puerto Princessa Palawan: a good start for 2015!

New year means new beginnings. I preferred to begin my 2015 by exploring the Philippine gem lying along the West Philippine Sea - Palawan. Its capital city, Puerto Princessa serves as the gateway of the Palawan mainland.

01.06.15 on board a Cebu Pacific flight, i with my dearest friend from Sydney were cruising the sky at 30,000 feet above sea level full of excitement for this adventure. After sitting our back to pain in a grumpy, jam-pack, limited legroom cabin for an hour and 15 minutes from Cebu (not to mention the very expensive flight, 5k+), we finally touched down Puerto Princessa Airport.

Hello there! Minutes after we went out the airport, we hired a tricycle to drive us through to our hotel. First impression of both me and Yanti: "very clean surroundings". Indeed, didn't find any trash/plastic along the road. Good job to the people of Puerto Princessa. Also, kidos to their friendliness!

In a trycycle ride.

Kuya driver was good enough to refer is to a travel agency to arrange for our underground river and El Nido Your. We passed by a travel agency close to the airport and made our tour and transfer reservations.

Soon as we dropped our bags off in the hotel, we then headed to tour the city on our own. Yes! We went to Baker's hill by riding a tricycle and then a jeepney and then a tricycle again. We saved a lot. Fare is only 12 pesos for tricycle and 15 pesos for jeepneys. It was our way of experiencing how the locals live in the city.

Here at the Baker's hill.

Posing on top of the hill!

We decided to go out for dinner on our way back to their CBD. Our first choice was "Kalui" as this was the most recommended by the locals and most bloggers however when we arrived there, they were already full. Too bad we didn't make reservations ahead of time. So then we went to our second choice, the Mangan Kayon (formerly Bilao). 

Good bargain! At Php 499, we got to have a boodle food set-up with pork, ckicken and seafood. They said this was good for 2 but honestly, this was so much for 4. 

Yes, we didn't manage to finish everything. There's just too much! Haha

Marianne Hotel, where we stayed at room 205.

More of Palawan comimg up next!

It's all in Bohol, Bohol has it all!

Bohol has always been a dream destination for many tourists both local and international. Who wouldn't want to visit this island full of beautiful white sand beaches?

Here's a photoblog featuring 2 of the most sought staycations in Bohol, Amorita Resort and Bellevue. All photos herewith are original (unedited) using a Canon EOS 55D.

A white long beach of Dumaluan.

Amorita Resort

Infinity Pool at Amorita Resort.

 Right on top of a hill lies the infinity pool of Amorita. Dumaluan beach is a great  backdrop.

 Cozy beds on the hill where air is nothing but fresh!

 The Gang. Special thanks to Aqui for hosting us in Bohol. Of course, Rex and Judy for their hospitality.

 Chillin' on top! love this site.

 One formal pose.

 Group selfie... Ivy, Acqui and Judy..

Now moving on to Bellevue Resort.

Native cabanas housing the restaurant.

 Lovely touch of nature.

 The white sand beach.

 The hotel's main wing.

 Group selfie.

thanks for visiting....

Backpacking Beijing (Part 2)

Hello there, thanks for checking my blog. This entry is a sequel to my Backpacking escapade in Beijing! 

Beijing, being China's capital is very rich in history and culture. This very big city has been a witness of the Ancient, Imperial, and Modern China. Different Dynasties had ruled China in Beijing hundreds of years back. This is why Beijing has become one of the centers of culture and tourism of China.

Backpacking Beijing (Part 1)

“The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.” 

― G.K. Chesterton

I was fortunate enough to have obtained a Chinese Visa despite of a not so good relationship between the 2 states (PH & CH). I have traveled to a number of countries, often alone; however, traveling to China is one heck of a challenge.

First, people in China do not speak English (well, at most majorities). Second, Beijing is so BIG. By big I mean its land area and its crowded population making it hard to move around the city. Lastly, I was limited to a 3-day trip which I had to carefully maximize. 

Bonding at Bondi Beach Sydney [PhotoBlog]

This is the view that welcomes us after getting off the bus. I took this photo from the road right at the bus stop.

Who says beach is only for summer? Well, this is not true for Aussies as Bondi Beach was swamped with locals and tourists even during Fall. 

It was a weekend in Sydney when my very good friend Yanti toured me in some of the beautiful sites of the city. After a steeply walk in The Gap, Yanti brought me to Bondi Beach.

Bondi is one of the many beaches in Sydney that is located just few minutes from the CBD. It took us a smooth 20-minute bus ride to reach the beach. Since it was Fall, the sea breeze was really cold which we often refer to a winter breeze. 

Experiencing NSW Australia's capital, Sydney!

My week of hectic schedule in Auckland and Wellington New Zealand was set to end in Sydney. Australia was part of my business itinerary for the following week. I opted to spend my weekend in Sydney as i had a couple of friends to meet. Yanti was one of them. She was the former Team Lead of the accounts i am currentl managing in Cebu when the business was still in Sydney.

I got a very early flight (06:10AM) with Air New Zealand. With that being said, i had to be in the Wellington International Airport as early as 3:30AM. Geez, i woke up at 2:45AM! Anyway, fast forward. Sydney is 3 hours flight away from Wellington. We landed at the Sydney International airport at 07:20AM local time. Hmmm, wondering about the time? Well, Sydney is 2 hours behind NZ so just do thr math. 

Kiwi's Capital: Wellington, NewZealand

After my few days of meeting my clients in Auckland, i was set to fly down to the country's capital city - Wellington. This time i was traveling with my colleague from Auckland so didn't get much photo on our way. Well, Kiwis are not fond of selfies or taking photos.

Anyway, our flight was at 10:50AM. We arrived at the Auckland International Airport, Domestic wing just an hour and a half earlier. The domestic wing of the airport is a bit small but with many gates and air bridges. For passengers departing, you could actually meet the arriving passengers are there were no divisions between the two areas. Both the arriving and departing guests pass by and use the same gate/section of the airport.

Fall in love in Fall at New Zealand: Auckland

I was a bit lucky that my company was sending me to New Zealand to meet up the top executives of the banks i managed in the Cebu Center. Since it was a business trip, there's no sweat at all in getting a visa. Of course every thing was handled by our travel agency. I obtained a single entry visa for business purposes (which cost around Php3,000).

Just like every time when i travel overseas, i did my homework. I researched a lot about Auckland and Wellington. Since May is Autumn in New Zealand where the outside temperature could drop to below 10 degrees celcius, i had to bring a couple of warm (woolen) clothes for my week stay there.

Heaven on Earth: Plantation Bay Resort and Spa (Part I)

   

09.25.13. What a beautiful day to embrace in paradise. Not only that this day marked my 25th birthday, i also was courageous enough to shell outa big amount just to stay at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

Join me as i bring you to an extra-ordinary experience with an extra-ordinary haven. Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is a 5-star resort oozing with luxurious accommodation and man made lagoons.

Kamana Sanctuary Resort and Spa Subic

A taste of luxury. Yes! indeed, what a wonderful way to end our Luzon trip. After 4 days of a bumpy long ride from the Northern Ilocos Region, we finally set foot at Subic City!

August 6, 2013. After a fun and wild half day adventure at Zoobic Olongapo, we finally succumb to bed. But before arriving to our chosen hotel, let me tell you first how we came up with Kamana resort.

Going Up North: Exploring Ilocos Region

August 2, 2013. Friday. It was around 03:30PM when we arrived at the Mactan Cebu International Airport. I was travelling with Crisly, Berna and Cary going up North of the Philippines. We were able to get into the terminal hassle free. Thanks to Cebu Pacific web check in capability, no need to queue on the check-in counter.

I, Berna and Crisly... excited for the adventure.

The Vigor of Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur (KLCC), Bukit Bintang

                                     

                                     Hello Kuala Lumpur City Center.

July 22.2013. It was in a hot Monday afternoon, we were on to our one day excursion to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. We just arrived at the KL Sentral (KL's Train hub) from the Batu Caves. It was already past 4PM and we could see the station being filled with so many people - rush hours.

We immediately purchase our train pass in one of the many retail kiosks in the station. This time, from KL Sentral to KLCC is our route. Of course, who would ever want to miss the picturesque beauty of Petronas Twin towers?  

The Vigor of Malaysia: Batu Caves

                             

July 22,2013. Monday. Backpacking Malaysia. On to our next destination from an hour bus ride from  highlands to KL Sentral. Again, KL Sentral is the main hub of Malaysian Public Transportation so better are the days to explore Malaysia nowadays. 

The Vigor of Malaysia : KL Sentral and Genting Highlands

July 22, 2013. Monday. Coming all the  way from Bangkok, up North of Malaysia, we arrived at the KL Sentral station via KTM. KL Sentral is the main hub of Malaysian trains. All routes around Malaysia originates at KL Sentral. Roaming around Malaysia has become so easy since transportation in the country is well designed.

Well Done, Vigan!

After exploring the wanders of Northern Ilocos Region, it's time to rel-live the past in one of the most precious gems in the Philippines - Vigan City.

August 5, 2013, Monday. The sky was blue, the sun up and the temperature was extremely hot. But never did we miss to explore the beauty of Vigan. 

Vigan City is the capital town of the province of Ilocos Sur. This is known to be the most well preserved Spanish village in Asia. One cannot argue with that when you step on the city itself.

Going Up North: Exploring Ilocos Region Part 3!

"Traveling is not about taking photos, it's about the experience." - illustriousjosh

Welcome back to my blog guys! This is the third part of my Ilocos journey. Join me as i take you to Ilocos Norte.

Hello Sunshine! August 4, 2013, Sunday. We took out breakfast early so we could start out tour earlier too. We had a long list of activities set for the entire day. By 06:30AM we left Saud Resort on to Balaoai, one of the Barangays in Pagupud Ilocos Norte. It took us a 30-minute drive before we reached the Kabigan Waterfalls road intersection. There we were greeted by locals. One local served as our guide for a 35-minute trek to the basin of the water falls.

Going Up North: Exploring the Ilocos Region Part 2

"The world is a book and those who don't travel read only the first page." - St. Augustine

This blog is a sequel to my previous entry, an escape to Ilocos Region. Previously, i've shown you the wonders of Ilocos Sur. Now, we'll continue the fun way up to the Northen Ilocos Region. Tuned in as i tour you to the beautiful place of Ilocos Norte.

Roaming around Bangkok!

Hi guys, it's me again Josh. This blog entry is a continuation of my journey in Bangkok, Thailand. With me were Cha and Regie.

July19, 2013. Friday.
Woke up at 05:30AM. We were feeling tired yet from our walk the previous night but we had no choice but to stick to our agreed wake up call time. If you are travelling overseas in groups for a tour, it is always a must to come up with a wake up call time to be agreed by everyone.
I preferred to take a bath first so i can still roam around the hotel after. So i did. I was battling with the coldness of our room. Intense! The room air-condition was freezing. Too bad there's no remote to adjust the room temperature. Thank God for the hot shower.

I headed to Hotel's swimming pool area while waiting for Cha and Regie to finish their stuff. Breakfast was not included on our hotel accommodation as we opted to choose for the cheapest accommodation rate available. Besides, we wanted to eat somewhere on the streets or any local restaurant.

Traveling Bangkok, Thailand to Butterworth, Malaysia via Train

Hua Lumphong Railway Station, Thailand

We set foot Bangkok on July 18, 2013. We planned to travel to South of Thailand en route to Malaysia. I had spent so much time online to research this train route. There were a bit of difficulties getting information on the train which service Bangkok to Butterwoth, Malaysia as there were no much of information available online. Just to be fair to those who had written reviews online, there were information available but not as detail as i wanted to get.
If you wish to travel from Bangkok to Malaysia via train, you will have to take the same route we took.